Damien Walter

Join history teacher Stefan Sasse, who specializes in fascism, and journalist Damien G. Walter as they delve into the unsettling connections between fantasy worlds and authoritarianism. They discuss how 'Star Wars' reflects ideological threats and the moral complexities of the Jedi. Exploring 'Game of Thrones,' they analyze Daenerys’ fall from heroism to tyranny. The conversation also critiques superhero narratives and their ties to fascist themes, underscoring the urgent need for critical engagement with power and storytelling in both fantasy and reality.

Damien Walter, a writer and critic renowned for his insights on science fiction, joins to explore the depths of fantasy literature. They discuss the contrasting meanings in Tolkien's mythos versus contemporary nihilism, emphasizing the cultural implications of storytelling. The conversation touches on the psychological influence of heroic identities and the legacy of the 1960s counterculture on modern narratives. They also examine the evolving nature of escapism, myth, and the role of technology in shaping future storytelling.