Randy Laist
Professor of English at the University of Bridgeport and co-editor of Figures of Freedom: Representations of Agency in a Time of Crisis. His research interests include popular culture, film, and American literature.
Best podcasts with Randy Laist
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Apr 27, 2025 • 50min
Randy Laist and Brian Dixon, "Figures of Freedom: Representations of Agency in a Time of Crisis" (Fourth Horseman, 2024)
Randy Laist, a Professor of English at the University of Bridgeport, and Brian A. Dixon dive into the intriguing aspects of freedom in their latest work, exploring its representations in contemporary society. They discuss the shifting concepts of liberty versus individual freedom, and how popular culture mirrors these changes. With a focus on reality TV and its paradox of surveillance, the duo challenges listeners to reconsider their definitions of freedom amid the rise of authoritarianism and social movements like Black Lives Matter.
Apr 25, 2025 • 50min
Randy Laist and Brian Dixon, "Figures of Freedom: Representations of Agency in a Time of Crisis" (Fourth Horseman, 2024)
Randy Laist, a Professor of English, and Brian Dixon, co-editor of "Figures of Freedom: Representations of Agency in a Time of Crisis," dive deep into the evolving concept of freedom in contemporary society. They explore how narratives, from popular TV shows like 'Survivor' to the Toy Story franchise, shape our understanding of agency. The discussion touches on the dichotomy of freedom and liberty, the impact of technology on personal freedoms, and how cultural representations influence our perceptions amidst rising authoritarianism. A thought-provoking look at freedom's complex reality!
