Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

The far right has been on the rise internationally as many citizen around the globe feel themselves disaffected by globalization. How should the Left respond to this dangerous development. On this edition of Parallax Views, two guests join us to answer that question. First up is Twitch gaming steamer Destiny aka Steven Bonnell II who has become popular for debating right-wing ideologues on topics like race, immigration, gun control, gender identity, and more. Then, noted antifascist activist and author Shane Burley rejoins the show to discuss the VICE's Lords of Chaos, fascism and antifascism in the black metal and neofolk scenes, and the recent Christchurch terror attack in New Zealand. Destiny aka Steve Bonnell II Our first guest is Destiny aka Steve Bonnell II, a video game streamer turned political debate maverick. Destiny fills listeners in on his journey into political debating from the gaming world and his transition from libertarianism to a more center left position. From there Destiny and I delve into his infamous debate with the popular YouTube and video game personality JonTron, which garnered coverage in TIME for showing JonTron's transition to the alt right. We use this to discuss how much of the New Atheist movement went in an alt right direction. Destiny and I then discuss the right's rhetoric of "facts don't care about your feelings" and "realz over feelz" and why Destiny believes that it is actually these reactionaries who are arguing from a place of emotion rather than rationality. We then begin to discuss how Destiny tries to counter some of these arguments and how he views the people he is debating. Destiny argues against assuming that the vast majority of people he debates are acting in bad faith. We then discuss political debates as they relate to families, which has become a major topic since the election of Donald Trump, and Destiny's debates with his highly right-wing mother. From there we delve into the topic of social shaming, how right-wing pundits like Dave Rubin try to claim the mantle of being "left", the controversies around de-platforming, and free speech. We then pivot into the topic of Destiny's debate with white nationalists describing themselves as "race realists" and biological determinists who rail against changing gender norms and the transgender community. During this portion of the conversation Destiny and I define the concept of social constructivism and his recent debate with Carl Benjamin aka Sargon of Akkad about transgender people. Additionally Destiny gives his take on the right's flirtation or outright acceptance of biological determinism. At the same time, he says, many of them believe in libertarian free will. Destiny, in contrast, says he is a hardline determinist but that his determinism is more related to environmental determinism. We then delve into what actually persuades people when it comes to debates. Destiny argues that facts and logic aren't what convinces people to change their minds. Instead, he argues. We then discuss the story of how Destiny exposed fellow YouTuber JF Gariepy, a self-described "race realist", as a sexual predator who takes advantage of disabled women. Destiny gives his take on why JF's supporters defended him despite the facts of the situation. We then discuss how reactionaries falsely accused Destiny of being involved in sexual abuse of underage girls, how this led to a visit from the FBI. Additionally, Destiny and I briefly discuss his banning from Twitter. We begin wrapping up by discussing Destiny's debates with the Deplorables Choir and Jesse Lee Peterson, a black conservative media personality who refers to Trump as the "Great White Hope". We briefly cover his latest appearance on Peterson's show debating gun control with Vincent James. Finally we delve into Destiny's views on capitalism. While Destiny takes a pro-capitalist view he does feel that there is a need for reform to help the most vulnerable members of our community. Then, returning guest and antifascist activist joins us to discuss his critique of VICE's Lords of Chaos movie and how the movie obscures some of the far-right underpinning of the book it is based on. Shane argues that Lords of Chaos's author, Michael Moynihan, paints the Norwegian black metal scene as a force of total nihilism driven by a racial awakening against modernity. Shane explains how Moynihan's portrait of Norwegian black metal is also driven by a strange Jungian mysticism. From there we discuss Jonas Akerlund's cinematic adaptation of the book, which Parallax Views previously covered in a recent episode with Alex Gendler. Shane takes a very critical view of the movie and feels the Akerlund's portrait of the Norwegian black metal scene is too sympathetic given the serious outbreaks of violence that came out of the Norwegian black metal scene. From there we discuss Shane's take on the film's depiction of Varg Vikernes, who serves as the film's protagonist, and how Vikernes has reacted to it. I then ask Shane what he believes was the impetus behind adapting Lords of Chaos. Additionally, Shane gives his overall take on why the movie's depiction of the events that make up Norwegian black metal's early history is irresponsible. Shane points out, however, that the black metal scene as a whole is not fascist and that fascism only makes up a small part of the scene known as "National Socialist Black Metal" (NSBM). From there we discuss Shane's upcoming article on antifascist black metal bands like Feminazgul and Neckbeard Deathcamp. We then use this as a launching point to discuss Shane's work attempting to highlight antifascism in the neofolk scene, a genre prevalent in the goth subculture that is dominated by a Nazi element. We then wrap up by looking at the Christchurch terror attack and it's fallout. How has the alt right reacted to the events and what what does it mean for the revival of white nationalism? How can events like this be prevented in the future and how can antifascists continue to pushback against this movement? Shane answers some of these questions and the hope there is for antifascist action going forward.

Howard Stern has gone from a sleazy shock jock interviewing C-list celebrities to a pop culture icon whose a friend of Jimmy Kimmel and a judge on America's Got Talent. Not all of Howard's fanbase have stayed with him through thick and thin, however. In fact, a group of former fans have started a podcast called Radio Gunk dedicated to exposing what they see as the alt-radio host's hypocrisy. Radio Gunk's Monique joins us to discuss the podcast and her journey from Howard fanatic to Stern critic. Howard Stern has been feuding with shock jockette Wendy William who accused Howard of being a sell out recently Monique and I begin the conversation by discussing the genesis of Radio Gunk. Then Monique turns the tables to ask why a non-Howard Stern listener like myself invited her onto the show. From there we delve into why the Radio Gunk crew have become ex-Howard Stern fans since Stern's famous jump from K-Rock to Sirius Radio. We then discuss a number of issues related to the hypocrisies of Howard Stern and even how Donald Trump and Howard Stern, who fancies himself as a feminist Democrat nowadays, have a lot in common. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

Catastrophic Climate Change. Superintelligent AI. It's the end of the world as we know it on this edition of Parallax Views as author and researcher Phil Torres joins us to discuss the emerging field of study known as existential risks. The concept of existential risk, which philosopher Nick Bostrom describes as "One where an adverse outcome would either annihilate Earth-originating intelligent life or permanently and drastically curtail its potential", may seem like the stuff of a dystopian sci-fi story, but in an age of rising right-wing populism, declining democracies, and anthropomorphic climate change it may be worth considering the topic seriously. Additionally, Phil and I also delve into his recent run-ins with New Atheist. Despite being influenced by the New Atheists, Phil has been more than willing to criticize where he feels they get things wrong. In particular Phil recently took issue with what he argues is the poor and sloppy scholarship of juggernaut New Atheist public intellectual Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now. Phil and I discuss why he critiqued Pinker's latest book, the fallout from it, and his run-ins with other New Atheist and "rationalist" adjacent figures like Peter Boghossian. Moreover, we also cover the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and whether it is a threat to human life. Phil argues that, while the popular conception of a Terminator-style Skynet scenario isn't likely, there are real risks involved with the development of artificial intelligence. All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

Since the inception of the War On Terror there has been a parallel war waged by the National Security State to silence whistleblowers. Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and John Kiriakou are just some of the victims in the War on Whistleblowers. In 2017 27 year old air force veteran and former NSA contractor Reality Leigh Winner became the first target of the Trump administration's continuation of this ongoing War on Whistleblower after leaking classified information concerning the possibility of Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election. Reality's mother, Billie Winner-Davis, joins us for an emotional conversation about her daughter's case and the ordeal Reality has been put through for being a conscientious citizen. Billie Winner-Davis Reality Leigh Winner We begin the conversation with Billie giving us a brief outline of who Reality is as a person and her many passions. From there we delve right into how reality became a whistleblower after leaking classified information concerning claims of Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election to the online news outlet The Intercept. She describes how Reality was treated during her interrogation, how she was not read her Miranda rights, and the smears that were made against her during the trial. We also delve into the challenges Reality faces in prison and the ways in which she was not provided with proper care and services. In addition we discuss, in a very emotional moment of the conversation, how the now convicted Paul Manafort's treatment during the Mueller Probe stands in harsh contrast to what has been done to Reality. Moreover, we delve into the real, vibrant human being that most media coverage of the case has missed by speaking to Reality's artwork, activism, and love for figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. We also discuss Donald Trump's tweet seemingly in support of Reality Winner and how he has failed to follow through with that support. Billie Winner-Davis gives her take on the media's handling of the case before we begin to wrap up the conversation by telling listeners how they can Stand With Reality. On a final note Billie describes how, despite the nightmarish nature of Reality's ordeal, both Reality and her family have not had their spirits broken and how they are hopeful for the future. SUPPORT REALITY WINNER AT STAND WITH REALITY! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

Lori Loughlin, known as pop culture's beloved Aunt Becky on the hit 90s sitcom Full House, has been in the news lately, alongside Desperate Housewives actress Felicity Huffman, for being embroiled in a college admissions bribery scandal. But the story of this scandal is not limited to these two higher-profile celebrities and is a deep case of privilege and corruption in America's New Gilded Age. Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views is returning guest and veteran journalist Albert Lanier to unpack the whole shameful affair, including the Operation Varsity Blues investigation that has brought it to light, and discuss the adjacent scandal of diploma mill skullduggery.    We begin the show by discussing how Albert Lanier got the news of "Collegegate" and why, unlike many, he was taken surprise by the college admissions bribery scandal. Albert explains how he was previously interested in the skullduggery of diploma mills and how he sees the college admissions scandal in a broader context. Additionally, he points out the impacts a higher education can have on one person's life and why the parents embroiled in this scandal were willing resort to illegal activities to ensure that their children received that education. We then begin to discuss the relation of class and privilege to college admissions and this scandal in particular. Albert discusses the various ways in which the wealthy "rig" the system for their kids and focuses especially on how this is done with athletics. Albert discusses in-depth the concept of "the preferences of privilege" outlined by Daniel Golden in The Price of Admission. We then change topics to another bit of education skullduggery in the form of diploma mills. Albert explains how he became interested in this specific issue and what its impacts are. Albert highlights how these diploma mills operate and a bit of their history. In addition he also tells us about the investigations that have sought to expose diploma mills scams. During this portion of the conversation we also discuss Trump University in relation to the broader problems of higher education. Albert Lanier SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

Following a brief tribute to the legendary surf rock guitarist Dick Dale and some other opening comments, two-time Emmy-award winning producer and journalist JP Sottile of Newsvandal returns to discuss the Mueller Probe, the college admissions scandal, the Democrats' freshman congresswomen, rising Islamophobia in culture, and the Christchurch terror attack. The conversation begins with JP and I discussing a recent poll showing the Americans may be turning on the Mueller Probe. JP gives his take on the Mueller Probe and cautions against saying anything definitive about the report until we can see it. Additionally, we discuss how disastrous the Mueller Probe could end up being for the Democrats in the 2020 elections, Glenn Greenwald's infamous criticisms of Russiagate, if it does not deliver the goods on Russian collusion. We then segue into the topic of what could be called "The New Gilded Age" in which wealth inequality and the rigging of the system for the mega-rich continues to grow. In particular, JP and I cover the college admissions scandal that has ensnared celebrities like Felicity Huffman and Full House's Lori Loughlin. We discuss how this case is emblematic of the "rich people gone wild" age that we live in. JP details the main player in the case, William Singer aka "Rick". We delve into how Singer's college admissions scheme ties into branding culture and creating a side-door to get wealthy parents into prestigious colleges. We also relate how the college admissions scandal is only one of many scandals and discuss the Trump family fortune's equally sketchy background. From there we delve into the Christchurch Mosque shooting, which JP recently wrote about. We go over how the rhetoric behind the neoconservative's "War on Terror" has influenced Islamophobic sentiments. Then we delve into JP's thoughts on the shooting and what it says about the alt right's mindset and philosophy. Check out JP's work at Newsvandal and subscribe to the Newsvandal Rundown SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

And now for something completely different! On this edition of Parallax Views, Coast to Coast AM news editor Tim Binnall, "The Sublime Scoundrel of the Paranormal", joins us to discuss all things esoteric (ie: fringe, weird, off-the-beaten path) in pop culture including paranormal TV shows, History Channel's Project Blue Book UFO drama,  conspiracy theories going mainstream, the Momo Challenge, and even pro wrestling! Did that last one throw you for a loop? Listen to this episode to find out why we talk pro wrestling! I myself am a skeptic, but thought Tim was worth having on the show because of the impact that the paranormal, conspiracy theories, UFO folklore, and related topics have had on pop culture. The conversation begins with Tim describing how he got interested in the paranormal, UFO subcultures, and other fringe topics in the early 00's after 9/11, Tim cites Jim Marrs' Alien Agenda and Rule by Secrecy as early inspirations for his foray into esoterica before becoming a fan of Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell and George Noory. Additionally Tim tells listeners about how he became one of the early adopters of podcasting (before it was even called that!) with Binnall of America: Audio, From there Tim fills us in on how he ended up working for Coast to Coast AM after being a fan for years. We dive into the popularity of Coast to Coast AM. What turned C2C AM into a late night radio sensation and made Art Bell a household name? And what are some of Tim's favorite Coast to Coast AM moments? Stanton T. Friedman, "The Man Who Put Roswell on the Map" Then Tim tells us about his relationship with nuclear physicist and UFOlogist Stanton T. Friedman. Friedman appears annually on Tim's Binnall of America: Audio's holiday special and is, perhaps, the most recognizable face in UFO lore due to his countless radio and TV appearances as well as lectures at colleges across the country. Tim goes onto explain how Freidman is the reason that Roswell became a part of the popular consciousness. And, of course, Tim explains how Friedman became an annual holiday guest on Binnall of America: Audio. Then we delve into why Tim chose to describe Binnall of America as an exploration of the "esoteric" rather than the paranormal. We discuss some of Tim's favorite interviews from his BoA: Audio tenure including his show covering Rumspringa, in which Amish youths are allowed to leave the Amish community and decide for themselves if they want to return, and the uncredited inventor of television Philo T. Farnsworth. In addition, Tim tells us how he came to speak with Kendall Carver of International Cruise Victims about the scandalous side of the cruise-line industry. We then move onto the topic of UFOs, which Binnall of America has covered extensively. Tim tells listeners about the Disclosure Movement and Exopolitics, both of which seek to push politicians to "reveal the truth" about UFOs, and how he became disillusioned with Ufology. Tim tells us what he thinks drives belief in UFOs and the problem of what he calls being "UFO famous", or becoming a "celebrity" within the UFO subculture. We discuss how this creates a problem of grifters within the subculture. In addition Tim gives his take on the UFO phenomena as a whole and whether there are explanations other than the "Extraterrestrial Hypothesis". Tim and I then discuss how the paranormal became popular in pop culture. Tim says that he started noticing the topic rising in popularity, specifically on television, with the show Ghost Hunters. We discuss some of the popular TV shows that deal with esoterica such as The Curse of Oak Island and Project Blue Book. Tim explains how some people who interested in the topics dislike said shows and Tim gives his take on the matter. Additionally we discuss how the paranormal has influenced other pop culture artifacts such as creepypasta genre with Slenderman and, more recently, the meme of the Momo Challenge that cause a minor parental hysteria in the past month. The Momo Challenge caused a parental panic earlier this month We then move onto the topic of conspiracy theories. Tim tells listeners about how he witnessed the birth of the "9/11 Truth" movement and watched its evolution over the years. Tim voices his dissatisfaction with conspiracy theories and notes how are culture is now overflowing with them on both sides of the political spectrum in the social media age. We also discuss the popularity of Pizzagate and QAnon as well as its predecessors like Project Monarch and how there's a creepily prurient aspect to such conspiracy theories' obsessed with the subject of child trafficking. Additionally, Tim gives his critical take on "false flags" theories, especially those which claim that mass shooting are "hoaxes" with "crisis actors, and how death hoax theories went from seemingly fun things like "Elvis is Alive!" to the more insidious "Sandy Hook was Faked!" conspiracy theory. Additionally, Tim gives his take on what drives people to conspiracy theories like the moon landing hoax and flat earth expressing an interest in understanding conspiracy theory as a social phenomenon. To cap off the conspiracy segment of are conversation we discuss the Denver Airport Illuminati conspiracy theory and how the airport has jokingly embraced said conspiracy theories with an art installation involving a Gargoyle. THE DENVER AIRPORT'S CONSPIRACY-LOVING GARGOYLE WHICH TIM BINNALL WROTE ABOUT FOR COAST TO COAST AM And finally, we wrap up with the topic of pro wrestling! Tim explains why he feels that pro wrestling fits into "esoterica" as much as the paranormal, conspiracy theories, and UFOs do. We discuss how the "Is This Real or Fake?" hall-of-mirrors world of pro wrestling is akin to other esoteric topics. In this regard we discuss the infamous "Montreal Screwjob", which saw Vince McMahon screw over WWE Champion Bret Hart in a non-scripted incident on Pay-Per-View, and why the conspiracy theories surrounding the screwjob don't hold up to scrutiny. We also discuss where pro wrestling is at today, the fandom around WrestleMania, and the rise of women's wrestling. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

On this edition of Parallax Views, we return to the subject of political "dirty trickster" Roger Stone, whose trial has just been set for November 5th. Who is the "real" Roger Stone behind the public image? Joining us to help answer that question is the controversial former Roger Stone collaborator Robert Morrow, who co-authored The Clintons' War on Women with Stone. Robert tells the story of how he came to work with Roger Stone through the book The Man Who Killed Kennedy: The Case Against LBJ. Robert then describes how he came to co-write The Clintons' War on Women with Stone. From there we discuss how the case of Jeffrey Epstein led to a falling out between Stone and Morrow. Morrow discusses how behind Stone's charming personality is a narcissist with a low self-esteem who seek to curry favor with larger-than-life figures like Donald Trump. He dishes the dirt on Stone's cheating on his wife, his little discussed anti-Semitism, and his bullying of various figures in the JFK assassination community. Additionally we discuss some periphery figures in the Stone saga like Jerome Corsi, Randy Credico, and Saint John Hunt. In the end Morrow has a very harsh critique of Stone that pulls no punches. And a story about Stone and Ann Coulter that will keep you from sleeping for weeks. All in all it's an episode that you won't want to miss if you want an insight into the mind of Roger Stone from someone who worked with him. WARNING: THE VIEWS CONTAINED IN THIS EPISODE ARE THOSE OF ROBERT MORROW. SOME CONTENT MAY BE ADULT AND GRAPHIC IN NATURE SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

On this edition of Parallax Views, Porkins Policy Review's Pearse Redmond rejoins the show to discuss recent developments in the case of billionaire pedophile Jeffrey Epstein (see eps. 29 & 30) and the recent prostitution scandal that ties together New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, seedy-massage-parlor-owner-cum-MAGAhead Cindy Yang, and Donald Trump. Trump and Epstein The conversation begins with Pearse and I discussing how the Jeffrey Epstein case has gone mainstream. We talk about the work Pearse as well as previous guest and friend of the show Ed Opperman have done on the case and how it predates the coverage coming out today. We then delve into the recent developments in the sordid saga of Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire pedophile who stands accused of being involved in a human sex trafficking ring, while also refreshing new listeners on some of the basics of this story that illustrates a case study of a one percenter's disgusting display of power in this New Gilded Age of injustice. Trump's Labor Secretary,Alexander Acosta, stands accused of giving a sweetheart pleas deal to Jeffrey Epstein In particular we hone in on the lawsuit that could lead to the unsealing of court documents in the Epstein case. Pearse and I discuss what could be at stake for three of the case's principal actors in the case: victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre (a teenage runaway who was for Epstein at Trump's Mar-a-lago), celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz, and British socialite (and Epstein's procurer of young girls) Ghislaine Maxwell. Moreover we examine how Trump's Labor Secretary, Alexander Acosta, ties into this case.  Additionally we also delve into a recent story detailing how Epstein funded Russian model Lana Pozhideva's "Education Advance" which claims to advocate for "Women's Empowerment". Pearse explains how Pozhidaeva's denials of knowing anything about Epstein seem far-fetched and tells listeners a little bit about the MC2 Modeling Agency in relation to this story. Lana Pozhidaeva We then shift our attention to another scandal. Recently, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft found himself embroiled in a prostitution scandal at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa. It turns out this massage parlor, which is alleged to be involved in human trafficking was formerly owned by Li Yang aka Cindy Yang. As it turns out Yang has rebranded herself since then as a MAGA supporter who has gained a great deal of access among Trump and Republicans. Pearse discusses both the seedy aspects of these spas as well as how Yang could be a security threat possibly giving access to foreign intelligence and businesses to Trump. Further Reading: The Miami Herald's "Perversion of Justice" series on Jeffrey Epstein by Julie K. Brown "Robert Kraft, Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump, and a Day of Reckoning for America's Billionaires" by Will Bunch The Miami Herald's profile on Cindy Yang The Mother Jones' piece on the relationship between Cindy Yan and Donald Trump   SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!  

On this extremely casual weekend edition of Parallax Views, sometimes Antifada co-conspirator Alex Gendler joins us to discuss VICE Films' Lords of Chaos, a dark dramedy detailing the arsons, murders, and other acts of delinquency committed in the name of Satan by Norway's teenaged black metal scene in the 1990's. In addition we also discuss the film's director Jonas Akerlund and his connection to the metal genre, Mayhem's Euronymous as a precursor to tankie edgelords that worship Stalin, the insane neo-Nazi antics of Burzum's Varg Vikernes and his wacky racist Dungeon and Dragons knock-off RPG, the rise of the legitimately unsettling and serious National Social Black Metal (NSBM) scene in Eastern Europe and its connections to the Azov Battalion, the acoustic black metal parody Impaled Northern Moon Forest, and other black metal nerdiness along with much, much more! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!