The Prevailing Narrative with Matt Bilinsky

New York City's subways have returned to the urban chaos of the 80's and 90's, leading to an inevitable fatal incident of vigilante-ism. A Marine trying to restrain an unhinged homeless person who had been threatning passengers, with a fatal result. What conditions led to this? Could it have been prevented? Was it a just result? What can be done to rectify it?Adam Coleman is a writer who has been pondering these questions. He has a unique perspective here, as he was formerly homeless himself. Adam joins me to explore the Jordan Neely incident, and the causes of and responses to the urban chaos that he was a party to. And the hypocrisy of the commentators and politicians who lament Neely's death, but didn't seem to care about him (or his victims) while he was alive.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After about a million false rumors of Donald Trump being arrested, one of the rumors finally came true. And the charges are pathetically weak - a flimsy attempt by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg to flip a misdemeanor into a felony. On this episode I discuss:-The legal charges themselves and why there are baseless; a blatant example of prosecutorial misconduct and selective prosecution-The political fallout & why this helps Trump (hint: he thrives off attention, good or bad)-Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's sordid history of not prosecuting violent criminals-George Soros' heavy (& well documented) financial support of Bragg - and why you're being told not to notice this-My predictions for Trump's eventual trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Freddie DeBoer is one of my favorite writers and someone whose blunt yet thoughtful wisdom is sorely needed these days. Freddie joins me to discuss: The explosion in ADHD diagnosis and prescription drugs such as Aderral and Ritalin. How ADHD and other disorders have become "cultures" and "communities" that define people's identities The role of pharmaceutical companies and bureaucratic rewards incentivizing claims of ADHD and other disorders How "Safetyism" (the prioritization of emotional comfort over all things) is impeding solutions Freddie's criticism of social shaming (i.e., "cancel culture") from a progressive, left-wing perspective  The rage of the "creative underclass" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Social commentary has become a lost art in movies and television, but recently 3 works were very deliberate in exploring the unique features of modern life: HBO mini-series White Lotus, and the films Tar & Triangle of Sadness. My friend and comedian Leah Lamarr joins me to discuss these works and the social issues they comment on:- Shifting gender roles in modern relationships - do women want to be "equal partners"?- The unique dysfunctions of the rich & beautiful in the social media age- Selling beauty & glamour for money and access- How power dynamics are portrayed in the "Woke" era Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite being both anonymous and controversial, Niccolo Soldo (not his real name) has built up one of the most popular pages on Substack and interviewed some of the leaders of media and industry.He joins me to discuss many of the wide ranging and fascinating topics he covers on his Substack:- "Turbo America": His contrarian theory that America is now actually more powerful than ever.- History of AIDS: Niccolo is one of the world's leading researchers on the history of AIDS, and recently penned a brilliaint 8-part retrospective.- The Rise of Vladimir Putin & the Russia/Ukraine Conflict- MAGA & BLM: The failed American populist movements of the late 2010's.- California in the 60's & 70's: Why is the west coast both the engine of culture and social movements, and a hotbed of con men, grifters, and charlatans?- The Sexual Revolution and its Fallout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ex-Head of Amazon Studios, Roy Price, discusses decision-making at Amazon, challenges faced by entertainment executives, and the cultural gap in the media industry with insights into the future of streaming, potential industry consolidation, and the evolution of crypto assets and digital content.

Joe Biden delivered his 1st post-mid terms State of the Union. Does he benefit from our low expectations? How real are his (claimed) accomplishments? Are the Republicans botching a response? (some are, some aren't)Louis C.K., Dave Chappelle, Armie Hammer, & Salman Rushdie all back in the news this week. Has Cancel Culture faded? Was it real in the first place? Why or why not?Exploration of 2 great pieces on identity politics - 1 by Thomas Chatterton Williams and 1 by Andrew Sullivan. Contrasting a focus on identity (Identarianism) vs. universal values (Universalism) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By now we're all familiar with the Fyre Fest debacle and the man behind it all - Billy McFarland. Billy has paid his debt to society with 4 years in prison...but now has to pay his debt to Fyre Fest victims to the tune of $26 million (non-dischargeable!!!).Billy appears to be taking responsibility for his mishaps, and is saying all the right things. But he's had a habit of saying the right things and doing the wrong ones. Will his actions match his words this time and lead him down the Road of Redemption? Only time will tell. He joins me for a raw, candid interview including:- More inside scoop on Fyre Fest.- The character failings he believes led to his downfall.- The lessons learned in solitary confinement. - His early days as an entrepreneur pre-Fyre.- Why he is SURE he can make your brand go viral. - Is Ja Rule ducking Billy for a fight? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2017 explosive claims dropped about NXIVM and its leader Keith Raniere. Lurid tales of sexual abuse, blackmail, financial impropriety, and even physical "branding" with hot irons. The court system agreed and sentenced Raniere to 120 years in prison. NXIVM member Nicki Clyne was front and center for it all. She claims the accusations against Raniere and NXIVM are predominantly false and obscured by media hysteria. She joins me to present her case and an insider's account of what really transpired at NXIVM.  Hear her out and come to your own conclusions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marty Callner has directed the most iconic figures of the past 50 years - Madonna, the Rolling Stones, Cher, Brittney Spears, Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, George Carlin....the list goes on and on. The NY Times has called him "the most influential director you've never heard of" and that is quite the under-statement as Marty revolutionized THREE different entertainment mediums - music videos, comedy specials, and sports broadcasting. Marty directed award winning music videos, basically invented the filmed comedy special, and created HBO's groundbreaking football series "Hard Knocks". Truly a career without equal and he joins me to discuss it all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices