Trillbilly Worker's Party

This week’s guest is Alexander Aviña, a scholar specializing in Latin American politics. He dives deep into Trump’s controversial actions in Venezuela, discussing the implications of Maduro's alleged kidnapping and the muted response from Latin American leaders. Aviña also examines the strategic motives behind U.S. interventions, connecting them to oil interests and countering China. The conversation shifts to domestic issues, linking ICE’s violence to broader interventionist policies, and reflecting on the political landscape shaped by these events.

The hosts kick off with hilarious impressions, including an Australian Anton Chigurh. They dive into the absurdity of a Jordan Peterson video game while exploring political figures like Scott Galloway. Jokes about dingoes and extreme wellness practices are rampant, alongside a critique of social media harms. The conversation shifts to AI bailouts, jobless growth, and emerging tech hubs. They end on a note of skepticism about clean energy and a challenging discussion on hope and resistance in today’s political climate.

Tarence and Tom chat about holiday traditions and share hilarious anecdotes, including a humorous take on Mike Huckabee's weight loss. They dive into bizarre topics like bog bodies and the stages of decomposition, touching on darkly comedic elements like necrophilia limits. The duo discusses complicated health statistics, especially surrounding HIV, and the importance of relatable metaphors. They critique a controversial student essay on gender roles, and wrap up with amusing grammar-centered comedy riffs. It's a blend of laughter and thought-provoking commentary!

We discuss whether or not an old powerlifting protocol for gaining mass cures seasonal depression or not. We also discuss the Intercept's piece on this week's congressional votes regarding the continued antagonizing of Venezuela (link below). https://theintercept.com/2025/12/17/venezuela-war-powers-vote-congress/ Subscribe to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/trillbillyworkersparty

There's two types of people in this world: those who will let their backyards be disintegrated into rubble and those who won't. Support us on patreon: patreon.com/trillbillyworkersparty

Aaron and Tom dive into the holiday retail scene, discussing the growth of Black Friday spending alongside soaring buy-now-pay-later financing. They share personal stories about financing sneakers at staggering interest rates, drawing parallels between today’s consumer habits and past subprime catalogs. The hosts also explore the implications of gamifying news through prediction markets, highlighting the ethical concerns and manipulative potential. The conversation wraps up by reflecting on the broader themes of wealth, political influence, and the rising cost of living.

Journalist Eamon Whalen, known for his investigative work on private security, joins to discuss his article on Nathan Seabrook, a mercenary-turned-mall cop in Minneapolis. Eamon shares chilling insights on the rise of boutique private security companies post-George Floyd and outlines Seabrook's intimidating tactics. The conversation dives into the complexities of militarized security in urban settings and the troubling implications for community safety and political dynamics. Listeners gain a glimpse into a world where paranoia fuels the privatization of force.

Join Manny Fidel, a Brooklyn-based writer and producer, as he delves into the impact of online sports betting on societal norms and emotions. He discusses how betting apps are transforming the culture of sports bars, shifting fans from emotional connections to profit-driven motives. The panel also explores the rising influence of celebrity endorsements and the alarming ease of access to gambling, highlighting links to addiction and societal harms. Ultimately, they ponder the future of fandom in an era increasingly defined by betting.

Thomas Birmingham, an investigative journalist, discusses his gripping report on American Landmark's eviction practices. He reveals how this major Southern landlord has a disturbing model that anticipates a 45% tenant turnover rate through aggressive rent hikes. Birmingham delves into corporate links between American Landmark and Israeli conglomerates, shedding light on the unsettling realities of the rentier economy. He emphasizes the need for tenant organizing as a response to these exploitative practices, connecting tenant struggles to broader geopolitical implications.

Steve Sladkowski, guitarist for the punk band PUP, joins the conversation to tackle a range of pressing topics. They dive into Kentucky's voter suppression and analyze the surprising turnout in the New York mayoral race. The discussion gracefully shifts to the potential pitfalls of AI bubbles and geopolitical tensions with China. Sladkowski shares colorful anecdotes from his Toronto roots, and they all contemplate the future of political action, whether through revival or fragmentation. Expect humor, insights, and a call for grassroots community building.