
THIS IS REVOLUTION >podcast
A podcast about music, and politics as told by musicians who sing about politics
Latest episodes

Mar 28, 2025 • 2h 3min
POP LIFE EP. 45: LOLLAPALOOZA AND THE RISE OF ALTERNATIVE ft. KATHERINE RYE JEWELL
Katherine Rye Jewell, a professor and author of "Live from the Underground: A History of College Radio," dives into the vibrant world of alternative music and its evolution. She discusses the cultural significance of Lollapalooza, questioning if it was the Woodstock for Generation X. Jewell highlights the festival's role in promoting diverse genres and contrasts its commercialization with earlier, grassroots origins. The conversation also touches on the racial tensions surrounding the festival and explores themes of authenticity in music, making for a thought-provoking and nostalgic dialogue.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 31min
THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM 3/25/25: BLOWING UP A SKATEBOARDER WITH QUAD ROCKET LAUNCHER
Discover the hilarious struggles of navigating internet issues abroad, complete with amusing personal stories. Dive into the intense dynamics of living near a military base and the intertwined lives of law enforcement and military personnel. Explore the controversial history of the MOVE organization and its impact on the community. Laugh along with outrageous 80s action films that elevate campiness to an art form, critiquing the absurdities of both the cinema and real-life financial struggles.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 17min
EP. 721: TRUMP 2.0 AND IMMIGRATION ft. JENN BUDD
Jenn Budd, a former immigration officer turned activist, shares her poignant insights on the harsh realities of immigration policies and personal experiences at the border. She discusses the uproar over Trump's earlier immigration tactics and speculates on potential reactions if they resurface. The conversation delves into systemic issues within the Border Patrol, including misconduct and accountability, while also tackling the media's portrayal of immigration and the human cost behind policy changes. Budd's passion for reform resonates throughout.

Mar 26, 2025 • 2h 6min
EP. 720: THE INVISIBLE COST OF UPWARD MOBILITY ft. EILEEN G'SELL
Eileen G'Sell, a professor and author, sheds light on class mobility and the hidden burdens faced by working-class students in elite environments. They discuss the challenges of navigating societal expectations and identity within prestigious spaces, while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the impact of background on experiences. The conversation touches on nostalgia and representation in popular culture, revealing the complexities of fitting into elite circles and the lasting effects of childhood influences on self-perception.

Mar 25, 2025 • 45min
PHILOSOPHY FOR THE PEOPLE EP. 76: THE WHEEL OF TIME AND NIETZSCHE'S ETERNAL RETURN
Delve into the intriguing connections between Robert Jordan's 'The Wheel of Time' and Nietzsche's concept of eternal return. The discussion explores how both narratives reflect a cyclical view of history and individual action. Discover the interplay of magic and gender in a utopian society and the moral dilemmas it raises. The journey of Rand al'Thor provides a philosophical lens on fate and prophecy. Additionally, the challenges of solo recording add a humorous twist to the deep discussions.

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 31min
THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM 3/20/25: RACIST GRITS
Derek Varn, a member of the TIR common turn, joins the hosts for a whirlwind of humor and insight. They dive into the complexities of masculinity and sexuality with a sardonic twist, and hilariously critique societal perceptions through racial stereotypes. The discussion morphs into a vivid examination of parenting styles affecting Gen Z, while lightheartedly tackling modern fame's absurdities. Expect playful banter about burgers, dating dynamics, and nostalgia for pop culture icons like the Spice Girls, keeping the conversation both funny and thought-provoking.

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 17min
EP. 719: WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE PKK? ft. Djene Bajalan
Djene Bajalan, a historian specializing in Kurdish politics, joins to discuss a surprising letter from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan calling for the organization's dissolution. The conversation highlights the PKK's transformative journey from Marxist-Leninism to democratic confederalism, its implications for Kurdish identity and self-determination, and the group's complex relationship with regional powers. Bajalan also explores how ongoing conflicts, particularly in Syria, shape the PKK's strategies and the quest for Kurdish representation in a turbulent political landscape.

Mar 23, 2025 • 1h 56min
EP. 718: IS JOE ROGAN A COURT JESTER FOR THE RIGHT? ft. RYAN ZICKGRAF
Ryan Zickgraf, an author from Jacobin magazine, dives into Joe Rogan's journey from a C-list actor to a political influencer. He discusses Rogan's changing political views and his role in the manosphere, comparing him to figures like Jordan Peterson. Zickgraf humorously explores themes of masculinity and the cultural impact of Rogan's platform on young men. The conversation also touches on the evolution of podcasting and how media personalities shape public discourse, all while keeping the tone engaging and insightful.

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 17min
POP LIFE EP. 44: WHAT THE HELL IS YACHT ROCK? ft. David Garfield
Find David's music here: https://www.creatchy.com/
As viewers of this show know I HATE the term "yacht rock", but I love the music of the 70s and 80s, and I FINALLY get to speak with one of the architects of this genre that I believe don't get the credit they're due.
Get your popcorn ready for a very special mid day conversation with David Garfield of Karizma and SO MUCH more. We talk about David's musical journey, what it was like in the 80s when the 2nd wave of studio musicians were dominating the pop charts, and what he's doing now. It should be a fun.
Get tickets to the live podcast in San Francisco, April 17, "Is Donald Trump the End of, The End of History" here: https://www.universe.com/events/is-trump-the-end-of-history-tickets-J30WT9?utm_medium=affiliate&ref=ticketmaster&irgwc=1&clickid=SvQWD7S-hxyKT3dT3JWIF3E4Uks1OlULRWMm100&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_374335&impradid=374335&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat374335&wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_374335&utm_source=374335-Evvnt%20Inc&impradname=Evvnt%20Inc&ircid=4272?ref=share-widget-buffer
Check out our new bi-weekly series, "The Crisis Papers" here: https://www.patreon.com/bitterlakepresents/shop
Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,
BECOME A PATRON! We're creating patron only programing, you'll get bonus content from many of the episodes, and you get MERCH!
Become a patron now https://www.patreon.com/join/BitterLakePresents?
Please also like, subscribe, and follow us on these platforms as well, (specially YouTube!)
THANKS Y'ALL
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG9WtLyoP9QU8sxuIfxk3eg
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Twitter: @TIRShowOakland
Instagram: @thisisrevolutionoakland
Read Jason Myles in Sublation Magazine https://www.sublationmag.com/writers/jason-myles
Read Jason Myles in Damage Magazine https://damagemag.com/2023/11/07/the-man-who-sold-the-world/

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 43min
THE CHAMPAGNE ROOM 3/18/25: WHAT ARE YOUR DATING RED FLAGS?
Jason and Courtney discuss dating do's and don'ts..Jason is full of don'ts!