The Deprogram

Ben Norton, an investigative journalist and political economist, dives deep into the ongoing U.S. military operations in Venezuela, highlighting the tragic impacts through personal stories. He unpacks the drug-trafficking narrative perpetuated by the U.S. to justify intervention and discusses Venezuela's popular resistance and military capacity against foreign aggression. The conversation shifts to the U.S.-China trade dynamics, examining how tariffs misfired and China's ascent in global economics. Norton also connects the dots on the regional political landscape and the implications of U.S. tactics moving forward.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Taylor Lorenz shares insights from her groundbreaking work in internet culture and tech policy. She reveals her journey from mainstream newsrooms to independent platforms and discusses the consequences of lawmakers' digital ignorance. Taylor critiques the left's responses to online culture and highlights the rise of dark money in influencer networks. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy while predicting the future of content formats, demonstrating that the attention economy will evolve but personal branding will endure.

Join the hosts as they tackle quirky listener questions, from discussing least favorite languages and grating accents to casting actors in a Deprogram sitcom. They analyze the intersection of individualism and organizing on the Western Left while exploring potential series on leftist movements and historical topics. Expect playful banter on survival strategies, eating utensils, and the nostalgia of favorite foods. The duo also dives into whether Catholicism and Marxism can coexist and shares music recommendations to soothe your ears!

The hosts dive into the fascinating world of AI, exploring its history and implications. They discuss how venture capital influences AI development, shaping it into proprietary tools for big tech. The contrasting approaches of China and Western countries are highlighted, revealing geopolitical dynamics surrounding AI. The dangers of AI, from surveillance to labor management, are debated alongside the motivations of key figures like Peter Thiel. They also propose a vision for socially-owned AI, exploring its potential to enhance public welfare.

Dive into the complex world of the Yemeni Red Sea blockade and its geopolitical implications. Discover how the Houthi maritime campaign escalated, and why the Red Sea is a critical chokepoint for global trade. Learn about Yemen's evolving weaponry, including homemade missiles and drones that challenge costly naval assets. The discussion explores the psychological warfare inflicted on Israel and the innovative tactics Yemen employs to protect its launch sites. Unpack the broader humanitarian context and the strategic shifts in naval warfare.

The hosts dive into Yemen's tumultuous political landscape and the Houthi takeover. They discuss the Red Sea blockade's roots in solidarity with Gaza and its strategic maritime implications. The evolution of the Houthis' maritime campaign features their use of drones and missiles as asymmetric tactics. The impact on global trade through vital choke points like the Bab al-Mandeb is examined, showcasing the blockade's effect on international logistics. Ultimately, they reflect on the broader influence of peripheral forces on global systems.

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This is an exclusive Patreon episode - to get full access to it and over 50 other exclusive episodes check this link - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-38-140731034?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkSupport the showSupport the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheDeprogramFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDeprogramPod

Dive into a lively chat about the joys of reading as the hosts share their recent books. They explore thought-provoking sci-fi series like the Red Rising and Three-Body Problem, while also delving into Kafka's unsettling works. The conversation also touches on Marxist texts and the unique perspectives they offer. Discover recommendations for lesser-known leftist literature and insights into historical contexts. Plus, they tease each other's writing projects and discuss the importance of supporting independent publishers.

The hosts celebrate 200 episodes, reflecting on their journey and the quirks of early podcasting. They discuss the unexpected growth of their subreddit and the cultural impact of their community. A humorous debate about American drinking habits leads to a wild D&D character story. JT shares adventurous tales from his father's risky jobs, while they parody political debates and critique a CIA masterclass. With laughs about toy guns and a touching moment on cultural birthday traditions, it’s a lively mix of nostalgia and comedy.