American Prestige

Andrew deWaard, a media scholar and author, returns to dissect the seismic shifts in Hollywood. He explores Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and its implications on media economics. The conversation delves into how conglomeration and financialization have reshaped the industry, the effects of zero interest rates on asset inflation, and the decline of traditional cable. DeWaard also examines the cultural impacts of streaming platforms and the growing influence of tech giants like Spotify and Amazon on media strategies.

Brendan James and Noah Kulwin, co-hosts of the Blowback podcast, dive into Angola's overlooked role in the Cold War. They discuss how Angola became a crucial battleground, highlighting U.S. proxy wars and Cuba’s bold military maneuvers without Soviet approval. The conversation touches on the long-lasting impacts of these interventions, how Ronald Reagan's presidency reshaped foreign policy, and the complexities of local leaders like Neto and Savimbi. They also draw compelling parallels to contemporary political dynamics, making history resonate today.

Tensions escalate as the U.S. edges closer to military action in Venezuela, stirring up international debate. Ukraine intensifies its maritime offensive against Russian ships, raising concerns in Turkey. Meanwhile, a peace deal in the DRC gets overshadowed by renewed fighting, and the situation in Yemen grows increasingly volatile. In a controversial Caribbean incident, a double-tap strike raises serious legal and ethical questions. Lastly, the EU pushes forward with plans to phase out Russian gas by 2027, despite internal resistance.

Molly Lambert, a journalist and podcaster behind Jenna World and Heidi World, dives into the history of the porn industry, tracing its roots from underground stag films to the mainstream. She examines the dynamics of gender and power in 80s-'90s Los Angeles and how the San Fernando Valley became a pivotal hub. Lambert tackles the influence of formats like VHS on adult content, the rise of stars like Jenna Jameson, and the impact of the internet in deprofessionalizing the industry. The conversation captures the intricate relationship between porn and evolving cultural narratives.

Ilias Alami, an assistant professor of political economy at the University of Cambridge and co-author of The Spectre of State Capitalism, dives into the transition from neoliberalism to state capitalism. He discusses the shift of economic power to East Asia and the impact of sovereign wealth funds and state-owned enterprises. Ilias also critiques the AI investment bubble, linking tech giants to misallocation of resources. The conversation further explores how states leverage AI for control amid social conflict, reshaping economic networks in a competitive geopolitical landscape.

In this discussion, guest Yidi Wu, an assistant professor of history specializing in modern China, delves into the tumultuous early years of the People's Republic of China. Wu unpacks the political campaigns following the Korean War, including the radical land reform and the harsh Anti-Rightist campaign. She highlights the shift to Soviet-style economic planning prioritizing heavy industry and the transformation of higher education. Additionally, the podcast explores China’s internal tensions and its evolving relationship with the U.S. amid the Sino-Soviet rift.

Alex Goldman, a former host of Reply All, joins to discuss his new venture, Hyperfixed. He explores the intriguing topic of aphantasia, talking about Mitchell, who discovers his inability to visualize. The conversation dives into the science of how the brain processes imagery, revealing that individuals with aphantasia can still function normally. In a reassuring twist, Alex shares how these individuals often develop unique strengths in other areas. The episode blends personal storytelling with scientific insights, making for a captivating listen.

Yidi Wu, a historian and assistant professor of modern Chinese history, dives deep into the epic journey of the Chinese Communist Party. She traces its roots from the May Fourth Movement to its strategies during the civil war against the Nationalists. Wu reveals how Mao Zedong’s focus on rural reform and land redistribution played a crucial role in shaping the party's success. She discusses foreign influences, the impact of Japan's invasion, and how public sentiment shifted during the civil conflict, ultimately leading to the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Mark Ames, co-host of the Radio War Nerd podcast and insightful writer, joins the conversation to delve into John Dolan's new collection of essays on the U.S. Civil War. They discuss Dolan’s pro-Union perspective and its clash with countercultural views, the roles of Southern elites in provoking war, and the evolution of narratives surrounding slavery and Indigenous experiences. With a blend of humor and practical insights, Ames highlights the thought-provoking criteria Dolan suggests for handling insurgent leaders in historical contexts.

David Klion, a writer and editor known for critiquing liberal Zionism, discusses the recent upheaval in American Jewish identity following the Gaza conflict. He delves into the collapse of the liberal Zionist project and how the events of October 7 forced a reckoning among its supporters. Klion highlights the generational shift within American Judaism, the institutional failures of public figures to hold themselves accountable, and the rise of new voices in media. His insights provide a thought-provoking examination of the deepening fractures within American liberalism.