

Struggle Session
Struggle Session
Struggle Session is the world's finest politics and pop culture podcast. Leslie Lee III and Jack Allison talk video games, movies, TV, wrestling, comic books, music, anime, and all of your problematic faves.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2025 • 44min
Halloween 2025 w/ Christopher Jason Bell
Filmmaker Christopher Jason Bell (Failed State, Miss Me Yet) joins me for a special Halloween edition of Struggle Session. We delve into some of our favorite horror films and recent releases including Weapons, Hellraiser, Saw, Cure, Ganja & Hess, The Exorcist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and more.We also talk about Chris' short film The Confection starring Alex Ptak and Simone Norman, free to watch here: https://vimeo.com/816045136/42279aaa29https://linktr.ee/christopherjasonbellFilms mentioned:The ConfectionSaw seriesSpiral (Saw)Twilight seriesHellraiser seriesHellraiser 2: LeviathanPiranha 3DWeaponsBarbarianEddingtonThe ExorcistThe Exorcist IIISilence of the LambsDeep RedTenebraeSuspiriaMother of TearsDracula (Argento)Ganja &HessDa Sweet Blood of JesusCureLonglegsThe Texas Chainsaw MassacreBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Oct 22, 2025 • 35min
We Want them Infected with Dr. Jonathan Howard
Dr. Jonathan Howard chief of the neurology service at Bellevue Hospital joins us to discuss his book We Want Them Infected: How the Failed Quest for Herd Immunity Led Doctors to Embrace the Anti-vaccine Movement and Blinded Americans to the Threat of COVID.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Oct 22, 2025 • 19min
Fetishized w/ Kaila Yu
Writer Kaila Yu joins me to discuss her new book Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Oct 6, 2025 • 2h 56min
Ezra Klein vs Ta-Nehisi Coates w/ Briahna Joy Grey
Support the show and get hundreds of bonus episodes ad free at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionEzra Klein has been on a roll with a series of podcasts defending Charlie Kirk's legacy, arguing for Democrats to run more anti-abortion candidates to win in pro-abortion states, & and making the case for a value-free politics to Ta-Nehisi Coates. Briahna Joy Grey of Bad Faith joins me to to break it all down.This was a live stream on the Bad Faith Youtube Channel recorded 9/20/254Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 27min
Sinners w/ Briahna Joy Gray and Josh Olson [Unlocked]
Now unlocked is this special crossover with Briahna's podcast Bad Faith. Get bonus episodes like this when they drop at http://patreon.com/strugglesession ------------------------------------------A Brief History of Violence screenwriter & co-host of The Movies that Made Me Josh Olson and Struggle Session co-host Leslie Lee III join the show to discuss the movie everyone's talking about: Ryan Coogler's Jim Crow vampire film Sinners. In a spoiler-filled episode (you are warned), the trio debate what the movie is trying to say about race, freedom, religion, and vampirism before delving into the media controversy surrounding Variety's coverage of the film's box office earnings.Produced by Armand Aviram. Bad Faith Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands).Visit our website at http://sesh.showPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thestrugglesessionCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StruggleSessionpodcastSend an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiiiStruggle Session Theme by Brendan James: https://thegreatvorelli.bandcamp.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Sep 13, 2025 • 42min
1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America w/ Ross Benes
Support the show and get hundreds of bonus episodes ad free at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionRoss Benes joins us to discuss his book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. We explore the cultural landscape of the late 90s including the impact of The Jerry Springer Show on reality TV, the influence of Vince McMahon on politics, how Juggalos defined outsider culture, Nu metal's MTV-sponsored angst, and the rise of video games from kiddie hobby to big business.Guest Link:https://www.rossbenes.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction02:46 What is Low Culture?05:28 The Impact of Jerry Springer on Modern Culture08:27 Kayfabe and Professional Wrestling's Influence17:34 Trump's Pro Wrestling Persona and Kayfabe25:27 The Insane Clown Posse28:09 The Evolution of Fan Culture in Music36:05 Video Games: From Low Culture to Mainstream41:37 Was 1999 The Peak?Upcoming episodes:Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty w/ Kaila YuLeave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Check out our friends: https://www.instagram.com/loudoun_palestine/Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StruggleSessionpodcastSend an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comMy GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lleeiiiStay safe and mask up: https://maskbloc.org/Keep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiiiBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Aug 29, 2025 • 10min
Strange Days w/ Aaron Thorpe [Preview]
Hear the full episode at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionOn today's patron exclusive bonus episode Leslie and Aaron jack in to Strange Days, an underappreciated sci fi cult classic directed by Kathryn Bigelow and co-written by James Cameron.Chapters00:00 Intro00:59 Strange Days Review04:49 Character Analysis and Performances07:51 Exploring Squid Technology11:44 Would You Jack In?15:57 Racial Commentary22:29 Soundtrack Discussion27:02 Visual Style32:08 Angela Bassett as Mace35:53 LAPD Death Squads56:36 Cyberpunk Reading RecommendationsUpcoming episodes:1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times w/ Ross BenesFetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty w/ Kaila YuLeave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thestrugglesessionCheck out our friends: https://www.instagram.com/loudoun_palestine/Check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StruggleSessionpodcastSend an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comMy GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lleeiiiStay safe and mask up: https://maskbloc.org/Keep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiiiBeats by King Koeth: linktr.ee/andrewkoethBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

Aug 11, 2025 • 27min
Ed Wood: Made In Hollywood USA w/ Will Sloan + Voicemails
Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionIs Ed Wood worst director of all time? Not a chance says our guest. On today's Struggle Session writer WIll Sloan joins us to discuss is new book Ed Wood: Made In Hollywood USA. We talk about the infamous director’s artistic legacy, how his films challenge the concept of “bad” movies, the enduring charm of Plan 9 from Outer Space, and the shockingly progressive Glen or Glenda.Plus voicemails on brand movies, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Sam Raimi.Guest Links: https://www.willsloan.ca/Upcoming episodes:Strange Days with Aaron Thorpe1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times w/ Ross BenesFetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty w/ Kyla YuLeave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thestrugglesessionCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StruggleSessionpodcastSend an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comMy GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lleeiiiKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiiiStruggle Session Theme by Brendan James: https://thegreatvorelli.bandcamp.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

May 16, 2025 • 37min
Capitalism Hates You: Marxism and The New Horror Film w/ Joshua Gooch
Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionOn today's Struggle Session Joshua Gooch joins us to talk his new book Capitalism Hates You: Marxism and The New Horror Film. We discuss what modern horror has to offer horror, and vice versa. We also analyze some recent horror films including Hereditary, Gaia, The Witch and more._______________________Guest Links: https://joshuagooch.com/Leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thestrugglesessionCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StruggleSessionpodcastSend an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comMy GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lleeiiiKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiiiStruggle Session Theme by Brendan James: https://thegreatvorelli.bandcamp.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii

May 5, 2025 • 21min
Sinners w/ Briahna Joy Gray and Josh Olson [Extended Preview]
This episode is a special crossover with Briahna's podcast Bad Faith. Enjoy!Get the full episode at http://patreon.com/strugglesession------------------------------------------A Brief History of Violence screenwriter & co-host of The Movies that Made Me Josh Olson and Struggle Session co-host Leslie Lee III join the show to discuss the movie everyone's talking about: Ryan Coogler's Jim Crow vampire film Sinners. In a spoiler-filled episode (you are warned), the trio debate what the movie is trying to say about race, freedom, religion, and vampirism before delving into the media controversy surrounding Variety's coverage of the film's box office earnings.Produced by Armand Aviram.Bad Faith Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands).Visit our website at http://sesh.showPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thestrugglesessionCheck out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StruggleSessionpodcastSend an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiiiStruggle Session Theme by Brendan James: https://thegreatvorelli.bandcamp.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/struggle-session--5842028/support.Subscribe at http://patreon.com/strugglesessionPlease leave us a 5 star review at Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/struggle-session/id1265384284Send an email or voicemail to thestrugglesession@gmail.comKeep up with and contact Leslie: https://msha.ke/lleeiii


