It Could Happen Here

The podcast discusses the political themes in The Dark Knight Rises, the similarities between the film and the Occupy movement, the origin of superheroes and villains in comics, the unintentional creation of supervillains, the role of superheroes and the police, the parallels and differences between Occupy and the French Revolution, and conspiracy theories surrounding CERN and Alistair Crowley.

Journalist Sarah Berman discusses the Twin Flames Universe matchmaking cult and their disturbing conversation therapy practices. They explore the cult's promises and control, targeting of LGBTQ communities, potential danger, and importance of listening to trans people. The chapter also touches on investigating cults, reconnecting lost families, documentary dilemmas, and beliefs associated with systematic coercion.

The hosts discuss reading habits and introduce Tobias Buckell, whose story they will discuss. They encounter a dilemma, a wealthy woman rescues a child, and they criticize Elon Musk's Mars trip. Raya joins her father's team, and there's a review of Buckell's latest book.

The podcast celebrates the death of Henry Kissinger, discussing his controversial legacy and embarrassing statements made by certain organizations. It explores his impact on the 20th century and sponsorships surrounding him. The early years of Kissinger and his connection to China, as well as the split between the USSR and China in 1969, are also discussed. It delves into Kissinger's Machiavellian approach to diplomacy and the potential impact of social media on historical figures. The theory of Kissinger being killed to be replaced as the most evil person is explored, with discussion on potential successors.

Discussion on recent right wing terrorist attacks in the US and UK, attack on Paul Pelosi, intellectual projects obscuring power relations in society, rise of Nazi accelerationists, social media activity and political views of a former employee, online radicalization of a libertarian finance guy.

Gen Z's political affiliations, dating mismatches, and impact on marriage are discussed. The shift towards socialism, the support for LGBT rights, and the optimism of Gen Z are highlighted. Generational attitudes, questionable tactics, and frustrations with the electoral system are also examined.

Discussion on the dire conditions in open air detention centers at the border, challenges in providing healthcare, and the power of non-hierarchical organizing. Also includes anecdotes of setting up shelters, providing aid during medical emergencies and heavy rain, and the significance of mutual aid work on the border.

This podcast discusses the forgotten direct actions of the last anti-war movement, focusing on the port militarization resistance in the Pacific Northwest. It explores the tactics used by activists to shut down the port of Olympia and raises concerns about police militarization and surveillance. The hosts share their experiences of discovering an infiltrator within their activist group and highlight the importance of building mass movements and relying on direct action in resistance efforts.

This podcast explores the circulation of an Osama bin Laden letter on social media, the failure of history education in the US, American and Saudi capitalism, fascination with the fall of Rome, debunking homophobic arguments, the problem with California politics and the rise of fascism, the history of corn as a food crop, and ads for a home cocktail maker and online university.

Podcast host and historian Mike Duncan joins the hosts to debunk right-wing claims about Rome's downfall due to queerness. They discuss misconceptions about the fall of Rome, its influence on culture and politics, and parallels between ancient Rome and modern society. The chapter concludes with a humorous remark about handling modern political discussions involving the Roman Empire with a Gladius.