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House of DissentEpisode Twenty Three: The Virtue of DissentHello, and welcome to episode 23 at the House of Dissent podcast. This episode explores the importance of dissent in challenging authority across history and personal experience. From ancient revolts like Spartacus, through socialist and religious dissent in Britain, to modern movements against neoliberalism and state repression, the host discusses how context shapes radicalism, shares personal stories of union activism and redundancy, and reflects on whether resistance is worth the cost. The episode examines examples including Thatcherism, slave rebellions, the Haitian Revolution, Chartism, suffragettes, and more to consider the risks and value of dissent.
2025-12-1234 minHouse of DissentEpisode Twenty Two: The Internet and Guerilla Warfare in Burma (Myanmar)This episode reads chapter 10—"Burmese Guerrilla Warfare, Technology and Identity"—exploring how Burma’s deep ethnic divisions shape resistance and how the internet and new technologies are transforming guerrilla tactics, communication, and propaganda.
It examines alliances like the NUG, PDF and 3BHA, the junta’s paramilitaries and online repression, and argues for a renewed federal vision (Panglong 2.0) to unite diverse groups after the dictatorship falls.
2025-11-1748 minHouse of DissentEpisode Twenty One: Colombian Resistance: The Struggle for Social and Environmental JusticeEpisode 21: David reads chapter 8, "Colombian Resistance in Civil Society," written by Valentina Murillo, exploring the struggles of indigenous, Afro‑Colombian and campesino communities defending land, culture and the environment.
The episode traces colonial legacies like biopiracy, the rise of social movements such as the Minga, the use of social media as a tool of resistance, and profiles groups like the Nasa, PCN and CNA as well as leaders like Francia Marquez.
It highlights collective efforts to protect Pachamama (Mother Earth), demand social and environmental justice, and shows how grassroots dissent offers hope against extractive capitalism an...
2025-10-2648 minHouse of DissentEpisode Twenty: Amazon Resistance: How the Indigenous of Brazil use technology in their fight for landEpisode 20 features chapter 6, "New Weapons of Resistance," from The Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent by Sue Branford. The episode explores how Indigenous groups in the Brazilian Amazon use technology—from tape recorders and radios to mobile phones, drones and LiDAR—to document invasions, defend territory and reclaim their cultural heritage in the face of land grabbing and ecological crisis.
It also covers the historical resilience of Amazonian peoples, the archaeological revelations from LiDAR that challenge the marco-temporal claim, and the growing alliance between scientists and forest communities to protect land, language and biodiversity.
2025-10-0252 minHouse of DissentEpisode Nineteen: The Art of Dissent: Celebrating the work of Roshi RouzbehaniEpisode 19 of the House of Dissent podcast features chapter 5 from the Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent and an in-depth interview with the Iranian born artist Roshi Rouzbehani. The episode explores her journey from Tehran to the UK, and discusses her artwork as a form of resistance to the current Iranian authority.
The conversation covers the history and impact of anti‑hijab protests, the Woman‑Life‑Freedom movement, migrant and climate justice, and the role of art as a tool for solidarity and social change.
2025-09-1146 minHouse of DissentEpisode Eighteen: Woman, Life, Freedom: Ilham Ahmed on the Kurdish Women's RevolutionEpisode 18 features a reading of Chapter 4 from The Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent titled "Kurdish Woman's Revolution: an interview with Ilham Ahmed'. The episode explores the Kurdish struggle for a homeland, the rise of the women's movement in Rojava, and the influence of Abdullah Öcalan's ideas on gender equality and libertarian socialism.
Topics include the YPJ and female guerrilla fighters, media marginalization of the Kurdish cause, the role of social media, Afrin's resistance, and the vision for a polyethnic, democratic society in northern Syria.
2025-08-2852 minHouse of DissentEpisode Seventeen: Campfires of Resistance in Cheran, Mexico.Episode 17 features a reading from chapter 3, “Campfires of Resistance in Cheran,” recounting the April 15, 2011 insurrection led by indigenous women who defended their forests and community against illegal loggers, corrupt officials and organised crime. The episode describes the spontaneous campfire gatherings, barricades, and grassroots strategies that rebuilt social life and security in Cheran.
It also covers the legal and political aftermath: the community’s shift to self-government under indigenous customs, judicial recognition of their autonomy, and how visibility—eventually aided by the internet—helped spread solidarity and inspire other indigenous movements.
2025-08-1449 minHouse of DissentEpisode Sixteen: The Rise of a New Left Party: Corbyn's Comeback in 2025In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the socio-political landscape that gave rise to a new left-wing political party in the UK in 2025. We explore the historical and media-driven adversities faced by prominent political figures Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband, tracing the narrative from the Labour Party's defeat in 2015 through the relentless media critique that both have endured over the years.
The episode sheds light on the immense challenges posed by the right-wing press while highlighting Corbyn's political philosophy and potential impact of his newly formed party, temporarily called 'Your Party...
2025-08-0830 minHouse of DissentEpisode Fifteen: Collusion Against Protest: The Ban of Palestine ActionIn episode 15 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the controversial decision by the British government to classify the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The episode explores the roles played by three key entities - 'We Believe in Israel,' the right-wing British press, and the Home Office - in this unprecedented move against a group whose most dangerous weapon has been red paint.
The discussion is set against the backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza, reflecting on the apparent contradictions in government actions that proscribe non-violent activists while remaining silent on...
2025-08-0130 minHouse of DissentEpisode Fifteen: Palestine Action and the Politics of Terror Designation in the UKIn this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve deep into the British government's controversial decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Stemming from an incident where activists used red paint on military aircraft, this decision raises questions about the nature of terrorism itself. The episode examines the collaboration between pro-Israeli groups, the right-wing press, and government officials, highlighting the societal and political implications.
Our host critiques the choice to label peaceful protest, characterized by symbolic actions like spray-painting, alongside genuine acts of aggression and state-backed violence. We explore how the media amplifies...
2025-08-0132 minHouse of DissentEpisode Fourteen: Uncovering the Banality of Evil: Israel's Conduct Towards Palestinians Since 1948Welcome to episode 14 of the House of Dissent podcast. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the controversial subject of Israel's actions towards Palestinians through the lens of Hannah Arendt's concept of the "banality of evil." By examining historical and contemporary events, the episode seeks to illuminate the ongoing conflict that has persisted since 1948 and addresses how mainstream media often fails to contextualize these issues within a broader historical framework.
We honour the bravery of Francesca Albanese and organizations such as the Hind Rajab Foundation, while discussing the implications of extremist ideologies on current Israeli politics. The...
2025-07-2529 minHouse of DissentEpisode Thirteen: Frank Zappa Unplugged: Media Manipulation and the Fight for Free SpeechWelcome to episode 13 of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the profound thoughts of American musician and composer Frank Zappa. In this episode, we explore Zappa's critiques of media manipulation, censorship, and democracy. Known for his unique position as both a cultural critic and musician, Zappa fiercely opposed societal norms, challenging the powers that sought to limit artistic freedom and individual rights.
From his disdain for US television's role in media manipulation to his controversial takes on taxation and corporate influence, Zappa's libertarian leaning beliefs coupled with his critiques create a rich tapestry of...
2025-07-0923 minHouse of DissentEpisode Twelve: bell hooks: Intersectionality, Media Criticism, and the Transformative Power of LoveWelcome to episode 12 of the House of Dissent podcast. In this episode, we delve into the influential cultural and media criticism of bell hooks, as explored in Chapter 13 of Radical Mass Media Criticism, a Cultural Genealogy by Cynthia Carter.
We uncover how bell hooks, originally Gloria Jean Watkins, used her writings to challenge dominant media narratives and highlight the intersecting influences of race, gender, and class within a capitalist society. Her criticism extends beyond academia, advocating for the integration of theory and practice as means of activism and societal transformation.
Furthermore, we explore bell hooks...
2025-06-2533 minHouse of DissentEpisode Eleven: Unveiling Popular Culture: Barbero and Canclini's Rebel PerspectivesIn this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we dive into the compelling works of two pivotal Latin American scholars: Jesús Martín Barbero and Néstor García Canclini. Their contributions, as discussed in Chapter 12 of Radical Mass Media Criticism, a Cultural Genealogy, challenge traditional notions of media influence on society.
This episode explores Barbero’s unique theories, such as the role of the people in shaping media narratives, and his rejection of traditional Marxist media critiques. We also examine García Canclini’s concept of hybridity, which highlights the intercultural fusion within Latin American...
2025-06-0932 minHouse of DissentEpisode Ten: The Radical Marshall McLuhanWelcome to Episode 10 of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the pioneering work of Canadian intellectual Marshall McLuhan, as chronicled in Joost van Loon's chapter "McLuhan and his Influences" from Radical Mass Media Criticism. We explore McLuhan's radical perspective on media not just as a means of representation but as a dominant technology reshaping human relations and environments.
McLuhan was a vanguard of media ecology, challenging established notions with his aphorism "The medium is the message." His thinking deviated from political-economic theories, offering a vitalist approach that appreciated the diversity of human motivations.
2025-05-2925 minHouse of DissentEpisode Nine: Harold Innis and Canadian Media Communications TheoryIn Episode 9 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the captivating chapter 'Canadian Critical Communication' by Robert E. Babe and James P. Winter. This exploration uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of Harold Adams Innis to the field of scholarly media criticism in Canada. His pioneering work on the influence of communication on societies offers a profound perspective on the organization of civilizations and media bias.
We explore Innis' examination of 'monopolies of knowledge' and how shifts in communication media, from stone to papyrus, transformed power dynamics in ancient and modern societies. The conversation extends to the...
2025-05-1526 minHouse of DissentEpisode Eight: Unmasking Disney: Armand Mattelart's Cultural CritiqueIn Episode 8 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the world of radical mass media criticism, spotlighting the impactful contributions of Belgian sociologist Armand Mattelart. With insights drawn from Sander Miller's chapter "Armand Mattelart Historicism and Mass Media," this episode uncovers the deep-seated ideologies embedded in popular media. Discover how Mattelart, alongside Ariel Dorfman, critiqued Disney's iconic character as an instrument of cultural imperialism.
Mattelart's journey from a brief stint as a secular monk to becoming a pivotal figure in media criticism is explored, alongside his critical observations on how communication systems support capitalist structures...
2025-04-3032 minHouse of DissentEpisode Seven: Unveiling Media Bias: The Radical Work of the Glasgow Media GroupWelcome to episode 7 of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the impactful research of the Glasgow Media Group, a cornerstone in UK media criticism. We explore how this group challenged traditional media narratives from dissecting the Falklands War coverage to scrutinizing the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, their work remains pivotal.
This episode also sheds light on the influence of Robert Merton, an American sociologist whose work on propaganda during World War II unexpectedly intersects with the radical media criticism of the Glasgow Media Group. His methodologies in content and response analysis have paved...
2025-04-2331 minHouse of DissentEpisode Six: Habermas and the Public SphereWelcome to Episode 6 of the House of Dissent podcast. This episode delves into Jürgen Habermas' influential theory of the public sphere and its intersection with radical mass media criticism. We explore the evolution of public discourse from coffee houses in the 17th century to the digital age, questioning whether the internet offers a platform for liberation and dissent or simply echoes mainstream narratives. By reflecting on historical and contemporary examples, this episode challenges the power dynamics within media and highlights the courage required to use one's understanding freely. Join the conversation as we critically examine the potential for c...
2025-04-1729 minHouse of DissentEpisode Five: The Frankfurt School and Cultural CritiqueIn this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the significant contributions of Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer from the Frankfurt School to the field of mass media communication research. We explore the misunderstood origins of media criticism, revealing how writers predating the Frankfurt School like Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Kraus, and Upton Sinclair contributed to early radical mass media criticism.
The episode further dissects the critiques levied by Adorno and Horkheimer in their famous work, The Dialectics of Enlightenment, which challenged the Enlightenment era’s promise of rational liberation and its unexpected role in th...
2025-04-1130 minHouse of DissentEpisode Four: Unveiling the Press: Karl Marx to Ferdinand Tönnies' Radical CritiquesIn this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into Chapter Three written by Slavko Splichal of Radical Mass Media Criticism: A Cultural Genealogy, as we explore the profound critiques of the press by influential thinkers like Karl Marx, Karl Bücher, and Ferdinand Tönnies. Our guest, David, a renowned academic, guides us through the historical journey of these 19th-century German intellectuals, revealing their impact on the development of mass media and its commercialization. From Marx's early journalistic endeavors to Bücher's pioneering of journalism as an academic discipline, this episode uncovers the intertwined narratives of med...
2025-03-3125 minHouse of DissentEpisode Three: Karl Kraus: The Torchbearer of Radical Mass Media CriticismIn this episode of House of Dissent, explore the remarkable contributions of Austrian writer and satirist Karl Kraus to the genealogy of Radical Mass Media Criticism. Kraus, known for his journal, Die Fackel (The Torch), fiercely attacked the press for its complicity with capitalism, and its role in corrupting language and truth. Delve into Kraus' critiques of journalism, his opposition to World War I, and his enduring relevance in today's media landscape. Discover how his satirical approach and sharp wit exposed the ties between mass media and societal inhumanities of his time.
2025-03-2727 minHouse of DissentEpisode Two: Exploring Radicalism: A Cultural Genealogy of IdeasWelcome to the second episode of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the essence of radical thought and its intersection with media. This episode explores the concept of radicalism and the significance of a cultural genealogy of ideas. The discussion traces the historical evolution of radical mass media criticism starting from the mid-19th century, emphasizing the need for a new era of critique in the digital age.
We address common misconceptions about the term 'radical,' challenging its association with extremism. The episode also examines the influence of notable thinkers like Nietzsche and...
2025-03-2632 minHouse of DissentEpisode One: In The BeginningWelcome to the inaugural episode of the podcast, "House of Dissent," where we delve into the realm of media criticism and radical ideas for social change. Our host, David Berry, introduces the concept of "radical mass media criticism," distinguishing it from traditional critiques and exploring its deep historical roots. He recounts his collaboration with John Theobald on the influential book "Radical Mass Media Criticism, A Cultural Genealogy," aiming to trace the lineage of critical media discourse.
David highlights the misunderstandings surrounding media studies, notably the erroneous associations with the Frankfurt School and the hypodermic needle theory. He...
2025-03-2624 min