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Critical Defiance

Critical Defiance

By: Defiant Studios
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About this listen

 Every week, we dive deep into the tangled web of American policy and the cultural currents shaping our nation. We’re on a mission to expose media manipulation, dissect the influence of political personalities, and arm you with the critical thinking skills you need to navigate this wild ride we call America. If you’re ready to question everything, demand answers, and stand up for American freedom, then join Neils, BobbySox, and Bill as we spark critical thinking and ignite change.Defiant Studios Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Raven, A Dramatic Reading

    The Raven, A Dramatic Reading
    Oct 31 2025

    In this special mini Halloween episode, Bill reads Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven."

    Cover Photo by Kevin Mueller on Unsplash

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - The Raven and the Never-more
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    10 mins
  • The Evolution of Spooky Season: From Ancient Rites to Modern Frights

    The Evolution of Spooky Season: From Ancient Rites to Modern Frights
    Oct 20 2025
    In this special episode of Critical Defiance, hosts BobbySox, Bill, and Neils explore the mysterious and macabre evolution of Halloween. They delve into the ancient roots of the holiday, from the pagan festival of Samhain to its transformation through Roman influences and medieval traditions like Soul Cakes. The hosts also discuss quirky customs from Scotland and Ireland, and how American commercialization has turned Halloween into a multi-week season. Stories of personal Halloween memories, horror movie influences, and current controversies like 'Jesus Ween' and urban legends are shared. Tune in as they unravel the cultural shifts that shaped this delightfully creepy holiday.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:00) - How Halloween Went From Creepy to Classic
    • (00:03:02) - How I Got Over My Fear Of Halloween
    • (00:08:25) - The Holiday Season Has Reached Its Peak
    • (00:12:22) - Is Global Warming Affecting the Holidays?
    • (00:13:25) - Halloween's Commercialization
    • (00:17:06) - Are You Scared of Halloween? By Kids?
    • (00:20:43) - There's A Halloween Urban Legend
    • (00:22:22) - Bill Maher on His Favorite Horror Movies
    • (00:25:33) - 2016: The Year Of The Clowns
    • (00:28:45) - Jesus Weaned
    • (00:32:53) - Celebrating Halloween
    • (00:37:07) - Critical Defending: The Weird Tales of America
    • (00:38:12) - Critical Disobedience: The Spooky Podcast
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    40 mins
  • Class Warfare: The Fight You Didn't Know You Inherited - Part 2

    Class Warfare: The Fight You Didn't Know You Inherited - Part 2
    Oct 6 2025

    In the second part of the series Class Warfare: The Fight You Didn't Know You Inherited, the discussion continues on class stratification in American society, the widening wealth gap, and how powerful elites manipulate public perception. The episode delves into the origins and evolution of the 'pull yourself up by your bootstraps' mentality, scapegoating of minority groups, and financial literacy. It emphasizes the importance of community organization, mutual aid, and political engagement in challenging the status quo. The conversation also highlights modern challenges such as distorted media narratives, the need for financial education, and the potential for collective action. Examples from past revolutions and successful political figures like Bernie Sanders, AOC, and Barack Obama are cited as inspirations for creating meaningful change.

    Chapters
    • (00:00:16) - Part 2 of CLASS WARS
    • (00:00:56) - Pulling Yourself Up By Your Bootstraps
    • (00:06:01) - Financial Literacy: Buy Now, Pay Later
    • (00:09:29) - Bill Maher on Financial Literacy
    • (00:13:31) - Voting and Coalition Building
    • (00:21:17) - What Inspiration Do We Have From Gen Z?
    • (00:25:46) - The Future of Our Country
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    31 mins
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