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Critical Defiance

Defiant Studios

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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.
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March 8th, 1971, Madison Square Garden, New York, USA. A small, illuminated square of canvas. Camera lenses point from every direction, the world is watching. In the surrounding seats an unlikely mix of spectators rub shoulders - the cream of Hollywood, music stars, gangsters, pimps and politicians. Outside touts are making a killing, asking astronomical prices for the hottest ticket in town. In order to gain the best view in the house, legendary singer Frank Sinatra has become an accredited ...
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We’re back! In this special two-part return, Pete is joined by global bestseller and Bad Guys creator Aaron Blabey. In Part One, Aaron dives into the three movies that made him tick - the shark-fueled terror of Jaws, the comic genius of Tootsie and the razor-sharp cool of Reservoir Dogs, and explains how they shaped his creativity. Plus, Pete share…
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In this week's episode of Critical Defiance, the hosts announce substantial changes based on listener feedback. The show will shift from reactionary news takes to more educational and discussion-oriented content. Episodes will be released bi-weekly instead of weekly to ensure higher quality content and guest bookings. Additionally, the team emphasi…
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In this eye-opening episode of Critical Defiance, host Neils, alongside BobbySox and Bill, delve into the unsettling world of meme warfare. Far from being just humorous or entertaining, memes have evolved into potent tools for mass persuasion capable of toppling governments, swaying elections, and deeply influencing public opinion. Through vivid ex…
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This episode delves into the profound and transformative concept of found family—relationships and bonds that go beyond biological ties. The hosts discuss the importance of chosen kinship in various contexts such as the LGBTQ+ community, migrants, and individuals with neurodivergent conditions. The episode features personal stories and highlights t…
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The episode of Critical Defiance examines the history and present status of marijuana legalization in the U.S. It highlights connections to xenophobia, varying state laws, and the benefits of legalization. The hosts address federal reluctance to legalize cannabis fully and encourage advocacy for sensible policies while dispelling marijuana use myth…
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In the latest episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils, BobbySox, and Bill tackle the growing issue of police militarization in American communities. They explore the historical roots of the U.S. police force, the war on drugs, and post-9/11 security measures that have contributed to a shift from ‘protect and serve’ to an ‘us versus them’ mentalit…
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In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils and BobbySox delve into several pressing issues affecting society today. They kick off by examining the newly enacted ‘Big Bad Bill’ and its implications on social safety nets, clean energy, and the economy. The discussion moves to the climate crisis, highlighting recent tragic events like the Texas…
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In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils, BobbySox, and Bill dive into the current wave of civil unrest in America. They discuss recent nationwide protests, including the ‘No Kings’ rallies triggered by federal immigration raids and ICE actions, the deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, and President Trump’s controversial responses.Th…
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Content warning: This episode contains discussions that touch on topics of suicide and self-harm. In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts BobbySox, Neils, and Bill delve into the orchestrated moral panic targeting the trans community in America. They discuss the history of irrational societal fears, compare current assaults on trans rights to p…
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In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils, Bill, and BobbySox delve into the evolution of Pride Month from its raw, defiant roots at Stonewall to its current incarnation as a corporate-sponsored celebration. They scrutinize the rise of ‘rainbow capitalism,’ questioning whether the mainstream visibility and acceptance it brings are genuine s…
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In this Memorial Day episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Bill, Neils, and BobbySox dive deep into the often overlooked contributions of marginalized groups in U.S. military history. They examine the roles and sacrifices of African American soldiers, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants who served the country despite facing numerous barriers an…
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In this episode, the hosts of Critical Defiance delve into the contentious topics of pornography bans, free speech, and the implications of government censorship. They discuss the historical and ongoing attempts to regulate sexual content online, the influence of moral panics, and the potential threats to personal freedoms. Additionally, they touch…
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In this episode of ‘Critical Defiance,’ hosts Neils, BobbySox, and Bill delve into the myth of the American Dream. They discuss the historic and evolving promises of hard work leading to prosperity, juxtaposing it against the stark reality of 2025 marked by economic disparity, stagnant wages, and escalating living costs. The hosts critically examin…
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The Radical Act of Physical Ownership in a Digital Age In this episode of Critical Defiance, Neils, BobbySox, and Bill discuss the importance of owning physical media and robust personal archives in an age dominated by digital streaming and algorithms. They explore the cultural and personal significance of physical media like vinyl records and phot…
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In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils Olesen and Bobby explore the alarming trend of local news outlets being acquired by massive national corporations, leading to a decline in community-focused journalism. They discuss the consequences of these acquisitions, such as the erosion of local coverage, the influence of corporate agendas, and…
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Australian director Daina Reid has directed some of TV’s biggest shows (The Handmaid’s Tale, Upload, Space Force), but she’s never witnessed Ron Burgundy in action… until now. She reveals whether it still holds up, what it's like working with Steve Carell in the flesh, and debates the true power of a jazz flute. Feel free to drop us some comments, …
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The latest episode of Critical Defiance delves into the ramifications of relentless technological innovation. Hosts BobbySox and Neils question the hype around tech industry’s disruptive culture, pondering its actual benefits versus its potential harms such as reduced worker protections and mental health crises. They also discuss two notable deport…
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Comedy man Sammy Petersen finally watches Silence of the Lambs, for the very first time. Was it terrifying, thrilling, or just totally not what he thought it’d be? Hear his hilariously unfiltered take on the cult classic he somehow dodged… until now. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun an…
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In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils Olesen and BobbySox delve into the alarming trend of digital erasure of historical and cultural information from government websites. They discuss how significant data on topics like climate change, women’s health, LGBTQ+ issues, and diverse historical contributions are being systematically deleted …
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Brendan Cowell has never seen Broadcast News... until now. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and under a minute and you may get on the show. https://www.speakpipe.com/YASNY See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Peter Helliar, Castaway Studios
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This Critical Defiance episode, hosted by BobbySox and Neils Olesen, delves into the significance of Transgender Day of Visibility, addressing the celebration and challenges faced by the trans community. The episode critiques media manipulation, legislative battles, and misinformation about trans people. It discusses legislative measures, portrayal…
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In this special episode of Critical Defiance, Neils and Turbo merge their March 24th discussion on internet privacy with new insights to equip listeners with a comprehensive guide to online security. Topics covered include data harvesting, mining, and aggregation, the importance of secure communications with VPNs and encrypted messaging, and practi…
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There is one film that is considered the mother of modern horror films, and has lived in the pop culture psyche unlike any other film... The Bates Motel has truly been terrifying audiences for decades. And although it is an Alfred Hitchcock, Froomes has never seen Psycho... until now! Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the spe…
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In this week’s episode of ‘Critical Defiance,’ host Neils Olesen delves into the recent unsettling changes in the American political landscape, highlighting the use of the Alien Enemies Act by President Trump to deport Venezuelans in the U.S. without due process under the law. The discussion includes analysis of the deteriorating rule of law, risin…
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New Zealand actor and comedian Josh Thomson had never seen Toy Story 2, until now! He shares his thoughts on the sequel vs. the original, plus the surprising reason he listens to YASNY every week (spoiler: it’s got nothing to do with the movies!). Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and u…
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In our relentlessly connected world, digital overload looms large. With the 24/7 influx of news and social media, it’s essential to step back, breathe, and prioritize mental well-being to stay effective in shaping a democratic future. In this post, we explore the pivotal connection between self-care and political engagement, offering actionable str…
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Acting royalty David Wenham - who’s fought orcs, vampires, and Gerard Butler’s abs - is now starring in his latest film, Spit. But there’s one battle he’s never had to face until now… watching M*A*S*H the movie. For the first time ever, David shares his unfiltered thoughts on the film, drops a behind the scenes confession about his favourite movies…
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March 3rd, 2025 In this episode of Critical Defiance, hosts Neils Olesen and Bobby Sox discuss the influence of historical inflection points on our present and future, highlighting events like the Industrial Revolution, Civil Rights Movement, and COVID-19. They also address current pivotal moments, including sociopolitical shifts and the impact of …
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She’s directed countless productions including The Handmaid’s Tale, Space Force, and Upload, but had never seen The Defiant Ones… until now. Director Daina Reid shares her thoughts on the 1958 classic, reflects on her path from comedian to international filmmaker, and tackles the question we all need answered - has she ever caught a frog in the wil…
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Wagga Comedian Dane Simpson had never seen National Lampoon’s Vacation, until now! Was it a laugh-filled travel adventure or a fast track to a Clark Griswold meltdown? Who does he think would enjoy the chaos, and which scene had him calling total nonsense? Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it …
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From 12 Years a Slave, to Kinky Boots, to Love Actually, English actor and Oscar nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor has just about done it all - and now he’s stepping into the world of Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy! Pete sits down with Chiwetel to chat about the latest Bridget Jones film and revisit some of his most iconic roles, including how he processe…
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Comedian Tony Martin has never seen the Tom Cruise 1986 classic Top Gun.. until now! Uber film geek Tony Martin sits down with Pete to chat about Maverick's serendipitous name, having deep and meaningful conversations in your underwear & who exactly that miscellaneous enemy was at the end of the movie. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback o…
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Australian comedian, actor, writer, presenter and movie lover Ed Kavalee had never seen Eyes Wide Shut, until now. He shares his theory on the story behind the story and the unexpected film he believes makes the perfect double feature. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and under a minut…
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Leigh Whannell, the Aussie writer and director behind Saw, Insidious, and The Invisible Man, is back with his newest horror film, Wolf Man. He bares all on what influenced the movie, the origin of Saw, and his thoughts on the future of cinema. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and under…
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Maggie Looke, writer, director and comic genius, has never watched Mulholland Drive, until now.. She reveals why she chose such a controversial film to discuss in fine detail, and whether she has ever discovered Billy Ray Cyrus in her bed. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and under a m…
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Believe it or not Australian comedian, writer, and actor Michelle Brasier, best known for Average Bear, had never watched Being John Malkovich... until now. Michelle reveals if she's ever slipped into another celebrity’s brain, shares the wildest part of the film, and questions whether it could (or would) be produced in today’s world. Feel free to …
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American Comedian Alex Edelman has never seen Thelma & Louise... until now. Alex chats with Pete about Ridley Scott's 1991 feminist classic as well as how Americans imagine Australian roadhouses, Yoda Yoga and just how hot Brad Pitt was, sorry, is. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and …
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Australian actor, creator and writer Olivia Deeble has never seen underrated coming-of-age film Eighth Grade... until now. She reveals if the movie was a reflection of her own teenage years, and whether she’s ever seen eyes bluer than Aiden's. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and under…
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Ben Kochan is the short wearing comedian known for his sharp observational humour and strong dedication to silly jokes. This week, he challenged himself to watch what he considers an 'old' movie - Good Morning Vietnam. Can Ben endure a film released before 2003, and more importantly, did he actually enjoy it? Feel free to drop us some comments, fee…
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Mike Goldstein, American comedian, TV panelist, and Coen Brothers fan, has long avoided one of his dad’s favorite movies The Big Chill - until now. Mike spills the tea on whether the wait was worth it and shares his bare thoughts on nudity in films. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and…
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Award winning comedian and actor Frankie McNair has never seen the ultimate long con, the classic American heist movie The Sting…until now. Frankie reveals what she thought about the movie and if she herself has ever fallen for an elaborate con. Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below). Keep it fun and und…
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New Zealand comedian and the man in the grey suit Ray O’Leary has never seen French film Amélie...until now. Can he get through the entire 2hours and 2minutes without understanding a word of French? Will it inspire him to finally visit the French capital? Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below) Keep it fu…
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Aussie comedian and filmmaker Monty Franklin grew up strongly influenced by the film industry, but has never seen Cool Hand Luke...until now. But what does he think? Was Luke actually a hero, or just a guy in the wrong place at the wrong time? Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below) Keep it fun and under …
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Radio personality and the "Will" in "Will & Woody", Will McMahon has dominated the Australian airwaves for over a decade and claims to be a true movie buff, but has never seen Lost In Translation...until now. Was Will able to decipher the movie, or did he get lost in translation? Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpip…
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Dave O'Neil has never seen Shrek... until now. Comedy legend, podcaster & screenwriter Dave O'Neil chats time Pete about the Dreamworks classic plus the problematic end of his feature film. Takeaway, Scottish classic Gregory's Girl and Rose Byrne's loyalty to a certain fish n' chip shop. See more of Peter Helliar Podcast Website Produced at Castawa…
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Hamish Macdonald has never seen Punch Drunk Love ... UNTIL NOW Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below) Keep it fun and under a minute and you may get on the show. https://www.speakpipe.com/YASNY Recorded and Produced at Castaway Studios, Collingwood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc…
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Ben Lomas has never seen ET... until now. In this hilarious episode Pete chats to comedian Ben Lomas about this Spielberg classic, getting more emotional in movies with kids and THAT Police Academy scene. See more of Peter Helliar Podcast Website Produced at Castaway Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystu…
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Clare Bowditch has never seen ROCKY .... UNTIL NOW Feel free to drop us some comments, feedback or ideas on the speakpipe (link below) Keep it fun and under a minute and you may get on the show. https://www.speakpipe.com/YASNY Recorded and Produced at Castaway Studios, Collingwood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See o…
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