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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Defiant Studios Podcasts
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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Class Warfare: The Fight You Didn't Know You Inherited - Part 2
31:14
31:14
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31:14In 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, scapeg…
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Class Warfare: The Fight You Didn’t Know You Inherited - Part One
36:03
36:03
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36:03In part one of a two-part episode, the hosts focus on the theme of class warfare. They discuss their personal experiences with societal class structures, the impact of wage stagnation, and the growing wealth gap. The episode features a deeper analysis of class warfare, touching on historical contexts, the systemic nature of capitalism, and the infl…
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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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Meme Warfare: The Memes That Shape Modern Politics
41:59
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41:59In 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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Blunt Talk: Reefer Sadness in the Land of Legal Booze
34:08
34:08
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34:08The 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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Voices of Defiance – Unrest and Unity in a Land of No Kings
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41:56
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41:56In 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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Threads of Honor: Remembering the Diverse Voices of American Service
38:52
38:52
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38:52In 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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Unzipping the Constitution: Porn in the U.S.A.
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43:58
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43:58In 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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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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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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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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Data Defiance: Taking Back Your Internet Privacy
37:53
37:53
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37:53In 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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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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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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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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Hip hop legend Nas joins Nihal Arthanayake to discuss the making of 'The Fight of The Century - Ali v Frazier' and why the story of the two fighters still resonates in the twenty first century. Other topics include the legacy of Muhammad Ali, the enduring appeal of the Ali/Frazier rivalry, the similarities between boxing and rappers, plus the ongoi…
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March 8th '71: Nearly four years after they first met in 1967, the eyes of the world are on a small, illuminated square of canvas in New York's Madison Square Garden as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier get ready to go toe to toe. For the first time two undefeated heavyweights will fight for the title, but only one will leave the ring as the undisputed …
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Boxing gets the full Hollywood Treatment as Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier finally agree a deal to meet in the ring. The numbers are astronomical and break new boundaries in sports promotion, as the world readies itself for 'The Fight of the Century'. Under the watchful eye of Angelo Dundee, Ali heads to Miami for his training in order to prepare for…
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With the spectre of a prison sentence hanging over Muhammad Ali due to his refusal to be drafted, politicians and businessmen manoeuvre behind the scenes to try and secure him a boxing license before he faces his day in court. Meanwhile Joe Frazier comes up against his old foe Jimmy Ellis as he seeks to answer his critics and become the undisputed …
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As America prepares to put a man on the moon, Muhammad Ali is still banned from boxing and needs to find other sources of income. One unusual offer of cash comes from producer Murray Woroner and his idea for a 'Super Fight' between Ali and heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano. The idea fits perfectly into the age of space travel. Woroner will use a 's…
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1968 and America is a nation divided, violently driven apart on racial fault lines and the ongoing war in South East Asia that is claiming thousands of American lives. Against this background the USA will be shocked to its core with the deaths of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr and presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, brother of slain P…
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1967 - America is on the brink. Over 400,000 US troops are embroiled in a divisive war in South East Asia, while at home the counterculture, fuelled by new drugs, is taking hold. It's supposed to be the 'Summer of Love', but there are protests across the land about civil rights, women rights, ecological concerns, and, of course, the ongoing conflic…
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Hip hop legend Nas takes you ringside, to the street and back in time to an event watched by over 300 million people that transcended sport and changed the world forever.By BBC Radio 5 Live
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