Episode 24 examines Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's defense of dissent and his idea of what it means to be radical, rooted in Jewish covenantal thinking and the balance between individualism and collective life. The host — a non-Jew and atheist — explores how Sacks reconciles tradition, social justice, and his establishment roles, including his seat in the House of Lords.The episode also critiques the limits of Sacks's dissent, especially his outspoken defense of Israel and his attacks on critics like Jeremy Corbyn, raising questions about hypocrisy, power, and whose voices are heard in debates about radicalism and moral leadership.

Hello, 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.

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.

Episode 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 and violence.

Episode 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.

Episode 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.

Episode 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.

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.

In 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.' We discuss the dynamics within the Labour Party, media influence, and the significant public response leading to one of Britain's largest political memberships.

In 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 accusations of Israeli state terrorism. As we examine this case, we also question the broader implications of labeling dissent as terrorism and the potential erosion of civil liberties in democratic societies. Join us as we navigate these complex issues, highlighting the struggle of civic activism against authoritative measures, and pushing for a deeper understanding of what should truly be considered an act of terror.

Welcome 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 episode further explores the roles of prominent figures like Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich in perpetuating narratives of supremacy and exclusion, drawing parallels to past atrocities. Join us as we scrutinize the deep-seated ideologies that underpin the conflict and strive to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians, urging listeners to engage with a more empathetic and informed perspective on this ongoing crisis.

Welcome 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 thought. Join us as we investigate his influences, including the classical composer Edgar Varèse, and how these shaped his groundbreaking music and philosophy. Through analysis of tracks like 'Slime' and 'Who Are The Brain Police?', we uncover Zappa's call for critical thinking and independence from media control. Discover how Zappa's stance resonated globally, inspiring movements and dissent, notably in Eastern Europe during and after the Cold War. Tune in to explore Zappa's legacy as a humorist, satirist, and tireless advocate for free speech and independent thought.

Welcome 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' exploration of love as a revolutionary act, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Erich Fromm and James Baldwin to understand its power to effect social change. Tune in to discover how hooks' interdisciplinary approach has left a lasting impact on cultural criticism.

In 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 societies.The discussion provides a thought-provoking critique of how popular culture resists media domination and underscores the vibrant role of consumer interaction in cultural production. Join us as we unravel these radical perspectives that redefine media criticism in both European and Latin American contexts.

Welcome 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. We examine McLuhan's conversion to Catholicism and its nuanced influence on his critique of the Catholic Church's usage of media technology. By reflecting on his engagement with Jesuit mysticism and dialectical materialism, and his notable divergence from his influencer, Harold Innis, McLuhan inspires a holistic understanding of media's transformative potential.

In 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 contemporary era, discussing the impact of the internet and social media in shaping public perception and political outcomes, illustrated by a Romanian election influenced by TikTok in 2024/25. Touching upon related themes, we reflect on insights from Erich Fromm regarding The Sane Society and delusion that Innis referenced with regards to consumption. The episode concludes with a preview of the next instalment, which will focus on the eminent Canadian writer Marshall McLuhan.

In 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. From early revolutionary movements in Latin America to challenging American family planning policies in Chile, Mattelart's work is dissected to reveal its enduring influence on media studies. Join us as we traverse through historical events that shaped Mattelart's philosophy, including the turbulent political climate of Chile in the 1970s and his analysis in "How to Read Donald Duck" co-authored with Dorfman revealed American expansionism. This episode is a profound exploration of how mass media serves as a conduit for ideologies, maintaining societal norms under capitalist doctrines.

Welcome 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 the way for a deeper understanding of media narratives. Furthermore, we touch on the controversial claims of anti-Semitism within the UK Labour Party, as documented in the group’s book "Bad News for Labour." Jeremy Corbyn's leadership is scrutinized, highlighting how biased media narratives can shape political landscapes. Join us as we dive into the intricate connections between media, politics, and the pursuit for truth.

Welcome 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 change in communication landscapes.

In 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 the rise of fascism and consumer society. Discussions also cover the Frankfurt School’s critical theory as a transformative social force aiming to challenge dominant cultural narratives imposed by capitalist mass production. Furthermore, insights from Hanno Hardt’s writings on the aesthetic dimensions of criticism and the transformative potential of art are discussed, presenting art as an individual counter-narrative against commodified mass culture. The episode sheds light on how critical theory has influenced contemporary media criticism and its role in advocating for social justice and change.