Personally connecting the dots. All of them. <a href="http://theoryofeverythingpodcast.com/">Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything</a> is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. Learn more at <a href="http://radiotopia.fm/">radiotopia.fm</a>.

Little girls who can talk to ghosts! The Nazi Supernatural! The legacy of artist Iris Häussler’s first fictional character Joseph Wagenbach. Plus America’s Greatest Lie!

<img src="https://toe.prx.org/wp-content/uploads/Parson-Weems-Fable.jpg?x74027">

2018 is not the first time truth, fiction and lies have merged together. In the 1850s people turned to the the dead for answers. In the 1930’s, Hitler and the Nazis tried to remake the world using magic and pseudoscience.

In phase two of False Alarm! we’re going to bounce between the second half of the 19th century, the interwar years and the present to find out if we are doomed for a repeat?

<img src="https://toe.prx.org/wp-content/uploads/TOE-FALSE-ALARM-social-image-2.jpg?x74027">

Little girls who can talk to ghosts! The Nazi Supernatural! The legacy of artist Iris Häussler’s first fictional character Joseph Wagenbach. Plus America’s Greatest Lie!

2018 is not the first time truth, fiction and lies have merged together. In the 1850s people turned to the the dead for answers. In the 1930’s, Hitler and the Nazis tried to remake the world using magic and pseudoscience.
In phase two of False Alarm! we’re going to bounce between the second half of the 19th century, the interwar years and the present to find out if we are doomed for a repeat?

Little girls who can talk to ghosts! The Nazi Supernatural! The legacy of artist Iris Häussler’s first fictional character Joseph Wagenbach. Plus America’s Greatest Lie! 2018 is not the first time truth, fiction and lies have merged together.

It is happening again (False Alarm! part vi)

ToE's Cultural Cold War miniseries concludes with three stories about containment and death. Richard Wright delivers his final lecture on Black Spies in Paris, Dwight Macdonald’s Mass Cult &amp; Mid Cult finally debuts &amp; flops, and Kenneth Tynan discovers the limits of social and cultural protest. Show notes: Matthew Tynan reads <a href="https://harpers.org/archive/1961/01/mr-tynan-replies/">Kenneth Tynan’s 1960 speech</a>, Michael Billington wrote a <a href="https://theoryofeverythingpodcast.com/2024/02/napia3/">1960 Parody</a> of Kenneth Tynan, Jefferson Pooley <a href="https://theoryofeverythingpodcast.com/2024/03/napia6/">recaps Personal Influence</a> and <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mi6-patrice-lumumba-assassination-daphne-park_n_2998226">Daphne Park</a> explains how she got Lumumba killed. Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/"> https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

ToE's Cultural Cold War miniseries concludes with three stories about containment and death. Richard Wright delivers his final lecture on Black Spies in Paris, Dwight Macdonald’s Mass Cult & Mid Cult finally debuts & flops, and Kenneth Tynan discovers the limits of social and cultural protest. 
Show notes: Matthew Tynan reads Kenneth Tynan’s 1960 speech, Michael Billington wrote a 1960 Parody of Kenneth Tynan, Jefferson Pooley recaps Personal Influence and Daphne Park explains how she got Lumumba killed. 
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

Not All Propaganda is Art 9: Freedom or Death

]Richard Wright died from a mysterious illness on November 28th, 1960. Or was he murdered? Tune in for a new listen to the final chapter of Richard Wright’s life: forged letters, fake terrorist groups, fraudulent doctors and French Radio.Shownotes: Françoise Vergès writes about <a href="https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745345673/a-feminist-theory-of-violence/">decolonialism</a>, and French history and thought, Kathleen Gyssels is writing about the <a href="https://journals.openedition.org/etudescaribeennes/28568">Moulin d’Andé</a>. Thomas Riegler writes about the <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/26296892">Red Hand</a>, Madeleine S’s father was assassinated by the <a href="https://thomas-riegler.net/2022/09/17/der-terror-der-roten-hand/">Red Hand</a>, Lauren du Graf wrote about <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/45284680">Richard Wright and Jean Paul Sartre</a>, Richard Wright’s  daughter Julia Wright published The <a href="https://www.loa.org/books/652-the-man-who-lived-underground/">Man who Lived Underground</a> in 2021.  Richard Gibson is a <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/richard-gibson-cia-spies-james-baldwin-amiri-baraka-richard-wright-cuba-926428">BIG</a> <a href="https://muse.jhu.edu/article/191665/summary">BIG</a> <a href="https://www.archives.gov/files/research/jfk/releases/2023/104-10217-10225.pdf">LIAR</a>. Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/"> https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

]Richard Wright died from a mysterious illness on November 28th, 1960. Or was he murdered? Tune in for a new listen to the final chapter of Richard Wright’s life: forged letters, fake terrorist groups, fraudulent doctors and French Radio.
Shownotes: Françoise Vergès writes about decolonialism, and French history and thought, Kathleen Gyssels is writing about the Moulin d’Andé. Thomas Riegler writes about the Red Hand, Madeleine S’s father was assassinated by the Red Hand, Lauren du Graf wrote about Richard Wright and Jean Paul Sartre, Richard Wright’s  daughter Julia Wright published The Man who Lived Underground in 2021.  Richard Gibson is a BIG BIG LIAR. 
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

]Richard Wright died from a mysterious illness on November 28th, 1960. Or was he murdered? Tune in for a new listen to the final chapter of Richard Wright’s life: forged letters, fake terrorist groups, fraudulent doctors and French Radio.

Not All Propaganda is Art 8: Signature Acoustique

In 1959, Anti-Americanism surged in the UK. England seethed over America’s treatment of its Prime Minister who was smacked down for daring to use diplomacy to resolve the crisis over divided Germany.  In 1959 England also fretted over a new American export: the Beatnik. The British foreign office forcefully responded with a report advocating for “ an increased effort in the field of press, radio and television in the U.K. to say the right kind of things about the Americans.” This is the very moment Kenneth Tynan was commissioned to make a documentary for British Television about American Non-conformism and Dissent. We take a close look at one of the Cold War's most bizarre and inspired artifacts of Anti Anti-American propaganda.Shownotes: Laura Bradley writes on <a href="https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/watching-spectatorship-and-judgment-trial-scenes-in-brechts-epic-">Brecht</a> and German theater. Kenneth Tynan’s documentary aired on January 27th, 1960 and then was supposedly erased (it wasn’t).Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/"> https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1959, Anti-Americanism surged in the UK. England seethed over America’s treatment of its Prime Minister who was smacked down for daring to use diplomacy to resolve the crisis over divided Germany.  In 1959 England also fretted over a new American export: the Beatnik. The British foreign office forcefully responded with a report advocating for “ an increased effort in the field of press, radio and television in the U.K. to say the right kind of things about the Americans.” This is the very moment Kenneth Tynan was commissioned to make a documentary for British Television about American Non-conformism and Dissent. We take a close look at one of the Cold War's most bizarre and inspired artifacts of Anti Anti-American propaganda.
Shownotes: Laura Bradley writes on Brecht and German theater. Kenneth Tynan’s documentary aired on January 27th, 1960 and then was supposedly erased (it wasn’t).
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1959, Anti-Americanism surged in the UK. England seethed over America’s treatment of its Prime Minister who was smacked down for daring to use diplomacy to resolve the crisis over divided Germany.  In 1959 England also fretted over a new American export: the Beatnik. The British foreign office forcefully responded with a report advocating for “ an increased effort in the field of press, radio and television in the U.K. to say the right kind of things about the Americans.” This is the very moment Kenneth Tynan was commissioned to make a documentary for British Television about American Non-conformism and Dissent. We take a close look at one of the Cold War's most bizarre and inspired artifacts of Anti Anti-American propaganda.

Not All Propaganda is Art 7: Manufacturing Dissent

In the summer of 1959, Nixon and Khrushchev argued over a washing machine in a backstage kitchen in Moscow, while American Cold War intellectuals gathered in the Poconos to defend Kitsch. Dwight Macdonald, whose theory of mass culture translated too easily into Anti-Americanism, was barred from participating because this was no ordinary mass culture conference; it was an Anti Anti-Americanism operation. Meanwhile, in London, Dwight Macdonald delivered a mass culture lecture of his own called "America, America,” based on the most famous article Encounter magazine never published.

Shownotes: <a href="https://www.jeffpooley.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jefferson Pooley</a> wrote about <a href="https://www.jeffpooley.com/pubs/AnnalsPooley2006.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Edward Shils</a> and <a href="https://www.jeffpooley.com/pubs/pooley-remobilization-draft-2018.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Remobilization of the Propaganda and Morale Network</a>. <a href="https://www.intellectualhistory.net/leading-intellectual-historians/sophie-scott-brown" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sophie Scott-Brown</a> wrote about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Histories-Raphael-Samuel-historian-Biography/dp/1760460362" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raphael Samuel</a> and the New Left.

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

 
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In the summer of 1959, Nixon and Khrushchev argued over a washing machine in a backstage kitchen in Moscow, while American Cold War intellectuals gathered in the Poconos to defend Kitsch. Dwight Macdonald, whose theory of mass culture translated too easily into Anti-Americanism, was barred from participating because this was no ordinary mass culture conference; it was an Anti Anti-Americanism operation. Meanwhile, in London, Dwight Macdonald delivered a mass culture lecture of his own called "America, America,” based on the most famous article Encounter magazine never published.
Shownotes: Jefferson Pooley wrote about Edward Shils and The Remobilization of the Propaganda and Morale Network. Sophie Scott-Brown wrote about Raphael Samuel and the New Left.
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing athttps://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In the summer of 1959, Nixon and Khrushchev argued over a washing machine in a backstage kitchen in Moscow, while American Cold War intellectuals gathered in the Poconos to defend Kitsch

Not All Propaganda is Art 6: The Kitsch Debate

In the fall of 1958, Kenneth Tynan moved from London to New York and upon arrival, clashed with Hollywood mogul Samuel Goldwyn over socially engaged art and the politics of apolitical culture on live TV. At the same moment New Yorker writer Dwight Macdonald went West to report on “New” Hollywood's ambitions to create commercially and artistically successful films. We also meet two of Professor Macdonald’s former students from a Mass Culture course he taught at Bard College in 1958. Meanwhile in France, Richard Wright suffers a number of disturbing attacks, prompting him to channel his frustrations into a revealing radio play.

Shownotes: <a href="https://africana.barnard.edu/profiles/tamara-j-walker" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tamara Walker</a> is the author of <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635185/beyond-the-shores-by-tamara-j-walker/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond the Shores</a>, Hugh Wilford wrote<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Wurlitzer-How-Played-America/dp/067403256X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1I2VLW1PUPMNG&amp;keywords=hugh+wilford&amp;qid=1705522117&amp;s=digital-text&amp;sprefix=hugh+wilford%2Cdigital-text%2C77&amp;sr=1-2-catcorr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Mighty Wurlitzer</a>, <a href="https://www.macdowell.org/artists/tom-benjamin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom Benjamin</a> and <a href="https://www.franhodes.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frances Hodes</a> were both students of Dwight Macdonald at Bard College in 1958 and <a href="https://www.dansinclair.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dan Sinclair</a> is the author of  <a href="https://www.comedy.co.uk/fringe/2023/courteous-enemy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Courteous Enemy</a>.

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In the fall of 1958, Kenneth Tynan moved from London to New York and upon arrival, clashed with Hollywood mogul Samuel Goldwyn over socially engaged art and the politics of apolitical culture on live TV. At the same moment New Yorker writer Dwight Macdonald went West to report on “New” Hollywood's ambitions to create commercially and artistically successful films. We also meet two of Professor Macdonald’s former students from a Mass Culture course he taught at Bard College in 1958. Meanwhile in France, Richard Wright suffers a number of disturbing attacks, prompting him to channel his frustrations into a revealing radio play.
Shownotes: Tamara Walker is the author of Beyond the Shores, Hugh Wilford wrote The Mighty Wurlitzer, Tom Benjamin and Frances Hodes were both students of Dwight Macdonald at Bard College in 1958 and Dan Sinclair is the author of  Courteous Enemy.
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In the fall of 1958, Kenneth Tynan moved from London to New York and upon arrival, clashed with Hollywood mogul Samuel Goldwyn over socially engaged art and the politics of apolitical culture on live TV. At the same moment New Yorker writer Dwight Macdonald went West to report on “New” Hollywood's ambitions to create commercially and artistically successful films. We also meet two of Professor Macdonald’s former students from a Mass Culture course he taught at Bard College in 1958. Meanwhile in France, Richard Wright suffers a number of disturbing attacks, prompting him to channel his frustrations into a revealing radio play.

Not All Propaganda is Art 5: The Play's the Thing

In 1956, Richard Wright spoke of islands of free men at the first Congress of Black Writers and Artists in Paris. James Baldwin critiqued the event for Encounter, the CIA’s propaganda magazine. We take a close listen to the original recordings.

Shownotes: <a href="https://academic.oup.com/histres/article/95/269/423/6603610" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merve Fejzula</a> and <a href="https://press.umich.edu/Books/O/Of-Vagabonds-and-Fellow-Travelers2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cedric Tolliver</a> both wrote about the 1956 Congrès des écrivains et artistes noirs. <a href="http://www.darrylpinckney.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darryl Pinckney</a> wrote on <a href="https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/norman-mailer-white-negro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Norman Mailer</a> and <a href="https://guerrealautre.hypotheses.org/category/document" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Denis Leroux</a> wrote on <a href="https://francearchives.gouv.fr/findingaid/c8b15ce965c3ed4a97486f5735fe9bbd67ddb85f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antoine Bonnemaison</a>.

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at<a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1956, Richard Wright spoke of islands of free men at the first Congress of Black Writers and Artists in Paris. James Baldwin critiqued the event for Encounter, the CIA’s propaganda magazine. We take a close listen to the original recordings.
Shownotes: Merve Fejzula and Cedric Tolliver both wrote about the 1956 Congrès des écrivains et artistes noirs. Darryl Pinckney wrote on Norman Mailer and Denis Leroux wrote on Antoine Bonnemaison.
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1956, Richard Wright spoke of islands of free men at the first Congress of Black Writers and Artists in Paris. James Baldwin critiqued the event for Encounter, the CIA’s propaganda magazine. We take a close listen to the original recordings. 

Not All Propaganda is Art 4: Propagande Noire

In 1956 London Theater critic Kenneth Tynan helped launch a youth movement committed to exposing social and political issues on stage, on screen and in literature. We take a close look at the operators and opportunists behind England’s Angry Young Men.

Shownotes: Michael Billington wrote for the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/profile/michaelbillington" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guardian</a>, Celia Brayfield wrote <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/rebel-writers-the-accidental-feminists-9781448217502/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebel Writers</a>, Clare Bucknell wrote <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/treasuries-9781800241459/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Treasuries</a> Laura Bradley writes on <a href="https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/watching-spectatorship-and-judgment-trial-scenes-in-brechts-epic-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brecht</a>.

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at <a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1956 London Theater critic Kenneth Tynan helped launch a youth movement committed to exposing social and political issues on stage, on screen and in literature. We take a close look at the operators and opportunists behind England’s Angry Young Men.
Shownotes: Michael Billington wrote for the Guardian, Celia Brayfield wrote Rebel Writers, Clare Bucknell wrote The Treasuries Laura Bradley writes on Brecht.
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1956 London Theater critic Kenneth Tynan helped launch a youth movement committed to exposing social and political  issues on stage, on screen and in literature. We take a close look at the operators and opportunists  behind England’s Angry Young Men. 

Not All Propaganda is Art 3: The Man Who Was Thursday's Children

In 1956, New Yorker writer Dwight Macdonald joined Encounter, a magazine secretly backed by American and British security agencies. He arrived in London just as British Influencers turned a young Existentialist named Colin Wilson into England's answer to Jean-Paul Sartre. Meanwhile, the CIA incited a youth rebellion in communist Hungary. We investigate the covert propaganda behind Operation Free Youth Action and Operation Anti-Sartre and the Outsider’s influence on Macdonald’s famous critique of Mass and Middlebrow Culture.

 
Shownotes: Carole Ann Gill  is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Ann-Gill-ebook/dp/B0BZTNP1DV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=1689526944&amp;sr=1-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carole Ann</a>, Sarah Roth wrote on <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14682745.2022.2124972" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Operation Focus</a>, Hugh Wilford is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Wurlitzer-How-Played-America/dp/067403256X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1I2VLW1PUPMNG&amp;keywords=hugh+wilford&amp;qid=1705522117&amp;s=digital-text&amp;sprefix=hugh+wilford%2Cdigital-text%2C77&amp;sr=1-2-catcorr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Mighty Wurlitzer</a>, Jelena Ćulibrk writes on <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01439685.2021.1936978" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IRD and Newsreels</a>, Gary Lachman is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Robot-Life-Colin-Wilson/dp/0399173080" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond the Robot</a>, Alfred Betschart writes on <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/48562912" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sartre</a>, Stefan Collini is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Absent-Minds-Intellectuals-Stefan-Collini/dp/0199216657" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Absent Minds</a>, Geoffrey Wheatcroft is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Absent-Minds-Intellectuals-Stefan-Collini/dp/0199216657" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Absent Friends</a>.

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at <a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1956, New Yorker writer Dwight Macdonald joined Encounter, a magazine secretly backed by American and British security agencies. He arrived in London just as British Influencers turned a young Existentialist named Colin Wilson into England's answer to Jean-Paul Sartre. Meanwhile, the CIA incited a youth rebellion in communist Hungary. We investigate the covert propaganda behind Operation Free Youth Action and Operation Anti-Sartre and the Outsider’s influence on Macdonald’s famous critique of Mass and Middlebrow Culture.

Shownotes: Carole Ann Gill  is the author of Carole Ann, Sarah Roth wrote on Operation Focus, Hugh Wilford is the author of The Mighty Wurlitzer, Jelena Ćulibrk writes on IRD and Newsreels, Gary Lachman is the author of Beyond the Robot, Alfred Betschart writes on Sartre, Stefan Collini is the author of Absent Minds, Geoffrey Wheatcroft is the author of Absent Friends.
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In 1956, New Yorker writer Dwight Macdonald joined Encounter, a magazine secretly backed by American and British security agencies. He arrived in London just as British Influencers turned a young Existentialist named Colin Wilson into England's answer to Jean-Paul Sartre. Meanwhile, the CIA incited a youth rebellion in communist Hungary. We investigate the covert propaganda behind Operation Free Youth Action and Operation Anti-Sartre and the Outsider’s influence on Macdonald’s famous critique of Mass and Middlebrow Culture.

Not All Propaganda is Art 2: Outsider Influence

In the 1950s the CIA weaponized culture to capture hearts and minds in Europe and Africa. We meet three writers (Richard Wright, Kenneth Tynan, and Dwight Macdonald) who got caught up in this battle both as collaborators and targets between the years of 1956 - 1960. We also meet a propagandist responsible for the CIA’s cinematic version of 1984 (Operation Big Brother) and “books that don’t smack of propaganda” aimed at European Intellectuals - including James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son.

Shownotes: Françoise Vergès is the author of <a href="https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745341125/a-decolonial-feminism/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A decolonial Feminis</a>m, James Campbell is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Paris-Interzone-James-Campbell/dp/0099425122" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paris Interzone</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Gates-Life-James-Baldwin/dp/0520381688/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=0hK4G&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&amp;pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&amp;pf_rd_r=146-4905125-9064660&amp;pd_rd_wg=vPSpk&amp;pd_rd_r=a3c4f95e-1169-41e0-9ffc-5e26a85ca00f&amp;ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Talking at the Gates</a>, Jelena Ćulibrk writes on <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01439685.2021.1936978" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IRD and Newsreels</a>, Tony Shaw writes on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/British-Cinema-Cold-War-Propaganda/dp/186064371X" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">British Cinema and the Cold War</a>,

Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at <a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In the 1950s the CIA weaponized culture to capture hearts and minds in Europe and Africa. We meet three writers (Richard Wright, Kenneth Tynan, and Dwight Macdonald) who got caught up in this battle both as collaborators and targets between the years of 1956 - 1960. We also meet a propagandist responsible for the CIA’s cinematic version of 1984 (Operation Big Brother) and “books that don’t smack of propaganda” aimed at European Intellectuals - including James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son.
Shownotes: Françoise Vergès is the author of A decolonial Feminism, James Campbell is the author of Paris Interzone and Talking at the Gates, Jelena Ćulibrk writes on IRD and Newsreels, Tony Shaw writes on British Cinema and the Cold War,
Support ToE and get access to the incredible exclusive bonus companion series to Not All Propaganda is Art by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

In the 1950s the CIA weaponized culture to capture hearts and minds in Europe and Africa. We meet three writers (Richard Wright, Kenneth Tynan, and Dwight MaCdonald) who got caught up in this battle both as collaborators and targets between the years of 1956 - 1960. We also meet a propagandist responsible for the CIA’s cinematic version of 1984 (Operation Big Brother) and “books that don’t smack of propaganda” aimed at European Intellectuals - including James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son. 

Not All Propaganda is Art 1: Operation Younger Brother

The new ToE series Propaganda is Art has a companion podcast called Propaganda Notes &amp; Sources, think audio footnotes!

Each episode in Not All Propaganda is Art gets its own corresponding episode of Propaganda Notes &amp; Sources. Your host goes through the script for each episode and cites all the corresponding original sources he consulted, and the archives he visited while reporting this series. Like all great footnotes, these go deep and contain many digressions and new stories. This is a teaser of episode one.

Support the Theory of Everything  and get access to the exclusive companion series by subscribing at <a href="https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/</a>, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

The new ToE series Propaganda is Art has a companion podcast called Propaganda Notes & Sources, think audio footnotes!
Each episode in Not All Propaganda is Art gets its own corresponding episode of Propaganda Notes & Sources. Your host goes through the script for each episode and cites all the corresponding original sources he consulted, and the archives he visited while reporting this series. Like all great footnotes, these go deep and contain many digressions and new stories.   This is a teaser of episode one.
Support the Theory of Everything  and get access to the exclusive companion series by subscribing at https://theoryofeverything.supercast.com/, or subscribe directly in Apple Podcasts by hitting “Subscribe” right on the show page.

Not All Propaganda is Art BONUS CONTENT TRAILER: Propaganda Notes and Sources

One of my favorite technology critics has just published a novel about Self Driving Cars (or fake Self Driving Cars). We talk about her new book, and the hidden human worker nestled in our technological revolution. I can’t recommend <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374610661/wrongway" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wrong Way</a> enough!

One of my favorite technology critics has just published a novel about Self Driving Cars (or fake Self Driving Cars). We talk about her new book, and the hidden human worker nestled in our technological revolution.  I can’t recommend Wrong Way enough!

One of my favorite Technology critics has just published a novel about Self Driving cars (or fake self driving cars) We talk about her new book, and the hidden human worker nestled in our technological revolution.  I can’t recommend Wrong Way enough! 

Wrong Way with Joanne McNeil

Today we live inside data systems that contain, surveil, and judge us. In his new book, <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250209276/thehankshow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the Hank Show</a>, author and journalist McKenzie Funk provides us with a totally unique origin story of our world: A guy named Hank Asher. We talk with McKenzie Funk about the  former Florida conto painter, drug-running pilot, alleged CIA asset, and  pioneering computer programmer known as the father of data fusion.

McKenzie Funk has written many stories about the dangers of computer systems that can get us wrong, but the story of Hank Asher has turned him on to a danger even more alarming. What chance do we have when the computers know everything about us?

Note: The TOE limited series “Not all Art is Propaganda” will be debuting January 2024! I know its been a long wait, but we are nearing the finish line and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Today we live inside data systems that contain, surveil, and judge us. In his new book, the Hank Show, author and journalist McKenzie Funk provides us with a totally unique origin story of our world: A guy named Hank Asher. We talk with McKenzie Funk about the  former Florida conto painter, drug-running pilot, alleged CIA asset, and  pioneering computer programmer known as the father of data fusion.
McKenzie Funk has written many stories about the dangers of computer systems that can get us wrong, but the story of Hank Asher has turned him on to a danger even more alarming. What chance do we have when the computers know everything about us?
Note: The TOE limited series “Not all Art is Propaganda” will be debuting January 2024! I know its been a long wait, but we are nearing the finish line and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Today we live inside data systems that contain, surveil, and judge us. In his new book, the Hank Show, author and journalist McKenzie Funk provides us with a totally unique origin story of our world: A guy named Hank Asher. We talk with McKenzie Funk about the  former Florida conto painter, drug-running pilot, alleged CIA asset, and  pioneering computer programmer known as the father of data fusion.  McKenzie Funk has written many stories about the dangers of computer systems that can get us wrong, but the story of Hank Asher has turned him on to a danger even more alarming. What chance do we have when the computers know everything about us?

The Hank Show (when computers are right)

Two very different tales about making stuff up about the CIA. Your host shares the story of Sylvia Press, who in the 1950s, wrote a revenge novel after she was fired during the McCarthy purges. And author Jefferson Morley tells us about the time CIA director Richard Helms tried to create an American James Bond with the help of future Watergate burglar E Howard Hunt.

Get Jefferson Morley’s amazing new book: <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250275837/scorpionsdance" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scorpion's Dance</a>. Sylvia Press’s novel The Care of Devils is harder to find.

Two very different tales about making stuff up about the CIA. Your host shares the story of Sylvia Press, who in the 1950s, wrote a revenge novel after she was fired during the McCarthy purges. And author Jefferson Morley tells us about the time CIA director Richard Helms tried to create an American James Bond with the help of future Watergate burglar E Howard Hunt.
Get Jefferson Morley’s amazing new book: Scorpion's Dance. Sylvia Press’s novel The Care of Devils is harder to find.

Too good to be true remix

Citizens armed only with Molotov cocktails battle with Russian tanks on the streets of… Budapest.  In November of 1956 Russian troops invaded Hungary. The revolution was crushed and thousands of Hungarians fled. Will history repeat itself? We talk with <a href="http://rekapigniczky.com/visual-history/memory-project-19562016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Réka Pigniczky</a> about her memory project, a film series dedicated to the Hungarian revolution. Also: <a href="https://www.currentaffairs.org/2022/06/u-s-deliberation-during-hungarys-1956-uprising-offers-lessons-on-restraint" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Branko Marcetic</a> compares America’s response to the events of 1956 with our current posturing over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

ps. Your host will be visiting Hungary this August to report on 1956 for our upcoming 8 part mini series, get in touch if you have any Budapest tips

Citizens armed only with Molotov cocktails battle with Russian tanks on the streets of… Budapest.  In November of 1956 Russian troops invaded Hungary. The revolution was crushed and thousands of Hungarians fled. Will history repeat itself? We talk with Réka Pigniczky about her memory project, a film series dedicated to the Hungarian revolution. Also: Branko Marcetic compares America’s response to the events of 1956 with our current posturing over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
ps. Your host will be visiting Hungary this August to report on 1956 for our upcoming 8 part mini series, get in touch if you have any Budapest tips

Citizens armed only with Molotov cocktails battle with Russian tanks on the streets of… Budapest.  In November of 1956 Russian troops invaded Hungary. The revolution was crushed and thousands of Hungarians fled. Will history repeat itself? We talk with Réka Pigniczky about her memory project, a film series dedicated to the Hungarian revolution. Also: Branko Marcetic compares America’s response to the events of 1956 with our current posturing over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.  ps. Your host will be visiting Hungary this August to report on 1956 for our upcoming 8 part mini series, get in touch if you have any Budapest tips

Second time as forced (500daysplus)

The life of musician Connie Converse easily reduces down to one of those Hemingway length sad stories: Before Dylan there was Connie Converse and then she disappeared.

In his new book “To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse” Howard Fishman gives us the complete tale. We meet up with Howard and learn why this incredible musician just couldn’t catch a break in 1950s New York City, and why he is devoted to her life and art.

You can get a copy of Howard’s amazing book wherever books are sold or use this <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/to-anyone-who-ever-asks-the-life-music-and-mystery-of-connie-converse-howard-fishman/18748510?ean=9780593187364" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">link</a>

The life of musician Connie Converse easily reduces down to one of those Hemingway length sad stories: Before Dylan there was Connie Converse and then she disappeared.
In his new book “To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse” Howard Fishman gives us the complete tale.  We meet up with Howard and learn why this incredible musician  just couldn’t catch a break in 1950s New York City, and why he is devoted to her life and art.
You can get a copy of Howard’s amazing book wherever books are sold or use this link

The life of musician Connie Converse easily reduces down to one of those Hemingway length sad stories: Before Dylan there was Connie Converse and then she disappeared.   In his new book “To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse” Howard Fishman gives us the complete tale. We meet up with Howard to talk about this incredible musician who just couldn’t catch a break in 1950s New York City and his devotion to Connie’s life and art. 

Outsider Studies: Connie Converse

We hear from two photographers who are masters at showing us what is hard to see, and always has been hard to see, in America.

We hear from two photographers who are masters at showing us what is hard to see, and always has been hard to see, in America.

How to look at America

The war/invasion/fighting is still going. We revisit our program on NFTs, art and war. Your host visits the 59th International Art Biennale in Venice, the world’s most important art fair and the first since the global pandemic. Plus Digital Ukranians, Sound Art, and NFTs.

The war/invasion/fighting is still going. We revisit our program on NFTs, art and war.  Your host visits the 59th International Art Biennale in Venice, the world’s most important art fair and the first since the global pandemic. Plus Digital Ukranians, Sound Art, and NFTs.

Venice (Ukraine redux)

One of the episodes in my False Alarm! Series from 2018 imagined a future where Elon Musk stepped up to help with the News. That Algorithmic Oligarchic joke is no longer funny. On 4.20.2023 Elon Musk followed through on his threat and brought Twitter to heel.

From 2018: A handful of tech barons now own the news but only one can rule the fake news. A chat with the comedy team behind the CBC’s<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thisisthat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This is That</a> satirical news show turns into breaking news about Elon Musk.

One of the episodes in my False Alarm! Series from 2018 imagined a future where Elon Musk stepped up to help with the News. That Algorithmic Oligarchic joke is no longer funny. On 4.20.2023 Elon Musk followed through on his threat and brought Twitter to heel.
From 2018: A handful of tech barons now own the news but only one can rule the fake news. A chat with the comedy team behind the CBC’sThis is That satirical news show turns into breaking news about Elon Musk.

One of the episodes in my False Alarm! Series from 2018 imagined a future where Elon Musk stepped up to help with the News. That Algorithmic Oligarchic joke is no longer funny. On 4.20.2023 Elon Musk followed through on his threat and brought Twitter to heel.

Reality is that which, when you stop laughing at it, doesn't go away (false alarm Elon Musk 4202023 remix) 

Back in 2018 your host met Stormy Daniels as part of his 15 part investigation into America’s disinformation complex. You can find that series <a href="https://theoryofeverythingpodcast.com/series/false-alarm/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. On this historic day, as we learn that no American floats above the law, we turn back to this historic TOE moment, a remix of False Alarm, featuring a profile of the artist Lynn Hershman Leeson, a conversation with writer Susan Jacoby and Benjamen Walker’s meeting with Stormy Daniels!

Back in 2018 your host met Stormy Daniels as part of his 15 part investigation into America’s disinformation complex.  You can find that series here. On this historic day, as we learn that no American floats above the law, we turn back to this historic TOE moment, a remix of False Alarm, featuring a profile of the artist Lynn Hershman Leeson, a conversation with writer Susan Jacoby and Benjamen Walker’s meeting with Stormy Daniels!

Back in 2018 your host met Stormy Daniels as part of his 15 part investigation into America’s disinformation complex.  You can find those episodes here. On this historic day, as we learn that no American is truly above the law we turn back to this historic TOE moment, a remix of episode two, featuring a profile of the artist Lynn Hershman Leeson, a conversation with writer Susan Jacoby and a meeting with Stormy Daniels!

False Alarm! (Stormy Daniels 2023 Appreciation remix)

A remixed complete version of our two part Watergate series from last year:  Journalists may write the first draft of history but Hollywood prints the legends and the myths. The 1976 film All the President’s Men remains our most authoritative account of Watergate. The film is also responsible for the myth of Deep Throat. Your host follows the myth… from 1976 to the present.  Plus a reporter from the Washington Post newsroom who never made it into All the President’s Men yet did more to safeguard the free press and American democracy than Woodstein ever did.

A remixed complete version of our two part Watergate series from last year:  Journalists may write the first draft of history but Hollywood prints the legends and the myths. The 1976 film All the President’s Men remains our most authoritative account of Watergate. The film is also responsible for the myth of Deep Throat. Your host follows the myth… from 1976 to the present.  Plus a reporter from the Washington Post newsroom who never made it into All the President’s Men yet did more to safeguard the free press and American democracy than Woodstein ever did.

How to tell the truth about lies (complete)

Some books have titles that jump out right out at you, Carmela Ciuraru’s new group biography Lives of the Wives is definitely one of those books. She tells us about her five wives and the hazards of literary relationships.

Some books have titles that jump out right out at you, Carmela Ciuraru’s new group biography Lives of the Wives is definitely one of those books. She tells us about her five wives and the hazards of literary relationships.

Lives of the Wives 

As decibel levels continue to rise, threatening human existence we turn to two listening experts for help. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Silence-Listening-Meaning-World/dp/0385528884" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George Prochnik</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Zero-Decibels-Quest-Absolute-Silence/dp/1416599592" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George Foy</a> both investigate listening, silence and noise.

As decibel levels continue to rise, threatening human existence we turn to two listening experts for help. George Prochnik and George Foy both investigate listening, silence and noise.

Listening to Noise

One of our heroes Barbara Ehrenreich passed away earlier this year. She was one of America’s best undercover journalists. We once spoke with her about her book Bright Sided, her journey into the heart of American darkness:  the  positive thinking industry. Also we hear from an ex clan member who reveals the secret of the twinkling cross. Plus your host wonders “what would the founders do”

@radiotopia is THE home for independent podcasts–we own our shows, and make them how we want, because we’re supported by listeners like YOU! Donate today to help us reach our goal of 1,000 donors. Thank you &lt;3

One of our heroes Barbara Ehrenreich passed away earlier this year. She was one of America’s best undercover journalists. We once spoke with her about her book Bright Sided, her journey into the heart of American darkness:  the  positive thinking industry. Also we hear from an ex clan member who reveals the secret of the twinkling cross. Plus your host wonders “what would the founders do”
@radiotopia is THE home for independent podcasts–we own our shows, and make them how we want, because we’re supported by listeners like YOU! Donate today to help us reach our goal of 1,000 donors. Thank you <3

One of our heroes Barbara Ehrenreich passed away earlier this year. She was one of America’s best undercover journalists. We once spoke with her about her book Bright Sided, her journey into the heart of American darkness:  the  positive thinking industry. Also we hear from an ex clan member who reveals the secret of the twinkling cross. Plus your host wonders “what would the founders do”  

American Histories

Jeremiah Moss’s Feral City is much much more than a Covid memoir. In many ways it is a continuation of his desire to understand how and why New York city has changed,  and if there is still a place for outsiders or if it now belongs to what he calls “the new people.” We walked around our Neighborhood together to talk about what the city was like during Covid time and what the phrase “go back to normal” really means.

Please contribute to the 2022 Radiotopia fundraiser. 

<a href="https://on.prx.org/3NT1g5M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3NT1g5M</a>

Jeremiah Moss’s Feral City is much much more than a Covid memoir. In many ways it is a continuation of his desire to understand how and why New York city has changed,  and if there is still a place for outsiders or if it now belongs to what he calls “the new people.” We walked around our Neighborhood together to talk about what the city was like during Covid time and what the phrase “go back to normal” really means.
Please contribute to the 2022 Radiotopia fundraiser. 
https://on.prx.org/3NT1g5M

Jeremiah Moss’s Feral City is much much more than a covid memoir. In many ways it is a continuation of his desire to understand how and why New York city has changed,  and if there is still a place for outsiders or if it now belongs to what he calls “the new people.” We walked around our Neighborhood together to talk about what the city was like during covid time and what the phrase “go back to normal” really means. 

Not going back to normal  (a conversation with Jeremiah Moss author of Feral City)

Yvette Gonzales tells us a first person story about what its like to be transgender in Prison. Gender theorist B. Preciado tells us about what happens when a person takes testosterone without the intention of transitioning from one gender to another. Plus, Jim Elledge tells us about his  biography of Outsider Artist Henry Darger, and why he drew little girls with penises.

Yvette Gonzales tells us a first person story about what its like to be transgender in Prison. Gender theorist B. Preciado tells us about what happens when a person takes testosterone without the intention of transitioning from one gender to another. Plus, Jim Elledge tells us about his  biography of Outsider Artist Henry Darger, and why he drew little girls with penises.

Transformers remix

In their new book  <a href="http://cup.columbia.edu/book/hollywood-and-israel/9780231183413" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hollywood and Israel</a>, film scholars Tony Shaw and Giora Goodman take us behind and beyond the screen to show how the world’s entertainment capital is an important player in international affairs and how profit always trumps propaganda.

In their new book  Hollywood and Israel, film scholars Tony Shaw and Giora Goodman take us behind and beyond the screen to show how the world’s entertainment capital is an important player in international affairs and how profit always trumps propaganda.

In their new book  Hollywood and Israel, film scholars Tony Shaw and Giora Goodman take us behind and beyond the screen to show how the world’s entertainment capital is an important player in international affairs and how profits always trump propaganda. 

Risky Business: Hollywood and Israel

911 final reprise. George Bush celebrates the anniversary of 911 with some new ‘dark’ paintings. Your host marks the occasion with some high stakes performance art. Plus un-learned art lessons from the $150,000 banana.

911 final reprise. George Bush celebrates the anniversary of 911 with some new ‘dark’ paintings. Your host marks the occasion with some high stakes performance art. Plus un-learned art lessons from the $150,000 banana.

George Bush celebrates the anniversary of 911 with some new ‘dark’ paintings. Your host marks the occasion with some high stakes performance art. Plus un-learned art lessons from the $150,000 banana.

Performance Peace (reprise)

Growing up in Glasgow in the 1960s James Campbell got into loads of trouble. At the age of 15 he left school and started work at a printing factory. But then he discovered the magic of the road and the wonderful world of “away” We talk with the author about his <a href="https://www.pauldrybooks.com/products/just-go-down-to-the-road-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new memoir</a>, “Just go down to the road”

Growing up in Glasgow in the 1960s James Campbell got into loads of trouble. At the age of 15 he left school and started work at a printing factory. But then he discovered the magic of the road and the wonderful world of “away” We talk with the author about his new memoir, “Just go down to the road”

Growing up in Glasgow in the 1960s James Campbell got into loads of trouble. At the age of 15 he left school and started work at a printing factory. But then he discovered the magic of the road and the wonderful world of “away” We talke with the author about his new memoir, “Just go down to the road” 

Trouble and Travel with James Campbell

On May 10th 1941 Rudolf Hess flew from Germany to Scotland. He hoped to bring the Nazis and the British together. He failed. But the details behind his flight remain one of the greatest mysteries of World War II. Historians and Amateur scholars have spent decades trying to unravel this mystery. On this episode we look into one of the strangest theories of them all.

On May 10th 1941 Rudolf Hess flew from Germany to Scotland. He hoped to bring the Nazis and the British together. He failed. But the details behind his flight remain one of the greatest mysteries of World War II. Historians and Amateur scholars have spent decades trying to unravel this mystery. On this episode we look into one of the strangest theories of them all.

The longest Shortest Flight of Rudolf Hess 

The longest Shortest Flight of Rudolf Hess (remix)

“G.S.” was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Bozeman, Montana many years ago. The story he told me about how bad karma brought him from Devon, England to the C.U.T. bomb shelters in Gardiner, Montana still haunts me.

“G.S.” was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Bozeman, Montana many years ago. The story he told me about how bad karma brought him from Devon, England to the C.U.T. bomb shelters in Gardiner, Montana still haunts me.

revisiting Dark Karma

One million plus dead Americans into the pandemic and the ‘long covid’ odds are now 1 in 5. What happened? How did we end up here? And more importantly, how does one win the covid lottery? Our two favorite stories from our ‘NYC after covid’ mini series from last year.

One million plus dead Americans into the pandemic and the ‘long covid’ odds are now 1 in 5. What happened? How did we end up here? And more importantly, how does one win the covid lottery? Our two favorite stories from our ‘NYC after covid’ mini series from last year.

Covid after Covid

Does art have anything to offer us in these trying times? Your host visits the 59th International Art Biennale in Venice, the world’s most important art fair and the first since the global pandemic. Plus Digital Ukranians, Sound Art, and NFTs.

Does art have anything to offer us in these trying times? Your host visits the 59th International Art Biennale in Venice, the world’s most important art fair and the first since the global pandemic. Plus Digital Ukranians, Sound Art, and NFTs.

Does art have anything to offer us in these trying times? Your host visits the 59th International Art Biennale in Venice, the world’s most important art fair and the first since the Global pandemic. Plus Digital Ukranians, Sound Art, and NFT parties.

Venice

Hitler and Goebbels read Walter Benjamin in the bunker, Orson Wells discovers the magic of the fake crowd.

Plus, a profile of artist Lynn Hershman Leeson.

Hitler and Goebbels read Walter Benjamin in the bunker, Orson Wells discovers the magic of the fake crowd.
Plus, a profile of artist Lynn Hershman Leeson.

Hitler and Goebbels read Walter Benjamin in the bunker, Orson Wells discovers the magic of the fake crowd.  Plus, a profile of artist Lynn Hershman Leeson. 

Where does real art come from? (three fakes) 

New York’s new mayor recently announced a new strategy to fight crime. As the New York Daily News proclaims: BROKEN WINDOWS is back!  In this ToE we examine the roots of this policing theory and the individuals who first planted it.

We revisit CRIME FILES a Police Foundation TV show from the 80s to better understand where this theory came from and how we might rid ourselves of this insidious idea once and for all.

New York’s new mayor recently announced a new strategy to fight crime. As the New York Daily News proclaims: BROKEN WINDOWS is back!  In this ToE we examine the roots of this policing theory and the individuals who first planted it.
We revisit CRIME FILES a Police Foundation TV show from the 80s to better understand where this theory came from and how we might rid ourselves of this insidious idea once and for all.

Even More Broken Windows

We conclude our investigation into Hollywood’s retelling of the secret crimes, conspiracies and lies that rocked America in the first half of the 1970s. Plus a reporter from the Washington Post newsroom who never made it into All the President’s Men yet did more to safeguard the free press and American democracy than Woodstein ever did.

We conclude our investigation into Hollywood’s retelling of the secret crimes, conspiracies and lies that rocked America in the first half of the 1970s. Plus a reporter from the Washington Post newsroom who never made it into All the President’s Men yet did more to safeguard the free press and American democracy than Woodstein ever did.

How to tell the truth about lies (part ii of ii)

When he was 16 your host mistook the Hollywood movie The Manchurian Candidate for real life. This confusion led to decades of trouble. This episode is both an extra for our How to tell the truth about lies miniseries and the official TOE contribution to the 2022 Radiotopia fundraiser. 

This year to celebrate our annual fundraiser shows across the network are releasing episodes on the theme “Making Trouble.” You can listen,  learn more and donate to support our work at radiotopia.fm.

When he was 16 your host mistook the Hollywood movie The Manchurian Candidate for real life. This confusion led to decades of trouble. This episode is both an extra for our How to tell the truth about lies miniseries and the official TOE contribution to the 2022 Radiotopia fundraiser. 
This year to celebrate our annual fundraiser shows across the network are releasing episodes on the theme “Making Trouble.” You can listen,  learn more and donate to support our work at radiotopia.fm.

This episode is both an extra for our How to tell the truth about lies miniseries and the official TOE contribution to the 2022 Radiotopia fundraiser.

Making Trouble, Asking Questions

Journalists may write the first draft of history but Hollywood prints the legends and the myths. The 1976 film All the President’s Men remains our most authoritative account of Watergate. The film is also responsible for the myth of Deep Throat. Your host follows the myth… from 1976 to the present. This is the first half of a new ToE miniseries about America’s complicated relationship with truth and lies.

Journalists may write the first draft of history but Hollywood prints the legends and the myths. The 1976 film All the President’s Men remains our most authoritative account of Watergate. The film is also responsible for the myth of Deep Throat. Your host follows the myth… from 1976 to the present. This is the first half of a new ToE miniseries about America’s complicated relationship with truth and lies.

Journalists may write the first draft of history but Hollywood prints the legends and the myths.

How to tell the truth about lies (part i of ii)

After testing positive in Lisbon, your host assesses Portugal's expat and exile scenes.  Plus! lunch with the writer Joseph Roth at a hotel on the waterfront.

After testing positive in Lisbon, your host assesses Portugal's expat and exile scenes.  Plus! lunch with the writer Joseph Roth at a hotel on the waterfront.

Nightvision

*** New ToE series debuting next week about truth, lies, American democracy and the 50 year legacy of deepthroat and trouble-making investigative journalists***

But first a look back to a road trip I took to the American heartland in Wisconsin a few yerars back. We visit the house on the Rock and the forevertron. Even though Alex Jordan’s tourist attraction is one of the most visionary unique places in the world you still won’t find it on any of the official Wisconsin art environment maps. This never bothered the guy who put it together  Alex Jordan Jr, in fact the whole place was built on the idea of sticking it to the official arbiters of culture, plus it pulls in millions of dollars a year in admissions fees! Plus the Forevertron, a place built on the idea of escape from pain, suffering, and failure.

*** New ToE series debuting next week about truth, lies, American democracy and the 50 year legacy of deepthroat and trouble-making investigative journalists***
But first a look back to a road trip I took to the American heartland in Wisconsin a few yerars back.  We visit the house on the Rock and the forevertron. Even though Alex Jordan’s tourist attraction is one of the most visionary unique places in the world you still won’t find it on any of the official Wisconsin art environment maps. This never bothered the guy who put it together  Alex Jordan Jr, in fact the whole place was built on the idea of sticking it to the official arbiters of culture, plus it pulls in millions of dollars a year in admissions fees! Plus the Forevertron, a place built on the idea of escape from pain, suffering, and failure.

*** New ToE series debuting next week about truth, lies, American democracy and the 50 year legacy of deepthroat and trouble-making investigative journalists***  But first a look back to a road trip I took to the American heartland in Wisconsin a few yerars back.  We visit the house on the Rock and the forevertron. Even though Alex Jordan’s tourist attraction is one of the most visionary unique places in the world you still won’t find it on any of the official Wisconsin art environment maps. This never bothered the guy who put it together  Alex Jordan Jr, in fact the whole place was built on the idea of sticking it to the official arbiters of culture, plus it pulls in millions of dollars a year in admissions fees! Plus the Forevertron, a place built on the idea of escape from pain, suffering, and failure. 

Art vs Commerce (Iron and Lies remix)

Our New York after Rona miniseries comes to an end just in time for the latest Variant. The WHO turns to podcasts for a new endless stream of naming possibilities. Plus a ToE favorite playwright returns with a new musical production of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery.

Our New York after Rona miniseries comes to an end just in time for the latest Variant. The WHO turns to podcasts for a new endless stream of naming possibilities. Plus a ToE favorite playwright returns with a new musical production of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery.

Herdest Immunity (New York after Rona part v of v)

As the Nazi nightmare came to an end Thomas Mann thought long and hard about collective guilt. Can Mann’s idea help America in 2021, or do we need a new theory of collective shame.

<ul>
<li>NYRB has put out a <a href="https://www.nyrb.com/products/reflections-of-a-nonpolitical-man?variant=35511073636520" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recent collection</a> of Mann’s political writings.</li>
</ul>

As the Nazi nightmare came to an end Thomas Mann thought long and hard about collective guilt. Can Mann’s idea help America in 2021, or do we need a new theory of collective shame.
NYRB has put out a recent collection of Mann’s political writings.

As the Nazi nightmare came to an end Thomas Mann thought long and hard about collective guilt. Can Mann’s idea help America in 2021 or do we need a new theory of collective shame.

Émigration Intérieure (remix)

New York Schools were closed for most of the pandemic. Education reporter <a href="https://www.npr.org/people/302894536/anya-kamenetz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anya Kamenetz</a> explains why she calls it a stolen year. Plus we meet up with  <a href="https://www.freerangekids.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lenore Skenazy</a> to hear what parents can learn from her classic (and recently updated) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Free-Range-Kids-Parents-Teachers-Grow/dp/1119782147/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=1119782147&amp;psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Free Range Kids</a>.

New York Schools were closed for most of the pandemic. Education reporter Anya Kamenetz explains why she calls it a stolen year. Plus we meet up with  Lenore Skenazy to hear what parents can learn from her classic (and recently updated) Free Range Kids.

Afterschool Special (New York After Rona (part iv)

We visit an empty storefront in Greenwich Village to talk with journalist and curator Alex Brook Lynn about her latest immersive multimedia exhibition: “<a href="https://chashama.org/event/eulogy-for-new-york-city/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eulogy for New York City</a>.” Plus a visit to New York City’s first post covid ComicCon to find out how Batman is doing.

We visit an empty storefront in Greenwich Village to talk with journalist and curator Alex Brook Lynn about her latest immersive multimedia exhibition: “Eulogy for New York City.” Plus a visit to New York City’s first post covid ComicCon to find out how Batman is doing.

Below and Beyond (New York After Rona (part iii)

March 2020, writer <a href="https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393242324" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig Taylor</a> believed he was finally done with his 11 year oral history project featuring the voices of people who live and work in New York City. He wasn’t. His incredible new book New Yorkers provides us with a number of first person accounts of the Covid19 crisis and primes us to think about what’s next for the city. Plus: photographer <a href="http://renatealler.com/projects/side-walk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Renate Aller</a> on the social distancing pictures she took on the street outside her Soho loft during the worst of the crisis.

March 2020, writer Craig Taylor believed he was finally done with his 11 year oral history project featuring the voices of people who live and work in New York City. He wasn’t. His incredible new book New Yorkers provides us with a number of first person accounts of the Covid19 crisis and primes us to think about what’s next for the city. Plus: photographer Renate Aller on the social distancing pictures she took on the street outside her Soho loft during the worst of the crisis.

March 2020, writer Craig Taylor believed he was finally done with his 11 year oral history project featuring the voices of people who live and work in New York City. He wasn’t. His new book New Yorkers provides us with a number of first person accounts of the Covid19 crisis and primes us to think about what’s next for the City. Plus: photographer Renate Aller on the social distancing pictures she took on the street outside her soho loft during the worst of the crisis.    

Faraway, So Close (New York after Rona part ii)

We kick off our new ToE miniseries with a radical rethink on surveillance and the post pandemic city with theorist and writer Benjamin Bratton. His new book Revenge of the Real, both chronicles what went wrong during the crisis and offers a roadmap for how we can survive the next one. Also, your host visits the only New York city neighborhood that has gotten worse after covid, Hudson Yards, with journalist Charlie Warzel. Plus: we look back at one of the first viral videos shot in pandemic time.

We kick off our new ToE miniseries with a radical rethink on surveillance and the post pandemic city with theorist and writer Benjamin Bratton. His new book Revenge of the Real, both chronicles  what went wrong during the crisis and offers a roadmap for how we can survive the next one. Also, your host visits the only New York city neighborhood that has gotten worse after covid, Hudson Yards, with journalist Charlie Warzel. Plus: we look back at one of the first viral videos shot in pandemic time.

Debut of new ToE miniseries on life in the postpandemic city

That was Real (New York After Rona part i)

Cartoonist Charles Schulz  wrote and drew Peanuts every day for half a century. In his new book <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/charlie-browns-america-9780190090463?cc=us&amp;lang=en&amp;" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charlie Brown's America</a>, Historian Blake Scott Ball uses the strip (and the fan mail archive at the Schulz museum) to illuminate the Wishy-Washy politics of Cold War America.

Cartoonist Charles Schulz  wrote and drew Peanuts every day for half a century. In his new book Charlie Brown's America, Historian Blake Scott Ball uses the strip (and the fan mail archive at the Schulz museum) to illuminate the Wishy-Washy politics of Cold War America.

Charlie Brown's America

Now that international travel is becoming more and more a realistic possibility, I find myself dreaming and scheming about new journeys for the podcast. This episode is an audio travelogue of the last journey I was able to do before Covid: A trip through Paris, Copenhagen and Kenya. An international ode to Good Coffee.

Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at <a href="https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn</a>

Now that international travel is becoming more and more a realistic possibility, I find myself dreaming and scheming about new journeys for the podcast. This episode is an audio travelogue of the last journey I was able to do before Covid: A trip through Paris, Copenhagen and Kenya. An international ode to Good Coffee.
Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn

Your host follows a great cup of coffee from Paris, to Copenhagen and Kenya

International Coffee (remix)

Your host talks with Louis Menand about his new book “The Free World, Art and Thought in the Cold War”

Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at <a href="https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn</a>

Your host talks with Louis Menand about his new book “The Free World, Art and Thought in the Cold War”
Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn

Your host talks with Louis Menand about his new book “The Free World, Art and Thought in the Cold War”

Louis Menand and the Cold War

Your host escapes the island, and returns to New York. Plus writer Tim Kreider on Vaccine side effects.

Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at <a href="https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn</a>

Your host escapes the island, and returns to New York. Plus writer Tim Kreider on Vaccine side effects.
Radiotopia is a network of creators who are able to follow their curiosity and tell the stories they care about the most. Show your support for my fellow Radiotopia shows during our Spring Fundraiser. Donate today at https://on.prx.org/3wl9pWn

Your host escapes the island, and returns to New York. Plus writer Tim Kreider on Vaccine side effects. 

The Return

Back in the day, your host took a pilgrimage to Copenhagen to walk the streets the great Dane Søren Kierkegaard once walked. He wanted to understand  the meaning of Kierkegaard’s religious stage so he decided to ask the experts at the Kierkegaard research center. Also Photographer Dina Litovksy tells us about the history and some of the secrets of the modern bachelorette party. And Michael Holmes tells us about life’s final stage – death.

Back in the day,  your host took a pilgrimage to Copenhagen to walk the streets the great Dane Søren Kierkegaard once walked. He wanted to understand  the meaning of Kierkegaard’s religious stage so he decided to ask the experts at the Kierkegaard research center. Also Photographer Dina Litovksy tells us about the history and some of the secrets of the modern bachelorette party. And Michael Holmes tells us about life’s final stage – death.

A few years ago your host took a pilgrimage to Copenhagen to walk the streets the great Dane Søren Kierkegaard once walked. He wanted to understand  the meaning of Kierkegaard’s religious stage so he decided to ask the experts at the Kierkegaard research center. Also Photographer Dina Litovksy tells us about the history and some of the secrets of the modern bachelorette party. And Michael Holmes tells us about life’s final stage – death.

Stages on Life’s Way (r)

Permaculture! Anarchy! Pagan Sex Dungeons!

ToE's Andrew Callaway revisits his 2017 tour of intentional communities for our five part Utopia Series. We are calling this one UTOPIA: The Callaway Cut

Permaculture! Anarchy! Pagan Sex Dungeons!
ToE's Andrew Callaway revisits his 2017 tour of intentional communities for our five part Utopia Series. We are calling this one UTOPIA: The Callaway Cut

Permaculture! Anarchy! Pagan Sex Dungeons!  ToE's Andrew Callaway revisits his 2017 tour of intentional communities for our three part Utopia Series. We are calling this one UTOPIA: The Callaway Cut

UTOPIA: the Callaway Cut

After one year of island confinement, your host joins AlamoFort -  a clubhouse alternative, and discovers a new community in the #covid1984 room. Plus the true meaning of the Island of the Blue Dolphins.

After one year of island confinement, your host joins AlamoFort -  a clubhouse alternative, and discovers a new community in the #covid1984 room. Plus the true meaning of the Island of the Blue Dolphins.

After one year of island confinement, your host joins Alamofort -  a clubhouse alternative, and discovers a new community in the #covid1984 room. Plus the true meaning of the Island of the Blue Dolphins.  

Withdrawal

This year your host wrote an original crime thriller for Audible Originals. Listen to the first chapter here, then go to <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Convolution-Podcast/B08J45PYDT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Audible.com</a> search for <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Convolution-Podcast/B08J45PYDT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Convolution</a> and you can listen to the rest of the story. Rhea Seehorn leads an incredible cast as cybercrimes detective Sydney Birch. This 10-part police drama begins in Los Angeles with an investigation into a group of con men using machine learning to improve their scams and ends in Tibet with a long con involving reincarnation and an evolved artificial intelligence.

This year your host wrote an original crime thriller for Audible Originals. Listen to the first chapter here, then go to Audible.com search for Convolution and you can listen to the rest of the story. Rhea Seehorn leads an incredible cast as cybercrimes detective Sydney Birch. This 10-part police drama begins in Los Angeles with an investigation into a group of con men using machine learning to improve their scams and ends in Tibet with a long con involving reincarnation and an evolved artificial intelligence.

This year your host wrote an original crime thriller for Audible Originals. Listen to the first chapter here and now.

Convolution

A couple of years ago.. Long before I even knew what a coronavirus was I produced one of my favorite episodes ever.. On loneliness.

So many of us are now dealing with the long term effects of loneliness. And these long term effects are not going to just go away when we emerge from this crisis and our bunkers. I’ve got a lot to say about that in an upcoming episode called Withdrawal. But first, let’s revisit When you are lonely, life is very long.

A couple of years ago.. Long before I even knew what a coronavirus was I produced one of my favorite episodes ever.. On loneliness.
So many of us are now dealing with the long term effects of loneliness. And these long term effects are not going to just go away when we emerge from this crisis and our bunkers. I’ve got a lot to say about that in an upcoming episode called Withdrawal. But first, let’s revisit When you are lonely, life is very long.

A couple of years ago.. Long before I even knew what a coronavirus was I produced one of my favorite episodes ever.. About loneliness.   So many of us are now dealing with the long term effects of loneliness. And these long term effects are not going to just go away when we emerge from this crisis and our bunkers. I’ve got a lot to say about that in an upcoming episode called Withdrawal. But first, let’s revisit When you are lonely, life is very long.