Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

On this edition of Parallax Views, arising from the aftermath of the Watergate scandal the media watchdog organization Project Censored was founded in 1976 by Dr. Carl Jensen of Sonoma State University to "educate students and the public about the importance of a truly free press for democratic self-government". For over 40 years it has sought to shine a much needed light on issues like censorship, junk food news, news abuse, and critical media literacy. In addition to producing documentaries and a weekly radio program on these important matters, Project Censored publishes an annual yearbook which attempts to collate the top censored news stories and media analysis of the past year. Joining us to discuss the latest yearbook in this series, Censored 2020: Through the Looking Glass, is Andy Lee Roth, the associate director of Project Censored and coordinator of Project Censored's Validated Independent News program.  The conversation begins with a discussion of Project Censored's mission. Andy Lee Roth references the work of the 20th century Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walter Lippman in this regard and his famous quote arguing that journalism should, "Tell the truth and shame the devil." From there we delve into how Project Censored decides what stories will go into the annual Censored yearbook and fills us in on the Project's Validated Independent News program. Andy then shares with us the poem that opens up Censored 2020 and explains why it used in this edition of the annual yearbook. Then we discuss the Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass motifs that inform the book. Roth explains how these motifs seem prevalent in an age of fake news and media distortion. This brings us into a discussion of fake news and some of the possibly problematic solutions being offered to combat it. From there we discuss some of the chapters contained in Censored 2020: Through the Looking Glass starting with April Anderson and Andy's report on coverage of LGQBTQ+ issues in the age of Trump. We then talk about the annual "Media Democracy in Action" chapter which includes contributions from transparency advocate Russ Kick, Kathyrn Foxhall of the Society of Professional Journalists, and others. Andy and I then discuss a few of the stories included in the top 25 censored stories section of Censored 2020. In particular, Andy tells us about the upsetting story of flawed investigations into sexual assault at Children's Migrant Center and the more positive story of new programs that are making school food systems more equitable. We begin wrapping up the conversation by discussing the state of journalism and the media ecosystem today, specifically in light of the recent collapse of Splinter and Deadspin under G/O Media. Andy and I chat about what the future may hold for journalism in the years ahead. And, as always, we try to end the conversation on a positive note in these precarious times.   Censored 2020: Through the Looking Glass Available Now From Seven Stories Press   CHECK OUT PROJECT CENSORED SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, the multi-level marketing NXIVM has gained national infamy as the "Hollywood Sex Cult" that landed its founder Keith Raniere, Smallville actress Allison Mack, and others in prison on multiple counts related to horrifically abusive behaviors against its members. The sensational headlines, however, may not do justice to understanding the true depravity of Keith Raniere, known within the cult as "Vanguard", and the horror show of NXIVM. Joining us on this edition of the program to unravel the sordid story and provide insight into the mind of a cult leader is Keith Raniere's ex-girlfriend, the "Patient Zero" of NXIVM, Toni Natalie and journalist Chet Hardin, who has been one of the main journalists covering the cult. Together Natalie and Hardin have authored the new book The Program: Inside the Mind of Keith Raniere and The Rise and Fall of NXIVM. We discuss Toni's story from how she met Raniere through the company Consumers Byline Inc. to the gaslighting she experienced after crossing Raniere and finally bearing witness to the fall of NXIVM's founder at his trial. Chet fills us in on how he began reporting on NXIVM and his experiences with its members. Additionally, Chet notes that, while NXIVM may have connections to political campaigns of the Clinton family, Raniere and his cult's beliefs share a great deal in common with the right-wing ideologies espoused online by "incels" and "the red pill" in regards to women. Toni notes that the story of NXIVM is not over yet and that victims, like the late Kristin Snyder, still deserve justice. We close out the conversation by trying to offer some kind of light amidst all the darkness. NXIVM founders Keith Raniere and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) expert Nancy Salzman, known within the cult as "Vanguard" and "Prefect" The Smallville actress Allison was a particularly high-profile member of NXIVM and has admitted to coming up with the idea for the human branding of NXIVM members Sara and Clare Bronfman, heiresses to the immense wealth generated by the Seagram Company, were also high-profile figures associated with NXIVM   THE PROGRAM: INSIDE THE MIND OF KEITH RANIERE AND THE RISE AND FALL OF NXIVM BY TONI NATALIE W/ CHET HARDIN AVAILABLE NOW FROM GRAND CENTRAL PUBLISHING SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation with Joshua Strawn of the musical duo Azar Swan on his journey from growing up as an evangelical Christian to becoming a highly acclaimed post-punk musician with a militant humanist worldview in the goth music scene. In addition to Azar Swan, a collaboration between himself and the mysterious Zohra Atash, Joshua has also been in musical innovator in such bands as the indie rock outfit Religious to Damn, the experimental black metal-influenced project Vaura, and the New York post-punk revival band Blacklist. As well as being a multi-talented musician, Joshua has a keen interest in matters related to politics, humanism, and atheism and, during his time in New York's The New School, was mentored by the late, acerbic New Atheist provocateur Christopher Hitchens. Zohra Atash and Joshua Strawn performing as Azar Swan The Blacklist album Midnight of the Century has attained a cult status Joshua has also tried his hand at a very experimental form of black metal with the band Vaura During his time studying at The New School, Joshua struck up a friendship with the controversial and acerbic social critic Christopher Hitchens During this conversation, Joshua and I discuss his experiences growing up in an evangelical Christian family and understanding the evangelical mindset. From there we dive into how Joshua became a militant atheist driven by humanism and how his interest in music initially blossomed. We discuss his music from Azar Swan to Vaura and Blacklist as well as his involvement in the Wierd Record music label and scene founded by Peter Schoolwerth. And finally we delve into his relationship with Christopher Hitchens including his personal anedotes and feelings about the late social critic with an acidic wit. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM  

In light of whistleblowers being in the news cycle as of late, Parallax Views presents a classic replay of our conversation with Billie Winne-Davis about her daughter Reality Leigh Winner, an early whistleblower of the Trump era. Since the inception of the War On Terror there has been a parallel war waged by the National Security State to silence whistleblowers. Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and John Kiriakou are just some of the victims in the War on Whistleblowers. In 2017 27 year old air force veteran and former NSA contractor Reality Leigh Winner became the first target of the Trump administration's continuation of this ongoing War on Whistleblower after leaking classified information concerning the possibility of Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election. Reality's mother, Billie Winner-Davis, joins us for an emotional conversation about her daughter's case and the ordeal Reality has been put through for being a conscientious citizen. Billie Winner-Davis Reality Leigh Winner We begin the conversation with Billie giving us a brief outline of who Reality is as a person and her many passions. From there we delve right into how reality became a whistleblower after leaking classified information concerning claims of Russian hacking in the 2016 Presidential election to the online news outlet The Intercept. She describes how Reality was treated during her interrogation, how she was not read her Miranda rights, and the smears that were made against her during the trial. We also delve into the challenges Reality faces in prison and the ways in which she was not provided with proper care and services. In addition we discuss, in a very emotional moment of the conversation, how the now convicted Paul Manafort's treatment during the Mueller Probe stands in harsh contrast to what has been done to Reality. Moreover, we delve into the real, vibrant human being that most media coverage of the case has missed by speaking to Reality's artwork, activism, and love for figures like Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. We also discuss Donald Trump's tweet seemingly in support of Reality Winner and how he has failed to follow through with that support. Billie Winner-Davis gives her take on the media's handling of the case before we begin to wrap up the conversation by telling listeners how they can Stand With Reality. On a final note Billie describes how, despite the nightmarish nature of Reality's ordeal, both Reality and her family have not had their spirits broken and how they are hopeful for the future. SUPPORT REALITY WINNER AT STAND WITH REALITY! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON!

On this Halloween bonus edition of Parallax Views, the Hungarian-born actor Bela Lugosi has become immortalized in pop culture since he starred as the title vampire in Tod Browning's 1931 Universal Studios monster movie classic Dracula. Additionally, Lugosi is also remembered for his collaborations with the notoriously inept filmmaker Ed Wood in the final years of his life. Together Wood and Lugosi made Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, and, most infamously, "The Worst Movie Ever Made" Plan 9 from Outer Space. Lugosi's relationship with Wood went on to become the subject of a major motion picture, Tim Burton's Ed Wood, and garnered the late Martin Landau an Academy Award for his performance as the iconic thespian. Even after his passing 63 years ago, Lugosi's place in the pantheon of popular culture remains cemented into the collective imagination with the legendary actor being referenced in works by artists as varied as Andy Warhol and the goth rock band Bauhaus. In other words, the Lugosi legacy lives on all these years later. Joining us to discuss the life and times of Bela Lugosi, from Dracula to Plan 9 from Outer Space, is film historian Gary D. Rhodes. Having written multiple books on Lugosi, including Bela Lugosi, Dreams and Nightmares, Ed Wood and the Lost Lugosi Screenplays, and Bela Lugosi and the Monogram 9 (with previous Parallax Views guest Robert Guffey), Rhodes is without a doubt the foremost scholar of all things Bela Lugosi. In this previously unpublished conversation Rhodes takes us through the life and times of Lugosi, from his rise to stardom to his eventual struggles with addiction and infamous collaborations with Ed Wood. CHECK OUT BELA LUGOSI AND THE MONOGRAM 9 BY GARY D. RHODES AND ROBERT GUFFEY SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, we delve into the history of Devil's Night and Halloween from a "People's History of" perspective w/ Nestor of Black Banner Magic. Additionally Nestor and I discuss occultism, whether occultism is inherently right wing, Nestor's criticisms of the "Trump Binding" rituals performed by some witches across the U.S., the concept of "Harvest Goth", and much, much more. It's a free-wheeling conversation to cap-off our celebration of the Halloween season here at Parallax Views! Sorry if this description is short-but-sweet, but I have to go bob for some apples and binge watch horror movies before the Halloween season is over. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue to celebrate Halloween and the spooky season by diving into the world of television horror hosts. The character of the horror host has been a part of pop culture since the days of spook shows and radio, but have become a staple of late night television since the 1950s. Hosts like the buxom Vampira, the beatnik Ghoulardi, "The Cool Ghoul" Zacherley, the unrepentant redneck Joe Bob Briggs, the humorously sexy Elvira, and the currently nationally-syndicated Svengoolie have acted as guides for audiences wanting to embark into the world of the strange, uncanny, and often cheesy. Vampira, one of the earliest television horror hosts Joe Bob Briggs hosting "The Last Drive-In" The alluring Elvira, Mistress of the Dark Long-time host Svengoolie is now nationally-syndicated on MeTV Mr. Lobo and his houseplant sidekick Miss Mittents host strange movies somewhere in "The Void" for the long-running Cinema Insomnia Joining us to discuss the world of horror hosts, and their often unspoken countercultural heritage, is Mr. Lobo of Cinema Insomnia and the streaming service OSI 74 (Outer Space International 74). His motto is, "They're not bad movie, just misunderstood." Alongside hosts like Joe Bob Briggs on Shudder and Svengoolie on MeTV, Mr. Lobo is likely one of the most high-profile horror hosts in America today. In addition to hosting outre movies on Cinema Insomnia for a whopping 18 seasons (and still going!), Mr. Lobo has also made multiple appearances on Coast to Coast AM w/ George Noory, starred as "Criswell" in John Johnston's Plan 9 (a loving homage/reimagining of Ed Wood's notorious Plan 9 from Outer Space), and designed the title animation for Jenn Wexler's inventive 2018 neo-slasher The Ranger. Oh, and he's also a card-carrying member of the "religion" known as the Church of the Subgenius! Mr. Lobo stars as the foul-mouthed "Criswell" in John Johnson's PLAN 9, a reimagining of Ed Wood's notorious Plan 9 from Outer Space Mr. Lobo and I have a conversation covering all these bases from the history of horror hosts to his appearance in Plan 9 and work on The Ranger. Additionally, Mr. Lobo fills listeners in on how a houseplant became his movie hosting sidekick in Cinema Insomnia, the concept behind his character and the setting of "The Void", the subversive aspects of his show such as cutting jokes about copyright laws, his free streaming service OSI 74, and working with Sleazy P. Martini of the heavy metal band GWAR! GWAR's Sleazy P. Martini hosts Sleazy Pictures After Dark on OSI 74 All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views! WATCH OSI 74 ON ROKU! CHECK OUT MR. LOBO'S NEW SERIES OF CINEMA INSOMNIA DVDs AVAILABLE FORM ALPHA VIDEO SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, what's more terrifying than the murderous force of nature Michael Myers stalking and slashing his way through innocent victims on Halloween night? According to the horror-comedy parody President Evil it's a murderous force of nature in a Donald Trump mask stalking and slashing his way through innocent victims on Election Night. Gregory P. Wolk and Ruben Estremera, the writer/producer duo behind the Donald Trump slasher movie President Evil and Giant Meteor films, join us to discuss their loving spoof of John Carpenter's 1978 cult classic Halloween with a timely political twist. In addition to discussing the movie itself, Gregory and Ruben also tells us a little bit about the fears they had making the film and the anger directed at them for spoofing the current sitting President of the United States. They also discuss their current views on political matters and the possibility of President Evil sequels, including a possible Terminator spoof, during our conversation CHECK OUT PRESIDENT EVIL AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON PRIME (STREAM AT NO EXTRA CHARGE WITH AN AMAZON PRIME SUBSCRIPTION) SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, Halloween is around the corner and to celebrate Parallax Views is welcoming back Chris Alexander of Delirium Magazine to chat about the joys of horror! In addition to Delirium Magazine, Alexander has also been an editor-in-chief for Fangoria, a writer for Rue Morgue, and an editor for the official magazine of the rock band KISS. He's also a filmmaker whose cinematic efforts include Blood for Irina, Queen of Blood, Female Werewolf, and Blood Dynasty as well as his upcoming feature, produced as part of Full Moon Feature's Deadly Ten project, Necropolis: Legion. On this edition of the show, Chris tells us about his abiding love of not only horror but also rock 'n' roll and how the two are intertwined. From the we delve into a number of topics with a special focus on the history of independent film producer Charles Band and his studio Full Moon Features. Charles Band and Full Moon have created such iconic horror, sci-fi, and fantasy franchises as Puppet Master, Demonic Toys, Evil Bong, the Gingerdead Man, and many, many more. Chris also tells us about Full Moon's latest venture, The Deadly Ten, which will allow fans to watch the making of 10 Full Moon movie in real time for free via the internet. CHECK OUT FULL MOON'S DEADLY TEN! ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT FULL MOON FEATURES STREAMING! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, Texas-based activist Tiffney Lee Billions of We the People Organize and Billions TV joins us to discuss the fatal police shooting of Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson as well as the broader problem of police misconduct in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Billions has tirelessly sought to raise awareness of police brutality in the Dallas-Forth Worth area by closely following and cataloguing multiple cases in the area. During the course of her activism she has visited the crime scene of the Botham Jean murder, come into conflict with the Dallas Morning News, and appears to have recently been monitored Dallas PD at an event designed to raise awareness of police misconduct. Although this may seem like a regional issue, Tiffney and I argue that the policing problem in Dallas-Forth Worth are an example of a broader crisis facing America as a nation. Much like the murder of Botham Jean by Dallas PD officer Amber Guyger, the fatal police shooting of 28 year-old Ft. Worth, Texas resident Atatiana Jefferson has sparked outrage in the Lone Star State that's garnered national attention. Atatiana was babysitting her 8-year old nephew Zion when she heard noises outside her home during the early morning hours of October 12th, 2019. Likely alarmed by the possibility of an intruder, Atatiana, as per the testimony of her nephew, pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the window. A voice yelled out, “Put your hands up! Show me your hands!” Seconds later a shot was fired. Those were the final moments of Atatiana Jefferson’s life before she was terminated from this mortal coil. Ft. Worth officer Aaron Dean arrived at Jefferson’s home for a police welfare check after a neighbor had called a non-emergency number to report that the front door of Jefferson's home was open. He did not, as far as we know, announce his presence. Two days after the fatal incident, on October 14th, Officer Dean resigned from the Dallas Police Department and was arrested on charges of murdering Atatiana Jefferson. Coupled with the murder of Botham Jean on September 6th 2018, the deadly shooting of Atatiana Jefferson has raised serious concerns about police misconduct in North Texas and America as a whole. In this conversation Tiffney dissects both the Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson cases and offers her critique of how local police and media handled said cases. Additionally, she explains why members of the Dallas-Fort Worth community see these incidents as being part of a broader, systemic problem that demands immediate reforms within DFW police departments. CORRECTION: In the intro I state "shot were fired" at Atatiana Jefferson. Officer Dean fired a single shot that fatally wounded Jefferson. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM