What a Hell of a Way to Dad

This episode is a bit of a psychic rollercoaster in that it begins with us losing our minds at the fact that Donald Trump pardoned a bunch of war criminals and our YouTube channel is full of boomers chortling like the sounds it plays when you lose on Angry Birds. We hate it. We also wind up doing an impression of Donald Trump declaring a Global War on Jody. So, it's a lot. This week's bonus features our special 3-year anniversary episode on the topic of how Veterans Day has become more and more hollow to us given what's been going on in America and across the world. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31661642 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Our good friend Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein), who is not actually a Krassenstein brother, has a recent story in the Intercept about how the military border mission that Trump ordered is keeping tabs on anarchists, protest groups, and what it describes as "anti-border-wall extremists." All very normal stuff. You can read the article we cited here: https://theintercept.com/2019/11/11/border-protest-groups-surveillance/ *NOTE* If you're in the military and want to pass Ken some details about dumb nonsense that's happening, hit him up on Signal here: 202-510-1268 This week's bonus features Nate and Francis discussing the Rambo series in its entirety, as Francis has recently watched Last Blood and decided that the Rambo oeuvre is on a bit of a downward spiral towards gore-horror and Facebook uncle tropes. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31489305 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

If you're a regular listener, you're well aware of the fact that Nate and Francis love to dunk on proposed solutions to the military's recruiting crisis. Well, the Army's recruiting crisis, as it's perpetually struggling to meet its goals. This week, we discuss a recent WSJ editorial that posits a relaxation of beard rules as a recruiting and retention tool. (Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-military-shouldnt-shave-its-numbers-11572302977) We also catch up on the general state of things, as Nate was recently back in America and managed to not say "cheers, mate" to any confused passers-by. This week's bonus features Francis explaining how he uses hydroponics to grow herbs and vegetables year-round. It's a video, so you can see all the extremely not weed things that he's growing. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31293715 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We all recognize military recruiting slogans like 'Be All That You Can Be' or 'Fight A Dragon with a Sword,' but the Army has decided that it wants yet another tagline. This time, it's 'What's Your Warrior?' which makes very little sense. We too ask ourselves this question on a regular basis. (Source: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/10/16/whats-your-warrior-army-launches-new-ads-with-less-combat-focus/) One thing you might also not know: the military is spending $4 billion, yes, billion, on a single ad agency in Chicago for its long-term promotion contract. What else could we do with $4 billion, if not pay for all the things that your Facebook uncle says 'bbut how will you pay for this' about? (Source: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/11/armys-billion-dollar-ad-machine-is-moving-to-chicago-will-it-work/) This week's bonus features Francis and Brock Wilbur discussing a game that brings joy and delight to our lives: Katamari Damacy. It's weird, it's centered on rolling things up, it has a tremendous legacy—but is it fascist? Listen here on Patreon to find out: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31119172 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, Francis and Nate discuss rural politics and Appalachian tech hubs with Tarence Ray (@tarenceray) of the Trillbilly Worker's Party podcast (@thetrillbillies). Specifically, we're discussing Tarence's recent essay in The Baffler, which you can read here: https://thebaffler.com/salvos/hollowed-out-ray This week's bonus episode features Nate in conversation with Marine veteran and anti-war activist John Motter (@JohnMotter). They discuss how one goes from Marine infantryman to leftist, how to organize veterans, and why it's crucial to show up for other causes when you want to build a movement. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30909624 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week's episode features an impromptu guest spot with @trashfuturepod co-host and stand-up comedian @milo_edwards, who you should follow. Donald Trump has decided that the US is going to pull out of Rojava, the autonomous enclave in northeastern Syria. Since we recorded this episode, the Turkish have invaded and the Kurdish have struck a pact with Assad's government and the Russian military. We discuss this betrayal, how poorly-received it's been, and how Republicans might condemn it but will still roll over for Trump as always (source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/10/10/congress-prepares-sanctions-syria-trump-kurds-turkey-erdogan-lindsay-graham-normandy/?fbclid=IwAR2oVxgzUi-L4pW4l-yPFpNuxqBUO-yxpJUT_P2qcyksccf4O8C2IOl6Bnw) However, some Russian shock jocks have pranked U.S. Senator (and USAF Colonel) Lindsey Graham and have gotten him to say some moronic things about Turkey, because he's just as wet and dumb as the President he loves. We also discuss this (source: https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/10/lindsey-graham-trump-hoax-call-043991?fbclid=IwAR1kgDx84KJD51ilfSqFg4vXU5iRv-oyEUZjCHX4EOeO3-QQbd3F0U6iK74) This week's Patreon bonus features Francis and special guest Sativa Steve, a Marine Corps and Navy vet who now works in plant biology with a specific focus on cannabis genomics. You'll get military nerd chat, weed nerd chat, and plant nerd chat -- get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30686092 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Donald Trump recently tweeted that an impeachment proceeding would instigate a second Civil War. This has been a topic of discussion on the right for a long time now, but it hasn't warranted much attention because it's such an absurd proposition. However, this week we discuss it and a Daily Beast feature about where the military's loyalties lie--and why: (source https://www.thedailybeast.com/if-trumps-rage-brings-civil-war-where-will-the-military-stand) We also discuss Jacob Wohl's recent caper and the fact that his extreme himbo Marine veteran's sordid Elizabeth Warren tale fell apart instantly. Why? According to Nate, it's because the O'Keefe-style grifter ecosystem has changed and become a bit trickier. (source: https://www.newsweek.com/ex-marine-who-claimed-sexual-involvement-elizabeth-warren-lied-about-military-service-corps-says-1463271) This week's Patreon bonus features yet another visit from Marine Todd, in which he reads a famously insane veteran outrage clickbait piece. We also have a discussion about how the veteran outrage business cycle works, plus a special visit from emotionally-evolved PhD student Marine Theodore. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30499584 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, we discuss big news that's specific to the Army: the weird, broken-TV looking camouflage pattern has now been formally phased out. It's the only uniform that Nate wore on active duty, it's a legacy of terrible defense appropriations and the waste of our militarized budget, and it's a reminder that just because something is 'military grade' doesn't mean it doesn't suck. This week's bonus features Francis and Cynthia Bethea discussing the 1988 Eddie Murphy film COMING TO AMERICA. Why is it basically a family reunion for Black actors in the '80s? Find out by listening here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30165323 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Where to even begin? Well, for starters, the Storm Area 51 thing happened and — while it was definitely dumb — it wasn't a catastrophe. However, for some reason a defense audio/video portal tweeted a threat that seemed to imply that they'd use a B1 bomber to murder '#millennials'. Which is weird! So, Francis and Nate discuss the Naruto runners, the fixation on using Millennial as a code word for lazy, and much more. However, the crucial news this week stems from Donald Trump's corruption high-score challenge, in which he apparently asked the Ukrainan President for help in nailing U.S. Navy vet and cocaine aficionado Hunter Biden. Why did Trump do this? Why is Hunter Biden on a board of a power company in Ukraine? Why is everything so dumb? This week's bonus features an interview with John, a Navy aviator who has been up close and personal with UFOs. You wanted to slap them alien cheeks, so take a listen to this episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30165323 You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We stan a team of Houthi gamers who were able to knock out half of Saudi Arabia's oil supply with some drones. And probably not even military-style UAVs -- chances are good these were like hobby store drones with mini bombs attached. Amazing. Amazing! And now of course the President plans on starting a war with Iran and also reassuring us that there's 'PLENTY OF OIL!" (source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/16/trump-says-us-locked-and-loaded-response-drone-attack.html) We also discuss a recent Military.com piece that describes the difficulties the military faces in combating its white nationalism problem. The burden of proof is high, and there appears to be zero desire to treat it as equivalent to other forms of domestic terror -- wonder why? (source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/14/congress-wants-military-report-extremism-ranks-heres-why-will-be-tough.html) Did you hear the one about the Twitch streamer who said mean things about Rep. Dan Crenshaw? Well, it turns out that the story's a bit more complicated than that, and we decided to get to the bottom of it by bringing TYT host and general internet superstar Hasan Piker (@hasanthehun) on to the show. You can access the full episode on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29963598 You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang