Cult and Culture Podcast Episode 56 features director, actor, and writer of the film Fucktoys, Annapurna Sriram. This is the second in a five-episode series of podcasts Luke and Justin filmed at the Oak Cliff Film Festival in Texas. Fucktoys is Sriram's debut film as a director-- an adventurous, ambitious, tragic dark comedy set in New Orleans in the fictional world of "Trash Town," which is something of a lush, magical, simultaneously dystopian American wasteland that seems to occupy various decades in time. The episode discusses these various directorial decisions and the importance of intense preparation when creating it, as well as "The shitification era of Capitalism," the choice to have a trans love interest in the film while simultaneously NOT centering their transness as a part of the narrative, the prevalence of patriarchy and the necessity of sex work in today's society for women, the general decay of America, and the ways in which Gen Z may save us all.

This episode of Cult and Culture kicks off a group of podcasts recorded and centered around Oak Cliff Film Fest, an independent film festival located in Dallas, Texas. Here, Luke and Justin talk with Ashton Campbell, the co-director of the operation. They talk about the unique location for the festival, a theater with an infamous history: where Lee Harvey Oswald was captured. They also discuss what makes the festival memorable for attendees as well as those participating in it, from yoga classes being offered to staff, to the thoughtful curation of films chosen and bands performing, the result is a sense of community and buy-in that makes people invested in coming back year after year. Campbell laments what AI has become and the threats it may pose as well as where it may be practical, and shares the tongue-in-cheek "analog approach" the team takes to create their promotion-- this year featuring "Nicole Kidmannequin" and the overall theme of "REAL MOVIES FOR REAL MOVIE PEOPLE."

In this episode of Cult and Culture, Justin and Luke chat with longtime friend Johnny Whitney of the Blood Brothers (as well as Neon Blonde and Jaguar Love). Justin and Johnny reflect on the paths they've taken together over the last few decades: playing together on the Oops! tour, Three One G releasing March on Electric Children, and playing a show together again in 2024 during the recent run of Blood Brothers reunion shows. Johnny gives insight into the history of the band, working with iconic producers like Ross Robinson and Guy Picciotto, and riding the wave of commercial music success at the tail-end of an era for the music industry, at least as it was known at that time. Whitney also discusses the lessons he's learned and how his approach to playing shows now has changed since the band's inception.

In episode 53 of cult and culture, Luke and Justin go slightly off the beaten path of their usual to speak with Connor Musarra: an artist, producer, content creator, musician, performer etc. whose work is informed greatly by, and in some ways inextricable from, the internet and social media. Connor talks about the process behind this approach. They discuss about how he gained recognition across news outlets for impersonating the Tesla account on X, creating a song called "Elon Musk can go fuck himself," the catharsis of embracing absurdity and humor in life, the bastardization of calling oneself an activist in the digital age, the political utility (or lack thereof) of art, and the fear of the repercussions that can come with speaking out about topics seen as controversial in the social media space.

Episode 52 is a conversation with Bim and Ryan of the Portland-based band, Help. They discuss their music and how it came to be, but more so, they delve into politics, culture, and society at large. They talk about Bim's rationale and approach to running for mayor of Portland in 2016, the effectiveness of protest and social scolding, the malevolence of philanthropy, theories of aliens being future versions of humans, Klansmen, guns, and how desperately the world is in need of kindness.

In Episode 51, Justin and Luke speak with infamous punk legend, Wattie Buchan of The Exploited. They discuss the passing of his beloved Pomeranian, Wolfie, the uncompromising approach he’s taken with his band and life, the five heart attacks he’s survived and the energy drinks that have contributed to them. Wattie shares his disgust for Nazis, Trump, Margaret Thatcher, the treatment of Palestinians and the poor/working class, and popular pop punk bands, as well as his disdain for having to explain himself to people who may misunderstand his intentions or have the wrong idea of him. Well into his 60s, Wattie is still performing and giving it his all, confident in his beliefs and unconcerned with what you think of him.

50: An important milestone for the podcast, and this episode of Cult and Culture is with an equally as important guest: Sam McPheeters of bands Born Against, Men's Recovery Project, Wrangler Brutes, as well as writer, illustrator, designer, and former record label owner of Vermiform. Here, Sam talks about how making people happy with his stage antics means he's failed, recounts hiding in an attic for two days from Nazi skinheads, and discusses how being in the bands he has continues to open doors to journalistic opportunities today. With a mixture of wit and humility, he and Justin recount their individual experiences as they toured together opening for Dillinger Escape Plan decades ago, as well as other overlapping memories (mostly true, but not without a few rumors mixed in).

In this two part episode of Cult and Culture's discussion with InDecline, Justin and Luke chat with two anonymous members of the art/activist collective. They discuss some of the ethics and goals behind what they do, as well as some of the struggles they face. Having taken part in some major acts of art-vandalism over the years, they share the consequences and risks of being involved in such divisive displays, as well as the precautions that are necessary to stay afloat as a collective. They also acknowledge missteps they've taken, taking accountability along the way while still unapologetically using humor and shock to make a point, acknowledging that they will never be able to please everyone. From giant naked Trump statues to play productions, soccer matches using model authoritarian heads for the ball to cleverly transformed billboards, InDecline uses this space to share some insight into their unique approach to political protest.

The concept of Cult and Culture began as a short segment created by Justin Pearson, an internationally known musician, record label owner (Three One G Records), author, and actor. He is perhaps best known as bassist for bands such as Dead Cross, The Locust, and Some Girls as well as vocalist for Deaf Club, Swing Kids, and Planet B. Having traveled the world touring in hardcore and punk bands since age 15, Justin has come to know and work with a broad spectrum of captivating personalities and brilliant minds, many of which are key figures in the realm of popular culture and cult followings alike-- from being on the soundtrack to John Waters’ Cecil B. Demented, to acting in an Asia Argento’s Incompresa, to playing in Dead Cross with Mike Patton and Dave Lombardo. Cult and Culture arose as an opportunity to document bits and pieces of the DIY-driven, subversive world of art Pearson identifies with- one that many are not aware of or perhaps have misconceptions about.

Eventually, Pearson joined up with producer and bandmate Luke Henshaw (Sonido De La Frontera, Planet B, Satanic Planet, First Power Crew) to build the idea into a proper podcast, now recorded at his own PengOne Studios in San Diego. Henshaw has collaborated with hip hop legends such as Invisible Skratch Piklz’ D-Styles and Q-Bert, Kool Keith, in addition to being immersed in the world of Cumbia alongside Sonido De La Frontera bandmate Karlos Paez (B Side Players). He also recently scored the music for upcoming documentary Sk8face, which tells the history of skateboard graphics. In this way, both Justin and Luke are influenced by a diverse array of subcultures that all have connected roots. John Waters was one of the first people interviewed for the podcast- an icon of both cult and culture. Since then, guests have included a broad scope of musicians, producers, authors, and anyone passionate about what they do-- anyone from Grammy-winning musician Juan Alderete (Mars Volta, Racer X, creator of Pedals And Effects) to actor Michael Malarkey (Vampire Diaries, Project Bluebook), from San Diego Black Panther Party members to longtime partners Nicola and Adam in electro-punk band ADULT. or The Satanic Temple cofounder Lucien Greaves (who would go on to form Satanic Planet with Luke and Justin as a direct result of their podcast conversation). The focus is not intended to be solely on people in any one realm, and because guests are friends and family, the conversations are frank, informal yet well-informed, and genuine. Pearson and Henshaw seek to achieve a casual openness, blurring lines between traditional guest and host. Cult and Culture is part of Ruinous Media.

Podcast video editing by Displaced/Replaced.

In this two part episode of Cult and Culture's discussion with InDecline, Justin and Luke chat with two anonymous members of the art/activist collective. They discuss some of the ethics and goals behind what they do, as well as some of the struggles they face. Having taken part in some major acts of art-vandalism over the years, they share the consequences and risks of being involved in such divisive displays, as well as the precautions that are necessary to stay afloat as a collective. They also acknowledge missteps they've taken, taking accountability along the way while still unapologetically using humor and shock to make a point, acknowledging that they will never be able to please everyone. From giant naked Trump statues to play productions, soccer matches using model authoritarian heads for the ball to cleverly transformed billboards, InDecline uses this space to share some insight into their unique approach to political protest.

The concept of Cult and Culture began as a short segment created by Justin Pearson, an internationally known musician, record label owner (Three One G Records), author, and actor. He is perhaps best known as bassist for bands such as Dead Cross, The Locust, and Some Girls as well as vocalist for Deaf Club, Swing Kids, and Planet B. Having traveled the world touring in hardcore and punk bands since age 15, Justin has come to know and work with a broad spectrum of captivating personalities and brilliant minds, many of which are key figures in the realm of popular culture and cult followings alike-- from being on the soundtrack to John Waters’ Cecil B. Demented, to acting in an Asia Argento’s Incompresa, to playing in Dead Cross with Mike Patton and Dave Lombardo. Cult and Culture arose as an opportunity to document bits and pieces of the DIY-driven, subversive world of art Pearson identifies with- one that many are not aware of or perhaps have misconceptions about.

Eventually, Pearson joined up with producer and bandmate Luke Henshaw (Sonido De La Frontera, Planet B, Satanic Planet, First Power Crew) to build the idea into a proper podcast, now recorded at his own PengOne Studios in San Diego. Henshaw has collaborated with hip hop legends such as Invisible Skratch Piklz’ D-Styles and Q-Bert, Kool Keith, in addition to being immersed in the world of Cumbia alongside Sonido De La Frontera bandmate Karlos Paez (B Side Players). He also recently scored the music for upcoming documentary Sk8face, which tells the history of skateboard graphics. In this way, both Justin and Luke are influenced by a diverse array of subcultures that all have connected roots. John Waters was one of the first people interviewed for the podcast- an icon of both cult and culture. Since then, guests have included a broad scope of musicians, producers, authors, and anyone passionate about what they do-- anyone from Grammy-winning musician Juan Alderete (Mars Volta, Racer X, creator of Pedals And Effects) to actor Michael Malarkey (Vampire Diaries, Project Bluebook), from San Diego Black Panther Party members to longtime partners Nicola and Adam in electro-punk band ADULT. or The Satanic Temple cofounder Lucien Greaves (who would go on to form Satanic Planet with Luke and Justin as a direct result of their podcast conversation). The focus is not intended to be solely on people in any one realm, and because guests are friends and family, the conversations are frank, informal yet well-informed, and genuine. Pearson and Henshaw seek to achieve a casual openness, blurring lines between traditional guest and host. Cult and Culture is part of Ruinous Media.

Podcast video editing by Displaced/Replaced.

In the latest episode of cult and culture, Luke and Justin speak with Justin's longtime friend Aaron Montaigne, who is known for his bands such as Antioch Arrow, Heroin, and more recently VR Sex. The conversation focuses on Aaron's lengthy musical resume, and the historical relevance and lineage of what he has been part of over the last few decades as an artist. They also dive into the subjects of recent allegations surrounding Aaron's personal life as a service person in the military and his spirituality, as they debunk some of social media's quick to cancel tactics that fell on Aaron in more recent times. The conversation serves as a means to understand a seemingly different sides of a complex person opposed to shunning them for the sake of political correctness. Nonetheless, Aaron's bands such as Antioch Arrow and Heroin paved the way for a lot of modern acts that fits into the cringeworthy label known as "Screamo".

The concept of Cult and Culture began as a short segment created by Justin Pearson, an internationally known musician, record label owner (Three One G Records), author, and actor. He is perhaps best known as bassist for bands such as Dead Cross, The Locust, and Some Girls as well as vocalist for Deaf Club, Swing Kids, and Planet B. Having traveled the world touring in hardcore and punk bands since age 15, Justin has come to know and work with a broad spectrum of captivating personalities and brilliant minds, many of which are key figures in the realm of popular culture and cult followings alike-- from being on the soundtrack to John Waters’ Cecil B. Demented, to acting in an Asia Argento’s Incompresa, to playing in Dead Cross with Mike Patton and Dave Lombardo. Cult and Culture arose as an opportunity to document bits and pieces of the DIY-driven, subversive world of art Pearson identifies with- one that many are not aware of or perhaps have misconceptions about.

Eventually, Pearson joined up with producer and bandmate Luke Henshaw (Sonido De La Frontera, Planet B, Satanic Planet, First Power Crew) to build the idea into a proper podcast, now recorded at his own PengOne Studios in San Diego. Henshaw has collaborated with hip hop legends such as Invisible Skratch Piklz’ D-Styles and Q-Bert, Kool Keith, in addition to being immersed in the world of Cumbia alongside Sonido De La Frontera bandmate Karlos Paez (B Side Players). He also recently scored the music for upcoming documentary Sk8face, which tells the history of skateboard graphics. In this way, both Justin and Luke are influenced by a diverse array of subcultures that all have connected roots. John Waters was one of the first people interviewed for the podcast- an icon of both cult and culture. Since then, guests have included a broad scope of musicians, producers, authors, and anyone passionate about what they do-- anyone from Grammy-winning musician Juan Alderete (Mars Volta, Racer X, creator of Pedals And Effects) to actor Michael Malarkey (Vampire Diaries, Project Bluebook), from San Diego Black Panther Party members to longtime partners Nicola and Adam in electro-punk band ADULT. or The Satanic Temple cofounder Lucien Greaves (who would go on to form Satanic Planet with Luke and Justin as a direct result of their podcast conversation). The focus is not intended to be solely on people in any one realm, and because guests are friends and family, the conversations are frank, informal yet well-informed, and genuine. Pearson and Henshaw seek to achieve a casual openness, blurring lines between traditional guest and host. Cult and Culture is part of Ruinous Media.