Episode 18 features a reading of Chapter 4 from The Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent titled "Kurdish Woman's Revolution: an interview with Ilham Ahmed'. The episode explores the Kurdish struggle for a homeland, the rise of the women's movement in Rojava, and the influence of Abdullah Öcalan's ideas on gender equality and libertarian socialism.

Topics include the YPJ and female guerrilla fighters, media marginalization of the Kurdish cause, the role of social media, Afrin's resistance, and the vision for a polyethnic, democratic society in northern Syria.

Episode 17 features a reading from chapter 3, “Campfires of Resistance in Cheran,” recounting the April 15, 2011 insurrection led by indigenous women who defended their forests and community against illegal loggers, corrupt officials and organised crime. The episode describes the spontaneous campfire gatherings, barricades, and grassroots strategies that rebuilt social life and security in Cheran.

It also covers the legal and political aftermath: the community’s shift to self-government under indigenous customs, judicial recognition of their autonomy, and how visibility—eventually aided by the internet—helped spread solidarity and inspire other indigenous movements.

In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the socio-political landscape that gave rise to a new left-wing political party in the UK in 2025. We explore the historical and media-driven adversities faced by prominent political figures Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband, tracing the narrative from the Labour Party's defeat in 2015 through the relentless media critique that both have endured over the years.

The episode sheds light on the immense challenges posed by the right-wing press while highlighting Corbyn's political philosophy and potential impact of his newly formed party, temporarily called 'Your Party.' We discuss the dynamics within the Labour Party, media influence, and the significant public response leading to one of Britain's largest political memberships.

In episode 15 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the controversial decision by the British government to classify the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The episode explores the roles played by three key entities - 'We Believe in Israel,' the right-wing British press, and the Home Office - in this unprecedented move against a group whose most dangerous weapon has been red paint.

The discussion is set against the backdrop of escalating violence in Gaza, reflecting on the apparent contradictions in government actions that proscribe non-violent activists while remaining silent on accusations of Israeli state terrorism. As we examine this case, we also question the broader implications of labeling dissent as terrorism and the potential erosion of civil liberties in democratic societies.

Join us as we navigate these complex issues, highlighting the struggle of civic activism against authoritative measures, and pushing for a deeper understanding of what should truly be considered an act of terror.

In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve deep into the British government's controversial decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Stemming from an incident where activists used red paint on military aircraft, this decision raises questions about the nature of terrorism itself. The episode examines the collaboration between pro-Israeli groups, the right-wing press, and government officials, highlighting the societal and political implications.

Our host critiques the choice to label peaceful protest, characterized by symbolic actions like spray-painting, alongside genuine acts of aggression and state-backed violence. We explore how the media amplifies certain narratives to shape public perception and the importance of civil society in maintaining a space for protest against perceived injustices.

Listen in as we untangle the coordination behind Palestine Action's designation, the criticisms leveled at Labour leaders, and their surprisingly sympathetic stance towards Israel despite ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the shifting definitions of terrorism and the challenges facing modern protest movements.

Welcome to episode 14 of the House of Dissent podcast. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the controversial subject of Israel's actions towards Palestinians through the lens of Hannah Arendt's concept of the "banality of evil." By examining historical and contemporary events, the episode seeks to illuminate the ongoing conflict that has persisted since 1948 and addresses how mainstream media often fails to contextualize these issues within a broader historical framework.

We honour the bravery of Francesca Albanese and organizations such as the Hind Rajab Foundation, while discussing the implications of extremist ideologies on current Israeli politics. The episode further explores the roles of prominent figures like Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Smotrich in perpetuating narratives of supremacy and exclusion, drawing parallels to past atrocities.

Join us as we scrutinize the deep-seated ideologies that underpin the conflict and strive to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians, urging listeners to engage with a more empathetic and informed perspective on this ongoing crisis.

Welcome to episode 13 of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the profound thoughts of American musician and composer Frank Zappa. In this episode, we explore Zappa's critiques of media manipulation, censorship, and democracy. Known for his unique position as both a cultural critic and musician, Zappa fiercely opposed societal norms, challenging the powers that sought to limit artistic freedom and individual rights.

From his disdain for US television's role in media manipulation to his controversial takes on taxation and corporate influence, Zappa's libertarian leaning beliefs coupled with his critiques create a rich tapestry of thought. Join us as we investigate his influences, including the classical composer Edgar Varèse, and how these shaped his groundbreaking music and philosophy.

Through analysis of tracks like 'Slime' and 'Who Are The Brain Police?', we uncover Zappa's call for critical thinking and independence from media control. Discover how Zappa's stance resonated globally, inspiring movements and dissent, notably in Eastern Europe during and after the Cold War. Tune in to explore Zappa's legacy as a humorist, satirist, and tireless advocate for free speech and independent thought.

Welcome to episode 12 of the House of Dissent podcast. In this episode, we delve into the influential cultural and media criticism of bell hooks, as explored in Chapter 13 of Radical Mass Media Criticism, a Cultural Genealogy by Cynthia Carter.

We uncover how bell hooks, originally Gloria Jean Watkins, used her writings to challenge dominant media narratives and highlight the intersecting influences of race, gender, and class within a capitalist society. Her criticism extends beyond academia, advocating for the integration of theory and practice as means of activism and societal transformation.

Furthermore, we explore bell hooks' exploration of love as a revolutionary act, drawing inspiration from thinkers like Erich Fromm and James Baldwin to understand its power to effect social change.

Tune in to discover how hooks' interdisciplinary approach has left a lasting impact on cultural criticism.

In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we dive into the compelling works of two pivotal Latin American scholars: Jesús Martín Barbero and Néstor García Canclini. Their contributions, as discussed in Chapter 12 of Radical Mass Media Criticism, a Cultural Genealogy, challenge traditional notions of media influence on society.

This episode explores Barbero’s unique theories, such as the role of the people in shaping media narratives, and his rejection of traditional Marxist media critiques. We also examine García Canclini’s concept of hybridity, which highlights the intercultural fusion within Latin American societies.

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

Welcome to Episode 10 of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the pioneering work of Canadian intellectual Marshall McLuhan, as chronicled in Joost van Loon's chapter "McLuhan and his Influences" from Radical Mass Media Criticism. We explore McLuhan's radical perspective on media not just as a means of representation but as a dominant technology reshaping human relations and environments.

McLuhan was a vanguard of media ecology, challenging established notions with his aphorism "The medium is the message." His thinking deviated from political-economic theories, offering a vitalist approach that appreciated the diversity of human motivations.

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