Propaganda Loves You

Revisiting Indigenous Democracies and the Dawn of Everything

This episode of the 'Propaganda Loves You Book Club' delves into Chapter Nine of 'The Dawn of Everything' by David Graeber and David Wengrow, titled 'Hiding in Plain Sight: The Indigenous Origins of Social Housing and Democracy in the Americas.' The hosts discuss the two significant civilizations in Central Mexico, Tenochtitlan and Tlaxcala, focusing on their social housing projects, urban development, and governance structures. The conversation highlights how Tlaxcala demonstrated elements of democratic governance long before European influence and examines the potential plagiarism of these systems by European colonizers. Additionally, the episode raises questions about the nature of statehood, democracy, and societal organization, setting the stage for future discussions on the origins of the state.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Club

00:36 Chapter Nine Overview: Hiding in Plain Sight

01:40 Pronunciation Challenges and City Introductions

02:27 Teotihuacan: Urban Development and Social Housing

03:40 Archaeological Evidence and City Maps

07:55 Timeline and Origins of Teotihuacan

19:00 Kalala: Indigenous Democracy and Spanish Conquest

23:58 Political Structures and Governance in Kalala

32:42 Reflections on Historical and Modern Governance

42:08 Conclusion and Next Chapter Preview

Propaganda and Dehumanization Tactics in Government Messaging

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, discusses recent propaganda tactics by the Department of Homeland Security, including the co-opting of popular culture such as Halo and Lord of the Rings for their messaging. They also delve into Elon Musk's new AI-powered competitor to Wikipedia, called Grockipedia, aimed at creating an "unbiased" encyclopedia. The episode features a game segment focusing on PR campaigns for video games, a historical detour discussing the Iran-Contra affair, and a critical analysis of corporate complicity in government propaganda.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:45 Main Topics Overview

01:33 Listener Engagement and Quiz

03:03 True or Fake Game

06:42 Detour in History: Iran Contra Affair

16:13 Modern Parallels and Discussion

33:08 Corporate Propaganda in Gaming

34:05 Dehumanization and Intellectual Property Issues

35:13 Government Propaganda and Copyright Infringement

38:51 Microsoft's Complicity and Corporate Interests

44:29 The Legacy Lifeline Trust Advertisement

45:59 Elon Musk's Wikipedia Alternative

51:37 Concerns About AI and Propaganda

57:32 Wikipedia vs. Wikipedia: A Comparison

01:03:09 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Sources:

https://www.pcgamer.com/games/us-government-uses-halo-images-in-a-call-to-destroy-immigration-microsoft-declines-to-comment/

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/29/nx-s1-5588695/wikipedia-grokipedia-comparison

https://lifehacker.com/tech/grokipedia-is-real-and-you-should-not-use-it?test_uuid=02DN02BmbRCcASIX6xMQtY9&test_variant=A

https://residentevil.fandom.com/wiki/Wesker_%26_Son_Resident_Evil_Human_Butchery

https://www.ocweekly.com/sin-to-win-video-gamings-most-ridiculous-marketing-stunts-6578747/

https://youtu.be/6lIqNjC1RKU?si=UN2VxHcN_oTLAZ3p

Election Resources

https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2025/10/what-offices-are-up-for-election-this-year/#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20contested%20four,to%20tinyurl.com/bdzz25sp.

Unveiling Ancient Urban Life: The True Essence of Cities

In this episode of the 'Propaganda Loves You' Book Club, Joe, Arthur, and Kodie delve into Chapter 8 of 'The Dawn of Everything,' titled 'Imaginary Cities: Eurasia's First Urbanites in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Ukraine, and China - and how they built cities without kings' They explore the complex and varied nature of early cities, particularly those that thrived without hierarchical rulers. The episode examines what truly constitutes a city, discusses communal activities and services, and reflects on ancient urban societies' social structures, including their practices of communal work and decision-making. Key points include the intricate dynamics within cities like Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, and the transformative story of Taosi, which may represent the earliest documented social revolution.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Club

01:11 Defining a City: Population, Services, and Government

06:30 Challenging Historical Assumptions About Cities

11:45 The Role of Virtual Reality in Human Societies

27:45 Community Labor and Mutual Aid in Ancient Societies

35:58 Voting Rights and Power Dynamics

36:51 State vs. Federal Ballot Measures

37:20 The Concept of Scale in Governance

40:18 Common Sense and Decision Making

45:00 Temporary Cities and Social Structures

45:34 Ancient Civilizations and Social Organization

55:26 The Case of Taosi: A Social Revolution

01:01:02 Modern Parallels and Final Thoughts

01:04:25 Preview of the Next Chapter

Unmasking 'They Live': A Deeper Dive Into John Carpenter’s Cult Classic

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You', hosts Kodie, Arthur, and Joe discuss the 1988 John Carpenter film 'They Live' as part of their Halloween special. The conversation explores the film's critique of consumer culture, media manipulation, and capitalist ideology, drawing parallels to contemporary issues such as hustle culture, social stratification, and political disinformation. Arthur shares personal anecdotes about falling for propaganda, and the hosts contemplate the difficulty of awakening people to hidden truths in society. They also touch on the co-opting of cultural symbols and narratives by various groups, and the film’s surprising resonance with current events. The episode concludes with a recommendation to watch 'They Live' for its sharp social commentary and potent allegories.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:38 Weekly Rundown and Current Events

01:26 Halloween Special: Discussing 'They Live'

01:45 Personal Experiences with Propaganda

04:26 Deep Dive into 'They Live'

11:24 Modern Media and Subliminal Messaging

21:47 Analyzing John Carpenter's Political Themes

22:19 The Symbolism of the Glasses

22:37 Hustle Culture and Modern Comparisons

23:07 The Complexity of Oppression

24:18 Memorable Quotes and Capitalism Critique

25:35 Roddy Piper's Wrestling Career and Movie Impact

26:48 Allegory of the Cave and Right-Wing Co-Opting

28:19 Art Interpretation and Co-Opting

32:44 Homeless Encampments and Police Response

36:41 Class Stratification and Character Analysis

43:31 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Resources

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096256/trivia/?ref_=tt_dyk_trv

https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2025/10/what-offices-are-up-for-election-this-year/#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20contested%20four,to%20tinyurl.com/bdzz25sp.

Exploring the Ecology of Freedom: Unpacking Chapter 7 of The Dawn of Everything

In this episode of the Propaganda Loves You Book Club, the hosts discuss Chapter 7 of 'The Dawn of Everything' by David Graeber and David Wengrow. The chapter, titled 'The Ecology of Freedom,' explores how early human societies navigated the transition to farming and its implications for social hierarchy and freedom. The discussion touches on the concept of 'flirting' with farming instead of fully adopting it, the benefits of ecological flexibility, and the contrast between traditional narratives of agricultural development and the diverse, dynamic practices of early farmers. The hosts also delve into ideas of teleological reasoning and challenge the assumption that farming inevitably leads to hierarchical, static societies. The chapter illustrates how early human societies experimented with farming in ways that supported large populations and preserved ecological balance, offering lessons for sustainable living today.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

00:52 Welcome to the Book Club

01:02 Chapter 7: The Ecology of Freedom

02:21 Defining the Ecology of Freedom

04:48 Farming and Its Implications

07:17 Ecological Imperialism and Invasive Species

10:02 Impact of Colonialism on Ecosystems

22:56 Sustainable Practices and Soil Management

26:10 The Disconnect in Modern Food Production

27:01 The Unfreedom of Modern Agriculture

28:25 Capitalism and Environmental Impact

31:32 Health Insurance Frustrations

31:55 Direct Primary Care: An Alternative

33:05 Amazonian Play Farming

34:13 Revolutionary Farming Practices

36:12 The Role of Education in Sustainable Living

37:08 Conscription and Civic Service

40:41 The Government and Capitalism

41:52 The Concept of Teleology

45:34 The Origins and Spread of Farming

51:09 The Importance of Play Over Profit

51:51 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

The Trump Administration's Propaganda and the No Kings Protest

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Cody and co-host Joe delve into the complexities behind the recent No Kings protests, analyzing the narratives and propaganda from the Trump administration. They discuss the peculiar dichotomy between Trump's public denials of kingship and his social media posts depicting him as a king. The episode also examines personal vulnerabilities to propaganda, the psychology of advertising, and the influence of right-wing media and influencers. They highlight a recent incident involving DHS agents and a woman in Chicago, questioning the disinformation tactics used by federal agencies. The importance of journalistic integrity and documenting these events is emphasized. The show concludes with a reminder to stay engaged in local politics and a call for listener support and engagement.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

01:29 Exploring Personal Susceptibility to Propaganda

02:01 Advertising and Consumer Psychology

08:31 Political Propaganda and Party Dynamics

16:32 Religious Propaganda and Personal Transformation

23:23 Media Influence and Public Opinion

28:34 No Kings Protest Overview

33:42 The Challenges of Organizing Protests

35:23 The Role of the Democratic Party in Protests

35:59 Mass Protests and Their Impact

37:55 General Strike and Its Demands

38:39 Tactics to Undermine Movements

40:03 The Comfortable Middle Class

42:52 The Importance of Mutual Aid

44:35 Trump's Influence and Propaganda

49:10 The Role of Right-Wing Influencers

01:06:05 The Importance of Local Elections

Resources for this episode

https://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2025/10/what-offices-are-up-for-election-this-year/#:~:text=There%20is%20a%20contested%20four,to%20tinyurl.com/bdzz25sp.

https://www.nokings.org/news/nearly-7-million-people-attend-overwhelmingly-peaceful-no-kings-day-of-action

https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/left-wing-violence-myths-protest/

https://newrepublic.com/article/201957/trump-chicago-secret-police-shot-woman-damning-info

https://nypost.com/2025/10/19/us-news/trump-posts-wild-ai-video-showing-him-flying-fighter-jet-dropping-sewage-on-no-kings-protesters/

https://generalstrikeus.com/demands

Unraveling Myths: The Agricultural Revolution Revisited

In this episode, the hosts discuss Chapter 6 of 'The Dawn of Everything,' titled 'Gardens of Adonis: The Revolution That Never Happened.' They explore how neolithic societies managed to avoid the full adoption of agriculture and how the traditional narratives about the agricultural revolution as a pivotal moment in human history may be more myth than fact. The discussion includes comparisons of upland and lowland societies in the Fertile Crescent, the playful and experimental nature of early farming practices, and the implications for our understanding of human history and social organization. They also touch on the roles of women in these early societies and challenge assumptions about the inevitability of hierarchical structures.

00:00 Pronunciation Debate and Introduction

01:16 Welcome to the Book Club

01:24 Exploring Chapter Six: Gardens of Adonis

01:35 Questioning the Agricultural Revolution

04:54 Defining Agriculture and Its Myths

06:35 Cultural Practices and Agricultural Diversity

15:20 Scientific Discovery and Community Life

22:15 Critiquing Yuval Noah Harari

27:09 Exploring the Garden of Adonis

27:42 The Role of Knowledge and Aesthetics

28:00 Harari's Take on Agriculture

29:02 Evolution and Human Traits

30:25 Political Choices and Hierarchies

33:14 Flood Farming and Intelligence

35:46 Anti-Enclosure Agriculture

40:24 Summarizing the Chapter

41:39 Reflections on Historical Narratives

46:46 Modern Implications and Future Speculations

51:45 Closing Thoughts and Next Chapter Preview

Propaganda Loves You Episode: Exposing Propaganda Tactics and Community Responses

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie and co-hosts Arthur, Joe, and Cheyenne examine the ongoing disinformation tactics used by the Trump administration to portray left-wing protests as violent and chaotic. They compare official rhetoric with actual footage from Portland and Chicago to highlight the discrepancies. The episode discusses the ethical responsibilities of journalists in reporting the truth and the tactics used by right-wing influencers to spread state propaganda. The hosts also touch on the importance of community building and mutual aid, and suggest practical steps listeners can take to document and resist governmental overreach. Upcoming events and local activism opportunities are also mentioned.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:43 Main Topics Overview

01:13 Game: Truths and a Lie

05:25 Discussion on Ceasefire in Gaza

07:06 Steven Miller's Glitch and Media Manipulation

10:44 Tactical Essentials Ad Break

12:31 Propaganda in Portland and Chicago

22:47 Media Ethics and Propaganda

30:45 Internet Troll Behavior and Its Impact

31:20 Faith First Banking: A New Investment Opportunity

32:51 Analyzing The Daily Show's Take on Trump Administration

34:36 Protests and Community Engagement

37:25 The Role of Social Media in Documenting Protests

40:02 Vandalism vs. Violence: Ethical Considerations

48:00 ICE and State Violence: A Critical Look

51:04 False Equivalencies and Propaganda Tactics

59:08 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

https://newrepublic.com/article/201669/kristi-noem-chicken-suit-maga-implodes

Our Journey with 'The Dawn of Everything': Unpacking Chapter 5

In this episode of 'The Propaganda Loves You Book Club,' the hosts discuss Chapter 5 of 'The Dawn of Everything' by David Graeber and David Wengrow. They delve into topics such as the complex history of slavery among indigenous groups on the western seaboard of North America, particularly comparing Californian foragers and their Canadian neighbors. The conversation explores key concepts including modes of production, schismogenesis, and social death. They also critically examine how modern societal structures and individual behaviors are influenced by historical modes of hierarchy and equality. The discussion emphasizes the importance of conscious political choices and reflects on whether aspects like wealth accumulation and individual freedom truly lead to an equitable society.

00:00 Getting Ready for the Show

00:48 Introduction to the Book Club

01:15 Exploring Chapter Five: Many Seasons Ago

02:24 Modes of Production and Cultural Choices

03:21 Key Arguments and Reflections

04:17 Comparing Indigenous Societies

11:29 Philanthropy and Capitalism

18:14 Slavery in Indigenous Societies

23:14 Modern Parallels and Wage Slavery

24:40 Defining US Culture Through Schmo Genesis

34:01 Exploring Self-Conscious Choices in Sports

34:21 Defining Slavery Across Societies

35:32 The Concept of Social Death

37:07 Modern Comparisons to Historical Slavery

40:08 Capitalism and Social Death

43:33 The Scale of Societal Control

45:56 Historical Perspectives on Freedom and Slavery

58:05 The Role of Family in Political Views

01:06:18 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

Propaganda Loves You: AI Videos, Government Messaging, and Political Ramifications

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, joined by Arthur, Joe, and Cheyenne, delves into AI-generated videos posted by Trump and examines the creators behind them. The team discusses the ongoing government shutdown, the partisan messaging being communicated through federal agencies, and the potential violations of the Hatch Act. The hosts analyze the broader implications of political messaging and digital propaganda. The episode also touches on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the global response to humanitarian crises, emphasizing the power of community action and the importance of staying informed.

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

00:50 Government Shutdown and AI Videos

02:00 Icebreaker Quiz

08:08 Listener Growth and Special Episode

11:28 Government Shutdown Messaging

22:16 Trolling Tactics and AI Garble

23:30 Political Propaganda and Law Violations

27:53 Trump's AI Videos and the Dilly Meme Team

35:28 Understanding Fascist Psychology

37:41 Gaza Flotilla and Global Activism

41:56 Boycotts and Community Action

Sources used in this episode -

https://gizmodo.com/trump-posts-bizarre-ai-video-of-project-2025-architect-as-the-grim-reaper-2000667291

https://bsky.app/profile/paleofuture.bsky.social/post/3m2b2d756ok2x

https://www.mediamatters.org/qanon-conspiracy-theory/conspiracy-theorist-brenden-dilley-got-press-passes-trump-campaigns-iowa

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/09/30/trump-racist-video-hakeem-schumer/86434370007/

https://www.axios.com/2025/10/03/trump-vought-grim-reaper-ai-video

https://www.peoplefor.org/rightwingwatch/post/meet-brenden-dilley-the-violence-hungry-maga-cultist-behind-trumps-troll-army

https://www.peoplefor.org/mission-overview

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/legal-insurrection-stephen-miller-goes-123838242.html

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trumps-former-joint-chiefs-chair-trump-fascist-core-rcna175248

https://www.npr.org/2025/09/30/nx-s1-5558393/government-shutdown-trump-ethics-hatch-act

https://apnews.com/article/trump-shutdown-blame-agencies-websites-hatch-act-ff5dab4e9a3a74af0c94fd9b184d9311

https://generalstrikeus.com/

https://www.nokings.org/