The Power/Less Podcast

Filmmaker Chris Bell, who most recently came on the show to discuss his feature length film Failed State, returns to chat with me about our favorite horror movies. Does Hereditary suck? Is the Rob Zombie Halloween movie worth watching? Is Chucky one of the best slasher series of all time? And what the hell is Foes? Check out our takes, disagreements, and more throughout this episode, along with a few clips to enhance what we discuss.

Find all of Chris’ work that’s published on Means TV- https://means.tv/authors/chrisbell

Watch Chris Bell’s newest Horror/Comedy Short, “The Confection.”- https://x.com/UpdateTheGrids/status/2107858937772962231

https://vimeo.com/816045136/42279aaa29

Links for Chris’ socials and work:https://means.tv/authors/chrisbell

https://x.com/UpdateTheGrids

https://linktr.ee/christopherjasonbell

https://bestmonthsfinalpdf.substack.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Jasmine, a social worker and survivor advocate, to discuss the Cornell Seven case, involving allegations that seven members of Cornell University’s Chi Phi fraternity sexually assaulted a former student in 2024. We examine how the case has brought renewed scrutiny to rape culture, media coverage of sexual violence, and Cornell’s response to the allegations. We also discuss victim-blaming, the barriers survivors face when seeking justice, and how institutions and communities can do more to support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

Resources to support survivors and find information and networks:

https://centers.rainn.org/

https://www.sakitta.org/survivors/

https://www.nsvrc.org/survivors/

Support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

Greg Stoker is a veteran, anti-imperialist organizer, political commentator, and activist. He is the host of the podcast  “Colonial Outcasts,” and a co-founder of RFE Media. Greg and I talk about the recent discourse surrounding James Hetfield and Metallica’s statements concerning political artists, and a broader conversation around musicians, entertainers,and the culpability and responsibility within the industry.Follow and support Greg’s work:rfemedia.com

https://www.instagram.com/greg.j.stoker/

https://www.colonialoutcasts.com/

https://linktr.ee/greg.j.stoker

Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com

Chris Bell is a screenwriter, producer and director who has been a fixture of the NYC independent filmmaking scene for the better part of this last decade. His most recently released work is his feature length film Failed State, as well as previous series and short films such as Miss Me Yet, Attention Shoppers, and The Winds That Scatter. Chris and I break down Failed State, its inspirations, and the unique blending of documentary and fiction throughout the film. We discuss Chris's political perspectives and how they are interwoven into the way that he creates art, and the role that movies and entertainment can play in shaping political consciousness.

Support Chris Bell's work:

https://linktr.ee/christopherjasonbell

https://means.tv/authors/chrisbell

https://means.tv/programs/failed-state

Follow Chris:

https://x.com/UpdateTheGrids

Follow and support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

Daniel Maté is an award-winning songwriter, lyricist, composer, and musical theatre writer, with work that has been performed at places including the Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. He’s also the co-host of Bad Hasbara, where he combines comedy, satire, and political analysis to take a critical look at Zionism and Israeli propaganda. Daniel and I discuss the function of different conversations in the context of Palestine, the NAZA documentary, Ed Sheeran and Macklemore, and the broader scope of the silence within the music industry and entertainment at large. 

Find Daniel’s new cast album for his musical, Middle School Mysteries here: http://middleschoolmysteries.com/

Find the latest BadHasbara videos and episodes:

https://www.patreon.com/badhasbara

Musicians recommended by Daniel:

Bad Religion

Egberto Gismonti

Open Mike Eagle

Follow and support the podcast: thepowerlesspod.com

James Ray is an organizer, writer, and political commentator out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. James sits down with me in this latest episode to discuss Congressman Ro Khanna’s visit to the West Bank, his detainment, and his continued incoherent beliefs on Palestine, occupation, apartheid, and genocide. We go over some of Khanna’s interviews and conversations following his venture to Palestine, what his statements reveal about the limits of liberal zionism and U.S. politicians’ shifts over the past three years, and how that change in landscape is a bit of a double edged sword.

James also discussing the work he has been doing with the “No Appetite for Apartheid” movement as well as his most recent piece at his substack, Commie Corner, where he spoke to a young photojournalist and a child interpreter in Gaza.Find James on all socials:

instagram.com/jamesgetspolitical

tiktok.com/@jamesgetspolitical

twitter.com/goodvibepolitik

commiecorner.substack.com

Support “No Appetite for Apartheid:

https://na4a.org/

Support the young photo Journalist Shadi in Gaza, as well as his interpreter Taleen

:https://chuffed.org/project/168969-journalist-from-gaza-needs-urgent-support

https://www.givetogaza.com/families/taleen

Follow and support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

Heath Howard is a progressive congressional candidate running in New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district in the Democrat primary on September 8th. Heath sits down with me to discuss his background in politics as a state legislator, how a severe injury in high school helped develop his politics, his experience in working within a Republican held state government, and how his grassroots approach is in contrast to his opponents’ establishment strategy and fundraising.

To support Heath Howard’s campaign, donate on his website and follow on social media:

heathhowardnh.com

instagram.com/heathhowardnh

Follow and support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

Hunter Dunn of the 50501 Movement returns to the show to discuss the recent sexual assault and rape allegations of Senate Candidate Graham Platner. We chat about the growing red flags that were vehemently dismissed by progressives with large platforms, why these allegations are so much more damning that some others in his checkered past, and what the left needs to broadly assess and reflect on going forward.

Follow Hunter-https://www.instagram.com/hunterisntdunn/

https://bsky.app/profile/hunterisntdunn.bsky.social

Follow and support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

Maude Stout, vocalist of Illinois hardcore band Splitjaw, joins me to talk about the band's latest EP Truth & Reconciliation, writing political music, the roots of hardcore, organizing in local scenes, and why heavy music still has something meaningful to say. We also discuss Palestine, religion, trans rights, the state of punk and metal, and the responsibility artists have to speak up during moments of political crisis. Plus, Maude breaks down the stories and ideas behind every song on the EP.

Follow and support Splitjaw:

https://linktr.ee/splitjawhc

Follow and support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

Nick of metal band No Business and I sit down together to break down the unique cultural phenomenon of Christ core- metalcore, hardcore, and deathcore music influenced heavily by the Christian faith. We discuss why it is the one sub sect of Christian music that was on par with its secular counterparts, some of the most monumental records (and their at times extremely problematic members and messages), how modern Christian influenced bands in the heavy scene are speaking out against the reactionary evangelical movement, and why Underoath isn't on either of our type five album lists.Follow and support Nick:

https://www.instagram.com/down_with_the_thiccness72/

https://www.twitch.tv/mrcornholio34

https://linktr.ee/nobusinessfm

Follow and support the podcast:

thepowerlesspod.com

instagram.com/thepowerlesspod