Themes and Memes

We continue discussing the 2016 US Presidential Election, reviewing the landslide victory by Donald Trump and what this astonishing development means for both mainstream and alternative culture.

We start by looking at the question of how this happened. From the FBI to Wikileaks to a bizarre revelation about occult rituals at the 11th hour; Clinton's campaign was dogged by scandal and controversy that vindicated Trump's anti-establishment platform on the final mile. And did the Democratic establishment further provoke the upset by publicly denigrating Trump supporters and brashly claiming victory before the polls had even opened?

As the dust settles, we question as to whether this populist uprising at the ballot box was the intended result of a targeted leaks campaign by hidden forces. From the Oxford Dictionary: "Trump: A valuable resource that may be used, especially as a surprise, in order to gain an advantage."

We discuss the mainstreaming of anti-establishment narratives in the lead up to the election, along with the future of alternative media in light of this event. Will platforms like Infowars depose the mainstream Neo-Con media, and will they cheerlead for Trump or hold him to his promises? The recent outreach of the Alt-Media into populist causes and the Trump campaign could not have been more opportune, as the outsiders now stand to become insiders.

We also discuss the obvious divisions that this election has created between the left and the right, with angry Marxist youth running riot while being mocked by cocky Trump supporters. Is the establishment's prediction of a Neo-Marxist uprising finally coming to fruition, and has this growing demographic been given a real reason to up the ante?

Topics discussed include: Election, 2016, Trump, Clinton, Obama, Democrat, Republican, Landslide, Politics, Milestones, CNN, New York Times, Polls, Ballot Box, Satisfaction, Mainstream Media, Symbolic Language, Tarot Card, Rigged, DNC, Wikileaks, Anonymous, FBI, Spirit Cooking, John Podesta, Occult Rituals, Revelation of The Method, Alt-Right, Basket of Deplorables, Infowars, Red Ice, Milo Yiannopoulos, Paul Joseph Watson, Fox News, Racism, Liberals, SJW's, College Campuses, Marxists, Conspiracy, Anti-Establishment, Populist Uprising, Provocation, Attention Seeking, Targeted Leaks Campaign, Throwing the Fight, Strategic Trends, Extremist Narratives, Conflict, Tough Talk, BLM, Outsiders become Insiders, Stagecraft, Theatrics, Branding, Marketing, Products, Pop Culture, Arts, Elections as PSYOPS, Emotion, Reality TV, Celebrity Culture, Ronald Reagan, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Alex Jones, Ted Nugent, Future Elections.

On this special episode, we deconstruct the 2016 US Presidential Race between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, focusing on the social phenomenon of broad-based Trump support within alternative and conservative demographics.

Rather than a partisan assessment of the candidates themselves, we look at Pro-Trump sentiment in the Alt-Media as a result of social disintegration in the wider 'Truth Movement', where the failed ambition of 9/11 Truth and Anti-Establishment groups has given birth to the rise of the 'Alt-Right' and White-Identity Politics.

We discuss the study of popular narratives and internet memes by the DoD, looking at how opinion and culture can be analysed and influenced, and how the psychological principals of propaganda are so easily utilised in the information age. Given the new set of cultural narratives that are rising to prominence, we explore the morphing of traditional 'conspiracy culture' into right-wing ideology, looking at the motives and ambitions of those who are leading the charge.

Is the 2016 election a piece of scripted drama for the masses? Has it been designed to absorb the 'Truth Movement' and lead it down the primrose path towards destruction? Is Donald Trump sincere in is bid for the Oval Office, or is he simply appointing himself as the vanguard of a reactionary uprising against the liberal establishment?

Topics Discussed include: Donald Trump, Hilary Clinton, Election, 2016, Memes, Narratives, Culture, Debates, Alternative Media, Truth Movement, Alt-Right, Milo Yiannopoulos, Alex Jones, Red Ice, Conspiracy, Left Wing, Globalism, Liberal, Rigged Election, Corruption, Trump-TV, Propaganda, David Icke, Democrat, Republican, Obama, Jacques Ellul, PSYOP, Fascism, Opportunism, 9/11 Truth, Victimhood, Flat Earth, Nazi's, 2012, NWO, Elite, Establishment, Zeitgeist, Religion, Political Correctness, Paul Joseph Watson, Steven Crowder, Gavin McInnes, Joe Rogan, Vikings, White Identity Politics, Immigration, Police State, Martial Law, Terrorism, DARPA, SMISC, Narrative Networks, MIC, Internet, Cherrypicking, Nightcrawler, CIA, FBI, Karl Rove.

On this instalment, we welcome artist and author Thomas Sheridan from thomassheridanarts.com to discuss the 1973 classic-horror film The Exorcist.

The film introduces Washington D.C Actress 'Chris MacNeil' as her 12 year old daughter 'Regan' begins to exhibit increasingly disturbed behaviour. Despite a number of tests and treatments, Regan's condition continues to deteriorate amidst a series of shocking paranormal events. After the medical establishment concedes defeat, it is deemed that a metaphysical approach may be the only option left, and so Chris consults the local Jesuit order to exorcise the demon.

We discuss the historical relevance of the film, in terms of its mythos and cultural significance at the time. The film is widely regarded to be one of the most disturbing horror movies ever made, and traumatised audiences throughout the 70's and beyond.

We look at the social critiques being made in the film in relation to science, rationalism, the medical industry and religion; whereby the backdrop of trauma and crisis leaves both the characters and the audience in a state of conflict. We also explore the occult story being told in the film relating to the nature of evil, before looking at why this film is less shocking now than it was in 1973.

Topics discussed include: Thomas Sheridan, Iraq, Babylon, Pazuzu, Demon, Georgetown, University, Washington D.C, Elite, High Society, Possession, Paranormal, Destruction of Innocence, Nature of Evil, Movies, 1970's Standards, Pop Culture, Miley Cyrus, Sexual Conduct, Debasement, Shock Value, Marketing, Aleister Crowley, Choronzon 333, Medical Industry, Big Pharma, Ritalin, Rationalism, Science, Scientism, Religion, Love, Faith, Catholic Church, Vatican, Jesuit, Priest, Fear, Cluster-B Personality, Occult, Carl Jung, Art, Consciousness, History, Conspiracy, Symbolism, Freemasonry, Vietnam War, Snowflake Phenomenon, Safe Spaces, Bureaucracy, Theatrics, Manipulation, Victim Complex, Psychic Immunity, Trauma, Delusion, Moral Judgements, Critiques, Thomas's Books, Puzzling People, Defeated Demons, Walpurgis Night, The Druid.

On this installment, we return to one of our very first reviews by looking at its 2016 sequel Now You See Me 2, directed by John M. Chu.

The film picks up a year after the Four Horsemen's introduction to the world, where they lay in hiding and await further instruction from 'The Eye'; the mysterious secret society they had previously been inducted into. After finally being prompted to orchestrate another public spectacle, the show is hijacked by a hacker who exposes the Horsemen and blackmails them into stealing a secret surveillance device. But as the Horsemen work to turn the tables on their new adversary, the intrigue and subterfuge builds toward a grand revelation that changes everything.

We discuss the sequel in comparison to the first film, reiterating the storyline and common threads relating to secret societies and the mystery school tradition. We look at the arts of stagecraft and sleight of hand, and how these tools are used to create mystery and spectacle in the real world. The Four Horsemen clearly personify the mass media complex, where sensationalism and trivial revelation are used to distract the audience from something else.

We look at the multi-layered understandings within the story, and how both the Horsemen and the audience are taken through a ritual process of role-play, revelation, and initiation; whilst the greater truth remains obscured in darkness. We also touch on concepts like surveillance and secret societies, questioning as to what message the film is trying to send about these two controversial topics.

Given that the film was clearly created by a group of initiates, what perception do they want us to have about secret societies and their role in society?

Topics discussed include:

Magic, Mystery, Heist, Illusion, Deception, Secret Society, Symbolism, The Eye, Four Horsemen, Apocalypse, Revelation, Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Surveillance, Social Media, Sleight of Hand, Alchemy, Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Caine, Tarot, The Fool, Houdini, Rhodes, Atlas, Stagecraft, Initiation, Celebrity, Uri Geller, Cold War, CIA, Mi6, Paranormal, Counterintelligence, Attention, Logic, Suggestion, Publicity, Multi-Layered Understandings, Perception, Ego, Fame, Role-Play, Freemasonry, Disney, National Treasure, Benevolence, Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, Symbolic Language.

On this episode, we look at the 2013 Indie Spy Drama, The East Directed by Zal Batmanglij.

The film follows corporate intelligence operative 'Jane' (played by co-writer Brit Marling) as she is tasked with infiltrating a radical anarchist cell who have been attacking high profile industrialists in retaliation for their corporate crimes. Calling themselves 'The East', the group operates on an 'eye for an eye' strategy, targeting high level corporate executives with specific acts of violence to mirror the suffering of their victims.

After forging her cover identity and blending into the nomadic underground of anarchist drifters, 'Sarah' finds herself at the The East's secret headquarters and eventually adopts an active role within the group. As her time undercover wears on though, she begins to feel split loyalties between The East and her corporate employers; questioning her conservative worldview and developing genuine sympathy for the group and their anarchic cause.

But despite her political awakening and her growing loyalty to The East, Jane soon finds that all is not what it seems.

We discuss the many strong points of the film, being an independently written story with well conceived plot devices and engrossing character development; where the clash of political ethos and social attitudes conveys a number of complex perspectives. We explore questions of perception and self-interest, looking at the contrast between ideas of consumerism and freeganism, and how wilful ignorance allows corruption to flourish.

We also touch on the bohemian, pragmatic outlook of both the corporate establishment and the off-grid anarchists, where the ends justify the means and the notion of self-righteousness becomes an end unto itself.

Is industrial crime a question of conspiracy or ignorance, and what actions are justified in stopping it?

Topics discussed include: Hiller Brood, Private Intelligence, Infiltration, Undercover, Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgard, Ellen Page, Anarchists, Conservative, Consumerism, Materialism, Capitalism, Ignorance, Conspiracy, Industry, Pollution, Environmentalism, Freeganism, Rail Riding, Dumpster Diving, Squatting, Nomads, Big Pharma, Oil, Medications, Corruption, Sympathy, Terrorism, Lifestyles, Perception, Perspective, Loyalty, Revolution, Conflict, Females, Gender, Interpretation, Indie Films, Characters, Love Triangle, Economics, Espionage, Politics, Wastefulness, Direct Action, Jams, Radicalism, Violence, Food, FBI, Ethics, Bohemian, Cold War, Far-Left, Corporations, Pragmatism, Crime, Executives, Military-Industrial Complex, Competition, Publicity, Rationalism, Trump, Comfort, Security, Nature, Consequences, Victims, Spaghetti, Pasta, Meatballs.

This month, we take a change in direction from previous episodes in reviewing the 2010 documentary film 'Exit Through The Gift Shop', which chronicles the misadventures of UK street-artist 'Banksy'.

Both serious and satirical, the film follows eccentric cameraman Thierry Guetta as he haphazardly makes inroads into the underground street-art scene, eventually taking on the role of Banksy's Documentarian and Personal Assistant. After a high-profile U.S exhibition brings him overnight fame and fortune, Banksy instructs Thierry to start compiling his documentary footage so that the real story behind the media sensation can be told; though he soon learns that Thierry posesses neither creativity nor competence as a filmmaker.

As Banksy takes over the editing himself, he instructs Thierry to go forth and pursue his own artistic visions on the street, only to find that Thierry has bigger plans in mind, and has hired a large staff of artists to start mass-producing his plagiarised pop-art concepts. After conducting a savvy and elaborate public relations campaign as 'Mr Brainwash', Thierry opens his new gallery to public applause and highly lucrative profits, much to the chagrin of Banksy and his colleagues.

We discuss the synergistic relationship between the world of modern art and public relations, where the currency of an artist is determined by publicity and networking, and the content of the artwork is less important than its perceived social context. The film appears to be critiquing this paradigm in 'mockumentary' style, while still advocating the exploitation of these principals - begging the question as to what sentiment is actually being communicated?

We also touch on the history of establishment influences in countercultural art movements, exploring questions of artistic integrity versus commercial opportunity; ultimately interpreting the entire film itself as a cynical exercise in guerrilla marketing. By both exposing and exploiting the frivolous nature of the art world, the film employs a masterful blend of satire, controversy and contradiction to create mystique around the artist.

Is Banksy really a single individual, or simply the brand name used by an underground clique of artists and spin doctors? Was Thierry Guetta a lucky entrepreneur, or was he the cynical face of an elaborate and lucrative publicity stunt?

Topics discussed include: Banksy, Shepherd Fairey, Obey, Andre the Giant, Art, PR, Public Relations, Thierry Guetta, Mr Brainwash, Street Art, Pop-Art, Andy Warhol, Mockumentary, Hoax, Space Invader, Disneyland, LA, Cynicism, Publicity, Gallery, Exhibition, CIA, Congress for Cultural Freedom, Cold War, International Operations Division, George Soros, Open Society Institute, Tides Foundation, Adbusters, Occupy, Saatchi, Tate, Modern Art, Shock Value, Context, Rockefeller, Brangelina, Counterculture, Celebrity, Barely Legal, Prank, Occult, Alchemical, Secret Society, Initiation, Neophyte, Ritual, Drama, Promotion, Marketing, Publicity Stunt, Funding, Grants, Leftist Critiques, Anti-Establishment, Capitalism, Exploitation, Satire, Punk, Stencils, Installations, Staff, Crew, Guerrilla Marketing, Perception, Meaning, Hidden Clues, Themes, Memes, Contradictions, Profits, Commercialisation, London, Bristol, Logistics, Jackson Pollock, Post-Modernism, Rip-Offs, Production, Branding, Mystery, Subculture, Social Statements, Secrecy, Resources, Compromise, Group Projects.

On this episode, we welcome special guest Jay Dyer from Jay's Analysis to discuss the 2016 crime-drama Imperium.

After gaining intelligence on radical Neo-Nazi groups, FBI Agent 'Nate' is tasked with infiltrating the heart of the White Supremacist movement to investigate a suspected terror plot. Once embedded into the highest levels of the network though, he eventually learns that there are no credible threats of terror, and is thus encouraged by his superiors to both inspire and facilitate one himself.

We look the the parallels between the fictional story being told in the film, and the real-world entrapment scenarios being orchestrated by the FBI; where high profile 'terror plots' are engineered by undercover agents and then foiled by the Bureau - such as the infamous 'Newburgh Sting' case and others. We touch on the history of key players within Far-Right movements and the incitement of political agitation by establishment networks, drawing connections between high profile extremism and the deep-state.

We also look at the backstory behind the film, where Director Daniel Ragussis asserted his desire to prompt a civilised deconstruction of extremist racial narratives; consulting former FBI Agent Mike German on both White Supremacist ideology and Federal subversion tactics. We discuss the interpretations of Neo-Nazi doctrine and Extreme-Right social demographics being presented in the film, and question as to what sentiments are being communicated in regard to sociopolitical dialectics.

Is Imperium advancing a more complex narrative about paranoia and political ethics, or does it seek to justify the western liberal policy of eliminating all opposition?

Topics discussed include: Imperium, Jay Dyer, Daniel Ragussis, Daniel Radcliffe, FBI, Neo-Nazis, White Supremacists, Terrorism, Surveillance, Intelligence, Credible Threats, Infiltration, Provocateurs, Ferguson Riots, Dallas Shooting, Orlando, False Flag, Dylan Roof, Charleston Shooting, Skinheads, Oklahoma City Bombing, Timothy McVeigh, Elohim City, Extremists, Far-Right Politics, Hal Turner, The Turner Diaries, Race War, Anti-Zionism, Lew Rockwell, Dallas Wolf, Fascism, CIA, Ukraine, Pussy Riot, Femen, Christian Identity, KKK, Geopolitics, The Newburgh Sting, Mike German, Brennan Law Centre, Police State Pageantry, John Birch Society, Predictive Programming, Victimhood, Western Liberalism, Democracy, Nation of Islam, Cognitive Bias, Charles Manson, PSYOPS, EU, Immigration, Multiculturalism, Rush Limbaugh, George Soros, Democracy Now, Michael Moore, BLM, Bill Maher, Conspiracy Theorists, White Genocide, Alt-Right, Henrik Palmgren, Red Ice, Hilary Clinton, Alex Jones, Donald Trump, Ethno-Nationalism, David Duke, Kevin McDonald, Cultural Marxism, Militias, Communism, Aleksander Dugin, Contradictions of Liberalism, Globalism, United Nations, Diversity, Demographics, Revolution, Audiences, NSA, Cyber-Ops, Narrative Networks, Jay's Analysis, Esoteric Hollywood.

On this episode, we welcome special guest Pearse Redmond from Porkins Policy Review to discuss the new Netflix Original series, Stranger Things.

Comprising one season of eight episodes thus far, the show is one of many recent productions that are made exclusive to on-demand platforms, and has fast become a sentimental sensation among its thirty-something target audience; thanks to its pastiche of 80's pop culture references and nostalgic plot devices.

We start by establishing the beginnings of the story, where strange events begin to unfold in 1980's small town America. Set against the backdrop of a secretive Cold War experiment at a local government facility, the series blends real world references to geopolitics and conspiracy culture with a heavy overlay of fantasy, horror, and science fiction - staying true to the aesthetic and screenplay of the classic 80's sub-genre.

We also explore one of the most interesting aspects of the series, in looking at the target marketing of customised entertainment, where tools like analytics and meta-data seem to be driving the production of on-demand, niche-marketed TV series. Is a merge between Hollywood and Silicon Valley going to be the next big tech revolution?

Finally, we discuss some of the archetypes, roles, and cultural dynamics being presented in the show, and explore the question of how mass culture can influence our perceptions of history, where memories are continuously filtered through an emotional overlay of sentimental entertainment.

Topics discussed include: Stranger Things, Netflix Original, Duffer Brothers, On Demand, Binge Watching, 1980's, Hawkins Indiana, Children, Dungeons & Dragons, Demagorgon, Upside Down, Akira, Nostalgia, Pop Culture, Homage to classic 80's films, Sentimentality, The Goonies, ET, BMX Bikes, Poltergeist, The Neverending Story, Labyrinth, Stand by Me, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Stephen King, Super-8, J.J Abrams, 11, El, The X-Files, Alphabet Agencies, Shadow Government, Department of Energy, CIA, DOD, Pentagon, NSA, NASA, MK-ULTRA, Project Stargate, Remote Viewing, United Earth Army, Men Who Stare at Goats, Jay Dyer, SRI, Aspen, Esalan, Conspiracy Culture, Cold War, Men in Black, UFO's, Paranormal, Supernatural, Horror, Mind Control, LSD, Surveillance, ESP, Telekinesis, Mainstreaming of Conspiracy, Addictive Nature of TV Shows, Epic Dramas, Nostalgia as Bait, 80's Aesthetic, Graphics, Font, Analog Synth Music, Novelty Factor, Target Marketing of Culture, Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Demographics, Children of the 80's, Meta-Data, Analytics, Synchronicity, Social Norms, Paranoia, Geopolitics, Ronald Reagan, Altering History, Filter of Memory, Innocent Fun, Authority Figures, Government, Gender Roles, Lack of Parenting, Latch-Key Children, Reflections.

We return to the film 'The Wicker Man', looking at themes of manipulation, ritual drama, and staged provocation, before transposing these concepts onto the current metapolitical climate as we see it.

We explore the idea of 'the willing fool' archetype being incited by 'crisis actors' to role-play in dramatic and provocative theatre, from 'terror attacks' to reactionary meme wars; looking at how this alchemical concept of the meta-theatre is being used to advance a strategy of tension. We also look at the conflict between the left and right archetypes in sociopolitical trends, and how different demographics are being lured into base, suicidal ideologies by theatric provocations, ultimately accepting martyrdom.

Finally, we discuss the esoteric aspects of dialectical conflict, and how secret societies like Freemasonry have always used opposing forces to induce tension and create change, touching on concepts of staged terror events, political antagonism, and social malaise.

Topics discussed include: The Wicker Man, Manipulation, Provocation, Terror Attacks, Political Conflict, Dallas Shooting, France Event, Overstimulation, Social Tension, Crisis Actors, 'The Willing Fool', The Clown, Propaganda, Mass Confusion, Conspiracy Culture, Extremism, Alt-Right, Left vs Right, Justice, Religion, Right Wing, Sacrifice, Radicalisation, Reactionary Rhetoric, Strategy of Tension, Racism, Leftism, Popular Attitudes, LGBT, Debates, Triggers, Ritual Dramas, Archetypes, Role Play, Political Demographics, Martyrdom, Alchemy, Meta-Theatre, Operation Gladio, P2 Lodge, Creative Destruction, Dialectics, Secret Societies, Freemasonry, Square & Compass, Opposing Forces, Regeneration, Controlling Narratives, CIA, Political Candidates, Occult Process, Masks, Possession, Anonymous, Crowd Psychology, Global Meta-Theatre, Playing The Fool, The Wicker Man Afterthoughts, Unworthy Sacrifice.

On this episode, we continue looking at themes of occult ritual and esoteric psychodrama via the 1973 mystery/horror film 'The Wicker Man'. Another 'conspiracy-classic', the film follows a Scottish Highlands Police Officer who travels to a remote island community after being tipped off about a missing schoolgirl. After encountering the Heathen rites and traditions of the townsfolk, he eventually deduces that a ritual sacrifice to the Pagan gods is being planned, thus inciting him to infiltrate the ceremony.

We discuss the arcane arts of manipulation and subterfuge, the 'Willing Fool' archetype, and the myopic misunderstandings of the Christian initiate as he wills himself to martyrdom. We also take a look at the dichotomy of psychological principals that are played out through the clash between Paganism and Christianity, and touch on the possibility of a higher Masonic conspiracy on both sides of the religious divide.

Be sure to join us on our next review, as we draw parallels between 'The Wicker Man' and the current sociopolitical climate, where crisis actors and 'willing fools' are fuelling the strategy of tension.

Topics discussed include: 'The Wicker Man', Robin Hardy, Synchronicity, Scotland, Scottish Highlands, Hebridean Islands, Summerisle, Christian Police Officer, Pagan Community, All-Seeing-Eye Symbolism, 'The Green Man' Inn, The Bartender's Daughter, Willow, Sex Magick, Regenerative Rituals, Fertility, Shock and Offence, Maypole, Mayday, Phallic Symbolism, Folk Music, Deception, Manipulation, 'The Willing Fool', Tarot Archetypes, Religious Conflict, Psychological Interpretations, Ego, Force vs Understanding, Masculinity vs Femininity, Monogamy vs Polygamy, Techniques of Subterfuge, Sexual Energies, Temptation, Seduction, Lord Summerisle, Wordplay, Masonic Undertones, Kilts, Aprons, Gloves, Swords, Religion as Social Control, 'Punch, The Fool', Ritual Sacrifice, Pagan Ritual, Hermaphrodite, Hobby Horse, Fish, Myopic Attitudes, 'Willing, Virgin, King-Like Fool' archetype, Irony, Christian Morality vs Pagan Morality, Wicca, Martyrdom, 'King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime', Patriarchy vs Matriarchy, Hexagonal Sword Ceremony, Passing Through the Gate, Masonic Ritual, Star of David, Opposing Principals, Seal of Solomon, Understanding of Religion, The Crown, Wider Conspiracy, Playing Roles, Ritual Drama, Provocation, Sacrificial Magick, Similarities between Religions.