House of Dissent

This episode traces Vietnam's path from anti-colonial and anti‑American struggle to its current socialist-oriented market economy, explaining Ho Chi Minh's adaptation of Marxism to Vietnamese conditions and the Doi Moi reforms of 1986. It assesses economic and social gains—poverty reduction, expanded education and healthcare—considers debates over growing inequality and class formation, and examin...

This episode examines China’s claim that it is a socialist country under Xi Jinping, exploring the meaning of “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” historical materialism, and the party’s ideological continuity from Deng to Xi. It contrasts models like market socialism, democratic socialism, and state capitalism, considers policy shifts (economic reform, ecological targets, and party control),...

Episode 28 of the House of Dissent podcast examines Edward Bernays and the emergence of public relations as a force in 20th-century politics and commerce. It explores how mass communications, advertising and PR shaped consumer culture, reinforced capitalism, and became tools of Cold War propaganda. The episode discusses Bernays' major campaigns (including promoting women smoking and his role in th...

Episode 27 revisits historical materialism to ask whether Marx’s theory still explains our world. The host contrasts Marx’s prediction of socialism emerging from capitalism with Fukuyama’s “end of history” thesis, examines the role of mass media and advertising in preserving capitalist systems, and reflects on post‑1989 developments from Eastern Europe to China. The episode also critiques Stalinis...

Episode 26 of the House of Dissent podcast expands on Marx's theory of historical materialism, focusing on the division of labour, consciousness, and alienation. The host traces Marx’s writings from the German Ideology and the 1844 Manuscripts through to Das Kapital, and connects them to later thinkers like Lukács and the Frankfurt School, as well as contemporary figures such as Xi Jinping and Fra...

In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, the host introduces Marx's Materialist Conception of History, explaining how modes of production emerge and collapse and discusses the division of labour, class consciousness, and alienation. The episode contrasts Marx's materialist critique of Hegelian idealism, notes modern responses (including Xi Jinping's take on scientific socialism), and previ...

Episode 24 examines Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's defense of dissent and his idea of what it means to be radical, rooted in Jewish covenantal thinking and the balance between individualism and collective life. The host — a non-Jew and atheist — explores how Sacks reconciles tradition, social justice, and his establishment roles, including his seat in the House of Lords. The episode also critiques th...

Hello, and welcome to episode 23 at the House of Dissent podcast. This episode explores the importance of dissent in challenging authority across history and personal experience. From ancient revolts like Spartacus, through socialist and religious dissent in Britain, to modern movements against neoliberalism and state repression, the host discusses how context shapes radicalism, shares personal st...

This episode reads chapter 10—"Burmese Guerrilla Warfare, Technology and Identity"—exploring how Burma’s deep ethnic divisions shape resistance and how the internet and new technologies are transforming guerrilla tactics, communication, and propaganda. It examines alliances like the NUG, PDF and 3BHA, the junta’s paramilitaries and online repression, and argues for a renewed federal vision (Panglo...

Episode 21: David reads chapter 8, "Colombian Resistance in Civil Society," written by Valentina Murillo, exploring the struggles of indigenous, Afro‑Colombian and campesino communities defending land, culture and the environment. The episode traces colonial legacies like biopiracy, the rise of social movements such as the Minga, the use of social media as a tool of resistance, and profiles groups...

Episode 20 features chapter 6, "New Weapons of Resistance," from The Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent by Sue Branford. The episode explores how Indigenous groups in the Brazilian Amazon use technology—from tape recorders and radios to mobile phones, drones and LiDAR—to document invasions, defend territory and reclaim their cultural heritage in the face of land grabbing and ecological crisis....

Episode 19 of the House of Dissent podcast features chapter 5 from the Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent and an in-depth interview with the Iranian born artist Roshi Rouzbehani. The episode explores her journey from Tehran to the UK, and discusses her artwork as a form of resistance to the current Iranian authority.  The conversation covers the history and impact of anti‑hijab protests, the W...

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 figh...

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....

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 e...

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...

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 mainstre...

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 artisti...

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 influenc...

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 rol...

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 environme...

In Episode 9 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the captivating chapter 'Canadian Critical Communication' by Robert E. Babe and James P. Winter. This exploration uncovers the often-overlooked contributions of Harold Adams Innis to the field of scholarly media criticism in Canada. His pioneering work on the influence of communication on societies offers a profound perspective on the org...

In Episode 8 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the world of radical mass media criticism, spotlighting the impactful contributions of Belgian sociologist Armand Mattelart. With insights drawn from Sander Miller's chapter "Armand Mattelart Historicism and Mass Media," this episode uncovers the deep-seated ideologies embedded in popular media. Discover how Mattelart, alongside Ariel Dor...

Welcome to episode 7 of the House of Dissent podcast, where we delve into the impactful research of the Glasgow Media Group, a cornerstone in UK media criticism. We explore how this group challenged traditional media narratives from dissecting the Falklands War coverage to scrutinizing the portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, their work remains pivotal. This episode also sheds light on t...

Welcome to Episode 6 of the House of Dissent podcast. This episode delves into Jürgen Habermas' influential theory of the public sphere and its intersection with radical mass media criticism. We explore the evolution of public discourse from coffee houses in the 17th century to the digital age, questioning whether the internet offers a platform for liberation and dissent or simply echoes main...