The Epstein Files, Obama Coup Allegations, and Disinformation Tactics Discussed

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, joined by Arthur and Joe, dives into the recent narratives surrounding Trump's connections to Epstein and the administration's attempts to pivot focus by accusing the Obama administration of orchestrating a coup. The episode covers a detailed timeline of events, from the release of the Epstein files and the DOJ's confirmation of his death by suicide, to Trump’s counterclaims regarding a potential Obama-led conspiracy. The hosts critically analyze Tulsi Gabbard's role in propagating these narratives, breaking down her claims of a Russian election interference hoax. Expert insight from Renee Diresta debunks Gabbard's assertions, reinforcing the documented Russian interference in the 2016 election. The episode concludes with a discussion on the influence of media propaganda and a call to engage in local activism, specifically highlighting events by Adirondack Voters for Change and HIV Alliance.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:40 Main Topic Introduction: Epstein and Trump

01:23 Timeline of Events: Epstein Files and Trump Administration

02:36 Trump's Response and Media Coverage

04:49 Discussion on Political Corruption and Public Perception

07:30 Ghislaine Maxwell and Israeli Intelligence

09:49 Trump's Pivot to Obama Coup Allegations

17:13 Tulsi Gabbard's Claims and Media Analysis

18:49 Gabbard's Investigation Insights

19:14 Tariff Troubles for Retailers

20:37 Russian Interference Breakdown

21:31 Tulsi Gabbard's Controversial Claims

23:55 Propaganda and Disinformation Tactics

29:24 Trump Administration's Strategy

33:12 Future Political Speculations

36:24 Community Initiatives and Final Thoughts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZABA8A6AUg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T175XpUyHqc

https://bsky.app/profile/noupside.bsky.social/post/3lukwmrl22k24

https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20250724-white-house-revives-obama-coup-claim-to-deflect-epstein-scandal

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/russia-sat-intel-hillary-clintons-alleged-heavy-tranquilizers-use-new-docs-claim

https://events.pol-rev.com/

https://www.fiftyfifty.one/

In this week's episode of Propaganda Loves You, hosts Kodie, Arthur, and Joe discuss the resurgence of civil commitment, focusing on its implications and the recent controversies surrounding Trump and Epstein. They explore how the Trump administration's shifting narratives aim to distract the public, with the latest being accusations against former President Obama. The conversation broadens to a critique of the insurance industry and the exploitation inherent within it. The main discussion centers on a newly issued executive order aimed at addressing homelessness through civil commitment, invoking concerns about potential abuses of power, the morality of homelessness policies, and the ulterior motives behind seemingly benevolent actions. The episode closes by dissecting the executive order's language, potential impacts, and the broader implications on society.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:29 Trump and Epstein Controversy Deep Dive

01:24 Personal Anecdotes and Insurance Rants

08:02 Executive Order on Ending Crime and Disorder

13:19 Restoring Civil Commitment: A New Approach?

20:27 Classic Theater and Forced Labor

20:41 Sponsor Message: Veritas Press

21:50 Fighting Vagrancy on America's Streets

24:42 Redirecting Federal Resources for Homelessness

29:16 Increasing Accountability in Homelessness Programs

32:09 Discussion on Homelessness and Housing First

40:52 Speculations and Conspiracies

41:40 Sponsor Message: Faith First Banking

43:03 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/ending-crime-and-disorder-on-americas-streets/

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/involuntary_civil_commitment

In this episode, the hosts complete their two part series into the militarization of police forces, highlighting concerns from the Department of Defense and laws that enable the transfer of military equipment to local law enforcement. They discuss the blurring lines between military and civilian policing, particularly during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The conversation shifts to Trump's connection with Jeffrey Epstein, the political fallout, and the implications for Trump's base. The hosts analyze the impact of conspiracy theories on the right-wing political landscape and the stages of propaganda lifecycle. The episode concludes with plugging the importance of supporting independent and public media.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:42 Concerns Over Militarized Police

01:56 The 1033 Program and Military Equipment

03:28 Debate on Military Uniforms for Police

05:48 Public Perception and Performative Violence

07:12 ICE and the Militarization of Law Enforcement

13:43 Epstein Files and Political Fallout

19:57 Deflection and Denial: Addressing Epstein Questions

20:39 The Epstein Files: Broken Promises and Realizations

21:21 Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception

22:06 Trump's Strategy: Strength and Gaslighting

23:31 Carl Sagan's Insight on Deception

25:41 Trump's Legal Battles and Public Reactions

34:31 The Role of Independent Media

36:06 Final Thoughts and Future Segments

Sources used in this episode

https://www.gq.com/story/plainclothes-ice-officers

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/06/23/politics/pentagon-concerns-militarization-police/index.html

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/24/ice-trump-administration-immigration-deportations

https://www.visaverge.com/news/ice-agents-wearing-masks-during-immigrant-arrests-spark-political-firestorm/

https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracy-theories-bondi-bongino-fbi-a143076353acbc1193cb9697e7fc4a90

https://newrepublic.com/post/197652/trump-binder-influencers-epstein-files-pissed

https://www.thedailybeast.com/tucker-carlson-torched-by-ex-israeli-pm-over-epstein-mossad-theory/

In this episode, host Kodie and co-host Arthur welcome guest host Noah Glick to discuss the militarization of ICE, focusing on the use of aggressive tactics and heavily armed gear in civilian operations. The conversation highlights the discrepancies in the continuation of force between ICE protocols and U.S. military standards. They delve into the implications of the Laken Riley Act and its impact on migrant detention, explaining how minor infractions can lead to severe consequences for non-citizens. The episode also touches on the misleading nature of legislative titles and their role in shaping public opinion. To add a lighter note, the hosts introduce a new game segment, 'Is it Propaganda?', where they analyze content to determine its propagandistic elements.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:20 Welcome to Propaganda Loves You

02:05 Meet the Guest Host: Noah Glick

04:26 Podcast Growth and Listener Updates

05:44 Personal Updates and Political Engagement

09:47 New Game: Is It Propaganda?

19:52 Trump's Health Myths and Propaganda

23:57 The Militarization of ICE

33:16 Legislation and Its Impact on Immigration Enforcement

42:01 Conclusion and Call to Action

Sources used for this episode -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmMQCwJV1a0 - Department of the Interior 4th of July Message

https://youtu.be/eYSBotW-pZI?feature=shared - Federal Agents use door charge on Americans home.

https://youtu.be/wqQJdB2pAWs?feature=shared - How the Military knocks on Doors

Final Reflections on 'When Affirmative Action Was White'

In this episode of 'The Propaganda Loves You Book Club,' the hosts conclude their discussion on Ira Katznelson's book, 'When Affirmative Action Was White.' They review the previous episodes that covered the New Deal era and mid-20th-century government programs, focusing on how these initiatives benefited white citizens while excluding Black people. The conversation highlights Katznelson's analysis of structural racism embedded in Social Security, GI Bill benefits, and mortgage assistance. The hosts discuss Katznelson's proposed solutions for affirmative action and reparations, critiquing their reliance on bureaucratic and economic mechanisms. They also explore broader themes of wealth redistribution, the role of the government in perpetuating inequality, and the ongoing exploitation of labor under capitalism. The episode wraps up with an announcement for the next book in the series, 'The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity' by David Graeber and David Wengrow.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:32 Book Club Overview: When Affirmative Action Was White

00:41 Historical Context and Government Programs

01:53 Discussion on Final Chapter and Affirmative Action

02:54 Quotes and Reflections from the Book

06:23 Broader Implications and Modern Context

12:02 Policy Suggestions and Critiques

20:50 Critical Race Theory and Broader Social Issues

35:49 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

39:15 Next Book Announcement and Closing

In this episode of Propaganda Loves You, hosts Arthur, Kodie, and Joe dive deep into the critical role language plays in shaping public perception and policy. They discuss how euphemisms and bureaucratic terms like 'Alligator Alcatraz' mask the harsh realities of state violence and incarceration. The discussion spans historical examples like Japanese internment camps and Soviet gulags, and touches on modern-day issues like ICE detention centers and biometric surveillance. They highlight philosophical perspectives from Ludwig Wittgenstein and Michel Foucault to underscore how language constructs power and control. The episode concludes with a powerful message on the importance of naming violence truthfully as an act of resistance.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:57 The Power of Language in Shaping Perception

01:48 Philosophical Foundations: Wittgenstein and Foucault

04:00 Language Games and Social Context

05:41 Euphemisms and Bureaucratic Language

20:23 Historical Parallels and Modern Implications

25:30 Historical Comparisons: Soviet Gulags

26:08 Modern Forced Labor: China's Detention Camps

27:08 ICE and the Language of Detention

28:12 Global Exploitation and Capitalist Interests

29:11 Historical Parallels: Contractors and Exploitation

30:41 The Goal of Detention: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment

31:01 Satirical Advertisement: Call Me Gone

32:07 US Detention Practices Abroad

39:09 Language and Criminalization

40:10 The Economics of Detention

41:54 Philosophical Insights: Language and Humanity

47:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://apnews.com/article/florida-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-trump-desantis-0597dd71a0cfcbc819b82929c03466cd

https://apnews.com/article/florida-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-desantis-trump-8856c0e2b9ecb8c0fb960f6e3e72a5ae

https://www.vox.com/politics/419342/trump-ice-deportation-detention-immigration-big-bill

Countering Disinformation: NGOs, Academia, and Personal Strategies

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, dive into the fourth part of their disinformation series. They discuss various organizations that combat disinformation, including the Stanford Internet Observatory and the Alliance for Securing Democracy. The episode highlights the importance of Finland’s societal approach to media literacy, contrasts it with the U.S.'s reduced efforts, and explores NGOs and citizen groups fighting disinformation on both sides of the Atlantic. They conclude with practical tips for individuals to recognize and counter disinformation in their daily media consumption, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and critical engagement.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:40 Disinformation Deep Dive Series Recap

01:49 NGOs and Citizen Groups Fighting Disinformation

02:23 Stanford Internet Observatory: A Case Study

04:20 Alliance for Securing Democracy

06:41 American Sunlight Project

10:51 European Digital Media Observatory

24:03 Regional Efforts in Europe

28:47 Open Source Intelligence Organizations

29:58 Investigative Organizations and Their Impact

31:01 Citizen-Led Movements: The Rise of Nafo

35:02 Challenges in Media and Neoliberalism

38:17 Practical Tips to Combat Disinformation

51:14 Additional Resources for Media Literacy

57:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sources used in this episode

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/learn/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-0833-x

https://www.newsguardtech.com/

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1806781116

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1075547017731776

https://rm.coe.int/information-disorder-report-version-august-2018/16808c9c77

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debunk.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Monitoring%2C_Analysis_and_Strategy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alliance4Europe

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/07/information-war-russia-china/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/world/europe/finland-misinformation-classes.html

https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/08/31/a-virtual-army-of-impish-cartoon-pooches-is-waging-war-on-russia

https://www.rand.org/research/projects/truth-decay.html

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/state-department-shutters-gec-foreign-disinformation-00292982

https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2023/12/07/russia-ukraine-digital-threat-celebrity-cameo-mtac/

https://www.graphika.com/our-story

https://www.disinfo.eu/

https://edmo.eu/

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/government-shouldnt-be-barred-countering-false-information

https://www.bellingcat.com/about/who-we-are/

https://www.americansunlight.org/programs

https://securingdemocracy.gmfus.org/

Undoing the Demos - Wendy Brown

https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9781935408543/undoing-the-demos

Resources for Media Literacy

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/ml/

https://iste.org/digital-citizenship-lessons

https://www.unesco.org/en/media-information-literacy?hub=370

https://mediaeducationlab.com/

https://internetcitizens.withyoutube.com/#main

https://www.isdglobal.org/about/

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie is joined by Arthur and Joe to discuss the cost of journalistic integrity and governmental control over media. The show, recorded after the 4th of July, features a light-hearted discussion on the holiday celebrations before diving into the main topic of the current administration's attempts to manipulate media. Discussions include the Paramount settlement with Trump, which raises concerns about the First Amendment, and how Trump’s administration leveraged other lawsuit settlements to control press behavior. The episode also delves into the VOA's shift under the Trump administration, potentially transforming it from an independent entity to a direct propaganda tool. The show wraps up with discussions around ongoing political strategies and their implications for democracy.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:39 4th of July Reflections

02:09 Current Events and News Topics

03:43 Howard Zinn's Perspective on the Revolution

06:44 Discussion on Modern Fascism and Media Control

16:35 Trump Administration's Media Manipulation

30:02 Voice of America and Propaganda

41:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/voice-of-america-history-60-minutes/

https://www.politico.eu/article/america-pro-democracy-media-closures-donald-trump-radio-free-europe-radio-liberty-voice-of-america-radio-free-asia/

https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/28/voice-of-america-termination-00431342

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/02/paramount-settlement-press-freedom-00437677

https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2

https://apnews.com/article/trump-cbs-news-60-minutes-lawsuit-d43effebb7b3b76c31d38908bd31460e

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/06/03/most-people-across-24-surveyed-countries-have-negative-views-of-israel-and-netanyahu/

https://latenighter.com/features/john-oliver-tackles-trumps-war-on-the-press-and-that-hbo-max-rebrand/