MOTHCAST - Unvetted, from MOTH NEWS – The Rise of Far-Right Fight Clubs & the UFC’s Antisemitism Problem

In this episode of MOTHCAST Unvetted, journalist Karim Zidan joins Philip O’Connor to discuss the troubling connections between combat sports and political extremism. Zidan, whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Guardian, is the founder of Sports Politika, a multimedia platform focused on the intersection of sports, power, and politics.

They explore the rise of far-right fight clubs and how extremist groups are using MMA as a recruitment tool. The conversation also delves into the UFC’s antisemitism problem and the organization’s failure to address growing concerns. With a focus on the power struggles within combat sports, they examine who controls the narrative and what it means for the future of the industry.

Watch MOTH NEWS Live every Friday at 3PM. Follow us on @mothnews_ for more

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unvetted: Episode 2

A Strand of The MOTH NEWS Podcast, MOTHCAST

Welcome back to Unvetted, where we dig into the stories that the mainstream media just isn’t telling. On this strand of the MOTH NEWS Podcast, MOTHCAST, our head reporter Philip O’Connor sits down with past, present, and potential future guests of the broadcast for in-depth conversations about the topics that matter, the stories behind the headlines, and the voices often left unheard.

This week’s guest is none other than politically outspoken, avant-garde punk artist Meryl Streek. Meryl is an artist who doesn’t just make music—he makes noise, statements, and bold calls to action. He’s furious at the Irish government, outraged by the ongoing housing crisis, and unafraid to channel his anger into art.

Meryl sat with Philip to discuss it all: the government policies that have him fired up, the housing crisis that’s left so many struggling, and how his music acts as both an outlet for his rage and a rallying cry for change. It’s an honest, raw, and unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the intersection of art, politics, and personal rebellion.

For those unfamiliar with Meryl’s work, his debut album 796, released on the independent label Venn Records and produced by Dan Doherty (of Fontaines DC fame), has been making waves in the punk and alternative music scenes. The title refers to the 796 children who died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home in Ireland—an example of how Meryl uses his music to shine a spotlight on the darker chapters of history and hold those in power accountable.

Don’t just take our word for it—Rolling Stone’s Francis Zégut called the album, “powerful and rebellious, brave and acid... holy shit it’s good!” Zégut compared Meryl’s sound to the energy of Killing Joke, the defiance of The Sex Pistols, and the chaotic brilliance of The Prodigy. With tracks like “False Apologies” clocking in at nearly six minutes of unapologetic intensity, 796 is punk with purpose—an unrelenting, scathing critique of societal failures.

So tune in as Meryl Streek and Philip O’Connor dive into the stories behind the music, the inspirations that drive him, and the fight for a better Ireland. This episode of Unvetted is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of art to challenge the status quo.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And as always, keep your ears tuned to MOTH NEWS for the stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unvetted: Episode 2

A Strand of The MOTH NEWS Podcast - MOTHCAST

Welcome back to Unvetted, where we dig into the stories that the mainstream media just isn’t telling. On this strand of the MOTH NEWS Podcast, MOTHCAST, our head reporter Philip O’Connor sits down with past, present, and potential future guests of the broadcast for in-depth conversations about the topics that matter, the stories behind the headlines, and the voices often left unheard.

This week’s guest is none other than politically outspoken, avant-garde punk artist Meryl Streek. Meryl is an artist who doesn’t just make music—he makes noise, statements, and bold calls to action. He’s furious at the Irish government, outraged by the ongoing housing crisis, and unafraid to channel his anger into art.

Meryl sat with Philip to discuss it all: the government policies that have him fired up, the housing crisis that’s left so many struggling, and how his music acts as both an outlet for his rage and a rallying cry for change. It’s an honest, raw, and unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the intersection of art, politics, and personal rebellion.

For those unfamiliar with Meryl’s work, his debut album 796, released on the independent label Venn Records and produced by Dan Doherty (of Fontaines DC fame), has been making waves in the punk and alternative music scenes. The title refers to the 796 children who died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home in Ireland—an example of how Meryl uses his music to shine a spotlight on the darker chapters of history and hold those in power accountable.

Don’t just take our word for it—Rolling Stone’s Francis Zégut called the album, “powerful and rebellious, brave and acid... holy shit it’s good!” Zégut compared Meryl’s sound to the energy of Killing Joke, the defiance of The Sex Pistols, and the chaotic brilliance of The Prodigy. With tracks like “False Apologies” clocking in at nearly six minutes of unapologetic intensity, 796 is punk with purpose—an unrelenting, scathing critique of societal failures.

So tune in as Meryl Streek and Philip O’Connor dive into the stories behind the music, the inspirations that drive him, and the fight for a better Ireland. This episode of Unvetted is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the power of art to challenge the status quo.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

And as always, keep your ears tuned to MOTH NEWS for the stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the MOTHCAST the MOTH News Podcast! 🎙️

MOTH stands for Monopoly of Truth, and we’re dedicated to cutting through the noise to uncover the stories that truly matter. In a media landscape often influenced by vested interests, our mission is to deliver transparency, ask tough questions, and provide a platform for in-depth conversations that empower you to think critically about the world around you.

I’m Keith Walsh, and along with my co-host Al, we bring you the audio version of our weekly live stream, just in case you missed it. We go live every Friday across your favorite platforms—catch us on X (@mothnews_), Instagram (@monopolyoftruth), and on YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, and more.

This week’s show is packed with hard-hitting stories:

🛑 We spoke to James from Comrade Workwear about how his social media accounts were wiped out and why the NYPD showed up at his door.

📉 Plus, Philip O’Connor joins us from Sweden with devastating news about Ireland’s record-breaking homeless figures.

Join Al and me for another deep dive into the stories that matter. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join the conversation with MOTH News Live. Let’s dive in! 🎧

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.