Best Michel Foucault Podcasts (2024)

1
Bonus: Kickass or Nah? 1:06:37

1d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

We're trying something different this episode! With a little help from our friends Noah and the Comedatrix Ms. Grey, we're going down a surprise list of contemporary and controversial queer people and deciding on the fly if they are kickass, or... something else entirely! A few of the personalities we'll be covering: An occultist filmmaker who trie…

1
Ideology and Utopia – Karl Mannheim 48:35

25d ago48:35

48:35

Join us as we dive deep into the thought-provoking concepts of Karl Mannheim's "Ideology and Utopia." In this episode, we unravel Mannheim's profound insights into the role of ideology in society. From understanding the mechanisms of ideological distortion to exploring the transformative potential of utopian imagination, we embark on a captivating …

1
Johnnie Ray & the Birth of Rock and Roll 1:01:07

1M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

Before the Beatles, before Elvis (but after Sinatra,) there was Johnnie Ray. Ray overcame partial deafness to become the world's biggest pop idol and inspire generations of songwriters to come. He was also pretty queer! Larry has the whole story. We'll also be talking briefly about two other queer trailblazers who helped shape modern music: Little …

1
Michel Foucault Part Two: Context and Consent 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

In the conclusion of Rachel's very first sprawling epic, we learn about the later life of pop culture's most talked-about philosopher. We'll learn how Foucault's independent thinking led him to be way ahead of the curve on some issues... and tragically wrong on others. We'll also talk about perceptions of his massive impact on contemporary culture …

1
Michel Foucault Part One: The Vertigo of Madness 41:37

3M ago41:37

41:37

Michel Foucault was one of the most famous, influential and controversial scholars of the 20th century--and, perhaps, all time. He did it all to impress boys. Rachel walks us through the first four decades of his life and career, with plenty of asides about the bizarre personal predilections that influenced his work for the better... and for the wo…

1
2023 Year in Review 50:21

3M ago50:21

50:21

Did someone say flashback episode? Rachel and Larry revisit the highs, lows and give you the Cliff's Notes versions of all the stories we've told so far! (While they diligently prepare the next batch of kickass stories.) Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer …

1
King James, Part 2: ...And I Have George 47:10

4M ago47:10

47:10

In the conclusion of our King James VI and I Christmas special, we meet poor James soon after he has parted with his first love. We'll talk about his triumphs, his struggles, his lovers, and the man he called his wife. (Among other things.) If only Shakespeare had outlived this guy, right? We'll also encounter a statement so astonishing that even R…

1
King James, Part 1: Young Men That Lie in His Bedchamber 40:27

4M ago40:27

40:27

Home for the holidays? Ruin Christmas dinner with our very first holiday special, in which we'll be getting to know the king who united Great Britain, commissioned the world's most popular Bible, spared England and Scotland the horrors of a devastating war, and had a succession of male lovers that scandalized his court and privy council. In the fir…

1
Nancy Garden Writes a Happy Ending 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

In 1982, YA fantasy novelist Nancy Garden had her most genre-busting idea yet: a love story about two girls who don't die, hate themselves, or even get seduced by vampires. Her book, Annie on My Mind, is a lovely, life-affirming classic of YA and queer literature. It was also one of the most challenged, banned and even burned books of the 20th cent…

1
Lawrence v. Texas Part 4: It's About Family, Freedom and/or Equality 1:38:01

5M ago1:38:01

1:38:01

We wrap up our first foray into (probably totally made up) true crime! Larry and Rachel laugh at some bizarre legal briefs, hate on Antonin Scalia and chat with brilliant attorney Paul Smith, who will walk us through his experience arguing the case before the Supreme Court. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, …

1
Lawrence v. Texas Part 3: The Parrot, the Beaver and the Law 1:07:59

5M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

In the penultimate installment of our deep dive into the landmark Supreme Court ruling just 20 years ago, we'll meet an eccentric justice of the peace, a closeted lesbian prosecutor, a conspiracy-minded judge, a simple country DA about to make what is sadly not the biggest mistake of his life... and more kickass queer attorneys than you can pile in…

1
Lawrence v. Texas Part 2: Three Messy Gays Meet Four Awful Cops 55:35

5M ago55:35

55:35

In part two of our four-episode deep dive into the case that made gay sex--and by extension being out of the closet--legal in all 50 states, we'll meet three messy gays, four sus cops and one wunderkind-activist-turned-bartender (guest Lane Lewis) who will make their confrontation a turning point for gay rights and personal freedom. Kickass Queers …

1
Lawrence v. Texas Part 1: The Bad Old Days 37:23

5M ago37:23

37:23

Just how homophobic was America in the 90s? Gay sex was still illegal in several US states until this landmark Supreme Court ruling just 20 years ago. This meant that out gay people in those states were seen as criminals. That would sometimes cost them jobs, housing or even custody and visitation of their children. And, even when it didn't, the thr…

1
Florence Nightingale, The First Modern Nurse 1:01:17

6M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Florence Nightingale was the creator of modern nursing, a statistician of historic importance, an accomplished scholar, and the reason you wash your hands constantly. Rachel is here to walk us through her astonishing career, as well as her relationships with God, 60 cats and "all the women of Europe." Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stori…

1
How Gay Drama Started Democracy 30:27

6M ago30:27

30:27

Ever wonder how the ancient Athenians came to found democracy? According to them, it was simple: gay drama got way out of hand. Larry has all the juicy details about The Tyrant Killers (or Tyranticides,) Harmodius and Aristogeiton! Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and other…

1
Sylvia Rivera & the Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries 46:05

6M ago46:05

46:05

Sylvia Rivera helped get legal protections for LGBT people and founded the first shelter for homeless trans youth in North America, all while coping with homelessness and drug addiction herself. Rachel leads a discussion of Sylvia's extraordinary life and legacy. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender…

1
Stormé DeLarverie, Superhero 1:21:08

7M ago1:21:08

1:21:08

Stormé is often thought to have incited the riot at Stonewall, and that’s barely a footnote in the life of this civil rights icon and legendary entertainer. Larry leads a deep dive through little-known sources to reveal the recently uncovered true life story of this incredible figure. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing les…

1
When Frida Kahlo Met Josephine Baker 22:29

7M ago22:29

22:29

We’re not saying that Frida Kahlo definitely had an affair with Josephine Baker in 1939. We’re just saying that a lot of people said that they did at the time, and we really want it to be true. Rachel is here to spill all the hot goss and teach Larry about scissoring. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transg…

1
Brian Stonehouse, A Spy with Style 1:11:07

7M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

James Bond has nothing on Brian Stonehouse, a World War II spy who worked in the French resistance and survived five concentration camps to become an internationally famous Vogue illustrator and the Queen Mother’s GBFF. Larry has the whole story. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconfo…

1
Unveiling History: Rethinking Gender Roles in Early Societies 19:07

8M ago19:07

19:07

Join us for a 20-minute discussion as we delve into the intriguing world of early civilizations and challenge age-old stereotypes. In this thought-provoking video, we explore three captivating articles that shed light on the often-overlooked roles of women in ancient hunting societies.By Revolution and Ideology

1
The End of the World in Online Gaming 33:50

9M ago33:50

33:50

In this episode we discuss the academic article titled "I would not plant apple trees if the world will be wiped".By Revolution and Ideology

1
The Japanese Colonization of Korea: A Historical Perspective 1:56:38

12M ago1:56:38

1:56:38

Join us as we delve into the complex and often controversial history of the Japanese colonization of Korea.By Revolution and Ideology

1
From Rubber Trade to Cultural Genocide: A History of Belgian Colonization in the Congo 1:42:10

1y ago1:42:10

1:42:10

Join us as we delve into the dark history of Belgian colonization in Congo. From King Leopold II's brutal exploitation of Congolese resources to the forced labor and atrocities committed under Belgian rule, this episode uncovers the disturbing truths behind one of the most notorious colonial regimes in history. We explore the impact of Belgian colo…

1
When Worlds Collaborate: The Style of Early Tabletop Role-Playing Games 1:12:08

1y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of early tabletop role-playing games and explore the style and collaboration involved in creating these games in addition to the racism inherent in early role-playing games. Our guest is Stefan Huddleston, author of a fascinating article titled "When Worlds Collaborate: The Style of Early Tabletop Rol…

1
Charles Tilly’s Theory: States as Organized Crime 🚨 46:49

1y ago46:49

46:49

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating theory of Charles Tilly, a renowned political scientist who argued that states are not inherently peaceful and benevolent entities, but rather emerged from war-making and are essentially akin to organized crime.By Revolution and Ideology

1
The Chinese Occupation of Tibet: A Comprehensive History 1:31:58

1y ago1:31:58

1:31:58

Discover the fascinating history of Tibet and its relationship with China in this 1 hour and 30 minute episode. From the Chinese government's takeover of Tibet to the current autonomous region, this episode covers it allBy Revolution and Ideology

1
Michel Foucault – The Subject and Power 52:53

1y ago52:53

52:53

We discuss Michel Foucault's article "The Subject and Power" in which Foucault discusses his concept of power as action between individuals and how we must get out of the "'double bind' which is the simultaneous individualization and totalization of modern power structures."By Revolution and Ideology

1
Copaganda – Police in the Media 👮‍♂️ 1:17:35

1y ago1:17:35

1:17:35

With guest Stefan Huddleston we discuss the depiction of law enforcement in the media. From Dirty Harry and Bullitt to Law and Order and CSI, the police are typically portrayed as having the people's best interests in mind even when they're breaking the law themselves.By Revolution and Ideology

1
The Social Ideology of the Motorcar 🚗 29:53

1+ y ago29:53

29:53

We discuss the 1973 article "The Ideology of the Motorcar" by Andre Gorz.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Is Union Membership Worth More Than Going to College? 21:14

1+ y ago21:14

21:14

We discuss an article titled "The Cumulative Advantage of a Unionized Career for Lifetime Earnings" and discover whether or not you should join a union or go to college (or both!).By Revolution and Ideology

1
Quiet Quitting – Hegelian or Marxist? 10:45

1+ y ago10:45

10:45

Where does the act of quiet quitting fit into the context of a larger movement? Does it have the potential to make a real impact? Is it Marxist or Hegelian?By Revolution and Ideology

1
Is Every Act a Political Act? 13:03

1+ y ago13:03

13:03

As a short follow-up to our previous episode, we discuss whether or not every act is a political act. We briefly mention commodification, socialization, industrialization, technology, capitalism, religion, and more.By Revolution and Ideology

1
You Can’t Blame Everything on Capitalism 31:16

1+ y ago31:16

31:16

We loosely discuss a Gawker article by Clare Coffey titled "Failure to Cope Under Capitalism".By Revolution and Ideology

1
Are Labor Strikes Illegal in the United States? The Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 1:01:23

1+ y ago1:01:23

1:01:23

We discuss a short history of labor strikes in the United States and how the federal government dramatically reduced the power of labor with the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Black Wars in Tasmania – Genocide by Definition 41:12

2y ago41:12

41:12

We discuss the genocide of the Tasmanian Aboriginals in the nineteenth century.By Revolution and Ideology

1
2022 Report on Indian Board Schools – U.S. Department of Interior 47:06

2y ago47:06

47:06

We discuss the recently published United States Department of the Interior Report on Native American Boarding Schools which discovered 431 Federal Indian Boarding Schools and discusses many of the atrocities which took place there.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Inspirations of the Harlem Renaissance 46:12

2y ago46:12

46:12

We sit down with musician and graduate student Ashley Ellis to discuss the Harlem Renaissance and its significance including artists such as Aaron Douglas, Archibald Motley, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday and others such as W.E.B. Du Bois and James Baldwin.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Prison – Can the System be Changed from the Inside? 54:28

2y ago54:28

54:28

Our friend and prison abolitionist Donte Young got a job at a youth detention facility and tried to change things from the inside. He provides an insightful, emotional, and at times chilling account of how things went.By Revolution and Ideology

1
DayZ: A Simulated Social Experiment? 41:25

2y ago41:25

41:25

DayZ is one of many games set in an apocalypse, but unlike all others, it forces the player to create their own “narrative.” Thus, it presents the opportunity to offer commentary on both conscious and subconscious popularity of consuming apocalyptic media. Further, by placing the consumer into the story in ways none of the other mediums can, it may…

1
Georg Simmel’s “The Ruin” 26:04

2y ago26:04

26:04

By Revolution and Ideology

1
Could Utopia be Apocalyptic? 38:59

2y ago38:59

38:59

Continuing our series on the apocalypse, we discuss the chapter "Dying of Happiness: Utopia at the End of this World" in Maria Manuel Lisboa's book "The End of the World: Apocalypse and its Aftermath in Western Culture" and the idea that utopia itself might bring about the apocalypse.By Revolution and Ideology

1
What is the function of destruction and ruin in apocalyptic films? 50:43

2y ago50:43

50:43

We discuss the function of wide-scale destruction and ruins in apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic films.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Zombie History, Metaphors, & Tropes 47:12

2y ago47:12

47:12

We discuss the history of the zombie myth and the most common metaphors and tropes in zombie-related cinema and film.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Apocalyptic Tropes in Netflix’s Black Crab (Svart krabba) 22:18

2y ago22:18

22:18

We discuss the numerous apocalyptic tropes and themes in Netflix's post-apocalyptic Swedish film "Black Crab" (Svart krabba) directed by Adam Berg and Starring Nomi Rapace.By Revolution and Ideology

1
Zombieland – Zombie Comedies and Their Significance 25:45

2y ago25:45

25:45

We discuss the dramatic significance of zombie comedies using Zombieland as an example. Dr. Kyle William Bishop in his article "Vacationing in Zombieland : the classical functions of the modern zombie comedy" applies Northrop Frye's frameworks for criticism to demonstrate how the zombie comedy is more than just gratuitous violence and should be tak…

1
The Imagination of Disaster – Susan Sontag 46:52

2y ago46:52

46:52

We discuss Susan Sontag's seminal 1966 work "The Imagination of Disaster."By Revolution and Ideology

1
Godzilla and the Apocalypse 21:16

2y ago21:16

21:16

We discuss the apocalyptic themes from the 2019 film "Godzilla: King of the Monsters."By Revolution and Ideology

1
7 Functions of Apocalyptic Media 36:40

2y ago36:40

36:40

We discuss the 7 functions of apocalyptic cinema according to Wynn Gerald Hamonic's 2017 article, "Global Catastrophe in Motion Pictures as Meaning and Message: The Functions of Apocalyptic Cinema in American Film."By Revolution and Ideology

1
Killing Humanity in Apocalyptic Media 33:51

2y ago33:51

33:51

We discuss a book chapter by Dina Khapaeva titled "Killing Humanity - Anthropocentrism and Apocalypse in Contemporary Cinema" from the edited volume "The Age of Spectacular Death" edited by Michael Hviid Jacobsen. Khapaeva discusses the "human" and "anti-human" paradigms in apocalyptic media and the commodification of anti-humanism mentioning examp…