The Chauncey DeVega Show

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Ep. 160: John Gartner Warns That Donald Trump is Mentally Ill/John Mueller's Indictments Nov 04, 2017

Show notes

This week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show features three guests and a special bonus Halloween feature.

Psychologist John Gartner is the featured guest on this week's show. He is the founder of "The Duty to Warn", a political action organization and awareness raising campaign which is trying to sound the alarm about Donald Trump's mental health and how he is a threat to world peace. Dr. Gartner's "Duty to Warn" petition and open letter was featured in the New York Times and elsewhere. To date, it has received tens of thousands of signatures from mental health professionals in the United States and elsewhere.

During this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Dr. Gartner and Chauncey discuss Trump's mental health, how his various pathologies are a threat to world peace, and how the so-called Goldwater Rule is a shield that protects cowardly psychologists and others who are afraid to speak truth to power. Dr. Gartner also explains the dangerous allure of demagogues such as Donald Trump and how he is able to control his millions of followers--and why they will not leave him.

This week's podcast also features two other great guests to help make sense of Robert Mueller's indictments and the Russia Scandal.

Author and journalist Jared Yates Sexton was one of the first voices to call attention to how Paul Manafort would likely be indicted for money laundering and other financial crimes. More than a year ago, Sexton correctly identified how money would be the smoking gun that would expose Trump's collusion with Russia to steal the 2016 election from Hillary Clinton. Jared explains how he connected the dots and what he thinks will happen next with Mueller's investigation and the Russia Scandal.

Naveed Jamali is the author of How to Catch a Russian Spy. He explains how Mueller's indictment reveals the ways that Russian spies and other intelligence operatives compromised Trump's inner circle--most notably George Papadopoulos. Jamali also locates Putin's plans for Donald Trump and the chaos caused in the 2016 presidential election in a larger strategic context. Jamali is also deeply concerned that America is on the verge of a Constitutional crisis when and if Trump fires Mueller.

In this week's episode, Chauncey tries to construct a narrative out of the maelstrom of Trump-related chaos and evil such as Kelly's piss poor ignorant claims about "compromise" and the Civil War, how Susan "Goebbels" Huckabee Sanders refuses to say that Trump believes that slavery was wrong, Trump's threats against the FBI and Hillary Clinton, and Mueller's indictments. Chauncey also shares some polling data about Trump's malignant reality and the control he has over his human deplorables and its implications for American fascism.

As a special trick or treat Halloween bonus this week's show also features Adam Selzer who is the author of H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil. He separates fact from fiction in the disturbing tale of Chicago's most famous "serial killer".

Ep. 159: White Supremacists Don't Know Much About European History Oct 27, 2017

Show notes

Dr. Dorothy Kim is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. She is an assistant professor of literature at Vassar College. Several months ago, Dr. Kim shared the following observations on the website In the Middle about the relationship between Eurocentrism, teaching, white supremacy, and the era of Donald Trump:

"If the medieval past (globally) is being weaponized for the aims of extreme, violent supremacist groups, what are you doing, medievalists, in your classrooms?....Because you are the authorities teaching medieval subjects in the classroom, you are, in fact, ideological arms dealers....Neutrality is not optional."

After making this intervention Dr. Kim was a victim of a right-wing smear campaign led by Milo Yiannopoulos.

During this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Dr. Kim and Chauncey discuss how the classroom is an inherently political space, the ways that Eurocentrism and white supremacy are present in academic fields such as Medieval Studies, the modern origins of the concept of race, and the fundamental misunderstandings that white supremacists have about Europe's past. Dr. Kim also explains how digital culture is a fertile space for the white gaze and its distortions of European history. In this week's episode, Chauncey DeVega explains how White House chief of staff John Kelly channeled the logic of a military coup in his defense of Donald Trump's racist and sexist lies about the war widow Myeshia Johnson as well as Representative Francesca Wilson. And during this week's episode Chauncey shares a story about a late night encounter with one of Trump's human trash monsters, how right-wing trolls had a public orgasm of anger in response to one of his recent essays, and the importance of psychologist Erich Fromm's observations about fascism and authoritarianism in this moment of national (and global) emergency.

Ep. 158: Lecturer Lars Maischak "Threatened" Donald Trump on Twitter and Lost His Job Oct 22, 2017

Show notes

Dr. Lars Maischak is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is a lecturer of history at Fresno State University. Several months ago, Maischak exercised his rights of free speech and said via the social media platform Twitter that "to save American democracy, Trump must hang. The sooner and the higher, the better.." After making those comments Maischak was targeted by a coordinated and systematic campaign of harassment--which included death threats--by right-wing activists and their trolls. Lars was then put on leave from Fresno State University and has now been removed from the classroom.

During this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Lars and Chauncey discuss fascism and Donald Trump's election as well as the explosive relationship between race, class, and white identity politics. Lars also shares his thoughts on free speech, academic freedom, and how today's right-wing hate machine is working to silent dissent in the academy and other areas of American life. Lars also explains why he took to Twitter to express his disgust about Donald Trump's administration and what it was like to be harassed by the right-wing smear machine.

In this week's episode, Chauncey DeVega explains the real threat posed by former general and now Chief of Staff John Kelly's defense of Donald Trump's mean and cruel comments to war widow Myeshia Johnson. Chauncey also states clearly and plainly how Kelly's and Trump's lies and comments about Myeshia Johnson, her family, and Representative Frederica Wilson are just one more example of casual racism and sexism against black women in today's America. During this week's podcast Chauncey also offers his thoughts on the great new films The Florida Project and Mudbound.

Ep. 157: Tom Nichols Explains Donald Trump and the Nuclear "Madman Theory" Oct 15, 2017

Show notes

Tom Nichols is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is a professor of national security affairs at the United States Naval War College and also teaches at the Harvard Extension School. He is the author of seven books including "No Use: Nuclear Weapons and U.S. National Security" and "The Death of Expertise: The Campaign Against Established Knowledge and Why It Matters."

This is the second time that Dr. Nichols has been a guest on the show.

During this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Tom and Chauncey discuss Donald Trump's nuclear saber-rattling, "the madman theory", what would happen if a mentally unhinged president tried to launch America's nuclear weapons, and the likelihood that the United States goes to war with either Iran or North Korea. Dr. Nichols also highlights some frightening moments when the United States and the former Soviet Union almost attacked each other with nuclear weapons during the Cold War.

Writer and podcaster Alasdair Stuart also sits down at the virtual bar and salon to share his thoughts about Blade Runner 2049. Alasdair and Chauncey critique the film, reflect on the many ways that it can be interpreted, and ponder Blade Runner 2049's likely sequels--and if they are indeed necessary. Alasdair also tries to convince Chauncey to give the horrible Star Trek: Discovery a second chance. In this week's episode, Chauncey DeVega has the cooties and explores the science which justifies wearing an acifidity bag and also shares some insights about Trump's cult of political personality and how the Great Leader uses empathy to manipulate his sad and dangerous human deplorable foot soldiers. And at the end of this week's podcast, Chauncey shares three positive and uplifting stories about people having good fortune, children finding a forever family, and human heroes who save their animal friends.

Ep. 156: Nancy MacLean Explains the Radical Right-wing's Plans to Destroy American Democracy Oct 07, 2017

Show notes

Nancy MacLean is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. She is the William H. Chafe Professor of History and Public Policy at Duke University and author of the new book Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America.

Democracy in Chains is also one of the five finalists in the 2017 National Book Awards for non-fiction.

During this episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Nancy and Chauncey discuss how right-wing libertarians allied with the Koch brothers are working to systematically undermine American democracy, the intellectual origins of their dangerous ideology, and the various personalities involved in this movement. Professor MacLean also reflects on the intense backlash against her new book and how the radical right-wing are trying to undermine the very idea of expert knowledge and desperately trying to remake American higher education in their own image.

On this week's show Chauncey dares to tell the truth about toxic white masculinity, the color line, and the Las Vegas massacre which killed 58 people and wounded more than 500 last weekend. Chauncey also tells a story about being invited to appear on Tucker Carlson Tonight which airs on Fox so-called "News" in order to discuss his recent essay on white men and mass shootings in America. And in this episode Chauncey gives an enthusiastic endorsement of the new film Blade Runner 2049.

Ep. 155: Frank Miller Reflects on Batman and a Career in Comic Books Sep 29, 2017

Show notes

Frank Miller is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show.

He is one of the most influential voices in contemporary American comic books. During his 40 year career Miller has written such notable comic books and graphic novels as Daredevil: Born Again, Sin City, 300, Ronin, and Give Me Liberty. He is most known for his work on Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Batman: Year One and the new Batman: Dark Knight III: The Master Race.

Miller has also won every major award in the comic book industry and is a member of the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame.

During this episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Frank and Chauncey discuss his career and experience writing Batman, life wisdom, learning about film from Robert Rodriguez while making the Sin City films. Frank also offers some reflections about failing and learning from his work on the Robocop 2 and Robocop 3 films.

Comic book writer and editor Dirk Wood from IDW Publishing also sits down at the virtual bar and salon to share his thoughts about his exciting new arts and culture magazine Full Bleed. Dirk also give advice about how to break into comics, tells some stories about falling in love with comic books, and the ways that comic books and graphic novels can help literacy. Chauncey and Dirk also discuss how best to adopt toy and film properties such as G.I. Joe, Ghostbusters, Transformers and others into comic books.

On this week's show Chauncey calls out the cowards among the American people who do nothing to resist Trump and the Republican Party. Chauncey also acknowledged the strength and honor of the disabled brothers and sisters who helped to stop the monstrous Republican and Donald Trump "healthcare" bill. And in this episode, Chauncey cannot help but to ponder if Trump is a racist who does not care about the people suffering in Puerto Rico because they are not white.

Ep. 154: Dallas Penn Reflects on the Black Blogosphere, Life, Collecting, and Hip-Hop Sep 24, 2017

Show notes

Dallas Penn is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is a pioneer in what was once known as the "black blogosphere", birthed the phrase "Internets", and has been a contributing writer to such hip-hop magazines as Mass Appeal, XXL Magazine, and The Source. He is also a founding member of the film-making collective, iNternets Celebrities.

During this relaxed and fun episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Dallas and Chauncey discuss the current state of hip-hop, digital versus analog culture, sneaker collecting and the pleasures of various subcultures, as well as the Bill Cosby sex scandal. Given that they are fellow online travelers Chauncey and Dallas also reflect on life, aging, their health, and the (obvious) mysteries of Donald Trump.

Writer and podcaster Alasdair Stuart also sits down at the virtual bar and salon to share his thoughts about the new movie It. Stuart and Chauncey critique the film, discuss questions of adapting Stephen King's source material for the screen, and the film's various problems with race and gender.

On this week's show, Chauncey DeVega reflects on the perils of Trump, North Korea and the "madman" theory of international relations. In this week's episode, Chauncey understands why folks may be upset at Trump's racist comments in Alabama towards black athletes who are protesting police brutality and social injustice--but cautions that the real issue is how Trump is a de facto financial con artist who is using the presidency to enrich his own bank account.

Ep. 153: There's "No Easy Way Out" When You are Bowling with Gangsters and Hustlers Sep 16, 2017

Show notes

This week's special birthday edition of The Chauncey DeVega Show features two guests.

Robert Tepper is the writer and singer of the classic 1980s song "No Easy Way Out" from the movie Rocky IV. He stops by the virtual bar and salon to share some stories about his career as a musician, life on the road, Sylvester Stallone, and how "No Easy Way Out" came into being. Tepper also gives some advice to up-and-coming musicians about their careers and enjoying the moment.

Sports journalist and writer Gianmarc Manzione is the second guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is Editor of Bowlers Journal and author of the book Pin Action: Small-time Gangsters, High-Stakes Gambling, and the Teenage Hustler who Became a Bowling Champion.

During this episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Gianmarc and Chauncey discuss their shared love of the sport of bowling, common working class culture. Gianmarc then tells some great stories about the gangsters, crooks, hustlers and other colorful characters who dominated the big money "action bowling" (gambling) scene in the United States during its heyday from the 1950s to 1970s.

On this week's show, Chauncey DeVega reflects on his birthday and the health challenges that come with advancing decrepitude. In keeping with the spirit of sharing things that he loves on his birthday, Chauncey offers up some life wisdom learned from con artists and grifters and then reads from a wonderful story about the sloth--his spiritual avatar and one of his favorite animals.

Ep. 152: Lance Dodes Warns That Donald Trump is Sociopathic Sep 09, 2017

Show notes

Dr. Lance Dodes is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School (retired) and a psychoanalyst (Training and Supervising Analyst Emeritus at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute).

Dr. Dodes is a signatory to a nationally discussed letter which was published in The New York Times which warned the public about the dangers posed by Donald Trump's mental health. He also has contributed a chapter on Donald Trump and sociopathy in the forthcoming book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President.

During this episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Dr. Dodes and Chauncey discuss how clinicians have a "duty to warn" the American people (and the world) about Donald Trump's mental health problems. Dr. Dodes also clarifies the common misunderstandings surrounding the so-called "Goldwater Rule". And Dr. Dodes shares his thoughts about how he believes that Donald Trump is a sociopath and a megalomaniac not unlike other tyrants which we have seen throughout human history.

Writer and podcaster Alasdair Stuart also sits down at the virtual bar and salon to share his thoughts about the new Star Wars films and if they are in trouble because of a supposed "director problem". Stuart and Chauncey also select their own personal favorites to write and direct a Star Wars film and give an update on what is known about the plot and characters of Episode 8 and Episode 9 in the Star Wars Trilogies.

On this week's show, Chauncey DeVega ponders ethical questions about the horrible hurricanes striking Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean such as "would he give aid and assistance to Trump supporters in those areas?" In this week's episode Chauncey also shares some troubling news about how current American politics have inspired the new Star Trek series "Discovery".

At this end of this week's episode, Chauncey also offers a personal reflection and promise in response to Ta-Nehisi Coates' new piece in The Atlantic about Donald Trump and whiteness.

Ep. 151: James Whitman Explains What Adolf Hitler and the Nazis Learned From American Racism Sep 02, 2017

Show notes

James Q. Whitman is the guest on this week's episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show. He is the Ford Foundation Professor of Comparative and Foreign Law at Yale Law School and author of the new book Hitler's American Model: The United States and the Making of Nazi Race Law.

During this episode of The Chauncey DeVega Show, Professor Whitman and Chauncey discuss the connections between American "race scientists" and their peers in Germany, what the Nazis and Adolf Hitler learned from America's racial order, as well as how American anti-miscegenation laws and Jim and Jane Crow were admired by the Nazis. Professor Whitman also shares his thoughts on the troubling parallels between Donald Trump's rise to power, the recent events in Charlottesville, and Hitler's genocidal authoritarian regime.

On this week's show, Chauncey DeVega reflects on Hurricane Harvey and what its devastating aftermath reveals about the color line, income inequality, and disaster capitalism. Chauncey also ponders the morality of trying to profit from the inevitable rebuilding efforts. At the end of the this week's podcast Chauncey also "connects the dots" between the high level of support for Donald Trump among America's police, disinformation about the Black Lives Matter movement, and how the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies have now labeled anti-fascists as "terrorists".

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