Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

This spooky season on Parallax Views, we venture behind the Iron Curtain with historian Alexander Herbert, author of Fear Before the Fall: Horror Films in the Late Soviet Union. Herbert uncovers a hidden world of Soviet horror cinema — films that reflected the fears, contradictions, and collapsing certainties of late socialism. We talk about Viy (1967), the first officially Soviet horror movie and a chilling adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's tale about a terrified seminarian forced to pray over a witch's corpse. From there, Herbert explores how later Soviet filmmakers created movies that were either horror or horror-adjacent. It's an exploration of a rather unexplored topic. It's a conversation about horror, history, and ideology — and how the Soviet Union's final decades produced some of the most fascinating and overlooked genre films ever made.

On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our annual Spooky Season series with a chilling deep dive into one of Hollywood's most infamous real-life tragedies — the Twilight Zone: The Movie helicopter crash. Journalist Steve Chain, author of Fly By Night: The Secret Story of Steven Spielberg, Warner Bros., and the Twilight Zone Deaths, joins the show to uncover the haunting true story that forever changed the film industry. Chain's explosive investigation revisits the 1982 disaster that claimed the lives of actor Vic Morrow and two children on set — and the five-year legal battle that followed. Was it a tragic accident, or was there a cover-up to protect some of Hollywood's most powerful names, including John Landis and Steven Spielberg? Chain pulls back the curtain on the shocking evidence, courtroom drama, and corporate maneuvering behind one of Tinseltown's darkest chapters. As part of Parallax Views' spooky season lineup, this episode isn't about ghosts or monsters — it's about real-life horror: power, negligence, and the human cost of spectacle. If you're fascinated by true crime, Hollywood scandals, media history, or the eerie intersection of fame and tragedy, you won't want to miss this one.

On this edition of Parallax Views, we continue our Halloween “spooky season” series with an episode exploring how true crime stories—particularly those involving serial killers—are brought to life on screen. Screenwriter Stephen Johnston joins the show to discuss the process of writing films about notorious figures like Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, and The Hillside Stranglers (Angelo Buono and Kenneth Bianchi). Johnston's screenwriting credits include Chuck Parello's Ed Gein (2000; aka In the Light of the Moon), starring Steve Railsback (known for his portrayal of Charles Manson in the 1976 TV film Helter Skelter) and Carrie Snodgress (Diary of a Mad Housewife); Matthew Bright's darkly comic and controversial Ted Bundy (2002); and Parello's The Hillside Strangler (2004), featuring C. Thomas Howell (Red Dawn) and Nicolas Turturro (NYPD Blue). Most recently, Johnston wrote the screenplay for Chad Ferrin's Ed Kemper, a biopic about “The Co-Ed Killer” that received its video-on-demand (VOD) release earlier this year.

In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, I speak with renowned foreign policy expert Vali Nasr about his book Iran's Grand Strategy: A Political History. We examine the historical roots of Iran's political and strategic thinking, from the Persian Empire to the modern Islamic Republic, and explore how ideology, geopolitics, and domestic politics shape Iran's approach to the world. Nasr explains how Iran perceives the United States and its foreign policy, and how this perception informs Tehran's dealings with the U.S., its own diplomacy, and its long-term strategy. He also offers a reassessment of the 1953 Iranian coup d'état, arguing that while the U.S. supported it, the coup itself emerged organically from Iranian political dynamics. And yes, we will discuss the issue of Iran and its nuclear program, including what the strike against Fordow nuclear site entails for Iran.

On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist and author Daniel Lazare, author of The Frozen Republic: How the Constitution is Paralyzing Democracy, joins the show to dissect the forces behind Trumpism and the broader American political landscape. They explore why Lazare believes Trump is not a fascist, despite popular claims, and what his rise reveals about the collapse of liberal institutions. This does not, however, mean that Lazare think Trump is benign. Nor is he claiming that Trump isn't authoritarian. But the analysis can't of Trump, he argues, can't claim that the phenomena of Trumpism is alien to America. Lazare explains how the U.S. Constitution, far from being inherently protective of democracy, contains authoritarian mechanisms that have enabled the concentration of power. The conversation also delves into Trump's foreign policy, drawing parallels with Putin's consolidation of power and the revival of Teddy Roosevelt's “Big Stick” approach in a multipolar world. Lazare analyzes how neoliberal elites and cultural movements intended to strengthen their position have inadvertently fueled working-class resentment, contributing to Trump's appeal. This episode is a deep dive into the structural forces shaping contemporary American politics, the myths of “alien fascism,” and the real threats to democracy that come from within. Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews

Taking a slight detox from social media to recalibrate. So I thought now was a good time for a replay. Specifically this episode about Howard Stern, who has been in the news lately over the question of whether SiriusXM will renew his contract. Howard Stern has gone from a sleazy shock jock interviewing C-list celebrities to a pop culture icon whose a friend of Jimmy Kimmel and a judge on America's Got Talent. Not all of Howard's fanbase have stayed with him through thick and thin, however. In fact, a group of former fans have started a podcast called Radio Gunk dedicated to exposing what they see as the alt-radio host's hypocrisy. Radio Gunk's Monique joins us to discuss the podcast and her journey from Howard fanatic to Stern critic. Howard Stern has been feuding with shock jockette Wendy William who accused Howard of being a sell out recently Monique and I begin the conversation by discussing the genesis of Radio Gunk. Then Monique turns the tables to ask why a non-Howard Stern listener like myself invited her onto the show. From there we delve into why the Radio Gunk crew have become ex-Howard Stern fans since Stern's famous jump from K-Rock to Sirius Radio. We then discuss a number of issues related to the hypocrisies of Howard Stern and even how Donald Trump and Howard Stern, who fancies himself as a feminist Democrat nowadays, have a lot in common.

On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist and war correspondent Tom Mutch, author of The Dogs of Mariupol: The Invasion of Ukraine and the Future of War, joins the show to discuss his frontline reporting on the Russia–Ukraine war and the hard lessons of a conflict that continues to reshape global politics. We begin by revisiting the shocking first days of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, when many in Moscow and the West assumed Ukraine would collapse within days. Why did so many analysts underestimate Ukraine's resilience, and what explains the country's remarkable ability to withstand Vladimir Putin's assault? From there, we examine how the war has evolved between 2022 and 2025—highlighting acts of courage by Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, but also the immense human cost of the conflict. Tom reflects on mistakes made by Ukraine and the West, including the absence of a coherent U.S. strategy for aiding Kyiv, and whether Washington's focus has sometimes been more about weakening Russia than guaranteeing Ukraine's territorial sovereignty. We also address difficult questions such as the controversial defense of Bakhmut, whether Ukraine committed critical tactical errors, and what the future may hold: negotiations, diplomacy, or total victory. The conversation goes beyond Ukraine as well. We discuss the significance of Nagorno-Karabakh in understanding today's revived great-power politics, and how the war in Gaza has negatively impacted Ukraine, especially as Israel's actions have come under scrutiny and undermined U.S. moral credibility as an arbiter of the global order. Finally, Tom speaks to audiences split on the war—those skeptical of Ukraine's continued fight and U.S. military aid, and those who strongly defend Kyiv's efforts. While Mutch comes from a firmly pro-Ukraine perspective, he offers a nuanced and critical edge that challenges simplistic narratives on both sides of the debate. He also offers criticisms of the American right-wing's views on Ukraine, addresses controversies around the Azov Battalion and the cultural significance of WWII-era far-right figure Stepan Bandera in modern Ukraine, and more.

On this edition of Parallax Views, Alex Jordan and Courtney Rawlings — hosts of the Quincy Institute's foreign policy podcast Always at War — join the show for a hard-hitting conversation on some of the most urgent global issues. We discuss the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where starvation is setting in and U.S. politicians have failed to halt the suffering or reconsider military aid to Israel. From there, we examine the rise of a multipolar world order, the dangers of unmanaged Great Power competition, and how smaller nations risk being trampled by larger powers. We also break down the role of the U.S. national security state and the foreign policy “Blob” in eroding democratic governance, the connection between endless wars abroad and diminished freedoms at home, and how unaccountable institutions shape policy without public consent. The conversation concludes with a look at the Ukraine–Russia war, its global ramifications, and what it reveals about shifting geopolitical realities.

In this explosive episode of Parallax Views, investigative journalist Jack Poulson joins host J.G. Michael to uncover the shadowy post-retirement career of Michael Anne Casey-Tyler, a former CIA official alleged to be one of the real-life inspirations behind Jessica Chastain's character “Maya” in Zero Dark Thirty. She's also for her controversial role in the CIA's Bin Laden Issue Station, namely being accused of blocking critical 9/11 intelligence from reaching the FBI. Now Casey-Tyler has resurfaced in the private sector and her latest affiliations are raising eyebrows. Poulson breaks down his bombshell reporting on how Casey-Tyler consulted with McNally Capital, a private equity firm that now has an “economic interest” in Safe Reach Solutions, the security partner behind the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a militarized aid operation accused of facilitating the deaths of over 600 Palestinians and providing cover for Israeli displacement efforts. We dive deep into: Connections between former intelligence officials and militarized humanitarian aid The role of private military contractors like Safe Reach Solutions and UG Solutions How McNally Capital and Orbis Operations are profiting from crisis zones The controversies around the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is being called a “fig leaf for further violence” by UN officials Is humanitarian aid being weaponized? Is the post-CIA private sector creating a new form of covert empire? And what do these shadowy networks say about the future of war, intelligence, and privatized power?

On this edition of Parallax Views, journalist Eric Margolis returns to discuss his articles "The Honey Trap on East 71st" and, more recently, "The Epstein Scandal". Margolis recounts his experience at a luncheon hosted by Epstein at his palatial residence on East 71st Street in New York City. Margolis was offered a 'massage' soon after arriving at Epstein's house, and was puzzled by it. As someone who'd spent time in Russia and dealt with KGB, he immediately believed that this was a honey trap. That is to say, an operation to get kompromat on prominent, influential, and powerful individuals through sexual liasons. Margolis believes that at the heart of the Epstein scandal is espionage, specifically an intelligence operation, and blackmail. He also speculates that Israeli intelligence fingerprints are all over the case. We discussed all of this as well as the Jonathan Pollard spying case, the Bill Clinton-Monica Lewinsky scandal (which has received renewed attention due to an article entitled "Did Benjamin Netanyahu Blackmail Bill Clinton Over the Monica Lewinsky Sex Tapes?" by Ryan Grim at Drop Site News), and more.

On this edition of Parallax Views, we dive deep into the 17th BRICS summit, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6–7, 2025. BRICS—originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is an bloc of emerging economies seeking to build an alternative to the U.S. global economic order outside traditional Western-dominated institutions. In recent years, BRICS has expanded to include countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the UAE, representing an even larger share of the Global South. Journalist Michael Fox joins us to report on what he saw at the summit: Brazilian President Lula da Silva's words at the summit and what it says about BRICS vision, the question of global reform to address pressing international issues balanced with national sovereignty, de-dollarization, and more. We also discuss the newly created BRICS Popular Council, a civil society forum designed to amplify grassroots voices from across the Global South and break down what the official BRICS Leaders' Declaration tells us about the bloc's evolving vision.

On this episode of Parallax Views, J.G. Michael is joined by writer and self-described film analyst Albert Lanier to discuss his work on the blog The Final Cut and his Retro Reviews website. We kick things off by exploring why Albert prefers the term “film analyst” over “movie reviewer,” delving into what it means to engage deeply with cinema rather than simply judge it. From there, we dive into his thoughtful takes on: Psycho II, the surprising and often overlooked sequel to Hitchcock's classic, and how it rethinks Norman Bates for a new era. Tobe Hooper's Lifeforce, a wild blend of sci-fi, horror, and eroticism that could only have come out of the 80s. The heyday of raunchy 80s comedies, what they reflected about the culture at the time, and why they endure (or don't). Split Image, a lesser-known thriller about cults that holds up as both a tense drama and a cultural artifact of its period. It's a conversation that ranges from cult cinema (and movies about cults) to the philosophy of film criticism, nostalgia, and why some forgotten gems deserve a second look.

On this edition of Parallax Views, George Beebe — Director of Grand Strategy at the Quincy Institute, former director of the CIA's Russia analysis, and a former  staff advisor on Russia matters to Vice President Dick Cheney — about the shifting architecture of global power and its impact on U.S. foreign policy. We begin by unpacking the rise of multipolarity: what it really means for America, why it could encourage balance and restraint, and why it also carries serious risks of miscalculation and instability. From there, we turn to the surprising recent signs of frustration between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and what that might portend for the grinding, entrenched nature of the Russia-Ukraine war. We explore potential pathways to negotiation, asking what concessions would be unacceptable for either side — and what a settlement might look like from a realist perspective. Throughout, Beebe draws on his background in the realist school to argue for understanding geopolitical interests without morally excusing aggression. It's a conversation that moves beyond daily headlines to consider how shifting power dynamics, great-power rivalry, and hard strategic choices could shape the next phase of the war — and the world order that follows.

Reupload request for listener that was having issues with audio sync. I suspect it may have been an encoding issue on older podcasting platforms causing it. I checked the original pod on Spotify and Podbean players and had no issue. Using a different encoding method going forward.

Note: There's a little bit of crackle in the audio in this episode. Attempts were made to remove crackle as much as possible, but it remains at some point. Hopefully it does not pose too much of a problem for listening.

On this edition of Parallax Views, The Nation editor and journalist D.D. Guttenplan joins the show to reflect on the 160th anniversary of The Nation— one of America's most well-known and prestigious political magazines. We explore the magazine's radical roots (it was founded by abolitionists), its enduring mission to “tell people the truth,” and its role in an era of political turbulence and institutional distrust. Guttenplan discusses the recent special issue, These Dis-United States, which features 50 writers offering dispatches from across the country on the theme of national fragmentation, political disillusionment, and the fraying of civic bonds. We also delve into the challenges facing journalism today as both major political parties struggle to meet the needs and aspirations of the American public. Finally, we take a deep dive into the life and legacy of legendary independent journalist I.F. Stone, or Izzy as he was known to his friends, examining his fearless truth-telling, his battle with government surveillance, and his enduring relevance in today's media landscape. We discuss how Stone currently called the Gulf of Tonkin incident correctly in real-time during the LBJ Presidency when no other reporter did, J. Edgar Hoover and the FBI vs. Stone, Stone as a muckraker and his relationship with the great George Seldes, I.F. Stone's adage "All Governments Lie", and his book Underground to Palestine. Guttenplan is the author of American Radical: The Life and Times of I.F. Stone.

On this episode of Parallax Views, Richard Silverstein of the Tikun Olam blog joins us to analyze recent revelations about the much-publicized bombing of Iran's Fordow nuclear facility — and why Donal Trump's narrative of its “destruction” is falling apart. Drawing on satellite imagery, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessments, and the in-depth Foreign Policy article by Jeffrey Lewis ("Iran Is on Course for a Bomb After U.S. Strikes Fail to Destroy Facilities"), we break down what really happened, why Iran's underground nuclear infrastructure may be more intact than reported, and how the U.S.-Israeli campaign may have done far less damage than claimed. We also discuss Richard's recent Jacobin article, “Regime Change in Iran Will Not End Well”, which argues that the true goals of the bombing campaign — regime destabilization and securing Israel's regional dominance — have been pursued under the pretense of halting Iran's nuclear program. Silverstein explores how U.S. and Israeli actions risk entrenching Iran's hardliners, escalating regional instability, and backfiring catastrophically — all while sidelining diplomacy in favor of militarism and media-driven spectacle. Additionally, Richard argues that the Islamic Republic of Iran has, by surviving, won this round. In the final part of the conversation, we turn to Silverstein's hard-hitting piece for The New Arab, “Genocide Goes Squid Game as Israel Outsources 'Aid' to Gaza Gangs”. There, he exposes how Israel is using armed proxies — notably members of the al-Shabab clan — to control aid distribution in Gaza, with Shin Bet reportedly organizing and funding the effort. We explore how this divide-and-rule strategy recalls past Israeli use of militias in Lebanon and Syria, and how disaster capitalism, mercenary networks, and covert intelligence operations are shaping Israel's postwar "day after" plans for Gaza.

On this edition of Parallax Views, Israeli commentator and Iran expert Ori Goldberg, hot off appearances in +972 Magazine and on Democracy Now, returns to offer his analysis of the Israel-Iran war. Ori, as an Israeli, provides a unique perspective on what is happening within Israel, while his deep expertise in Iran's culture and history shines throughout this conversation. Ori believes the calculus behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to strike Iran is multi-faceted. First, it serves as a diversion from the horrors in Gaza and Israel's failure to complete its objectives there (such as the elimination of Hamas and the return of the hostages). Additionally, it creates a "rally around the flag" effect in Israel, which could prove beneficial to Netanyahu politically. From there, the conversation delves into Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons versus whether Iran would actually use such weapons, the question of what U.S. President Donald Trump might do next in regard to potential U.S. involvement in the conflict, hubris in Israeli politics, the question of regime change, and how Israel's actions embolden Iran's hardliners. The discussion also covers understanding Iran and the Islamic Republic sociologically, public sentiment toward Israel, Israel's fragile relationship with autocratic regimes (some of which may be growing frustrated with Israel), comments from Ehud Olmert and Yair Golan on Israel's handling of Gaza, Ori's belief that Israel's problems are bigger than Netanyahu and messianic Zionist settlers, his critique of Israel's liberal Zionists, and the nature of Israel's strike requiring long-term planning—and the implications of that. This episode is a deep dive into the dynamics of a volatile region and the geopolitics at play. Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews

In this episode of Parallax Views, journalist and foreign policy analyst Ted Snider joins us to discuss his latest article for Antiwar.com, "America's Deception Strengthens Iranian Hardliners." As tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalate following devastating Israeli strikes, Snider breaks down how recent events, such as Trump's rhetoric following the strikes, may have sabotaged permanently sabotaged nuclear negotiations and reinforced the position of Iran's most hawkish factions. We examine: Trump's inflammatory statements and alleged coordination with Israel How U.S. deception may have derailed peace talks The historical pattern of American betrayal toward Iranian reformists The long-term consequences for diplomacy and U.S.-Iran relations This conversation provides critical context for understanding the geopolitics of the Middle East and how American foreign policy continues to undermine moderates while fueling hardliner narratives in Iran. Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parallaxviews

On this edition of Parallax Views, the not-afraid-to-speak-his-mind gadfly and renegade historian Thaddeus Russel of the Unregistered and Unreported podcasts returns to the program for a wide-ranging conversation on current events. Thaddeus is the author of The Renegade History of the United States, a fascinating book delving into the ways in which criminal, deviants, weirdos, outsiders, and other so-called social miscreants shaped America and were often at the frontiers of freedom. The conversation starts as a discussion of Donald Trump's betrayal of the America First, anti-interventionist wing of the MAGA coalition, but ends up going into a number of different directions over the course of about an hour and 20 minutes. Of course, Israel's strike against Iran and the beat of the war drums in the U.S., which could soon find itself in the conflict, informs a great portion of the conversation. Thaddeus argues that understanding Trump is less about understanding history than his psychology. We'll also discuss Thaddeus engagements with the dissident right, the history of paleoconservatism, why Thaddeus is pro-open borders and believes that MAGA has got immigration all wrong, disagreements with the dissident right over gender (Thaddeus opposes gender essentialism on both the left and right), the blind spots of MAGA, the history of riots in the United States and their impact on American freedom (yes, we talk the Stonewall riots), Gaza, Zionism, the Palestinian Solidarity Movement, how U.S. pop culture is more effective in changing foreign countries than soft power or hard power schemes initiated by the U.S. government (particularly in the Middle East; we mention Iran specifically in this regard, but also VERY, VERY briefly Saudi Arabia), and much, much more! Thaddeus is pretty heterodox, so his views will inevitably rankle both elements of the left and the right, but that's what makes this conversation perfect for Parallax Views!

In this episode of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, I'm joined by journalist and author Ross Benes to discuss his new book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. We dive into how one seemingly ridiculous year, marked by Pokémon mania, pro wrestling mayhem, aggro-fueled nu metal, and shock TV overload, actually laid the groundwork for the chaotic media and cultural landscape we live in today.

On this edition of Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael, Andrew Day of The American Conservative returns to the program for a discussion about the recent Israeli strike on Iran and its far-reaching implications. Specifically, we explore how this development challenges the ideological coherence of conservative supporters of Donald Trump and the broader MAGA movement—particularly those who advocate for a non-interventionist, "America First"-oriented foreign policy. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, what does this moment reveal about internal divisions within the American right? We also delve into why Andrew and others on the American right are questioning the U.S.-Israel special relationship and how some conservatives are frustrated with Trump's approach to Middle East foreign policy and specifically dealing with Iran. Moreover, Andrew explains why he believe this moment, which could evolve into an all-out war, could've been avoided with a different Iran policy.

On this edition of Parallax Views, Middle East analyst James M. Dorsey, proprietor of The Turbulent World w/ James M. Dorsey blog/Substack, returns to the program to discuss what he considers a paradigm shift moment for the Middle East: last night's Israeli strike on Iran. What does it mean? How did we get to this point? Could this evolve into an all-out regional war? All those questions and many more are addressed in this conversation. We will also discuss the divisions in the Trump/MAGA base over Iran, particularly the conflict between the America First foreign policy elements of MAGA and the Iran hawks within MAGA. James will also address the internal divisions in Israeli politics, as exemplified by Ehud Olmert and Yair Golan's recent critical comments about Netanyahu's approach to Gaza. Trump's strongman approach to foreign policy, the perpetual cycle between Trump and Iran that keeps repeating itself, the Gulf States, Turkey, Syria, the ultra-religious Zionist vs. the Likud, and more all comes up in this conversation as well.