Podcasts about Burning Bright

In this episode of Badlands Story Hour, Chris Paul and Burning Bright dive into Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Shane Black's darkly comedic neo-noir starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer. The discussion explores the film's layered storytelling, fourth-wall breaks, and sharp Hollywood satire, examining how Black blends crime fiction, meta-commentary, and character-driven humor. Drawing from personal experience and cultural context, the hosts unpack the film's portrayal of Hollywood ambition, moral decay, transactional relationships, and the thin line between art and cynicism. They also analyze Downey Jr.'s breakout performance, Val Kilmer's scene-stealing role, and the movie's balance of comedy, violence, and unexpected humanity. The episode closes with reflections on storytelling, redemption, and why Kiss Kiss Bang Bang remains a uniquely clever entry in early 2000s cinema.

In Episode 51 of The Narrative, Burning Bright is joined by Jordan Sather for a focused discussion on competing disclosure narratives emerging across politics, health, and intelligence. The conversation contrasts official disclosures pushed through institutions and media with grassroots driven revelations that challenge centralized authority. Burning Bright and Jordan examine how timing, framing, and selective transparency are used to steer public perception, particularly around government credibility, health policy, and national security. They explore why certain truths are released preemptively, others reluctantly, and how controlled disclosures can function as damage control rather than accountability. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize discernment, pattern recognition, and the importance of understanding who benefits from disclosure and who sets its limits. The discussion highlights the tension between genuine transparency and narrative management, urging listeners to look beyond headlines and question whether disclosure is meant to inform the public or contain the truth.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright break down Episode 416 with a focused examination of the recurring “rug pull” cycle that continues to ripple through the online political and MAGA ecosystem. The conversation centers on how speculative predictions, influencer driven hype, and vague “sources” repeatedly generate false expectations around imminent war, secret briefings, and dramatic geopolitical moves, only to collapse under scrutiny. Jon and Burning Bright unpack recent claims tied to Venezuela, Mar a Lago rumors, and escalating war narratives, explaining why these stories persist and how they function psychologically within the movement. Rather than framing rug pulls as failures, they emphasize discernment, logic, and pattern recognition, arguing that emotional overinvestment is the real vulnerability being exploited. The episode also touches on broader geopolitical signaling, alliances, and why disciplined analysis matters more than chasing dopamine driven predictions in an ongoing information war.

In Episode 147 of Badlands Story Hour, Chris Paul and Burning Bright unpack Multiplicity, the Harold Ramis–directed film starring Michael Keaton, through a philosophical and cultural lens. The conversation explores identity, fractured priorities, and the illusion that productivity and time can solve deeper internal disorder. Using the film's cloning premise as a metaphor, the hosts examine modern rat-race culture, false solutions offered by technology, and the temptation to outsource responsibility, purpose, and even selfhood. Themes of Faustian bargains, artificial intelligence, autonomy, and the spiritual cost of chasing efficiency over meaning are woven throughout the discussion, alongside reflections on masculinity, family, work, and personal sovereignty. The episode connects the film's humor to serious questions about control, self mastery, and the danger of multiplying outward solutions without addressing the core of who we are. 

In Chapter 39 of The Book of Trump, Ghost is joined by Burning Bright for a deep dive into the concept of “The Vanguard” and Russia's evolving role in the global power shift. This episode examines Chechnya, Dagestan, and the Caucasus through the lens of history, warfare, and culture, connecting the Russo Chechen wars to modern geopolitics, MMA, and the restructuring of Russian military and security forces. The discussion explores Ramzan Kadyrov, the rise of Chechen units as loyal power brokers, and how combat sports, masculinity, and cultural identity intersect with sovereignty and statecraft. Ghost and Burning Bright challenge mainstream narratives around Russia, extremism, and propaganda, arguing that flawed premises can lead to confidently wrong conclusions. This chapter frames Russia as a central player in a broader sovereign alliance, setting the stage for understanding modern alliances, controlled opposition, and the deeper forces shaping today's global realignment.

Burning Bright is joined by Jonathan Drake for a layered discussion examining the internal contradictions, strengths, and unresolved tensions within the MAGA movement. Using historical framing and legal philosophy, they explore how a movement rooted in anti-establishment energy can simultaneously empower and constrain itself through misplaced trust, narrative dependency, and emotional investment in outcomes rather than principles. Jonathan draws on themes from The No Treason Podcast, natural law, and jury sovereignty to explain why centralized authority, even when rhetorically aligned with the people, ultimately conflicts with self-governance. Together, they unpack why many supporters struggle to reconcile loyalty to leaders with resistance to systems, how psychological operations exploit hope and fear, and why decentralization of responsibility is essential for real sovereignty. The episode challenges listeners to rethink victory, accountability, and agency, arguing that the future depends less on who holds power and more on whether people are willing to hold it themselves.  

This week on It Just Takes One: Coaching Greatness, we hear from Jen Simpson, author of the chapter “Burnout to Burning Bright.” Jen shares the honest truth about what happens when your dream business starts to dim your inner flame — and what it takes to light it back up again. A seasoned fitness professional, studio owner, and Todd Durkin IMPACT Life Coach, Jen opens up about the moment she realized she couldn't coach others until she coached herself. Her story is packed with practical tools, hard-won insights, and a message of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Connect with Jen here: https://www.justgetfit.fitness/ Instagram: @Justgetfittlh Facebook: facebook.com/justgetfitTLH ------------------- About the Series – Coaching Greatness This special season of It Just Takes One celebrates the coaches behind the book Coaching Greatness. Over the next 22 weeks, we're shining a spotlight on the authors who shared their stories, strategies, and insights about what it really takes to be a great coach. Whether you're just getting started or have decades of experience, these conversations will remind you that greatness is not a destination. It's a daily choice fueled by heart, courage, and a refusal to settle. Visit Our Website: https://scriptorpublishinggroup.com/ ------------------------------------------------------- Follow us on Social Media Instagram:   / scriptorpublishinggroup   Facebook:   / scriptorpublishing   Twitter:   / scriptorpublish  

Chris Paul and Burning Bright are joined for much of the episode by Ashe in America as they unpack the fallout from Patrick Byrne's admission of CIA involvement and what it reframes about years of election-integrity efforts and information warfare. Together, they walk through Byrne's statements, the timing of his revelations, and how his role intersects with donor influence, past operations, and narrative shaping inside the movement. Ashe adds perspective on community reaction, trust fractures, and the emotional impact of realizing trusted figures may have played double roles. The conversation centers on discernment, how belief is weaponized, how good intentions are exploited, and why detachment is essential to seeing clearly. Rather than leaning into outrage, the hosts emphasize accountability, pattern recognition, and the importance of staying grounded as psychological operations continue to surface. A sober, reflective episode focused on clarity in an increasingly deceptive information environment.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright wade straight into the chaos surrounding Patrick Byrne's self-admitted CIA ties, breaking down how his shifting stories, strategic omissions, and sudden confessions reframe years of election-integrity efforts, whistleblower claims, and J6-related operations. They analyze Byrne's involvement across multiple fronts, Mesa County, Lindell's PCAP saga, the Iran “double agent” narrative, and his pressure campaign on Trump, and explore whether his role functioned as infiltration, misdirection, or something even more complex. From there, Jon and BB tie Byrne's revelation into broader information-war dynamics, including planted narratives, controlled opposition, and demoralization tactics aimed at fracturing the movement. The hosts also field live-chat reactions, discuss the psychology of belief in high-stakes information environments, and highlight the importance of discernment as 2025's narrative battles accelerate.  

Chris Paul and Burning Bright dissect Casino Royale through a geopolitical and psychological lens, exploring Daniel Craig's debut as a darker, more monstrous Bond shaped by post-9/11 culture and modern intelligence narratives. They break down how the film subverts classic Bond tropes, reframes espionage as a world run by competing intel assets, and uses the relationship between Bond, Vesper, and Le Chiffre to expose themes of trauma, manipulation, and institutional control. From the era shift of 2006 to the rise of cinematic propaganda, the hosts examine Bond's sociopathic tendencies, the film's commentary on terror financing, and its portrayal of Western intelligence as both architect and arbiter of global chaos, all while weaving in character analysis, cultural critique, and sharp humor.

Burning Bright and guest Brad Zerbo break down the emerging “Trump Doctrine” as they connect the administration's diplomatic maneuvers, foreign-policy posture, and escalating information war to a broader strategic realignment. They explore how Trump's peace deals, regional power restructuring, and refusal to follow legacy-media narratives reveal a coherent geopolitical philosophy rooted in sovereignty, deterrence, and economic leverage. From Africa to the Middle East to America's domestic political battles, BB and Brad analyze how Trump's actions, rather than pundit rhetoric, define the doctrine, and why the establishment finds it so destabilizing. Along the way they examine information-war dynamics, media manipulation, and the signals hidden inside official statements and global reactions. With humor, sharp pattern recognition, and BB's signature narrative framing, this episode unpacks how Trump's approach is reshaping alliances, exposing institutional decay, and accelerating a historic shift in global power.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright break down a marathon night of geopolitical signaling and narrative chaos, starting with Trump's new “corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine and what it reveals about American sovereignty, foreign interference, and the shifting definition of the modern empire. Their conversation quickly turns to Paul Sperry's explosive report alleging that key Trump-era officials, Barr, Durham, Pompeo, Bolton, and Haspel, may have buried intelligence that could have blown up Russiagate, raising new questions about Durham's choices and whether the ICA review was intentionally suppressed. Jon and BB debate the credibility of anonymous sourcing, the necessity of bicameral thinking, and the dangers of narratives designed to demoralize the MAGA base. They move through Venezuela strikes, war-crime framing, the SignalGate leak, and competing media “takedowns,” illustrating how information warfare now operates across every institution. With humor, flu-ridden rambling, and sharp analysis, the duo show how sovereignty, declassification, foreign policy, and controlled opposition threads all collide at once, and why discernment is more important than ever.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright break down Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme, a visually striking film packed with symbolism, geopolitical parallels, and a surprising spiritual backbone. They explore the movie's Trump-like billionaire protagonist, his battles with global power structures, and the deeper themes of sovereignty, faith, manipulation, and systems versus individuals. From assassination attempts and rigged markets to father–daughter dynamics, moral transformation, and the film's sharp commentary on global elites, the hosts connect Anderson's surreal storytelling to real-world politics, cultural shifts, and the ongoing struggle between sovereign actors and entrenched systems. With sharp insights, humor, and a few man-flu jokes, Chris and BB unpack why this movie resonated so deeply and why it feels far more prophetic than quirky.

In this wide-ranging episode, Burning Bright and guest GMoney dive into the explosive connections between Bitcoin, global finance, and the engineered collapse of old power structures. They explore the revelations from Max Keiser's interview, the theory that El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption was part of a coordinated sovereign strategy, and why Bitcoin's architecture mirrors a spiritual awakening as much as an economic one. From there, they break down the crumbling narratives around legacy banking, CBDCs, the IMF, and how elites appear to be intentionally detonating the old fiat system to consolidate control on the way down. GMoney brings in the psychedelic perspective on consciousness shifts, while BB ties it all to the behaviors of the managerial class, the “clown world” psycosphere, and the unmistakable signs of a reality split underway. Together they examine digital identity traps, weaponized crises, and why parallel economies, and parallel minds, may be the only way forward. A dense, philosophical, and highly energetic conversation connecting global finance, culture, spirituality, and the war for human autonomy.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright open Episode 410 with Thanksgiving updates and community banter before diving into a chaotic week defined by clashing storylines, contradictory reports, and information that simply doesn't add up. They break down the Democrats' sudden push around “illegal orders,” the reaction cycles on X, and the way influencers and media personalities are shaping public perception, sometimes accidentally, sometimes strategically. The Venezuela situation takes center stage as they sift through Emerald Robinson's sprawling thread, Trump's comments, conflicting details about catamarans, storms, cartel networks, and the State Department's unusual movements, all of which raise questions about what's really happening behind the scenes. Jon and BB also analyze the recent peace-call transcript involving Putin, shifting Ukraine war timelines, oil and LNG maneuvers, South American instability, and emerging signs of a global reshuffle. With humor, skepticism, and sharp geopolitical insight, they guide listeners through a week where the official narratives blur together, the contradictions pile up, and the truth feels buried beneath layers of noise.

Burning Bright and Chris Paul sit down for a spirited Thanksgiving-week discussion of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, unpacking John Hughes' classic through humor, film analysis, psychology, and cultural commentary. They break down the movie's “comedy of errors” structure, the over-the-top schmaltz of its emotional beats, and how Steve Martin and John Candy embody two archetypes forced together on a chaotic hero's journey. The hosts dive into the film's mythic storytelling roots, its portrayal of 1980s Americana, the contrast between Neil's polished corporate frustration and Del's messy human warmth, and the way both men represent missing pieces in each other's lives. Along the way, BB and Chris veer into side-rants about Reagan-era prosperity aesthetics, the lost art of character-driven movies, airline misery, AI shaping society since the 1950s, the asymmetry of technology, how modern films misunderstand character, and even how turkeys, pardons, Venezuela, and election narratives tie into today's psyop-ridden media landscape. A sharp, funny, reflective episode blending film breakdown, cultural analysis, and classic Badlands banter.

Burning Bright returns with The Narrative Ep. 47: Arctic Alliance, joined by special guest Matt Ehret for a deep-dive into the shifting geopolitical landscape. The episode opens with BB's trademark cultural commentary before steering into a sprawling conversation on U.S.–Russia dynamics, the evolving multipolar world, and why Americans may need to rethink everything they've been taught about global alliances. Matt shares insights from his recent trip to Russia, the cultural pulse inside the country, and the growing appetite for collaboration over conflict. Together they explore Putin's relationship with history, the controlled-opposition dynamics shaping East–West tensions, and how Arctic development could unlock a future of cooperation rather than catastrophe. From the failures of past global revolutions to the potentially transformative impact of a U.S.–Russia–China Arctic corridor, this episode pushes beyond headlines and narratives, inviting listeners into a hopeful, complex, and often hidden story about what comes next.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright dissect a chaotic week of collapsing narratives, from the media's forced pivot on immigration to the panicked overreaction to Trump's MBS summit. They break down the sudden bipartisan shift toward stricter border policy, why Democrats are now echoing Trump's talking points, and how the political class is scrambling to align with a rapidly changing electorate. Jon and BB unpack the “MAGA is dead” psyop, the coordinated doomer wave, and Elon Musk's bizarre claim that MBS is trying to “influence Trump,” analyzing how these narratives are designed to fracture Trump's coalition and distract from his geopolitical momentum. They dig into the Epstein file theatrics, the Clay Higgins controversy, the Higgins–Plaskett angle, and Trump's strategic timing in handing Democrats the rope they're now tangled in. With sharp insight, humor, and their trademark systems-level analysis, Jon and BB map out how legacy media, federal agencies, and controlled influencers are losing control of the story as parallel awakenings accelerate worldwide.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright revisit the 1987 cult classic RoboCop, unpacking its mix of over-the-top violence, dystopian satire, and surprising relevance to today's world. From gratuitous Verhoeven shock moments to the film's blunt corporate-police-state commentary, the hosts explore how RoboCop's world of privatized law enforcement, automated justice, and malfunctioning “public trust” programming eerily echoes modern debates on AI, robotics, policing, and centralized power. Chris and BB trade childhood memories of watching the movie too young, compare its chaotic 80s sensibilities to Starship Troopers, and dig into why the film functions more as concept satire than heroic action. They examine the ED-209 debacle, secret directives, corporate militarism, the absurd news segments, and actual “Jewish space lasers” appearing in the film decades before the meme. The conversation expands into AI ethics, law enforcement incentives, collective narratives, and how Hollywood both critiques and unconsciously reinforces the systems it claims to parody. A sharp, funny, and surprisingly philosophical breakdown of a movie that lands very differently in 2025 than it did in 1987.  

Burning Bright and Ghost deliver a sharp, strategic breakdown of converging global narratives in this episode of The Narrative. They open with Ghost's deep dive into the Middle East, unpacking how Israel's fracture with the U.S., shifting alliances, and the looming MBS/Trump meeting signal a seismic realignment. BB expands the picture, showing how the “pincer paradox” forms when multiple storylines, Epstein leaks, elite resignations, media panic, and geopolitical pressure...begin collapsing inward at the same time. Together they examine why the Epstein story is being pushed so hard, how timing and proximity reveal narrative intent, and why the establishment is running out of room to maneuver. From China's tightening grip over information to AI-driven censorship, from the West's institutional decay to the emerging sovereign realignment, BB and Ghost map out the pressure points squeezing the global order. Fast-paced, serious, and steeped in pattern recognition, this episode reframes current events as part of a coordinated collapse of old power structures, and the simultaneous rise of something new.

In this wide-ranging episode, Jon Herold and Burning Bright dissect the fractures appearing across the global power structure, from the unraveling narratives of the New York Times to troubling signals inside the intelligence community. The hosts examine the growing tension around Julian Assange, the CIA's tightening grip over information, and the coordinated foreign influence shaping American media. They unpack the shifting landscape of global alliances, the panic spreading through legacy institutions, and the rising desperation of those who built the current system. With trademark clarity and sharp analysis, Jon and BB explore how propaganda, censorship, and geopolitical strategy are converging, and why the establishment is suddenly losing its ability to control the story. A fast-paced, high-level breakdown of a world order showing signs of collapse.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright take flight in Badlands Story Hour Ep. 142 with the 1980 comedy classic Airplane! - a film so outrageous, it could never be made today. What begins as a lighthearted review quickly turns into an exploration of censorship, culture, and the evolution of humor. The hosts compare the fearless satire of Airplane!—from racial jokes to religious gags—to the humorless moral policing of modern Hollywood, asking how society went from laughing at itself to fearing offense. They dive into themes of demoralization, monopolies, and media control, drawing parallels between the movie's chaotic airline setting and the real-life decline of air travel, bureaucracy, and free speech. Alongside sharp analysis, they celebrate the film's absurdity, its nonstop jokes, slapstick brilliance, and unapologetic energy, while reflecting on how laughter once united people across divides. With trademark wit and philosophical depth, Chris and Burning Bright turn this cult classic into a lesson on comedy, culture, and control.

Broadcasting live from GART 10 in Cocoa Beach, Jon Herold, Burning Bright, and Chris Paul deliver a high-energy, no-holds-barred Devolution Power Hour. The trio kicks things off with laughter and sponsor shoutouts before diving into heavy geopolitical and cultural analysis. They break down Hollywood's new film Nuremberg, exploring its timing, propaganda value, and historical parallels to modern deep-state narratives. The hosts connect the dots between media psyops, figures like Nick Fuentes and Candace Owens, and the manipulation of MAGA's image in the infowar. From there, they tackle election fraud, New York's radical politics, and the illusion of “waking up the normies.” The discussion crescendos into an explosive segment on Trump's nuclear statements, debating whether denuclearization is real or a cover for a new energy race, featuring powerful insights from General Kwast himself. Closing with humor, raffles, and reflections on individual action versus blind faith, this live DPH captures the spirit of Badlands: sharp, irreverent, and deeply aware.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright deliver a pre-GART episode of Devolution Power Hour that dives deep into the state of the movement, election psyops, and the meaning of “trusting the plan.” After another round of unbelievable election results, the hosts question whether the endless cycle of fake wins, humiliation rituals, and “normie wakeups” is really part of the plan, or a distraction keeping patriots passive. They debate Trump's recent Truth Social posts about the Senate filibuster and Supreme Court, dissect the growing frustration among Q believers, and explore the psychology of waiting for salvation instead of taking action. From Gotham analogies and Joker politics to metaphors about fire, frogs, and pleather couches, Jon and BB paint a vivid picture of America's political circus and what real sovereignty looks like. The conversation crescendos with a call for civil disobedience, personal responsibility, and the reclaiming of the “red pill” as a rejection of both parties' illusions. Thoughtful, fiery, and funny, this episode is a masterclass in introspection and awakening.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright dive into the 1994 Coen Brothers classic The Hudsucker Proxy, unraveling its sharp social satire and timeless allegory about capitalism, corruption, and the illusion of the American Dream. Through their lens, the film's absurd humor and stylized storytelling become a mirror for today's technocratic age, where media manipulation, corporate puppetry, and spiritual bankruptcy echo louder than ever. The hosts dissect its themes of divine timing, moral awakening, and circular invention, connecting Norville Barnes' rise and fall to the cyclical nature of societal “turnings.” With witty banter and philosophical depth, they explore how The Hudsucker Proxy—part comedy, part cautionary tale, captures the eternal battle between ego and purpose, power and providence. Equal parts film analysis, cultural critique, and metaphysical reflection, this Story Hour reminds listeners why the Coens' satire may be one of the most prophetic films of our era.

Burning Bright welcomes Flow host Cam Cooksey for a powerful and introspective conversation about the spiritual side of the information war. Together, they explore how fear, distraction, and division have been weaponized against humanity, and why returning to faith and truth is the only way forward. The discussion weaves through biblical allegory, psychological warfare, and the modern battle for the human mind, connecting scriptural wisdom to real-world narratives and cultural manipulation. Cam shares his personal journey through struggle, surrender, and renewal, while Burning Bright examines how language, symbolism, and story shape collective reality. From the power of prayer to the danger of false prophets, this episode dives deep into the unseen war for perception and purpose. It's an honest, emotional, and profoundly hopeful dialogue that reminds listeners why truth isn't just something we fight for...it's something we live.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright dive into a loaded Wednesday night of revelations, humor, and geopolitical fireworks. The duo kicks off with Marjorie Taylor Greene's viral appearance on Shipwreck's show, where she suggests Americans could “rein in” their government by not paying taxes, before pivoting to deeper analysis on what that rhetoric means for public sentiment and federal overreach. From there, they unpack CNN's meltdown over Steve Bannon's talk of a Trump “third term,” examining the constitutional arguments, media panic, and symbolic language shaping the current political theater. The conversation expands globally as Trump meets with Xi Jinping, announcing the “G2” alliance that sidelines the EU and signals a power shift toward U.S.–China economic dominance. Other key topics include the Arctic Frost investigation, Biden's “autopen presidency,” Rumble's new monetization model, and the looming financial reset. As always, Jon and BB mix sharp geopolitical analysis with absurd humor, cars, dogs, and chat chaos, proving once again that no one breaks down the global narrative quite like the Devolution Power Hour.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright take on the 1967 classic Cool Hand Luke in this deep, thought-provoking episode of Badlands Story Hour. What begins as a film review unfolds into a profound conversation about rebellion, faith, conformity, and the human spirit under total control. From Paul Newman's unforgettable portrayal of Luke to the movie's iconic line, “What we've got here is failure to communicate,” the hosts unpack the film's themes of resistance and submission, and what they reveal about our modern world. They draw parallels between Luke's defiance and today's societal obedience, exploring how systems of power demand compliance, how gatekeepers enforce conformity, and why true freedom comes from refusing to yield. Between philosophical insights, cultural commentary, and plenty of laughter, this episode redefines what it means to be unbreakable in a world built to keep you in line.

Burning Bright welcomes guest Zak Paine for a sprawling, high-energy dive into “RICO-Land,” an episode connecting every layer of corruption, from the NBA's mob ties to global criminal networks, election integrity, and the restructuring of world power under Trump's second administration. The pair weave together the threads of organized crime, the DOJ's RICO indictments, and Trump's global maneuvers with China, Russia, and Argentina, exploring how narrative warfare mirrors real-world justice operations. Along the way, they tackle the Belt and Road Initiative, Xi Jinping's internal purges, child trafficking networks, and why Trump's “controlled demolition” of globalism may be the key to rebuilding a sovereign world order. Thoughtful, darkly funny, and relentlessly analytical, this episode captures the fusion of geopolitics, narrative engineering, and faith in a world at the edge of revelation.

In this landmark 400th episode of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold, Burning Bright, and Chris Paul celebrate four hundred shows of fearless analysis, community, and truth. The hosts dig into Trump's latest strategic moves, Biden's unraveling presidency, and the cracks forming within America's political and media establishment. They connect global tensions, intelligence infighting, and societal upheaval to the broader awakening taking place across the world. With reflection, laughter, and sharp insight, this celebratory episode honors the journey that brought the truth movement this far, and looks ahead to what's still to come in the fight for freedom and sovereignty.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright slice into Wes Craven's 1996 classic Scream, a film that redefined horror, rewrote the rules, and made meta mainstream. They explore how Scream turned the genre inside out, balancing humor, fear, and self-awareness with a cast that captured an entire generation's coming of age. From the iconic Drew Barrymore opener to the film's commentary on culture's feedback loop, how movies shape us and we, in turn, shape movies, the duo breaks down why Scream still cuts deep nearly 30 years later. Their discussion peels back layers on everything from the film's sexual politics and generational cynicism to its eerie parallels with today's media landscape, propaganda, and perception of reality. Between jokes, ads, and deep dives into cultural meta, they reveal how Scream wasn't just about killers in masks, it was a mirror held up to the audience itself.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Narrative, Burning Bright welcomes Jon Herold for a deep exploration of unity: what it means, why it matters, and how it's being both weaponized and reclaimed in our time. The two unpack the balance between individual sovereignty and collective purpose, questioning how movements can stay authentic without fracturing under ego or manipulation. From spiritual alignment to political deception, they trace the battle between those seeking genuine connection and those exploiting division for control. Along the way, Burning Bright and Jon reflect on the lessons learned through Badlands Media's evolution, the importance of humility in leadership, and how faith and discernment can serve as anchors in a chaotic world. A candid, heartfelt dialogue about finding common ground without conformity, this episode reminds listeners that real unity isn't forced...it's forged.

In this fiery Wednesday edition of Devolution Power Hour, Jon Herold and Burning Bright dive deep into the shifting tides of Trump's economic and geopolitical maneuvers. The duo dissects the Trump–Xi trade tensions, the rare earths and semiconductor chess match, and what coordinated “decoupling” between the U.S. and China might really mean. They explore Scott Bessant's fiery remarks, Trump's new equity-stake strategy in key industries, and the moral implications of government seizing corporate control. Later, they break down Trump's cryptic comments about the “auto pen,” new revelations about Adam Kinzinger's 30 million lines of phone data, and Kash Patel's hints that the justice campaign is only beginning. With trademark banter, sharp analysis, and a few laughs (including a soft disclosure plug and some alpaca humor), this episode delivers a potent mix of global insight and Badlands chaos.

Burning Bright and Chris Paul break down Margin Call, a film that captures the cold, calculated collapse of Wall Street's moral compass. The hosts dissect the movie's depiction of greed, systemic evil, and the psychology behind financial power, drawing parallels between the 2008 crash and the controlled demolitions shaping today's world economy. They unpack the symbolism behind Jeremy Irons' “moral relativists,” the engineered volatility of markets, and how this film exposes the illusion of complexity that shields corruption. The conversation moves from macroeconomics to modern geopolitics, connecting Trump, China, and the Sovereign Alliance to the real-world financial “margin calls” happening now. Sharp, cinematic, and intellectually loaded, this episode turns a film review into a masterclass on power, perception, and financial warfare.

Burning Bright welcomes Shipwreck for a high-level discussion on the current state of the information war and how digital soldiers can adapt their strategy and mindset in 2025. Together, they analyze shifting narratives, propaganda fatigue, and the fine line between awareness and burnout. Shipwreck brings a grounded, female perspective to the frontline psychology of modern activism, how to stay clear-headed, emotionally balanced, and spiritually aligned while fighting against deception at scale. From information overload to the weaponization of empathy, this episode breaks down how posture, discernment, and self-awareness have become the most vital tools in today's Info War.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright go deep into the mechanics of global power as they unpack new revelations surrounding James Comey's indictment and Trump's strategic counteroffensive. The hosts explore how legacy intelligence networks, born from CIA covert programs and wartime continuity planning, are collapsing under their own corruption. They connect the dots between modern color revolutions, the infiltration of Western institutions, and the spiritual decay fueling the Deep State's desperation. With Trump's shutdown tactics, his National Guard maneuvers, and the unraveling of long-protected elites now taking center stage, Jon and Burning argue that the machine isn't just breaking, it's being dismantled by design. Packed with historical context, decoded symbology, and razor-sharp analysis, this episode captures the sense that the global order is finally running out of time.

Burning Bright welcomes Jon Herold for a high-level dive into the silent conflict unfolding beneath the headlines. Together, they map out how Trump's wartime authorities, the weaponization of government, and the controlled opposition dynamic all tie into a broader struggle for power, one waged through lawfare, psyops, and narrative control. From the Middle East peace maneuvers to Trump's declaration of war on drug cartels, they connect the dots between global and domestic theaters of war, showing how each move fits into the larger devolution framework. This conversation explores faith, sovereignty, and the unseen mechanics of a world in transition, where truth itself has become the ultimate battlefield.

Podcasts, reviews, interviews, essays, and more at the Ancillary Review of Books.Please consider supporting ARB's Patreon!Guest: Ursula WhitcherTitle: Burning Bright by Melissa ScottHost: Jake Casella BrookinsMusic by Giselle Gabrielle GarciaArtwork by Rob PattersonOpening poem by Bhartṛhari, translated by John BroughTranscribers: Kate Dollarhyde and John WM ThompsonReferences:North Continent RibbonIndra Das's The Last Dragoners of BowbazarFonda Lee's Green Bone books & game thereof w/ James Mendez HodesBruce Coville's Aliens Ate My Homework & Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon HatcherThomas Ha's Uncertain SonsScott's Trouble And Her Friends & Astreiant series, most recently Point of HeartsC.S. Lewis's PerelandraMargaret Weis & Tracy Hickman's Dragonlance novelsDon Daglow's Neverwinter NightsCommedia dell'arteThe Marvel Cinematic Universe franchiseLAN partiesC.J. Cherryh's Foreigner booksArkardy Martine's Teixcalaan booksIain M. Banks' Player of GamesNeal Stephenson's Snow CrashCameron Reed's Fortunate FallIain Softley's HackersWilliam Gibson's Blue Ant trilogyCharlie Jane AndersBruce SterlingMichael Swanwick's Stations of the TideUrsula's website & Bluesky

Jon Herold and Burning Bright unpack the latest twists in the information war, starting with Trump's carefully chosen words at rallies and how they signal a larger strategy at play. They explore the Comey indictment fallout, Brennan's denials, and how the media frames narratives to trap the public into compliance. The hosts dig into Trump's executive actions on Antifa and domestic terrorism, connecting them to RICO statutes and the broader case against the Deep State. Discussion also turns to the Pentagon's unusual Quantico meeting of generals, what it might mean for continuity of government, and how it ties into the shutdown brinkmanship in Washington. With sharp analysis and first-principles thinking, Herold and Burning Bright show how the long game is being played out in real time, through legal maneuvers, narrative control, and subtle but powerful military signals.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright dive into Sinners (2025), Ryan Coogler's stylish, vampire-infused crime drama. They unpack the film's layered mix of organized crime, race, and spirituality, exploring how the story of two brothers, Smoke and Stack, goes beyond surface-level culture war narratives. From period-piece reflections on Jim Crow and Prohibition to the symbolic power of music as both liberation and temptation, the hosts trace themes of freedom, fellowship, and deception. They spotlight how Coogler flips expectations: vampires sell “unity” while embodying enslavement, and entertainment becomes both healing and a trap. With sharp insights into character dynamics, cultural commentary, and theological undertones, Chris and BB argue that Sinners delivers more than anti-woke bait, it's a Trojan horse of deeper truths about power, consensus, and the human struggle between worldly desire and higher purpose.

Burning Bright welcomes Jordan Sather for a fast-moving exploration of accelerationism, information warfare, and the collapsing narratives of the regime. They dig into the idea that society is being intentionally sped up, politically, culturally, and spiritually, to force breaking points that expose corruption and awaken the public. From Trump's “paper tiger” comments about Russia to the fallout of Charlie Kirk's assassination and the Tylenol–autism firestorm, the conversation ties together psyops, censorship, and cultural chaos as tools of both control and revelation. Jordan brings sharp insight on how narratives are weaponized across media and geopolitics, while Burning Bright emphasizes first principles and spiritual grounding as the antidote to manipulation. Together, they ask whether acceleration is a trap, a strategy, or both, and how individuals can navigate the storm without losing discernment.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright dissect the week's chaos, from Trump's startling “paper tiger” jab at Russia to the broader game theory behind his UN speech and shifting Ukraine rhetoric. They dig into the legal gray zone of Antifa's domestic terror designation, why it lacks real teeth, and how media spin keeps Americans distracted from deeper psyops. The hosts explore YouTube's quiet admission of election interference, the Dallas ICE facility shooting with anti-ICE bullets, and the staged theater of consequence culture, showing how each event manipulates emotions to fracture unity. With a sharp focus on first principles, Herold and Burning Bright connect the dots between censorship, controlled opposition, and Trump's long-game strategy for sovereignty. It's an unfiltered conversation about narrative warfare, where nothing is as it seems and everything is by design.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright take a deep dive into the 1962 classic The Manchurian Candidate, exploring its eerie relevance more than sixty years later. From predictive programming and narrative disarmament to MKUltra-style conditioning, they unravel how the film foreshadowed political assassinations, mass brainwashing, and the manipulation of public perception. The hosts connect Frank Sinatra's role, Angela Lansbury's chilling performance, and the film's layered realities to modern psyops, false flags, and consensus formation in the information war. Along the way, they unpack concepts like intuition versus narrative, social incentive structures, and how propaganda conditions entire societies just as effectively as a programmed assassin. With sharp cultural insight and plenty of first-principles analysis, this episode challenges listeners to see through the storylines crafted for control and to resist the conditioning designed to keep us compliant.

Burning Bright and Chris Paul open this episode of The Narrative by confronting the psychological rollercoaster of the past week, asking how a movement processes both grief and resilience in the wake of tragedy. They explore the spectrum between blackpills and whitepills, despair versus hope, and what it means to choose perspective in the middle of information warfare. The hosts dissect media manipulation around Charlie Kirk's assassination, highlight Trump's strategic handling of chaos, and examine how psyops prey on emotional exhaustion. They also focus on how the true enemies of the MAGA core may be the very ones piloting our emotions in the fallout of trauma events like the Kirk assassination. With humor, candor, and sharp cultural insight, Burning Bright and Chris remind listeners that sanity itself is a weapon, and that staying grounded in truth and faith is the ultimate act of resistance.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright return for another intense round of the Devolution Power Hour, unpacking the fallout from Charlie Kirk's assassination and the psyops shaping the narrative battlefield. The hosts dig into the Rich Higgins memo to explain how cultural Marxist drivers and political warfare tactics are being used to divide the movement. They debate the hypocrisy of “cancel culture” on both sides, analyze Jimmy Kimmel's firing and Trump's strategic trolling of the media, and explore the FCC's growing role in shaping public broadcasting. The conversation shifts to Antifa, with Trump signaling a long-awaited terrorist designation that could open the door to asset seizures and expose the funding networks behind domestic extremism. Along the way, expect sharp humor, blunt honesty, and a refusal to take the easy narrative bait.

Burning Bright and Chris Paul dig into Godzilla Minus One, Takashi Yamazaki's striking 2023 take on the iconic monster. At first, the film feels like a standard kaiju entry, but it soon unfolds into a powerful character study and meditation on postwar Japan. The hosts break down Shikishima's arc from cowardice to redemption, drawing parallels between his personal journey and Japan's struggle with honor, shame, and survival in the shadow of humiliation. They highlight Yamazaki's stunning visual effects, achieved on a fraction of a Hollywood budget, and the film's refusal to explain away Godzilla—embracing him instead as a force of nature and a metaphor for existential threats. From kamikaze culture and engineered narratives to the lingering scars of national identity and the dangers of nihilism, Burning Bright and Chris Paul unpack why Godzilla Minus One resonates beyond its setting, offering lessons for sovereignty, resilience, and the fight against dehumanizing systems. A thoughtful and timely discussion that elevates a monster movie into a commentary on civilization itself.

Burning Bright and Ghost continue their deep dive into the Sovereign Alliance's battle against the Globalist Deep State, tracing the ripple effects of Charlie Kirk's assassination across the geopolitical landscape. They unpack how dark money networks tied to the event are being exposed and dismantled in unexpected theaters, from Middle Eastern power plays to shifts in European alliances. The hosts connect these developments to broader moves in the information war, showing how sovereign nations are beginning to reassert control against centralized globalist forces.  With sharp analysis, historical framing, and a focus on narrative warfare, they reveal how the struggle is unfolding across both visible conflicts and hidden financial currents. This episode challenges listeners to see the bigger picture, where tragedy, finance, and sovereignty collide in a world at a crossroads.

Jon Herold and Burning Bright reflect on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, calling it a national tragedy and a spiritual inflection point. They share heartfelt condolences for Kirk's family while warning listeners not to fall for fear or calls to violence that could be weaponized against the movement. The hosts analyze Trump's powerful statement framing the murder as an act of war, discuss John Solomon's reports of foreign intelligence leads, and consider how this moment could reshape America's political and cultural landscape. From questions of election interference and psychological warfare to the spiritual battle between good and evil, the conversation explores the stakes of this moment and the resilience needed to press forward. With honesty and urgency, they urge the audience to stay strong, reject demoralization, and recommit to building the America First movement together.

Chris Paul and Burning Bright take on M. Night Shyamalan's Split, unpacking its psychological horror and deeper symbolic layers. They highlight James McAvoy's performance as Kevin Wendell Crumb and his 23 personalities, drawing parallels to narrative warfare and how media offers different “alters” of the same central message. The hosts dive into the good twin/evil twin dynamic, centralization versus decentralization, and how propaganda thrives on consensus while truth does not. Their discussion branches into Trump's communication style, trauma as both a weapon and a source of resilience, and how cultural manipulation echoes MK Ultra–style conditioning. They also examine connections to modern gender debates, linking the “they/them” identity to collectivism versus sovereignty, and the biblical concept of Legion as hive-minded evil. Closing thoughts tie Casey's survival, rooted in her scars and trauma, to humanity's antifragility and the danger of weaponized victimhood. This episode blends film critique, philosophy, and cultural analysis, showing how Split serves as a metaphor for narrative control, sovereignty, and the battle between good and evil.

Burning Bright and Ghost dive into the Sovereign Alliance and the emergence of a Multipolar World Order, exploring how Donald Trump is helping dismantle the Western Globalist Hegemon using Fifth-Generation Warfare. They provide detailed analysis of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin and the Beijing Victory Parade, highlighting how these events signal a dramatic realignment of global power. The hosts also discuss India's rapprochement with China, underscoring how former rivals are moving toward cooperation in the face of Western decline. Rounding out the conversation, they trace how far back Trump's strategic alliances with Russia and Saudi Arabia go, showing the long game being played against globalist dominance. With sharp commentary, humor, and a focus on narrative warfare, this episode offers a big-picture look at the forces reshaping the world stage.