26 - Propaganda, Session #1

On this episode we review the Introduction of the book ‘Propaganda’ by Edward Bernays and analyze our relationship to it. This is the first episode in a series of podcasts on the book. Excuse the long tangents into certain historical moments, but fleshing out these ideas is what long form media’s for. In this new year of 2026, the over saturation of media and the propaganda disseminated through it, will be at an all time high. Understanding what’s behind the messages we are exposed to is essential to deciphering what is true or false in our confusing world. Questions like “who benefits from this?” and “are these sources credible?” are things we should always ask of the propaganda facing us. This podcast is not immune. If anyone out there wants to question our sources or has something to contribute to this open conversation, comments and messages are encouraged. Timeline * (0:30) What is ‘propaganda’? * (7:15) How propaganda led Americans into WWI & WWII and some background on the wars * (17:10) America’s ‘hidden industrial policy’ (Pt.1) * (25:15) The natural human instinct to propagate itself * (28:00) Christianity’s influence on modern propaganda * (31:20) New Years and other holidays are propaganda exercises * (37:00) The “manufacture of consent” was seen as a necessity * (42:30) The progressive future of America as a selling point * (49:50) Propaganda games around Zohran Mamdani * (53:55) What is the anthrotographer as a propaganda project * (55:35) America’s ‘hidden industrial policy’ (Pt.2) * (1:05:15) Bernay’s thesis and purpose for writing the book * (1:15:20) Why Capitalists have a propaganda edge * (1:22:00) The myth of objectivity * (1:30:20) ‘Bread and circuses’— Propaganda as distraction Supplemental Sources * ‘Propaganda’, Edward Bernays * ‘The Capital Order’, by Clara Matte * ‘The Entrepenuarial State…’ , Mariana Mosukato * ‘Profit Over People’, Noam Chomsky * ‘Requiem for the American Dream’ (Film), Noam Chomsky Music * ‘Focus’, by _BY.ALEXANDER Follow * https://tr.ee/W8xXr88JIK (YouTube) * https://tr.ee/uJj9Un_kgQ (IG) (Spotify) (ApplePodcasts) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit anthrotographer.substack.com