3 chapters across the catalog
The conversation shifts to how culture primes individuals for conflict, citing the upcoming Civil War film as a potential catalyst for domestic unrest. Mo shares a personal anecdote about being conditioned as a child to hate Russians because of characters like Apollo Creed in Rocky IV. They examine how propaganda targets everyone from children to college students.
The segment honors the legacy of James Brown, highlighting his independence as a businessman who owned radio stations and jets. Adam Curry shares a personal story of meeting Brown in the 1980s during the recording of "Living in America," describing him as a consummate professional. They discuss how Brown's image was later tarnished by drug allegations and parodies, despite his foundational role in hip-hop through samples like the "Funky Drummer."
Adam Curry critiques the selective empathy of the American public, noting that people are programmed to care about Ukraine while ignoring conflicts in Somalia, Yemen, and Palestine. He reflects on the Cold War propaganda of his youth, citing films like "Rocky IV" and "Red Dawn" as tools that conditioned Americans to view Russians as villains. The hosts discuss how this historical conditioning is being refreshed for a new generation.
