Coup Save America

What are the psychological dynamics that make a person susceptible to propaganda? This week, Coup Save America welcomes David Shaw, author of the new book Deplorable Politics: Propaganda for the Brainwashed. David has applied his background in political science and psychotherapy to a career as a consultant for non-profit fundraising, but he joins us today to unravel the mystery of what makes people susceptible to manipulation and outright deception. David defines the term “propaganda” and explains to us how everybody from the media to our political parties will habitually use it to advance their agendas. He maintains that the majority of Republicans are not “deplorable”, and support progressive legislation, but these rational and reachable individuals are internalizing the deceptive messaging that skews their view of the world. He uses the example of the January 6 Capital insurrection to illustrate the four steps that make up an effective propaganda campaign. David bemoans how the word “lie” has morphed into the less accurate term “fact check”, and answers the question “Are far-right wing politics really on the rise?” David and Sean discuss how fiscal Republicans no longer exist, and David shares documented information suggesting that the Republican Party has no interest in addressing societal issues… and Democrats aren’t much better. As always, the conversation turns to the distorted priorities of the mainstream media, and David tells us the tips from his book about how to distinguish propaganda from legitimate journalism and talks about the keywords/terms used in headlines that are purposely designed to mislead. Listen to hear the story of the propaganda surrounding global warming, and how it heavily influenced both sides of the issue…how the tobacco industry taught the world how to propagandize…and find out what area of popular science David debunks, even after his friends and family told him, “Don’t put that in your book, because nobody agrees with you!” To close the interview, David expands upon the psychology behind susceptibility, answering the questions, “What is recipe to create a person who will be easily influenced by propaganda?” and “What we can do as a society to fix people’s brains?” Listen to find out why we should all watch Trump’s final rally speech, and to hear the dangers of Trump’s base transferring over to DeSantis. Other topics include: Crazy Florida laws, how Trump’s campaign pitch is an exact copy of Hitler’s, Chinese spy balloons, and how and when Christian nationalism took a backseat to a more non-conformist attitude.

Should an orca whale be the first non-human person to be granted habeas corpus? We think so. Dr. Jeffrey Ventre is a former orca trainer now turned anti-captivity activist. He joins Coup Save America today to talk about his feature role in the documentary Blackfish, a film that swayed public opinion about using marine mammal as performers for profit. Sean and Jeff compare stories about working for SeaWorld and talk about how they both bought into the company narrative about keeping orca whales in captivity. Jeff gives examples of the erratic behavior often displayed by captive orcas, and aggression which has on several occasions ended with the tragic death of a human. We hear the inside story of Dawn Brancheau, Tilikum the orca, and SeaWorld's lies and cover-ups. Jeff and Sean discuss the intelligence of orcas, how young whales were kidnapped from their pods for human entertainment, and what steps are necessary to get orcas out of captivity and into whale sanctuaries. Jeff hopes everyone will go to Amazon.com to watch the new documentary film, "Corky", about the longest living wildcaught orca still held in captivity, and he invites our audience to visit YouTube for recordings of past speeches given at his annual Super Pod gatherings in the San Juan Islands. Other topics include: Ken Balcomb, how the Avatar sequel is in conflict with marine mammal rights, the evils of river dams, how covid-19 lockdowns compare to keeping orcas in captivity, the American war machine, plus ample discussion on the benefits of Medicare for All.

It’s a longstanding tactic - If you want to pass a policy, weaponize the children! We are joined today by Alex Clark, the CEO of the Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association, to talk about vaping – one of the most effective ways to quit smoking tobacco. First up, Alex and Sean compare their personal stories about overcoming a smoking addiction by using electronic cigarettes. Over the course of the show, Alex teaches us the mechanics of vaping, debunks the many myths about vaping, and explains the harm reduction potential of vaping. Alex does not promote vaping as “harmless.” There ARE unknowns and possible health issues with vaping, but not nearly at the levels of harm associated with smoking. He explains the FDA-approved science that backs up the safety of vaping, and he talks about the hysteria drummed up by anti-vaping campaigns, and how so many associations mislead the public and spread irresponsible lies about vaping. There are real ways to dissuade kids from falling into the actual dangers of smokeless nicotine products. Alex dissects the complicated regulations that have throttled the innovation of individuals and have handed the vaping industry over to incumbent tobacco companies. Then we learn that, very surprisingly, big tobacco companies are on the right side of the battle when it comes to promoting vaping and steering the public in the direction of smokeless tobacco products. Listen to find out why there is some good coming from corporate evil. Alex reveals that 95% of the safe vaping products now on the market are being sold in noncompliance with federal law. Listen to find out the reasons why these laws are not being enforced, plus learn the many reasons why the liquid flavors that are so often banned actually contribute to protecting a vapor’s health. To conclude, Alex speculates on what’s next in the agenda against vaping and tells us how we can best contribute to the cause. Listen until the end of the show to find out the “fact” in Sean’s monologue that was very, very wrong! Other topics include: Theatre fog, nicotine pouches, the formaldehyde challenge, Pink Lung Brigade, the heroes and villains of vaping, and the status of vaping in other countries around the world.

“Education creates knowledge – Knowledge creates jobs – Jobs reduce poverty – Poverty reduction reduces crime.” Coup Save America is joined today by activist Clinton Galloway, author of the book What Did You Think Was Going to Happen? Mr. Galloway shares his infuriating story of how the city of Los Angeles deprived their black communities of vital technology that would offer a redistribution of wealth in America, plus also serve to combat the city’s faltering education system and sense of morality. In the early 1980’s, when cable networks were beginning to launch, Mr. Galloway was part of a group who followed every necessary step to establish a television network that would serve impoverished communities of color, yet they were stymied at every turn by a corrupt and racist system. Listen to learn why, even after a favorable ruling by the United States Supreme Court, their case languished in a local court for ten years and was ultimately awarded $1 in damages. Hear why the FBI warned Mr. Galloway that he’d better move out of Los Angeles as quick as he could. Pulling from his many experiences, Mr. Galloway shares with us the disheartening news that black politicians, black leaders, the NAACP, and The Democratic Party all give lip service to the problems of poor and disfranchised communities, but they have no real interest in working toward change. He and Sean discuss the greed and corruption of the media, and the way that the media decides what we will see using manipulative algorithms. Mr. Galloway talks about the systematic changes that would be required to address racial inequality in America, but also shares “right now” strategies to help people born into poverty obtain higher education and housing. Other topics include: Jim Crow Joe Biden, overlooked PTSD suffered by the citizens of Los Angeles, gambling outlets that target minors, Revolutionary Blackout Network, prisons as the new form of slavery, the injustice of Uber vs. Gypsy Cabs, why kids need to get slapped, the dangers of population surveillance through technology, and the disappointing presidency of Barack Obama.

“How will this benefit the ruling class?” It’s the first question we should ask ourselves when faced with social “issues” aimed to divide and distract the working citizenry. This week, Sean is joined by Canadian activist and revolutionary socialist, Daniel Tarade. Daniel holds a Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, but his true passion is inciting his fellow citizens to join forces and fight for societal and economic change. As a branch organizer for Socialist Action Canada and co-host of The Red Review podcast, Daniel advocates not just for local revolution, but for an international revolution in defense of all oppressed peoples. He is optimistic that while it might “be messy”, we are capable as a society of transforming systems at a fundamental level. Today’s conversation covers the many tactics that the ruling class use to manipulate society and keep themselves in power. Daniel talks about the lack of diversity in political parties, how unions often support the status quo, and the subtle – or not so subtle - ways that elections are rigged to inhibit any meaningful social change. He tells us about his personal experience campaigning for local office in Ontario – with few resources and no expectation to win, but to get the word out about what is possible and to plant the seeds of revolution. Listen to hear Daniel’s valuable strategies for community organization and learn how it all comes down to a General Strike! Other topics include: The historical trajectory and current shortcomings of police forces, how Canada is catching up to the US in the area of political polarization, the inspiration of Howard Zinn and Rosa Luxemburg, plus the need to democratize information.

“How will this benefit the ruling class?” It’s the first question we should ask ourselves when faced with social “issues” aimed to divide and distract the working citizenry. This week, Sean is joined by Canadian activist and revolutionary socialist, Daniel Tarade. Daniel holds a Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, but his true passion is inciting his fellow citizens to join forces and fight for societal and economic change. As a branch organizer for Socialist Action Canada and co-host of The Red Review podcast, Daniel advocates not just for local revolution, but for an international revolution in defense of all oppressed peoples. He is optimistic that while it might “be messy”, we are capable as a society of transforming systems at a fundamental level. Today’s conversation covers the many tactics that the ruling class use to manipulate society and keep themselves in power. Daniel talks about the lack of diversity in political parties, how unions often support the status quo, and the subtle – or not so subtle - ways that elections are rigged to inhibit any meaningful social change. He tells us about his personal experience campaigning for local office in Ontario – with few resources and no expectation to win, but to get the word out about what is possible and to plant the seeds of revolution. Listen to hear Daniel’s valuable strategies for community organization and learn how it all comes down to a General Strike! Other topics include: The historical trajectory and current shortcomings of police forces, how Canada is catching up to the US in the area of political polarization, the inspiration of Howard Zinn and Rosa Luxemburg, plus the need to democratize information.

Is Donald Trump crazy enough to stalk and attempt to assassinate a political rival? Today on Coup Save America, Sean is joined by 2024 presidential candidate, Michael D. Landingham, who shares the story of his family history and why he decided to run for president in 2020, and will try again in our upcoming election. Mr. Landingham is running as a Democrat because he has no other choice, but considers himself more of a Constitutionalist. He is an American first and a politician second, running on a platform of unity between parties and people. Mr. Landingham tells us his plans for his presidency and explains how a real person with no political experience can handle such a big job with integrity and accountability. In addition to sharing his political platform, our guest tells us the incredible story of his frightening encounter with Donald Trump after Mr. Landingham registered as a candidate for the 2020 presidential election. Hear the reasons why a sitting president might feel threatened by an essentially unknown rival, and how the people in power are covering up the whole incident. Read about this little-known lawsuit against Donald Trump at the website: landinghamcase.com. Other topics include: Guns at the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Bikers for Trump, and why the American people should know any and all state secrets pertaining to aliens and UFOs.

When so many of the world’s natural resources are appropriated and privatized, how long will it take corporations to find a way to charge us for the air we breathe? This week on Coup Save America, Sean discusses the various interpretations of socialism with historian Adnan Husain, who is well-versed in the social analyses of Karl Marx and his contemporaries during the time when society was changing from agriculturally based to industrial and urban. Adnan defines socialism as extending democracy beyond politics to include economics, society, and other aspects of our daily lives. He talks about how unfettered capitalism without regulation leads to inequality and oppression and tells us the excuses economic thinkers have used justify capitalism as good for society…but he also explains that capitalism is one of the most progressive advances to ever befall society. Sean and Adnan talk about figures such as Ralph Nadar, Martin Luther King, Tucker Carlson, and The Squad, plus an extra special shout-out to Kshama Sawant. Other topics of conversation include: The “unfinished business” of the New Deal, historical utopian societies that have failed, “The Commons”, how US imperial interventions promote regime changes, and the three evils that society must eliminate for the betterment of all.

Today on Coup Save America, we are joined by empowerment coach and podcaster, Stephen Milverton, to discuss what he feels are draconian lockdowns in his state of Victoria, Australia, led by Premier “Dictator Dan.” Stephen is not anti-establishment nor anti-government, but believes that people need to choose the lifestyle they want to live rather than allow themselves to be driven by fear. Listen to his "spider in the hand" theory and learn how to take back your power by pulling up the anchors of shame and guilt that drag us down. Stephen is the host of the Unearthed Man podcast, where he empowers his guests to have open conversations that explore their vulnerabilities and break down old belief systems. Other topics include: organized religion and fundraising, how the agricultural industry feeds pharmaceutical companies, the dangers of speaking out on social media, returning to a community-based society, money as a false concept, and the death of Queen Elizabeth.

"Anger is only disappointed love." Today on Coup Save America, Sean is joined by Australian author and inspirer, Barry Nicolaou, to tell us about the science of creative visualization. When it comes to understanding and respecting one another, Barry is a proponent of practicing gratitude and finding "commonality" with others, whether it's in agreement or disagreement. He teaches us that how we think reflects what occurs in our lives, and that we have more influence on what happens than we realize. Barry shares tips on how to change our way of thinking and his 6 Steps to Achieving Results. After the immense success of his first book, an international bestseller on Amazon, Barry will be releasing a new book in February of 2023 – Move the Mountain. Other topics of conversation include Einstein, the Blue Zone in the Mediterranean, and how thoughts influence the quarks inside atoms.

Have you ever wondered how you would survive do if you were suddenly unable to work and earn money? In the United States, all workers contribute a portion of their income to maintain a safety net program that we can fall back on in times of need, but how easy is it to access these funds that we are entitled to receive if we become disabled? Not so easy, according to Spencer Bishins, a former employee of the Social Security Administration. This week on Coup Save America, our podcast begins with the story of Emily, a woman currently struggling to obtain disability status. Sean talks with Emily about her 'invisible disabilities' and the difficulties she's encountered while trying to prove the validity of health issues such as fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, anxiety, and depression. Spencer Bishins, author of the book Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, confirms the sad truth of Emily's experiences as he explains how and why the system is specifically designed to prevent people from receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, keep them disheartened, and drive them to simply quit trying. Other topics discussed during Spencer's interview include: Destroying the stigma associated with collecting SSDI, Universal Basic Income, why cannabis is steadily achieving legal status, and what covid-19 has done to pave a road for change.

Are you racist without even realizing it? Racism isn't a "black person problem"; it's a white person problem that oppresses black people. Racism doesn't only affect the oppressed, it also affects the oppressors. Inclusion and diversity consultant Sedruola Maruska joins Sean St. Heart to talk about social justice and to teach us what individual citizens can do to end the cycle of racism in America. According to Sedie, it all comes down to "Seeing humans as human and treating them as such." Don't look at the big picture and think there's nothing you can do. Self-examine, take your power, speak up, and do whatever you can to affect change in your own space. Small acts have a huge impact. Did you know that Black Americans innovated open heart surgery and invented GPS? What is the real meaning of "defund the police"? Learn these things and much more in between listening to Sean yell at white people. Other topics of conversation include generational trauma, critical race theory, scapegoat Brittany Martin, reverse racism, the justifications for slavery, and using your privilege to benefit others.

Good news! The foreign threat to America is not as scary as the average citizen tends to believe. Bad news! Domestic terrorism poses the largest threat to Americans. In this episode of Coup Save America, Sean interviews Brent Giannotta, former CIA agent for an inside look at our nation's War on Terror. Brent shares a message of optimism and expresses his confidence in the future of America, while also warning us that domestic terrorism is on the rise in our country. He lists the ways the advent of the Internet has assisted terrorists both domestic and abroad, and he describes the sort of person who is prone to embrace radical propaganda. Can brain scans detect who is most likely to spread misinformation on the Internet? You bet they can! According to Brent, domestic terrorists are merely disillusioned citizens who are seeking to give their lives meaning by pushing society in the direction they feel it needs to go. This description sounds a lot like the creators of Coup Save America, only without the guns and ammo. Tune in to learn about the cost to benefit analysis of our government's overzealous War on Terror, to find out why Brent believes in limiting free speech online, and to hear his analogy comparing Isis sympathizers to hard-core Trump supporters.

Not all sexual assaults were created equal. In this episode of Coup Save America, Sean speaks out about our country's "rape culture", and then interviews special guest Tara Reade about her book Left Out: When the Truth Doesn’t Fit In, a memoir outlining the injustice and trauma she experienced after coming forward against Joe Biden with sexual assault allegations. On the podcast, Tara tells us the heartbreaking story of how the power structure of America took control of her narrative and vilified her in the media by suppressing evidence and discrediting her claims to protect the political status quo. Like so much of today's America, it is a story of hypocrisy, media bias, and how the ruling class clings to power. Tune in to Tara's podcast "The Politics of Survival" – if you can find it, since she's been cancelled on most corporate platforms. Other topics of conversation include Russia-phobia, troll farms, the United States' decimation of Libya, public kill lists, animal activism, and product placements for water.

Humanity is not great. In a world that is rapidly changing across multiple dimensions, we have come upon a new era where our entire species lingers precariously close to self-destruction, but with a future of immense potential hanging in the balance. How can we pull ourselves back from the brink? Is such a retreat from self-inflicted peril even possible? Author and change-leader Edina Brown joins Coup Save America to discuss these questions, offering her insights and experiences on how to pave a course toward a new culture of empathy and human wellness. Edina Brown is a leader in caring for humanity and creating connections. She recently served as an elected official in central New Jersey, and continues to contribute to issues like mental health, child welfare, and social change through her work on boards. Her deep desire to improve the way people see each other inspired her to write and publish "Make Humanity Great Again," and further content about social change and wellness.

All is fair in love and war … and trade. Is China's bid for world dominance evil? They certainly don't think so, but are they right? On Coup Save America's 10th episode, Sean interviews Toufic Sarieddine, a Ph.D. student with an expansive knowledge of world economic affairs. Toufic tells us about the Belt and Road Initiative and explains how and why China is no longer a fully communist country. Is China becoming the next imperial empire? And who will be involved in the newest great world conflict? In respect to China, Toufic talks about economic coups, the impact of conformation vs. individualism in Chinese culture. Much of the episode focuses on Israel, with a review of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and discussion of the American Israel Public Relations Committee. Extra show topics include foreign assassinations, just what's up with Iran, and, as always, the blatant hypocrisy of the United States.

While America tries to make itself great again, Great Britain is always "great" by default…or is it? Sean is forever skeptical of how the mainstream media frames international affairs to suit their own agenda, so on Coup Save America Episode #9 he interviews Tim Heale, a British political commentator about how the United Kingdom is both very different and quite similar to the United States. Tim explains the history behind the UK's entry into the European Union, then gives his opinion on why an unprecedented number of British voters decided to leave the EU in the great Brexit exit. He gives us an overview of how Parliament works, and our host encounters confusion with the terms "public" and "private" and just what they mean in Britain. Other topics include Britain's covid response, how the war in Ukraine and other wars throughout history have affected the British economy, and how governments instill fear into the population for financial and political gain. As Always, Coup Save America is very interested in the health care systems of other progressive nations, so Tim shares with Sean his opinion that bureaucracy in the National Health Service makes Britain's healthcare much more costly than people realize. To hear more from Tim, visit his YouTube channel for the Thirsty Thursday Live Stream and his Ordinary People's Extraordinary Stories Podcast.

On Coup Save America, Episode #8, Sophia Sepulveda, the Mexican American Wonder trans-Woman challenges the misconceptions and false rhetoric surrounding trans-people. She talks about carrying her childhood trauma of non-acceptance into adulthood and gives tips on how to support a young person's preferred identity. As she converses with Sean about legislative attacks on transgender Americans, Sophia shares her stories of the hurdles involved with transitioning, navigating relationships as a transwoman, and discrimination from other factions of the LGBTQ+ community. Sophia also tells us about her extensive activism work to improve healthcare in Texas and her nonprofit organization, Trans Power San Antonio. In addition, Sean interviews Jesse A. James, a bold independent candidate from the State of Washington who is running for the House of Representatives on a platform of progressive changes for our country. You had your chance, Pramila Jayapal, and now it's time for a new congressman who will hold the current administration accountable for the promises they made during the 2020 presidential campaign!

What do the Playboy Foundation and Coup Save America have in common? We both love the honest speech that comes from the mouth of Reverend Barry Lynn! Coup Save America, Episode #7, delves into our nation's rapidly unraveling concept of Separation of Church and State as we look at the other Supreme Court rulings made before and after the Roe vs. Wade decision. Sean is joined by Rev. Barry Lynn, a man who goes against the stereotype of a Christian minister by being at the forefront of every progressive cause throughout his long career. As the title of his upcoming memoir says, Lynn is Paid to Piss People Off. Where did the idea of separation between church and state come from, and what was it meant to mean? As Coup Save America discuss the fringe Religious Right and how well they understand how to use power, Rev. Lynn sprinkles the conversation with humorous anecdotes about meeting porn stars and his appearances on Fox News. Sean and Rev. Lynn decide that a large part of our current problem is that United States justices don't understand what separation of church and state is supposed to work. Is the solution to expand the size of the court? End the filibuster? Find out on Coup Save America!

Being pro-choice doesn't mean ignoring the emotional impact of abortion. In the wake of our nation losing the protections provided by Roe versus Wade, Coup Save America features special guest Kelsey Walker, who shares tragic stories and valuable insights about abortion laws, social stigmas, and the true impact on the lives of women who, for many different reasons, make the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy. Kelsey talks to Sean about her work fighting for reproductive rights in Washington DC and about publishing a heartbreaking memoir describing the pain of losing her much-wanted daughter when abortion was the only reasonable choice for both mother and child. At the end of the program, Kelsey is joined by Carolanne Miller, a special guest who has suffered the emotional backlash of an abortion she had as a teenager over fifty years ago. As Carolanne shares her story, Kelsey demonstrates the counseling services offered by the non-profit organization that she founded to assist women in recovering from the various traumas brought on by the experience of abortion.

Rural conservatives are better at protecting their communities than left-wing progressives? In Episode #4 of Coup Save America, Sean interviews Paul Cienfuegos, lifelong activist and author of the new book, How Dare We? Courageous Practices to Reclaim Our Power as Citizens. Sean and Paul discuss the history of our nation's conception and the Founding Fathers' intents for the distribution of rights to citizens. Then it's on to the main event – a conversation about how corporate influence has undermined our power, divided our nation, and jeopardized our nations' future, plus what we, as communities, can do to stop them. Listen to hear inspiring stories of David conquering Goliath!

So, just what is Coup Save America about? What do I aim to accomplish with this show? What can you expect? Watch the new trailer for my show to learn how I hope to use my show as a vehicle for real and purposeful change!

Coup Save America explores many aspects of the Medicare for All debate as Sean first interviews Michaelangelo Hamilton, a congressional candidate who believes that access to treatment is a right and not a privilege. Next, health care advocate Dan Lehrman signs on to chat about the potential of a universal health care system in America and the reasons why we are the only First World country without one. Finally, Sean brings in Alan Kramer, a Canadian and retired hospital administrator, to guest star in a panal discussion about the pros, cons, and myths surrounding Canada's version of Medicare for All.

This episode of Coup Save America focuses on the political biases in the news media and how to recognize journalism that imposes an agenda. Our special guest is Joe Rippert, the founder of RIPView.com, a new website that presents both sides of world events as interpreted by the political far left and the far right, giving readers an opportunity to examine the opinions of each side and come to their own conclusions.