What a Hell of a Way to Dad

This episode features a round-up of a number of issues: the recent Labour party leaks in the UK, the prospect of having to support Biden as the Democratic nominee, and some amazing stories from the world of the armed services -- to include the fact that apparently the commandant of Camp Pendleton, CA ordered that all barbershops stay open. Why? Because he'd rather Marines die than have long hair. It's amazing! https://taskandpurpose.com/news/marine-corps-barber-shops-coronavirus We also talk about the situation on the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the fact that, apparently, we're willing to accept unnecessary deaths in a pandemic for no other reason than optics. This week's Patreon is another DadChat, available at the $1 tier here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/35935467 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We are humble servants to you, the fans. You voted and said that we should watch Rambo 2. So, we watched it, and boy is it... something. Hope you enjoy our unlocked review of this extremely coherent and realistic movie. We love it! If you want more bonus episodes like these, please sign up on the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie

Did you know that the DOD has decided to order troops to make their own masks? Yes, we've applied just-in-time delivery to live-saving medical equipment, and now the true tactical tailors will have their time to shine: by making masks out of old brown t-shirts, 550 cord, and 100 mph tape. The story is here: https://www.newsweek.com/us-military-tells-members-make-their-own-masks-fight-coronavirus-new-guidelines-met-criticism-1496230 If you want to hear the Fall-of-Rome episode of Trashfuture that Nate referenced, it's available here: https://trashfuturepodcast.podbean.com/e/the-empire-steps-on-a-rake-feat-patrick-wyman/ This week's bonus episode features an interview between Nate and Ben Natan (@thebennatan). Ben's an actor based in New York City, and he's involved with left-wing Jewish activism in the US, a politics he came to after growing up Jewish with one Israeli parent and one American one. They talked about Israel's relationship to militarism, what Zionism and anti-Zionism actually mean, and what sorts of fault lines exist in the Jewish experience in the US. You can get the entire episode on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/35678774 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

In this episode, Nate and Francis make the argument that there is no military failsafe in which uniformed services can rescue a failed civilian response to the current pandemic. Or, to put it succinctly: hospital ships are nice, if you live near the coast. What about everyone else? We also discuss the recent news that the President is recalling IRR and reservists back to active service (https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2020/03/28/trump-approves-ordering-former-us-troops-active-duty-assist-coronavirus-response/), although at present it's completely voluntary. This week's bonus features Francis interviewing two therapists from Game to Grow, an organization that helps provide therapy via tabletop gaming. It's a fascinating topic and we really hope you enjoy it. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/35404032 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week's episode features Nate in conversation with P.E. Moskowitz (@_pem_pem). They're the author of two books -- 'How to Kill a City: Gentrification, Inequality, and the Fight for the Neighborhood' and 'The Case Against Free Speech: The First Amendment, Fascism, and the Future of Dissent." We discussed free speech absolutism, the military-centric nature of our discussions of PTSD, and why it's important to have empathy at the forefront of leftist politics. You can buy P.E.'s books (and support local bookstores) here: https://bookshop.org/contributors/p-e-moskowitz Also, check out their writing co-op Study Hall here: http://studyhall.xyz/ This week's bonus episode features Francis and Carey Shockey (@shocks) discussing the inscrutable board-game movie Battleship (from a boats perspective, of course). Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/35148333 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

In this unlocked bonus episode, Francis speaks with Bryan Quinby (@murderbryan) of Street Fight Radio on the topic of the recent Netflix film 'Triple Frontier.' Why is it so long? Why is Ben Affleck basically playing himself? And why do a bunch of Delta Force guys apparently really suck at planning? They answer all these and many more of your questions. If you want more bonus episodes like these, get them on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie

Nate and Francis discuss the coronavirus this week, as well as the novelty of handwashing for people who haven't had it forced on them as the military does. There's a discussion of what we hope follows next, and an update on the neck-and-neck competition between the US and the UK to have the worst possible response. We hope you enjoy. This week's bonus features Francis discussing Americorps with a veteran of that program -- you can get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/34937429 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This episode includes the full interview between Nate and Matthew Hoh, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and current peace activist. Their conversation covers Matt's experience in Iraq as a planner working closely with the Coalition Provisional Authority, as a Marine company commander during the height of the civil war, as a State Department political officer in Afghanistan at the same time that Nate was deployed there, and later as a peace activist in Okinawa. You can read the full text of Matt's resignation letter here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/hp/ssi/wpc/ResignationLetter.pdf If you want to sign up for more bonus content, our Patreon is accessible here: https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie

Friends, we know the news is not good. Which is why we've brought on friend of the show and gaming expert Brock Wilbur to discuss Plague Inc, a game that lets you earn high scores for creating pandemics. He and Francis also discuss their various situations in the Midwest and what the COVID-19 pandemic is shaping up to be in non-coastal America. Hope you enjoy! This week's bonus is at the $1 tier -- it's a full-on hour of DadChat. Get it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/34641124 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Well, the primary is moving pretty quickly and we've seen the demise of the Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar campaigns. We obviously have no love for Pete, and we're happy to see him go -- even if this means we're likely to see him all haunting Democratic politics for the rest of our lives. But for now, he's done. We also discuss the US-Taliban peace agreement and whether or not it will mark an end to the Afghan war. We certainly hope so, but there's very little way of knowing at this point. Additionally, it seems the Marine Corps is trying to banish Confederate imagery and titles from its ranks and bases. This forces us to say something we very rarely even consider saying: well done, Marines. (source: https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2020/02/27/all-confederate-related-paraphernalia-should-be-removed-from-marine-corps-bases-commandant-directs/) *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

The latest scandal in the military news world is the NYT publishing an op-ed from Taliban deputy commander Sirajuddin Haqqani. In this more-or-less anodyne editorial, Haqqani lays out his reasoning for entering peace talks with the US. This has of course caused a certain type of online veteran to explode into white-hot diarrhea fragments, ignoring the fact that the NYT has previously published op-eds from people like Erik Prince and Erick Erickson, both insane Christian dominionists. But hey, who's counting? For this week's bonus, Nate speaks to an actual Zoomer -- a soon-to-be veteran named Kevin F. who deployed to Afghanistan in 2018-2019 and was able to scroll the timeline the entire time due to the *massive* improvements in technology between when Nate and Francis were last deployed. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/34267603 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

A long time ago, i.e. when Nate and Francis were teens and the Global War on Terror started, you didn't really get internet while deployed. However, even if the war has gone nowhere, the slow march of progress has made it possible for troops to get personalized greetings from porn stars while overseas. This seems great, but also bad, and even worse when you consider the multi-generational time scale of the conflict. However, it might be ending soon! Or something. Because the US is in peace talks with the Taliban and we might actually turn the final corner after turning it 1000 times in the past. We also discuss a recent essay about self-directed learning in the military (i.e. reading the Doom novels and learning how to fight on Phobos). Does it work? Have you ever seen it work? We want to hear your military learning story. This week's bonus is another Is It Fascist review of the 2002 Christian Bale film EQUILIBRIUM. Folks, it's a lot, and you can get it on Patreon at the $3 tier here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/34084649 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

In the least shocking news you could imagine, Donald Trump was acquitted in the senate because our constitution is a garbage document that allows for infinity crimes. This is not a surprise to anyone, but one thing that did surprise us was the weird fixation on Alexander Vindman, particularly on Fox News. In fact, Pete Hegseth brought on Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry to tell the world that, according to some guy, Vindman was a spotlight ranger and a chow thief in Ranger School. Now, why does this matter? Because the CMOH is the ultimate vetbro Yu-Gi-Oh card, and as such they intend to deploy it. You can read the story here from Media Matters: https://www.mediamatters.org/fox-friends/fox-friends-smears-lt-col-alexander-vindmans-military-record We also discuss the fact that Right-to-Repair restrictions on heavy vehicles are now affecting military vehicles as well, because even the truck you use to do imperialism with has in-app purchases: https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/even-the-american-military-is-struggling-with-right-to-1841531517 This week's bonus features Nate in conversation with journalist Hussein Kesvani (@HKesvani) on the topic of how the British state securitized its anti-radicalization program, and now it's basically doing recon on every aspect of Muslim life in the country. You can get it on Patreon at the $5 tier here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/33909329 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

You've surely noticed this phenomenon. In recent years, whenever a famous person dies, there's always a parallel outrage from people online demanding that you grieve for fallen troops instead of the person for whom you're grieving. In this episode, Nate and Francis discuss this at length, particularly in the wake of Kobe Bryant's death and calls to instead grieve for the victims of a military helicopter crash that happened in….2005? (this got so bad that Military.com had to issue a statement: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/01/28/save-outrage-do-hitting-share-military-news.html) There's also an article on Task and Purpose about how the DOD rescinded a 2014 policy on land mines. So, if we want, can mine the hell out of things. This is, as they say, not good: https://taskandpurpose.com/pentagon-landmines This week's bonus is pure, unadulterated DadChat, available to you at the $1 tier. Early reports suggest that it's good! Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/33685295 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

It's long been a truism in American politics that anyone who gets close to Donald Trump gets slimed. This week, we're discussing Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, the grown-up version of the "you're disrespecting a future U.S. Army soldier" kid, who has decided that it's not a big deal for Trump to make fun of US injuries in Iraq because--as you know--nothing matters except defending Dad. Don't get us wrong, we don't want this to be a right-wing cause celebre, but we really hate Tom. We also discuss bread-thief rat-face Pete Buttigieg's recent comments on the topic of a President benefiting from military service, which fine, okay, but come on. This week's bonus is a video from Francis on the topic of what propaganda actually is. You can find it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/33477773 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, we've got a huge suite of content. For starters, we discuss the recent unveiling of the Space Force name tape: a zero-effort attempt to make a Space Force uniform that all of us inveterate shammers can appreciate. Why make a distinct uniform when you can, uh, just slap a name tape on something and call it a day? Honestly, it's all kinda exhausting anyway (source: https://nypost.com/2019/12/20/trump-officially-launches-space-force/) However, we also discuss the recent story of Prince Harry (a fellow bearded redhead Afghan war vet) deciding to do a reverse Nate and leave Britain for North America. This will involve relinquishing a bunch of ceremonial titles, all of which sound a bit weird? (source: https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a30579030/prince-harry-steps-back-from-role-as-captain-general-of-the-royal-marines-and-other-military-appointments/) Finally, we discuss a revelation that, if you try to give President Trump a basic civics lesson, he will lose his mind and call you a bunch of babies — as evinced by a new book. Afghanistan? Folks, it's a loser war! They don't even have oil! Very sad! (source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-called-his-generals-a-bunch-of-dopes-and-babies-in-a-fit-of-rage-book-claims) This week's bonus is a Q&A session, which you can get at the $3 tier on Patreon. It's a good one, and you'll definitely enjoy it! https://www.patreon.com/posts/33301075 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Well, Iran retaliated. They did so in a way that was seemingly meant as a massive show of force without serious casualties. They almost pulled it off, except for when they shot down a Ukrainian passenger jet. And this week, Nate and Francis discuss Iran -- the horniness for war, the insane interpretations from neocons -- and what might come next as we seemingly blunder around in a decades-long world war. This week, Francis speaks with Isiah James (@isiah4congress), an Army infantry veteran running as a democratic socialist in the Democratic primary for New York's 9th Congressional District. Isiah discusses his platforms, why he got into politics, how he approaches topics like gun control, ending the Drug War, and combating imperialism. Isiah gives a fascinating interview and we hope you enjoy it -- it's free on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/33115621 You can read his entire policy platform here: https://www.isiahforcongress.com You should absolutely donate to his campaign! Here's how to go about that: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/friends-of-isiah-1# *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

By now you've probably seen the news that Trump ordered a drone strike on Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani. In this week's episode, we discuss why this is moronic, why it will mend any fault lines in Iranian society as they unite in opposition to America, and why you can never give Trump the comedy option (he'll always choose it!) We also discuss that the Army is banning Tik Tok for soldiers because they keep posting embarrassing videos. This week's bonus features our 'Is It Fascist' review of the 1999 film The Matrix. We loved it as young teens and we love it now, too. It's a weird time capsule with a lot to recommend. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32845383 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, Francis interviews Air Force veteran and Democratic Congressional candidate Anthony Clark, who's running as a democratic socialist in Illinois' 7th district. Anthony is a public school teacher, was born and raised in the Chicago area, and spent 6 years in the Air Force. He's a survivor of gun violence and an advocate for reparations, and his politics are very much in line with ours — so, we figured you'd want to hear from him. You can check out his campaign site here: https://www.voteanthonyclark.com/ The bonus this week features a video of Francis reviewing what might be described as a sci-fi arms fair. In Ghana. It's weird as hell and you'll love it. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32722711 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Look, we're the first to admit that local government is weird. But apparently we didn't know just how weird: in Washington State, a Republican state rep is in hot water yet again for espousing what you might describe as Christian Dominionist Terrorism Incitement. Yes, it's our friend Matt Shea again, and this time he's in trouble for… being a member of a white separatist organization? (Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/as-washington-rep-matt-shea-refuses-to-resign-ammon-bundy-challenges-house-report/) We also discuss recent reports that Fort Wainwright, Alaska might have a military suicide rate that's *10 times the Army average*. In fact, it's gotten so bad that the Army is doing a special study. We brainstormed some solutions, and Francis has the best one: close the base (Source: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/12/20/suicides-in-alaskas-interior-spark-changes-for-remote-army-post/) The bonus this week features Francis and Brock Wilbur discussing the BioShock series: what it is, why they like it, and whether or not it's fascist. Get it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32545495 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This is an unlocked bonus episode which appeared last year on our Patreon. If you want more like it, sign up here: https://www.patreon.com/Hellofawaytodie This week, Nate speaks with Army veteran and writer Drew Pham (@Drewspeak). Drew is a prolific essay writer in venues like the War Horse and the Wrath Bearing Tree (where they're an editor), and a mainstay of the veteran writer community in New York City. In this interview, Drew talks about their family's history in Vietnam and their relationship to the war, Trump's targeting of Vietnamese asylees and refugees, why they love Tim O'Brien's work but couldn't see themselves in any characters, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy and its promise for people with PTSD, and quite a bit more. Here's Drew's essay "How to Lose a War" which appeared on the War Horse: https://www.thewarhorse.org/our-stories/how-to-lose-a-war/ If you want to read Drew's work on the Wrath-Bearing Tree, you can access it here: https://www.wrath-bearingtree.com/author/drew-pham/

It's soon to be the end of an era: Duncan Hunter is leaving Congress after getting caught for too much vaping and gaming. We'll miss the idea of him, even if we actually hate Republicans and people who brag about what sounded like war crimes. Anyway, please read this piece in the New Republic by friend of the show Matt Farwell: https://newrepublic.com/article/155899/duncan-hunter-something-right We also discuss a Voice of America piece about how the troops now love Russia, mostly because Fox News and right-wing American commentary is pumping out pro-Russia stuff in defense of Trump. Don't get us wrong, we're not conspiracy theorists -- we just think it's hilarious. For this week's bonus, hear the legal side of the Duncan Hunter story with friend of the show Carey Shockey: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32244213 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We've done a news roundup and found some great stories for you, to include: a special prison just for veterans, an appeal to not pretend your dog is a service animal, and an update on the Navy SEALs' attempts to find not-sketchy leaders among the ranks. For this week's bonus, Francis reviews some first-aid gear that he bought online. Learn about tourniquets, compression bandages, and much, much more: https://www.patreon.com/posts/32009710 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, Nate and Francis discuss the continued war-crime saga of Eddie Gallagher, but this episode also features an interview between Francis and Andrea N. Goldstein (@AN_Goldstein) on the topic of the Deborah Sampson Act, which is currently in the U.S. Senate. The act would drastically increase available VA treatment for women veterans, and we wanted you to hear about it. This week's bonus features an interview with Jasper Craven, a writer who covers military and veterans issues and who recently wrote a piece for the Baffler about the military testing drugs on service members. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31825119 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This episode is a bit of a psychic rollercoaster in that it begins with us losing our minds at the fact that Donald Trump pardoned a bunch of war criminals and our YouTube channel is full of boomers chortling like the sounds it plays when you lose on Angry Birds. We hate it. We also wind up doing an impression of Donald Trump declaring a Global War on Jody. So, it's a lot. This week's bonus features our special 3-year anniversary episode on the topic of how Veterans Day has become more and more hollow to us given what's been going on in America and across the world. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31661642 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Our good friend Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein), who is not actually a Krassenstein brother, has a recent story in the Intercept about how the military border mission that Trump ordered is keeping tabs on anarchists, protest groups, and what it describes as "anti-border-wall extremists." All very normal stuff. You can read the article we cited here: https://theintercept.com/2019/11/11/border-protest-groups-surveillance/ *NOTE* If you're in the military and want to pass Ken some details about dumb nonsense that's happening, hit him up on Signal here: 202-510-1268 This week's bonus features Nate and Francis discussing the Rambo series in its entirety, as Francis has recently watched Last Blood and decided that the Rambo oeuvre is on a bit of a downward spiral towards gore-horror and Facebook uncle tropes. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31489305 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

If you're a regular listener, you're well aware of the fact that Nate and Francis love to dunk on proposed solutions to the military's recruiting crisis. Well, the Army's recruiting crisis, as it's perpetually struggling to meet its goals. This week, we discuss a recent WSJ editorial that posits a relaxation of beard rules as a recruiting and retention tool. (Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-military-shouldnt-shave-its-numbers-11572302977) We also catch up on the general state of things, as Nate was recently back in America and managed to not say "cheers, mate" to any confused passers-by. This week's bonus features Francis explaining how he uses hydroponics to grow herbs and vegetables year-round. It's a video, so you can see all the extremely not weed things that he's growing. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31293715 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We all recognize military recruiting slogans like 'Be All That You Can Be' or 'Fight A Dragon with a Sword,' but the Army has decided that it wants yet another tagline. This time, it's 'What's Your Warrior?' which makes very little sense. We too ask ourselves this question on a regular basis. (Source: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/10/16/whats-your-warrior-army-launches-new-ads-with-less-combat-focus/) One thing you might also not know: the military is spending $4 billion, yes, billion, on a single ad agency in Chicago for its long-term promotion contract. What else could we do with $4 billion, if not pay for all the things that your Facebook uncle says 'bbut how will you pay for this' about? (Source: https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/11/armys-billion-dollar-ad-machine-is-moving-to-chicago-will-it-work/) This week's bonus features Francis and Brock Wilbur discussing a game that brings joy and delight to our lives: Katamari Damacy. It's weird, it's centered on rolling things up, it has a tremendous legacy—but is it fascist? Listen here on Patreon to find out: https://www.patreon.com/posts/31119172 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, Francis and Nate discuss rural politics and Appalachian tech hubs with Tarence Ray (@tarenceray) of the Trillbilly Worker's Party podcast (@thetrillbillies). Specifically, we're discussing Tarence's recent essay in The Baffler, which you can read here: https://thebaffler.com/salvos/hollowed-out-ray This week's bonus episode features Nate in conversation with Marine veteran and anti-war activist John Motter (@JohnMotter). They discuss how one goes from Marine infantryman to leftist, how to organize veterans, and why it's crucial to show up for other causes when you want to build a movement. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30909624 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week's episode features an impromptu guest spot with @trashfuturepod co-host and stand-up comedian @milo_edwards, who you should follow. Donald Trump has decided that the US is going to pull out of Rojava, the autonomous enclave in northeastern Syria. Since we recorded this episode, the Turkish have invaded and the Kurdish have struck a pact with Assad's government and the Russian military. We discuss this betrayal, how poorly-received it's been, and how Republicans might condemn it but will still roll over for Trump as always (source: https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/10/10/congress-prepares-sanctions-syria-trump-kurds-turkey-erdogan-lindsay-graham-normandy/?fbclid=IwAR2oVxgzUi-L4pW4l-yPFpNuxqBUO-yxpJUT_P2qcyksccf4O8C2IOl6Bnw) However, some Russian shock jocks have pranked U.S. Senator (and USAF Colonel) Lindsey Graham and have gotten him to say some moronic things about Turkey, because he's just as wet and dumb as the President he loves. We also discuss this (source: https://www.politico.com/news/2019/10/10/lindsey-graham-trump-hoax-call-043991?fbclid=IwAR1kgDx84KJD51ilfSqFg4vXU5iRv-oyEUZjCHX4EOeO3-QQbd3F0U6iK74) This week's Patreon bonus features Francis and special guest Sativa Steve, a Marine Corps and Navy vet who now works in plant biology with a specific focus on cannabis genomics. You'll get military nerd chat, weed nerd chat, and plant nerd chat -- get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30686092 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Donald Trump recently tweeted that an impeachment proceeding would instigate a second Civil War. This has been a topic of discussion on the right for a long time now, but it hasn't warranted much attention because it's such an absurd proposition. However, this week we discuss it and a Daily Beast feature about where the military's loyalties lie--and why: (source https://www.thedailybeast.com/if-trumps-rage-brings-civil-war-where-will-the-military-stand) We also discuss Jacob Wohl's recent caper and the fact that his extreme himbo Marine veteran's sordid Elizabeth Warren tale fell apart instantly. Why? According to Nate, it's because the O'Keefe-style grifter ecosystem has changed and become a bit trickier. (source: https://www.newsweek.com/ex-marine-who-claimed-sexual-involvement-elizabeth-warren-lied-about-military-service-corps-says-1463271) This week's Patreon bonus features yet another visit from Marine Todd, in which he reads a famously insane veteran outrage clickbait piece. We also have a discussion about how the veteran outrage business cycle works, plus a special visit from emotionally-evolved PhD student Marine Theodore. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30499584 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, we discuss big news that's specific to the Army: the weird, broken-TV looking camouflage pattern has now been formally phased out. It's the only uniform that Nate wore on active duty, it's a legacy of terrible defense appropriations and the waste of our militarized budget, and it's a reminder that just because something is 'military grade' doesn't mean it doesn't suck. This week's bonus features Francis and Cynthia Bethea discussing the 1988 Eddie Murphy film COMING TO AMERICA. Why is it basically a family reunion for Black actors in the '80s? Find out by listening here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30165323 *SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT* We now have a storefront to sell the patches, buttons, and magnets that we also give out as flair for our $10 tier. Buy some sweet gear here: https://www.hellofawaytodie.com/shop You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Where to even begin? Well, for starters, the Storm Area 51 thing happened and — while it was definitely dumb — it wasn't a catastrophe. However, for some reason a defense audio/video portal tweeted a threat that seemed to imply that they'd use a B1 bomber to murder '#millennials'. Which is weird! So, Francis and Nate discuss the Naruto runners, the fixation on using Millennial as a code word for lazy, and much more. However, the crucial news this week stems from Donald Trump's corruption high-score challenge, in which he apparently asked the Ukrainan President for help in nailing U.S. Navy vet and cocaine aficionado Hunter Biden. Why did Trump do this? Why is Hunter Biden on a board of a power company in Ukraine? Why is everything so dumb? This week's bonus features an interview with John, a Navy aviator who has been up close and personal with UFOs. You wanted to slap them alien cheeks, so take a listen to this episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/30165323 You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We stan a team of Houthi gamers who were able to knock out half of Saudi Arabia's oil supply with some drones. And probably not even military-style UAVs -- chances are good these were like hobby store drones with mini bombs attached. Amazing. Amazing! And now of course the President plans on starting a war with Iran and also reassuring us that there's 'PLENTY OF OIL!" (source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/16/trump-says-us-locked-and-loaded-response-drone-attack.html) We also discuss a recent Military.com piece that describes the difficulties the military faces in combating its white nationalism problem. The burden of proof is high, and there appears to be zero desire to treat it as equivalent to other forms of domestic terror -- wonder why? (source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/14/congress-wants-military-report-extremism-ranks-heres-why-will-be-tough.html) Did you hear the one about the Twitch streamer who said mean things about Rep. Dan Crenshaw? Well, it turns out that the story's a bit more complicated than that, and we decided to get to the bottom of it by bringing TYT host and general internet superstar Hasan Piker (@hasanthehun) on to the show. You can access the full episode on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29963598 You may have noticed that the next issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Some recent developments in the US military that you should know about: first, the President has decided to defund military spending in order to build his stupid racism wall. While on one hand we would call defunding the military a good thing, we would reject that given the fact the money (which was earmarked for things like building maintenance and fire safety) is going towards a stupid project that sucks. We also talk about a surprise revelation that some (relatively low-ranking) members of the Navy SEALs have been disciplined for their unit's misbehavior. That said, our argument stands that the SEALs need to be disbanded because they're out of control. And honestly, why stop there? This episode includes Francis' argument that the Marines should go away, too. This week's bonus features an inaugural feature where Francis explains some how-tos on things that are useful to know. You've heard about active shooter training (and if you're a parent, the hellworld of America is making your kids go through it), but did you ever wonder how the military goes about it? Well, here's your MILSPEC active-shooter training as briefed by SSG Horton, your training NCO. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29832909 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

The rent is too damn high, but especially nowadays given that hedge funds and private equity are working to squeeze as much lifeblood out of renters as possible. However, god forbid you enact rent control — then you might become like Venezuela! This week, Francis and Nate speak with Nick Babakitis (@sternburgpapi) of the Corner Späti podcast (@cornerspaeti), a Berlin-based leftist program. Berlin recently passed a mild rent control law, which has already gotten denounced as Venezuela. The conversation also covers New York's rent stabilization laws (you'd better believe that's a Venezuela) and the military's housing allowances — which are somehow not socialism? This week's bonus is our monthly Q&A session. You've asked us some questions, and we've done our best to answer. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29653263 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Francis is out this week, and this episode features Nate in discussion with Rhett J. Evans (@RhettJEvans), the author of a work of speculative fiction entitled "The Echo Chamber." It's a book about social media, corporate malfeasance, a dystopian future, and the possibility of a high-tech smoothie gadget playing a huge role in global affairs. They also discuss Rhett's political conversion from right to left, the unaccountability of social media companies, and the way online distorts people's relationships. You can buy "The Echo Chamber" on Books a Million here (or on Amazon if you want): https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Echo-Chamber/Rhett-J-Evans/9781682618615?id=7670120814234 This week's bonus features Brock Wilbur and Francis discussing the 2012 video game Spec Ops: The Line, a game where you give yourself PTSD and then freak out and kill your fellow troops. A bit on the nose, maybe, but it's a great conversation. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29367028 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This podcast supports antifa -- end of discussion. "A bloo bloo bloo," you might say in response, "My norm's and notion's of respectability!" We don't care. People who put their bodies and livelihoods on the line to face down fascism are heroes and deserve our support. Francis and Nate discuss the recent protests in Portland, the truth to the refrain that cops and fascists work together, and a little digression about internet atheism's total interchangeability with xenophobia. This is the link to the story about the New Hampshire MIA/POW display that features religious imagery: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/08/18/new-hampshire-veterans-group-seeks-intervene-pow-bible-display-lawsuit.html?fbclid=IwAR3venPBMsTSiFaucJ1ccqknuzHaB2ZOOB-LR13L5utwN5_V0kXGPU4jUHY A Portland antifa member got arrested by the famously not fascist-adjacent Portland PD. Here's a link his legal defense GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/jve5am. We're also doing a promotion between now and the end of the day on 22 August -- if you buy this shirt we'll donate all the profits to the defense fund: https://teespring.com/new-sorry-if-my-marxism-offend This week's bonus features a discussion between Francis and Joe Kassabian of the Lions Led by Donkeys podcast on the topic of being a Soviet conscript, the Soviet war in Afghanistan, and Svetlana Alexeivich's book BOYS IN ZINC: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29262977 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Word on the street is that the US and the Taliban may have come to a peace agreement. Which is why Republican politicians in America hate it. Why? Well, for one, because they're horny for war (and war expenditures), but also because they're really, really dumb. Here's a Defense News story that gives you the full smorgasbord of terrible quotes: https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2019/08/12/liz-cheney-republicans-voice-skepticism-on-possible-us-taliban-peace-deal/?fbclid=IwAR1p5YRIwb566foKFSXhURrdB5ZsaWBtnxpAOiIz2Q2-n3yxJlwlPdN0VJU As a palate cleanser, we also discuss a story about how a soldier in Germany got drunk and tried to use land-navigation skills to get back to base, except he wound up on the tracks of Germany's high-speed passenger train (don't worry! Nothing bad happened): https://www.armytimes.com/off-duty/military-culture/2019/08/08/ridin-the-rails-drunk-soldier-arrested-after-using-train-tracks-to-find-his-way-back-to-base/?fbclid=IwAR38FrizJm6HRQjh8pWTWvkBO-K48NBqsd2U06iZ2ZywFWm9kiNRZyqy12I This week's bonus is the conclusion of Francis reviewing the HBO series GENERATION KILL. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/29109895 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

NOTE: When we recorded this episode, news reports hadn't yet disclosed that the Dayton shooter's murdered sibling was a trans man. We wanted to update the show notes to reflect that disclosure. It's hard to write pithy show notes when a horrible weekend has just rained more indiscriminate death and destruction on America. Nate and Francis discovered this week that the Dayton, Ohio shooter followed them both on Twitter, which is not good. In this episode, they discuss whether or not online leftist shitposters should be introspective in this moment. We also got a great question from a listener about how to navigate the fact that troops don't like leftists and leftists don't like troops. But then again, what about young leftists or left-adjacent people who join because the military is the closest thing to a real welfare state in America? We spend a lot of time breaking down our views on this, too. This week's bonus features labor lawyer and Coast Guard vet Carey Shockey (@shocks) on the topic of classic lawyer movie MY COUSIN VINNY. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28932628 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Well, it was bound to happen at some point. The US military has bases primarily in the South, and primarily in parts of the world in which climate change poses a huge risk. So, what is the US military doing about it? If you guessed 'killing more soldiers in training via heatstroke,' you're right on the money. Thanks to a fan of the show, we had a chance to read this in-depth piece from Inside Climate News on the topic of heat deaths, the military's obligation to both assess risks and (politically speaking) not seem as though they're opposing Trump's climate denial, and much more: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23072019/military-heat-death-illness-climate-change-risk-security-global-warming-benning-bragg-chaffee?fbclid=IwAR1CfQwRxg4sX4pc0gud7gZa28tTXEZXySplP9sewnaZVblCluJVT7T4Gdw This week's bonus features our monthly Q&A session, in which we answer the questions you've asked us: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28644105 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

The military is an authoritarian hellworld, sure, but there are ways to navigate it. In this week's episode, Nate and Francis discuss a recent op-ed arguing on behalf of the junior enlisted community -- basically, arguing that perhaps the military (in this case, the Marine Corps) should treat privates as more than window lickers. You can read that article here: https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/02/23/our-untapped-resource-junior-enlisted/?fbclid=IwAR0P6T6SNesBFz4NOLmJJR8RQFocZypprOQEsNELGMo-ayom48ut7SbURuk Over the course of the episode, however, Nate and Francis also discuss the pros and cons of pulling rank -- and some stories of pulling rank gone wrong. Why do people think it's a good idea? Why do top-down organizations generate weird fixations on rank? This might be a bit of a weird one, but we hope you enjoy it. This week's bonus features an 'Is This Fascist?' discussion between Francis and Brock Wilbur on the topic of the 2005 PS2 game 'Shadow of the Colossus.' We only review games from 1994-2005 because, as you've guessed, we're old. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28558003 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Yes, we've read the terrible article. A genius decided that it would be a wise idea to propose allowing 16-year-olds to enlist in the military (as a means of solving our current recruiting issues). We think this would be a bad idea -- read the original piece here: https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2019/07/10/why-we-should-lower-the-age-for-recruitment-to-16/?fbclid=IwAR2JcuTfe7Na6hsgoLhnQewUeen-GkgS5U2P7_3KBj515QYOMpQGDk6yZf8 We also discuss whether or not the 'Storm Area 51' event is anything worth taking seriously. What is a naruto run? Where in fact are them aliens? We'll find out: https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/452949-feds-warns-ufo-enthusiasts-to-think-twice-about-storming-area?fbclid=IwAR0mxi6rvWcDvt0eqiHbYsTveq_cg8WzLm_omL5IpjRnb6Qs34heohDmoVY This week's bonus features our 'Is It Fascist?' review of the 2016 Independence Day sequel. It's not good! But there's a lot more to discuss, and you can hear that whole thing here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28335268 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedeserts Follow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

It's a season of good ideas, and by good ideas we mean people wanting to change things in the Army because they heard that keto was good for you or that you need to do deadlifts to have Warrior Strength. In this week's episode, Nate and Francis discuss a few hot topics in the military: a proposal to recruit combat arms soldiers to the tune of $250k bonuses; a (pie-in-the-sky) proposal to enforce dietary ketosis for soldiers; and a discussion of how informal memorials crop up as a result of endless war. Here's the link to the Finance Bonuses for Warriors article: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/07/06/no-grunts-under-26-250k-bonuses-dods-most-radical-ideas-transform-infantry.html?fbclid=IwAR02swUbx4EioPsykEF9dbWzQw4_qgUnLtbI3qy7hwWJHniXnZydr16GVHM Here's the link to the no-more-pizza article: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/07/01/defense-department-to-ban-beer-and-pizza-mandatory-keto-diet-may-enhance-military-performance/?fbclid=IwAR3i4kHE_492CrPu00qfGfEnjItZbnhyVDP1DNlyjiu3EcsEVGSrbrmA4X0 Here's the link to the piece about informal memorials at Camp Pendleton: https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2019/07/05/what-makes-a-war-memorial-marines-upset-over-removal-of-beer-cans-around-camp-pendletons-horno-crosses/?fbclid=IwAR3wAauuk0fSM2S-IrxBY55JAWLhbl_T_DIrYxt5_N7ESwD2kwGWgiqO4VE This week's bonus features Francis reviewing episode 6 of the HBO series 'Generation Kill.' Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28222914 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

10 years ago, an American soldier walked off an outpost in southeastern Afghanistan. It didn't make the news in the US to a great degree, but 5 years after that, it precipitated a right-wing freakout and an entire season of the podcast Serial. In this episode, Nate speaks with Jon Thurman, a veteran of 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, who was there on the search for Bergdahl. They of course know each other because Nate was there, too. They cover their memories of the search itself, the media freak-out in 2014, moving on from the trauma of combat, and why a lot of people are really, really angry about it. Jon isn't on Twitter or FB, but you can follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jonthurman/ This week's Patreon bonus features Francis discussing anarcho-communist agriculture with Navy veteran and sheep farmer Andrea Chandler (@neolithicsheep). You can get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/28025962 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out this week — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

That dastardly Vladimir Putin, the bane of our existence, is constantly deploying active measures to make Eric Garland tweet too much. Or is he? As Trashfuture cohost and longtime resident of Russia, Milo Edwards (@milo_edwards), has experienced, sometimes Russia is too insane for even Putin himself. In this episode, Milo and Nate discuss everything from terrible Russian supermarkets to the slightly risky concept of Georgia joining NATO. Hope you enjoy! This week's Patreon bonus features Nate and Francis reviewing the 1990 live-action Gundam movie "Robot Jox." It's not good, but it sure is something. Get the review here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/27802998 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out this week — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

We've all seen chest candy. Whether it's a private rocking an airborne badge or some terrifying spec-ops E-8 with every spaceship-commander skill badge in existence, at some point we've all encountered the Army (and it's basically just the Army) penchant for giving people skill badges for just about everything. Well, there's chest candy to come: apparently we'll soon get to experience the Expert Soldier Badge, which you get for Doing Soldier Skills Well. But, what is this badge? And why is the Army like this? https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/14/mo-badges-mo-problems-expert-soldier-badge-officially-announced/?fbclid=IwAR0JArb7p_p_Rka7tOW5WUNIiyXdem1wpv0Risujjq_RZTbDsmpZ-wkqHKI Additionally, we've also received word that US Forces Korea has decided to rescind the infamous 1 am - 5 am curfew! How long will that last? The magic green bottle of soju says… not long…. https://www.stripes.com/news/it-s-official-us-military-lifts-curfew-for-90-days-in-test-for-troops-in-s-korea-1.586279?fbclid=IwAR35C-fqsKIT4XroLF5S0oKA8QhD3M0q-8VXaPBvVSDAPGhg7p0L--gXYgA This week's bonus episode is the second in a series, in which Cynthia and Francis discuss the time-travel novel LONG DIVISION by Kiese Laymon. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/27691340 You may have noticed that the first issue of our zine has debuted, and you can get it in print by signing up at the $10 monthly Patreon tier. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out this week — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

Okay, seriously, what the hell--apparently Reince Priebus (former Trump Chief of Staff) has joined the Navy as an O-1… at age 47. We're confused, but hey, there's time enough to give him a red belly. Read that story here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/former-trump-chief-of-staff-reince-priebus-joins-the-navy/2019/06/10/20174f2a-8bbf-11e9-8f69-a2795fca3343_story.html?utm_term=.0d8e5712f012 We also discuss the story of the Naval War College's Commandant, a Navy Rear Admiral with a penchant for day-drinking margaritas. Is this fraud, waste, and abuse? Or is it just this guy being a badass? You decide: https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2019/06/07/a-navy-admiral-under-investigation-for-free-hugs-twister-games-and-a-margarita-machine-in-his-office/ Did you know that, on average, troops' hearts are in worse shape than those of civilians? Must be all those 36-oz Monsters: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/u-s-soldiers-have-worse-heart-health-than-civilians Also, apparently Mitch McConnell wants to ban the sale of tobacco to troops under 21. Weird flex for a haunted turtle from Dimension X, but okay: https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/05/20/younger-troops-would-be-barred-from-buying-tobacco-products-under-new-plan/ This week's Patreon bonus features Francis talking Star Trek with Riley Dosh (@Ms_Riley_Guprz). Why is Seven of Nine doctrinally transgender? Why are the Ferengi never going to get on board with socialism? Why do Klingons' heads keep changing? Find out here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/27510911 Also remember that our first zine issue will be forthcoming soon. Sign up on the Patreon at the $10 tier to get a paper copy. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, Nate and Francis discuss two recent news stories that are painfully dumb but also, surprisingly, relevant to the military. First, we examine the story of Trump's lackeys trying to forcibly relocate the USS John S. McCain because of Trump's strong dislike of the guy the boat was named after. We also discuss Duncan Hunter's recent conversation in which he admitted to shelling civilians in Fallujah during his tenure as a Marine artillery officer. This was supposed to be a defense of confirmed murderbot and Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, but it just instigated a collective jaw dropping. Score one for the vaper king himself! Here's a CNN roundup about the USS McCain thing: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/31/politics/navy-uss-mccain/index.html And here's a Splinter article about U.S. Rep. Duncan "Gaming" Hunter: https://splinternews.com/rep-duncan-hunter-admits-he-probably-killed-hundreds-o-1835190228 This week's Patreon bonus features Nate and Francis reviewing the 1985 action film RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II and asking the important question: is it fascist? Get it here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/27334434 Also remember that our first zine issue will be forthcoming soon. Sign up on the Patreon at the $10 tier to get a paper copy. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out this week — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang

This week, Nate is in-studio with Hussein Kesvani (@HKesvani), the author of the recently-published book "Follow Me, Akhi: The Online World of British Muslims." Hussein is also a cohost of the Trashfuture podcast and a man who can enrage everyone's Facebook uncles with a simple tweet. They discuss how Hussein met his Islamophobic troll in person, how he managed the pressures of growing up as an other in suburban Britain, and how they've both watched the same weird jihadi dancehall video from 2004. You can buy Hussein's book here: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/follow-me-akhi/ This week's bonus features Francis and Brock Wilbur discussing the 2006 cult hit Psychonauts, why they love it, why it's insane, and why it features a very emotionally intelligent army man. Get it on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/27100093 Also remember that our first zine issue will be forthcoming soon. Sign up on the Patreon at the $10 tier to get a paper copy. We have a YouTube channel now -- subscribe here and get sweet videos from us in which we yell in our cars like true veterans: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwlHZpNTz-h6aTeQiJrEDKw We have a new t-shirt out this week — get some anarchist agriculture in your life! Buy it here: https://teespring.com/new-anarchist-agricultural#pid=387&cid=101810&sid=front You can follow the show on Twitter here: @HellOfAWay Follow Nate here: @inthesedesertsFollow Francis here: @ArmyStrang