- by C Bartholomew
- The Guardian
- Issue #2173
The world of podcasts is infamously inundated with conservative conspiracy slop, lazy true crime, and the stereotypical genre of two guys talking about nothing. Blowback, hosted by Brendan James and Noah Kulwin, sets itself apart from the white noise by presenting a well-produced and extensively researched programme on the history of US imperialism. With the release of season six earlier this year, now is a great time for new listeners to venture into the Blowback catalogue.
Each season of Blowback presents a ten-part narrative of a particular time in history. The show began in 2020 with coverage of the Iraq War, investigating the beginnings of Western interests in the region all the way up to the lingering consequences of imperialist intervention in the present day. This first season established the format used throughout the series, weaving news clips and even humour into the storytelling. Season one also established the show’s detailed and research-backed critique of US imperialism, taking apart the lies and mythologies used to claim justification for Western intervention, and which continue to help the US and its allies escape accountability. This high standard is maintained throughout each season.
Blowback continued with its second season (and my personal favourite) focusing on US interference with Cuba both before and after the Cuban Revolution. This season marked a noticeable improvement in Blowback’s production quality, adding in scholarly interviews, first-hand accounts, and an original soundtrack. This quality is maintained throughout the rest of Blowback’s seasons, covering the Korean War, Western intervention in Afghanistan, the US bombing of Cambodia and the rise of the Khmer Rouge, and in the most recent season, the Angolan struggle for independence and the role of Cuba, South Africa, the US, and the USSR.
Each season of Blowback is available for free, though new seasons release early for paid subscribers. Those who financially support the show are also able to access ten bonus episodes for each season, usually guest interviews which provide deeper insight into specific topics. The main narrative episodes themselves are compelling and detailed enough to even make a second listen worthwhile and enjoyable for those especially interested in a season’s subject.
Right-wing podcasts dominate the genre, especially when it comes to history and the topic of US imperialism. Even the CIA has its own podcast! While there are several great left-wing options out there, it is easier for fascist, conservative, and liberal shows funded by advertisers or billionaire investors to flood platforms with anti-communist and pro-imperialist messages. Blowback stands out because it rigorously challenges these messages and presents a telling of history that stands with those oppressed by empire. It does all this while maintaining a standard of production quality that can largely keep up with its better funded competitors.
If you’ve got any interest in modern history or the US empire, Blowback is well worth a listen. Seasons two and three (Cuba and Korea) are must-listens.
