Molly Rennick is the lead singer and founding member of the modern metal band Living Dead Girl, originally from Ontario. Molly and I discuss how the band’s name came from the day she was born, the roller coaster of auditioning strangers from Craigslist to join her band, and the trajectory of Living Dead Girl from COVID times to now. We take time to break down the band’s sophomore album which ranges from topics of toxicity and lack of critical thinking in the world around us to being a Disney adult to, as the track title indicates, a Succubus.
You can find where to follow Living Dead Girl as well as where to purchase their new record at
https://www.instagram.com/livingdeadgirlofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/@LIVINGDEADGIRLOFFICIAL
https://www.tiktok.com/@livingdeadgirlofficial
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In this episode, I sit down with Logan Ragsdale; a powerlifter, former musician, and outspoken leftist from Alabama. We get into the overlap between gym culture and politics, the myth that “lifting makes people fascist,” and why reactionary content online is such an easy grift. We also dive into Logan’s musical background, the influence of political bands, and how class consciousness shows up in unexpected places — even in the Deep South.
We talk about growing up in conservative states, the hypocrisy of selective outrage around political violence, and how weightlifting videos online can just as easily be a gateway to solidarity as they can to the far-right pipeline.
Follow Logan:https://www.tiktok.com/@heavyweighthariyama
https://www.instagram.com/heavyweighthariyama/
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Use these resources to assist Palestinians in Gaza:
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
https://5calls.org/issue/gaza-palestinian-israeli-war/
Support Sovereign Media, a new media collective that is broadcasting “Global anti-imperialist stories through a Sovereign lens. Independent journalism for the people, by the people.”https://www.instagram.com/sovereign_media_/
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https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
June Sternbach is a cohost of the podcasts Kill The Computer and Ill Conceived, as well as the social media editor of The Onion. June and I discuss a wide foray of music from Anamanaguchi and Cocojoey to Coaltar Of The Deepers and what is your name?, the recent shootings of Charlie Kirk and the ICE detainees, how politicians and society struggle to comprehend the mindset of overly online brain poisoned individuals, Elon Musk in the Epstein files, and more.Follow and support June’s podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kill-the-computer/id1647062210
https://illconceivedpodcast.com/
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Artists mentioned:Anamanaguchi: anamanaguchi.com
The Taxpayers: thetaxpayersband.com
Thotcrime:https://thtcrime.bandcamp.com/
Coaltar Of The Deepers: https://coaltarofthedeepers.bandcamp.com/
Rainer Maria:https://rainermaria.bandcamp.com/
Pot Valiant :https://open.spotify.com/artist/0V1GwEs3XfqqAoVdaJwPLE
what is your name?: https://whatisyourname.bandcamp.com/album/my-name-is
Wave Break: wavebreakband.com
Use these resources to assist Palestinians in Gaza:
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
Kelly Barber is the vocalist and founding member of the band Wave Break out of New Jersey. Kelly and I discuss her start in music, the trajectory of her own music from solo material to full band collaborations, and Wave Break's brand new song, "Spinning Out."
Follow and support Wave Break:
tiktok.com/@wavebreakbandfacebook.com/wavebreakofficial
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Use these resources to assist Palestinians in Gaza:
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
In this episode I speak with Francesco "Cesco" Montesanto, the lead vocalist and guitar player for the alternative rock band Sainthood Reps out of Long Island, NY. Cesco and I discuss the band's start on Tooth and Nail Records, why they decided to come back with a full length album for the first time since 2013, the changes to approaching the music scene over the years, and of course, their new record, "Dull Bliss," out September 26th.
Find Sainthood Reps and support their new album:
https://www.instagram.com/sainthoodreps
https://www.facebook.com/sainthoodreps/
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Use these resources to assist Palestinians in Gaza:
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
For this episode I speak to Matic Blagonič, the vocalist and mastermind behind the Slovenian post-metalcore band Hei'An.
Matic and I discuss the live music scene in Slovenia, the band's start during COVID lockdowns, being the first Slovenian band considered for a Grammy nomination, and their new record, "Kiss Our Ghosts Goodbye," out September 26th.
Find the band on all socials and pre order the record:
https://www.instagram.com/heianofficial
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Use these resources to assist Palestinians in Gaza:
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
For this episode I speak with Ryan of Scary Hours, a hardcore band out of New Jersey. Ryan and I discuss Rise Against, his upbringing in music, where his political and social radicalization came from, and some of the projects most social charged tracks.
Follow Scary Hours on all socials:
https://www.youtube.com/ @scaryhours8827
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thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspod
Journalist Taylor Lorenz recently released a report detailing dark money groups funding liberal influencers. With a lot of debate online and public blowups between influencers and journalists on the "left," let's look at why this funding isn't useful for the left the way it is the right, and why it's ultimately more of the same failed strategies that got us to a second Trump term.
Article:https://www.wired.com/story/dark-money-group-secret-funding-democrat-influencers/
The Power/Less Podcast, hosted by Brandon Durden, explores the intersections of politics, culture, and music. Featuring journalists, musicians, activists, and authors, the podcast unpacks how power operates and how people push back.
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Provide support to Palestinians in Gaza by going to the vetted links in this article:
https://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-help-gaza-aid-starvation-crisis.html
ceasefiretoday.comVocalist Ashrita Kumar, guitarist Paul Vallejo and drummer Myron Houngbedji of Maryland based band pinkshift sit down with me for this episode to breakdown their brand new sophomore record, "Earthkeeper," out now on all platforms.They talk about the reason for the stark change in their sound from their first record, the impact nature, politics, personal growth, and introspection had on the record, and what's coming next for them in 2025.
Follow and support pinkshift, and purchase their new record:
https://pinkshift.substack.com/
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Use this link to find vetted organizations to support Palestinians in Gaza:
In this episode I speak with Kim Hunt, who is a political commentator and activist out of Arizona. Kim and I break down some recent stories out of North Dakota and Arizona concerning vulnerable youth within the system, the different ways that social services fail to protect and keep track of children in need, and the broader policy implications of cuts to safety net programs.
Follow Kim on socials:
https://bsky.app/profile/slaythegop.bsky.social
Articles referenced:https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/almost-a-dozen-north-dakota-children-teens-have-disappeared-in-17-dayshttps://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/surprise/2025/08/18/rebekah-baptiste-child-funeral-surprise/85709326007/https://www.americanprogress.org/article/congressional-republicans-are-planning-one-of-the-largest-ever-cuts-to-basic-supports-for-children/https://firstfocus.org/resource/an-assault-on-children-the-devastating-impact-of-proposed-budget-cuts-on-americas-kids/
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In this episode of the Power/Less Podcast, I speak with James Matthewson, a former spokesperson for the Labour Party, organizer, tv broadcaster and author, about the intersection of metal music, working-class identity, and politics. James shares insights on the current state of left-wing politics in the UK, critiques the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn as well as his new left wing political party, and discusses the need for new movements that resonate with the working class. Follow and support James Mathewson: https://www.jamesmatthewson.com/https://www.instagram.com/jmatthewsonofficial/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.comlinktr.ee/thepowerlesspodinstagram.com/thepowerlesspodhttps://bsky.app/profile/thepowerlesspod.comtiktok.com/@thepowerlesspod 0:00 Intro Music0:24 Introduction to James Matthewson and His Work3:12 The Impact of Metal Music on Working-Class Identity6:13 Political Dimensions of Music and Art9:01 Class Struggles and the Evolution of Metal11:45 The Shift in Political Messaging in Music14:25 The Role of Authenticity in Politics17:09 Partisanship and Its Effects on Political Discourse20:00 The Future of Left-Wing Politics in the UK23:10 Critique of the Labour Party and Corbyn's Leadership26:02 The Need for New Political Movements28:42 The Importance of Grassroots Activism31:25 Conclusion and Future Directions
On this episode of The Power/Less Podcast, I’m joined by Nathan Johnson, frontman of Denver heavy band Fox Lake, for a deep dive into their brand new album,New World Heat, which is out now. We talk about the record’s chaotic blend of nu-metal, hardcore, and hip-hop influence, the band’s goal of writing with urgency, and how the themes of burnout, systemic failure, and self-accountability shaped the album’s tone. Nathan also opens up about being a classically trained pianist, his unexpected love of ‘90s country, and what it’s like to write breakdowns about existential dread. New World Heat is out now wherever you listen to music. Physical copies and merch can be purchased at https://mnrkheavy.com/
Follow and support Fox Lake: instagram.com/foxlakeco
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In this episode, I talk with Tilly Middlehurst, a student and academic debater at Cambridge University. Tilly and I talk about political ideology, the role of debate, and how foreign policy shapes domestic issues. She shares her background, her viral debate with Charlie Kirk, and why engaging with opposing views matters; especially as the far right gains ground.Follow and support Tilly’s work:linktr.ee/blondepraxis
youtube.com/@blondepraxis Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com
On this episode of The Powerless Podcast, I sit down with rising indie artist and cellist Renee Christine to talk about her breakout single "Turtle Island," a track that’s blown up across platforms for its powerful blend of protest, poetry, and raw cello-driven intensity. We get into her path from orchestral beginnings to social media virality, how literature and political history influence her songwriting, and the delicate balance of honoring cultures without co-opting them. She also previews her next track "The Bomb" and what it means to write music with a shelf life longer than a headline.
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For the 100th episode of The Power/Less Podcast, I sat down with Alizon Taho and Ben Parker of genre-bending alt-metal trio Calva Louise to talk all about their incredible new album Edge of the Abyss, out now on Mascot Records. We got into the DIY production process, the influence of sci-fi films on their cinematic sound, and how the band's expansive narrative universe ties into their music videos and lyrics.From Jess Allanic’s songwriting beginnings in Venezuela to their journey through France, New Zealand, and the UK, Calva Louise has built something truly original. We also dug into favorite tracks like “Tunnel Vision,” “Aimless,” and “Hate in Me,” what it was like working with Pendulum’s Gareth McGrillen, and their upcoming US tour with Mike’s Dead and SixSense.
Stream Edge of the Abyss everywhere now.
Follow and support Calva Louise: calvalouise.com
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Activist and political commentator Joshua P. Hill of New Means discusses Zohran Mamdani's historic victory over Andrew Cuomo, the ongoing escalation of war perpetuated by Israel and the US against Iran, the diversion tactics of legacy media to distract from ongoing slaughters in Gaza, and the need to continue to mass organize during the current presidential administration.
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Kasey Karlsen is the vocalist of modern metal band Deadlands out of New York. Karlsen and I discuss her popularity growth via social media and the start of Deadlands as a legitimate and passionate project.
Karlsen also breaks down their brand new EP, "SEVEN," and it's concept with the seven deadly sins
.You can find everything going on with Deadlands: deadlandsband.com
Follow Kasey, support her on Patreon, and follow her work:
https://linktr.ee/kaseykarlsen
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In this episode I sit down with Ethan, Cameron, and Sean — the guitarist, drummer, and vocalist of South Florida metal band Chained Saint. Despite being a young band (one of them just graduated high school), they bring a sound rooted in classic thrash and old-school hardcore. We talk about working with William DuVall of Alice in Chains, who produced their debut album Blindside, and how they recorded it completely analog — no computers, no click track — in a bold move that reflects their raw, throwback approach to heavy music.
We do a full track-by-track breakdown of Blindside, discussing the themes woven throughout, from political unrest and mental health to personal anger and frustration. The band shares what it was like playing the massive Welcome to Rockville festival at such a young age, and we end the episode with a listen to their latest single, “A Thousand Tons.” We also explore how Chained Saint stands apart in today’s metal scene by avoiding electronic and sample-heavy trends in favor of something more gritty and organic.
Follow Chained Saint on all platforms @chainedsaintofficial (chainedsaint.com.)Follow and support the podcast: thepowerlesspod.com
For this episode I speak with Cliff Rigano, vocalist of metal band Dry Kill Logic. Cliff and I discuss his love for newer bands including Knocked Loose and Sleep Token, the band's resurgence from 2018 to now, their latest single, "No You Belong With The Dead," and what is going forward for the band for 2025.
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Aric from the post-hardcore band Arcantica talks about their upcoming EP 'Vacancy'. Aric discusses the band's sound, musical influences, and the evolution of their music as well as the songwriting process, the importance of collaboration, and the themes explored in the EP. An underrated band and absolutely fantastic EP. Take some time out of your day to listen through 'Vacancy.'Follow Arcantica and support their work: https://www.instagram.com/arcanticarock/Follow and support the podcast:thepowerlesspod.com