Escaping The Cave: The Toddzilla X-pod

In his explosive WBCQ premiere, the freshly resurrected and notorious radio legend Todd Thompson launches a scorched-earth offensive against the ideological virus hollowing out the West from within. This opening salvo dives straight into the heart of the modern insurgency—unmasking the Democratic Socialists of America as a parasitic force infecting the Democratic Party through euphemism, moral camouflage, and Marxist entryism. Drawing from firsthand experience inside the Occupy movement, Todd lays bare how identity has replaced class in the new dialectic, and how victimhood has become the currency of power in a society addicted to narrative performance. Topics include: The DSA as the “Red Tea Party” An introduction the the Red-Green Alliance Ideological religion and the rise of digital priesthoods Weaponized empathy, speechcrime, and the new moral caste system Why corporate America bows to DEI cultism The soft revolution: psychological warfare disguised as virtue And why the path to reclaiming r

Three days before the WBCQ shortwave debut, the freshly rebranded Toddzilla X-Pod returns to its roots with a brutal, updated dissection of media literacy, mass manipulation, and ideological self-delusion. In this special Escaping the Cave edition, Todd revisits his foundational 2018 thesis—"It’s the People"—with sharper insight and seven more years of watching the informational apocalypse unfold. From Bernays to Ellul, Le Bon to Lippmann, this episode connects propaganda history to today’s dopamine-driven mobthink and the collapse of objective truth. Todd explores how media isn’t simply broken—it’s perfectly optimized to feed a tribal, narrative-addicted public. And if you're still blaming "the media" without examining your own complicity? You're part of the problem. Also discussed: sociological propaganda, algorithmic conformity, the myth of ideological autonomy, integration vs. agitation propaganda, the digital crowd, and the psychological toll of drowning in data without the tools to convert it into wisdo

In this episode, Todd continues dismantling the transformation of modern political movements into ideological religions—complete with dogma, heresy, excommunication, and a mob-ready priesthood of online enforcers. Drawing on figures like H.L. Mencken, Joan Didion, Noam Chomsky, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, he explores how belief systems—left and right—have become substitute faiths, powered by dopamine, hashtags, and performative outrage. Todd weaves in cognitive science (via Nicholas Carr and neuroplasticity), propaganda theory (via Jacques Ellul and Edward Bernays), and personal experience to reveal how the digital age has eroded attention spans, critical thought, and individual conscience. Social media becomes the new pulpit. Echo chambers replace dialogue. Heresy now means thinking for yourself. At the core is a warning: intellectual autonomy now requires personal and moral courage. The courage to be disliked. To reject tribalism. To say, “That’s bullshit”—especially when it comes from your own side. From Menc

In this scathing and soul-punching episode, Todd eulogizes more than just Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan—he autopsies America’s descent into ideological fundamentalism. What do woke mobs, medieval witch trials, and Facebook shares have in common? The answer: moral certitude without grace. Todd dissects how modern ideological tribes—particularly on the Left—have replaced traditional religion with secular dogma, complete with martyrs, heresies, rituals, and catechisms. Using Hulk Hogan's post-mortem cancellation as a case study, he exposes how one taboo word now carries more social weight than actual violence, rape, or corruption. The result? A society where redemption is off the table, and performance is king. From Ozzy’s “The Ultimate Sin” to McLuhan’s media warnings, this episode drips with unfiltered cynicism and cultural excommunication. If you’ve ever wondered how virtue-signaling replaced virtue—or why dissent now threatens belonging more than reason—don’t miss this blistering analysis. Recorded in Southwe

Starting August 4, I'll have a weekly show on 7.490 WBCQ The Planet. It will air from 10-11pm ET (2-3am Tues, UTC). No receiver? No problem. You can listen online at www.wbcq.com or do nothing and wait until I upload the episodes right here. Who loves you like I do?  Details within!    Like it? Rate, review, and share it? Hate it? Embrace equity! Listen anyhow! More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/   Vids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A/?themeRefresh=1

Weaving together current events, political polarization, and the power of storytelling over facts, this episode explores the fragility of democracy in the digital age. Todd examines insights from George Washington, Walter Lippmann, Jonathan Gottschall, and Nicholas Carr, questioning whether media literacy or ethical gatekeeping can overcome our tribal instincts. This episode offers a candid look at the roots of division and the possibly futile search for solutions in a hyper-connected world. Major Segments with Time Cues - 00:00:00] Introduction and podcast rebrand announcement - [00:01:00] Jeffrey Epstein news and political implications - [00:06:40] Challenges facing democracy and ideological threats - [00:12:00] George Washington on factions and foreign interference - [00:21:00] Jonathan Gottschall's storytelling theory and democracy - [00:24:00] Nicholas Carr on digital media's divisive effects - [00:39:00] Potential solutions: media literacy, gatekeeping, safeguards? - [00:55:00] Podcast platform changes

As the weather heats up, so does the stream of "news!" Bernie Sanders is back on the agitrail stoking civil unrest. "Are you ready for the revolution?" From the riots to Iran, everyone's interpretation is determined by political affiliation. Shall we have another failed impeachment party? After Wisconsin, we heard the same tired and temporary refrain: "no place for violence!" Since when? What happens when the people themselves are the agitprop agents with global reach? Why moderates don't matter. Will MAGA and the Marxists ever hug it out and go bowling? Show me your work!    Like it? Rate, review, and share it?  Hate it? Embrace equity! Listen anyhow!   More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ Vids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A/?themeRefresh=1

Largely inspired by a strange trip to the dentist and Nicholas Carr's new book, Superbloom, Todd returns from his latest covert CIA mission to delve into how we've all been lied to: it turns out "sharing" more actually doesn't make people like you! Also, the disillusioning effects of abandoning comforting stories for naked truth. And why most instinctively avoid it.   Buy Superbloom! https://a.co/d/7bj93Zl   Like it? Rate, review, share! More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A/?themeRefresh=1

The Blue Origin "crew" thinks they made history. Laika the Space Dog and Valentina Tereshkova would like a word. Bernie and AOC's Revolutionary Agitation Tour continues. So do the arson attacks. Weird, huh? Bill Maher's blasphemous dinner at Berchtesgaden.  Liberals are as responsible for Trump as MAGA. Any open society is by nature defenseless against effective totalitarian movements. Centrism is the only bulwark against fanaticism.  Congrats Broncos!   Like it? Rate, review, and share it! More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MichDJ712    

Some believe AI levels the playing field. Will these tools castrate human creativity and imagination instead? Making everyone seem superficially clever but without an ounce of depth?   New surveys indicates the left is increasingly embracing assassination and political violence as a whole. Duh. We needed a poll to tell us that? The media is asking why. The answer is surprisingly simple and resides in my archives: propaganda's goal is to create proselytes and militants; fanatics who are primed to take political action at a moment's notice. Bernie blew that oligarch whistle last month while Black Barry (bam ba lam) upped the agitation ante last week. Will run-of-the-mill conservative ever bother to respond or are they content posting memes?     Like it? Rate, review, and share it! Hate it? Send it to a co-worker you loathe!   More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A

For every radicalization there's an equal and opposite radicalization. What happened to the supposed silent moderate majority? What does it mean if they're effectively dead? Emerson wrote about arguing with the "retained attorneys". When it comes to political discourse, and justifying political violence, are we in a race to the bottom? And are we debating or just litigating? What happens when post hoc rationalization rules?  We're two months into Trump's term and the 2028 campaign has already begun. Are you ready for the AOC Era? Do you think the Democrats are hopelessly lost and destined to go the way of the Whigs? None other than Trump and the Republicans themselves offer a sobering warning. Mock AOC at your own risk; beware the bartender demagogue.    The pandemic struck 5-years ago already! Did they deceive the public "for our own good," was the loss of institutional trust worth it? What happens next time there's a *real* emergency? Will anyone listen?   Like it? Share, rate, review! Hate it? Send it some

Episode 159 starts with a warning about China's social media propaganda infrastructure. There are hints it's in place and it will certainly be fully unleashed at some point. Immediately after Act Blue's USAID money dried up, Bernie Sanders goes on his Eat the Bourgeoisie Agitation Tour, inciting another summer of civil unrest. On cue, American radicals seized on his revolutionary rhetoric and embraced French Revolution symbolism - apparently without realizing it failed! Will these modern day Jacobins bring The Terror with them? Ask your local Tesla dealership.  Also: Foreign Agitators and the case for The Alien Enemies Act, Dems need civil unrest; without identity politics they're lost without a message. ("Trump bad" doesn't count.) Hate him all you like, Trump is the most transformative president of our lifetimes and easily the most resilient ever. We now have Soros Radio! Finally, a serious warning for anyone who loathes Marxists.    Like it? Share, rate, and review it! More: https://toddzillax.substack.com

In this quick episode of "Escaping the Cave," Todd explores the dramatic events of March 5, 2025, as Donald Trump addresses Congress, sparking a whirlwind of political and emotional reactions. He delves into the unexpected twists, including Trump's surprising announcement about a potentially resuscitated peace deal with Zelenskyy. The episode dissects the behavior of both political parties during this notable address, invoking Nietzsche and likening the opposition's refusal to cheer a young cancer survivor to a famous "Breaking Bad" plot line where basic decency and morality is smothered by self-interest. Todd scrutinizes the Democrats' response, eviscerating their lack of empathy and depth of political spite. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking analysis that challenges the fabric of political discourse today, drawing parallels between real-life political actors and fictional anti-heroes like Walter White. With emotional storytelling, Todd brings forward the complexities of political life, moral certitud

(2/27/25) Todd opens 157 reflecting on the habit of using cliches in radio broadcasting, the Detroit Pistons' surprising winning streak, and shares an anecdote about an image which was taken down by Facebook for supposedly violating their guidelines. He humorously recounts his appeal and the continued absurdity of Facebook's supposedly improved moderation system.  After obnoxiously congratulating himself on reading Trump's Ukraine strategy, your humble host again focuses on the seismic media-consumer shift that's killing the legacy liberal media cartels. From Joy Reid's firing to Maddow's and Olbermann's response to MSNBC's replacement, Ginger Goebbles, to Jake Tapper hilariously writing a book about Biden's dementia coverup...the funeral march is playing. And they know it. Can an institution exist if no one trusts it?  The monologue moves to paid Soros activists protesting against DOGE and how the strategy isn't new. Toddzilla shares how he witnessed MoveOn's organizational shenanigans firsthand, with Occupy

Trump's acting like he's about to abandon Ukraine. Is he? Or is it a ploy to force Europe to begin defending itself? What would that mean for the European welfare state? Austerity riots, anyone? Speaking of Europe, is the anti-woke counterrevolution taking shape? Will proud English, German, and French men & women finally reclaim their free speech and patriotism while putting an end to EU suppression? J.D. Vance may have tapped into something bubbling beneath the Old World surface. Let's hope so!   Like it? Rate, review, and share it! Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A Substack: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ Also on Facebook and X

Recorded on a snowy February afternoon, this edgy episode shines a light on the Democrats and their bizarre, violently deranged-yet-impotent responses to Trump, Musk, and especially DOGE. It also highlights Christopher Rufo's exposé on Marxism's "Long March" thru American institutions and explores the aggressive counter-revolutionary efforts led by DOGE against entrenched revolutionaries and their newly-exposed bureaucratic rot. Isn't it odd that Democrats literally declared war on their own government as soon as that rot was exposed? Maybe not! Todd also delves once again into the increasingly obsolete legacy media's portrayal of past events, like the Wuhan Lab leak and Biden's decline. Is old media even slightly qualified to act as self-appointed truth ministers? Who CAN you trust? Who will you trust in 5-years? The Great Social Contraction is at hand. Eventually you'll have to choose sides or drop out. Lone chimps aren't designed to last very long. Neither are solitary people. This one also touches on topi

After 3-weeks of Democrat hysterics, Trump's approval numbers only continue to rise and it's clear that most American's approve of what he's doing. In this episode, Todd revisits a prophetic pre-covid episode discussing fanatical totalitarianism and the boomerang effect that comes with it. It's also clear this anti-woke backlash was always inevitable. Remember to duck, wokeflakes! (No video for this one!)   2019's show notes:  Confused as to why your righteous demands aren't being met? Behold!  Narratives, mythology, religion, and how they bind us together The Grand Design & Ideological Religions Making Enemies of Allies Haidt's Elephant Intellectual refinement and allowing yourself (and others) to make mistakes and change your mind External Truth and Reason Authoritarian creep No Hitler references!   Like it? Share it!  More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A

In this *spicy* episode, Todd navigates a week marred by aviation disasters and rhetorical tomfoolery. He begins by delving into Trump's premature DEI accusations surrounding the incidents then shows how a culture of digital litigators kills truth in discourse. He also hammers at the predictably negative impact of DEI policies on minorities. Todd also explores the conflict between instinctual tribalism & the social eugenics of delusional collectivism. He includes a raw personal perspective (and a warning!) about how being introduced to "the ignoble savage" altered the podcast's course, for better or worse! Pack a go-bag! This one could be uncomfortable. You've been warned!   Like it? Share it!  More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A

(Recorded 1/24/25) Kicking off with a humorous delivery experience involving a mailman and his surprising musical preferences, Todd reminisces about hair bands and high school days. The episode quickly moves onto more serious topics with a focus on the inauguration of Donald Trump and the first few days of his second term. Todd discusses the absence of meaningful protests in Washington and Chicago while sharing his famously congenial and balanced thoughts on Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and a Democratic "resistance" that's, so far, been embarrassingly impotent. Will that last?  As the show unfolds, Todd celebrates the abandonment of DEI programs both in federal government and corporate America, recounting potential origins of the anti-woke movement. He also talks about the importance of free speech, his change in perspective on informational gatekeeping, and the recent policy changes made by Trump. Todd wraps up with a critique the mainstream media's deranged handling of Trump's return and how they're failing to

Todd returns after (another) brief hiatus and dissects thewhirlwind of events that have unfolded over the past month. Recorded in the early hours of January 24th, 2024, this episode covers a wide range of topics including seismic shifts in social media landscapes. Begin with a quick look at the aftermath of the Detroit Lions' loss to the Washington Redskins. The host gives a candid recount of personal experiences over the holidays, from festive spirits to battling illness, all while navigating the torrent of recent current events. Then dive into the juxtaposition of political silence and social upheaval, spotlighting the glaring lack of condemnation from the Squad following the ISIS attack in New Orleans. Examine the implications of Mark Zuckerberg's sudden pivot towards "championing free speech" on Facebook against the backdrop of societal backlash against suffocating censorship. Explore the psychological chaos induced by the TikTok ban, drawing intriguing connections between global tech policies and their c