So far, Brand’s podcast guests have also remained loyal. In an industry full of voices that insist they will soon be silenced and loudly say things they swear should no longer be said, Brand represents a thrilling spectacle that, despite its intentions, is sinister “She” remains free. “The layoffs of the world seem to be getting worse at their jobs with each passing week,” author Matt Taibbi said on Substack in October, promoting his interview with the “conspicuously still-breathing Russell Brand.”
In a November interview with Alex Jones of Infowars, who called the attack allegations against Brand a vast conspiracy, Brand hinted at a kinship: “Have you noticed,” he said, raising two fingers for scare quotes, “how many of the…” Are Alex Jones’ wild “conspiracy theories” come true?”
More than anything, Brand tests a tantalizing kind of freedom in front of a group that reveres the word. He hinted at a financial crisis since YouTube began locking up his profits, telling viewers on Rumble that he was “clearly in a situation where your direct support will be incredibly valuable.” But if Brand’s strategy is successful – if he can survive without the institutions that have long supported him, without the collaborators who have abandoned him, without the former fans who may now cringe at his film scenes – then there lies that freedom a new kind of power, and a new kind of freedom in that power.
“We are planning a movement so we can form new communities as the apocalypse appears to be unfolding before our eyes,” he told listeners on Oct. 26. “Without you, we are nothing.” The episode, moments later, turned to another emerging leader of the movement: Vivek Ramaswamy, a recurring guest and the first presidential candidate to appear in the wake of the Brand allegations. In the middle of the campaign, Ramaswamy called for a “major uprising” against establishment forces in Iowa. “When people tell you to shut up, you actually have to grow your spine to be louder than ever,” Ramaswamy said.
“I can understand why someone would want to censor you,” Brand replied admiringly. The host thanked his guest for “raising the level of conversation” in his “stream of freedom.” He previewed future episode topics: the Covid Lab leak theory, another conversation with Jordan Peterson, “the need for radicalism in politics.” Then he made a promise.
“Next week,” Brand promised, raising his open hands, “the revolution will get a little stronger.”
Source : www.nytimes.com