We Need A Revolution

HDI Media
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Politics

America’s political and economic systems are failing ordinary people. The two-party duopoly keeps us divided, corporate monopolies pull the strings, and the political machine aggressively encourages us to fight each other instead of fixing the structural rot right in front of us. If you feel completely abandoned by the left and the right, welcome home. You aren't crazy...you're just politically homeless, and it's time to build a tent big enough for the rest of us. We Need a Revolution is a dual-format weekly podcast hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and John Banks. We deliver a calculated blend of systemic political satire and meticulous, data-driven deep dives, dismantling economic contradictions and corporate absurdities through a well-researched yet comedic lens. Smart, unapologetically funny, and intensely focused on data-driven, bottom-up solutions—not polarizing partisan nonsense. Stop voting for the lesser of two evils. Join the revolution, take the power back, and let's fix the system. Follow Us: @WeNeedARevolutionShow Support the Show: https://ko-fi.com/weneedarevolution

  1. 2d ago

    Broken Politics & Veteran Betrayal with Sarah Czech

    "If you give everything to an organization, it is not going to give everything back to you. The Marine Corps taught me that real fast." — Sarah Czech, Former Marine Corps Sergeant & Arabic Linguist Why are more than 50% of post-9/11 veterans registered independents? Mainstream political narratives love to treat the military as an ultra-conservative monolith, but the data tells a completely different story. The men and women who actually serve our country are increasingly walking away from the two-party duopoly. This week, John and Kevin sit down with Sarah Czech, Chair of the Forward National Veterans and Veteran Families Committee. Together, they pull back the curtain on the raw, unsexy realities of the military industrial complex, how the enlistment ranks function as America's last true economic equalizer, and the devastating institutional failures that leave active-duty members and veterans completely abandoned when dealing with untreated trauma and PTSD. We also conduct a line-by-line deconstruction of the systemic bait-and-switch happening in Washington right now. Sarah exposes the "Take Care of America’s Veterans Act", a massive, 560-page legislative package weaponizing a deeply popular, bipartisan veteran bill as a front-page mask to hide the corporate privatization of veteran healthcare. If you are exhausted by hyper-partisanship, corporate greed, and a political machine that rewards a 70% incumbent re-election rate over the needs of the average citizen, this episode is your blueprint for a bottom-up revolution. 📌 In This Episode, We Discuss: 00:00 — The Oxymoron of Military Intelligence01:20 — Enlisted vs. Officer Class: The Economic Equalizer03:22 — Learning Arabic Squiggles & International Relations10:00 — Rose-Colored Glasses and Institutional Betrayal13:40 — The Independent Military: Why 50% of Veterans Reject the Duopoly[cite: 3, 8]16:15 — The 560-Page Trojan Horse: Hiding Corporate Privatization[cite: 2, 6]21:00 — Why Incumbents Always Win & Who They Actually Answer To26:30 — Building from the Ground Up: Nuance Over Ideological Dogma[cite: 2, 6]35:10 — The California "Jungle" Primary Lawsuit & Top Four Reform🔗 Join the Movement: Are you ready to stop voting for the lesser of two evils and start demanding real choice? Volunteer or Register: https://home.forwardparty.com/volunteer_find_your_stateFollow Sarah on Instagram: @TheSarahCzechFollow Us: @WeNeedARevolutionShowSupport the Show: https://ko-fi.com/weneedarevolution

    1h 11m

  2. May 21

    Unmasking QAnon: Why Capitalist Anxiety Fuels Online Paranoia with Matthew Hannah

    The smart way to keep people passive and obedient is to strictly limit the spectrum of acceptable opinion, but allow very lively debate within that spectrum. This insight from Noam Chomsky sets the stage for today's deep dive into the modern landscape of conspiracy theories. On this episode of WNAR, Kevin and John sit down with Matthew Hannah, an associate professor of digital studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and author of the upcoming book "QAnon: Capitalism and the Crisis of Meaning". We look past the headlines to examine the underlying architecture of online paranoia. Instead of treating conspiracy theorists like mere crackpots, Matthew explains how systemic economic failures, isolation, and a deep-seated dissatisfaction with status quo politics leave everyday people vulnerable to radicalization. The conversation explores how QAnon mirrors religious eschatology, why standard fact-checking fails in a post-truth era, and how practicing mindfulness might be the key to de-escalating political tension. Connect with Matthew Hannah: Faculty Profile: https://commarts.wisc.edu/staff/hannah-matthew/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tinkeringhuman.bsky.social Like what we're doing? Consider leaving us a tip...we appreciate it! https://ko-fi.com/weneedarevolution Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Opening thoughts from Noam Chomsky and the WNAR mission01:41 – Shifting from live broadcasts to prerecorded episodes02:22 – Headline breakdown: Trump's recent multi-billion dollar settlement03:36 – Reintroducing QAnon: What do we actually remember?04:48 – Interview: Matthew Hannah on mapping digital radicalization06:06 – The origins of Q on 4chan and the 2016 election fallout12:38 – How the internet transformed localized conspiracy theories into global communities16:02 – Neoliberal capitalism, financial anxiety, and the search for an explanation20:15 – Failed political predictions and coping with cognitive dissonance22:09 – The intersection of QAnon and Christian eschatology25:05 – Mainstream migration: How terminology like the deep state took hold29:07 – Surviving the post-truth moment and the rise of deepfakes34:52 – Navigating real historical conspiracies versus online delusions37:59 – Re-evaluating media literacy: Why mindfulness works better than debunking41:16 – Spotting the real villains: Shifting focus from secret cabals to systemic greed44:48 – The flat Earth classroom experiment and talking to family members52:26 – Finding hope in the younger generation's desire for real change54:23 – Outro: Where to find Matthew's book and what is coming next weekSubscribe and join the revolution today!

    56 min

  3. May 14

    The Business of War: How Think Tanks and Defense Cartels Manufacture Conflict with Connor Echols

    What if the wars we fight aren't about safety, but about an incentive structure designed to keep the defense budget growing? Connor Echols, managing editor at Responsible Statecraft and the Quincy Institute, joins Kevin and John to pull back the curtain on the military industrial complex. We discuss how foreign governments and defense contractors fund the think tanks that shape Washington policy, the true cost of the current conflict with Iran, and why the system is rigged to prefer forever wars over diplomatic solutions. Connect with Connor Echols and the Quincy Institute: Official Site: https://quincyinst.org/ Responsible Statecraft: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/ Follow Connor on X: https://x.com/connor_echols Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Howard Zinn and the problem of obedience00:26 – Welcome to the Revolution: Meet Kevin and John03:01 – The $80 billion price tag: Breaking down the Iran conflict04:46 – Gas prices and the $8 per gallon reality in California06:20 – Introducing Connor Echols: Tracking the defense cartels07:16 – Defining the military industrial complex: The war lobby explained08:52 – Primacy and the ideology of dominant American power10:14 – From Jordan to DC: Connor’s journey into foreign policy13:12 – View from the Middle East: How the world actually sees the US14:50 – The Quincy Institute: Uniting progressives and libertarians against war17:39 – Trans-partizan politics: Working with everyone from Gaetz to Omar19:52 – Dismantling the Blob: How to change the foreign policy bench24:40 – The Think Tank Funding Tracker: Following the weapons contractor money31:44 – Track two diplomacy: How think tanks shape the media narrative35:48 – Strange bedfellows: Why Soros and Koch both fund the Quincy Institute41:45 – The road to Iran: Miscalculations and the balance of power45:55 – The Strait of Hormuz and the threat to the global economy52:41 – Is a deal possible? The reality of nuclear enrichment and sanctions58:26 – The myth of the pro-American revolution in Iran01:03:30 – Who caves first? Authoritarian resilience vs. democratic pressure01:06:25 – Coming up next week: Extremism and QAnon with Matthew HannahIf you like what we do and want to support the show, feel free to leave us a tip...we appreciate you! https://ko-fi.com/weneedarevolution Join the Revolution: We record LIVE every Wednesday at 9pm ET. Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified when we go live! #revolution #militaryindustrialcomplex #foreignpolicy #nonpartisan #iranwar #politics2026 #news

    1h 8m

  4. Apr 27

    Expanding Voting Options in Local Elections with Bridget Myers and John Lembke

    The modern political landscape often feels like a choice between two extremes, leaving a vast number of Americans feeling politically homeless. While the national spotlight stays fixed on partisan gridlock in D.C., a growing movement is shifting the focus back to where politics actually begins: our local communities. In this episode, Kevin and John sit down with Bridget Myers and John Lembke from the Colorado chapter of the Forward Party. They break down the mechanics of the "two-party doom loop" and explain how structural reforms like Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) can eliminate the spoiler effect, allowing voters to support candidates they actually believe in without fear. From the challenges of getting a minor party on the ballot to specific local issues like housing density and campaign finance reform, this conversation explores what it takes to prioritize data-driven solutions over emotional rhetoric. It is a look at how we can stop hate voting and start building a system that delivers actual results. Connect with our Guests: Colorado Forward Party: https://www.coloradoforwardparty.com/ Forward Party National: https://www.forwardparty.com/ Contact Bridget Myers: Email for Bridget Myers: BoulderFWD@gmail.com John Lembke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lembke/ Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 – Bunker beards and the rising cost of beard oil 02:54 – Headlines: The redistricting drama in Virginia 05:38 – Introducing Bridget Myers and John Lembke 08:33 – From engineering to politics: John’s impetus for change 10:33 – Why Bridget traded physical therapy for political science 13:33 – Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) explained 17:15 – The "Longmont Example" of the vote-splitting effect 21:20 – How to change a city charter for voting reform 26:28 – Dennis Rodman’s take on the political duopoly 31:14 – How the Forward Party got on the ballot in Colorado 34:54 – Multi-winner districts and ending gerrymandering 38:40 – Addressing local issues: The reality of housing 46:25 – The business of complaining vs. the business of solving 56:45 – How to get involved with the Forward movement #weneedarevolution #forwardparty #coloradopolitics #rankedchoicevoting #politicalreform #thirdparty #localgovernment #nonpartisan #politics2026

    1 hr

  5. Apr 17

    The Housing Trap: What's Killing the American Dream with John Gravelyn

    Is the American Dream of homeownership officially dead for the next generation, or have we just been spoiled by a decade of unsustainable economics? Kevin and John sit down with real estate expert John Gravelyn to dismantle the private equity plague and the mechanics currently swallowing the housing market. We dive into how housing was transformed from a place to live into a high-yield financial product for institutional investors. John breaks down the lockdown effect of low interest rates, the reality of the 1.37 million dollar wealth gap between renters and owners, and why the starter home as we knew it has vanished. We also discuss the controversial role of the Realtors Political Action Committee and whether government assistance programs are actually moving the needle for first-time buyers. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 Thomas Jefferson and the prey of the rich 02:12 The Presidents Ayurvedic doctor and public transparency 04:46 Tax loopholes and the 1% money 07:42 Why is it so hard for first time homebuyers? 08:42 The Lockdown Effect: Why supply is frozen 11:13 The million dollar wealth gap 15:36 Global markets and luxury homes as status symbols 16:50 The real threat: Blackrock vs. mid-tier investors 18:28 Airbnb and the destruction of local supply 20:31 The death of the 1,100 square foot starter home 25:16 1031 exchanges and building wealth without taxes 27:08 Programs for the common person: Down payment assistance 30:00 Lobbying: How much the Realtors Association spends on elections 33:54 Can we build our way out of this? 42:52 Are houses actually at a 50 year mean for affordability? 49:36 First time homebuyer perks and retirement withdrawals Connect with John Gravelyn: Official Site: https://thefppartners.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gravelyn/ Join the Revolution: We record LIVE on YouTube every Wednesday at 9pm ET. Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified when we go live! https://www.youtube.com/@WeNeedaRevolutionShow #weneedarevolution #housingmarket #realestate #privateequity #nonpartisan

    52 min

  6. Apr 9

    Fixing the Democratic Party: Reclaiming the Working Class with Brendan Frasier

    What happens when you realize the political party you grew up in no longer speaks your language? In this episode, Kevin Rosenquist and John Banks are joined by Brendan Frasier, a student at the University of Cincinnati and a Democratic precinct captain who is working to pull his party back to its working-class roots. Brendan shares his journey from a rural Ohio community devastated by power plant closures to the floor of the National Young Democrats convention. We discuss the disconnect between urban political strategies and rural realities, the difference between neoliberalism and New Dealism, and why young voters are feeling increasingly alienated from the status quo. From the corruption in state politics to the unexpected ways data centers are uniting Ohioans across the aisle, Brendan offers a boots on the ground perspective on how to subvert the political duopoly from the inside. Read Brendan's op-ed in The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/5665419-new-dealism-future-democratic-party/ Connect with the Clermont County Young Democrats: Official Site: https://www.clermontfwd.com Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 Alice Walker and the power of the individual 01:45 Introducing Brendan Fraiser: Subverting the duopoly at 20 04:04 The Zimmer and Beckjord plant closures: A rural wake up call 06:07 Why I didn't quit the Democratic Party 08;21 Economic policy and the death of local industry 10:39 What exactly is a delegate? 12:05 What exactly is a precinct captain? 13:49 Neoliberalism vs. New Dealism: Where the party lost its way 18:42 The branding of democratic socialism vs. social capitalism 21:57 It is the economy, stupid: Why paycheck politics still win 24:26 Overturning Citizens United: The Montana strategy 25:43 Competition and small business: A capitalist critique 31:36 International perspectives: Why the world is nervous to visit 38:14 The 3C Strategy: Why ignoring rural Ohio is a losing game 44:01 Data centers and the unlikely alliance of farmers and activists 58:33 Building a movement: How to get involved locally Join the Revolution: We record LIVE on YouTube every Wednesday at 9pm ET. Subscribe today! https://www.youtube.com/@WeNeedaRevolutionShow #weneedarevolution #ohiopolitics #workingclass #politicalreform #youngdemocrats #ruralamerica #nonpartisan #news #politics2026

    1h 2m

  7. Mar 26

    The Illusion of Choice: Inside the Political Closed Loop with John Goodwin

    Our government is failing because the system is designed to protect the players, not the people. This week, Kevin and John are joined by John Goodwin, Communications Director for the Forward Party, to discuss the structural barriers that keep the two-party duopoly in power. A veteran of Capitol Hill and corporate leadership, John explains how the closed loop of American politics rewards resource accrual over problem-solving. We explore the massive disparity in ballot access, where an independent in Arizona may need ten times as many signatures as a major party candidate, and how "lawfare" is used to disqualify challengers before they ever reach a voter. In this episode, we discuss: The mission of the Forward Party and its values-based approach to policy.Why closed primaries drive extremism and disenfranchise 27 million unaffiliated voters.The reality of ballot access and why signature requirements are intentionally confusing and expensive.How Ranked Choice Voting could eliminate the "spoiler effect" and the "wasted vote" narrative.The Forward Party strategy for the 2026 midterms and building a durable local infrastructure.Links mentioned in the show: Forward Party Official Site: https://www.forwardparty.com/Forward Party Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ForwardPartyLearn about your local chapter: https://www.forwardparty.com/chaptersWe are taking next week off, but we will be back live on Wednesday, April 8th at 9pm ET with political strategist Brendan Frasier.

    59 min

  8. Mar 12

    The Front Lines of Trans Rights: Workplace Transition and the School Disclosure Battle with Erica Healey-Kagan

    Employment law partner Erica Healey-Kagan joins the show to discuss the evolving legal landscape for transgender individuals in the workplace and the court system. We dive deep into the specific challenges faced during gender transition on the job, the rise of subjective performance metrics used to mask bias, and the high-profile legal battles currently taking place over school disclosure policies. In this episode, we discuss: The Workplace Transition: Why the period of transition is often the most legally vulnerable time for an employee and how "performance issues" are often concocted to mask discrimination.Subjective vs. Objective Metrics: How corporations shift from measurable goals to subjective labels like "aggressive" to create a paper trail for termination.The Corporate Legal Complex: Defining the David vs. Goliath struggle between a single employee and the massive resources of corporate HR and legal departments.Mirabelli v. Bonta: A deep dive into the California case involving teachers, parental rights, and student privacy regarding gender identity.The Arc of Justice: Why Erica remains optimistic about the long-term trajectory of civil rights despite a rise in local anti-LGBTQ legislation.Connect with Erica Healey-Kagan and Phillips & Associates: https://www.filippatoslaw.com/ Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 – Patriotism, Edward Snowden, and the mission of the Revolution 03:24 – News: Potential drone threats in California and US naval actions 04:51 – Interview: Introducing Erica Healey-Kagan 06:53 – Erica's Journey: From passing out at the sight of blood to law school 07:48 – The evolution of LGBTQ rights and marriage equality 10:58 – Is the arc of justice actually bending in the right direction? 13:50 – Combatting anti-LGBTQ legislation on the local level 18:41 – The reality of workplace discrimination during transition 21:52 – Red Flags: How subjective metrics are used to hide bias 26:53 – Defining the Corporate Legal Complex: David vs. Goliath 33:58 – Forced arbitration clauses in employment contracts 40:25 – Mirabelli v. Bonta, the California identity case that put parents vs. the school 01:01;48 – Outro: How to connect with Erica Join the Revolution: We record LIVE every Wednesday at 9pm ET on YouTube. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@WeNeedaRevolutionShow

    1h 3m
See All (18)

Trailer

About

America’s political and economic systems are failing ordinary people. The two-party duopoly keeps us divided, corporate monopolies pull the strings, and the political machine aggressively encourages us to fight each other instead of fixing the structural rot right in front of us. If you feel completely abandoned by the left and the right, welcome home. You aren't crazy...you're just politically homeless, and it's time to build a tent big enough for the rest of us. We Need a Revolution is a dual-format weekly podcast hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and John Banks. We deliver a calculated blend of systemic political satire and meticulous, data-driven deep dives, dismantling economic contradictions and corporate absurdities through a well-researched yet comedic lens. Smart, unapologetically funny, and intensely focused on data-driven, bottom-up solutions—not polarizing partisan nonsense. Stop voting for the lesser of two evils. Join the revolution, take the power back, and let's fix the system. Follow Us: @WeNeedARevolutionShow Support the Show: https://ko-fi.com/weneedarevolution

Information

  • Creator
    HDI Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © HDI Media, LLC 2026
  • Show Website
    We Need A Revolution