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NOTE: There's a bit of a question of whether Marvin Antelman was involved in the creation of the mood ring. Dr. Jonathan Sarna claimed this to Jay Michaelson, as detailed in the interview. But he may be confusing Antelman with Marvin Wernick. I only caught this detail after recording the episode, but wanted my listeners to know. It's my mistake for stating that claim more definitively in the intro than Michaelson did in the conversation. Again, the claim is courtesy of Dr. Jonathan Sarna in communication with Michaelson.

On this edition of Parallax Views, first time guest Jay Michaelson, author of The Heresy of Jacob Frank, joins the program to discuss the fascinating and disturbing backstory behind Candace Owens’ antisemitic grand conspiracy narrative about a Frankist-Sabbatean cabal supposedly controlling world events.

The conversation begins with an in-depth exploration of the historical figures of Sabbatai Zevi and Jacob Frank, two controversial Jewish messianic figures whose radical theological movements have, over centuries, become distorted and mythologized within conspiracy culture. Jay explains the actual history behind Sabbateanism and Frankism, what these movements really believed, and how obscure religious controversies became transformed into modern political mythology. And yes, we delve into the role of sex plays into these radical theologies.

A major focus of the conversation centers on the late Orthodox rabbi, inventor, and conspiracy theorist Marvin Antelman. Antelman is perhaps one of the strangest figures in modern conspiracy culture: a rabid anti-communist who allegedly helped invent the mood ring per Dr. Jonathan Sarna, patented a supposed “cure” for AIDS, and co-founded the self-styled Rabbinic Court of America alongside two other rabbis. The Rabbinic Court of America sought to expose Jewish public figures Antelman believed had “betrayed” the Jewish people, targeting figures ranging from Henry Kissinger to Noam Chomsky.

Jay and I examine Antelman’s bizarre worldview, including his belief that heretical Jewish sects like the Sabbateans and Frankists secretly evolved into hidden revolutionary networks tied to the Illuminati, communism, liberalism, and modern global power structures. We discuss how Antelman’s deeply illiberal nationalism, obsession with internal enemies, and conspiratorial anti-communism shaped his theories, as well as how later conspiracy figures like David Icke and Candace Owens would appropriate and twist aspects of Antelman’s ideas into narratives about occult conspiracies that could be weaponized far more broadly against Jews in openly antisemitic ways.

We also delve into the overlap between antisemitism, anti-communism, anti-globalism, religious conspiracism, and internet-age political mythology; the migration of Antelman's fringe theological and poltical ideas into evangelical and conspiracy media ecosystems as well as the extreme world of Kahanist Zionism (the followers of the ultra-Zionist Rabbi Meier Kahane); and why movements like Frankism continue to exert such a strange pull on the conspiratorial imagination.

All that and more on this edition of Parallax Views.

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On this edition of Parallax Views, Quincy Institute research associate Lee Schlenker joins us to unpack the Trump administration’s escalating pressure campaign against Cuba and why Marco Rubio’s hardline approach may be pushing the island, and U.S.-Cuba relations, toward a dangerous breaking point. Drawing on Lee’s recent Responsible Statecraft article “As Rubio turns into punisher, Cubans wary of final blow,” we examine the administration’s strategy of intensified sanctions, economic pressure, and threats aimed at forcing political change in Havana.

The conversation also explores the political influence of South Florida’s Cuban exile community and the Cuba-America lobbying apparatus, including how decades of exile politics continue to shape U.S. foreign policy toward Havana. Lee explains the internal contradictions of the administration’s strategy, why the pressure campaign has yet to produce meaningful results, and how it could instead deepen instability, worsen humanitarian suffering, and push Cuba further into China’s extra-hemispheric sphere of influence.

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On this edition of Parallax Views, anthropologist and author Ida Susser joins us to discuss her book The Yellow Vests and the Battle for Democracy and the deeper political crisis underlying the rise of the Yellow Vest movement in France. What happens when traditional left vs. right politics begin to break down under the pressures of neoliberalism, austerity, economic precarity, and collapsing public trust?

Susser explains how the Yellow Vests emerged not simply as a protest movement, but as a broader democratic experiment shaped by “commoning,” horizontal organizing, and grassroots political participation. We explore the movement’s unusual ideological makeup, including tensions between populism, class politics, nationalism, environmentalism, and anti-elite anger. We also examine the concepts of “thresholding” and “they are stealing the state,” and how they help explain contemporary political unrest not only in France, but across the globe.

Additionally, we discuss the historical roots of French protest culture, the legacy of movements like Nuit Debout and Occupy Wall Street, the crisis of democratic legitimacy in the West, and whether leaderless social movements can produce lasting political transformation or are destined to remain unstable and contradictory. Along the way, we touch on neoliberalism, authoritarianism, class fragmentation, race and immigration, and the future of democracy in an increasingly polarized world.

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As debates over censorship, misinformation, and the power of corporate media reach a fever pitch, Project Censored—one of the longest-running media watchdog organizations in the United States—marks its 50th anniversary. But in 2026, what does “censorship” actually look like?

On this edition of Parallax Views, J.G. Michael speaks with Mischa Geracoulis, Outreach and Engagement Officer for Project Censored, about the evolving landscape of media ethics, independent journalism, and the fight for a truly informed public.

Geracoulis breaks down how news values are shifting in the 21st century, why “media democracy in action” matters more than ever, and how independent outlets are working to challenge the narratives and omissions of the corporate press. In an era defined by algorithmic influence, disinformation, and declining public trust, this conversation asks a fundamental question: Who decides what counts as news... and what gets left out?

From the role of critical media literacy to the urgent need for watchdog journalism, this episode explores how Project Censored continues to spotlight underreported stories and hold power accountable, five decades after its founding.

Key topics:

• Media censorship vs. “junk food news” in the digital age
• The ethics and values shaping modern journalism
• Why independent media is essential to democracy
• “Media Democracy in Action” and real-world examples
• How audiences can become more critically engaged news consumers

If you’re concerned about the state of the free press—or wondering how to separate signal from noise in today’s media ecosystem—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

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On this edition of Parallax Views, J.G. Michael is joined by Patricia Martin,host of the Jung in the World podcast, to explore her provocative new book Will the Future Like You?: Reflections on the Age of Hyper-Reinvention. In a wide-ranging and deeply thought-provoking conversation, Martin examines how technology, social media, and the pressures of constant self-reinvention are reshaping our understanding of identity itself. From the concept of “persona fog” to the psychological toll of living multiple digital selves, she unpacks why so many people today feel stuck, fragmented, and uncertain about who they are.... as well as who they’re becoming.

Drawing on Jungian psychology, cultural analysis, and years of research, Martin explains how the collapse of traditional identity anchor like family, work, and institutions has ushered us into what she calls the “post-identity” era. The discussion delves into the rise of chronic self-doubt, the emotional costs of hyper-connectivity, and the hidden ways digital life can both expand and erode the self. At the same time, Martin offers insight into how we might reclaim a deeper sense of meaning and navigate an uncertain future with greater awareness.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in psychology, technology, culture, and the evolving nature of human identity in the 21st century.

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On this edition of Parallax Views, political scientist Maya Kornberg joins the show to discuss her new book on why Congress seems increasingly unable to function as an effective, representative, and co-equal branch of government. Drawing on deep research into three pivotal waves of congressional reform—the post-Watergate class of 1974, the Republican Revolution of 1994, and the diverse, media-savvy newcomers of 2018—Kornberg argues that today’s legislative dysfunction is not simply the result of partisan gridlock, but the product of deeper structural forces reshaping American democracy.

In this wide-ranging and enlightening conversation, we explore how money, media, and political violence have transformed the incentives facing members of Congress. From the relentless pressure to fundraise, to the rise of social media as a source of political power, to the chilling effects of threats and intimidation, Kornberg paints a sobering picture of an institution struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing political environment.

We also delve into the historical cycles of reform and institutional change, asking whether today’s Congress is fundamentally different from past eras of crisis. Why were earlier reformers able to reshape the institution, while modern efforts seem to falter? Has Congress ceded too much power to the presidency? And what would it take to restore the legislative branch as a meaningful check in the American system?

Despite the challenges, Kornberg offers thoughtful and pragmatic ideas for reform, from strengthening congressional capacity to rethinking the internal structures that govern how lawmakers operate. Throughout the discussion, she provides valuable insight into not just what is broken in Congress, but why it has proven so difficult to fix.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in American politics, democratic institutions, and the future of governance in an era of polarization and uncertainty.

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Recorded 3-11-26

On this edition of Parallax Views, sociologist and public intellectual Charles Derber joins us to discuss his book Fighting Oligarchy: How Positive Populism Can Reclaim America and the growing struggle between democracy and oligarchic power in the United States. As economic inequality deepens and public trust in institutions erodes, populist movements—both left and right—are reshaping the political landscape. But what exactly is populism, and why has it become such a defining force in modern politics?

Derber argues that contemporary American politics is increasingly defined by a battle between corporate oligarchy and competing forms of populism. While figures like Donald Trump present themselves as anti-elite champions of “the people,” Derber contends that this rhetoric often masks policies that ultimately benefit billionaires and entrenched corporate power. In contrast, he proposes the idea of “positive populism”—a democratic, multiracial movement capable of challenging oligarchic influence while rebuilding solidarity among working-class Americans.

In this conversation we explore the roots of populist politics in American history, from the anti-robber baron movements of the Gilded Age to the New Deal era and the social movements of the 1960s. Derber also offers a controversial critique of contemporary liberal politics, arguing that the Democratic Party’s shift away from class-based politics toward professional-class liberalism and cultural identity conflicts may have unintentionally opened the door for right-wing populism.

We discuss the contradictions of Trumpism, the role of identity politics and culture wars in dividing the working class, and whether a broad democratic coalition capable of confronting corporate power is still possible in today’s polarized political climate. Is the United States already drifting toward oligarchy? Can populism strengthen democracy rather than undermine it? And what would a genuine anti-oligarchic political movement look like in the twenty-first century?

All this and more on this edition of Parallax Views.

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On this edition of Parallax Views, media scholar Robin Andersen joins us to discuss her new book The Complicit Lens: US Media Coverage of Israel’s Genocide in Gaza. In this conversation, Andersen examines how major American news outlets framed the war in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks and why mainstream reporting often echoed official Israeli and U.S. government narratives while marginalizing Palestinian perspectives.

Drawing on detailed media analysis, Andersen argues that corporate media frequently downplayed the scale of Palestinian suffering, repeated unverified atrocity claims, and adopted language that framed Israeli military actions as defensive while obscuring accusations of war crimes and genocide. She also explores the role of editorial directives, narrative framing, and propaganda tropes in shaping coverage—from the portrayal of October 7 as the sole starting point of the conflict to the treatment of Palestinian journalists, aid workers, and civilian casualties.

In the course of our discussion, Andersen highlights how independent journalists, social media, and alternative outlets challenged these dominant narratives, often providing documentation and eyewitness testimony that contradicted establishment media coverage. We also examine controversies surrounding reporting by major outlets like The New York Times, the role of atrocity stories in wartime propaganda, and the broader implications for press freedom, public opinion, and democratic accountability.

Ultimately, The Complicit Lens raises urgent questions about journalism’s responsibilities during wartime: What happens when the media becomes a conduit for official narratives rather than a check on power? And what does the Gaza war reveal about the limits of U.S. media institutions in covering conflicts involving close American allies?

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On this edition of Parallax Views, host J.G. Michael speaks with Nathan Taylor, a representative of the Election Truth Alliance (ETA), about controversial claims regarding vulnerabilities in U.S. election systems and the group’s ongoing efforts to investigate potential irregularities in recent elections.

Taylor explains the Election Truth Alliance’s stated mission: conducting nonpartisan investigations into the integrity of American voting infrastructure. Drawing on election forensics methods, public records, field research, and statistical analysis, ETA says it is examining whether existing voting systems and administrative processes are adequately safeguarding the democratic process.

During the conversation, Taylor discusses findings the group says raise questions about election infrastructure and data integrity in several states. In Florida, ETA has examined voter rolls, ballot custody logs, and turnout data in places like St. Lucie County, where the organization claims to have identified unusual turnout figures and discrepancies between votes cast and registered voters. The group has also reviewed historical concerns about cybersecurity threats to election systems, including reports of malware activity in Florida counties during the 2016 election cycle.

The discussion also turns to Pennsylvania, where ETA has conducted statistical analyses of voting patterns across multiple counties and says it has identified anomalies that warrant further scrutiny. Taylor explains that the organization has pursued legal action related to voting system reliability and describes issues such as ballot-scanner failures reported in Cambria County during the 2024 election.

Throughout the interview, Taylor emphasizes that ETA frames its work as independent of partisan politics, arguing that election transparency and verifiable vote counts should be priorities regardless of which party benefits. At the same time, the group’s findings and interpretations remain controversial and are part of a broader national debate over election security, voting technology, and public trust in democratic institutions.

J.G. Michael presses Taylor on the methodology behind ETA’s analyses, the evidence supporting their claims, and how critics view these investigations. The result is a probing discussion about election forensics, statistical anomaly detection, cybersecurity concerns surrounding voting infrastructure, and the broader challenge of maintaining public confidence in U.S. elections.

Whether one views the Election Truth Alliance’s work as an important call for greater transparency or as part of a contentious debate over election integrity claims, this conversation explores the arguments, evidence, and questions at the center of the controversy.

Recorded 4-2-2026

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On this edition of Parallax Views, returning guest James M. Dorsey joins us to discuss the Iran War one month on and its potential consequences for the United States, Europe, the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran itself. Reflecting on the conflict, Dorsey argues bluntly: “This was unnecessary and a huge mistake, for which everybody is going to pay a heavy price.”

We begin with Donald Trump’s latest speech addressing the war before broadening the conversation to the geopolitical fallout of the conflict. Dorsey explains why the war risks further destabilizing the Middle East, warning that tensions between Iran and the Gulf States could worsen dramatically while leaving all parties worse off.

The conversation also explores the long and troubled history of U.S.–Iran relations, including the legacy of the Iran–Iraq War and U.S. support for Saddam Hussein during that conflict, even as his regime deployed nerve gas on the battlefield. Understanding that history, Dorsey argues, is essential for grasping the deep mistrust that continues to shape the current crisis.

We also discuss the surprising intervention of prominent neoconservative thinker Robert Kagan, whose article “America Has Become a Rogue Superpower” challenges assumptions about the hawkish foreign policy establishment. Finally, we examine the role of the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth, including concerns about religious rhetoric and ideological overtones surrounding the war effort.

All that and much more on this edition of Parallax Views.

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In this explosive edition of Parallax Views, host J.G. Michael is joined by former CIA analyst and counterterrorism official Larry C. Johnson of the Sonar21 blog to discuss the rapidly escalating U.S.–Iran war and why Johnson believes the Trump administration’s public messaging about peace negotiations is deeply misleading.

Drawing on his recent article “Is Trump Serious About Negotiations with Iran?”, Johnson argues that claims of imminent diplomacy with Tehran should be treated with extreme skepticism. In fact, he bluntly warns listeners: “Don’t believe ’em — they’re lying.” According to Johnson, statements about ceasefires or talks may be intended to calm markets and suppress oil prices rather than signal genuine negotiations. He predicts that after markets close on Friday, the conflict could escalate dramatically.

The conversation dives deep into the strategic and economic stakes of the war, including the potential for catastrophic disruption to global energy infrastructure and the risk of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. Johnson explains why proposals to seize strategic islands in the Persian Gulf could expose U.S. forces to devastating missile, drone, and naval attacks — and why such moves might trigger a wider economic shock affecting oil, LNG, fertilizer, and even global metals supply chains.

J.G. and Johnson also examine how this conflict compares to earlier U.S. wars in the Middle East. Johnson argues that the current war is even more dangerous than the Bush-era invasion of Iraq, noting that this time there has been little effort to manufacture public consent on this war of choice.

Other topics explored in this wide-ranging conversation include:

• The geopolitical consequences of closing the Strait of Hormuz and what it means for the global oil market
• A bit on Kharg Island, a significant Iranian oil export hub
• The potential economic ripple effects of war on commodities like copper, uranium, and nickel
• The role of Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israel lobby in shaping U.S. policy toward Iran
• The resignation of Joe Kent and what it signals about internal divisions within the Trump administration
• The historical roots of U.S.–Iran hostility, including Washington’s support for Saddam Hussein during the Iran–Iraq War
• Why Johnson believes American troops could soon face significant casualties if escalation continues and troops on the ground are deployed.

Johnson, who served as an analyst at the CIA and later as Deputy Director in the U.S. State Department’s Office of Counterterrorism, brings decades of intelligence and national security experience to his analysis of the unfolding crisis.

If Johnson’s predictions are correct, the coming days could reshape not only Middle East geopolitics but also the global economy and energy system.