Altered State Throwback: Breaking Down the Hollywood Propaganda Machine

Zak Paine and Brad Zerbo take a deep dive into Hollywood’s long history as a propaganda tool, dissecting how the CIA and Pentagon have shaped the entertainment industry for decades. From Sylvester Stallone’s early warnings about the cultural shift in movies to the Supreme Court ruling that ended morality codes in filmmaking, they trace the origins of Hollywood’s transformation. The guys also break down the CIA’s direct influence on major films, the military’s behind-the-scenes involvement in shaping public perception, and how modern entertainment is designed to demoralize rather than inspire. With wild insights into everything from Rocky and Star Wars to Game of Thrones and Meet the Parents, this episode is a masterclass in decoding the media matrix. Would you like to know more?