Uncolonized is Evolving… New Season. New Ontology. From Uncolonized → Park Bench Ontology For years, Uncolonized has been our space to challenge culture, identity, and power. That work isn’t ending — it’s mutating. We’re evolving into Park Bench Ontology: a lo-fi philosophy podcast about collapse, comedy, and the strange theatre of being human. Think zine-brained philosophy meets Adult Swim absurdity — sitting on the park bench, staring at capitalism’s weird machinery, and laughing so we don’t s...
Aug 18, 2025•38 sec
Uncolonized host Gavin unpacks the weaponization of narratives, existential dread in capitalist culture, and the revolutionary symbolism of The Spook Who Sat by the Door . Listen now + bonus episode on Patreon. Visit our website: gavinstephens.ca Check out the Substack: Dispatch From The Simulation Follow us on instagram: @countgavin Follow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephens Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 26, 2025•32 min
This week on the Uncolonized Podcast, Gavin and Daniel tackle the cinematic and cultural complexities of the film Sinners and the hit series Andor. Join us as we explore the narratives, themes, and the surrounding discourse that movies like these always seem to attract. In our bonus Patreon episode, we dive into the bizarre incident involving a woman who used a racial slur against a five-year-old and the concept of "vice signalling." http://pateron.com/theuncolonized Visit our website: gavinstep...
May 19, 2025•38 min
In this week's episode of Uncolonized, we dive deep into the recent Canadian federal election outcomes with special guest Derek Forgie from @Partiesoverproject. Join us as we discuss the implications of the election results, the shifting political landscape, and what it means for Canadians moving forward. This insightful conversation, recorded live on Instagram, offers a fresh perspective on the political climate in Canada. Tune in to gain valuable insights and engage with our community! Check o...
May 12, 2025•54 min•Season 16Ep. 24
In this solo episode, Gavin unpacks his firsthand experience working at a Canadian federal election polling station—and why it left him more convinced than ever that capitalism and democracy are fundamentally incompatible. From authoritarian micro-behaviors to racial dynamics at play, this episode dives deep into the cracks in the illusion of “free and fair” elections. In the bonus episode on Patreon, Gavin discusses the 2022 film Sinners , exploring themes of guilt, power, and collective moral ...
May 05, 2025•33 min
This week on Uncolonized, Daniel and Gavin tear into the Royal Ontario Museum, where one of the board’s chairpersons is connected to a company making money off deportations from the U.S. Spoiler: colonial institutions don’t really change — they just rebrand. We also get into Martin Heidegger’s idea of enframing, and how museums, despite all their shiny updates, are still running on the same colonial operating system. On our Patreon bonus episode patreon.com/theuncolonzed , we break down how the ...
Apr 28, 2025•46 min
This week on Uncolonized , Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant dive into the media’s favorite zombie narrative: the “silent majority.” Every election cycle, pundits and pollsters act like it’s a shocking new revelation—but this trope is as old as Nixon. We unpack the latest reincarnation of it, featuring the supposed shift of white male Gen Z voters to the right, particularly towards Trump. Are they really shifting—or just revealing who they’ve always been? Plus, in our Patreon-exclusive episode, we...
Apr 21, 2025•30 min•Season 16Ep. 21
This week, Daniel and Gavin dissect Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17, using Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital to examine who gets to be seen as an “auteur” in the public imagination — and who doesn’t. We explore how race, class, and symbolic capital shape legitimacy in the film world, questioning why specific creators are celebrated as geniuses while others are sidelined, regardless of the quality of their work. Through Bourdieu’s lens, we look at the cinematic “field” as a battleground, wher...
Apr 14, 2025•35 min
Uncolonized - Episode 19: You Can’t Take It With You This week on Uncolonized, Gavin Stephens talks about losing his stuff in a fire—and not in a metaphorical, "finding yourself" way. Like, literally. Gone. Every DVD, vinyl, collectible—poof. So now I'm living in the future: a full-on subscription-based model for everything I used to own. Yay capitalism. I get into what it means to live in a consumer-based society where we don’t own anything anymore—except debt, anxiety, and maybe a Spotify play...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min
This week, it's just me, Gavin Stephens, diving into a bizarre but growing phenomenon—Canadians who actually want the U.S. to annex Canada. I break down the authoritarian mindset behind this and why some Canadians are in complete denial about Trump’s influence (inspired by this article ). This is just Part 1—get the full conversation by joining our Patreon . Plus, if you’re into deep dives on decolonial thought, politics, and society, join our book club on Fable . Visit our website: gavinstephen...
Mar 31, 2025•31 min
This week on Uncolonized , I sit down with comedian, activist, and host Derek Forgie (MTV, Just For Laughs, CBC) to discuss his new project, Parties Over . His podcast and show explore what it takes to bridge the growing divide between left and right in politics. Can real dialogue exist beyond the echo chambers? What does true common ground even look like? Derek and I break it all down in real-time. Follow Derek and Parties Over : 🔹 TikTok 🔹 Instagram Support Uncolonized : 💰 Join our Patreon ...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 16Ep. 18
This week on Uncolonized, Gavin and Daniel break down the results of the 2025 Ontario election. What do the numbers say? What does it mean for the future of the province? And most importantly—how does this impact the people living here? From campaign promises to political fallout, we dive into the winners, the losers, and the bigger picture. This is just Part 1! Catch the full conversation, including Part 2, exclusively on our Patreon. Join us at patreon.com/theuncolonized to support the show an...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min•Season 16Ep. 16
In this solo episode, Gavin breaks down the latest political spectacle—Trump letting his mask slip and Zelenskyy failing to navigate the game of politics. Under late-stage capitalism, the pretension is gone, exposing the raw mechanics of power, media manipulation, and imperialism. What happens when the illusion of leadership crumbles? Gavin unpacks it all with his signature insight and humour. Catch the full unfiltered discussion in Part 2 on Patreon: patreon.com/theuncolonized Visit our website...
Mar 03, 2025•32 min•Season 16Ep. 15
In this episode of Uncolonized , Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant dive into Captain America: Brave New World , breaking down the political and social implications of the film. What does it mean to have a Black Captain America in today's world? How does the film tackle race, power, and patriotism? We get into all of it, plus our expectations for Anthony Mackie’s take on the shield. Directed by Julius Onah, Captain America: Brave New World stars Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake N...
Feb 24, 2025•36 min•Season 16Ep. 14
This week on Uncolonized , host Gavin Stephens sits down with Nichole Henderson, a registered psychotherapist (BA, SSW, MACP) and founder of Yellow Chair Therapy . Together, they dive into the realities of ADHD in adults—especially those who go undiagnosed for years. They explore the challenges of late diagnosis, how ADHD manifests differently in marginalized communities, and the urgent need for affordable mental health care. Tune in for an insightful and necessary conversation on mental health,...
Feb 17, 2025•44 min•Season 16Ep. 13
In this solo episode of Uncolonized , Gavin dives into the philosophy of Herbert Marcuse and how it connects to his real-life experiences with people who give off an uncanny valley vibe. He unpacks how this mindset makes capitalism feel like the natural order, making it harder to see the system at play. Critical thought is dismissed, replaced with endless consumption—so how do we break free? Tune in for a deep dive into ideology, reality, and the struggle to think beyond the script. Here's the l...
Feb 10, 2025•30 min•Season 16Ep. 12
In this week's episode of Uncolonized, hosts Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant delve into the 2024 film Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. They critically examine the movie's political messaging, exploring how capitalist realism influences its portrayal of revolution. The discussion highlights the contrast between the film's narrative and the underlying economic ideologies it perpetuates. The hosts also analyze performances by Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, considering how thei...
Feb 03, 2025•35 min
This week on Uncolonized , Gavin & Daniel take a Canadian perspective on the incoming U.S. administration and the inauguration. How does this political shift impact the U.S., Canada, and the world? We break it all down and cut through the noise. Catch the full conversation, including our extended discussion, over on Patreon: patreon.com/theuncolonized . Visit our website: gavinstephens.ca Check out the Substack: Dispatch From The Simulation Follow us on instagram: @countgavin Follow us on Bl...
Jan 27, 2025•37 min•Season 16Ep. 10
This week on Uncolonized , it’s a solo episode with me, Gavin Stephens. In Part 1, I dive into WWE’s big move to Netflix, focusing on the reception of Hulk Hogan. I explore how Jean Baudrillard’s theory of hyperreality applies to Hogan and why he embodies America’s myth-making machine. I also share my evolving perspective on politics—shifting from the traditional left vs. right divide to a more direct Workers vs. Owners framework. In Part 2 (available exclusively on Patreon ), I continue the dis...
Jan 20, 2025•33 min•Season 16Ep. 9
In Episode 8 of Season 16, Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant discuss the shocking assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione, a man many are calling a class hero. The duo unpacks the growing divide between those who see Luigi’s actions as a response to wealth inequality and liberals attempting to distract from systemic issues by labelling him simply as a murderer. From the role of corporate greed to the moral and political fallout, Gavin and Daniel break down what this ...
Dec 16, 2024•34 min•Season 16Ep. 8
In Episode 7 of Season 16, hosts Gavin Stephens and Daniel Grant tackle the slow bleed of reality as social media continues to shape public discourse. They explore the alarming rise of far-right pipeline accounts using anti-immigrant, misogynist, and racist rhetoric to weaponize anger and spread dangerous ideologies. Gavin shares his recent experience falling into an Instagram rabbit hole after seeing a post criticizing a person begging while owning a cell phone, unpacking how such simplistic fa...
Dec 08, 2024•23 min•Season 16Ep. 7
This week on Uncolonized , we dive into the gripping thriller Heretic , starring Hugh Grant in a chilling performance as the diabolical Mr. Reed. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, and featuring a talented cast including Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace, the film tells the story of two young missionaries who find themselves ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse after knocking on the wrong door. We discuss the film’s intense premise, standout performances, and how it explor...
Dec 02, 2024•38 min•Season 16Ep. 6
In this week’s episode of Uncolonized , we dive into the aftermath of the recent U.S. election and what it means for Canadians, as it looks like another four years of Trump may be on the horizon. We break down the ripple effects of Trump’s presidency on Canadian politics, the economy, and our collective social landscape. Is Canada as immune to the U.S. political climate as we like to think, or are we just as susceptible to the rise of far-right ideologies? Join us as we navigate the myth of Cana...
Nov 18, 2024•32 min•Season 16Ep. 5
In Episode 4 of Uncolonized Season 16, Daniel and Gavin dive deep into the 2023 film Jones Plantation , an indie movie created by anarcho-capitalists that uses slavery as a metaphor for government oppression. But behind the "freedom" rhetoric lies a more insidious truth: the film’s creators seem to align with ideologies that ultimately favour the oppressor’s side, not the enslaved. We dissect how using slavery metaphors to promote anti-state, pro-capitalist agendas conveniently ignores the histo...
Nov 11, 2024•41 min•Season 16Ep. 4
Uncolonized Podcast Season 16, Episode 3: This week, Gavin and Daniel dive into a surreal yet unsettling event—Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden. Drawing parallels to the 1930s Nazi rally held in the same venue, they explore how the symbolism, spectacle, and tone feel eerily familiar. They also discuss Hulk Hogan’s peculiar speech and Tucker Carlson’s "white replacement theory, but the spotlight shines on Tony Hinchcliffe's bizarre “roast” at the rally. Tune in for a thought-p...
Nov 04, 2024•38 min
In this episode of Uncolonized , host Gavin Stephens dives into the heated topic of how immigrants are politicized as scapegoats in Western societies. From housing crises to public unrest, Gavin breaks down the systemic issues often buried under narratives blaming immigration, exploring events like the London riots and the myth of Western superiority. Join Gavin as he exposes the political tactics behind these narratives and argues for a more just perspective on immigration. Articles used: MSN U...
Oct 28, 2024•37 min•Season 16Ep. 2
This week, we looked at social media companies and the lack of autonomy in art and the world. We also discussed how renters are suffering from algorithms pricing them out of housing and how education has become impossible under surveillance capitalism. Here are some articles we looked at Surveillance capitalism in education, Teen Vogue: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/surveillance-education-spying-technology-schools Mega Landlords & the A.I pricing scheme, Breach media https://breachmedia.ca...
Oct 21, 2024•35 min•Season 16Ep. 1
As the title says, we are late on this one. Life has happened so this season was a bit loose. However here we are with a new and final episode for season 15. We talked politics, pop culture and so much more, so please enjoy and thank you for supporting us. Visit our website: gavinstephens.ca Check out the Substack: Dispatch From The Simulation Follow us on instagram: @countgavin Follow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephens Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf...
Jul 23, 2024•35 min•Season 15Ep. 10
Gavin & Daniel are back with the penultimate episode of Season 15. There has been so much going on, especially in Ontario. Ontario Place closing, LCBO on strike, Doug Ford continuing his backroom deals. We had a lot to catch up on and we did in this first part of the episode. Check out the second on our Patreon: http://patreon.com/theuncolonized Visit our website: gavinstephens.ca Check out the Substack: Dispatch From The Simulation Follow us on instagram: @countgavin Follow us on BlueSky: G...
Jul 15, 2024•37 min•Season 15Ep. 9
This week Gavin is all by himself, and letting loose. Gavin discusses a bunch of current events including the Canadian journo who decided to write a book about racism while doing blackface. Visit our website: gavinstephens.ca Check out the Substack: Dispatch From The Simulation Follow us on instagram: @countgavin Follow us on BlueSky: GavinBStephens Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 17, 2024•36 min•Season 15Ep. 8
