Counterprogramming for Joy with Nick

Off the Clock w/Jon Eks

On this episode of Off the Clock, I’m joined by my friend Nick who is an incredibly knowledgeable historian, dynamite wrestling promoter, and ace shit stirrer. Here’s some of what we talk about:

First question: Why are you such a mark for a character in the Bible that doesn’t even have a speaking role?

• a LONG history of the iterations of Satan/Satanism, Judaism, Christianity and other religions ranging from discussions about romantic writers, the central tension between Christians and Jews, a reference to the HBO show Silicon Valley and all the religious orthodoxy criticism you can handle
• the discomfort associated with the cultural de-centering of white masculinity and why that has led to our current cultural moment
• why people who are intellectually curious but have no critical thinking skills are drawn to the hero narrative of conspiracy theories
• a history of oppression and discrimination against marginalized groups in this country
• why, when fighting oppression, it can’t be war all the time (spoiler: that relentlessness turns you weird)
• how he’s helping take professional wrestling back from the racists and rednecks for the cool kids
• I pitch him a pro wrestling angle for his promotion that Nick is goodly enough to listen to very politely
• why all art is political, and making art that reflects your values
• putting haters in a clownsuit

Find Nick on Bluesky, Lucha Libre & Laughs on Bluesky, and on Facebook.

Theme song by Sorry Sweetheart.

Logo by Nebulus Visions.

Produced by Deft Communications.

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