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The Flamethrowers

The Flamethrowers

Written by: CBC
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About this listen

“The Flamethrowers” captures the punch-you-in-the-mouth energy and sound of right-wing talk radio. Host Justin Ling takes us from the fringe preachers and conspiracy peddlers of the 1920s to the political firestorm that rages today. With humour and candour, Ling examines the appeal of broadcasters like Rush Limbaugh, who found a sleeping audience, radicalized it, and became an accidental kingmaker — culminating in the election of Donald Trump.

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Episodes
  • Introducing: The Flamethrowers (trailer)

    Introducing: The Flamethrowers (trailer)
    Aug 31 2021
    How right wing radio took over American democracy. A new series hosted by Justin Ling.
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    4 mins
  • Ep. 1: The Father of Hate Radio

    Ep. 1: The Father of Hate Radio
    Sep 7 2021
    Our story begins with Canadian priest Charles Coughlin — a populist crusader who winds up espousing conspiracy and hate. Right-wing radio flexes its muscle with a boycott of Polish Ham. And the Kennedy government almost wipes right-wing talk off the map. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997
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    43 mins
  • Ep. 2: What A Rush

    Ep. 2: What A Rush
    Sep 14 2021
    President Ronald Reagan takes the shackles off right-wing radio and inaugurates a golden era of conservative politics. And Rush Limbaugh — almost by accident — becomes a kingmaker in the Republican party and changes radio forever. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/the-flamethrowers-transcripts-listen-1.6852997
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    44 mins
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