Podcast: John Waters

on music and spirituality, industry "conspiracies," anti-colonialism, and finding hope in globohomo

Readers and listeners of Cracks in PoMo know that much of our content revolves around the intersection of music, religion, and philosophy. Few know, however, that among the main influences of our approach is the Irish journalist and music critic John Waters. Thus it was a true honor to have him on the pod to discuss music and spirituality, as well as the spreading “conspiracies” about what’s going on in the industry.

You can also listen on Spotify or Apple.

John has also written about colonialism in his book Lapsed Agnostic and in a fascinating review of Frantz Fanon’s Alienation and Freedom in First Things. His anti-colonialist take diverges from mainstream “post-colonialist,” poststructuralist narratives, as they are colored by his knowledge of Irish history and Catholic Social Teaching. In the First Things article, he went on to critique the expansion of what the current Pope would call an “ideological colonization,” whose vastness and seeming omnipotence forces us to ask whether everyday people really have any hope—a grave question which we cover in the episode.

Be sure to follow John’s Substack:

John Waters

and to check out his books. Also check out my articles in which I reference John’s work: MTV VMAs Push Nihilism and Despair; The Conservative Case for Juneteenth; The Wonderful Life; Wrapped Up in Music and Myself; Amy Winehouse and the spirituality of restless heart.

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