Ep.480: Unmasking the Propaganda Machine: Censorship, Technocracy, and the Battle for Free Thought w/Matt Raymer

On this episode of The Courtenay Turner Podcast, Courtenay welcomes Matthew Raymer—founder of ContentSafe—for a deep dive into the tangled intersections of propaganda, technology, and freedom of speech. Raymer, whose company ContentSafe specializes in protecting creators from deplatforming and shadowbanning, brings firsthand experience from the front lines of digital censorship. As a technologist and advocate for decentralization, his work with the Anti-Censorship Technical Committee centers on supporting privacy and anti-censorship projects to ensure open discourse in a world increasingly threatened by digital suppression. The episode explores the enduring relevance of Jacques Ellul, author of Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes, who argued that propaganda is not just about lies or overt manipulation, but about shaping perceptions and behavior through the integration of individuals into mass society, often using technology as its primary vehicle. Expect a nuanced discussion of Ellul’s theories—how propaganda works both psychologically and sociologically, and how it leverages technology to mold both individuals and the collective consciousness. From there, the conversation widens to examine the uneasy relationship between science, religion, and technology in the age of technocracy. How does the advance of artificial intelligence threaten or enhance religious freedom and individual rights? Recent research suggests that AI and increased digitalization can negatively impact religious liberties and reshape social norms, raising urgent questions about the ethical and political implications of rapid technological change. Raymer and Turner won’t shy away from the most taboo and controversial subjects—those very topics that often trigger shadowbans and algorithmic suppression. They’ll dissect the geopolitics of censorship, the rise of authoritarian and democratic models of AI, and the ongoing struggle to keep the digital public square open to dissenting voices. Tune in for a fearless, wide-ranging conversation that cuts through the noise and challenges the boundaries of what can—and should—be discussed in our increasingly surveilled and censored digital society. ▶Follow & Connect with Matthew Raymer: ✩ ContentSafe ✩ The Anti-Censorship Technical Committee ✩ Twitter ____________________________________________________________________ ▶ GET On-Demand Access for Courtenay's Cognitive Liberty Conference https://cognitivelibertyconference.com ----------------------------------------- ▶ Follow & Connect with Courtenay: https://www.courtenayturner.com ✩ Linktree ▶ Support my work & Affiliate links: ✩Buy Me A Coffee! ✩GiveSendGo ✩Venmo ✩Cash App ✩ Richardson Nutritional Center: (B-17!) ✩ Relax Far Infrared Saunas: (Warm Up!) Discount Code: COURTZ ✩ LifeWave Stem Cell Activation Patches​: (Activate your master cells!) ✩ Gold Gate Capital (Secure Your Wealth!) ✩ SatPhone123 (Claim Your Free Satellite Phone!) Promo Code: COURTZ ✩Discover The Magic of MagicDichol: ✩Defy The Grid With Real Currency.....Goldbacks!: Promo Code: COURTZ ✩Honey Colony "Where The Hive Decides What’s Healthy": Promo Code: COURTZ ▶ Follow Courtenay on Social Media: ✩Twitter ✩TruthSocial ✩Instagram ✩Telegram ————————————————— ▶ Disclaimer: this is intended to be inspiration & entertainment. We aim to inform, inspire & empower. Guest opinions/ statements are not a reflection of the host or podcast. Please note these are conversational dialogues. All statements and opinions are not necessarily meant to be taken as fact. Please do your own research. Thanks for watching! ————————————————— ©2025 All Rights Reserved Courtenay’s Substack Bringing breadth and depth of context to inform, inspire and empower cognitive liberty! By Courtenay Turner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices