Behind the Bastards: Introducing the Away Days Podcast

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Overview

In the premiere episode titled "Introducing: Away Days Podcast," hosted by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, the team unveils their latest endeavor aimed at delving deep into the fringes of society. Drawing inspiration from the gritty artistic movement of Kitchen Sink Realism, the Away Days Podcast promises an unflinching exploration of real-life countercultures, shedding light on the underrepresented and often misunderstood aspects of our world.

Kitchen Sink Realism: The Foundation

The episode opens with a detailed exploration of Kitchen Sink Realism, a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in Britain during the late 1950s. As the host explains:

"Kitchen Sink Realism dramatized the underbelly of Britain, bearing it, warts and all, to the nation." (00:01)

This movement was pivotal in shifting the narrative away from the prevalent "feel good" plays of the time, presenting instead the harsh realities faced by the underprivileged. The host highlights seminal works like "Look Back in Anger," which captures life in an overcrowded council flat in the East Midlands, emphasizing the stark contrast between escapist media and the authentic portrayal of societal struggles.

"While the old plays offered soft escapism for the viewer, Kitchen Sink Realism did the opposite. It kicked the door in and aired out the dirty laundry." (00:01)

The decline of such raw and honest storytelling in modern media serves as the catalyst for the creation of the Away Days Podcast.

Birth of Away Days: A Response to Modern Media

Recognizing the diminishing presence of unvarnished storytelling, the host introduces Away Days as a revival of Kitchen Sink Realism in journalistic form. Unlike mainstream media that often sanitizes or dramatizes real-world issues, Away Days commits to presenting unfiltered and authentic narratives from society's fringes.

"I've created Away Days, a new project that you could say is kitchen sink journalism reportage from the fringes of society that doesn't seek to caricature it or soften the blow at all." (00:01)

Away Days is positioned as an independent video documentary series available on YouTube, with plans to expand its reach through a dedicated podcast. The collaboration with Cool Zone Media and iHeartRadio aims to provide a more immersive and in-depth experience for listeners.

"Away Days is a pushback against the climate of fakery we're not phoning in once were actually outside making something real and at times unapologetically ugly." (00:01)

Exploring the Underbelly: Topics and Themes

The podcast promises a diverse range of topics, each delving into subcultures and activities typically hidden from mainstream narratives. Some of the highlighted themes include:

• Fight Clubs in Europe: Exploring underground combat scenes and the motivations behind participants.

• Illegal Street Racing in Japan: A deep dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of clandestine racing communities.

• Football Hooliganism in Kazakhstan: Examining the passionate and often violent subcultures tied to football fandom.

• Gang Governments in the Favelas of Brazil: Investigating the intricate power dynamics and governance structures within Brazilian favelas.

"We'll show you parts of the world you never knew existed underground. No rules, fight clubs in Europe, illegal street racing in Japan, football hooliganism in Kazakhstan, gang governments in the favelas of Brazil, and much, much more." (00:01)

These topics are selected to provide listeners with a comprehensive view of societies and activities that operate outside the conventional frameworks, offering insights into their complexities and underlying motivations.

Commitment to Authenticity and Raw Reporting

A central tenet of the Away Days Podcast is its dedication to authenticity. The hosts emphasize their hands-on approach, ensuring that every story is told with integrity and devoid of sensationalism.

"We're not phoning in once were actually outside making something real and at times unapologetically ugly. This is reporting from the Underbelly." (00:01)

This commitment is reflected in their choice of subjects and the depth of their investigations, promising listeners an unfiltered look into the realities they explore.

Call to Action

The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to subscribe to the Away Days Podcast across various platforms, including the iHeartRadio app and Apple Podcasts. The hosts invite their audience to join them on this journey of discovery, promising content that is as enlightening as it is raw.

"Listen to the Away Days podcast reporting from the underbelly on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast." (00:01)

Conclusion

"Introducing: Away Days Podcast" sets the stage for what promises to be a compelling addition to the world of documentary storytelling. By reviving the spirit of Kitchen Sink Realism in a modern journalistic format, the Away Days team aims to illuminate the hidden corners of society with honesty and depth. For listeners seeking authentic narratives that break away from mainstream media's polished veneer, this podcast offers a refreshing and insightful alternative.

Notable Quotes

• "Kitchen Sink Realism did the opposite. It kicked the door in and aired out the dirty laundry." (00:01)
• "Away Days is a pushback against the climate of fakery we're not phoning in once were actually outside making something real and at times unapologetically ugly." (00:01)
• "We'll show you parts of the world you never knew existed underground." (00:01)

Subscribe and Stay Updated

To stay informed about upcoming episodes and delve deeper into the underrepresented stories of our time, subscribe to the Away Days Podcast on YouTube, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.