PBD Podcast Episode Summary: Russia vs Ukraine, JFK Assassination, Trump vs Deep State with Oliver & Sean Stone | Episode 522

Release Date: December 18, 2024

In Episode 522 of the PBD Podcast, hosts Oliver Stone and Sean Stone engage in a comprehensive discussion covering a range of topics from geopolitical conflicts and historical events to the intricacies of filmmaking and political influence. The conversation delves deep into the Russia-Ukraine situation, the JFK assassination theories, the dynamics between Donald Trump and the "Deep State," and the pervasive influence of political entities such as AIPAC. This summary captures the essence of their dialogue, highlighted by notable quotes and structured under clear thematic sections.

1. Introduction to Oliver and Sean Stone's Filmmaking Legacy

The episode begins with an enthusiastic welcome to Oliver Stone, highlighting his illustrious career in filmmaking. The Stones reminisce about Oliver's notable works, including "Wall Street," "Money Never Sleeps," "Scarface," "Platoon," "JFK," "Natural Born Killers," and "Nixon."

Notable Quote:

• Oliver Stone [00:13]: "I went to Nome as a soldier eventually in '67, '68. And I saw things that just shocked me, opened my eyes. I'd never be the same again."

2. Insights into the Filmmaking Process and Director-Actor Dynamics

Oliver and Sean delve into the challenges of directing, particularly managing actors on set. They discuss the balance between maintaining authenticity and handling difficult personalities, citing experiences with actors like Shia LaBeouf and Val Kilmer.

Notable Quotes:

• Oliver Stone [08:36]: "I try to make changes. Some directors will let it roll and roll and roll because it's tape. I don't feel that way. I feel it's a waste of energy."
• Sean Stone [09:06]: "There were ham sandwiches. I think he was getting sick. Tuna sandwiches."

3. Evaluating Classic Films and Personal Favorites

The conversation shifts to their favorite movies and the impact of certain films on their personal lives. They emphasize that the value of a movie often lies in the memories and experiences it creates rather than its critical acclaim.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Stone [32:22]: "I just think that's it. It's like a film is a moment, an experience that you have."
• Oliver Stone [29:11]: "I love movies. From your lens, there's actually a few. 3, 400. He knows I watch old movies along with new movies."

4. The Business of Filmmaking vs. Artistic Passion

Oliver discusses the economic challenges of filmmaking, contrasting it with business ventures. He underscores the importance of passion over profit, highlighting the extensive time and resources required to produce a film.

Notable Quotes:

• Oliver Stone [47:23]: "Every time you have to make a new business, every few years just doesn't work. You make a movie and they don't accept it."
• Sean Stone [48:16]: "But there are people that look at it just as a business, and they're very mercenary."

5. Documentary Focus: Nuclear Energy and Geopolitical Implications

Oliver Stone introduces his documentary on nuclear energy, emphasizing its critical role in addressing climate change. He contrasts the advancements in nuclear technology by countries like China and Russia with the stagnation in the United States due to regulatory hurdles.

Notable Quotes:

• Oliver Stone [41:35]: "Often it's the importance of it. To me, nuclear energy was very important because we're facing climate change."
• Tucker Carlson [43:20]: "US Nuclear power capacity additions by your initial operations."

6. The Influence of AIPAC and Political Contributions

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around AIPAC's financial contributions to US politics and its influence on election outcomes. They debate the extent of AIPAC's spending and its impact on shaping policies favorable to Israel.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Stone [93:33]: "According to Open Secrets... AIPAC spent over $100 million on 2024 elections."
• Oliver Stone [95:28]: "It's the threat of saying, we're going to campaign against you. That's just enough."

7. JFK Assassination Theories and CIA Involvement

Oliver expounds on his extensive research into the JFK assassination, suggesting deep-rooted CIA involvement and highlighting key figures like James Angleton and Howard Hunt who played pivotal roles during that era.

Notable Quotes:

• Oliver Stone [60:02]: "There's no bottom to it because the CIA doesn't put that stuff on paper."
• Oliver Stone [64:53]: "The CIA has done nothing to cooperate with any official. They've been the most hidden organization ever."

8. Donald Trump, Election Interference, and Media Narratives

The conversation shifts to the narrative surrounding Donald Trump's alleged ties with Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Sean Stone critiques the media's portrayal and the lack of substantive evidence supporting these claims.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Stone [70:41]: "There is a desire for you to see get to the bottom of JFK. Like is there?"
• Sean Stone [73:57]: "I voted for him in 2020."

9. Israel’s Policies and Middle East Dynamics

Oliver and Sean discuss Israel's geopolitical strategies in the Middle East, focusing on Netanyahu's role and the broader implications for regional stability. They critique the unwavering US support for Israel and its consequences.

Notable Quotes:

• Oliver Stone [77:16]: "They confront me because I'm disgusted, disgusted with the Democrats, and they're a constant attack."
• Sean Stone [84:35]: "The loyalty that we find tends to be a Zionist approach."

10. Venezuela, Maduro, and US Foreign Policy

The Stones analyze Venezuela's political landscape under Maduro, condemning US interference and highlighting the complex relationship between Venezuela and international politics.

Notable Quotes:

• Oliver Stone [86:24]: "We've lied, cheated, put other people into. Call them President, we played every dirty trick on Venezuela we can."
• Sean Stone [99:15]: "Hamas is almost, it truly is Netanyahu's best weapon."

11. Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

The episode wraps up with mentions of upcoming projects, including Sean Stone's "President's Men," which airs on Tucker Carlson's network. They express mutual respect and anticipation for future collaborations.

Notable Quotes:

• Sean Stone [120:15]: "They can find other documentaries and projects and Hollywood DC is a documentary talking about."
• Oliver Stone [121:39]: "Maybe we'll come around."

Key Takeaways:

• Filmmaking Philosophy: Oliver emphasizes artistry over commercial success, advocating for authentic storytelling even amidst challenges.

• Political Influence: The Stones critically assess the role of political entities like AIPAC in shaping US foreign and domestic policies, suggesting a disproportionate influence on election outcomes.

• Historical and Geopolitical Analysis: They provide a deep dive into historical events such as the JFK assassination, US involvement in the Middle East, and the complexities surrounding figures like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

• Documentary Importance: Highlighting the significance of documentaries, Oliver discusses the urgent need to address issues like nuclear energy and climate change through informed media.

This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of intertwining themes of politics, history, and cinema, providing listeners with a nuanced perspective on contemporary and historical issues.