Badlands Story Hour Ep. 161 - The Men Who Stare at Goats

Chris Paul and Burning Bright dive into The Men Who Stare at Goats, unpacking a film that blends humor with surprisingly serious subject matter rooted in real-world military experimentation and psychological operations. The discussion explores the contrast between the movie’s comedic tone and the deeper implications found in the source material, including themes of perception, manipulation, and unconventional warfare. They examine how ideas like psyops and behavioral influence can be just as powerful as physical force, reflecting on how information itself can shape reality and compliance. Along the way, they touch on the cultural impact of the film’s cast and characters, the role of investigative journalism behind the story, and how narratives evolve over time as audience awareness changes.