Jay Leal Blog
All Articles
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All Articles 〰️
How we learned to believe the US military
From Hollywood blockbusters to video games, research shows how Pentagon partnerships shape the stories we watch—and the narratives we internalize about war.
Ecocide Is the Word We’re Avoiding
What do we call the deliberate destruction of land, water, and infrastructure during war? The term “ecocide” has circulated for decades in legal debates, but it is not yet codified as an international crime. As environmental data from Gaza mounts, the question is no longer abstract. It is structural.
We Are Not Insane
A reflection on propaganda, militarism, and the political vacuum shaping modern discours, sparked by Abby Martin’s documentary Earth’s Greatest Enemy.
Adolescence Episode 1 Review
the mechanics of incarceration and one-shot masterpiece on display in episode 1 of adolescence. I review it here
HotD: The Heirs of the Dragon Review
King Viserys was the reason the house of the dragon eventually falls, and it starts with the loss of Queen Aemma.
Forever chemicals in your water: What can actually fix it?
We already have the knowledge and tools to address PFAS contamination. What’s missing is urgency and accountability.
Exhibiting Forgiveness, Biology of Father and Son
At its heart, Exhibiting Forgiveness is about how abuse, especially from parents, can imprint on children. It’s about the quiet, internal labor of unpacking that abuse, and deciding which parts to carry forward and which to finally set down.
Small Things Like These and the Hero Empath
Let’s start here: Small Things Like These might not be my favorite movie of 2024 anymore—The Brutalist and Anora edged it out after some recent rewatches—but it still holds a special place.
Rethinking the $968 Billion the U.S. Spent on War in 2024
In 2024, the United States allocated a staggering $886 billion to defense. That’s more than China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea combined—with China, the next highest spender, trailing by over $300 billion.
The 2024 Show and Movie Surveys are In
Turns out, ranking shows and movies is both an art and a science—plus a great excuse to argue with my friends and family!
Returning to Past Lives
So many threads woven together. Leaving native land, spiritual kinship, love. It’s one of my favorite movies and was my favorite of 2023.
The Sound of Metal Review, You Hurt Yourself You Hurt Me
This movie is a must watch. It’s about shedding yourself of old ways to survive through desperate times.
Cool Companies I Discovered at the Coronado Island Film Festival
From sustainable seafood initiatives to groundbreaking conservation efforts, these companies showcased at the Coronado Island Film Festival are redefining innovation and community impact.
Interview with Adam Jones, the Director of Fish and Men
Director Adam Jones shares insights on Fish and Men, his documentary about local fishing communities, consumer demand, and sustainable practices. Watch our full interview for a behind-the-scenes look.
Interview with Lisa Landers, the Director of GIANTS RISING
Award-winning filmmaker Lisa Landers brings the redwoods to life in Giants Rising, capturing their towering presence and the deep bond they share with California’s Yurok people.
Thoughts During a Game of Thrones Rewatch
Analyzing reactions to fictional violence, like the events in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, in comparison with reactions to real-world suffering.
The Corporate Moral Dilemma
Companies face an interesting challenge: balancing the pursuit of profit with their ethical responsibility to consumers and society. This dilemma has opened a space for government support and innovative leadership to ensure businesses can thrive while maintaining ethical standards.
What do we call the deliberate destruction of land, water, and infrastructure during war? The term “ecocide” has circulated for decades in legal debates, but it is not yet codified as an international crime. As environmental data from Gaza mounts, the question is no longer abstract. It is structural.