179: Stuart Halls Encoding/Decoding and Breaking Bad as Full House meets Spaghetti Western (Madeline Grace)

179: Stuart Halls Encoding/Decoding and Breaking Bad as Full House meets Spaghetti Western (Madeline Grace)

From The Dr. Junkie Show by Benjamin Boyce

March 25, 2026 · 45 min · Season 1 · Episode 179

About this episode

The episode discusses Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding theory in relation to Breaking Bad and various themes surrounding addiction and patriarchy.

On this episode I introduce Stuart Hall's theory of encoding/decoding in media, and Maddy and I talk about Breaking Bad, black tar versus "China White" heroin, geographical differences in drug use, the truth of addiction versus the spectacle, patriarchy and how Breaking Bad's Walt becomes the most toxic version of it possible, and lots more. Support the show

People in this episode

Host: Benjamin Boyce

Guest: Madeline Grace

Topics covered

  • media theory
  • addiction
  • drug use
  • patriarchy
  • Breaking Bad
  • cultural analysis

Keywords

  • Stuart Hall
  • encoding/decoding
  • Breaking Bad
  • addiction
  • patriarchy
  • drug use
  • media theory

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Stuart Hall

Books & works: Breaking Bad, Full House, Spaghetti Western

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