Featuring guests Alex Han, Astra Taylor, and Rachel Gilmer, this live Dig interview at a Socialism Conference discusses organizing and socialist strategy. They explore topics such as building a movement of movements, the importance of cadre organization, political education, navigating challenges, and organizing in relation to debt.

Renowned filmmaker and intellectual Astra Taylor explores how capitalism shapes our lives through manufactured insecurity in this thought-provoking podcast. From the mythological origins of existential insecurity to the impact of capitalism on modern society, Taylor delves into the complexities of wealth, power dynamics, and the potential for collective transformation.

Paris Marx is joined by Astra Taylor to discuss how capitalism creates insecurity to sustain itself, the way tech is used to make us more insecure, and what it will take to change that.Astra Taylor is a writer, filmmaker, and political organizer. She’s the author of The Age of Insecurity and co-founder of the Debt Collective. Her next book Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea, written with Leah Hunt-Hendrix, comes out in March. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.  The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.  Also mentioned in this episode:Astra wrote about the Insecurity Machine for Logic Magazine and the Dads of Tech for The Baffler.Find excerpts from The Age of Insecurity in The New York Times and The Walrus.Become a supporter on Patreon to join our giveaway.Support the show

Astra Taylor, author of 'The Age of Insecurity' and co-founder of the Debt Collective, dives into the pressing need to defend democracy against rising authoritarianism. She reflects on our emotional connection to insecurity and how it shapes activism and engagement. The conversation critiques capitalism's role in fostering societal insecurities and advocates for community over consumerism. Taylor emphasizes grassroots organizing as essential in reclaiming political power and unity, linking various societal issues while fostering hope for a better democratic future.

Canadian-American filmmaker Astra Taylor delves into the concept of curiosity in a capitalist society, highlighting the radical educational experiment at Car Cross and exploring solidarity in the age of insecurity. She reflects on countercultural upbringing, navigating insecurity, and the shift in perception of consumption from vice to virtue. Taylor discusses the interplay between insecurity and curiosity in education and consumerism, advocating for a public education system that nurtures genuine curiosity and learning.

Leah Hunt-Hendrix and Astra Taylor discuss solidarity as a key concept in addressing economic inequality, climate change, and democracy. They emphasize collective action, social movements, and the role of education and the arts in fostering community.

Astra Taylor, a multifaceted intellectual, discusses manufactured insecurity in society, advocating for broader rights beyond wealth. The podcast explores historical commoners' rights, radicalization, welfare state advocacy, and legal cases on housing rights. It also reflects on the concept of commons, material security, and the common good, urging for a more secure and equitable society.

Astra Taylor, author and activist, discusses economic insecurity and building solidarity. They explore the myth of insecurity fostering innovation and how guaranteed assets enable civic participation. They delve into the history of social security, the impact of insecurity on civic engagement, the fight for debt elimination, and the decline of strikes. They reflect on progress and mention the importance of pushing boundaries.

Astra Taylor, a multifaceted individual, discusses the manufactured insecurity in society, urging solidarity with all species. She explores the erosion of human security, future scenarios amidst climate crisis, Anishinaabe principles, legal rights to nature, crucial role of beavers in conservation, conservation ethics instilled by her grandmother, and the interconnectedness of life for future solutions.

Astra Taylor, a Massey Lecturer, delves into how prosperity exists alongside profound insecurity. She examines how increased material security historically fosters open-mindedness, while rising insecurity divides communities. Taylor discusses the impact of unschooling and nurturing curiosity in children, as well as the social consequences of manufactured insecurities from past movements. She critiques consumer culture's role in breeding inadequacy and contrasts modern challenges with Indigenous values, ultimately advocating for policies that enhance curiosity and societal well-being.