Ruth Kinna, a political theory professor, Christopher Phelps, an American studies expert, and Gary Gerstle, an American history professor, discuss the explosive Haymarket Affair of 1886 in Chicago. They explore the labor rights movement's tumultuous backdrop, focusing on the fight for an eight-hour workday and anarchism's role in the protests. The discussion reveals the tragic executions of key figures, the emergence of May Day, and the enduring legacy of the incident on labor activism and societal change.

Christopher Phelps, an Associate Professor of American history, and Robin Vandome, a Professor in American Studies, lead a discussion on the allure of Marxism in America. They explore the historical and contemporary intersection of Marxist thought with issues of gender, race, and activism. Mara Keire delves into the feminist sex wars of the 1980s, challenging narratives around sexual violence. Andrew Hartman connects Marx's influence to American liberalism, revealing how socialist ideas evolve throughout American history, even in times of resistance.

Guest Christopher Phelps, an American history professor, and Robin Vandome, a lecturer in cultural history, explore the allure of Marxism in a typically hostile U.S. context. They discuss how Marxist thought intersects with pressing social issues like gender and race. Mara Keire reveals insights from her chapter on the feminist sex wars of the 1980s, linking past tensions to modern debates. Andrew Hartman adds depth by analyzing Marx's influence on American liberalism from the New Deal to the Cold War. The conversation is rich with historical significance and contemporary relevance.