Leigh Claire La Berge

Leigh Claire LaBerge, a CUNY professor and author of 'Fake Work,' shares her insights on the absurdities of corporate culture and her nostalgic reflections on the late '90s. She talks about the need for humor in leftist discourse, the pressures young workers face today, and the challenges of navigating New York's shifting political landscape. LaBerge also critiques the blind optimism in technological advancements, drawing parallels to the Y2K panic, and emphasizes the importance of relatable critiques in making progressive ideas more accessible.

Leigh Claire La Berge, a Professor of English at CUNY and author of Fake Work, shares her insights from her time at a major communications conglomerate during the Y2K crisis. She explores the absurdity of corporate culture and disillusionment with capitalism. Leigh dissects the socio-cultural dynamics of the late 1990s, the impact of the dot-com boom, and the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace. With a humorous take on Marxism, she calls for a deeper understanding of worker experiences and the cycles of economic belief and disillusionment.

Sohrab Ahmari, US editor of UnHerd and author of *Tyranny, Inc.*, dives into the complexities of the Iran-Israel conflict, dissecting U.S. foreign policy's unpredictable nature and the resilience of Iran amidst external pressures. Leigh Claire La Berge, Professor and author of *Fake Work*, humorously reflects on her journey through the dot-com boom and exposes the darker sides of corporate life, critique of capitalism, and the absurdities of Y2K. Together, they navigate the intricate intersections of politics and economics.

Yanis Varoufakis, a Greek economist and politician, joins Leigh Claire La Berge, an author and CUNY professor, to explore crucial themes of technofeudalism and speculation. They discuss how political economy intersects with aesthetics and the importance of solidarity in addressing societal insecurities. The conversation dives into the Panic of 1873 as a historical model, critiques Silicon Valley's speculative nature, and reflects on the role of vulnerability in collective action. Expect sharp insights on the complexities of capitalism!

Leigh Claire La Berge, author of Marx for Cats: A Radical Bestiary, discusses how cats have been central to Marxist economic critique throughout history, exploring their symbolism, presence in cultural productions, and role in inspiring a new political imagination.