The conservative, neoliberal counterrevolution in the face of expanding democracy in America: It started long before Donald Trump. Even before Ronald Reagan and his like-minded counterpart across the Atlantic, Margaret Thatcher.   By host and producer John Biewen, with series collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika. Interviews with Nancy MacLean, Wendy Brown, and Rhon Manigault-Bryant.   The series editor is Loretta Williams. Music by Algiers, John Erik Kaada, Eric Neveux, and Lucas Biewen. Music consulting and production help from Joe Augustine of Narrative Music.   

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University historian, and Wendy Brown from Princeton, delve into the intricacies of the MAGA movement. They explore the tensions between economic nationalism and libertarianism within Trump’s cabinet, and discuss Project 2025’s focus on executive power. The duo analyzes the rise of cryptocurrency and its appeal to younger voters, alongside the cultural impacts of professional wrestling on American politics. They critically examine the evolution of Christian nationalism and its implications for democracy and social issues.

Professor Wendy Brown, a prominent political theorist at UC Berkeley and author of In the Ruins of Neoliberalism, delves into the persistent grip of neoliberalism on politics and economics. She critiques how market-driven ideologies undermine democratic values and climate action. Wendy explores the complex relationship between corporate sustainability and profit motives, urging a rethink of economic models for genuine ecological progress. The conversation highlights the need for renewed democratic engagement and collaboration to tackle the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future.

An abandoned child, a missing plane, a new ally. Suspicious of the official versions of events, Kaitlin Le begins her own investigation into the disappearance of Atlantic Flight 702 — and with it, her twin brother. Visit passengerlist.org to see a script and full list of credits for “Traffic,” and join the investigation. Sponsorship for this episode comes from Squarespace, The RealReal and Care/of. Passenger List was created, co-written and co-directed by John Scott Dryden; co-written and co-directed by Lauren Shippen; and edited and sound designed by Mark Henry Phillips, who also composed the music for the show. “Traffic” was written by John Scott Dryden. Passenger List is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. KAITLIN LE – Kelly Marie Tran GREG FORD – Ian McQuown ANA DRAGOV – Dolya Gavanski MAI LE – Elyse Dinh VALARIE VENNIX – Wendy Brown DYLAN – Colin Morgan

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University history professor, focuses on neoliberalism and far-right politics, while Wendy Brown, a social science expert from Princeton, critiques anti-democratic trends. They delve into Trump’s complex political resurgence, exploring the contradictions within the MAGA movement, from economic policies to the rise of Christian nationalism. The conversation also touches on Project 2025, shifting youth dynamics, and the role of capitalist structures in modern governance and culture, highlighting the interplay between politics, media, and combat sports.