The LRB Podcast

Daniel Trilling, author and expert on far-right politics, delves into the resurgence of right-wing nationalism and its potential ties to fascism. He and TJ unpack the historical evolution of far-right movements, dissect complex definitions of fascism, and explore the emotional undercurrents—like resentment and fear—driving this ideology. They also discuss how climate crisis anxieties are being manipulated by far-right thinkers and the consequences for national identity, wrapping up with insights into Poland's women's rights movement in the face of such threats.

Dive into the intriguing world of Nietzsche's 'Schopenhauer as Educator', where discussions unravel the philosopher's challenging perspective on traditional learning. Explore the tension between individual creativity and societal norms through Nietzsche's critique of modern education. Discover how ambition and cultural legacy intertwine in his thought, and grapple with his provocative ideas on morality and the impact of secularism. The conversation also tackles the 'death of God' concept and its profound implications for contemporary values.

Colm Tóibín, an acclaimed Irish novelist and critic, discusses the evolving papacy and the paradox of necessary change within the Church. He reflects on Pope Francis's leadership, revealing how a smile masked his iron-fist governance. Tóibín also examines the church's interactions with politics, particularly during the Trump era, and the implications of papal reforms on communities, including the complexities of beliefs surrounding issues like gay blessings. His insights paint a vivid picture of a transformative period in Catholicism.

Sheila Fitzpatrick, a renowned historian of the Soviet Union and author of influential works like 'Everyday Stalinism,' shares her fascinating insights. She discusses her groundbreaking experiences in Soviet archives during the 1960s, challenging the traditional views of Soviet governance. Topics include the complexities of Soviet education policy, the immediate aftermath of Stalin's death, and the struggles scholars face in discussing Soviet history amidst ideological tensions. Fitzpatrick's personal anecdotes enrich the conversation, shedding light on displacement and resilience.

Join Robert Cioffi, a Bard College professor and expert in ancient Egyptian papyri, as he delves into the fascinating world of pyramid construction. Discover the recent findings of ancient texts that detail the lives of laborers, their surprising compensation, and the logistics behind the Great Pyramid of Giza. Robert shares a gripping tale of raising a fallen column and discusses ethical challenges in archaeology. With insights into ancient technologies and labor dynamics, this conversation sheds light on the monumental achievements of Egypt’s past.

The Soviet Women’s Anti-Fascist Committee was set up in 1941 to foster connections with Allied countries and encourage British and US women to ‘invest personally’ in the war effort. Two years later, the National Council of American-Soviet Friendship in New York started its own letter-writing programme. The correspondence between a few hundred pairs of women in the US and the Soviet Union – sharing the details of their everyday lives, discovering what they had in common as well as their differences – carried on until the mid-1950s, even as hostilities between their governments escalated. In this episode, Miriam Dobson joins Tom to talk about her recent review of Dear Unknown Friend by Alexis Peri, which documents this ‘remarkable correspondence’. Drawing on her own research, Dobson also discusses other exchanges between ordinary people on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, and how the letter-writing changed the women's ideas about their own lives.Find further reading on the episode page: https://lrb.me/penpalspodLRB AudioDiscover audiobooks, Close Readings and more from the LRB: https://lrb.me/audiolrbpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Burrow, a literary scholar, and Rosemary Hill, an expert in history and literature, discuss Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' and its sharp critique of Regency England. They explore Thackeray's personal struggles that shaped his narrative style. The podcast delves into the significance of clothing, class dynamics, and how characters like Becky Sharp navigate a turbulent society. The influence of the Battle of Waterloo is examined, shedding light on the changing social landscape and Thackeray's keen observations of moral complexities and ambition.

In this discussion, Erin Maglaque, a history teacher and author working on a history of the female body, dives into the intriguing evolution of pregnancy testing. From women consulting astrologers in the 16th century to the bizarre practice of using frogs in the mid-20th century, she highlights how societal attitudes have shifted. Explorations into early understandings of conception reveal the complexities of women's autonomy and historical misconceptions, along with modern implications of fertility tracking in today’s digital age.

Judith Butler, a distinguished philosopher from UC Berkeley known for her work on gender, and Aziz Rana, a law professor at Boston College and author focused on constitutional issues, delve into the impactful implications of Donald Trump's executive orders. They analyze Executive Order 14168, its consequences for trans rights, and how it aligns with broader authoritarian trends. The conversation covers the fragility of democratic principles, the role of protests, and the urgent need for innovative political strategies to defend marginalized communities and inclusive rights.

Tessa Hadley, a celebrated author and regular contributor to the London Review of Books, delves into the literary world of Mavis Gallant. They discuss Gallant's profound short stories and what sets them apart from her novels. Hadley highlights how Gallant's unique insights into society, particularly through female characters, reveal rich human experiences. The conversation also touches on the intriguing blend of personal and broader wartime themes in Gallant's work, showcasing her status as a ‘writer's writer’ and the impact of her self-doubt on her craft.