Everyday Anarchism

Ariel Hessayon returns to discuss The Diggers, the radical group whose farming community most closely resembles the ideas of anarchist communism as expressed by 19th century figures such as Kropotkin, Morris, and Tolstoi. Ariel and I discuss their origins, their theology, their 19th century recovery, and above all the brilliant writings of one of their leaders, Gerrard Winstanley.

Continuing my series on Graeber's Debt, this episode looks at chapter 3, which introduces the other big myth which Graeber says underpins our modern imaginary. Primordial Debt, I argue, is the left-wing counterpart to the myth of barter, and Graeber critiques it less harshly but just as fully.Join me later this month for a conversation with the anthropologist Bill Maurer about this chapter, the myth of primordial debt, and the anthropological nature of Graeber's claims.

Emerging from both civilian and military backgrounds, the Levellers were a radical group who advocated for expanded voting rights and freedom of conscience and speech. Rachel Foxley, author of The Levellers: Radical Political Thought in the English Revolution, explains the Levellers' views, their relationship to Oliver Cromwell, their revolutionary methods, and how their ideas resonate with later radicals.

For the second episode of Debt Discussions, Cory Doctorow returns to the show to talk about Chapter 2 of Debt, The Myth of Barter. Cory and I talk about the way that economics resembles science fiction, the original reception of Debt (especially on the blog Crooked Timber), and talk some more about the topic of UBI and a jobs guarantee.

Ariel Hessayon joins me to start a new series, Radicalism in the English Revolution. Before we get to all the delightful radical groups - like Diggers and Levellers - Ariel and I discuss the English revolution, whether it was a revolution, what revolution meant to them, and what it meant to be a radical at the time.Here's an introduction to the concept of radicalism, or anarchism, in the English Revolution: https://www.everydayanarchism.com/anarchism-in-the-english-revolution/This series will run concurrently with the Debt series, because I'm disorganized.For a fuller account of the entire revolution, I recommend Mike Duncan's podcast series on the topic: https://thehistoryofrome.typepad.com/revolutions_podcast/2013/09/001-the-kingdoms-of-charles-stuart.html

Continuing my series on Graeber's Debt, this episode looks at chapter 2, which is all about the silly stories that economists tell themselves to explain why economics is an objective science. Economics tells us that we can't imagine other worlds - but the field of economics is more imaginary than any fantasy novel

In just over two years, Everyday Anarchism hits 100 episodes!Kim Stanley Robinson returns to discuss The Pacific Edge, the third volume of his Three Californias triptych. We discuss how the beautiful ecosocialist utopia in The Pacific Edge keeps all of the mundanity, tedium, and tragedy of life, just without the horrors of neoliberal capitalism. Stan also explains why he's unsatisfied with the book - and how that led him to writing his Mars trilogy, which we'll discuss in depth in 2024!This series of episodes is dedicated to Dr. Robert Corbin: teacher, mentor, friend, and, above all, rebel with a cause.

Medieval historian Eleanor Janega joins me as the first guest in Graeber's Debt series. We discuss the big ideas in chapter 1, especially garden parties, moral confusion, American empire, and British debt. Eleanor also helped me understand how debt is the most important thing in Jane Austen's novels - and that's a bad thing.For more from Eleanor, you can check out her podcast debunking misconceptions about the middle ages, We're Not so Different, or her book The Once and Future Sex: Going Medieval on Women's Roles in Society.

Anarchist intellectual, Ruth Kinna, discusses the role of academics in anarchism and the influence of Noam Chomsky. They explore the misrepresentation of anarchism in academia and historical literature. The podcast also highlights the presence of anarchism in literature and art by influential figures. Additionally, they discuss the politics of trade unions, fear and prejudice surrounding anarchism, and the importance of taking responsibility for challenging oppressive systems.

Medieval history expert Eleanor Janega joins to discuss Graeber's analysis of debt. They explore the moral confusion of American empire post-9/11, the ethical dilemmas of debt and lending practices, and the negative stereotypes surrounding usurers and borrowers throughout history.