Casement's Leftovers

We live in a world where everything feels political, from celebrity deaths to women's sport. And yet, we are more disenfranchised than ever, seemingly unable to change the world in any meaningful way. What's going on, and how does it make us feel? These are the questions asked by the hottest new book of cultural theory on the market: Hyperpolitics by Anton Jäger. We discuss the book and use it as a jumping off point to chat about wtf is going on in the world of politics, and what – if anything – we can do about it. Massive shout out to our pal Eric Fitzgerald for editing and mixing today's episode. The closing track is Call The Power by Shabaka. Support the show

From Dublin suburbs to south Asian archipelagos, there's a new editing sheriff in town and he's homosexual. This special episode of Casement's leftovers is brought to you by Glen who looks back on a summer of fun, frivolity and judgement. Helen and Glen shuck off the chains of Matthew and talk about why gays cant help but turn celebrities into their best invisible friend. The gang then jump in time to a Pride party where they talk to criminals, heart throbs, sickos and Christians about their ultimate Gay Icon. Bette Lynch? George Bush? Osama Bin Laden? The Sanderson Sisters? The second World Trade Tower? Don't forget to email your favorite Icon to [email protected]. The best answer will received signed Leftovers merch.Support the show

A few weeks out from the historic fuel protests which shook the country, we get together for a bitter debate – but surprisingly end up agreeing with one another. Have you been wondering: what were the fuel protests about? Where does Ireland go from here? And how should the "left" respond? We have all the 100% correct answers, so don't bother looking anywhere else! Support the show

As Trump and Hegseth continue their crusade on Iran and the Middle East, American liberals clutch their pearls and insist that THIS ISN"T US! Casements are here to explain — politely and respectfually – that this very much is you, Yankee. We take a quick look back at the history of American imperialism from the occupations of Cuba and the Philippines in 1898, through the atrocities of Vietnam, and up to the present day. What is the true nature of America? Is it blue jeans and sitting on the porch? Or is it mass murder and regime change on an unprecedented scale? We then cast our wandering eye onto recent American actions in Iran and Venezuela, and have a little debate on where we think the American Empire is heading. Is Trump the final desperate outburst of an empire on its last legs, or is American tyranny here to stay? Books we recommended in the episode which just so happen to be written by former guests:Vijay Prashad - Washington Bullets Vincent Bevins - The Jakarta MethodThe photo is of the mass funeral for the 165 schoolgirls and staff killed by a U.S. strike on a girl's school in Minab, Iran. The outro music is Washington Bullets by The Clash. Support the show

Back in the halcyon days of 2022 Helen hit you with their grand political economic theory: money makes you a nonce. It's safe to say the world hasn't been the same since. In the wake of the latest "tranche" of Epstein files, we revisit this grand unifying theory of power and abuse. Along the way we talk about so many of your faves including William "Bill" Gates Gates, Sarah "Fergie" Ferguson, Soon-Yi "Daughter-Wife" Previn, and Elon "Loser" Musk. How many ways can we reference the files to prove that we were right? There's only one way to find out! Support the show

We are joined by the excellent Nel Bonilla to discuss the current state of neoliberalism and the world in general. States and governments across the West increasingly appear to be gearing up for war, militarising their societies, and flooding public discourse with questions of defence and security. Where is all this leading, and does it mean the end of the old neoliberal order? Nel is a PhD candidate and a rising scholar of migration sociology, social geography, and conflict studies who looks to understand the links between human movements, urban dynamics, and the socio-political forces that shape our world. Her Substack is an excellent source for those looking to understand the dynamics currently shaping the world. Support the show

Recorded from deep in the hells of the bleakest January on record, Helen, Glen, and Matt ask: is it our fault we haven’t been recording any podcast episodes lately, or can we blame the world around us? In either case we're back now with a  deep dive on Davos and what it tells us about the state of (neo)liberalism today. Are the middle managers finally out of a job? We also talk about the more recent displays of naked power and imperialism from our Yank brothers across the pond in Minneapolis, Venezuela and beyond. Also, what does the reshaping of the global order mean for little old Ireland? We then grapple with just how difficult we’ve been finding it recently to fully engage with the crumbling world around us. Just how much news is enough news? How much awareness of the world’s horrors is enough awareness? Sound relatable? Come join us in the swamp. It’s warm, at least. Support the show

Happy Christmas one and all! Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift by listening to the latest episode of Casement's Leftovers, in which we discuss one of our favourite topics: gay identity. Have you ever wondered: if Glen is really from Tallaght, then why does he talk like THAT? Then wonder no more. We dive deep into the social construction of gayness and its interaction with class through discussion of two books, listed below. We finish up by asking: this Christmas, is it possible for us all to be happy?Warning: We get surprisingly sincere (for us) about spirituality, sexuality, class, Christmas, and happiness in this episode. This sincerity may shock, disturb, or maim. Books discussed:- Returning to Reims by Didier Eribon- How To Be Gay by David M. Halpernin Support the show

Due to holidays and other commitments, you get your pod a week EARLY this month! Lucky you! There was so much political news to catch up on that we said "actually, fuck that" and did a movie pod instead. It's interesting though: 'Eddington' and 'One Battle After Another', two big "political" thrillers grappling in different ways with the modern world, have come out this year to much fanfare and controversy. We discuss both and ask: what makes a film Marxist? Does it matter? There are light spoilers for both films in here, so here's a timestamp guide if you wanna avoid:00:00 - supermarkets, the presidential election, Olly Murs.24:08 - One Battle After Another35:42: Eddington53:53 onwards: we discuss the big twist at the heart of Eddington Support the show

That's right folks. Leo Varadkar — neoliberal prince of darkness, lover of packed lunches, and all-round messy bitch — has written a memoir. Helen and Matt read it so you (and Glen) don't have to. And you really, really don't have to. Listen in for all the goss on Leo's very normal childhood, the tough decisions he had to make in office, and his unabashed hatred and suspicion of all poor people! Truly a relatable masterpiece written by a regular, down to earth fellow. Not a damning indictment of the soul-sucking neoliberal mind virus at all! Support the show