
Novara Media
Novara Media is an independent media organisation addressing the issues—from a crisis of capitalism to racism and climate change—that are set to define the 21st century.
Latest episodes

May 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
Novara FM: The New Party, Beyond London w/ Pamela Fitzpatrick, Jamie Driscoll and Shockat Adam
Jamie Driscoll, former mayor of North of Tyne, champions a new party, Majority. Pamela Fitzpatrick, director of Collective, advocates for a left-wing party focused on independent candidates. Shockat Adam, an independent MP, discusses collaboration with Jeremy Corbyn. The trio debates the necessity of new parties versus independent representation. They tackle class politics, the housing crisis, and the impact of neoliberalism on traditional parties. Their conversation delves into grassroots movements and radical reforms to address inequality and restore trust in politics.

May 26, 2025 • 1h 24min
Downstream: How to Be a Morally Effective Person w/ Rutger Bregman
Rutger Bregman, a historian and public intellectual famous for addressing tax fairness and advocating for universal basic income, engages with Aaron Bastani in a thought-provoking conversation. They dive into the limitations of current activism, revealing how major protests often fail to drive change. Bregman critiques the balance between individual actions and collective movements and discusses the evolving debate around Universal Basic Income. He challenges traditional views on philanthropy and urges for moral ambition in political engagement, emphasizing a clear path to impactful societal transformation.

May 22, 2025 • 1h 24min
Novara FM: What Communism Actually Is w/ Jasper Bernes
Jasper Bernes, a Communist writer and author of 'The Future of Revolution,' shares insights on the essence of communism and historical movements. He discusses the lessons from the Paris Commune, emphasizing creating new governing structures for the working class. Additionally, Bernes dives into the challenges of worker autonomy and the relationship between climate change and social justice within a revolutionary context. He critiques capitalism's influence on value and advocates for transparency while exploring how collective action can lead to true social change.

12 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 16min
Downstream: Big Tech Is Making Our Children Depressed and Anxious. Here’s How w/ Jonathan Haidt
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a prominent social psychologist and professor at NYU, dives into the mental health crisis facing Generation Z. He critiques big tech companies like Meta and TikTok for their roles in exacerbating anxiety and depression among youth. Haidt highlights the harmful effects of social media, particularly on young girls' self-esteem, and draws alarming parallels between tech's exploitative practices and tobacco companies. He also shares insights on how to restore childhood by advocating for reduced screen time and fostering outdoor play.

May 18, 2025 • 1h 50min
ACFM 51: Heroes
Dive into a quirky exploration of heroism in politics and culture! The hosts dissect the outdated notion of the Great Man and question the absence of inspiring figures in contemporary progressive movements. They tackle gender dynamics, shining a light on women's unrecognized contributions. In a surprising twist, they humorously link pet preferences to broader societal ideologies. Lastly, the podcast challenges the notion of individual heroics versus collective care, all while addressing the complex realities of today’s political landscape.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 32min
Novara FM: Are India and Pakistan Gambling with Nuclear War? w/ Mohamad Junaid
In this enlightening discussion, cultural anthropologist Mohamad Junaid sheds light on the complex and volatile relationship between India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir. He highlights the immediate aftermath of a recent terrorist attack and the ensuing military escalation. Junaid delves into the historical context of Kashmir’s autonomy revocation, the precarious dynamics of civilian and military leadership in Pakistan, and the role of nationalism in perpetuating conflicts. He also draws parallels between Kashmir's plight and broader geopolitical issues, emphasizing the urgent need for social justice.

May 12, 2025 • 1h 41min
Downstream: Why the Left Fails to Connect With People w/ Jimmy The Giant
Kieren Owen, known as Jimmy The Giant, is a commentator who transitioned from alt-right beliefs to the left. He discusses his journey out of the alt-right pipeline and critiques the left's failure to connect with people. The conversation touches on the evolution of UK rap and grime, using music to reflect societal issues. Jimmy delves into the importance of community, identity, and historical awareness, while also addressing contemporary gender dynamics and the challenges of engaging with diverse political narratives.

May 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
Novara Debates: Are Labour Doomed?
A lively debate unfolds about the Labour Party's shaky future in UK elections. With recent local election performances raising eyebrows, the discussion dives into their struggles to connect with voters amidst the rise of rival parties. Leadership challenges and narrative inconsistencies under Keir Starmer's direction are scrutinized. They explore the balance of charisma and assertiveness in political leadership. Amidst humorous banter, grassroots support is seen as vital for fostering diverse narratives that could reignite political enthusiasm.

May 9, 2025 • 1h 9min
Novara Debates: Can Reform Win A General Election?
A lively debate erupts over whether Reform UK can clinch a general election win. The speakers analyze the shifting political landscape, including the rise of reformist parties and figures like Nigel Farage. They explore demographic concerns and media impact, discussing how right-wing factions resonate with disenchanted voters. Key challenges in reformist politics, such as aging populations and local governance pressures, are examined. The conversation ultimately critiques modern masculinity and highlights the importance of effective political communication and inclusivity.

May 8, 2025 • 1h 29min
Novara FM: A New Era For The World’s Billion Catholics w/ Matthew Sitman
Matthew Sitman, host of Know Your Enemy and a Catholic socialist, dives into the complexities of the Catholic Church's evolution under Pope Francis. He discusses the challenges of reconciling personal identity as a gay convert within a traditionally conservative institution. The conversation highlights the transformative potential of the Church amidst its crises, the balancing act of faith and political ideologies, and the implications of recent scandals. Sitman also reflects on the Church's historical journey towards compassion and inclusivity.