Novara Media

Blindboy, Irish broadcaster and author, talks about Eminem's '90s style, the situation in Palestine, and why cats are magical. The podcast discusses M&M's struggles with mental health and addiction, the relationship between humans and animals, trauma and colonialism, the negative impact of the news cycle on social media, and the mystery and manipulations of cats.

Alberto Toscano, a philosopher teaching at Simon Fraser University, discusses the colonial roots of fascism and its uncomfortable connections to liberalism. Topics include racial fascism, conspiracy theories, climate denialism, and the far-right in Israel. The podcast explores nuanced understandings of fascism, debunks misconceptions, and explores historical progress and the rise of fascist regimes worldwide. It also delves into the integration of nature politics and climate change denial in contemporary far-right movements, and analyzes the response to the ethnic cleansing of Gaza in the context of fascism and climate politics.

Rashid Khalidi, a foremost historian of the Middle East, guides through the history of the Zionist project, including the impact of the Oslo Accords, the emergence of Zionism, the violence and displacement in Palestine, and the changing nature of Palestinian resistance. He also discusses the ongoing violence and oppression faced by Palestinians and emphasizes the opposition of Arab governments to complicity in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

Canadian historian Quinn Slobodian discusses the history and appeal of new cities being built around the world, exploring topics such as special economic zones, Dubai's innovations, and the ambitions of Saudi Arabia's proposed city of Niam.

Zarah Sultana, one of the youngest MPs, talks about her experiences as a Muslim woman in the Labour Party, interactions with Starmer's office, Islamophobia she faces, and why Labour colleagues voted against a ceasefire in Gaza. They also discuss the disjuncture between public statements and voting behavior, facing racism and Islamophobia in the party, and the need to address these issues within the party to go into government.

Writer and critic Nathalie Olah discusses the politics of taste and its impact on self-image and belonging. Topics include minimalism, posh people's indifference to style, the evolving meaning of the hoodie, and our right to enjoy supermarket pizza.

Brett Scott, former banker, discusses the dangers of a cashless society. Topics include: consequences of a cashless society, layers of money, methods of money issuance, power of banks, impact of automation on finance industry, power of marketing, debate between cash and cashless systems, and the rhetoric and reality of crypto.

Media journalist and professor Jeff Jarvis discusses the impact of the internet on print culture, drawing parallels between the early print era and the '90s dotcom bubble. He explores the capitalist nature of printing, the failure of journalism to inform society, and the potential consequences of civil war in the age of digital media.

Famous Marxist philosopher Slavoj Žižek discusses his pessimistic view of the future, the Arab Spring, the Russia-Ukraine stalemate, cancel culture, dangers of anti-Western coalition, China's transition to fascism, global power shift, consequences of international intervention, and fake Western admiration.

The podcast explores the ebb and flow of political currents and social movements, discussing topics such as the difference between stillness and being stuck, feminism in waves, and approaching tipping points. They draw examples from punk, Corbyn, and Daoism. The podcast also dives into the defeat of the left by neoliberal centrism, the left-wing shift in UK political opinion, and the trajectory and efficacy of social movements. Additionally, they discuss the limitations of resources during the era of carbonism and the importance of embracing change. The podcast explores shock absorbers, capitalism's influence, and the role of contemplative practices in navigating political change.