Upstream

Join Nathalie Nahai, a behavior science expert exploring psychology in the digital age, and Manda Scott, a novelist and shamanic practitioner, as they reflect on a transformative year. They delve into the challenges and joys of AI, the importance of storytelling for cultural regeneration, and their hopes for a brighter future. Manda shares insights on inner work and systemic change, while Nathalie discusses fostering community connection through rituals. Together, they ponder how to choose kindness over bitterness in these uncertain times.

The conversation delves into the challenges of living with long COVID and mold sensitivity, detailing the struggle of frequent relocations to avoid health hazards. The discussion highlights the tensions between profit-driven housing construction and tenant health. Gary Snyder's essay on bioregionalism is introduced, emphasizing the significance of 'place' and emotional connections to landscapes. Reflections on childhood, local vernacular, and the loss of natural spaces to urban development add depth to this poignant exploration of connection to the land.

Jeff Schuhrke, a labor historian and activist, takes listeners on a riveting journey through the complex relationship between US labor and global anti-communism. He reveals how major labor organizations, like the AFL-CIO, transformed into tools of US foreign policy, participating in coup efforts across Latin America and beyond. Schuhrke explains the deradicalization of labor movements during the Cold War and discusses the consequences of this shift for workers globally, advocating for a return to anti-imperialist internationalism.

In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Weatherbee Brito, a popular educator and coordinator for the International People's Assembly, sheds light on the political landscape of Mexico. She unpacks the rise of Morena and the concept of the Fourth Transformation, connecting it to Mexico's historical shifts. Stephanie discusses the impact of neoliberalism on earlier revolutionary gains and the fragmentation of the left. She also contrasts Morena's reformist agenda with the Zapatistas' autonomy project, highlighting the complex dynamics of contemporary Mexican politics.

Andrew Fanning, Research & Data Analysis Lead at Doughnut Economics Action Lab, dives into the transformative concept of Doughnut Economics. He vividly explains its evolution from Donut 1.0 to 3.0 and highlights alarming ecological overshoot trends threatening our planet. Fanning discusses the stark inequalities between country groups and the implications of continuing with GDP as a success metric. He advocates for a systems change towards a post-growth future, emphasizing the significance of localizing targets and using insightful indicators for actionable progress.

Cecilia Guerrero, chair and founding member of A Luta Sigue, offers a captivating exploration of Mexico’s rich history. Born into a family of Mexican steelworkers, she discusses pre-colonial civilizations like the Olmec and Maya, highlighting their innovations in writing and urban planning. Cecilia delves into the devastating impacts of the Spanish conquest, the chaotic transition to independence, and the emergence of revolutionary movements, weaving together stories of resilience and cultural legacy.

Tara Raghuveer, a tenant organizer from Kansas City, and Josh Poe, organizing director of the Kentucky Tenants Union, dive into the world of tenant organizing. They discuss the fight against corporate landlords and the root causes of the housing crisis, exposing how rising rents are often a manufactured issue. The pair share insights on building tenant unions, the challenges in Southern states, and the significance of political education in empowering tenants. They envision a future of universal housing and collective ownership that prioritizes people over profits.

Join John Smith, an author and researcher specializing in imperialism and globalization, as he explores the dynamics of modern imperialism. He reveals how capitalism evolved, incorporating imperialism through market mechanisms rather than military force. John shares personal stories of radicalization and the impact of witnessing revolution in Nicaragua. He tackles pressing issues like global inequality and the super-exploitation of workers in the Global South, advocating for a rejuvenated Marxist-Leninist analysis of today's capitalist structures.

Yueran Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, explores the complex legacy of Mao Zedong and Maoism. He delves into Mao's formative years and the rise of the Chinese Revolution. The discussion highlights Maoism's unique tenant of peasant-centered revolution and its implications for modern socialist movements. Zhang critiques China's current political economy, arguing that it leans towards capitalism while challenging traditional narratives around Deng Xiaoping and Mao's policies. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing in striving for true socialism.

In this discussion, Saheli Chowdhury, co-editor of Orinoco Tribune, and Jesus Rodriguez-Espinoza, founding editor and expert in Venezuelan politics, dive into the complexities of U.S. aggression towards Venezuela. They reveal alarming recent military buildups and their potential implications. The duo also traces the history of U.S. interventions and discusses Venezuelan responses, including the growth of community-led defense efforts. Their insights into the far-right's alignment with U.S. interests add another layer to this deeply engaging conversation.