Upstream

In this discussion, Jason Hickel, a professor and author focused on global inequality and degrowth, challenges the myth that poverty is necessary for sustainability. He presents compelling research revealing that only 30% of current global production is needed to meet everyone's basic needs. Jason advocates for a transition from capitalism to eco-socialism, emphasizing human well-being and democratic planning. They also explore the transformative potential of reimagining economic systems to prioritize community, equity, and ecological health.

In this teaser, Carlee, who appears in Nathan Fielder's latest work, dives into the intricacies of 'The Curse.' They discuss how the show blurs the lines between reality and fiction, revealing uncomfortable truths about modern media and capitalism. Carlee shares insights on the series' unique characters and the moral dilemmas they face, highlighting themes of identity and power dynamics. They also contemplate the emotional balance between humor and discomfort, demonstrating how Fielder masterfully encapsulates these contradictions.

In this engaging conversation, Scott Sehon, a philosophy professor at Bowdoin College and author of 'Socialism: A Logical Introduction', dives into the logical foundations of socialism. He critiques capitalism while discussing the philosophical paths that shaped his beliefs. The dialogue includes a fascinating analysis of moral arguments for socialism, the importance of rights in society, and the tension between reform and revolution. Sehon emphasizes the necessity of reasoned discourse and presents compelling cases for universal healthcare and equitable resource distribution.

Johann Hari, an acclaimed author and journalist, takes a deep dive into the weight loss industry and its ties to capitalism. He explores the rise of popular drugs like Ozempic, questioning their true effectiveness and the societal pressures surrounding body image. Hari discusses the unregulated food industry's impact on health and the complexity of obesity as it intersects with personal narratives. The conversation also touches on body positivity and the need for compassionate dialogue about health, challenging conventional solutions to our food and weight crises.

Explore the concept of liberalism as a 'virus' that has spread across centuries, reshaping societies and identities. Delve into the historical crises that showcase liberalism's legacy, highlighting its role in contemporary political landscapes. The podcast critiques the tension between capitalism and democracy, emphasizing how current institutions often prioritize capital over democratic values. It also tackles the dangers of unchecked capitalism and monopolies, referencing Lenin's insights to challenge libertarian deregulation arguments.

D. Musa Springer, a Pan-African Marxist scholar, and Charisse Burden-Stelly, an expert on underdevelopment, dive deep into Walter Rodney's powerful legacy. They discuss how Rodney's theories on global capitalism and education remain relevant today. His critiques of colonialism and imperialism are explored, showcasing their impact on current struggles for liberation. The conversation highlights the need for integrating African perspectives within Marxist theory to address ongoing socio-economic inequalities.

Discover the link between sex scenes in cinema and capitalism's grip, how neoliberalism blends consumption with activism, and the scarcity of intimate moments on screen. Unpack the effects of market-driven media, capitalist realism's hold on society, and the subversion of desire in a thought-provoking exploration.

In this engaging discussion, Malaika Jabali, an advocate for socialism and class consciousness, dives into the intricacies of capitalism and its emotional toll. She presents her book, using relationship metaphors to illustrate the need for better economic practices. Exploring her roots in Atlanta, she highlights the influence of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement on her understanding of class. Jabali encourages listeners to rethink capitalism, advocating for socialism as a pathway to equity and societal change while promoting community engagement and collective action.

Listen to the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast As a Patreon subscriber you will get access to at least one bonus episode a month (usually two or three), our entire back catalog of Patreon episodes, early access to certain episodes, and other benefits like stickers and bumper stickers—depending on which tier you subscribe to. You’ll also be helping to keep Upstream sustainable and allowing us to keep this project going. Find out more at Patreon.com/upstreampodcast or at upstreampodcast.org/support. Thank you. Weight loss has become a fully fledged industry in the United States—another classic trick by the capitalist class: manufacture a problem to make profits, and then sell a half-solution back to the population to purportedly address that problem. Are you experiencing health issues from the poisonous food manufacturing industry in the United States? No problem, we got you. Here’s a drug.  You might have heard of a drug called Ozempic—if not, don’t worry, we’ll bring you up to speed soon, but for now, all you need to know is that it’s a brand new weight loss drug that swept its way through Hollywood a couple of years ago and has now found its way into the bathroom mirrors of people around the world. Some predictions actually suggest that in a few years, a quarter of the U.S. population will be taking these drugs. In fact, it’s become so widespread that there’s been a decline in the stock value of companies like Krispy Kreme, the doughnut brand, which analysts have directly attributed to the growing popularity of drugs like Ozempic.  But what problem are these miracle weight loss drugs really trying to solve? If they are meant to increase our health and well-being, how do they actually impact health indicators? And what if the ultimate solution to the problem of increasing stress under capitalism and a poisonous food industry is more complicated than injecting yourself with appetite suppressing hormones?  These are the same questions that led today’s guest on a journey from Iceland to Minneapolis to Tokyo to find some answers about the impacts of industrial food manufacturing and “miracle” drugs. The answers aren’t black and white, and they take us through a deep and widely varying conversation that spans from body positivity movements, to weight loss drugs, fast food, anorexia, body dysmorphia, health and healing, and much more.  Johann Hari is the author of the books Lost Connections: Why You’re Depressed and How to Find Hope, Stolen Focus: Why you Can’t Pay Attention, and, most recently, Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs. In this episode Johann tells us about his experience experimenting with Ozempic, the benefits and drawbacks of the drug, what it taught him about shame, willpower, and healing, and whether these magic little pills are a pathway towards liberation from diabetes, cancer, and an early death, or if they’re just another symptom of and false solution to a system that poisons us for a profit. Further resources: Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs, by Johann Hari Related episodes: Upstream: Stolen Focus with Johann Hari Upstream: The Political Economy of Food with Eric Holt-Gimenez Upstream is a labor of love — we couldn't keep this project going without the generosity of our listeners and fans. Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/upstreampodcast or please consider chipping in a one-time or recurring donation at www.upstreampodcast.org/support If your organization wants to sponsor one of our upcoming documentaries, we have a number of sponsorship packages available. Find out more at  upstreampodcast.org/sponsorship For more from Upstream, visit www.upstreampodcast.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. You can also subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Dr. Cornel West, a political activist and philosopher, discusses his presidential run with the Justice for All Party. Topics include electoralism, love, art in movements, and the challenges of US imperialism. The conversation explores fighting injustices with radical optimism, integrity, and anti-imperialism.