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Upstream

Latest episodes

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Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 8min

Palestine Pt. 3: Settler-Colonialism and Medical Apartheid with Rupa Marya & Jess Ghannam

Guests Rupa Marya and Jess Ghannam discuss the complicity of healthcare institutions in the devastation of Palestine, including the silence of Western health institutions and the power structures perpetuating settler colonialism and white supremacy. They analyze the unethical targeting of healthcare workers and the controversial article in JAMA that tries to create moral ambiguity around bombing hospitals. The speakers also emphasize the rise of right-wing ideology and the importance of solidarity with Palestine. They highlight the concept of decolonizing medicine, the need for self-care, and learning from elders.
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Nov 23, 2023 • 55min

Palestine Pt. 2: Justice for Some with Noura Erakat

Noura Erakat discusses the history and context of Israeli occupation, Palestinian resistance, and the disingenuous peace process. They explore the bias against Palestinians, the failure of the two-state solution, and the asymmetry of power. The podcast also covers the lead up to the Oslo Accords, Palestinian organizing against the British mandate, and upcoming episodes and book recommendations.
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Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 4min

Black Scare / Red Scare with Charisse Burden-Stelly

Charisse Burden-Stelly discusses the history and pervasive nature of the Red Scare and Black Scare in the U.S., exploring their impact on policies, collective consciousness, and social movements. The podcast highlights examples of anti-black and anti-communist governance, challenges faced by black radicals, and the dangerous nature of combining race and class consciousness. It also examines the presence of these scares in modern times and the importance of joining organized movements for effective engagement in the class war.
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Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 28min

A Marxist Perspective on Elections with August Nimtz

August Nimtz, a Marxist perspective on elections, discusses the role of electoralism for the revolutionary left and its relation to the working class. The podcast explores the history of the Russian Revolution and how Marx, Engels, and Lenin approached electoralism. The Democratic Party's connection to the working class and the importance of organizing solidarity for strikes are also discussed.
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Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 6min

How We Show Up with Mia Birdsong

In this episode, Mia Birdsong, author of 'How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship, and Community', discusses the importance of building healthy communities and reevaluating societal values. They explore the impact of capitalism on our ability to connect and support one another, the meaning of showing up for someone, setting boundaries without bosses or policing, and cultivating a collective vitality for a liberated future.
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Oct 20, 2023 • 60min

Palestine Pt. 1: A Socialist Introduction with Sumaya Awad

Sumaya Awad, a knowledgeable guest on the history of Palestine, discusses the origins of Zionism, Israel's suppression of Palestinian history and culture, and the importance of advocating for a ceasefire and ending funding for the apartheid state. She also talks about her work in advocating for Palestine in the US and her contribution to a book exploring a socialist perspective on Palestine.
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Oct 17, 2023 • 1h 55min

What Is To Be Done? with Breht O'Shea and Alyson Escalante

Learn about the importance of organizing and forming a Vanguard Party. Explore revolutionary theory and practice, critiquing economism and the Leninist perspective. Dive into the debate between Marx and anarchists on revolutionary strategies. Discover the limited reach of reforms and the questioning of the welfare state. Explore the importance of political independence and conscious action. Understand the role of a vanguard party and the need for political organization. Explore the challenges of building a vanguard party and the significance of political education.
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Oct 9, 2023 • 40min

How to Decolonize and Indigenize with Sikowis Nobiss

In this episode, Sikowis Nobiss, a Plains Cree/Saulteaux activist, discusses the connections between capitalism, colonialism, consumerism, and Christianity. Topics explored include the impact of wealth inequality, Christianity's role in oppression, the importance of decolonization, and indigenizing land acknowledgments and repatriation efforts.
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Sep 26, 2023 • 1h 9min

Class War and Beer with Brace Belden

Brace Belden, freedom fighter in a Kurdish militia in Syria, discusses class conflict in the workplace using the case of Anchor Brewery. They talk about the unionization campaign, acquisition by Sapporo, closure, and the workers' plan to turn it into a worker-owned cooperative. They also explore the challenges of keeping secrets, exploitation in the brewery industry, benefits of working under a union contract, unsafe workplaces, and the impact of closure on employees.
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Sep 12, 2023 • 1h 3min

Microlending and the Financialization of Poverty with Sohini Kar

A discussion on microfinance and its impact on poverty in the Global South, with a focus on India. Dr. Sohini Kar explores the empowerment and exploitation aspects of microfinance, highlighting concerns about the financialization of poverty. The conversation also delves into the story of Muhammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank, and practical ways to support women in India and the global south through microfinance institutions. The podcast concludes with a call to question investment financing and leverage financialization for social change.

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