Upstream

In this podcast, John from Working Class History shares the violent, humorous, and empowering stories of International Workers' Day. The episode delves into the history of worker activism, the mission of Working Class History in promoting labor struggles, and the diverse narratives of historical oppression and resistance. It highlights the harsh working conditions of the 1880s, contrasting experiences of male and female workers, and the formation of the Knights of Labor union for better pay and conditions.

The podcast discusses the support for Hamas by the Palestinian left and the condemnation of Hamas by left intellectuals in the imperial core. It explores academic freedom and the suspension of a professor for expressing controversial views on Palestine. The episodes also delves into defiance against oppression, recent events in Gaza, disaster collectivism, and narrative manipulation by global powers.

David Bienenstock, a cannabis enthusiast, discusses the history and culture of cannabis, the origins of 4/20, the impacts of criminalization, and the need for racial justice in the legalization process. The podcast explores diverse narratives in weed history, medicinal benefits, unjust imprisonment, smuggling, and the multifaceted journey of cannabis legalization.

Explore the clash between Degrowth and Eco-Modernism in the left eco-socialist debate, highlighting the need to shift away from growth-based capitalism. Delve into contrasting views on economic growth and sustainability, discussing technological progress and sustainable living practices. Examine the environmental costs of current industrial practices for urban development, emphasizing the need for more sustainable solutions.

Author Alnoor Ladha discusses post capitalism and social pluralities. Talks about challenging the dominant ontology of capitalism, spiritual-cultural praxis, indigenous cultures, and the sacredness of plants. Emphasizes the importance of embodying post-capitalism, contributing to collective liberation, and redefining beliefs for a better future.

Guest Nadia Zanghari shares a fictional narrative of a liberated Palestine in 2031, exploring dreams of a brighter future. The story includes cross-country adventures, volunteer-led reconstruction, and discussions on reparations. The podcast highlights the power of imaginative dreaming and the importance of Palestinian identity and heritage.

Krystal Two Bulls and Sumaya Awad discuss indigeneity and settler-colonialism in Palestine, challenging the claim of Jewish people as indigenous. They explore shared struggles of indigenous peoples, the importance of solidarity, and reclaiming ancestral lands against colonial oppression.

You can listen to the full episode with Sina Rahmani of East is a Podcast and Nick of The Intervention Podcast by subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast As a Patreon subscriber, not only will you get access to at least one bonus episode a month, usually two or three, as well as early access to certain episodes and other benefits like stickers and bumper stickers, depending on which tier you subscribe to, but 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. The United States is the world’s leading purveyor of immiseration, destruction, death, and instability—as the swamp that sustains our current world order of monopoly capitalism and imperialism, the United States is still, and has been for a century now, the leading global hegemon, the imperialist super power that calls the shots on the world stage. Its drive towards accumulation and geopolitical dominance has wrought hell on the rest of the world’s nations and the planet itself. So why, then, are some so-called Marxists out there trying to wrap themselves up in a flag of U.S. patriotism? Patriotic socialism, MAGA communism, red patriotism—these are just some of the names that have been used to describe a recent phenomenon that, although certainly has its antecedents in things like the LaRouche movement of the mid-20th century, has begun, again, to creep its way into the discourse, albeit mostly online, of the left. What is this phenomenon and what does it get wrong? Why is it an error to attempt to wed U.S. nationalism with Marxism and communism? These are the questions we explore in this Patreon episode with our two guests: Nick, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, or PSL, and a co-host of The Intervention Podcast, and Sina Rahmani, a podcast producer and host of the show East is a Podcast. In this wide-ranging conversation we unpack the phenomenon of so-called patriotic socialism, and in doing so, explore many related topics ranging from nationalism more broadly, to the distinction between nationalism of the oppressed versus nationalism of the oppressor, the United States’s role of global hegemon, imperialism, and the revolutionary potential of the western working class. Further resources: The Intervention's Linktree The East is a Podcast Why The Rage Against The War Machine Rally Is #AntiWarSoWhite, Black Agenda Report   

Exploring the need to move beyond traditional voting strategies and embrace socialism. Discussing the failures of the 'lesser of two evils' narrative post-Biden's election. Advocating for wealth redistribution, worker empowerment, and dismantling capitalism. Emphasizing the importance of community organizing and collective action for meaningful change.

Exploring the impact of socialism on women's sexual satisfaction and relationships. How capitalism commodifies intimacy and affects societal norms. Author Kristen Ghodsee delves into the link between economic independence and sexual freedom. Capitalism's role in shaping human relationships and the need to separate social reproductive labor for better quality of life. Celebrating female empowerment, solidarity, and revolution under socialism.