This Is Hell!

Richard Seymour, an influential author and editor at Salvage Magazine, dives into the disturbing rise of disaster nationalism. He explains how climate change fuels far-right politics, transforming resentment into a potent political force. The conversation explores car culture's role in shaping identity and resistance to climate action. Seymour also sheds light on the dynamics of scapegoating and the normalization of fascist ideologies. He argues for systemic change, emphasizing that solidarity can counter the rising tide of authoritarianism.

Ray D. Madoff, a legal scholar from Boston College specializing in wealth inequality, discusses her book on how the U.S. tax code fosters aristocracy. She reveals how misunderstood tax laws allow the wealthy to evade their fair share while the middle class bears the burden. Madoff argues for enhancing tax literacy to help citizens understand economic disparities. She critiques charitable tax deductions and explains the role of dynasty trusts in perpetuating wealth. Ultimately, she advocates for reforming taxes to level the playing field.

Bianca Tylek, Founder and Executive Director of Worth Rises, dives deep into the prison industry's exploitation and commercialization. She highlights how public awareness is growing around abolition and critiques the privatization of incarceration, asserting it profits from human suffering. Bianca discusses the ethical dilemmas inherent in profit-making through incarceration, the failings of private prisons, and the public health risks posed by prison sites. She also emphasizes the important movement to eliminate slavery-by-conviction and the dangers of surveillance technologies stemming from prisons.

Sasha Davis, a writer and professor specializing in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, delves into his book, discussing fresh opportunities for social justice movements. He examines the stagnation of protests and elections, arguing that the state often serves capital rather than the public. Topics include the concept of counter-occupations as a bold tactic for change, the historical context often overlooked in movements, and the dual role of law in protecting rights and enabling state power. Davis offers a tactical framework for grassroots governance to inspire renewed activism.

Hamid Dabashi returns to This Is Hell! to discuss his new book from Haymarket Books, "After Savagery: Gaza, Genocide, and the Illusion of Western Civilization." Jeff Dorchen edifies us with a new "Moment of Truth" after the interview. Check out Hamid's book here: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2607-after-savagery Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishell Please rate and review This Is Hell! wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps the show ascend the algorithm to reach new listeners.

Brent Z. Kaup and Kelly F. Austin join This Is Hell! to talk about their new book "The Pathogens of Finance: How Capitalism Breeds Vector-Borne Disease" published by University of California Press. The Pathogens of Finance explores how the power and profits of Wall Street underpin the contemporary increases in and inadequate responses to vector-borne disease. (https://www.ucpress.edu/books/the-pathogens-of-finance/paper?fbclid=IwY2xjawNtwAhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFGRVpZQzFoa1FZYXR4eUYzAR6-3zKbFGV7SDYV2U-xSBScfcX0UhnL3VQQ61-FYHAYxUqOttxWbvb3rKsV5Q_aem_jVwNXP3bFHvXiL3oGJDLyQ#about-book) Brent Z. Kaup studies how the transformation of nature affects social inequalities and societal well-being. In addition, he seeks to understand how the materiality of nature shapes markets, policies, and social movements.  Through his research, he has examined an array of topics including genetically modified crops in the Midwest, extractive industries in Bolivia, and the bugs in his own backyard. His areas of specialization include Environment, Energy, Political Economy, Socioeconomic Change and Development, and Globalization. Brent Z. Kaup is Professor of Sociology at William & Mary and author of Market Justice: Political Economic Struggle in Bolivia Kelly F. Austin grew up outside of Santa Cruz, California. She attended college at Oregon State University, and went to earn her PhD in Sociology at North Carolina State University. Kelly arrived at Lehigh University in 2012, and in addition to being a member of the Sociology and Anthropology department, has also served as Director of the Health, Medicine and Society program, Director of the Global Studies Program, and is currently Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs for the College of Arts and Sciences. Kelly lives in Fountain Hill and spends summers in Bududa, Uganda working with Lehigh undergraduates and local community groups.  We will have new installments of Rotten History and Hangover Cure. We will also be sharing your answers to this week's Question from Hell! from Patreon. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell

Philip Kadish, an esteemed academic and author, dives deep into his research on racism in America in his compelling discussion. He reveals the persistence of the Great White Hoax and how it shapes political identities through comforting lies. Kadish explains the dual role of media in reflecting and exacerbating racism, and discusses various historical hoaxes, including the infamous miscegenation pamphlet against Lincoln. Jeff Dorchen follows with a satirical take, blending humor with insight on the absurdity of these entrenched beliefs.

Stewart Home, an artist, writer, and activist, dives into the surprising connections between modern postural yoga and far-right movements in his book, Fascist Yoga. He explores yoga's historical ties to figures like Pierre Bernard and Aleister Crowley, discussing how anti-vaccine skepticism permeated yoga communities. Home critiques the individualistic culture of yoga and its capitalist exploitation, while questioning whether this spiritual practice can confront its problematic past. He also probes into why sex scandals are prevalent in yoga settings, revealing disturbing hierarchies.

Cory Doctorow, a renowned author and activist focused on digital rights, delves into the concept of 'enshittification' in this engaging discussion. He explores why beloved internet platforms degrade over time and contrasts this with planned obsolescence. Cory warns that users become the product when companies prioritize profit over quality. He argues that systemic issues like deregulation enable decay, and calls for public options to foster competition. Finally, he connects these topics to broader themes of democracy and corporate power.

Ashley Dawson returns to discuss his new piece at the New York Review of Books, "The Costs of the Cloud: How much power does AI consume?" "The Moment of Truth" with Jeff Dorchen follows the interview. Check out Ashley's article here: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2025/09/27/the-costs-of-the-cloud/ Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thisishell Please rate and review This Is Hell! wherever you get your podcasts. It really helps the show ascend the algorithm to reach new listeners.