New Books in Critical Theory

Discover how digital platforms are reshaping heritage as Natalia Grincheva and Elizabeth Stainforth discuss the geopolitics of digital heritage. They explore case studies like the Singapore Memory Project and Europeana, highlighting the political motives behind digital heritage aggregation.

Andrea Wenzel discusses antiracist journalism and equitable local news, focusing on the challenges and transformations faced by newsrooms in addressing structural racism. She explores community-driven journalism initiatives, the impact of a controversial racist headline, and the importance of integrating antiracist practices in reshaping community journalism.

Dr. Danielle Taschereau Mamers discusses how bureaucratic documents shape Indigenous identity in Canada. She highlights the role of Indigenous artists in challenging settler colonial ways of seeing through art. The podcast explores the intersection of media, state structures, and Indigenous activism, delving into the impact of art on challenging identity categories and envisioning alternative futures.

Vaia Touna and Richard Newton discuss 'Fieldnotes in the Critical Study of Religion: Revisiting Classical Theorists'. They critique the focus on new thinkers, advocate for engaging with foundational works, and explore the challenges graduate students face with classical theorists. They compare contemporary authors to classical figures, discuss the selection process, and highlight the collaborative nature of the project.

Author Emily S. Lee discusses the intersectionality of race and gender in shaping reality, challenging biases within individuals. They explore epistemic value, collective identity formation, and the impact of indifference on societal norms. The conversation delves into body movement, motivation, and creativity as tools for challenging traditional perspectives.

Heather Parry, author of 'Electric Dreams: Sex Robots and Failed Promises of Capitalism', delves into the societal implications of sex robots, critiquing the optimistic promises of AI and discussing broader topics like human desires, capitalism, and societal gaps. The podcast also explores the impact of neoliberalism on the perception of sex robots, challenges market-driven narratives in sexual technology, and offers insights into the author's future projects post book release.

Charis Enns and Brock Bersaglio discuss how settler colonialism persists in Kenya through ecological relations, detailing violent transformations like species elimination and landscape rewilding. They caution against conservation efforts that reinforce colonial structures, emphasizing the need for ecologies to flourish independently. The podcast explores settler apologies, colonial impacts on biodiversity loss, contested wildlife conservation, Indigenous participation in conservancies, species protection challenges, and coexisting with disease-carrying insects in a changing climate.

Guido Alfani, the author of 'As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West,' discusses the behaviors of the rich in Western history, their impact on society, and public attitudes towards wealth. Alfani's book offers a unique perspective on wealth accumulation and inequality, drawing insights from historical data and exploring the nuances of riches over time. The podcast also delves into the challenges of writing a book as an early career researcher and the complexities of wealth distribution in Western cultures.

Sharrona Pearl, author of 'Mask' (Bloomsbury, 2024), discusses the historical and modern significance of masks, exploring their role in protecting identity and societal values. The conversation touches on the power dynamics of concealing one's identity, the significance of masks in the Jewish celebration of Purim, and the broader implications of masks beyond their medical function, including their role in shaping societal interactions.

Physician Rupa Marya and economist Raj Patel discuss 'Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice'. They explore decolonization, societal structures impacting health, inflammation, and the interconnectedness of music, medicine, and activism. The podcast highlights the need for a holistic approach to address systemic issues, advocating for dismantling oppressive systems and restoring harmony with nature and indigenous communities.