New Books in Critical Theory

Author Tana Jean Welch discusses advancing medical posthumanism through 21st-century American poetry, highlighting the shift towards a posthumanist understanding of the body. The conversation delves into the intersection of poetry, medicine, and posthumanism, exploring themes of vulnerability, interconnectedness, and reimagining medicine through queer figurations and cyborg embodiments.

Charles William Johns, an expert in Hegel and Speculative Realism, discusses the interplay between realism and speculation in philosophy, reintroducing Hegel's concepts in an accessible manner. The podcast explores contrasting perspectives on intelligence, interpretations of Hegel's Geist, redefines time from an object-oriented perspective, and delves into the need to engage with speculative realism thought without prejudice.

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.

Shardé M. Davis, known for the viral hashtag #BlackintheIvory, discusses racism in academia. She shares personal stories from Black scholars, shedding light on systemic racism in higher education. The podcast explores covert racism, challenges in graduate school, and empowering black academics. Davis emphasizes the importance of diverse narratives and creating a platform for sharing experiences.

Adèle Oliver discusses the colonial roots of UK drill's criminalization, censorship, and historical parallels with black music. The podcast explores societal biases in categorizing music, drill as an art movement, and challenges faced by artists. It also delves into the cultural significance of gun fingers and advocacy efforts to keep creative expression out of UK courts.

Ellie Tomsett, a Senior Lecturer in media and film at Birmingham City University, discusses the challenges faced by women in stand-up comedy, including sexism, stereotypes, and structural inequalities. The podcast explores the evolution of feminist comedy, the roles of gatekeepers in the industry, gender imbalances, and the impact of social media on comedians' experiences.

Tina Sikka, a researcher on biopolitics and neoliberalism, discusses the impact of health apps, genetic diets, and superfoods on inequality. She critiques the corporate-led dietary-genomic-functional food industrial complex and advocates for a community-based, food-justice rooted health culture. The podcast delves into mixed methods for exploring digital health landscapes and examines the intersection of health, neoliberalism, and justice.

Naomi Oreskes and Erik M. Conway delve into the origins of free market ideology in 'The Big Myth'. They discuss campaigns to reshape textbooks, the influence of economists like Hayek and Friedman, and the impact of market propaganda on American policy. The podcast explores the intersection of capitalism and democracy, challenges misconceptions about Adam Smith, and examines the decline of democracy in the current political climate.

Author Stefan Aune discusses how references to Indian wars influence US military violence, connecting past colonial violence to modern warfare. The podcast explores the lasting impact of Native American resistance on settler colonialism and American militarism, as well as the overlooked contributions of Native Americans in the US Armed Forces. Aune also shares insights on cluster munitions history and activism, highlighting the ongoing global repercussions.

Naomi Cahn discusses the challenges women face in the workplace, highlighting wage gaps, systemic discrimination, and the impact of a 'winner-take-all' economy. The podcast explores gender disparities in education, occupation, and corporate environments, addressing issues like whistleblowing, harassment, and unfair treatment. It also touches on the empowering effects of the Me Too movement in promoting accountability and systemic change.