1Dime Radio

Dr. Jane Hayward, a lecturer in Chinese Studies at King's College, dives into the complexities of China's political system. Discussing the mix of meritocracy and technocracy, she sheds light on provincial competition, using Guangdong and Chongqing as contrasting examples. Jane critiques local elections, revealing limited democracy under party supervision. She also explores labor rights, the rise of strikes, and the implications of censorship. Her insights into the socio-political landscape underscore the unique challenges facing China's future.

C. Derick Varn, a writer and YouTube commentator known for his insights into politics and radicalization, dives deep into the recent assassination attempt on Charlie Kirk. Varn and the host discuss MAGA's controversial reactions, the implications for free speech, and the specter of civil war in America. They explore the radicalization of the shooter, shifts in young men's ideologies, and how political violence compares historically. Varn also scrutinizes nihilism's impact and debates the evolving definitions of communism and nationalism in today's landscape.

In this engaging discussion, political theorist Benjamin Studebaker, known for his works on legitimacy in democracies, dives into the relevance of unions today. He explores the structural reasons behind the decline of unions and emphasizes that overcoming material realities is crucial for revitalization. They discuss the potential for international cooperation, the importance of healthcare and housing as organizing focal points, and the tension between nationalism and internationalism in political movements. Studebaker urges listeners to rethink politics as a process of binding decision-making that can inspire collective action.

Ben Tomas, known as Sisyphus55, is a YouTuber and PhD student in clinical psychology who dives deep into the complexities of the online Left. They discuss audience capture, the pressures of algorithms, and the perils of content burnout. Ben shares insights on balancing YouTube with academia, while exploring the brand-like nature of LeftTube. The conversation also touches on the nuances of online activism versus real-world action, and critiques the influencer dynamics that overshadow critical discourse. It's a thought-provoking exploration of identity politics and the challenges of meaningful engagement.

Yugopnik, a Marxist YouTuber and co-host of The Deprogram Podcast, dives into the evolving landscape of LeftTube and its challenges. He discusses his funnel theory, explaining how it aims to convert viewers into grassroots activists, and critiques creators who monetize drama without promoting real action. The conversation also touches on the relationship between progressivism and socialism, urging a focus on class struggle. Additionally, Yugopnik reflects on the complexities of ideology in activism and the necessity of real organizing over performative gestures.

Get access to The Backroom (70+ exclusive episodes) on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/OneDimeIn this episode of 1Dime Radio, I’m joined by Chris Cutrone, a Marxist intellectual and founder of the Platypus Affiliated Society, to discuss his recent article making a case for “socialist unity”—not “left unity” but a socialist unity based on class unity, including working people with progressive and conservative views. In the Backroom, I get Chris Cutrone to elaborate on what he means by his claim that “the Left is dead—long live the Left” which begs the question:  When Did the Left Die?  Timestamps:00:00 The Backroom Preview03:50 Chris Cutrone’s article on Socialist Unity06:08 The Failure of The Millennial Left08:11 The Role of Marxist and Socialist Unity12:22 Challenges of Leftist Organizations29:35 The Need for a Socialist Party38:20 Class Unity vs. Ideological Unity01:03:02The Working Class Vote01:07:41 Electoral Politics and Movement Building01:11:06 The Left's Identity Crisis01:13:33 Fascism and Popular Frontism01:19:47 Class Politics vs. Identity Politics01:29:10 Progressive Capitalism and Its Contradictions01:35:14 Rebuilding a Socialist Left01:52:39 The Backroom TransitionFOLLOW 1Dime:• X/Twitter: https://x.com/1DimeOfficial• Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/1dimeman• Check out my main channel videos: https://www.youtube.com/@1DimeeOutro Music by Karl CaseyGive 1DIme Radio a 5-Star Rating if you enjoy the show!

In a thought-provoking discussion, philosophy professor Michael Burns, a former “Wisecrack” host, explores the intersection of Christianity and socialism. He shares his personal journey from Catholicism to socialist ideals, highlighting the evolving role of faith in political discourse. The conversation touches on Pope Leo XIV's progressive approach, the potential for Christian socialism, and the nuances of Christian atheism. Michael critiques capitalist narratives, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of socialism that aligns with moral truths and social justice.

Join Dave McCarriker, an underground theorist and author known for his insights on time energy and societal structures, as he discusses the 'Post-Class Fractured Mass.' He examines how modern media and education have fractured traditional class identities. The conversation touches on the gig economy's impact on workers and the evolving role of class in revolutionary change. Dave also critiques the limitations of contemporary ideological frameworks and encourages a reevaluation of how we perceive identity and protest in today's landscape.

Todd McGowan, a Professor of Philosophy and author, joins the discussion to clear up common misconceptions about Sigmund Freud, the pioneer of psychoanalysis. He explains the true meaning of 'penis envy' and reveals how the phallus symbolizes not real authority but a deceptive form of power. The conversation explores the distinction between drive and desire, why fantasy influences our reality, and the societal implications of repression. Todd also highlights how shows like 'Mad Men' and 'The Sopranos' reflect these psychoanalytic themes.

Get access to The Backroom exclusive podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OneDimeIn this episode of 1Dime Radio, I am joined by political theorist Benjamin Studebaker, a PhD at Cambridge and author of the books "The Chronic Crisis of American Democracy" and "Legitimacy in Liberal Democracies," to break down the Iran-Israel conflict, Zohran Mamdani's surprising NYC mayoral primary victory, and the recent LA protests over immigration. We also discuss the historic election of Zohran Mamdani—a socialist, Muslim, pro-Palestine candidate who beat AIPAC in the most Jewish city outside of Israel—and why local electoral wins may not translate to broader socialist strategy. The conversation takes a controversial turn as we examine the left's embrace of subsidized childcare, with Benjamin arguing that this merely accommodates capitalism's dissolution of the family.Timestamps:00:00 Preview: Zohran Mamdani’s Victory03:08 War with Iran, NYC Election, & the LA Protests05:06 Iran-Israel War: What Most People Miss 10:12 The Role of Arab States and Turkey11:37 Why the US May Not Want Regime Change in Iran14:34 Challenges of Regime Change in Iran27:38 Egypt, Turkey, & The Gulf States54:34 Likelihood of Revolutions in the Middle East?01:09:55 Why Russia Dosent Hell Iran01:15:58 A New Era of American Hegemony?01:26:40 The Election of Zohran Mamdani01:31:24 Lessons for The Left01:50:49 Rent Control, Housing Market and the problem with Urban Growth02:09:52 The LA protests: Immigration and Public Perception02:18:34 Childcare and The Decline of The Family02:32:25 The Abundance Movement In The Backroom segment on Patreon, Benjamin and I talk about Ezra Klein’s “abundance” movement. Become a Patron and get access to 65 exclusive podcast episodes at Patreon.com/OneDime if you haven’t already!Follow Benjamin Studebaker on X: https://x.com/BenStudebakerFollow me on X: https://x.com/1DimeOfficialFollow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/1dimemanCheck out my main-channel video essays: https://www.youtube.com/@1DimeOutro music by Karl Casey.Leave a like, drop a comment, and give 1Dime Radio a ★★★★★ rating if you enjoyed the show!