

The Socialist Program with Brian Becker
The Socialist Program
News and views about the world for those who want to change it.
Episodes
Mentioned books

21 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 54min
BRICS Summit: China, Africa, Russia and the 23 New Applicants
Mikaela Nhondo Erskog, member of secretariat of Pan Africanism, joins Brian Becker to discuss the BRICS Summit. They explore the impact of financial hegemony on national development, the argument over creating an alternative currency, China's Belt and Road Initiative, African colonization, and plans for the future.

23 snips
Aug 23, 2023 • 34min
Debt Is Crushing U.S. Workers
Professor Richard Wolff discusses the alarming rise in auto loan defaults, the impact on the working class and the rising prices of cars. It explores the implications of unsustainable debt, the relationship between wages and raw materials, and the concentration of wealth. The podcast also touches on the rise of BRIC countries in the global economy, limitations on Chinese land ownership, and growing anti-Chinese sentiment.

29 snips
Aug 20, 2023 • 50min
New Witch Hunt Demonizes Peace with China, w/ Vijay Prashad & Manolo de los Santos
Vijay Prashad and Manolo de los Santos discuss the new witch hunt against peace activists opposing the growing danger of war with China. They critique the media's role in fueling tensions and highlight the catastrophic consequences of a conflict between the US and China. The importance of unity in fighting against racism and fascism is emphasized, along with the need for mature discussions about China and US relations. Listeners are invited to join the campaign for defending free speech and democratic rights.

Aug 17, 2023 • 12min
Trump Trials, China and the New McCarthyism [Brian Becker Seminar Preview]
In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian analyzes the newest indictment against Trump and the ensuing trial, artificial intelligence in the workplace, the new McCarthyism against people and organizations opposing U.S. foreign policy and war, who we should work with in the defense of Julian Assange, and more.
This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

Aug 16, 2023 • 31min
Skyrocketing Rents & Skyrocketing Homelessness: Why Are US Homes for Profit Not for Living In?
Prof. Richard Wolff joins Brian Becker to discuss the housing crisis in the US, skyrocketing rents, and increasing homelessness. They explore the impact of profit-driven motives in the housing business, the failure of ruling classes, and the need for grassroots action to address the homelessness crisis. The shocking disparity between vacant homes and homelessness is highlighted, with 28 vacant homes for every one person experiencing homelessness.

Aug 3, 2023 • 12min
Trump Indictment, Africa Coups, Teamsters Struggle [Brian Becker Seminar Preview]
In this patrons-only Q&A seminar, Brian analyzes the January 6 Trump indictment and its effect on the 2024 presidential race and future politics, the dynamics of coups in several African countries, socialists in the 2024 race, the Teamsters' huge win, and more.
This episode is a preview of a longer seminar for Patrons in the TSP community. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the rest of this seminar, support the show, register for next time, and access the highly valuable archive of years of socialist analysis.

5 snips
Aug 2, 2023 • 30min
"Bidenomics"?? The Real Record of Biden’s Policies for the Working Class
On today's episode Walter Smolarek and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss "Bidenomics" (which Professor Wolff calls "political theatre"), Biden's real economic record, and why his policies are so harmful. What has "Bidenomics" meant for the working class?
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

8 snips
Jul 27, 2023 • 51min
Oppenheimer: The Real Plan for U.S. Nuclear Domination, Then and Now
The blockbuster film “Oppenheimer” shows the lunacy of continued nuclear weapon development as the United States is preparing for war with major nuclear countries. What is the full history of nuclear weapons development and testing in the United States, what was the fallout, and how can the world stop a future nuclear war?
Brian Becker is joined by Greg Mello, nuclear weapons expert and co-founder and Executive Director of the Los Alamos Study Group.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at https://patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Jul 26, 2023 • 32min
Affirmative Action for Lazy, Bored Rich Kids
On today's episode Brian Becker and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the new study showing that elite schools enroll wealthy students far more than the rest of us.
Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com, and more about this discussion in his article The World Economy Is Changing—the People Know, But Their Leaders Don’t.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Jul 20, 2023 • 48min
How the Israel Lobby Tried to Tank Jeremy Corbyn: In-Depth Analysis w/ Asa Winstanley
A massive, years-long smear campaign was launched against anti-war, anti-elite Jeremy Corbyn shortly after his election to lead the British Labour Party. The campaign targeted Corbyn and his supporters as being anti-Semitic. What's the truth and what really happened?
Walter Smolarek is joined by investigative journalist Asa Winstanley, who writes for the Electronic Intifada and on Substack at asawinstanley.substack.com. He’s also the author of the new book “Weaponising Anti-Semitism: How The Israel Lobby Brought Down Jeremy Corbyn,” which you can buy from OR Books.
Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.