

Scheer Intelligence
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Scheer Intelligence features thoughtful and provocative conversations with "American Originals" -- people who, through a lifetime of engagement with political issues, offer unique and often surprising perspectives on the day's most important issues.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 25, 2025 • 35min
Greed to Do Good: Unpacking the CDC's Misguided War on Opioids with Dr. Charles LeBaron
Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence, where host Robert Scheer dives into critical discussions with renowned guests. Today, we have Dr. Charles LeBaron, a distinguished physician and CDC veteran, who has authored a compelling and essential book, 'Greed to Do Good: The Untold Story of the CDC's Disastrous War on Opioids.' Dr. LeBaron offers a unique perspective on the opioid crisis, drawing from his extensive experience and personal encounters. Through his well-crafted narrative, he sheds light on the complexities of pain management, the challenges of public health policies, and the human stories behind addiction. Join us as we explore these pressing issues with honesty and depth."

Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 18min
Global Power Plays: Unpacking the U.S.-China Dynamics with Ben Norton
Welcome to this week's episode of Scheer Intelligence, where host Robert Scheer dives deep into the compelling and complex world of international relations. In today’s episode, we are joined by Ben Norton, a distinguished journalist based in China, and editor at Geopolitical Economy Report. With a profound understanding of the intricacies of China's economy, Ben offers invaluable insights into the ongoing trade tensions under the Trump administration and the shifting sands of global power dynamics. As we discuss everything from tariffs and trade wars to the implications of a multipolar world, prepare to gain a clearer picture of the challenges and realities facing not just the U.S. and China, but the global community at large. Join us for an enlightening conversation that goes beyond the headlines!

Apr 5, 2025 • 48min
U.S. Intervention and the Fight for Freedom: The Story of Pramodia Ananta Toer with Joel Whitney"
Welcome to another gripping episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we delve deep into the stories that shape our understanding of freedom, power, and the human experience. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today, I'm joined by the insightful Joel Whitney. We will uncover the harrowing tale of Pramodia Ananta Toer, a celebrated Indonesian writer whose life was turned upside down by U.S. intervention during a turbulent chapter of history. His imprisonment for over a decade serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of geopolitical maneuvering, and his writing offers a profound reflection on resilience and the quest for freedom. Join us as we discuss the echoes of this past in our current political landscape and explore what it means to truly stand against oppression.

Mar 31, 2025 • 1h 3min
"Another World is Possible: Natasha Hakimi Zapata on Global Solutions for America’s Challenges"
Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the true brainpower comes from our guests. Today, join Robert Scheer as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the talented Natasha Hakimi Zapata. A former award-winning poet and influential journalist at Truthdig, she now sheds light on her new book, Another World is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe. With insights drawn from her unique upbringing and experiences across nine different countries, Natasha brings forth stories and solutions that challenge the prevailing narratives about our world today. In a time when despair seems so pervasive, she offers a refreshing look at what has been achieved globally—combined with actionable lessons that could inspire real change in America. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion as we explore how we can pave the way toward a more equitable and hopeful future.Copy

Mar 21, 2025 • 50min
Unraveling Ferguson: A Groundbreaking Investigation into the Shadows of Injustice and the Fight for Truth"
Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence with your host, Robert Scheer. Today, we delve into the profound implications of the Ferguson movement, a pivotal moment in American history that continues to resonate throughout our society. Joining us are two exceptional guests: State Senator Marie Chappelle Nadal, who was on the ground in St. Louis during the turbulent aftermath of Michael Brown's tragic shooting, and filmmaker Ray Nowaselski, known for his compelling documentaries that tackle critical societal issues.As we explore their investigative efforts and the stories of those affected by violence and injustice, we'll uncover the essential lessons we've learned over the past decade. From the profound impact of police accountability to the importance of understanding our history, this conversation aims to shed light on systemic challenges and the ongoing fight for justice. Join us as we navigate the complexities of these intertwined narratives, seeking to learn from the past and advocate for a better future.

Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
"China's Capitalism vs. America's: A New Era of Global Competition with Vijay Prashad"
Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence, where insights come alive through the voices of our guests. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we have the privilege of speaking with the insightful Vijay Prashad, a prolific author and the Director of the Tri-Continental Institute for Social Research. With an impressive body of work that includes over 40 books, Prashad has established himself as a leading voice on global affairs.In our conversation, we explore the complexities of international relations, particularly focusing on the rising influence of China, the dynamics of capitalism, and the implications of a multipolar world on the global economy. We discuss critical issues, from technological advancements to the evolving nature of democracy, and reflect on the historical context that shapes today’s geopolitical landscape.Join us as we unravel the narratives behind global events and seek to understand the balance of power in a world that's rapidly changing.

Feb 21, 2025 • 60min
"Unmasking Censorship: How Independent Journalism is Challenging Media Control in the Age of Big Tech"
Welcome to another episode of Scheer Intelligence! I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we’re diving into a critical conversation about the state of media, censorship, and the role of independent journalism in our society. Joining me are two passionate advocates from the organization Project Censored: Shealeigh Voitl and Andy Lee Roth.In this episode, we explore the alarming trends of censorship, particularly in an era where many attribute societal issues to the influence of the internet rather than systemic inequalities or failures within our democratic structures. We'll discuss Project Censored's important work in highlighting underreported stories—stories that often reveal systemic injustices overlooked by corporate media.Shealeigh and Andy share insights from their recent list of the top 25 censored stories, touching on crucial topics such as environmental crises, reproductive rights, and the growing influence of big tech on our information landscape. As we reflect on the historical context of media censorship, we’ll also examine how today’s media environment serves to obscure the significant challenges faced by working people and marginalized communities.With the 2024 elections looming and the political landscape becoming increasingly polarized, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Together, we aim to illuminate the cracks in our media system and empower listeners to seek out independent voices that challenge the dominant narratives.So, stay tuned as we unpack these pressing issues and advocate for a more informed and engaged public.For more information go to https://www.projectcensored.org/Article link: https://www.projectcensored.org/top-25-most-censored-stories-2024/Photo from Project Censored

Feb 12, 2025 • 43min
High-Noon Saturday: Restarting the Gaza Genocide?
Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst with 27 years of experience working with presidents, dives into urgent geopolitical issues. He critiques current U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the crises in Gaza and the growing tensions with Russia and China. McGovern emphasizes the moral imperatives of war and the urgency for informed collective action. He reflects on the discrepancies within intelligence briefings and the historical context of U.S. relations, urging a deeper understanding of the ongoing global conflicts.

21 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
It’s all kicking off with China
Ben Norton, journalist and editor-in-chief of Geopolitical Economic Report, dives into the evolving U.S.-China relationship, unpacking tariffs and their impact on low-income workers. He shares his experiences living in China, illustrating local reactions to U.S. politics. Norton discusses China's unique blend of socialism and market mechanisms, focusing on competition in consumer goods and state control. The conversation touches on the legacy of financial deregulation and its repercussions for global trade, providing a nuanced view of contemporary economic dynamics.

Jan 24, 2025 • 55min
For once Trump gets it right
This is the political season to be thankful for small favors of optimism, and in this edition of Scheer Intelligence, host Robert Scheer and guest Joe Lauria, editor of the Consortium News website, are excited to have found a gift of striking significance to what remains of the practice of serious journalism on the internet. It is Donald Trump’s delivery on a promise in his inauguration address that “After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all censorship and bring back free speech to America.”
What Trump is referring to is summarized in his executive order, “Restoring Free Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” asserting: “Over the last four years, the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve.”
Under the guise of combatting ‘misinformation,’ `disinformation’ and ‘malinformation,’ the Federal Government infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States.”
Despite its presence In the egregious pile of Donald Trumps otherwise deeply frightening Executive Orders assaulting logic and decency, both Scheer and Lauria, who edit internet publications that have been targeted in this manner, argue that this particular executive order is a gem of sharp brilliance that should not be shunned for the