Doomscroll with Joshua Citarella

In this engaging discussion, music critic Anthony Fantano shares insights from his journey in the anti-war punk scene to his current role with The Needle Drop. He explores the declining role of on-the-ground music scenes in fostering political activism, contrasting it with today's online environment. Fantano delves into audience fragmentation in music commentary and critiques social media's role in political unrest. The conversation highlights the need for authenticity in art amidst corporate influence and the evolving dynamics of provocative artistry in a polarized society.

Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at New York University and author of notable works like Confronting Capitalism, dives into critical discussions. He critiques the left's current obsession with identity politics, arguing it weakens radical scholarship on capitalism. Chibber emphasizes the disconnect between leftist ideology and the realities of the working class. He advocates for integrating labor into environmental movements and revisiting the foundational principles of socialism for meaningful change.

My guest is Andrew Callaghan, a documentary filmmaker and the host of Channel 5. He is the director of This Place Rules (2022) and Dear Kelly (2025), an in-depth portrait of a man he met at a ‘White Lives Matter' rally. We discuss the breakdown of consensus reality and how deplatforming can often lead to greater political extremism. Andrew describes his early origins in the anarchist movement and his participation in a group called Seattle Solidarity. His work explores the decline of the American dream along with the rise of political radicalism online and IRL.You can get access to the full catalog for Doomscroll and more by becoming a paid supporter: joshuacitarella.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joshuacitarella.substack.com/subscribe

Ezra Klein, a prominent opinion columnist for the New York Times and co-founder of Vox Media, dives into his vision for a sustainable future in this engaging discussion. He tackles the complexities of polarization in the attention economy and critiques the end of the neoliberal consensus. Klein emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to achieve environmental abundance and reflects on the impact of social media on political activism. He also navigates the fluid dynamics of political coalitions, particularly in the face of shifting ideologies.

Adam Friedland, a stand-up comedian and podcaster known for his sharp commentary on internet culture, joins to discuss a range of fascinating topics. They reflect on the shift of comedians to public intellectuals, their experiences with live audiences, and the influence of alt-media. The conversation dives into the complexities of political discourse, humor's role in society, and online censorship's impact on free speech. Friedland shares personal anecdotes from his comedy tours and discusses the nostalgic evolution of internet culture.

My guest is Briahna Joy Gray, a lawyer, journalist and political commentator. She is the host of the Bad Faith podcast. We discuss the crisis of the Democratic party, online fact checkers vs. freedom of speech on social media, the mixed politics of populism and third parties in the USA. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit joshuacitarella.substack.com/subscribe

In this thought-provoking conversation, JC Dentun, an esoteric researcher and meditation expert, delves into the unconventional beliefs of Robert Monroe and his exploration of consciousness. They discuss the fascinating idea of 'Loosh,' an energy tied to human emotions, and its implications for spiritual practices. Dentun highlights potential government exploitation of spiritual research for financial benefits under the guise of national security. The dialogue also navigates the intersection of military psychic research and enlightenment, revealing deeper connections between science and spirituality.

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University professor and author of "Globalists: The End of Empire and the Birth of Neoliberalism," dives into the complex origins and implications of neoliberalism. He unpacks how this ideological movement has reshaped global politics since before World War I, highlighting key historical moments and influential figures. The conversation touches on the tension between capitalism and democracy, the rise of Special Economic Zones, and the controversial dynamics of corporate governance in today's world.

Explore the transformative power of the Gateway Tapes through personal accounts of out-of-body experiences. Delve into the surreal encounters with bizarre entities, like distorted moose doctors, that haunt the astral realm. Experience the journey from skepticism to embracing meditation amidst contrasting family beliefs. Uncover profound moments of introspection and the eerie balance between fear and curiosity when confronting the unknown. This intriguing exploration reveals the intersection of spirituality, consciousness, and personal growth.

In this lively discussion, Will Menaker, host of Chapo Trap House, dives into the unraveling of the left-liberal alliance and the Democratic Party's challenges. He takes a critical look at partisan identities and media's role in shaping youth engagement. With a witty touch, Menaker explores the impact of humanitarian crises, like the situation in Gaza, on electoral politics. The conversation also critiques radical rhetoric and its disconnect from public sentiment, while humor is posited as a tool for uncovering truths in today's turbulent landscape.