Bold Politics with Zack Polanski

In a captivating discussion, Mikaela Loach—an activist and founder of the Away2 school of organising—dives deep into the complexities of climate justice. She reveals startling facts about the Israeli-funded oil field that could harm the environment massively. Mikaela highlights the importance of grassroots organizing over just relying on social media and political leaders. She emphasizes the need for community-driven actions and education, urging a shift from individualism to collective power in the fight for climate justice.

Tia Kofi, a celebrated drag performer and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs the World, dives into the political essence of drag. Tia argues that drag is a powerful challenge to gender norms and explores how artistic expression can advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She shares insights on representation, the importance of joyful communication, and the need for unity in the face of rising fascism. Tia also discusses her journey into activism, the significance of local politics, and emphasizes that maintaining joy is crucial for progressive change.

Richard Murphy, an economist and chartered accountant known for his insights on modern monetary theory, dives into provocative economic discussions. He challenges the notion that national economies should balance like household budgets and deconstructs how inflation can sometimes aid in wealth redistribution. Murphy advocates for fiscal reforms targeting capital gains and suggests prioritizing universal basic services over UBI. He elaborates on the impacts of the Bank of England's policies and envisions a new economic paradigm focused on social safety nets and full employment.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Mike Galsworthy, a scientist and chair of European Movement UK, explores why rejoining the EU could bolster youth opportunities and scientific collaboration. He advocates for a gradual re-engagement with European programs and addresses left-wing skepticism, emphasizing greater influence within the EU. The conversation also tackles the rise of misinformation, the importance of citizen journalism through his Bylines Network, and how building strong local reporting can empower communities and counter divisive narratives.

In this conversation with Chlöe Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and a passionate advocate for social justice, the discussion dives deep into the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. Chlöe challenges the idea that perfection is essential for the left and emphasizes the importance of humility in leadership. She shares insights on drug law reform, the importance of trust in politics, and how to effectively address wealth inequality through community engagement. A fascinating exploration of contemporary political dynamics and grassroots activism!

Owen Jones, a passionate writer and activist focused on social justice, dives into the current dynamics of Labour politics. He shares his thoughts on the recent Labour conference, highlighting a disconnect among members and the party's problematic rhetoric. Owen discusses his decision to leave Labour over policies regarding Gaza and the importance of a new political force. He emphasizes how the Greens can attract disgruntled voters with progressive policies, and challenges listeners to humanize migrant stories in political discussions.

Gary Stevenson, an economist focused on wealth inequality and creator of Gary's Economics, joins to discuss the Labour Party's potential downfall and their relationship with billionaires. He argues for the importance of wealth taxes while explaining how unchecked wealth concentration harms public resources. The conversation pivots to the need for compelling storytelling to counter far-right narratives. Gary also shares strategies to activate public support for fair taxation and the urgency for progressive parties to embrace wealth tax policies.

Grace Blakeley, an economics commentator and author of 'Vulture Capitalism,' dives deep into the workings of capitalism, power, and inequality. She critiques the Labour government's focus on GDP growth at the expense of societal well-being. Using a Marxist lens, Grace explores the significance of wealth tax in redistributing power and the importance of grassroots organizing. She emphasizes the need for independent community movements to challenge existing political structures and warns of the potential for elite control over future politics.

Jimmy The Giant, a YouTube documentarian and former far-right supporter, shares his remarkable transformation and insights on radicalisation among young men. He discusses how disenfranchisement can draw individuals to negative ideologies and the importance of empathetic communication for progressive dialogue. Exploring the appeal of figures like Elon Musk, he contrasts cultural and structural explanations for social issues. Jimmy also highlights the need for accessible education to combat misinformation while defining patriotism free from nationalism, fostering hope in challenging times.

Zoe Gardner, a migration expert and advocate for refugees, joins the discussion to challenge common myths around immigration. She explains why asylum seekers often don't stay in the first safe country and advocates for better integration to improve lives and society. Gardner critiques the political silence surrounding migration discussions and urges for balanced media representation. She emphasizes the contributions of migrants to the economy and reveals a disconnect between public sentiment and media narratives, pointing to the need for rights-based approaches to migration.