The Deprogram

The hosts dive into playful banter about a new merch drop, joking that it could bring about the end of Western civilization. They humorously critique ‘communist’ designs, featuring SpongeBob's Sandy Cheeks in political attire. A surprise guest brings bagels and chaos, while the crew debates the quality and appropriateness of the merchandise. A parody endorsement emerges, blending satire with a nudge to support the show. It's a wild mix of humor and holiday spirit, making for an entertaining discussion!

The hosts dive into the shocking ties between Epstein, Dershowitz, and an academic smear campaign. They reveal how strategic donations influenced Harvard's academic landscape, intertwining money with policy. A detailed look at the infamous 2006 Israel Lobby paper unearths its powerful backlash, highlighting the systemic silencing of dissent. With explosive revelations, they discuss the implications of elite figures manipulating narratives. Expect disbelief as they connect this to larger issues of power and accountability in academia.

Jude Bela, an investigative content creator from Nigeria, dives into the complex geopolitics of the Sahel. He shares insights from his journey into citizen journalism after facing legal challenges. Jude discusses Burkina Faso's instability post-Gaddafi, Niger's anti-French sentiments, and Nigeria's ongoing violence. He highlights the role of foreign actors in exacerbating internal strife and the dangerous effects of misinformation. Bringing a local perspective, Jude urges for nuanced understanding in addressing these pressing issues.

Jude Bela, a commentator and regional expert, dives deep into Sudan's tumultuous political landscape. He sheds light on the lasting impact of 30 years of militarized rule, revealing how the RSF emerged from the infamous Janjaweed. Bela explores the rise of Hemeti, detailing his gold empire and ties to Dubai. The conversation uncovers the UAE's strategic involvement, from smuggling weapons to funding agriculture for influence. Intriguingly, he discusses how the UAE utilizes private forces to assert control without direct military intervention.

Gabriel Rockhill, a philosopher and Marxism expert, sheds light on the complexities of Western left intellectualism. He argues that liberalism and fascism collaborate to maintain capitalism while critiquing prominent figures like Zizek for their anti-communist leanings. Rockhill discusses the U.S. Empire's postwar strategies, media biases, and the ways intellectual elites are positioned by class interests. He emphasizes the challenges facing anti-imperialist voices and shares insights from his work at the Critical Theory Workshop. Tune in for a provocative discussion on contemporary leftist thought!

Ben Norton, an investigative journalist and political economist, dives deep into the ongoing U.S. military operations in Venezuela, highlighting the tragic impacts through personal stories. He unpacks the drug-trafficking narrative perpetuated by the U.S. to justify intervention and discusses Venezuela's popular resistance and military capacity against foreign aggression. The conversation shifts to the U.S.-China trade dynamics, examining how tariffs misfired and China's ascent in global economics. Norton also connects the dots on the regional political landscape and the implications of U.S. tactics moving forward.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Taylor Lorenz shares insights from her groundbreaking work in internet culture and tech policy. She reveals her journey from mainstream newsrooms to independent platforms and discusses the consequences of lawmakers' digital ignorance. Taylor critiques the left's responses to online culture and highlights the rise of dark money in influencer networks. She emphasizes the importance of media literacy while predicting the future of content formats, demonstrating that the attention economy will evolve but personal branding will endure.

Join the hosts as they tackle quirky listener questions, from discussing least favorite languages and grating accents to casting actors in a Deprogram sitcom. They analyze the intersection of individualism and organizing on the Western Left while exploring potential series on leftist movements and historical topics. Expect playful banter on survival strategies, eating utensils, and the nostalgia of favorite foods. The duo also dives into whether Catholicism and Marxism can coexist and shares music recommendations to soothe your ears!

The hosts dive into the fascinating world of AI, exploring its history and implications. They discuss how venture capital influences AI development, shaping it into proprietary tools for big tech. The contrasting approaches of China and Western countries are highlighted, revealing geopolitical dynamics surrounding AI. The dangers of AI, from surveillance to labor management, are debated alongside the motivations of key figures like Peter Thiel. They also propose a vision for socially-owned AI, exploring its potential to enhance public welfare.

Dive into the complex world of the Yemeni Red Sea blockade and its geopolitical implications. Discover how the Houthi maritime campaign escalated, and why the Red Sea is a critical chokepoint for global trade. Learn about Yemen's evolving weaponry, including homemade missiles and drones that challenge costly naval assets. The discussion explores the psychological warfare inflicted on Israel and the innovative tactics Yemen employs to protect its launch sites. Unpack the broader humanitarian context and the strategic shifts in naval warfare.