Planet: Critical

This week I’m joined by James Dyke, a senior lecturer in Global Systems at the University of Exeter. James reveals why net-zero targets for carbon emissions do nothing but provide an excuse to continue business as usual, posing an existential threat to humanity. He goes into great detail about the interplay of politics, economies, culture and the industrialisation connecting us all, explaining that while there is no one quick fix to the climate crisis, decarbonisation is possible—if we get rid of fossil fuels.There’s a lot to learn in what James has to say. Listen here or catch it on Apple or Spotify.Follow James on Twitter and get a copy of his book, Fire, Storm & Flood.Planet: Critical is a resource for a world in crisis. Subscribe to get interviews like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

This week I’m joined by David Anderson, a “helper of helpers” who works in the non-profit/alternative currency space. David joined me to discuss one of his main projects, Simbi, an online marketplace which promotes “volunteership, mutual aid, education and community development.”The idea is people can seek or offer aid to other users but, importantly, earn and pay in simbi credits, the non-profit’s own cryptocurrency. The aim is to relieve the pressure of having to use fiat money ($,€,£) for everything because, as David brilliantly articulates, that kind of money is becoming increasingly scarce for many people. I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion. David points out that, contrary to a lot of crypto theory out there, alternative currencies can play a very important role within existing economies. David doesn’t think simbi credits should ever replace the dollar—rather, giving people more options to earn credits for the things they need, in markets built around community, provides immediate relief and resources to populations experiencing increasing precarity. I’m sure you’ll love it. Listen directly here or catch it on Apple or Spotify.Learn more about Simbi and sign up to be a user!Platform is for people who are pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

You know when you have one of those conversations that manages to crystallise feelings into thoughts and direction?This is one of those.I am so thrilled to present Linda Havenstein as this week’s guest, a phenomenal artist who explores and tests both capitalism and language through her incredible work. We delve deep into the irony of the art market, the profound terror of creating within a capitalism regime, and dispel the long-told myth of the suffering artist.It was a gift to speak with Linda, and I’m honestly humbled to share it with you all today. Listen here or catch it on either Apple or Spotify.Treat yourself to Linda’s work here. She also has an ongoing exhibition at Kiz Windows in Berlin, and simultaneous shows September 17th to 19th at Berlin’s Unblock Fair Art Fair; Stockholm’s Market Art Fair; and Amsterdam’s Unseen Art Fair. Keep your eyes peeled for her solo show at Dorothee Nilsson Gallery in Berlin January 21 to March 5 next year.Platform is for people who are pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

On this week’s show is Will Evans, co-creator of Ignition Brewery, the UK’s first brewery and taproom bar staffed exclusively by people with learning disabilities. Will explains that his colleagues were typically offered jobs that kept them hidden in back rooms or storage centres—but Ignition Brewery has successfully shown that his colleagues exceed in everything, from public facing roles, to managing the bar and making the beer. This is a wonderful story of community, be sure to check it out. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.Visit Ignition Brewery in Lewisham or online.Platform is for people who are pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

This week I’m joined by British filmmaker, Marc Silver, whose documentaries demand deep investigation into culture, society, and the self. Marc is well-known for 3 1/2 minutes, ten bullets, a documentary which told the story of Jordan Davis’ murder in 2012 and invites viewers to better understand their own relationship to race and judgement. We discuss this film, his upcoming project about extractive capitalism as understood through Amazonian ayuahasca ceremonies, and the power that storytelling has to invite change, nurture growth and demand better. This is a powerful interview, do not miss it. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.Platform is for people who are pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

On this week’s episode is Chiara Ciccarello, an Italian artist based in Germany, who joined me to discuss the fascinating Discuvry project, a home she built with her husband out of wood found on the streets of Berlin. After an arson attack—rumoured to have been coordinated by the landowner—shut down the space they’d been living in for years, Chiara and Yuki began travelling the world, showcasing Discuvry and what can be achieved when you take life—and home—into your own hands. Chiara’s website: www.ciccaboom.comPlatform is for people who are pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

On this week’s episode is housing activist and all-round Leftie, Gordon Maloney. One of the founding members of Living Rent, Gordon has campaigned for a fair and equitable housing market for years, growing Living Rent from a campaign to a red-blooded organisation with thousands of members all over the U.K.Gordon joins me to discuss the future of British politics, The Left, and what fighting the housing battle has taught him about community, organising, and politicking. Despite his humble objections, you might just be listening to the future Scottish First Minister…Watch this episode here. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.Check out Living Rent here.Platform is for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

On this week’s episode is author, journalist and financial hacker, Brett Scott. Brett’s work centres around analysing and developing new monetary systems (stay tuned for a blistering review of crypto), whilst also campaigning for the bits in ours that aren’t broken (did you know cash is crucial to a democratic society?) Brett’s specialism is phenomenally interesting in a world being devoured by capitalism. It was an honour to pick his brain about money and its impact on society, and I highly recommend you make time for what he has to say. Watch this episode here. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.Subscribe to Brett’s newsletter: www.alteredstatesof.moneyPlatform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

This week I speak with Ugandan entrepreneur, Trinity Heavenz, a former street child who now employs over 25 people, many of whom were living in poverty before working at Era92, the company that “builds brands to build lives”.This is a startling conversation about the benefits of the free market in a nation where people are afforded little opportunity. Trinity makes the case for business in Africa as a tool of empowerment, and says he believes the continent will learn from Western mistakes to come out as a superpower in the decades ahead.Don’t miss it. You can also listen on Apple or Spotify.Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com

This week I am joined by acclaimed poet, Joelle Taylor, the spoken word artist credited for bringing slam to the U.K. Joelle has a profound analysis of class and artistry that she threads through her work and this conversation; it is a startling investigation into privilege, poetry, and the literati. Buckle in—and enjoy.Watch this episode on Satellite, or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Get your copy of Joelle’s latest collection, C+nto & Othered Poems.Platform is a newsletter and podcast for people pissed off with capitalism. Subscribe to get episodes like this delivered to your inbox every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit planetcritical.substack.com