Rev Left Radio

Discover the riveting tale of the Battle of Blair Mountain, where 10,000 armed coal miners stood up against corporate tyranny in 1921. Uncover the harsh realities of life in oppressive company towns and the fierce labor struggles that brewed in Appalachia. Learn about key figures like Frank Keeney and the dramatic events leading up to this pivotal uprising. The podcast reveals the enduring legacy of this battle and its profound impact on labor rights, urging listeners to reflect on the ongoing quest for justice and solidarity in the face of exploitation.

Join Erica Caines, Musa Springer, and Onyesonwu Chatoyer, passionate activists from Hood Communists, as they share their insights from a recent gathering in Cuba. They dive into the resilient spirit of the Cuban people under economic sanctions and the struggles of Haiti, stripping away mainstream media narratives. The discussion highlights the importance of international solidarity, the historical fight against U.S. imperialism, and advocates for grassroots organizing. Get inspired to engage in activism and support liberation movements across the Caribbean!

Gerald Horne, a renowned historian and expert on African American history, joins PM Irvin, a Stanford PhD student focusing on Du Bois, for a lively discussion. They delve into W.E.B. Du Bois’s transformative work, 'Black Reconstruction in America,' which refutes racist historical narratives. The conversation highlights the psychological implications of whiteness in class struggles and the vital role of Black resilience during Reconstruction. They also explore radical concepts of democracy and the interconnectedness of race and class in the ongoing fight for justice.

Join Noam Chomsky, renowned intellectual and critic of U.S. foreign policy, alongside Vijay Prashad, a historian and director at Tricontinental, as they dissect the fragility of U.S. power. They delve into the aftermath of military withdrawals and the moral complexities of American interventions. The duo explores the historical impacts of U.S. imperialism in Indochina, recent geopolitical shifts, and the rising influence of China, urging listeners to reflect on the consequences of foreign policies and advocate for collaborative political movements.

Join Professor Alex Aviña from Arizona State University as he unpacks the 1973 Chilean coup. Discussing Salvador Allende's quest for democratic socialism, he explores Augusto Pinochet's violent dictatorship and the CIA's critical role in undermining democracy. Topics range from economic sabotage and media misrepresentation of socialism to the brutal realities faced by the Chilean people. Aviña emphasizes the lasting impacts of these historical events and their relevance to contemporary struggles against imperialism and oppression.

Adnan Husain, a medieval historian and Director at Queen's University, dives into the life of St. Francis of Assisi, exploring his profound spiritual legacy. They discuss Francis's radical transformation, commitment to peace with the Sultan of Egypt, and his deep connection to nature. The conversation highlights the ecological dimensions of Francis's teachings and the relevance of his virtues in today's social justice movements. With humor and insight, Husain reveals how Francis’s ideals challenge modern materialism and inspire ecological stewardship.

Dive into Marx's analysis of Louis Bonaparte's political ascent and the turbulence of 19th-century France. Explore how class struggles shaped revolutions and the alarming connections between Bonapartism and modern fascism. Discover the significance of historical narratives in contemporary movements, and the precarious state of democracy amid urban militarization. Unpack the complexities of the proletariat and peasantry, and examine the conservative nature of the American Revolution as a crucial chapter in the broader context of class conflict and identity.

J. Moufawad Paul, a philosophy professor at York University, dives into his book, 'Politics in Command: A Taxonomy of Economism.' He explores the pitfalls of economism, critiquing how it prioritizes economics over essential political engagement. Discussion includes Lenin's insights on labor dynamics, the significance of a communist vanguard, and challenges within modern China. Paul emphasizes redefining class consciousness and learning from past revolutionary failures to strengthen future movements.

Explore the Iraq War through the eyes of its people and the Western left, revealing striking narratives of imperialism. Delve into the aftermath of 9/11 and its cultural impacts, alongside a discussion on the tensions between American nationalism and global solidarity. Tackle the clash between reform and revolution within leftist politics, emphasizing the power of collective action. Debunk myths surrounding socialism and innovation while challenging the intersection of faith and capitalism in environmental issues. An engaging and enlightening dialogue awaits!

In this conversation, writer and literary critic China Miéville shares insights from his book, exploring the literary power and historical significance of the Communist Manifesto. He examines the gothic imagery used by Marx and Engels and its role in framing political discourse. The discussion highlights the manifesto's contemporary relevance and critiques outdated cultural stereotypes of class identity. Miéville advocates for ethical considerations in political action and encourages readers to engage critically with the text for a hopeful vision of the future.