Red Start Podcast

A new audio file was uploaded for this episode on 9/23/26. We regret the sound issues with the first version.As DSA has grown to become the largest socialist organization in U.S. history and shocked the leadership of both major U.S. parties, the Democratic Party has trotted out its tired critique of DSA and the left as out of touch with its multiracial base, particularly Black Americans. The party recently reorganized its 2028 presidential primary schedule, putting heavily-Black South Carolina first in an attempt to moderate DSA’s potential influence in the upcoming presidential election.At the same time, how to approach multiracial organizing and the racial class question in the U.S. continues to be a hotly-debated question within DSA and on the left. In observation of Black August, Christina W. interviewed fellow Red Star members John (NPC, New Orleans) and Craig (Metro Atlanta) about liberal and socialist understandings of racism and anti-racism, how social inquiry can help DSA chapters build alliances in communities of color, the fight for abolition, and making DSA an anti-racist organization in practice.Read the transcript, as well as our other articles and newsletters, on our website at redstarcaucus.org/interview-black-august/

In April 2026, Red Star member and DSA co-chair Megan Romer went to the party of the European Left Conference in Brussels. At this conference, she delivered remarks on the issues of militarism and austerity, and participated in discussions with other left parties on important political issues facing our movement around the world. Megan's remarks were published in Democratic Left. She also spent some time with the Workers' Party of Belgium (PTB), and had an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of life in the PTB, and see their political strategy and action. PTB and DSA were the subjects of a detailed comparison study organized by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung. Red Star member Matt M sits down with Megan to debrief her experience in Belgium, what she learned from spending time with PTB, and what our similarities and differences can tell us about building a militant revolutionary party.

This special session features dialogue between our 2025 NPC candidates. Take a listen to see what we're looking forward to, what we've learned from our time on the NPC already, and what Red Star is bringing to the NPC in 2025.

Explore the fine line between popular uprisings and revolutions, emphasizing the need for strong political leadership. Discover the fight against neoliberalism through grassroots unity and democratic debate among leftist movements. Gain insight into the successful mobilization against the privatization of Uruguay's ANCAP, showcasing community involvement. Lastly, examine the risks revolutionary leaders face when misjudging circumstances, stressing the importance of aligning strategies with grassroots sentiments.

Outgoing and incoming DSA leaders discuss the challenges of national organizing, from preserving institutional knowledge and sharing workloads to opening committees to members. The conversation tackles staff roles, transparency, caucus influence, gatekeeping, and how to navigate disagreement. They also look toward the convention with hopes for a more collaborative, welcoming national leadership.

A conversation about EWOC’s path from pandemic-era workplace support to union organizing, and how DSA can build stronger ties with workers. They discuss local organizing, strike support, labor strategy debates ahead of convention, and what it takes for members to become organizers. Volunteer with EWOC is highlighted as a way to get involved.

00:00 - LeftRoots, "Protagonism, Socialist Leadership, and Socialist Organizing" 49:12 - Harnecker, "Ideas for the Struggle: Convince, Not Impose" 53:50 - Michael Lebowitz, "Protagonism and Productivity"

This podcast explores the philosophical outlook of materialism and its opposition to idealism, emphasizing the importance of transforming our material reality to shape consciousness. It discusses the principles of materialist dialectics and the significance of recognizing contradictions. The podcast also explores the concepts of necessity and chance in scientific investigation, delves into the transformative nature of struggles, and discusses the transformation of the proletariat and societal change.

This podcast explores topics such as the challenges faced by the left and progressive forces, the overlooked potential of indigenous people and Christians in Latin American revolutions, building a correlation of forces, strategies for the working class under neoliberalism, building a solid political organization, unity and diversity in class parties, overcoming hegemonism, consensus and unity in left political organizations, bringing together experts and activists, and finding a balance between centralism and democracy.

Comrade Michael explains venture capitalism and the relationship between imperialism and capitalism. The session explores the dynamics between capitalists and the proletariat, the role of venture capital and IPOs, and the difference between venture capital and stock market returns. It also discusses the evolution of capitalism, its impact on non-ultra-rich individuals, and the relevance of imperialism in today's socialist movement.