ACFM

Following the recent Trip episode on Heroes, Keir and Jem return with a Microdose focusing on the masked, the winged and the mutated. Why are superheroes such a cultural mainstay? What psychological and political desires do they fulfil? Are they inherently reactionary? From Superman to Batman, Wonder Woman to 2000AD, it’s a weird left reading […]

The discussion dives into the complexities of heroism in modern politics, highlighting its scarcity in progressive circles. Gender perspectives are examined, revealing the challenges women face in being recognized as heroes. The evolving concept of heroism is explored, questioning the narratives around courage and sacrifice. The paradox of individualism versus community support is critiqued, alongside a humorous take on individualism through pet intelligence. Finally, the podcast examines contemporary political heroism and the challenges faced by leftist leaders.

The ACFM gang gather for a springtime reading of a prototype acid-communist text by Russian revolutionary Alexandra Kollontai. Download the text and follow along as Nadia, Keir and Jem get their teeth into Make Way for Winged Eros! A Letter to Working Youth, published in 1923.Check out the AK-47 podcast mentioned in this show: https://kristenghodsee.com/podcast […]

The gang present a milestone 50th Trip all about acid: a drug, a genre, a political concept, a mental tool and a thought corrosive. Looking back on six years of the podcast, Nadia, Keir and Jem decide if ‘acid’ is still a useful way of thinking about left-wing politics. Find the books and music mentioned […]

What’s the point of the arts when the world is on fire? To follow the pipeline from creativity to activism and back again, Nadia Idle is joined by Amber Massie-Blomfield, former chief of theatre company Complicité and the author of Acts of Resistance: The Power of Art to Create Better World. They discuss Dan Edelstyn […]

After last week’s ACFM on the meaning and morality of personal debt, Keir and Nadia zoom out to the macroeconomics of debt. Joining them to make sense of concepts like sovereign debt, structural adjustment and international ratings agencies is Heidi Chow, executive director of Debt Justice. She explains how and why countries borrow money, why […]

The concept of debt is as slippery as it is powerful. In this Trip episode, Keir, Nadia and Jem explain why debt is more like a belief than a calculation, and wonder how to imagine a society without it. From credit cards to dowries, they discuss the reality and fantasy of debt, with ideas from […]

The discussion kicks off with the historical backdrop of The Communist Manifesto, spotlighting its relevance during the 1848 revolutions. It delves into class struggle, contrasting past and present societal complexities. The podcast investigates colonialism's role in capitalism and critiques bourgeois dynamics, emphasizing the commodification of relationships. Gender roles in labor and the decline of the petty bourgeoisie are explored, highlighting the need for unified class struggles. The poignant call for global worker solidarity wraps up the dialogue, celebrating its enduring impact.

Which side are you on? Keir, Nadia and Jem consider the ebb and flow of political commitment with ideas and music from Jodi Dean, Gramsci, John Coltrane and the Raincoats. Is cultural production the same as political action? What’s the difference between an ally and a comrade? And why do some communists end up as […]

Disruption can fuel innovation but also wreak havoc on daily life. The hosts delve into climate activism, highlighting the harsh legal repercussions for protesters. They unpack the philosophical tension around art protests and their implications for society. Climate change’s devastating effects are pictured against public outrage misdirected at activists rather than systemic issues. The conversation also critiques capitalism's creative destruction while advocating for impactful activism to drive necessary societal change.