ACFM

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.

Explore the powerful theme of death and how capitalism shapes our perceptions of mortality. The hosts dive into the obsession with legacy and the failure to honor those lost during the pandemic. They discuss the intersections of inheritance, inequality, and individual agency, along with reflections on human psychology and the desensitization to violence. The conversation touches on existential philosophy, the complexities of mourning rituals, and even the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for the terminally ill. A thought-provoking journey through the depths of existence.

The discussion dives into the recent riots in Britain, exploring their connection to rising fascist sentiments and the role of misinformation. The team analyzes the disturbing increase in hostility towards asylum seekers and the reactions from various communities. They uncover the complexities of youth involvement in political movements and the dangers of a divided society. Additionally, the podcast critiques the growing influence of far-right ideologies in mainstream politics and emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive coalitions to combat extremism.

Everybody hates a tourist, as Jarvis Cocker once pointed out, and the ACFM gang are no exception in this ACFM Trip exploring the allure of holidays. Keir, Jem and Nadia consider all the different ways we avoid work, from holy days and vay-cays to grand tours and gap yahs. Does travel make fools of us all, or […]

The discussion dives into the intriguing role of humility in politics, especially during elections. It tackles the legacy of the British left and the impact of figures like Jeremy Corbyn. The crew examines how ambient music influences our understanding of history and social movements. They dissect the interplay between humility and humiliation, drawing from Kendrick Lamar's lyrics and broader societal dynamics. The conversation also highlights the importance of humility in activism, as well as its evolution in political discourse, and the challenges posed by social media.

The ACFM crew offer their first reactions to Labour’s landslide election win. Can Starmer’s government rescue the public sector? Where will the money come from? And can they make it to a second term? Sign up to the ACFM newsletter: https://novaramedia.com/newsletters Produced and edited by Matt Huxley and Chal Ravens. Help us build people-powered media: […]

After investigating the politics of cool on the last Trip episode, the crew turn their attention to another distinctly modern sensibility: camp. Digging into Susan Sontag’s formative 1964 essay on the camp aesthetic, Nadia, Keir and Jem think about how elements of the artificial, the theatrical and the sentimental come together in camp objects, from […]

Exploring the concept of 'cool' and its political implications, the podcast delves into the evolution of coolness, the Cool Girl phenomenon, and the complexities of cool as a psychological posture. It discusses the historical origins of cool as a form of resistance, its intersection with capitalism, changes in work attitudes, and the impact of social media on perceptions of coolness.

How do mainstream politicians and pundits contribute to the normalisation of far-right ideas, even as they claim to reject racism and populism? That’s one of many vital questions asked by Aaron Winter and Aurelien Mondon in their book, Reactionary Democracy. Following ACFM’s recent Trip about Fascism, Keir and Jem speak to Aaron and Aurelien about […]