ACFM

The ACFM gang get together for the last time this year to deliver a Festive 50. Keir, Jem and Nadia select the best bits of culture and politics from 2023, from music, films, books to games, strikes and actions. Unwrap to find sci-fi blaxploitation, comedy history, gobby glam-punk, Judge Dredd analysis, a fresh angle on Silicon […]

Millions have protested against the bombing of Gaza by taking part in marches, boycotts, sit-ins and other demonstrations. But what difference does it make, either to the world or to ourselves? The gang confront a contentious topic in this Trip. Do “A to B” marches ever achieve anything? What about joining hands around an RAF […]

Ever feel like there’s too much change these days? Don’t worry, you’re not (necessarily) becoming more conservative. On this Trip, Nadia, Jem and Keir think about the ebb and flow of political currents, social movements and our inner lives. What’s the difference between being still and being stuck? When does a campaign turn into a […]

The podcast explores the importance of surrealism to socialist thought and anti-colonial struggle, discussing various topics such as Dadaism, André Breton's manifesto, surreal songs, and the influence of surrealism on political propaganda and mainstream culture. It also delves into Afro surrealism, dream interpretation, and the impact of surrealism on the band Devo.

Festivals. The perfect embodiment of the ACFM aesthetic, and even social politics… or are they? As the season comes to a close, Nadia, Jem and Keir ask themselves what festivals are really about. Is it music? Camping? The breakdown of everyday hierachies? Or is it just 20,000 people standing in a field? With help from […]

The podcast explores personal experiences with the internet, its origins, and its evolving nature. They discuss the effects of the internet on everyday lives, including sense of self and political engagement. They delve into growing up without the internet and first interactions. The concept of dopamine addiction at scale and the impact of keeping mobile phones in the bedroom are explored. They discuss internet addiction, harmful effects of extreme behaviors, and the early days of grime music and the internet. The dual nature of Silicon Valley's cultural liberalism and commons-based peer production are also covered.

Malcolm Harris, author of Kids These Days, discusses the unique political history of Palo Alto, connecting the founding of California, Stanford University's eugenicist agenda, and the emergence of Silicon Valley and the military-industrial complex. Is personal computing and the internet tainted by this history?

As the longest day arrives in the northern hemisphere, Jeremy, Nadia and Keir ponder our obsession with the great outdoors. How did parks become political? Why do we seek out the strenuous discomforts of hiking, camping and cold water? And what does Jem have against music festivals? They look back on a century of changing […]

This podcast delves into sitcoms set in the workplace, exploring the history of sitcoms and their evolution from family-based shows to work-based ones. It discusses the use of sexual innuendos and double entendres in sitcoms, as well as the darker and more gritty tone of the sitcom 'Taxi'. The conversation also analyzes Margaret Thatcher's favorite sitcom and the portrayal of government bureaucracy in 'Yes Minister'. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the portrayal of work in The Simpsons and a mention of 'The IT Crowd' and '30 Rock' sitcoms.

What’s the point of comedy? Stand-ups were at the forefront of the cultural backlash against Thatcherism, but today’s meme-driven lols are rarely in the service of left-wing politics. Meanwhile, the world’s most powerful people seem intent on having a laugh, from podcasting politicians to presidential comedians. In this Trip, Jeremy Gilbert, Nadia Idle and Keir […]