Benjamin Studebaker and Douglas Lain discuss the Platypus Affiliated Society convention and a few of the questions raised on our panels:  What was neoliberalism?Why does Society have Politics?Join the Sublation Patreon for a second hour of discussion:https://patreon.com/dietsoap

Spencer Leonard discusses the Frankfurt School's Marxism, how these Marxists are still relevant to us today, and explains Horkheimer's "Egoism and Freedom Movements: On the Anthropology of the Bourgeois Epoch." Support Sublation Media and Listen to the Second Half:https://patreon.com/dietsoap

David Shields, author of "How We Got Here," returns to discuss how Trump has destroyed our reality and how our sensemaking institutions are in crisis. How can we educate ourselves and get a grip on the world if everything is FAKE NEWS?Get a copy of Shield's book "How We Got Here"https://sublationmedia.com/product/how-we-got-here-melville-plus-nietzsche-divided-by-the-square-root-of-allan-bloom-times-zizek-squared-equals-bannon-by-david-shields/Support Sublation Mediahttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Chris Cutrone assuages Douglas Lain's fears as they survey the wreckage of Trump's first 50 days in office. Is Trump an amateur just throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks? Yes? Is he a world historic figure who aims to rearrange the world order? Yes again?Watch the second half of this podcast on Patreon, and join a Zoom call afterparty conversation with other socialists and thinkers.https://pareon.com/dietsoapChris Cutrone's "Marxism and Politics" was paused for a time as we made some revisions to the text. It is available again now:https://sublationmedia.com/product/marxism-and-politics-essays-on-critical-theory-and-the-party-2006-2024/

Historian Spencer Leonard, an expert on the term 'labor aristocracy,' joins the conversation to dissect its historical roots and current implications for anti-imperialism. They explore the intersection of labor movements and anti-imperialist sentiments, particularly through the lens of Palestine. Leonard critiques socialist movements' failures and discusses Lenin's strategies versus Stalinism. The podcast also delves into poverty and inequality's ties to global capitalism, urging a reevaluation of leftist ideologies to build a stronger, cohesive political presence.

In this week's Diet Soap podcast, Arturo Desimone returns to set the record straight about the Monroe Doctrine and the character of American power while Doug fact checks him again in real time using Elon's newest wonder: Grok 3!Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Zaid Jilani joins Douglas Lain to discuss his two recent articles for Compact: The Democrats’ RFK Dilemmahttps://www.compactmag.com/article/the-democrats-rfk-dilemma/Democrats Should Work with Trumphttps://www.compactmag.com/article/democrats-should-work-with-trump/Patrons are invited to discuss these podcasts by Zoom every week.Support Us on Patreon to join the conversation.https://patreon.com/dietsoap

Joining the discussion are Nina Power, a renowned writer for The Telegraph and Spectator, and Susanna Cleman, an engaging novelist behind 'Twice.' They delve into the chaos of misinformation in American politics, examining figures like Elon Musk and the influence of technology. The conversation also tackles the implications of free speech, online privacy, and the evolving nature of democracy. With insights on bureaucratic tyranny and critiques of capitalism, they explore how these themes resonate with contemporary society and political discourse.

Chris Cutrone returns to discuss his recent essay for COMPACT entitled "Mar-a-Gaza." How should socialists understand Trump's proposal? How should the ethnic cleansing of Gaza be resisted now that it is uninhabitable? What went wrong with the pro-Palestinian protest movement? Support Sublation Mediahttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

In this discussion, Erin Hagood, the President of the Platypus Affiliated Society, sheds light on this Marxist organization and its intervention in contemporary leftist movements. She delves into the historical lessons of Marxism, emphasizing the relevance of events like 1968 to today's activism. The conversation critiques the fragmentation of the left and underscores the importance of ideological clarity. Erin advocates for a deeper engagement with past successes and failures to revitalize modern activism, fostering a critical dialogue about the future of leftist thought.