Diet Soap - a podcast
Douglas Lain
The Diet Soap podcast began in 2009 in response to the economic crisis of 2008. Since then it has gone through many transformations, including becoming the podcast for a critical theory imprint out of the UK. Today the Diet Soap podcast is running under its original name for Sublation Media.Sublation Media includes a book publishing effort for critical theory and left politics, a magazine that covers current events and theoretical issues, youtube videos on theory and politics, and finally the Diet Soap podcast. The podcast is where we continue to interrogate the left and each other while having a good time.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 14min
Episode 622: Arturo Vs. Grok 3- Fact Checking Redux!
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
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Episode 621: Should the Democrats Cooperate with RFK Jr?
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
5 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 7min
Episode 620: Information Overload and Demagoguery
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.
Feb 14, 2025 • 59min
Episode 619: On Trump's Plan for Gaza
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
5 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 22min
Episode 618: A Marxist Platypus?
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.
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
Episode 617: Elon Musk and His Lost Boys Take Over the World
This week's Sublaton Magazine stream will include a discussion with Benjamin Studebaker about Elon Musk's takeover of the Federal Government. Are we now entering an era of high-tech feudalism? Do we like the taste of it? We will also be discussing Rob McCleary's Short Story "Nixon in Space" https://electricliterature.com/nixon-in-space-rob-mccleary/Support Sublation Mediahttps://patreon.com/dietsoap
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 29min
Episode 616: On Marx's Critique of Political Economy
Following up on Reid Kane's podcast discussing the Marxist Value Critics, Spencer Leonard discusses Marx's critique of political economy and its relevance today. Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap
Feb 4, 2025 • 58min
Episode 615: Trump, Tariffs, and Executive Orders
Douglas Lain and Benjamin Studebaker discuss the prospects for the US and Canada. Who will win the coming trade war? What is the point of blaming Canada? Story of the Week:Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" https://fullreads.com/literature/the-lottery/Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap
Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 614: Quentin S Crisp Remembers Hamsters
Nina Power and Douglas Lain discuss Quentin S. Crisp's novel "Hamster Dam," Neo-Decadence, and the life of the writer in the 21st century. Questions asked include: Do we misremember ourselves? What is frightening today? Do the seventies live on? Support Sublation Media https://patreon.com/dietsoap
Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
Episode 613: Why Are Conservatives so WOKE for Israel?
Joseph (Jake) Klein explains the history of DEI and how riots in the 60s led to redefinitions of racism. A conservative libertarian, Klein also criticizes his colleagues for their hypocrisy. They are WOKE for Israel. Patrons are invited to a follow-up discussion on Zoom at 2:30pm Pacific.Support Sublation Media https://patreon.com/dietsoap
