

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

Oct 3, 2024 • 41min
Episode 584: Evaluating the Empty Gestures of the 2024 Election
What does it mean that JD Vance did or did not make love to a couch? Is Kamala Harris mentally impaired? Will Donald Trump be an American dictator? Are the pets of Springfield safe? David Shields, author of "How We Got Here," evaluates the US presidential election.Purchase "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/(discount code: howwegotherediscount)Support Us on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode 583: The Campaign for Socialism through Audiobooks
Eric Russell is the editor and reader in charge of Sublation's new Historical Socialism audiobook line. In September, we released the first title: "Frederick Lessner-Sixty Years in the Social-Democratic Movement." In this special edition of Diet Soap, Eric and Doug discuss the contemporary left/socialist movement in juxtaposition to the socialist movement that Lessner helped to build.Support Sublation Mediahttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Sep 27, 2024 • 59min
Episode 582: Žižek and Emergency Capitalism
Douglas Lain and Fabio Vighi explore Slavoj Žižek's influence on the left, the concept of emergency politics, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Fabio offers a critical perspective on Žižek’s controversial support for NATO, arguing that Žižek misunderstands the true functioning of capitalism. Together, they delve into the contradictions and complexities of Žižek’s stance, questioning the role of intellectuals in shaping leftist politics amidst global crises. This conversation challenges mainstream narratives and digs deep into the philosophical and political underpinnings of our time.Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 27min
Episode 581: Understanding the Russian Revolution
In this Cutronezone, Chris Cutrone to explores the Russian Revolution and the broader concept of revolution in Marxist thought. Cutrone breaks down the historical significance of the Russian Revolution, its lessons for today, and delves into the three types of revolution: mass, democratic, and socialist.

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 580: The Cultural Logic of Late Clintonism
Ashley and Doug discuss the self-destruction of the Democrats, the crisis around Keir Starmer, and the legacy of Fredric Jameson. What is the cultural logic dictating world politics in 2024? Join In for the Second Hourhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/112689820Support Sublation Media https://patreon.com/dietsoap

Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 579: Assassinations in the Spectacle
Douglas Lain, a political commentator, and Ashley Frawley, an analyst on political implications, dive into the bizarre world of political assassinations today. They explore whether the Deep State is targeting Trump amid a backdrop of societal chaos. The conversation critiques current political rhetoric and accountability, examines conspiracy theories within public perception, and discusses the discontent sparked by neoliberalism. They also shed light on the immigration-labor dynamics at Amazon plants, urging a deeper understanding of these complex issues.

11 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 15min
Episode 578: Cutrone Adresses Doug's Zizekian Objection
In this discussion, philosopher Chris Cutrone, known for his insights on Hegel and Marx, tackles the philosophical implications of capitalism and labor. He explores whether abstract labor time establishes a historical ontology and critiques the ethical dimensions of capitalism, emphasizing the importance of collective action among workers. Cutrone also navigates contemporary social movements and the complexities of freedom within capitalist frameworks, urging a deeper understanding of labor's role in enacting real change.

Sep 12, 2024 • 41min
Episode 577: Debating Mask Mandates with Dr. Eric Feel So Good
Dr. Eric Osgood is a hospitalist and liberal advocate for the contemporary medical establishment on twitter. Doug debates the Cochrane study on mask mandates and the CASS review with the doctor in this episode of the Diet Soap podcast. Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 7min
Episode 576: Why Do the Capitalists NEED War?
Fabio Vighi discusses how the current proxy wars are being used by the capitalist class to prop up a dying capitalist world order. He also discusses how the Ukrainian conflict is decimating Europe rather than Russia. (No Russian money was procured or involved in the production of this video, but we are open to negotiating with Russian Nationals as long as we are allowed to register the funds through customs.) Support Sublation Media (until the Russians do?) https://patreon.com/dietsoap

Sep 5, 2024 • 42min
Episode 575: Rethinking the 2024 Election
Chris Cutrone and Jack Ross join Douglas Lain to discuss the political realignment occurring through the 2024 election. Chris Cutrone is the author of Marxism and Politics, and Jack Ross is the author of The Strange Death of American Exceptionalism. Support Us on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoapMarxism and Politicshttps://sublationmedia.com/product/marxism-and-politics-essays-on-critical-theory-and-the-party-2006-2024/The Strange Death of American Exceptionalismhttps://sublationmedia.com/product/the-strange-death-of-american-exceptionalism/