Gabriel Winant, a history professor at the University of Chicago and volunteer organizer, hosts Eric Blanc, an outspoken advocate for worker-led movements and author of 'We Are the Union.' They delve into the revitalization of labor movements through grassroots organizing, discussing the rise of younger workers’ involvement and innovative strategies for union engagement. The importance of solidarity to combat corporate dominance is emphasized, along with calls for coordinated action to empower workers and address contemporary challenges in the labor landscape.

Brace Belden and Liz Franczak, co-hosts of TrueAnon, delve into the absurdities of today's tech oligarchy. They humorously critique Elon Musk's managerial quirks while exploring Silicon Valley's ideological shift toward radicalism. The duo examines social media's role in political chaos and the unsettling rise of far-right movements. They also touch on AI's bizarre intersection with creativity, the organizational paradoxes in tech, and how traditional civic engagement is being overshadowed by viral content.

Joining the discussion are Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, a philosophy professor and author known for his work on reparations; Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a prominent scholar and author focused on Black liberation; and Mike McCarthy, a sociology expert addressing class struggle. They dive into the contemporary pushback against woke culture, scrutinizing the far-right's manipulation of racial narratives. The conversation critiques ineffective liberal identity politics and emphasizes the need for solidarity across various struggles against systemic inequalities.

Danielle Carr, a historian and professor at UCLA, delves into the evolution of psychiatry and its societal implications. She questions whether rising mental health issues reflect genuine crises or increased awareness. The conversation covers the cultural impact of Adderall, the pitfalls of deep brain stimulation, and the ethical concerns surrounding emerging technologies like Neuralink. Carr critiques trauma discourse and highlights the relationship between mental health and political activism, advocating for a collective approach to wellness and advocacy.

In this insightful discussion, Chris Newman, Legal Director of the National Day Laborers Organizing Network, tackles the far-right anti-migrant agenda under Trump. He highlights the bipartisan failures that have intensified immigration enforcement without real reform. The conversation dives into the historical roots of immigration policy, the importance of immigrant labor in recovery efforts, and critiques the Democratic Party’s shortcomings on immigration rights. Newman emphasizes the need for solidarity among marginalized communities to combat rising nativism.

Hannah Srajer, President of the Connecticut Tenants Union, discusses revolutionary approaches to tenant organizing by applying labor models. She highlights the power of collective bargaining, drawing from the success of the Blake Street Tenant Union, which achieved more equitable leases. Srajer emphasizes community resilience in the face of landlord aggression, showcasing the Concord Hills Tenant Union's fight for justice. The podcast also explores the broader impact of grassroots movements in reshaping tenant rights across the nation.

In this insightful conversation, tenant organizers Leonardo Vilchis and Tracy Rosenthal discuss their experience fighting for housing justice in Los Angeles. They share powerful anecdotes from their book, 'Abolish Rent,' emphasizing the importance of tenant unions and collective action. The duo covers the struggles of marginalized communities and the impact of gentrification on tenants. They shed light on successful rent strikes and grassroots movements, advocating for community solidarity as a means to combat the ongoing housing crisis.

In a compelling discussion, Michael Denning, a Marxist cultural critic from Yale, dives into the moral panic surrounding mugging in 1970s England and its impact on marginalized communities. He links this historical crisis to the rise of neoliberalism and authoritarianism, emphasizing how societal fears shape narratives around law and order. Denning also explores the complexities of race, class, and the evolving relationship between crime and state authority, urging a reassessment of traditional Marxist frameworks while advocating for community engagement and support.

Michael Denning, a Yale professor and author, dives into the revolutionary ideas of Stuart Hall, a pioneering figure in cultural studies. They explore Hall's unique Marxist perspective that critiques traditional doctrines while emphasizing the complexity of race, class, and ideology. Denning discusses the lasting effects of Thatcherism and Trumpism on contemporary politics and the importance of a nuanced understanding of racism within class struggles. Their conversation reveals Hall's innovative method of historical specificity, crucial for reshaping socialist politics today.

In this discussion, Bassam Haddad, a distinguished professor and director of Middle East studies, unpacks the geopolitical intricacies surrounding the rise and fall of Assad's regime. He delves into the mixed emotions Syrians felt post-ouster, balancing joy with the unsettling aftermath. Haddad also examines the Syrian civil society's struggles, the complex dynamics of sectarianism, and the impact of regional players like Turkey and Iran. Additionally, he critiques the deceptive nature of terrorism definitions and explores the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe.