The Dig

The podcast delves into the detrimental effects of medical debt on individuals in the US, highlighting the aggressive debt collection practices in hospitals. It discusses the disparities in access to care and health outcomes, the need for comprehensive public healthcare, and the potential for leveraging medical debt as a catalyst for social and economic change. The conversation also explores the evolution of healthcare systems, patient rights, challenges faced by physicians, and movements advocating for structural changes in the financial system.

Emily Dische-Becker, expert on Germany's anti-Palestinian policies and Israeli proxy nationalism, discusses Germany's complex relationship with anti-Semitism, suppression of pro-Palestine speech, memory culture, the rise of the far right, rejection of the colonialism-Holocaust connection, and potential for Jewish migrant solidarity.

Helen Lackner, expert on Yemen and the Houthis, discusses the complex history of Yemen, the Houthis' motivations in relation to Israel and their disruption of the shipping industry. It explores the rise and ideology of the Houthi movement, US involvement in counter-terrorism, Iranian support during the civil war, the status of negotiations for ending the war, Aden's importance to the British Empire, and the rise of Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Explore the extravagant world of VIP nightclubs and the labor conditions for models. Delve into the social dynamics and rationality within exclusive nightclubs and the role of luxury consumption. Examine the complexities of race and advantage in the industry. Uncover the dynamics of high-end hostessing and the transformation of clubs in New York City. Discuss the concept of pleasure and exploitation in exclusive spaces and reflect on the possibilities of creating a more inclusive VIP club.

Ussama Makdisi, expert on Western colonialism and Zionism, discusses how these forces exploited and imposed sectarianism in the Arab Middle East. Topics include the impact of Western imperialism, the divergence between Turkey and Arab Mushryk, Arab political radicalisms, the emergence of the Arab identity, early Palestinian opposition to Zionism, consequences of colonialism and Zionism, the Farhud and colonial Zionist project, and demystifying violent events in the Middle East.

No new episode this week, but upcoming interview with Osama Makdisi and future interviews teased. Peruse vast archives at thedigradio.com.

Ussama Makdisi, expert on the late Ottoman Empire's Arab culture of coexistence, discusses the impact of European colonialism and Zionism on sectarianism in the region. Topics include missionary movements, the decline of the Ottoman Empire, European intervention, post-Ottoman mandate states, colonial Zionism, and the making of the modern world.

Shaul Magid, expert on post-1948 Jewish Zionism and Jewish anti-Zionism, discusses the transformation of Zionism after the rise of Nazism, Jewish activism in the American New Left movement, the crisis of liberal Zionism, the evolution of liberal Zionism in relation to the Israeli occupation, the transformation of Israeli society, the defamation and delegitimization of anti-Zionists, the examination of Biden's remark and the Zionist narrative, the Zionist civil war and its impact on Zionism.

Shaul Magid, an expert on Jewish Zionism and anti-Zionism, discusses the history and crisis of Jewish Zionism, importance of conversation amidst Gaza violence, Orthodox Jewish groups opposing Zionism, differences in anti-Zionist movements, diverse perspectives on Zionism, and the role of Mizraki Jews in the Zionist project.

Featuring Mohammed el-Kurd, a Palestinian poet, journalist, and organizer, this podcast discusses the current situation in Gaza, the devaluation of Palestinian life under Israeli rule, and the role of Palestine solidarity in reviving internationalism. It also explores possibilities for a free Palestine, different perspectives on the goal of activism, and the impact on students' freedom of speech. The podcast includes an interview with Mohammed el-Kurd and a call-to-action for support.