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Rev Left Radio

Revolutionary Left Radiorevolutionaryleftradio.libsyn.com
Discussing political philosophy, current events, activism, and the inevitable historical downfall of capitalism from a revolutionary leftist perspective.
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Episodes

Philosophy Series: Nietzsche and the Death of God

Breht listens to, reflects on, and critically engages with a public lecture by the late philosopher Michael Sugrue entitled "Nietzsche and the Death of God" . He discusses the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the politics of modern day Nietzscheans, the death of god and consumer capitalism as a form a nihilism, the ongoing nature of human civilizational and spiritual evolution, the biography of Nietzsche, what the next step of human evolution might be, the synthesis of religion and science, sc...

Jan 17, 20252 hr 32 min

"Mirror" by Andrei Tarkovsky: Time, Memory, and Aesthetic Contemplation

Breht is a guest on Left of the Projector (along with Amanda Joy Moon). Together, with the host Evan, the three discuss Soviet Filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky's film "Mirror" from 1975. This is our fourth episode focusing on the films of Tarkovsky. You can find all our other episodes on Tarkovsky's films HERE Left of the Projector: Subscribe: https://leftoftheprojector.com ⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠: https://boxd.it/5T9O1 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://www.patreon.com/LeftoftheProjectorPod ⁠⁠ ...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 27 min

City of Ashes: The Los Angeles Wildfires

Alyson - a lifelong and current resident of Los Angeles - and Breht discuss the wildfires ravaging L.A. Together they discuss the acute and structural causes of the fires, the role played by Climate Change, the reactionary propaganda surrounding the fires, the class dynamics at play, the self-serving careerist motivations of bourgeois politicans, the organized grassroots community response on the ground, and what it all means for the future of California, the US, and the world. Outro Song: Fores...

Jan 11, 20251 hr 22 min

On the Situation in Syria and its Implications for the Region

Thuraya, Angie , Mohammad, and Edward join Breht to discuss recent events in Syria. Together they discuss what happened, Syria under the Assad government, the hope and concerns of the the Syrian people, the role Syria plays in the axis of resistance, Syria's connections to Palestine, current conditions in Gaza, Israel's ongoing genocide and its actions in Syria, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and their governing promises, the history of the Syrian civil war and its continued relevance, the role of ...

Jan 06, 20251 hr 34 min

New Years Reflection: Reviewing 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025 & Beyond

It's time for our annual Revolutionary Guerrilla Menace episode, where we crossover with Rev Left and the Red Menace in order to review the past year in world events and look forward to what we think will be coming in the next year. Breht, Alyson, Adnan, and Henry discuss Palestine, BRICS, the Alliance of Sahel States, global capitalism, and much more, so be sure to tune in and share widely! This episode will also be on Guerrilla History and Red Menace ! Support Rev Left and get access to bonus ...

Jan 04, 20252 hr 25 min

Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism (Upstream)

Alyson and Breht were invited to join Robbie on the Upstream podcast to talk about Lenin's "Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism". Capitalism, imperialism, monopoly—far from being separate concepts that just happen to take shape parallel to one another or to overlap from time to time, these terms all really refer to the exact same overall process. We call it capitalism because it's not always practical to call it "monopoly capitalism in its imperialist stage" or something like that, but ...

Jan 02, 20252 hr 9 min

The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism

Torkil Lauesen joins Breht to discuss his newest book " The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism ". Together they discuss the book, why capitalism is ripe for replacement, the importance of historical and dialectical materialism, the history of socialist movements and revolutions, each revolutions unique contributions to the historical process of socialism, the core and periphery and their connection to colonialism, the ongoing crisis of imperialism and how it relates to t...

Dec 23, 20241 hr 41 min

The German Revolution

Alyson and Breht finally dive into the German Revolution of 1918! Together they discuss this rather ambigious revolution, give a detailed overview of events, and reflect on what lessons we can learn from it. From the toppling of the Kaiser, to the brutal fight between social democrats and communists (including the horrible murders of Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht), to the rise of the Freikorp and the Weimar Republic (and beyond), they help listeners understand the importance, the successes,...

Dec 10, 20241 hr 43 min

Red Hot Take: Deny, Defend, Depose...

Breht gently and lovingly gives his unique and nuanced perspective on the murder of the CEO of Healthcare United. Outro Song: To Cause Your Own Death by Mon Rovia Support Rev Left Radio and get access to more episodes like this here: Patreon.com/RevLeftRadio Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio...

Dec 05, 202427 min

Climate Vanguard: Organizing Toward a Livable Future

Inea, Noah, and Jack from Climate Vanguard join Breht to discuss their organization, the role of youth in the struggle for a livable future, the various ecological crises facing us, eco-leninism and the importance of the Party in eco-socialist struggle, practical revolutionary political strategy, the essential role of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism, degrowth, climate change, the interrelated nature of the many problems we face, and much more! Check out their brand new brief on the importa...

Dec 03, 20242 hr 1 min

Philosophy Series: Marx on History, Communism, & Political Economy

Breht listens to, reflects on, and critically engages with a public lecture by the late philosopher Michael Sugrue entititled "Marx on Alienation and Ideology" . Professor Sugrue passed away recently, and Breht has always found his free, public lectures on philosophy to be helpful and really well done. In the spirit of free and open access to education, Breht offers his knowledge of Marxist philosophy alongside this offering by Professor Sugrue. The use of this lecture series falls under the pro...

Nov 26, 20242 hr 15 min

Shattering the Spectacle: Trump, Kamala, and the 2024 Election

Alyson and Breht analyze the results of the recent presidential election and explore its various meanings. Together they discuss the grotesque hollowness of the Democratic Party, the identity crisis of the post-Trump Republican party, dealignment and realignment, the end of neoliberalism, the rise of the illiberal Right around the world, strategies for developing the socialist left as a serious player on the electoral terrain, how Trump might navigate the Israel issue, the end of neoliberal iden...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 11 min

The Waiting Room of History... (Unlocked Patreon Teaser)

Breht speaks at length about the upcoming election, changes and trends within the two parties, the Democratic Coalition of neoconservatives and neoliberals, the inevitable culmination of this era of American crises, the GOP identity-crisis after Trump, the accelerationist perspective on a Trump victory, the emptiness of Kamala's campaign, why socialists cannot support either party/candidate, the total dead-end of liberal and conservative identity politics, and much more. This is a segment of a m...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 11 min

Capitalism: A Horror Story

On this Halloween, Jon Greenaway returns to the show to discuss his new book "Capitalism: A Horror Story (Gothic Marxism and the Dark Side off the Radical Imagination)" . What does it mean to see horror in capitalism? What can horror tell us about the state and nature of capitalism? Blending film criticism, cultural theory, and philosophy, Capitalism: A Horror Story examines literature, film, and philosophy, from Frankenstein to contemporary cinema, delving into the socio-political function of t...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 15 min

Abolish Rent: How Tenants Can End The Housing Crisis

Tracy Rosenthal and Leonardo Vilchis, co-founders of the LA Tenants Union, join Breht to discuss their organizing and their new book "Abolish Rent". Together, they discuss the housing crisis, the role played by private equity, developers, politicians, and landlords, the history and experiences of LA Tenants Union, the importance of political education, how the housing struggle is tied to land struggles, how the housing crisis is inexorably tied to the broader crisis of capitalism and connected t...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 29 min

For Land: The Capitalist Mode of Production and the Sixth Mass Extinction Event

James from Prolekult joins Breht to discuss Prolekult's expansive new documentary, which you can find for free on YouTube, called "For Land: Capitalism as Extinction" . Together, they discuss the documentary, political education, how the internal logic of capitalism produces environmental destruction, how the commodity form of labor is at the root of the eco-crisis, eco-marxism, the hyper-destructive role played by colonialism and imperialism, what the revolutionary socialist left needs to grapp...

Oct 21, 20241 hr 16 min

Apartheid in the West Bank: Israeli Fascism, Settler Violence, & Palestinian Resilience

Jenna Martin, an independent journalist from Montana, joins Breht to discuss her recent visit to the West Bank. Together, they discuss her trip, how she got into the occupied territories amidst war, her first-hand account of the brutality and violence of the Israeli apartheid regime in the West Bank, settler violence against the indigenous Palestinians, how Palestinian's rely on creativity and community to fight back, the arbitrary nature of fascist violence employed by the IDF, the day-to-day i...

Oct 14, 20241 hr 12 min

War in West Asia: When A Dying Settler Colony Lashes Out

Alyson and Breht discuss the unfolding regional war between Israel and literally all of its neighbors, the restrained Iranian response to Israeli aggression, US complicity and contributions to the fascist mass murder campaign, Hezbollah and Lebanon, Russia and Syria, the decrepit war criminals littering the US ruling class, who is actually running the Biden adminstration, Kamala and Trump tripping over one another to declare their love and loyalty to Israel, why Democrats and their ardent suppor...

Oct 08, 20241 hr 34 min

Exploring Political Theory: Liberal Socialism

Professor and author Matt McManus returns to the show to discuss his newest book, " The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism ". Together they explore the major themes of the book, hash out the disagreements they have between revolutionary Marxism and democratic socialism, explore critical thinkers like Karl Marx, Thomas Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft, and John Rawls, wrestle with the questions of revolution and communism as the ultimate goal of socialism, and much more. "Providing a comprehensive c...

Oct 04, 20242 hr 11 min

On Mysticism II: Enlightenment, Non-Duality, & Perennialism

Alyson and Breht return to do a follow up conversation to their well-received previous episode regarding this topic, "On Mysticism: Ego, Suffering, & Love" . In this episode, they dive even deeper, discussing what enlightenment really is, the universal accessibility of Non-Dual awareness, the arguments for and against Perennialism, the mystical branches of Abrahamic religions, Buddhism and Taoism, meditation, awareness, fascist mysticism, and much more. Support Rev Left HERE Check out all Re...

Sep 27, 20241 hr 26 min

Tenant Organizing with Omaha Tenants Union

Seth and Jade from OTU join Breht to discuss their tenant organizing, their recent victories, implementing the Mass Line, the importance of political education, how to take the fight to landlords, concrete advice for those who might want to start their own tenant organization, and much more! Learn more about OTU HERE Get 15% off any book at Left Wing Books HERE --------------------------------------------------------- Rev Left is and always will be 100% listener funded. You can support the show ...

Sep 25, 20241 hr 50 min

Art for the People and the Maoist Communist Union

Space from Art For The People and Thomas O'Connell from MCU (Maoist Communist Union) join Breht to discuss these organizations, their aims and goals, the role of art and artists in a revolutionary movement, the impossibility of "non-political art", their shared love of hip hop, Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, the importance of giving and receiving criticism, communist organizing, and much more! MCU's instagram MCU's website AFTP's Instagram Marxism Today on Youtube Space's music Space's Instagram Space...

Sep 18, 20242 hr 25 min

On The Ground In Gaza: Service as Solidarity

Willy Massay joins Breht in-studio to discuss his time as a medical volunteer in Gaza. Willy got back into town just last week and speaks candidly and movingly about his experiences with and among the Palestinian people in Gaza. Donate to 3 displaced families in Gaza HERE Donate to Fidaa and her children in Gaza HERE Learn more about Rahma Worldwide HERE Learn more about Jewish Voices for Peace HERE Learn more about Nebraskans for Palestine HERE Outro Song: World Goes Blind by Samer...

Sep 12, 20241 hr 37 min

At Least the Pain is Cheap...

A book of poetry dedicated to the human experience of the working class poor in the American Midwest... Buy and/or review At Least the Pain is Cheap HERE Get a free copy at: atleastthepainischeap@gmail.com

Sep 11, 20248 min

All Too Human: Christian's Struggle with Meth, Alcohol, & Incarceration

Shoeless in South Dakota: In this fourth edition of our All Too Human interview series , Breht and Dave welcome their old friend from high school, Christian, into the Shoeless Shed to have an honest conversation about his struggles with alcoholism, methamphetamine, and incarceration. This is the first time Breht and Christian have seen eachother in 15 years! With these All Too Human interviews, we aim to highlight and destigmatize the mental health and addiction struggles of regular working clas...

Sep 10, 20242 hr 31 min

Revolutionary Strategy and the Industrial Proletariat

Chase from the Maoist Communist Union (MCU) joins Breht to discuss revolutionary strategy, both historically and presently, and the specific role of the industrual proletariat in that strategy. Together, they discuss communist organizing, different class stratas and their revolutionary potential, the science of Marxism, historical materialism, imperialism and its ideological and material impacts on the working class of the imperial core, the social divison of labor, the service industry, large s...

Sep 02, 20242 hr 17 min

The Fight to Free The Pendleton 2!

Too Black returns to the show to discuss the case of the Pendleton 2, the story of John "Balagoon" Cole and Christopher "Naeem" Trotter, the leaders of the Indiana prison uprising that rescued Lincoln "Lokmar" Love from being brutalized and killed by prison guards, exposed Pendleton's dehumanizing conditions, and unleashed the vindictive wrath of the Indiana Department of Correction. Together, he and Breht discuss the backstory, the legal case and trial, the absurdly long prison sentences they r...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 1 min

"Ivan's Childhood" by Andrei Tarkovsky: The Children are Always Ours...

Join Breht, Amanda, and Evan as they delve into Soviet filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky's first feature film, Ivan's Childhood (1962). The episode starts with a lighthearted discussion about dream dinner guests, then moves into a detailed analysis of themes like innocence lost, war trauma, and symbolic elements such as trees and cobwebs. The hosts draw parallels between the film's depiction of war and ongoing humanitarian crises like those in Palestine. Part of their Tarkovsky series, this episode als...

Aug 26, 20241 hr 23 min

Building a People's Art: Vietnam, Socialist Realism and Cultural Revolution

Ruehl Muller joins Breht to discuss his upcoming book, put out by Iskra Books, titled " Building a People's Art: Selected Works of Trường Chinh and Tố Hữu ". Together, they discuss Vietnamese Socialist Realism, Maoist China, Cultural Revolution, dialectics, the death drive, fascism in Germany and Israel, New Democracy, and much more! Find this book, stay up to date on all releases, get into contact with Ruehl, and so much here at www.iskrabooks.org Outro Song: "Opening Salvo" by Blue Scholars --...

Aug 21, 20241 hr 45 min
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