Scheer Intelligence features thoughtful and provocative conversations with "American Originals" -- people who, through a lifetime of engagement with political issues, offer unique and often surprising perspectives on the day's most important issues.
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A tenured professor can spend decades building a career, win awards, earn lifetime recognition, and still be discarded the moment political speech crosses an invisible line. That is what happened to Dr. Sang-hae Kil after she supported Palestinian protest on campus. Her teaching record was untouched, her scholarship praised, and a faculty panel ruled unanimously against punishment — yet San José State University fired her anyway. The message is unmistakable: on many campuses, academic freedom su...
Robert Scheer and Nolan Higdon dissect the Epstein files, revealing not just individual crimes but a pervasive culture where political and financial elites operate above the law. They discuss how the media is compromised, the education system corporatized, and how this systemic corruption, fueled by tech and unchecked power, reflects an "inverted totalitarianism" and "techno-fascism," leaving democracy vulnerable. The episode also uncovers Epstein's deep ties to intelligence operations, including the Iran-Contra affair and Israeli surveillance.
Former Congressman Dennis Kucinich joins Robert Scheer to critically assess US foreign policy, arguing America has reached the terminus of its imperial project. They discuss the dangerous alliance with Israel, the illegality of Trump's actions against Iran, and the historical US meddling in the region. The conversation highlights the global power shift, the decline of American manufacturing due to flawed trade policies, and the elite's abandonment of capitalism for militarism, warning of severe economic and moral consequences domestically and abroad.
As the U.S. drifts deeper into an era shaped by concentrated wealth, surveillance technology, and political strongmen, Robert Scheer sits down with Jonathan Taplin to examine what he calls the rise of “techno‑authoritarianism.” Drawing on decades at the intersection of culture, media, and technology—from producing Bob Dylan and The Band to directing USC’s Annenberg Innovation Lab—Taplin traces how corporate monopolies, AI, and political intimidation have hollowed out the counterculture that once...
Robert Scheer and Abby Martin discuss her blistering documentary, "Earth's Greatest Enemy," which meticulously argues that the US military is the world's leading climate polluter. Martin details Hollywood's refusal to distribute the film due to its critique of the Pentagon, exposing media complicity. The conversation broadens to the bipartisan nature of militarism, its devastating human and environmental costs, and the need for global grassroots activism to counter a system prioritizing war and extraction over life.
Robert Scheer and Nolan Higdon examine the Epstein Files' latest revelations, including Epstein's Zorro Ranch and gene-editing ambitions. They coin "techno-fascism" to describe the elite's pursuit of power, intertwining Silicon Valley, academia, and intelligence networks with unchecked hedonism. The discussion highlights the ruling class's hypocrisy regarding religious values, their global connections, and the unprecedented wealth gap, questioning the future of democracy amidst their disregard for accountability.
This episode dives deep into the latest Epstein file revelations, exposing a vast network of elites from academia, finance, and politics who not only associated with Epstein but shared his disturbing views, including eugenics. The discussion reveals how this ruling class shielded itself from accountability through financial deregulation and class allegiance, using coded language for illicit activities while U.S. institutions largely look the other way. Ultimately, the files offer a stark glimpse into the systemic corruption underlying American power in its "Second Gilded Age."
Robert Scheer and Nolan Higdon dissect the Epstein files, exposing the extensive network of wealthy and powerful individuals who lied about their connections. The discussion highlights the systemic corruption within academia, government, finance, and media, arguing that the scandal reflects a deep cultural decadence and the collapse of institutions under the weight of elite wrongdoing. Higdon emphasizes the need for fundamental change and accountability beyond partisan lines.
On today’s episode of Scheer Intelligence , Robert Scheer sits down once again with former CIA analyst Ray McGovern for a rare, unvarnished look at the war in Ukraine, the collapse of nuclear arms control, and the dangerous return of great‑power spheres of influence. McGovern, who spent 27 years briefing presidents from Nixon to Reagan, argues that the conflict was provoked, that Russia believes it has already won, and that the real negotiations now bypass Europe entirely. Scheer pushes back, in...
Today on the show, Joshua Scheer speaks with award‑winning investigative journalist Peter Byrne about the explosive conclusion to his 10‑part Project Censored series on the militarization of artificial intelligence. Byrne’s reporting uncovers how Silicon Valley billionaires, the Pentagon, Wall Street, and corporate media have fused into a single war‑driven superorganism—one that feeds on conflict, surveillance, and profit while pushing humanity toward nuclear brinkmanship. In this conversation, ...
This episode features filmmaker Sam Pollard discussing his documentary "MLK/FBI," which exposes the federal agency's campaign to discredit and destroy Martin Luther King Jr. The conversation delves into the FBI's tactics, from attempts to link King to communism to exploiting his personal life, often with presidential approval. It also explores the impact of King's anti-war stance and raises critical questions about the FBI's role in his assassination, highlighting America's systemic racism and hypocrisy.
Today on Scheer Intelligence, we pull back the curtain on a crisis unfolding quietly but catastrophically across American higher education. Robert Scheer sits down with Professor Steve Macek — scholar, organizer, and one of the country’s sharpest analysts of academic freedom — to examine what he calls an unprecedented assault on the institutions that produce knowledge itself. From Trump’s weaponization of the Justice Department to Democratic governors signing bills that criminalize criticism of ...
As the world stumbles into a new year, journalist Robert Scheer sits down with former CIA analyst Ray McGovern for a conversation that feels less like a holiday reflection and more like a warning flare. Both men came of age in the shadow of World War II, lived through the Cold War, and spent their lives studying the machinery of American power. Now, they confront a moment they argue may be even more perilous: a nuclear‑armed standoff between the United States and Russia, shaped by political chao...
Academic freedom in the United States is hanging by a thread — and nowhere is that more visible than in Texas. In this episode of Scheer Intelligence , Robert Scheer speaks with Dr. Daniel Braaten, Associate Professor of Criminology and Political Science at Texas A&M–San Antonio, from what may be the epicenter of the most aggressive political assault on higher education in modern American history. As state legislators, governors, university boards, and now the federal executive branch move t...
Today we dive deep into the intricate web of America's economic landscape with our esteemed guest, Doug Henwood. As a prominent economist and writer for outlets like The Nation and Jacobin, Doug brings a critical progressive lens to the disarray of the American ruling class. In this episode, we explore the alarming short-sightedness of our elites, their complicity in fostering economic inequality, and the historical missteps that have led us to this precarious moment. From the legacy of the Clin...
Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Lassiter, author of the compelling memoir, How I Know Why White People Are Crazy and Other Stories. Dr. Lassiter, a licensed psychologist and cultural commentator, takes us on a journey through his personal experiences and insights on the complexities of race, identity, and the pervasive whiteness mindset that shapes our society. Discover how fear, competition, and a distorted sense of self can keep us trapped in cycles of ...
Join Robert Scheer in this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence as he engages with David Baker, author of "Global Megascience: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production." Together, they explore the critical state of academic freedom in today's world and its far-reaching implications for scientific progress and collaboration. As Baker highlights, the decline of academic freedom is not just an isolated issue but a global concern that threatens the very foundation ...
In this episode, we’re not just skimming the surface; we’re taking a hard look at the Democratic Party’s long and winding road—from its noble roots in the New Deal to its current identity crisis. Joining me is the brilliant Lily Geismar, a history professor at Claremont McKenna College and the author of two must-read books that dissect the failures of the Democratic Party in addressing inequality. We’re going to tackle the big questions: How did the party that once championed the working class b...
Welcome to the Scheer Intelligence podcast, where we probe the forces reshaping academia and the growing struggle to protect intellectual freedom. In this episode, renowned scholar Hank Reichman joins veteran journalist Robert Scheer to examine the alarming pressures undermining the core principles of higher education. From political interference to the distorting power of money, they unpack the trends that threaten the university’s mission as a space for open inquiry and debate. This is essenti...
Welcome to another episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we dive deep into the minds shaping our political landscape. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today, we have an enlightening conversation with journalist and author, Ted Hamm. His latest book unpacks the transformative campaign of Zohran Mamdani, a figure poised to redefine New York's political scene and perhaps even the future of American democracy. Together, we'll explore how Mamdani's progressive platform echoes the values of past lead...
In this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence, host Robert Scheer welcomes Professor Omar Zahzah, a leading voice in Arab Muslim ethnicities and diaspora studies at San Francisco State University. With a compelling background in both academia and activism, Zahzah delves into the intersection of technology, media, and the Palestinian liberation struggle through his groundbreaking book, Terms of Servitude. As the digital landscape evolves, so too does the narrative surrounding the Pales...
Intro: Welcome to Scheer Intelligence , where the real intelligence comes from our guests. Today, Robert Scheer sits down with legendary cultural critic Greil Marcus—called by The Washington Post “our greatest cultural critic”—to explore how rock and roll became the pulse of political and personal liberation in America. From the streets of Berkeley during the Free Speech Movement to the birth of Rolling Stone magazine, Marcus and Scheer trace the intertwined history of music and resistance—how t...
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we explore the intricate tapestry of our natural world through the lens of literature and personal experience. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we embark on a delightful journey into the heart of one of nature's most beloved fruits—the apple. Joining me is acclaimed naturalist and author Priyanka Kumar, whose latest book takes us beyond the grocery store aisles and into the wild, exploring the profound connections we sh...
Welcome to another thought-provoking edition of Scheer Intelligence. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we delve into the heart of a critical issue facing our society: the erosion of academic freedom in higher education. Joining me is Brian Rosenberg, a noted educator and commentator whose recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education warns that autocratic pressures are compromising the very institutions that promise to foster critical thought and innovation. As we navigate the comple...
Join Robert Scheer in this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence as he engages with sociologist Charlie Derber, author of Bonfire: American Sociocide - Broken Relations and the Quest for Democracy. This conversation delves into the complexities of modern American society, exploring the alarming trends of sociocide and the ramifications of systemic alienation amidst apparent prosperity. Derber, a prolific writer with 29 books to his name, presents a compelling argument about the forces...
Welcome to another riveting episode of Scheer Intelligence. I’m your host, Robert Scheer, and today, we delve deep into an extraordinary tale that challenges the very fabric of American history. Joining me is Rob Edwards, a seasoned Hollywood storyteller known for his impactful work in mass media. His recent project, a graphic novel titled "Defiant," sheds light on the life of Robert Smalls—a man who not only escaped the bonds of slavery but also rose to prominence as a congressman and an influe...
Welcome to another compelling edition of the Bob and Ray Show, where insightful journalism meets deep expertise. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, joined by Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst with a rich background in Russian affairs. With 27 years at the CIA and a knowledge base that spans decades, Ray is uniquely positioned to dissect the intricacies of international relations, particularly concerning Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In today’s episode, we delve into the recent Alaska s...
Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where insight meets honesty. I'm Robert Scheer, and in this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the shadowy world of nuclear technology with acclaimed author Thomas Bass. We'll explore the ongoing disaster at Fukushima, the dangerous illusions of peaceful nuclear energy, and the profound geopolitical and environmental risks that threaten our future. Join us as we uncover the truths behind the nuclear industry and question the promises of “safe and clean” energy...
Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the insights come straight from the voices of our guests. In this episode, we explore the turbulent political and social landscape of Los Angeles and the United States, featuring a compelling conversation with Dr. Frances Gill—a psychiatrist, community advocate, and labor supporter. Join us as we delve into the rise of madness, the threat of authoritarianism, the power of organized labor, and the urgent need for collective action in times of crisis.
Join Robert Scheer in this illuminating episode of Scheer Intelligence as he explores the complex truths of Jewish identity, the fight for religious and political freedom, and the urgent need for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through candid conversations with voices rooted in Jewish tradition and progressive activism, this series delves into how the principles of debate, human rights, and democratic liberty can guide us toward a more compassionate and equitable future. It’s a hear...
