In this episode, we explore how systems of hierarchy have shaped humanity, from ancient rulers to modern billionaires. Why do hierarchies exist? Are they inevitable, or can we dismantle them? Together, we’ll examine the role of prehistory, morality, and resistance in understanding our current world. From mounds and pyramids to the structures of capitalism, we connect the dots and challenge the narratives we’ve been told. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts—it helps keep the ...
Jan 12, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 146
In this episode of Red Reviews, we dive into Kohei Saito’s Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto and explore its bold reinterpretation of Marx’s ideas on ecology and capitalism. We unpack the concept of degrowth, debate its critiques, and ask if Marx’s later writings hold the key to addressing the climate crisis. Along the way, we challenge the myths of consumer blame, examine systemic solutions, and grapple with what it really means to rethink Marx for a dying planet. Here is a copy of this episode...
Jan 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 145
In this video, Chris from It Had to Be Said joins me for a deep dive into Boiler Room . We explore the film’s themes of ambition, greed, and the toxic hustle culture that fuels them, all while connecting the story to modern parallels like crypto scams and hustle culture myths. If you’ve ever wondered about the cost of chasing success, this conversation is for you. Make sure to check out Chris’s channel and subscribe for more great content. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Here are the ...
Dec 29, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 144
In this episode of Red Reviews , Justin and I dive into Naomi Klein's latest work, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World . We unpack the concept of the "mirror world," where misinformation distorts reality, and examine how diagonalism—blurring the lines between left and right—has created some of the strangest political figures of our time. From Naomi Wolf’s baffling transformation to the role of social media in spreading toxic narratives, this episode is all about the fight for a shared rea...
Dec 22, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 4Ep. 143
In this episode of The Skeptical Leftist Podcast , I talked to with Matt McManus, a political theorist and author who identifies as a liberal socialist. While this idea might seem unusual at first, Matt dives into how it blends individual rights with collective well-being in a thoughtful and relevant way. We break down what liberal socialism means, how it stacks up against anarchism, and why it might be a key framework for building economic democracy. Whether you’re a political theory nerd or ju...
Dec 15, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 142
In this episode of Red Reviews , Justin and I take a deep dive into Grace Blakeley’s Vulture Capitalism . In it, Blakeley tears apart the lies we’re told about “free markets” and “freedom” under capitalism. We talk about Boeing, the 2008 financial crash, and how neoliberalism has turned our entire economy into a rigged game for the rich. But it’s not all doom and gloom—we also dig into ideas for fighting back, from participatory economics to universal basic services and organizing for real worke...
Dec 08, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 141
In this episode, I sat down with Steve Shives to talk about how we both went from New Atheism’s golden age to something a little more… let’s say, nuanced. We talk about why the New Atheist movement felt like home at first and why it didn’t go deep enough when it came to actual social change. Steve doesn’t hold back on what he thinks about some of the big names in the atheist world and how his focus has shifted over time—from taking down religious beliefs to taking on bigger social issues. We als...
Dec 01, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 140
This week, Justin and I are talking about gender and the manufactured panic surrounding it. We’re digging into the fear tactics, misinformation, and the fake ‘gender debate’ that keeps us from addressing real issues—like the rights and dignity of trans and non-binary people, access to gender-affirming healthcare, and the fight against discrimination. With insights from Judith Butler’s Who's Afraid of Gender , we’re breaking down the lies and exposing the real stakes they don’t want us to see. Yo...
Nov 24, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 59
In this episode of Red Reviews , Justin and I tackle one of the biggest questions for leftists: where do Marxism and Anarchism actually meet? Inspired by Daniel Guérin’s For a Libertarian Communism , we explore how these two ideologies—often seen as opposing forces—come together in their shared goal of dismantling state control and capitalist exploitation. Guérin’s work is a powerful roadmap for those of us who want a world where people have real freedom and power over their own lives. We’re dig...
Nov 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 138
In this episode, I chat with psychoanalysts Avgi Saketopoulou and Ann Pellegrini about their new book, Gender Without Identity . We dig into how gender isn’t some fixed core identity but something shaped by cultural interactions, and yeah, sometimes trauma. Avgi and Ann take apart the mainstream ideas of gender, questioning the whole "core identity" thing, and instead offer a way more nuanced take that dives into the messy complexities of gender in psychoanalysis. We also take a hard look at the...
Nov 10, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 137
In this stream, we gather a diverse group of progressives to discuss the U.S. election—an event we all wish was over but can't ignore. Our panel, including Foxy Jazzabelle, my usual cohost Justin Clark, Steve Shives, Chrisi from Chrisiousity, and SomeRandomG33k (who organized the stream), dive into the messy reality of the election and its consequences. With varied perspectives but a shared worry about the future, we explore what might happen if Harris loses and what another Trump term could mea...
Nov 03, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 136
In this episode of Red Reviews, Justin and I take a deep dive into Christian Parenti’s Radical Hamilton to explore the side of Alexander Hamilton that mainstream history often overlooks. Far from the establishment figure he’s made out to be, Hamilton had some truly radical ideas about how to structure the American economy. We break down his bold vision for a powerful state, how his ideas clash with today’s capitalist system, and why his legacy matters more than ever. Here are links booksellers w...
Oct 27, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 134
In this episode, we dig into Technofeudalism by Yanis Varoufakis and ask: Are we just digital serfs in today’s world? We break down how tech giants have created a new kind of feudalism, controlling our data and our lives without us even realizing it. From social media to cloud services, these corporations are the new lords, and we're left doing the work to keep their platforms running. We talk about how we got here, what it means for our future, and whether we can fight back against this digital...
Oct 20, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 134
In this episode, I sit down with Jessa McLean, a political organizer turned grassroots activist, to explore her journey from running with the NDP to embracing direct action. We dive into the realities of party politics, the power of tenant organizing, and why Jessa believes real change has to come from the ground up. She shares candid insights on the failures of the political system, the burnout that comes with it, and the empowerment she found through community-driven movements. Whether you’re ...
Oct 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 133
In this episode, Justin and I take a critical look at Lenin through the lens of Anton Pannekoek’s Lenin as Philosopher . We dig into whether Lenin was the revolutionary he claimed to be or if his vision ended up reinforcing the authoritarian systems he was supposedly against. We break down Pannekoek’s arguments, challenge some common ideas about Lenin, and explore what all this means for today’s leftist movements. Here are a couple of independent booksellers where you can purchase Lenin as Philo...
Oct 06, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 132
In this episode of Red Reviews, Justin and I dig into Less is More by Jason Hickel. We break down the core ideas behind degrowth, challenge the myth that endless growth is necessary, and explore how ditching growth-obsessed capitalism could create a fairer, more sustainable world. We also talk about how the public wouldn’t need to sacrifice as much abundance if the wealthy gave up their unearned privileges. It’s about building a future where everyone can thrive Here are a couple of links to inde...
Sep 29, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 131
In this episode, I talked to Lucretia McEvil to dive deep into anarchist and leftist theory, exploring how these ideas shape our worldview and guide us in a world that often feels like it's falling apart. We discuss the challenges of staying positive when it seems like the world resists change at every turn, and reflect on how we navigate the struggle for a better future. Whether you're feeling defeated by the state of things or looking for fresh perspectives, this conversation offers hope, insi...
Sep 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode, we dive into Stephen J. Gould’s Rocks of Ages and explore his compelling argument for "Non-Overlapping Magisteria" — the idea that science and religion each have their own domains and don’t need to clash. Join us as we unpack how Gould’s perspective offers a refreshing take on the age-old conflict between fact and faith, and what it means for our understanding of both. You can get a copy of Rocks of Ages from these online booksellers https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/7001...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 129
In this episode, we dive deep into David Halberstam's classic book The Best and the Brightest , exploring how some of America's most esteemed minds led the country into one of its most significant foreign policy disasters—the Vietnam War. We unpack the failures of leadership, the hubris of the so-called "best and brightest," and the devastating implications of their decisions. Through this discussion, we aim to understand how these missteps shaped the war's outcome and continue to influence U.S....
Sep 08, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 128
Hey everyone, welcome back to the show. Today, we’re revisiting some older bonus content, originally from August of 2021, part of our Red Reviews series—this one’s Red Reviews #6. Even though it’s been a while since we recorded it, the issues we discuss are still very much relevant today. We’ll be diving into how some on the left can lose their way when they start shifting to the right, forgetting their responsibility to stand up for regular people—those of us who work hard every day—not the one...
Sep 01, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 36
I had a great chat with Eric Wickham from Big Shiny Takes. We covered a range of topics from Canadian politics and homelessness to the state of media bias. It was a fun and informative conversation that I think you’ll enjoy. Here are some links for stuff we talked about https://www.unrigged.ca/ https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/capital-gains-tax-budget-1.7176370 https://proof.utoronto.ca/2023/new-data-on-household-food-insecurity-in-2022/ https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/p/homelessness-in...
Aug 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 127
Unearth a forgotten gem from our archives! In this episode, we revisit a discussion on the decline of the secular movement, the Intellectual Dark Web (IDW), and the impact of sexual misconduct allegations. Join us for a nostalgic look back at a pivotal time in cultural and intellectual discourse. Here are a few links for subjects we touched on https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-science-of-transgender-treatment/ https://www.buzzfeed.com/markoppenheimer/will-misogyny-bring-down-the-atheist-movem...
Aug 18, 2024•1 hr 19 min
In this episode, we're exploring the life and legacy of "the man who shook the world," J. Robert Oppenheimer. Our deep dive into Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin's American Prometheus takes us on a journey through the mind of the brilliant physicist who led the Manhattan Project. From his early academic days to his pivotal role in creating the atomic bomb, we'll unpack the complexities of this controversial figure and the profound impact he had on history. We'll also delve into Oppenheimer's polit...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 126
In this episode Justin talks to us about Leninism Under Lenin by Marcel Liebman. We talk about the good and the bad, the revolutionary leader and the politician, all things Lenin. You can get a copy of the book here - https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/908-leninism-under-lenin Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.n...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 125
Ok folks this is an interesting one, Kareem Maize is a former an-cap turned left sympathetic anarchist. He considers himself a Pluralist anarchist or a communalist and runs a website dedicated to the unification of varying anarchist tendencies. Take this as you will, I enjoyed the conversation and tried to really understand his perspective. I encourage you to follow him and check out his stuff. See what you think and let me know Here are his links https://twitter.com/kareem6633 https://www.insta...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 124
In this episode Justin talks to us about 5 revolutionary women courtesy of the book Red Valkyries by Kristen Ghodsee. We discuss Alexandra Kollontai, Nadezhda Krupskaya, Inessa Armand, Lyudmila Pavlichenko, and Elena Lagadinova, their stories and their impact on the world through their radical socialist feminist politics. You can get a copy of the book here - https://www.versobooks.com/en-ca/products/2880-red-valkyries Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 123
In this interview I talked to Tori Glass, host of the podcast White Homework. We covered a variety of topics including theory, history, and current events. I highly recommend checking out White Homework and becoming a supporter on Patreon or Substack. Here are some links where you can find White Homework and Tori’s other work https://toriglass.substack.com/ https://www.toriglass.com/ https://x.com/ToriGlass https://bsky.app/profile/toriglass.bsky.social https://www.instagram.com/whitehomework ht...
Jun 02, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this episode we talk science and socialism as we go through the scientific revolution that came from Darwin’s theory of evolution and Marx’s theory of socialism and how the two theories intersect. Check out the book here https://www.marxists.org/archive/pannekoe/1912/marxism-darwinism.htm Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this episode I talked to Eron who runs the Youtube channel Re-Education. We talk about the importance of community building as well as the work he is doing with the Cathedral Community Fridge here in Regina. It sounds like Eron is planning to start making some videos again and he’s doing amazing organizing work around the community fridge. It was a great chat and I hope you enjoy it Here are some links for the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/ https://www.go...
May 05, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 120
In this episode Justin and I talk about The Wartime Pamphlets of Gore Vidal. We go through some of the history of the violence of the United States and some of the wars that have been carried out in the name of “US interests”. You can get copies of them here Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace: How we got to be so hated https://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-War-Peace-How-Hated/dp/156025405X (sorry for the amazon link) I have no idea how archive.org works but you can find the book there as well https://...
Apr 28, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 119
