Rev Left Radio
Rev Left Radio explores politics, philosophy, history, and struggle through a Marxist lens. We play our humble role in advancing a systematic analysis of the ever-changing world rooted in dialectical and historical materialism and a principled vision for the human species rooted in egalitarianism, solidarity, compassion, enlightenment, and human flourishing.
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[BEST OF] John Brown: Man on Fire
04/24/2025
[BEST OF] John Brown: Man on Fire
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Dec 7, 2020 In this episode of , Breht, Adnan, and Henry reflect on the life and legacy of John Brown - the fiery, uncompromising abolitionist who took up arms against slavery and shook the foundations of the United States. From Bleeding Kansas to the fateful raid on Harpers Ferry, Brown’s life was one of moral clarity and militant action. We explore his revolutionary ethics, his deep religious conviction, and his belief that slavery would only be ended through bloodshed. Revered by revolutionaries, reviled by reactionaries, John Brown remains one of the most polarizing and prophetic figures in American history. This episode is a tribute to a man who refused to wait for justice—and instead tried to bring it crashing down. Documentary audio clips from "John Brown's Holy War" here: ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] Texas and the Roots of U.S. Fascism w/ Gerald Horne
04/23/2025
[BEST OF] Texas and the Roots of U.S. Fascism w/ Gerald Horne
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Feb 4, 2023 In this episode of , we unpack Gerald Horne’s explosive and essential work The Counter-Revolution of 1836: Texas Slavery & Jim Crow and the Roots of U.S. Fascism. Horne dismantles the romanticized mythology of Texas independence, revealing it instead as a pro-slavery revolt against Mexico’s abolitionist policies. We trace how white settler colonialism, racial capitalism, and the violent defense of human bondage shaped the formation of Texas—and, more broadly, the reactionary trajectory of U.S. history. This episode challenges the lies we were taught, connecting the dots between the foundation of Texas, the rise of Jim Crow, and the enduring roots of American fascism. A must-listen for anyone serious about confronting the true history of empire. ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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[BEST OF] Kwame Nkrumah: The Great Pan-African Revolutionary Leader of Ghana
04/22/2025
[BEST OF] Kwame Nkrumah: The Great Pan-African Revolutionary Leader of Ghana
Nicholas Richard-Thompson and Tunde Osazua from the join Breht to examine the life and legacy of Kwame Nkrumah—anti-colonial revolutionary, Pan-African visionary, and the first president of an independent Ghana. From leading the charge against British colonial rule to his bold attempts to unify the African continent under a socialist banner, Nkrumah’s story is one of profound courage, political brilliance, and unfinished dreams. We explore his writings, his revolutionary vision for a liberated and united Africa, and the forces—both foreign and domestic—that sought to dismantle his project. Nkrumah’s legacy still burns in the hearts of those fighting imperialism today, and this episode brings his voice back to the forefront of revolutionary memory. Learn more and support Follow Follow ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] German Philosophy: Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
04/21/2025
[BEST OF] German Philosophy: Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Feb 3, 2022 In this episode, Alyson and Breht introduce, teach, and discuss the philosphy of two giants in western philosophy: Arthur Schopenhaur and Friedrich Nietzsche. They discuss their respective philosophies, how they relate, how they differ, the subsequent thinkers and movements they inspired or influened, their relation to politics right, left and center, their connection to eastern philosophies and religions, and much more! ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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[BEST OF] Mao's “On Contradiction”: The Dialectic of Revolution
04/20/2025
[BEST OF] Mao's “On Contradiction”: The Dialectic of Revolution
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Jul 25, 2019 In this episode, Alyson and Breht dive into Mao Zedong’s seminal text On Contradiction—a cornerstone of Marxist philosophy and revolutionary praxis. Written in the heat of anti-imperialist struggle, Mao develops a distinctly materialist theory of dialectics rooted in motion, contradiction, and transformation. We explore his concepts of principal and secondary contradictions, the universality of contradiction, and how this framework guided revolutionary strategy in China and beyond. Whether you’re steeped in Marxist theory or new to dialectical thinking, this episode unpacks one of the most influential philosophical works of the 20th century with clarity, depth, and revolutionary urgency. ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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[BEST OF] Free Palestine: The National Liberation Struggle against Zionism, Colonialism, and Apartheid
04/19/2025
[BEST OF] Free Palestine: The National Liberation Struggle against Zionism, Colonialism, and Apartheid
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Oct 21, 2023 In this critical episode of Guerrilla History, we bring on Max Ajl and Patrick Higgins to discuss some recent history and the ongoing situation regarding Palestinian resistance to the Zionist project and the ongoing bombardment on Gaza. Max and Patrick provide some absolutely crucial information here, so be sure to tune in, and forward the episode along to anyone you think would benefit from it. Our guests recommend you to donate to the , read the work of and , as well as follow their respective social media pages and , and keep up to date with the and . Max Ajl is a postdoctoral researcher at the Ghent University, and is author of the fantastic . Read Max's other written work on his . Max also has a twitter page, but you must find it yourself! Patrick Higgins is a researcher at the University of Houston's Center for Arab Studies. You can find Patrick's writings on the internet by searching for his name and his affiliation, or with the keyword Palestine. ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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[BEST OF] Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary
04/18/2025
[BEST OF] Malcolm X: By Any Means Necessary
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Aug 1, 2019 Chuka Ejeckam joins Breht to discuss the one and only Malcolm X. In this episode, we honor the life, legacy, and radical clarity of Malcolm X, one of the most fearless and honorable figures in the struggle for Black liberation. From his early years shaped by systemic racism and incarceration, to his rise as a powerful voice within the Nation of Islam, and finally to his global awakening and revolutionary vision in the last years of his life—we trace the evolution of a profoundly courageous man who refused to be silenced. We dive into his speeches, his politics, his personal life, and the enduring impact of his message: one of dignity, self-determination, and uncompromising truth. Find Chuka and his work here: If you liked this episode, check out our other episode on Fred Hampton featuring Chuka here: ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] Joy James on Du Bois, Liberation Struggles, & Revolutionary Love
04/17/2025
[BEST OF] Joy James on Du Bois, Liberation Struggles, & Revolutionary Love
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Jan 8, 2024 joins Breht and for the third installment of Rev Left's , but this conversation goes well beyond the life and work of Du Bois to cover James' newest book, her long history of organizing, the history of black liberation struggles in the US, and much more. Together, they discuss George Jackson, James' concept of the Captive Maternal, Erica Garner, , Marxism, black history, Ida B. Wells, and much more. Overall its a wide-ranging conversation with an incredibly wise and experienced revolutionary intellectual. Dr. James is Ebenezer Fitch Professor of Humanities at Williams College. Her book is Proceeds from New Bones Abolition: Captive Maternal Agency and the (After)Life of Erica Garner go to ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] The Haitian Revolution
04/16/2025
[BEST OF] The Haitian Revolution
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Jun 21, 2020 In this episode, we explore the Haitian Revolution—the only successful slave revolt in history and a landmark event in the global struggle against colonialism and white supremacy. From the brutal plantation economy of Saint-Domingue to the rise of revolutionary leaders like Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines, we trace how enslaved Africans overthrew French rule and declared the world’s first Black republic. We also examine how this radical uprising shook the foundations of empire, inspired abolitionist movements, and remains a crucial—yet often erased—chapter in revolutionary history. is an associate professor of Latin American history in the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. His book, " , was awarded the Maria Elena Martínez Book Prize in Mexican History for 2015 by the Conference on Latin American History. ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] Louis Althusser: Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses
04/15/2025
[BEST OF] Louis Althusser: Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Jan 23, 2020 On this episode, Melody (aka A World to Win!) joins Breht to introduce and discuss the work of Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser, specifically his work on ideology. ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] Dialectics & Liberation: Insights from Buddhism and Marxism
04/14/2025
[BEST OF] Dialectics & Liberation: Insights from Buddhism and Marxism
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Feb 16, 2023 Breht gives a moving speech on the topic of dialectial materialism, Buddhism, and Marxism. After explaining the philosophy of dialectical materialism in depth, he uses it to unite core insights from Buddhism and Marxism, arguing that their combination offers a potent path toward inward and outward liberation. He ends by advancing the archetype of the Bodhisattva Revolutionary, asserting it as a uniquely well-rounded and profoundly deep path for revolutionaries interested in radical transformation. Huge shout out to the ASU Zen Devils and MECHA for inviting Breht out to Arizona to give this speech, meet listeners, and visit the Sonoran Desert for the first time! Learn more about MECHA here: ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] The Vietnam War
04/13/2025
[BEST OF] The Vietnam War
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Nov 2018 Historian David Parsons joins Breht for a deep and wide-ranging conversation on the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese National Liberation struggle, unforgivable American imperial war crimes, historical memory, and much more! David Parsons is an author, historian, and leftist podcast host of The Nostalgia Trap. Find The Nostalgia Trap here: Find his book, Dangerous Grounds: Antiwar Coffeehouses and Military Dissent in the Vietnam Era here: The Documentary used for most of the clips in the show is "Hearts and Minds" (1974) ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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[BEST OF] The Spanish Civil War
04/12/2025
[BEST OF] The Spanish Civil War
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Jul 28, 2018 John from Working Class History joins Brett to discuss the Spanish Civil War! This is a long-anticipated episode on a deeply important and relevant historical event. We spent a LOT of time editing and producing this episode, so we hope you find it informative as well as genuinely moving. Here is the reading guide from WCH on the Spanish Civil War: Working Class History website is here: ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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[BEST OF] Ghosts in the Machines: Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness, & Capitalism
04/11/2025
[BEST OF] Ghosts in the Machines: Artificial Intelligence, Consciousness, & Capitalism
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Apr 10, 2024 In this episode, Alyson and Breht wrestle with the possible rise of artificial general intelligence and its implications. Together they discuss the Silicon Valley Techno-Cult and their dark religious search for immortality, their hubristic attempts to "build god" and escape death, their neoliberal subjectivities and how that manifests in their work, how AI might manifest under the capitalist mode of production, the horrors and contradictions of "capitalism without workers", deflationary critiques of AI, humans as transitional creatures, consciousness and its complexities, intelligence without consciousness (philosophical zombies), Nietzchean nihilism, real religion and what it offers, embracing the inevitability of your own death, and much more! ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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[BEST OF] What Is To Be Done? - V.I. Lenin
04/10/2025
[BEST OF] What Is To Be Done? - V.I. Lenin
ORIGINALLY RELEASED Apr 20, 2019 What is to be Done? is a classic work on the role and organisation of the revolutionary party in the communist movement. Lenin criticises economism, revisionism and spontaneity, and argues persuasively for a centralised and professional vanguard of the proletariat. On this episode of Red Menace Alyson and Breht explain and reflect on the text, and then extract the core lessons for revolutionaries today. What Is To Be Done? by V.I. Lenin Full text here: ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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Spotify Is Deleting Our Episodes... (ANNOUNCEMENT)
04/09/2025
Spotify Is Deleting Our Episodes... (ANNOUNCEMENT)
Best Of Series (creating a clean back-catalogue) starts tomorrow. - even for free - to get new public episodes in the meantime. We will also be putting new episodes out on the feed (subscribe on your preferred podcast app) ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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The Encampments: Uprising Against the Death Machine
04/08/2025
The Encampments: Uprising Against the Death Machine
Directors and join Breht to discuss , their award-winning new documentary chronicling the 2024 student-led pro-Palestinian uprisings at Columbia, UCLA, and beyond. We talk about the ethical challenges of filming, the fascist state repression faced by people who speak out against Israel, the story of Mahmoud Khalil’s ICE detention and its relationship to the film, as revolutionary cultural production and political education, the universities dereliction of duty in keeping their students safe from violent zionist thugs, and the film’s role as a tool for organizers. With campuses - and society - under a reactionary crackdown and solidarity rising, this episode explores how cinema, student resistance, and revolutionary struggle converge in the fight for Palestinian liberation. Follow ------------------------------------------------------------- Support 3 families in Gaza Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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Palestine Action: Direct Action Against the Death Machine
04/07/2025
Palestine Action: Direct Action Against the Death Machine
In this powerful episode, we sit down with a frontline activist from , the UK-based direct action network targeting Elbit Systems—the Israeli weapons manufacturer responsible for arming and enabling genocide in Palestine and beyond. We dig into the strategy of physically dismantling the military-industrial complex, the stakes of this fight, and the growing number of political prisoners facing terror charges for their resistance. Max, from Palestine Action, joins Breht to discuss the organization, the moral responsibility those in the imperial core have toward the victims of imperialism, Palestine Action's tactics and strategy, why they focus on Elbit Systems in particular, the role weapons manufacturers play in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians as well as perpetuating imperialism and colonialism around the planet, and other political prisoners, the deafening silence and lack of solidarity shown by liberal and mainstream pro-Palestine movements, and much more. Learn more, support, and donate to PalAction ------------------------------------------------------------- Support 3 families in Gaza Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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Marxism 101: Intro to Historical Materialism (and the Necessity of Socialism)
04/06/2025
Marxism 101: Intro to Historical Materialism (and the Necessity of Socialism)
In this lecture, Breht provides an accessible but rigorous introduction to the Marxist theory of history: historical materialism. Breht explains how historical materialism is dialectical materialism applied to the evolution of human societies over time, the role that the base-superstructure model has in understanding culture and ideology, the long march from hunter-gatherer communal societies to slave empires to feudal monarchies to capitalist republics and beyond - to socialist democracy and ultimately to the communist transcendence of class society altogether, marking humanities maturation beyond its predatory phase and into history proper. Throughout the lecture, Breht provides examples, explores nuances, and highlights the pitfalls of attempts to change the system without the theoretical and practical tools of Marxism. This lecture is part of the Omaha-based political education program Support 3 families in Gaza ------------------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio Outro Beat Prod. by
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The Congo: From Colonization Through Lumumba & Mobutu w/ Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja (Guerrilla History)
04/04/2025
The Congo: From Colonization Through Lumumba & Mobutu w/ Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja (Guerrilla History)
With this episode of Guerrilla History, were continuing our series on African Revolutions and Decolonization with an outstanding case study on the Congo, looking at the process of colonization, how decolonization unfolded, Lumumba's short time as Prime Minister, and the transition to the Mobutu regime. We really could not ask for a much better guest than Prof. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, who not only is one of the foremost experts in not only this history, but also served as a diplomat for the DRC. We're also fortunate that the professor will be rejoining us for the next installment of the series, a dispatch on what is going on in the Eastern Congo and the roots of the ongoing conflict there. Be sure to share this series with comrades, we are still in the very early phases of the planned ~40 parts, so it is a great time for them to start listening in as well! Also subscribe to our Substack (free!) to keep up to date with what we are doing. With so many episodes coming in this series (and beyond), you won't want to miss anything, so get the updates straight to your inbox. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja is Professor Emeritus of African and Afro-American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and previously served as the DRC's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Additionally, he is the author of numerous brilliant books, including and Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content:
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African Revolutions and Decolonization: Intro to Pan-Africanism (Guerrilla History)
04/03/2025
African Revolutions and Decolonization: Intro to Pan-Africanism (Guerrilla History)
With this episode of Guerrilla History, we launch into Pan-Africanism as a great additional starting point to our series on African Revolutions and Decolonization. We bring on two marvelous guests, Prof. Layla Brown and Jacquie Luqman, to discuss the history, theoretical currents, and modern expressions of Pan-Africanism. This is a 2+ hour masterclass, you certainly won't want to miss a moment of it! Also subscribe to our Substack (free!) to keep up to date with what we are doing: Layla Brown is an Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology & Africana Studies and affiliate faculty in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Brown’s research focuses on Pan-African, Socialist, and Feminist social movements in Venezuela, the US, and the broader African Diaspora. She is a member of the , and can be found on twitter . She also cohosts the alongside Charisse Burden-Stelly. Jacquie Luqman is a radical activist, journalist, and is a coordinator with . You can follow some (but not all!) of her writings , and watch her show . She is on twitter . Help support the show by signing up to our patreon, where you also will get bonus content:
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Trotsky on Fascism (and Lessons for us Today)
03/24/2025
Trotsky on Fascism (and Lessons for us Today)
In this episode, Alyson and Breht welcome Brendan back on the show for the first time in a few years. Together, we dive deep into Leon Trotsky’s Fascism: What It Is and How to Fight It, a sharp and urgent intervention written in the shadow of the Nazi rise to power. We unpack Trotsky’s class analysis of fascism, the role of the petite bourgeoisie, his searing critiques of both sectarian isolationism and liberal class collaboration, and his insistence on the United Front as the only viable revolutionary response. Alongside historical context, we explore in depth whether Trotsky’s framework still applies to today’s far-right movements, neoliberal authoritarianism, Trump's Oligarchic second term, and a decaying capitalist order teetering on the edge. What does fascism look like in 2025—and what must we do to resist it? Outro Song: May All The Lower Realms Be Empty by Friends in Real Life ----------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio
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The Current Political Moment, U.S. Imperial Decline, and Organizing a Revolutionary Vanguard Party
03/19/2025
The Current Political Moment, U.S. Imperial Decline, and Organizing a Revolutionary Vanguard Party
In this episode Breht sits down with Brian Becker, a longtime socialist organizer and leading member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), to break down the current political and economic crisis in the United States and the urgent need for revolutionary organization. As Trump-aligned forces consolidate power, billionaires tighten their grip over the state, and the feckless Democratic Party continues its self-imposed paralysis, Brian and Breht examine what this moment signals about the trajectory of U.S. capitalism and imperialism. Is the U.S. empire in irreversible decline, or is it adapting to sustain itself through repression and restructuring? Brian shares insights from decades of organizing, discussing the lessons PSL has learned in building a revolutionary party, the importance of anti-imperialism in U.S. revolutionary work, and the key weaknesses and strengths of today’s left. Finally, Brian offers concrete advice for listeners looking to move from political awareness to active participation in the struggle. If you’re serious about understanding and engaging in revolutionary politics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Outro Song: "Gangster" by Good Luck Chuck Feat. Rocky Rivera & Bambu Learn about and Join the PSL Check out Liberation News Check out Brian's podcast "The Socialist Program" on or subscribe to the show on your preferred podcast app Learn more about the ANSWER Coalition Check out BreakThrough News ----------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left
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American Capitalism in Decay: An Analysis (Pokepreet X Rev Left)
03/18/2025
American Capitalism in Decay: An Analysis (Pokepreet X Rev Left)
(There was a small audio issue at the end of this episode, we fixed it and are re-releasing it) Breht goes on the Pokepreet Podcast as a guest to have a fun and fiery conversation about his ideological development, why the United States is so hostile to socialism even relative to other hyper-capitalist countries, the current grotesque state of global capitalism-imperialism, and much more! "In this thought-provoking conversation, we sit down with Breht O'Shea to dive deep into the current state of world imperialism, the decline of the American empire, and the evolving global power dynamics. Brett opens up about how his ideology has transformed over time, offering a candid and enlightening perspective on his journey. This is one of the best conversations we've had on the podcast and I hope you enjoy!" If you like the episode, go leave him a good review on Apple or Spotify and show him some Rev Left Love! Find Pokepreet: Podcast main webiste: Twitter: Instagram: Substack: ----------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left
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Pure Excess: Capitalism, Commodity Fetishism, and the Promise of More
03/10/2025
Pure Excess: Capitalism, Commodity Fetishism, and the Promise of More
Todd McGowan joins the show once again, this time to discuss his newest book Together, he and Breht discuss commodity fetishism, the tensions between Marxism and psychoanalysis, what a critique of the subjective aspects of capitalism offers anti-capitalist politics, the "superstructural malaise" of late capitalism, Desire and Lack, capitalism's death drive, how to resist becoming a neoliberal subject, and much more. "Drawing on psychoanalytic theory, McGowan shows how the production of commodities explains the role of excess in the workings of capitalism. Capitalism and the commodity ensnare us with the image of the constant fulfillment of our desires―the seductive but unattainable promise of satisfying a longing that has no end. To challenge this system, McGowan turns to art, arguing that it can expose the psychological mechanisms that perpetuate capitalist society and reveal the need for limits. Featuring lively writing and engaging examples from film, literature, and popular culture, Pure Excess uncovers the hidden logic of capitalism―and helps us envision a noncapitalist life in a noncapitalist society." Check out all our other episodes with Todd Check out Todd's podcast Why Theory? on your preferred podcast app! Outro Song: I Want to Work Less by Grand Commander ----------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow RLR on IG Learn more about Rev Left
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Philosophy Series: Stoicism for Revolutionaries
02/27/2025
Philosophy Series: Stoicism for Revolutionaries
Breht listens to, reflects on, and critically engages with a public lecture by the late philosopher Michael Sugrue titled . He discusses the philosophy of Stoicism, its insights as well as its limitations, its commodification and bastardization under late capitalism, the dialectical inversion of the philosophy of a Roman Emperor for proletarian revolutionaries, Virtue Ethics, Mahayana Buddhism and The Four Brahmaviharas, the importance of courage and discipline and responsibility, Momento Mori, the Cardinal Virtues, equipping ourselves mentally and emotionally for a lifetime of class struggle, seeking the balance of the Middle Path, Marxist Dialectics, and much more! Professor Sugrue passed away last year, 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 philosophy alongside this offering by Professor Sugrue. The use of this lecture series falls under the protections of the Fair Use doctrine. Outro Music: "Lilac Wine" by Nina Simone SUPPORT SOCIALIST NIGHT SCHOOL Check out all our other Philosophy Series episodes ----------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow RLR on IG Learn more about Rev Left
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Abolish the Death Penalty: Organizing toward Abolition
02/25/2025
Abolish the Death Penalty: Organizing toward Abolition
Dawson Hicks from joins Breht to discuss the organization, its founding by prisoners, its strategies and vision, the Alabama carceral system, the use of nitrogen hypoxia as the newest method of murdering inmates, the benefits of rehabilitation over punishment and slaughter, the utter moral depravity and intellectual mediocrity of U.S. politicians deciding who lives and who dies, the racial and class inequalities of the American injustice system, the question of free will as it relates to the legal system, and much more. Get 15% off any book at Left Wing Books ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get bonus episodes on Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow RLR on IG Learn more about Rev Left
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A World Order without Conscience: Imperialism, Islamophobia, and the Geopolitical Order (Introducing The Adnan Husain Show)
02/24/2025
A World Order without Conscience: Imperialism, Islamophobia, and the Geopolitical Order (Introducing The Adnan Husain Show)
In this episode of the brand new Adnan Husain Show, Professor Adnan Husain is joined by two outstanding scholars and thinkers, Drs. Peter Beattie and Karim Bettache of BettBeatMedia () .They discuss a number of interrelated topics including: the current geopolitical order, China’s role in it, BRICS and political economy, anti-imperialist politics in the Trump era, the media, as well as the politics of race and Islamophobia beyond “left and right" in “the West”. Please subscribe, share, and support this channel Adnan's Substack: Support Adnan: Learn More: Check out BettBeat's Substack: Subscribe to the channel here
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The Sufi Path of Rumi: Islamic Mysticism and The Journey to Divine Love
02/17/2025
The Sufi Path of Rumi: Islamic Mysticism and The Journey to Divine Love
is a professor of Islamic Religion and Culture and author of several publications on Sufism, the mystical path within Islam. He joins Breht to have an incredibly deep conversation about the Sufi poet Rumi, his life and work, Rumi's relationship to his teacher Shams of Tabriz, the concepts of fana (annihilation of the self) and baqa (subsistence in God), the spiritual practices of Sufism, non-duality and perennialism, "dying before you die", Buddhist enlightenment, the Quran, Serving the People in politics and religion, the role of Divine Love in spiritual transformation, transcending the ego, Bodhicitta and the Heart of the Bodhisattva, the counter-cultural aspects of the historical dervishes, The Masnavi (aka the "Persian Quran"), Christian Mysticism, the evolution of human consciousness, the linguistics of translation, and much, much more! Check out Rory's book Recommendations for Further Exploration: The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi Check out our related episodes with Dr. Adnan Husain: ------------------------------------------------------------ Outro Music: Something's Out There by Neva Dinova Support Rev Left and get bonus episodes on Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at Follow RLR on IG Learn more about Rev Left
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On The Ground in Gaza: Serving the People in Palestine
02/10/2025
On The Ground in Gaza: Serving the People in Palestine
Willy Massay returns to the show to discuss his recent (second) trip to Gaza as a medical volunteer. He got back two weeks ago and stayed for over a month. He discusses his heart-wrenching experiences, the wintry conditions and terrible air quality in Gaza and how both are impacting the health of every single Palestinian on the ground. He also discusses the ceasefire, the spirit of the Palestinian people, the insane cruelty and horrific war crimes of Israel, and his personal relationships and experiences with Palestinians. Outro Song: "Kettering" by The Antlers Donate to 3 displaced families in Gaza Donate to Fidaa and her children in Gaza Learn more about Rahma Worldwide Learn more about Jewish Voices for Peace Learn more about Nebraskans for Palestine -------------------------------------------------- Support the show on Follow RLR on IG Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at
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