The Arts of Travel

How do we pursue justice when 'losing is likely'? How can faith teach us to better care for the earth? Why does the technocratic language of the  White Western Left, fail in providing spiritual reasons for overturning Capitalism?  I discussed all this with  Dr. Brad East of Abilene Christian University & his essay for The Point Magazine: 'When Losing is Likely, Wendell Berry's Conservative Radicalism' Dr. East's essay for The Point Magazine, When Losing is Likely, Wendell Berry's Conservative Radicalism,  can be found here: https://thepointmag.com/criticism/when-losing-is-likely/ For more with Dr. East you can read his collected writings here: https://www.bradeast.org/about  Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProdRiddiman/videos

I spoke to Chang Che of SupChina for a fascinating conversation on Wang Huning, the strategist behind Xi Jinping & the Modern CCP We discuss Wang's role in crafting China's authoritarianism to implement capitalist reforms, how Wang's writings convinced party leaders that America would ultimately collapse, the current state of Nihilism in both the US and China amongst young people, and the contrasting legacy of China's 'Covid-Zero' and America's "Covid for Everyone".  For more w. Chang please read his work on Sup China here: https://supchina.com/author/changche/ You can also find a website of all his writings here: https://changnche.com/ Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyLbRJEFSa8 

I spoke to Paul Passavant, author of: Policing Protest: The Post-Democratic State and the Figure of Black Insurrection. We discuss the policing of protest in America, how public spaces have slowly become privatized and thus subject to policing, and the future of protest inside an increasingly authoritarian U.S  For more w. Dr. Passavant you can find his book here, out on Duke University Press: https://www.dukeupress.edu/policing-protest Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProdRiddiman/videos 

I spoke to Central Asia expert Colleen Wood on the history of Russian Colonialism in Central Asia. Topics include how Russia structured Central Asia economies, how the Soviet system sought to instill Nationalism and break traditional viewpoints on nature, and how the influx of Russians fleeing Putin's War is raising new questions about "whiteness" and racism within the region.  For more of Colleen's work please check out her website here: https://colleenwood.rocks/ Music by Scarim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXOwuxwMzfs  

We spoke to Ananth Krishnan of The Hindu & The India-China Newsletter for a deep dive on how India sees China & how China sees India.  We discuss the points of cooperation and tension between the two nations, the horrific synchronicity islamophobic nationalism in both nations, the differences in how these countries see spaces like Tibet, The LAC or Taiwan, and if authoritarianism is the future for India & China.  For more if Ananth's writing you can see his work regularly in the Hindu, and subscribe to his newsletter here: https://indiachina.substack.com/ Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhOaj6JkI0M

I spoke to policy expert Temur Umarov on the economic relationships between Central Asia, Russia & China as well as how regional policies (Xinjiang, One Belt One Road, The War in Ukraine) are impacting capitalism throughout the region.  It's a fascinating conversation on Neoliberalism, Shock Therapy, and the global importance of Central Asia. For more w. Temur, you can find his biography here: https://carnegiemoscow.org/experts/1738 Music by Scarim: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDWvl8awZxSfoPRtsjw2zhw 

I spoke to academic & activist Lokman Tsui on the loss of Press Freedom in Hong Kong.  Lokman (a former journalism professor at Chinese University of Hong Kong) explains the history of Hong Kong's once robust free press, how this was dismantled after Hong Kong's massive democracy protests, what the media 'red lines' are now in Hong Kong, and his hope for how Hong Kong can regain a free press.  For more w. Lokman, please follow his Twitter at: https://twitter.com/lokmantsui Music by Lethal Needle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n84U0ZEee3U

I spoke to Dr. Quito Swan of Indiana University on revolutionary scientist Pauulu Kamarakafego and his journey through the Black Pacific, Black Atlantic & Africa to decolonize science.  We discuss the differences between the Black Pacific & Black Atlantic, how colonizers used their hold over science to cower the colonized, and how revolutionaries like Paulu (Known as ROOSE in his native Bermuda) sought to turn science against the colonizers and decolonize science. For more w. Dr. Swan please see his new book ' Pasifika Black' coming out this April 2022 on NYU Press about the Black Pacific: https://nyupress.org/9781479885084/pasifika-black/ And for more on Dr. Swan's work on the life of Pauulu Kamarakafego you can find his text 'Pauulu's Diaspora' on University of Florida Press: https://www.google.com/search?q=pauulu%27s+diaspora&oq=pauulu%27s+diaspora&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60l2.3939j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Music by Scarim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-1qktFaGpE 

We spoke to Dr. Sabina Knight of Smith for a two-part conversation on her book: Chinese Literature: A Very Short Introduction. In Part 2 (our conclusion) we discuss the literature of China's May 4th movement, the literature of the cultural revolution & Nobel-Prize winning author Mo Yan  In part one, we discussed the historic & contemporary influence that Daoism, Confucianism & Anti-War Poetry have had on China's literature & literary culture. For more w. Dr. Knight you can find her book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/chinese-literature-a-very-short-introduction-9780195392067?cc=us&lang=en& And on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/SabinaKnight1 Music by Lethal Needle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrz74Wi_GC4

I spoke to Dr. Maria Repnikova, author of "Chinese Soft Power" to discuss how Chinese and Russian State Media report on Ukraine to their domestic audiences. We also discuss Hong Kong, Aileen Gu, "Little Pinks", Patriarchy, Chomsky and "Wolf Warriors"  For more of Dr. Repnikova's work you can see her website here: https://www.mariarepnikova.com/ Music by Scarim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vajWNeGy1Og 

I spoke to Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins of The Nation on Liberalism, a subject that despite its omnipresence, I find perplexing and mysterious.  Daniel unpacks the history of liberalism, the many different strands and threads of this ideology,  engages with left wing critique of liberalism  and addresses if liberalism will soon (or already has) give way to fascism.  It's a fascinating discussion, and while it did not (and never will) turn me from an anarchist to a liberal, it did help me better understand how pluralism and complexity of the liberal tradition.   Daniel's work can be found in Dissent, The Baffler and he hosts a regular interview series for The Nation Magazine. His website can be found here: http://danieljenkins.me/  Music by Lethal Needle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5CdrLvoUfc

I spoke to the AP's Huizhong Wu on how the shocking images of a chained woman(小花梅, "Little Plum Blossom") in Feng County, Jiangsu has sparked unprecedented fury on China's heavily censored internet.  Topics of our conversation include the vast class divide between the Eileen Gu's & rural women of China, Human trafficking, Mental Health Care, and why a global audience should care about Little Plum Blossom   For more w. Huizhong, please follow her work at the Associated Press. She can also be found on Twitter @huizhong_wu Music by Lethal Needle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B6HR7r94s0

I spoke to Joe Kassabian, a Yerevan based researcher on Armenia, Azerbaijan & the 2020 war for Artsakh (also known as Nagorno-Karabakh)  Joe explains the long historical roots of Armenian/Azeri conflict, how geopolitical powers like Isreal, Turkey & Russia became involved, Armenia's future and what the global left can learn from centuries of non-violent & armed Armenian resistance.  For more w. Joe you can check out his podcast Lions Led by Donkeys on Apple & Spotify: shorturl.at/lGOQY Music by Lethal Needle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t--e1LqfZE

We spoke to Dr. Sabina Knight of Smith for a two-part conversation on her book: Chinese Literature: A Very Short Introduction.  In part one, we discuss the historic & contemporary influence that Daoism, Confucianism & Anti-War Poetry have had on China's literature & literary culture.  For more w. Dr. Knight you can find her book here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/chinese-literature-a-very-short-introduction-9780195392067?cc=us&lang=en& And on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/SabinaKnight1 Music by Mist3r: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8Z45wzwYSg 

I spoke to Dr. Jessica Namakkal on her book, Unsettling Utopia: The Making & Unmaking of French India. This is Part 2 of our conversation,  we discuss the utopian community of Auroville. Located outside of Pondicherry (a former French colonial territory), we discuss Auroville's founding, if its practices constitute settler colonialism, and what Auroville represents about the idea of a utopian life.  For more w. Jessica Namakkal her personal website is here: https://jessicanamakkal.com/ And her book Unsettling Utopia: The Making & Unmaking of French India, can be purchased from Columbia University Press: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/unsettling-utopia/9780231197694 Music by Prod Riddiman:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eKyjYOZ7yA

I spoke to Journalist Joanna Lillis for an update on Kazakhstan's protests, why Russia was involved in their suppression, protester violence as strategy or sabotage and the future of governance in the country.  For more w. Joanna please follow her reporting in the Economist or Eurasianet, you can also read her book, Dark Shadows: Inside The Secret World of Kazakhstan.  Music by Prod. Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzh0n6BI0N4

I spoke to Dr. Jessica Namakkal on her book, Unsettling Utopia: The Making & Unmaking of French India.  In Part 1 of our conversation, we discuss the history of French India, its unique decolonial movement and the complex identities of its revolutionaries.  Part 2 (out soon) we discuss the utopian community of Auroville. Located outside of Pondicherry (a former French colonial territory), we discuss Auroville's founding, if its practices constitute settler colonialism, and what Auroville represents about the idea of a utopian life.  For more w. Jessica Namakkal her personal website is here: https://jessicanamakkal.com/ And her book Unsettling Utopia: The Making & Unmaking of French India, can be purchased from Columbia University Press: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/unsettling-utopia/9780231197694   Music by Lethal Needle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd-ur7jyV30

I spoke to journalist Taylor Moore on her story for the Chicago Reader, 'A silence louder than words: How allegations of sexual abuse exposed cracks in the foundation of Young Chicago Authors, Free Write Arts & Literacy, and the city’s spoken word community'  We discuss these allegations, the actors involved, the successes & failures of restorative justice in resolving these allegations, and where Chicago's creative writing scene will go from here.  Taylor's Twitter is : @taylormooresays. For more of Taylor's journalism, you can check out her website: https://www.taylorgmoore.co/   Music by LethalNeedle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jec26cgWrKM 

I spoke with Dr. Robert Nichols author of, 'Theft is Property: Dispossession & Critical Theory'. It's one of the most important books I've ever read on  capitalism, settler colonialism & indigenous critiques of both.  I discuss w. Dr. Nichols how indigenous philosophy both augments and challenges  white & Eurocentric critiques of capitalism. How the concept of property & property law was designed to steal indigenous land, and how modern indigenous groups are fighting back with both violent and non-violent resistance to disrupt the death cults of capitalism & white supremacy For those interested in learning more, Dr. Nichols book is available as an open-access text from Duke University press: https://www.dukeupress.edu/theft-is-property Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9xKaM6IXMA

I spoke to Journalist Nga Pham on reporting the contemporary stories shaping Vietnam. We discuss the mysterious Billionaires behind VIETGROUP, how Covid and Climate Change are affecting Vietnam's populace, and what vision both young and old have for the future of the country.  You can find more of Nga's breaking stories here:https://twitter.com/ngahpham Music by Zach Sutton:  https://www.youtube.com/c/ZachSutton

We spoke to Writer & Organizer Zikri Rahman on Malaysia's Lawan Protests and the political conditions that spawned them. We discuss the growing dissent towards Malaysia's Ruling Elite, how the next generations of Malaysia's want to define (and decolonize) the narrative around their country, and how the Lawan movement connects to other regional and global struggles for democracy, equality and freedom.  For more w. Zikri, you can check out his Twitter here: https://twitter.com/zkrhmn/ Music by Zach Sutton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7FiBZvr8Cs&t=3s

I spoke to writer and organizer Dean Spade on their Book - Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (And The Next). We discuss a fascinating array of topics: Covid, Anarchism, #NoDAPL, Ella baker, #FreeJessicaReznick, Angela Davis, Joy James. Throughout our conversation we try to center this central question - how can Mutual Aid help us heal ourselves, so we can heal the world.  For more of Dean's work please check out: http://www.deanspade.net/  Music by: Gold Streak Beats : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w21AouURoe0

I was thrilled to speak with Jesse Appell, who was one of China's most well-known foreign stand-up comics and now is one of the US's best known tea importers.  We discuss Jesse's journey through China's stand-up comedy scene, the challenges he faced as a foreign performer, and how he turned himself into a tea importer when borders closed, as a way to continue his connection with China.  For more on Jesse you can check out his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessesteahouse/?hl=enAnd his new website: Jesse's Tea House: https://jessesteahouse.com/ Beat by Zack Sutton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj7PcNoFMEEf

We spoke to organizer Minsun Ji on Squid Game and how the labor movements of South Korea inspired the series. We discuss the Ssangyong Motor strikes, the legendary Jeon Tae-il's rallying cry to workers "We are Not Machines!" & contemporary Neoliberalism in South Korea.  For more with Minsun you can check out her work with Labor Co-ops at : https://www.laborcoopconnections.com/ The three pieces of Minsun's writing we discuss we can find here:  On Squid Game: https://labornotes.org/blogs/2021/10/real-life-auto-strike-behind-runaway-netflix-hit-squid-game  On Joen Tae Il and Worker Suicides in South Korea: academia.edu/45265187/Korean_Suicide_Protest_as_Anomic_Response_to_Labour_Disempowerment On Marx's study of Worker Co-ops: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0309816819852757 Music by Huston: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS62_DxC3VM

I chatted with Dr. Bathsheba Demuth on her ground-breaking work, Floating Coast: An Environmental History fo the Bering Strait, which discusses how both the Capitalism of the US and the State Socialism of the USSR sought to enclose, extract and transform the Arctic.   We discuss the impact of nation-states on the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. How both capitalism and environmentalism devastated the arctic's flora and fauna, and what deeper spiritual meanings we can find in the Arctic and its lifeforms.  Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProdRiddiman/videos

I spoke with Japan-based writer Sam Holden on his work saving Sento & Akiya, the "Past and Future Commons" of Japan.  We discuss the community ecosystems that Sento Bathouses and Akiya generate, what cities like Tokyo lose when bathhouses disappear, and what lessons rehabilitating these structures and turning them into 'commons' has for a post-growth Japan and a world exhausted by the relentless and violent push for growth in late-state neoliberal capitalism.  It's a fascinating chat with one of the brightest minds I've ever interviewed. You can find more of Sam's Writing on his substack. The two essays we discuss can be found here:  https://samholden.substack.com/p/what-i-talk-about-when-i-talk-about https://samholden.substack.com/p/why-we-founded-sento-and-neighborhood Music by Prod. Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gFpYEJgpvg

I hosted journalist Haris Zargar for an in-depth conversation on Kashmir, Kashmiri Identity and how India's leader Narendra Modi has unleashed unprecedented violence and authoritarianism on the region.  For more on Kashmir, I highly recommend Haris's work at New Frame Magazine: https://www.newframe.com/writer/haris-zargar/ For more on a Feminist perspective on Kashmir and India's state, carceral and patriarchal violence, I highly recommend the group Zanaan Wanaan, who we hope to host as interview guests in the near future: https://zanaanwanaan.com/about/ Photo Attributed to Kashmir Global (CC 2.0) https://www.flickr.com/photos/kashmirglobal First beat is by 'ONE': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybtkdZ-vNQQ&t=68s  Second Song is by Zanaan Wanaan: "Kashmiri Bella Ciao" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABe4V1DR0jM 

We spoke to Brian Kahn the managing editor of Earther for a frank and (at times) spiritual discussion on what it's like to do climate change reporting on a dying planet.  Brian and I discuss his publication Earther, my own critiques with the data/policy/'nerd' focus of modern climate change reporting, and if there is more room for the spiritual or empathetic in discussing the anthropocene and the daily necropolitics of climate change.  It's a raw and honest discussion that I've left mostly unedited. I hope you enjoy our chat.   For more of Brian's work you can find his writing at: http://www.blkahn.com/about and you can read more of his reporting/editing at : https://gizmodo.com/earther Music by: Zach Sutton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_7et8F2h4U

To explore art's role in revolutionary times, I spoke to Poet Wendy Trevino. We discuss her work as a poet and organizer, her critiques of ivory tower poets and magazines, and what we all can do as artists to stoke the social movements needed to save the world.  She's also kind enough to share one of her poems.  For more with Wendy, please check her poetry collection 'Cruel Fictions" published by Commune Press: https://communeeditions.com/cruel-fiction-wendy-trevino/  Music by Producer Chibi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44a6XSQ7oG4

I spoke to Artist Shaq Koyok on Orang Asli, the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. It was a great conversation on the history of Malaysia, decolonialism, and global indigenous organizing.  For more of Shaq check out his instagram @shaqkoyok_art or his main website: https://shaqkoyok.blogspot.com/ Music by: Zach Sutton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXvfO0IADMw Images by Shaq Koyok 

I spoke to Dr. Khatchig Mouradian for a fascinating conversation on how Armenians resisted extermination at the hands of the Ottoman Empire and his new book: The Resistance Network: The Armenian Genocide and Humanitarianism in Ottoman Syria, 1915–1918.  Our conversation discusses the particularities of how Armenians resisted genocide, but also the universal lessons we can take from Armenian survival.  We also discuss extensively the work of legal scholar Raphael Lemkin and Armenian Assassin Soghomon Tehlirian who sought justice for Armenians both inside and outside the boundaries of law.  For more on our conversation today, I highly recommend Dr. Mouradian's Book, which you can find here: https://msupress.org/9781611863949/the-resistance-network/ Music by Nick Chou: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz7zuE7xg5c

We spoke to Dr. Elaine Hui of Penn State on her incredible work of scholarship: Hegemonic Transformation The State, Laws, and Labour Relations in Post-Socialist China Dr. Hui and I discuss how China transitioned from socialism to capitalism, how hegemony & consent were manufactured by the CCP to convince citizens to go along with this huge shift in ideology, and the workers, laborers and migrants who still resist the hyper-neoliberalism of China under Xi Jinping.  It's a fascinating conversation, for more w. Dr. Hui I highly recommend reading her book, which you can find here: https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9781349700196 Music by CapsCtrl - Reasons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q21N3-Jc3eI

I spoke to artist Sam Lavigne on his subversive artwork and the need to collectively sabotage Big Tech.  We also discuss the philosophy of Luddism & the bleak future that will come to pass if we don't resist Silicon Valley.  For more w. Sam, please read his full essay on Pioneer Works here: https://pioneerworks.org/broadcast/gaslighting-your-boss And you can check out his website here: https://lav.io/ Music by Prod Riddiman - Adrenaline : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdOhb2qB6k0

I spoke to Novelist S.L Lim on what writing & making art has been like in Australia, which has endured some of the most dramatic consequences of life during the Anthropocene. We discuss the death of the Great Barrier Reef, Wildfires and why Australians seems to be doubling down on leaders and political movements that will accelerate and intensify climate and ecosystem catastrophe.  The rest of our discussion (which is a wide-ranging one!) focuses on abolition, settler-colonialism and the importance of art in a time where it feels like the world is ending.  For more w. S.L. you can check out her website here: https://slwritesbooks.com/ Then, follow the Out of the Woods Collective (which we also discuss in our conversation) here: https://www.commonnotions.org/buy/hope-against-hope  And here: https://twitter.com/out_woods MUSIC by GOLD STREAK BEATS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56dYxRmh8Qc 

We spoke to Xuandi Wang of Sixth Tone on his work covering Youth in China, their alienation, alternative lifestyles (on real-life communes or in digital spaces) that are emerging, and the general state of mental health on the Chinese internet.  For more with Xuandi, we highly recommend his reporting in Sixth Tone, which you can find here: https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006834/capturing-the-alienation-of-chinas-young-migrants and here: https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006694/in-chinas-new-age-communes%2C-burned-out-millennials-go-back-to-nature  Music is by Pink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcNNUB87O6U

I spoke to Dr. Duncan McCargo, Director at the Nordic Institute of Asia Studies and the author of " Tearing Apart The Land: Islam and Legitimacy in Southern Thailand"  Our discussion is on Patani, located in Southern Thailand it's one of the most misunderstood regions in all of Southeast Asia. Dr. McCargo and I discuss how Patani's fate was decided by the Kingdom of Siam & The British Empire, why the region of Patani has been so resistant to being part of Thailand, what that resistance has looked like, and what larger questions Patani raises both for Thailand and globally.  For more I can't recommend Dr. McCargo's book enough, it's fascinating not just for those interested in Thailand but for those interested in larger philosophical questions on the Nation-State, social movements and identity. You can find it here: https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501702914/tearing-apart-the-land/ Dr. McCargo also recommended the Nordic Institute's own podcast on Asia: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/the-nordic-asia-podcast/id1509921432 Music is by H3 Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rut35JzzGVY 

I spoke to Steve Ducey of NØlympics LA on why his group is trying to stop the Olympics from coming to LA and the many problems of the modern Olympics.  It's a fascinating chat on gentrification, capital and nationalism and I think Steve makes a very convincing case against the Modern Olympics, and all this even without the myriad of problems that Covid-19 introduces into trying to host the global event.   For more conversations on the Olympics you can check out NØlympics LA here: https://nolympicsla.com/  And on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NOlympicsLA

I spoke with legendary scholar Dr. Joy James on Ella Baker, John Brown, Samaria Rice, Maroonage and rebuilding Abolitionism in the United States & Globally.  For more on the topics we discuss today, please see the following resources:  WEB DuBois on John Brown: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62799 Joy James on Ella Baker in Transcending the Talented Tenth: https://www.routledge.com/Transcending-the-Talented-Tenth-Black-Leaders-and-American-Intellectuals/James/p/book/9780415917636 The Cut's interview w. Samaria Rice: https://www.thecut.com/article/samaria-rice-profile.html The writing of Vicky Osterweil: https://tinyurl.com/5r39zy34  Joy James presentation at Brown University, the Architects of Abolitionism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9rvRsWKDx0 Joy James on Verso on the 'New and Old Bones' of Abolitionism: https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/5095-new-bones-abolitionism-communism-and-captive-maternals  Joy James on the Black Agenda Report: https://blackagendareport.com/black-agenda-radio-week-june-21-2021 Photo Credit to Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ella_Baker (CC 4.0) Music by Gold Streak Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp0Ar11n14Q 

We conclude our conversation with Vice's Edward Ongweso Jr.  by looking at Peter Thiel's role in bankrolling Uber as the 'Tip of the Spear' for rolling back labor laws, workers' rights and Unions. All in the name of creating a 'Post-capitalist' future of monopoly, dominance and control.  We also discuss the shocking (and shockingly underreported) collaboration between Jackson, Mississippi's Mayor Chokwe Lumumba and Amazon's Ring program. Why is the leader of 'Cooperation Jackson', working with Jeff Bezos? Listen to find out.  Lastly, we offer a brief post-mortum on the failure of Proposition 22 and what new battles are emerging as the Gig economy expands and replaces traditional labor.  For more w. Edward (who I find to be the best writers on Silicon Valley in America) please check out his writing here: https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/edward-ongweso-jr Edward's witty (and acerbic!) twitter profile is here: https://twitter.com/bigblackjacobin Music for this episode is by Kiyoto - "Saltation": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ik8_zdC48g Photo by Dan Taylor, shared under CC 2.0 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peter_Thiel_by_Dan_Taylor.jpg 

This is a conversation with Hathairat "Wist" Phaholtap, Thai Editor at the Isaan Record, on Isaan & Northeast Thailand. We discuss The Isaan Record's outstanding reporting on Northeast Thailand, as well as the unique history, culture and politics of this region.  Other topics include Mo Lam Music, Feminism and the health of Thailand's ecosystems. For more of the Isaan record, I highly recommend the following series:  On Feminism in Isaan  https://theisaanrecord.co/2020/08/27/the-good-daughters-of-isaan-4/ On Mo Lam Music  https://theisaanrecord.co/2020/03/20/the-soul-of-molam-1/ On Rivers in Thailand: https://theisaanrecord.co/2021/02/23/the-mekong-in-crisis/  Beat is by Gold Streak Beats - Heavenly Bodies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FMYuiCr57U 

I spoke to Dr. Rodrigo Nunes  on Neoliberalism, Denialism and the question of what political forms and economies may exist in the near future.  We also discuss the paradoxical popularity of leaders like Trump, Bolsanaro and Neoliberalism itself.  For more w. Dr. Nunes, I highly recommend his essay for Public Books 'Are we in Denial about Denial?" , and look out for his new book ' Neither Vertical Nor Horizontal: A Theory of Political Organization' out May 2021 on Verso.  Public Books Essay can be found here: https://www.publicbooks.org/are-we-in-denial-about-denial/ Verso Book Here: https://www.versobooks.com/books/3810-neither-vertical-nor-horizontal You can also follow Dr. Nunes on Twitter: @OrangoQuango Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdSuKogXJOZld5Dzw_9285w 

To discuss Amazon and the failed union effort in Bessemer, Alabama, I spoke to Lauren Kaori Gurley of Vice's Motherboard. We discuss working conditions in Bessemer, how Amazon defeated the unionization effort, and the bleak future of work for all of us if Amazon is not brought under control.  For more with Lauren, you can check out her reporting here: https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/lauren-kaori-gurley Or follow her on twitter: @LaurenKGurley Music by One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9vgZ8EqY1o  Photo Credit to thierry ehrmann: https://www.flickr.com/photos/home_of_chaos/37909812316/in/album-72157687615496151/ 

This is a conversation with my dear friend, Palestinian- Lebanese Writer & Academic Joey Ayoub  We discuss the situation on the ground in Palestine, how all of us can (and need) to stand in solidarity with Palestine, and  why Israel - a nation founded on 'never again' -  is engaging in  ethnic-cleansing and the systemic extermination of the Palestinian people.  For more resources on Palestine, Joey recommended the following:  Palestine +100  The book of Gaza  Larissa Sansour (her films)  Elia Suleiman (her films)  The Holocaust and the Nakba: A New Grammar of Trauma and History And for a comprehensive list of resources, please check out The Fire These Times reading list on Palestine:  https://thefirethisti.me/readinglist-israelpalestine/   Matt  (Asia Art Tours)  highly recommends the following:  Joey's Podcast Interview with Maya Schkolne on Israel and Paelstine: https://thefirethisti.me/2021/05/16/special-episode-a-conversation-on-israel-palestine/ Jasbir Puar's: Right to Maim  Achille Mbembe's: Necropolitics  For more with Joey please follow him at the Fire These Times, his immersive project of global solidarity that takes the form of podcasts, newsletters and other forms of media: https://thefirethisti.me/about/ Music is by Eskot! https://www.youtube.com/c/ESKOTbeats/videos?view=0&sort=p&flow=grid 

We spoke to Zafar Aafaq on his coverage of India's Covid-19 pandemic,  how India's Muslim communities have responded with a huge outpouring of mutual aid to all Indians, and if the BJP's disastrous handling of the Covid-19 crisis will damper the potency of its ethnonationalist politics of Hindutva.  We also discuss the situation of Covid-19 in Kashmir and how the BJP's carceral violence in the region is completely antithetical to public health.  For more of Zafar's work please follow him on Twitter: @ZafarAafaq You can also read the article that inspired us to reach out to him here: https://themuslimvibe.com/muslim-current-affairs-news/muslims-in-india-continue-to-offer-help-and-volunteer-as-covid-wrecks-havoc Music is by Gold Streak Beats , "The Cut" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkrKAmwnv8k 

I was fortunate to be able to speak with Journalist Viola Zhou, on China's Gig Economy and how it compares to the US gig economy.  For more w. Viola you can follow her on Twitter : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u43yUcB8uY And read her work on Vice: https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/viola-zhou Music by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u43yUcB8uY

To discuss Central Asia, I spoke to Joanna Lillis, author of: Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan. We have a far-reaching discussion on Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and the real lives of people living in these diverse and dynamic nations. A journalist with over 20 years of experience living in Central Asia, Joanna has an unparalleled knowledge on the region and is able to host a fascinating discussion on the different politics of the various nations of Central Asia, as well as the differing desires of their citizens.  We discuss the USSR/Russia's imperialism over the region, the various spectrum of democracy that exists throughout Central Asia, how young people are remaking these countries (often to the chagrin of the gerontocratic authoritarians who too often are in control) and why Central Asia deserves far more attention and reporting than it currently receives.   For more with Joanna, please follow her on Twitter or purchase her book!  https://twitter.com/joannalillis https://bookshop.org/books/dark-shadows-inside-the-secret-world-of-kazakhstan/9781784538613 Image is shared under CC 2.0, Photographer is Steve Evans: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Young_Uzbekistani_boys_at_a_mosque_in_Uzbekistan.jpg Music is by ESKRY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqpJOU2ny6U

I spoke to Eli Friedman of Cornell University on China's Gig Economy. Why the Gig Economy has taken such a large role in China's economy.  And what the future of the Gig Economy will be in China.  Beat by Gold Streak Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKSVF06cVI

I had the honor of speaking to Let Let Sein (a pseudonym) a brave Shan/Karen ethnic women on the ground in Myanmar.  We discuss how protesters are using strikes/mutual aid/digital activism and street protests to fight for democracy, the inhuman violence that Myanmar's Military (Tatmadaw) dictatorship is using to brutally claim power, and how the world can help Myanmar's protesters and freedom struggle.  For more resources on Myanmar I would recommend the following:   Justice for Myanmar: http://justiceformyanmar.org/ Mutual Aid Myanmar: https://www.mutualaidmyanmar.org/ Scholar Geoff Aung: https://nplusonemag.com/online-only/online-only/dead-generations/  Scholar Chu May Paing: https://www.instagram.com/lionwithaflowingmane/?hl=en  The Newgroups Myanmar Now & The Irrawaddy: https://www.myanmar-now.org/en , https://www.irrawaddy.com/  Organizers  Breanna Randall & Theo Htet: https://speakupformyanmar.com/ ,  https://twitter.com/theohtet And Historian Edith Mirante: https://www.projectmaje.org/  The photo is of murdered protester Kyal Sin, also know as Angel or (邓家希) who has become a martyr and symbol of these protests. Her tee-shirt reads ' everything will be OK'. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Kyal_Sin  Music by Prod. Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdSuKogXJOZld5Dzw_9285w 

To discuss the violence of Borders & Global North Immigration, I was honored to speak w. Shahram Khosravi of Stockholm University. Dr. Khosravi is the author of several books (on Art, Iran, Sweden), but it is his work  '"Illegal'" Traveler: An Auto-Ethnography of Borders' that we discuss most extensively today.  Dr. Khosravi discusses the violence he faced as an 'illegal' migrant fleeing Iran for Sweden, how migrants today face even worse violence and exclusion from Global North countries, how welfare for Swedish citizens that excludes migrants reinforces segregation, and how we can build a world without borders and the Nation-State.  For more w. Dr. Khosravi please check out his group: Critical Border Studies & please pick up a copy of "'Illegal' Traveler" after listening, it is a life-changing book.  - https://www.criticalborderstudies.com/about/  - https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9780230230798  Music is by  H3 Music: https://www.youtube.com/c/H3Music/videos?view=0&sort=p&flow=grid

This is the conclusion (part 2) of our conversation w. Writer & Agitator Vicky Osterweil, Author of 'In Defense of Looting'.  In our conclusion we discuss how several prominent academics have tried to wield the violence of the state as a force of liberation, and why this is a dead-end for abolition.   Turing to the future we end by looking at the visions of Russell Maroon Shoatz & Achille Mbembe and their frameworks of Maroonage & Black Lives in the Anthropocene as ways forward for scholarship and revolution.  For more w. Vicky, please follow her on Twitter @Vicky_ACAB And please buy her book from any non- Amazon platform, such as Bookshop:https://bookshop.org/books/in-defense-of-looting-a-riotous-history-of-uncivil-action/9781645036692  Music by Gold Steak Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq8OovnOuKE Photo from Russell Maroon Shoatz's Website: https://russellmaroonshoats.wordpress.com/about/ 

Even the most pessimistic of predictions, could not have foreseen the lack of global cooperation during the Covid-19 Pandemic. To try and help untangle this Gordian Knot I spoke to Hyo Yoon Kang, an Academic and Legal Theorist at the University of Kent.  From countries using 'Vaccine Nationalism' to engender loyalty from citizens, to Big Pharma jealously guarding IP even if it means more global deaths, to the Gates Foundation encouraging 'Vaccine Apartheid' in the name of defending Capitalism,  I discuss why the worst pandemic in recent memory has brought out the most selfish of behavior from corporations and government in a time when cooperation is needed more than ever.  For more with Hyo Yoon, I highly recommend her long-form article here on the legal implications of Covid-19: https://criticallegalthinking.com/2021/02/09/patent-capital-in-the-covid-19-pandemic-critical-intellectual-property-law/ Music by H3 Music: https://www.youtube.com/c/H3Music/videos

 I was joined by academic and organizer Chu May Paing for a discussion on growing up in Myanmar & Myanmar's freedom struggle against a brutal military dictatorship. The main theme of our discussion is on Feminism as it relates to the protests vs. patriarchy as it relates to the Military & Buddhist Nationalists in Myanmar.  Some of our conversation points are:  - The history of Feminism in Myanmar and past freedom struggles. - Feminist tactics of resistance in the current protests.   - How Feminists in the country saw the rule of Aung San Suu Kyi  - How Patriarchy is a negative solidarity between the Military & Buddhist Nationalists  - And how Feminists globally can support Myanmar's freedom struggle without talking over local feminists.  To help Myanmar and its protesters, Chu recommended the following resources:  1. Mutual Aid Myanmar https://mutualaidmyanmar.org 2. I support myanmar https://isupportmyanmar.com 3. Chu is also a member of the diasporic activist collective called Baydar. https://baydarcollective.org For more with Chu, I highly recommend her website & social media which has a host of resources on Myanmar: https://www.lionwithaflowingmane.com Music by H3 Music: https://www.youtube.com/c/H3Music/videos

I was honored to speak with Warren Stanislaus, a PhD Candidate at Oxford & Associate Lecturer at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, on his studies of Blackness, Japan and the history of Afro-Japanese identity.  Warren and I discuss the history of how Black people have encountered Japan & how Japanese people have encountered Blackness, how Japan's racism towards Blackness differs from the 'structural white supremacy' of countries like the United States, how the global Black Community (from W.E.B Du Bois to the Wu Tang Clan) have looked to Japan in solidarity, and how the rise of Black Japanese Superstars like Naomi Osaka, Rui Hachimura and others are changing perceptions of Black identity in Japan.  For more on Warren's fascinating scholarship, please follow his twitter @warren_desu   // and visit his website:  https://www.warrenstanislaus.com/ Music by Gold Streak Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz_Mmlgc8DQ

I spoke to Edward Ongweso Jr. of Vice for a two-part interview on Proposition 22, the gig economy and the devastating effects it will have on labor in both in the US and globally.  In Part 1 we discuss the propaganda, strategy and money behind proposition 22. We also discuss why so many ex-Obama officials teamed up with Gig Economy capitalists.  Why are those whose claim to represent progress, condemning black and brown Americans to a near-feudal existence at the feet of Uber, Lyft and other Gig Economy monopolists? Edward explains all this and more in a fascinating two part conversation.  For more w. Edward (who I would vouch for as the best progressive critic on Silicon Valley in America) please check out his writing here: https://www.vice.com/en/contributor/edward-ongweso-jr Edward's witty (and acerbic!) twitter profile is here: https://twitter.com/bigblackjacobin And you can listen to Edward and tech researcher Jathan Sadowski, on their own podcast: This Machine Kills: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills Music for this episode is by Kiyoto - "Saltation": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ik8_zdC48g

This was a fascinating conversation w. Garrick Cooper, senior lecturer at Canterbury University on Aotearoa history, contemporary Māori politics and how Māori resistance offers wisdom to other global freedom struggles.  We pack quite a bit into just an hour of chat, discussing Māori language, the Land Wars of Aotearoa, the double-edged sword of 'Māori faces in high places', and where the resistance struggles of Māori are today.  For more w. Garrick please check out the group Māori Philosophy of which he is a founding member: https://www.maoriphilosophy.com/about-us &  read his contributions in the Guardian on Māori relations to the current New Zealand Labor party: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/01/jacinda-ardern-faces-waitangi-day-reckoning-with-maori-as-progress-stalls  Beats by Prod Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o2z2WFyKlM 

Journalist Hussein Kesvani joined us for an in-depth discussion on his Book : Follow me Akhi - The Online World of British Muslims Our chat covers Hussein's Book and examination of Digital Spaces for UK Muslims, his thoughts on how the US/UK Left misunderstands Islam, and how the state violence Muslims face is a threat to all those opposing Capitalism and White Supremacy.  For more of Hussein's work you can follow him on Twitter @HKesvani. Or on the Podcasts: Trashfuture (https://trashfuturepodcast.podbean.com/) & the 10k  Posts (https://tenthousandposts.podbean.com/)  Follow Me Akhi can be found here: for purchase:  https://bookshop.org/books/follow-me-akhi-the-online-world-of-british-muslims/9781787381254  Music by Producer Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProdRiddiman/videos

This is two-part conversation with Writer & Agitator Vicky Osterweil.  In part 1, we discuss the numerous bad faith attacks against her book 'In Defense of Looting', how the 'police' reconstitute themselves within Abolitionist movements and how the Capitalism' of figures like Barack Obama or Killer Mike are used to co-opt freedom struggles like Black Lives Matter or the George Floyd Uprising.  In part 2 we discuss the work of Russell Maroon Shoatz on Maroonage and Achille Mbembe on Black death and fascism in the Anthropocene.  For more w. Vicky, you can find her twitter at : @VickyACAB .  And you can find her book, 'In Defense of Looting' on Bookshop and other Non-Amazon platforms: https://bookshop.org/books/in-defense-of-looting-a-riotous-history-of-uncivil-action/9781645036692 Music is 'Ankle Deep' - by Golden Steak Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWVH3Puc314 Articles mentioned or used for research in this episode:  https://illwilleditions.com/imaginary-enemies/ https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/nipsey-killer-mike-race-economics/ https://thenewinquiry.com/blog/warning/ https://www.newframe.com/combat-breathing-the-spirit-of-rebellion-in-the-usa/

This episode showcases our best Southeast Asia Interviews of 2020.  The interview clips are 'highlights' (5-10 minutes in length) from long-form interviews on topics like: Rodrigo Duterte,  Thailand's Protests,  Anarchism in Indonesia, Vietnam's Diaspora, and other issues that impacted Southeast Asia in 2020.  If you enjoy these interviews you can listen to the full interviews on the Arts of Travel Podcast. They have all been posted. I hope for new listeners this serves as a great introduction. The Guest List & Topics are below! INDONESIA: Vincent Bevins (01:45)- The US's role in the Cold War Destruction of Indonesia //  Mita (0:5:15) - Protesting against Jokowi //   SINGAPORE:  PJ Thum ( 12:30) - The Legacy of Lee Kwan Yew // Kirstin Han ( 19:16)- Censorship in Singapore MYANMAR: Geoff Aung (28:03) - On Violence, Liberalism &  Aung San Suu Kyi VIETNAM:  Long Bui (36:50) - How South Vietnam ' Haunts' Vietnam's Diaspora // Mai Trung (43:20) on Covid-19 and Vietnam's State Media PHILIPPINES: Regine Cabato (47:35) - Covid & the Philippines // Nicole Curato (52:10) - On Duterte & Vulgar Populism   MALAYSIA:  Deborah Augustin (56:29) - Racism in Malaysia  THAILAND : Jasmine Chia (1:03:04) - Neoliberalism in Thailand // Pavin C. (1:07:26) - The Royalist Marketplace & Digital Activism in Thailand's Protests  Music by  Gold Streak Beats : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPEP1rX_9zb_77z-56Ysprw/  Music By Lethal Needle : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYazzriGjuBcy-VwvQQftZA

I spoke to Ethnomusicologist Sylvia Alajaji for a long-form podcast on her incredible book: Music and the Armenian Diaspora.  Our discussion touches upon her fascinating research and our own complicated Armenian backgrounds.  Besides our own family histories, we discuss Sylvia's research into the various figures (ranging from the Armenian Priest Komitas to the Metal Band System of a Down) who have influenced Armenian Music, and more broadly how a diverse and eclectic sound of 'Armenian Music' has survived Genocide and emerged as a cohesive movement from the far-flung global Diaspora of Armenians For more w. Sylvia, please check out her book (which I would recommend to anyone who wants to better understand Armenians) Music and the Armenian Diaspora: https://iupress.org/9780253017611/music-and-the-armenian-diaspora/ Sylvia also recommended to following songs for those who want to do a 'deep dive' into Armenian Music: "'Ariur Ar 'Ariur" by Collectif Medz Bazar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRFQ_amDp_U&ab_channel=CollectifMedzBazar) "Yegur Yegur" performed by the Tatoul Altounian Ensemble (https://soundcloud.com/user-443604653/yegur-yegur) "Monk's Robes" by Angel Deradoorian (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYod_bu5hu4&ab_channel=ANTI-Records)--this is as "Armenian" as a System of a Down song (in other words, it's  definitely western) but she's an Armenian artist, so it may be nice to  include to bring attention to Armenian artists who aren't household  names "Hayvalla" performed by Onnik Dinkjian and Roupen Altiparmakian "Kef Life" by Ara Dinkjian (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4UMpWvyjhk&ab_channel=M.Hassan) "Greeted by Tir (Տիր)" by Lara Sarkissian (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzBdOcA07Yc&ab_channel=LaraSarkissian-Topic)--this is a bit more cerebral and not as accessible but I would love for her to be better known. Here's a great article about her. Music for this episode is Soldier's March and Camel's Caravan: Aslanian's Armenian Orchestra. Courtesy of the Library of Congress 

The NBA is a global game and BLM is a global movement, with this in mind I'm honored to be joined by Bianca Tylek, the executive director of Worth Rises, to discuss The NBA, Black Lives Matter & the carceral capitalism of Detroit Pistons' Owner Tom Gores. Our conversation touches upon:  - How Mr. Gores PE firm,  Platinum Equity , owns one of the nation's largest and most vicious prison Telecom companies: Securus. Who through price-gouging and exploiting the suffering of black, brown and poor incarcerated families,  earns over $700 Million dollars a year.  - How  Detroit Pistons stars like Jerami Grant (who joined the Pistons, in part, to help represent the Majority Black city of Detroit) can try to pressure Pistons Ownership to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to supporting Black Lives Matter.  - And larger conversations on racial capitalism, inequality and the problematic politics of NBA owners.  For more, I recommend the following resources:  - Worth Rises main website and more information on their campaign against Tom Gores' Carceral Capitalism: https://worthrises.org/ - James Edwards III incredible article on Jerami Grant, Black Empowerment and the NBA: https://theathletic.com/2297656/2021/01/06/jerami-grant-detroit-pistons-denver-nuggets-nba-basketball-free-agent/ - John Gonzalez & Zach Kram of the Ringer and his reporting on the conservative politics of NBA owners: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/9/24/21453818/nba-owners-political-donations-trump-gop Music by Gold Streak Beats : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPEP1rX_9zb_77z-56Ysprw Episode Art by Worth Rises 

This episode (which may be part of a series) showcases our best' India Interviews of 2020.  The interview clips are 'highlights' (5-15 minutes in length) from long-form interviews on a variety of topics such as Kashmir, Feminism, The CAA/NRC, Caste, Sikhism, The Farmers Protests, and other areas that impacted India in 2020.  If you enjoy these interviews you can listen to the full interviews on the Arts of Travel Podcast. They have all been posted. I hope for new listeners this serves as a great introduction.  Music by Prod Riddiman: 'Tranquility' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u43yUcB8uY  Guest List:   Eviane Leidig (02:08)- India's Far Right //  Surabhi Tandon(0:15:30) - Kashmir // Debasish Chowdhury (0:32:11) - The CAA & NRC // Pranav Dixit(38:00) - Tech in India // Soumya Shankar (0:49:36) - On Indian American Identity // Neha Dixit( 1:02:50) - Feminism in India // Aruni Kashyap (1:16:48) - Miya Poetry in Assam // Harsh Mander (1:21) - Radical Love in Activism // Navyug Gill (1:28) - On The BJP's 'Carrots & Sticks'  Vs. The Farmers Protests

I was thrilled to speak to Dr. Navyug Gill of William Paterson University on the recent Farmer's protests in India.  Over 300,000 participants have locked Narendra Modi and his BJP Government in a stalemate. The Future? Perhaps that of Global Capitalism and its ability to dominate the lives of ordinary people. Should the Farmer's movement fail, nothing will be in the way of Modi from violently re-shaping India in his image of neoliberal Hindutva. The last hope of a democracy by and for the people of India rests on the shoulders of the Punjabi Farmers, refusing neoliberalism and demanding more than mere survival.  I discuss all this with Dr. Gill, who truly was one of my favorite guests this year. We discuss the protests, Sikhism, Modi, Global Capitalism and how we can intertwine faith, anti-capitalism and dissent of the status-quo to build new visions for the future.  For more w Dr. GIll you can follow him on Twitter: @navyuggill Or read his work, I highly recommend his most recent article for Al Jazera on the protests: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2020/12/11/a-popular-upsurge-against-neoliberal-arithmetic-in-india Music by Prod. Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdSuKogXJOZld5Dzw_9285w

I spoke to writer Mikkel Frantzen for an intimate conversation on depression under Capitalism, art and revolution as a form of therapy.  Mikkel and I discuss our personal battles with depression, how these battles differ for Mikkel as a Danish citizen w. Universal Health Care compared to the privatized hell-th care of Americans, we then explore how capitalism transcends borders to make all of us depressed.  In addition to these fascinating topics, we also discuss the limits of David Foster Wallace's insights on depression, how artists have false notions of Depression's beauty and what a more beautiful world might look like.  For more w. Mikkel you can find his essays on Depression and Mental Health at the LA Review of Books: https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/future-no-future-depression-left-politics-mental-health/ Mikkel also recently published a full-length book on Depression, Popular Culture and Media w. Zero Book: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/zer0-books/our-books/going-nowhere-slow Music is by Prod. Riddiman - Song is 'Fiend' : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMKHwIyxb50

We had a fascinating conversation on Vietnam and Neoliberalism with University of California-Irving Professor Long T. Bui.  Dr. Bui was kind enough to discuss with me his work on South Vietnam, The Vietnamese Diaspora, and adding nuance to the differences between Asian Students and Asian American Students in the California University System.  It's a deep chat about Vietnam, Education, Identity and Neoliberalism with one of the sharpest young scholars currently wrestling with these topics.  For more. with Dr. Bui, the two works we discuss today can be found here:  Returns of War: South Vietnam and the Price of Refugee Memory A Better Life? Asian Americans and the Necropolitics of Higher Education Music by Juian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

I was thrilled to speak to Matthew Christopher on his multi-year project: Abandoned America, documenting the abandoned spaces, places and buildings of the U.S.A.  We discuss a variety of fascinating topics: How the paradox of America's toxic capitalism and settler colonialism can be seen in abandoned properties. Why abandoned properties are still guarded by Police,  how Social Media has accelerated the shallow photography of 'Ruin Porn', and why Donald Trump should be known as the 'Abandoner in Chief' for his callous fascism towards America's poor and non-white citizens.  For more on Matthew and Abandoned America, please check out  Twitter: @abandonedameric Website: https://www.abandonedamerica.us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abandoned_america/ Books: https://bookshop.org/books/abandoned-america-dismantling-the-dream/9782361950941 Music for this episode is: JULIAN AVILA - GOLDEN SKIES. See their soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

I spoke to Mukaddas Mijit, an ethnomusicologist and performance artist from Xinjiang on the music of Uyghurs.  For more w. Mukaddas, I highly recommend:  Her Personal Website: https://mukaddasmijit.wixsite.com/ Her YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr-rA2fNtxUv_dOXlqGJJ_g Music is 'Disappear' by Prod. Riddiman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmGn6oBbX3U

With Myanmar's 2020 election recently concluded, we are happy to share our interview with Academic Geoff Aung on Colonialism, Capitalism and Myanmar.  Topics include:  - If Western tourism in Myanmar is a continuation of imperialism.  - How capitalist desires shapes present day Myanmar.  - And what ideologies challenge that of the Myanmar state and neoliberalism.   Geoff was also kind enough to send an audio PS that elaborates on Communism and Anarchist history in Myanmar.   For more w. Geoff you can follow him on Twitter at: @Rgnhardliner Music is by Julian Avila https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

Before the 2020 US election results were finalized, journalist Soumya Shankar joined me to discuss the complex politics of Indian American voters.  Soumya offers critical insights on how a Biden Presidency would both break from and continue on the toxic relationship between the USA and India held in thrall by the hatred of Modi's BJP.   Topics include:  If COVID-19 has impacted Modi's popularity both at home or abroad,   Why more Indian-Americans are choosing to support the Racism (and tax cuts) of Donald Trump's GOP,  And if a Biden administration would dare stand up to Modi's BJP on issues of Kashmir or Islamophobia For more with Soumya,  her most recent piece on the shifting politics of Indian American Voters, is a great place to start:  https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3107915/us-election-why-are-more-indian-americans-turning-donald-trump I also highly recommend this piece in Foreign Policy on why diaspora who vote for liberal politics in the US, support Modi's hard-right politics in India:  https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/05/07/indias-liberal-expats-are-modis-biggest-fans/ Music is 'Face' by Noromeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J93FvXhZr0Q

This is a fascinating conversation with Krithika Varagur, author of : The Call Inside the Global Saudi Religious Project.  Krithika's book touches upon Saudi Arabia's project to spread it's state religion, Wahhabi Islam,  globally. Krithika explains the origins of Wahhabi, how Saudi Arabia uses wealth, statecraft and alliances (for example, with the US) to spread this type of Islam. We also discuss larger questions about how Wahhabi Islam is evolving in our era of neoliberalism, global protests and uncertainty about the future of the nation-state.  For more of Krithika's work, please check out her website here: http://www.krithikavaragur.com/about  You can purchase her book from Bookshop here: https://bookshop.org/books/the-call-inside-the-global-saudi-religious-project/9781733623766  Music- Blue Sky - is by Kiyoto: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC82piEoKF_rYn-Q8ZVxUpSA

To discuss the life and legacy of Dr. David Graeber, I spoke to Newslens Editor and Commonweal Writer: Nicholas Haggerty. Nicholas was a former student of Dr. Graeber and a subject in Dr. Graeber's most recent book: "Bullshit Jobs".  We chat about Nicholas's time as a student of Dr. Graeber. His reflections on Dr. Graeber's scholarship.  How to think through Dr. Graeber's mix of Anarchism and Social Democracy, and how Dr. Graeber's coalition building should cause us to reflect on the still-divided state of the International left.  For more w. Nicholas, please check out his beautiful eulogy to Dr. Graber at Commonweal here: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/heedless-generosity Beat is - Coast, by Don't Ask Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0zsX0k7Xhs

I spoke w. Yannick Giovanni Marshall (Twitter: @furtherblack), who wrote several brilliant essays on protest, Black Lives Matter and white Supremacy. We discuss the legendary revolutionary Franz Fanon, if one's class position makes them a counter-revolutionary, the role of universities in perpetuating injustice, and what we all can do to destroy the colony.   For more w. Dr. Marshall, you can check out his writing and scholarship at his website here: https://www.yannickmarshall.net/ Dr. Marshall's writing can be found in multiple outlets, one piece that caught the attention of many can be found here: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/black-liberal-time-george-floyd-200601155933648.html Music is 'Osaka' by Kiyoto: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DDX7R7cA3w

I spoke with Thum "PJ"  Ping Tjin, the founder of New Naratif, on how colonialism and capitalism have shaped Singapore's past, present and  future.  We also discuss the history of Dissent in Singapore and why voices like PJ's are rising to critique the political and economic elites of the country.  For more please check out New Naratif: it's one of the finest sources of news and analysis in Asia: https://newnaratif.com/ And specific to Singapore's history, this article by PJ is a master piece in explaining how colonialism infects Singapore's current political imagination: https://newnaratif.com/research/justifying-colonial-rule-in-post-colonial-singapore/ And recently New Naratif and PJ have personally been harassed by Singapore's government. To demand the Singapore Government stop harassing Free Press in Singapore go here: https://newnaratif.com/new-naratif-under-attack/ Beat - "Groove with Me" - Prod. Nikos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abx1OfQkO1Y 

This was a one of a kind conversation with a one of a kind mind. I spoke to Writer and Large Hadron Collider Scientist  Yangyang Cheng.  Yangyang and I debate why so many brilliant people work in scientific systems that produce suffering.  And why this global pandemic has not inspired scientists, states and capitalism to cooperate, but instead acted as a catalyst for exploitation and violence.  It's a fascinating conversation on  Research, STEM, and what these fields might look like in a world without borders or capitalism.  For more on Yangyang, simply search her name, she is in my opinion one of the most important writers and public figures working today.  I highly recommend her most recent piece for the Guardian for those who enjoy our conversation: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jul/13/allowing-privileged-flee-hong-kong-isnt-liberation-beijing And her most recent article for Sup China on Borders and Science: https://supchina.com/2020/06/25/this-land-is-not-your-land/ Music is 'Inspired' by Julian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

I spoke to Vincent Wong, an attorney on Abolition as it relates to internationalism Artwork is by Lizartistry: https://www.instagram.com/lizar_tistry/  Music is 'TwentyEighteen' by Julian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

To speak on Beirut in the wake of the August 4th explosion,  I was joined by writer and friend Joey Ayoub.  We discuss the lives destroyed by the blast, how Lebanon (and the global elite) helped birth the disaster through 'organized abandonment' and Joey's thoughts for how to keep living, struggling and fighting,  with so many around the world dealing with their own individual apocalypses. For more with Joey, please check out here:  https://linktr.ee/joeyayoub And check out his own excellent Podcast here: thefirethisti.me Music is 'Butterfly Effect' by Julian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

This is a conversation on Thailand's protests with Pavin Chachavalpongpun. Pavin is an Associate professor at Kyoto University, a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and the founder of 'The Royalist Marketplace' ,  which besides being the World's 18th largest Facebook group, is the source of an incredible battle between Facebook and Thailand's government who hope to block the group to control dissent and criticism of Thailand's Monarchy and King Vajiralongkorn.  In this conversation Pavin and I discuss Thailand's protests, the violence Thailand's Monarchy uses to maintain power, and how digital activism and real-life protests are building a new generation demanding freedom for Thailand  For more w. Pavin I'd recommend the following:  Check out the story behind the Royalist Marketplace here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/08/28/an-entire-generation-thailand-is-counting-facebook-do-right-thing/  Check out the original 'Royalist Marketplace' here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/160302545298190/  Check out the new facebook group Pavin set up when the original Royalist Marketplace was blocked: https://www.facebook.com/groups/634791290746287/ Check out Pavin's twitter here: https://twitter.com/PavinKyoto   Music: - 'Hope' by That Kid Goran: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jd-gfq3aDo

We spoke to William Andrews, author of Dissenting Japan. In my experience the best English Language resource on Protests, Direct Action and Riots in Japan.* We discuss what happened in Japan after the 1960s, how its youth were caught up in the global wave of revolutionary anti-capitalist, anti-racist, anti-patriarchal struggles of this era, and how Japan's revolutionaries expressed dissent in their own unique, dangerous and powerful ways.  It's a fascinating chat about a historical subject that should receive more attention. For those who'd like to learn more:  Listen to part 1 of our conversation w. William Andrews about Protest in Japan during and after WW2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/japan-opticon-author-william-andrews-dissenting-japan/id1406775458?i=1000439343847 Purchase a copy of Dissenting Japan here: https://www.hurstpublishers.com/book/dissenting-japan/  Follow William' s online work here: https://throwoutyourbooks.wordpress.com/ * Podcast recorded in late 2019, so information on Carlos Ghosn and Japan's emperor have since changed, along with Covid-19 impacting the olympics Music by Julian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila and Urban Nerd Beats: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDallascooper

I recorded this Interview with Kunthida Rungruengkiat, former deputy leader of Thailand's  now-banned Future Forward Party in March,  right after the party was ordered to dissolve and Thailand shut down to control the Covid-19 outbreak.   Kunthida talks about the formation of the Future Forward Party, how their vision of social democracy threatened Thailand's elite, and why Thailand's youth and student-led protests may continue until fundamental change happens in the country.  For more please follow Kunthida on Twitter here: @Kunthida_FWP Beat is by River Beats - "BFFs": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJzSfs8uHJY

To better understand Kenya, China and the complex relationship between them I spoke w. Nairobi-based Journalist April Zhu.  April is a fascinating reporter working in multiple languages, countries and contexts to report on China, Kenya and the developing relationship between them.   Our conversation centers on capitalism, race, nationalism and trade between these two nations, in the time of Covid-19. For more of April's Work I would recommend:  Her Website: http://www.aprzhu.com/ Her article for the Southern China Morning Post on religion among Kenyans trying to convert newly arriving Chinese workers: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3031528/kenya-chinese-arrivals-are-targeted-jehovahs Her Article for The New York Review of Books on Guangzhou's now-erased ' Little Africa': https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2020/05/05/a-lost-little-africa-how-china-too-blames-foreigners-for-the-virus/ April also wanted to recommend the novel 'The Dragonfly Sea' by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor  for a literary explanation of what China and Kenya's shared future might look like: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/545470/the-dragonfly-sea-by-yvonne-adhiambo-owuor/ Beats by: 27Corazones Beats x Ay P Beats - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayR2b5rhm-U

We speak to Keri Blakinger (Twitter: @keribla) of the Marshall Project, on the violence and scope of America's Carceral System.  We focus on why media often ignores prisons, the spread of Covid-19 in the U.S. Carceral System, and the economics of prisons.  For more of Keri's work you can check out her back catalog of writing at the Marshall Project here: https://www.themarshallproject.org/staff/keri-blakinger Music is by Julian Avila : https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

I spoke with Journalist Tuck Woodstock (Twitter: @tuckwoodstock) on their work covering the Portland Black Lives Matter Protests.  We discuss Police and Federal Violence, the problematic Mayor Ted Wheeler, and how Protesters are both learning from international protests - like Hong Kong - and applying their own unique tactics.  At the end of this episode, I included a preview from a future podcast with Vincent Wong (Twitter: @InitialVW) of the Lausan Collective. Vincent provides fascinating insight about Mutual Aid, and why this non-violent form of resistance is targeted by state and police violence. For more w. Lausan, check out their website here: https://lausan.hk/ For more w. Tuck, check out their Linktree here: https://linktr.ee/montucky. And for those following the Portland Protests, here are a list of other Journalists to follow (Twitter Handles) :  @EvertonBailey @MacSmiff @MrOlmos @PDocumentarians @edercampuzano @mollykyoung @KohzKah @matcha_chai PS since we spoke with Tuck, Riot Ribs was violently assaulted and is now focused on providing mobile mutual aid in other cities. Its a frustrating situation that hopefully can be resolved. For more, please see their Twitter: https://twitter.com/riotribs/status/1288145235927654400 Music is by Julian Avila : https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

I was honored to speak with Dr. Laurence Ralph of Princeton University on his book: 'The Torture Letters: Reckoning with Police Violence'  We discuss how Dr. Ralph painstakingly documented the torture of generations of Black Chicagoans at the hands of the Chicago Police Force, how this generational violence and trauma connects to the police murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many Black Lives lost to present-day police violence, and how Dr. Ralph sees his work linked to victims of American Imperialism - most notably in Guantanamo Bay - who've also endured torture and death.  It's a powerful, sad and necessary conversation and I was deeply moved by Dr. Ralph's anger and  solidarity.  You can find out more about Dr. Ralph's Here: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/T/bo26783305.html Music is 'Drive' by Julian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila

We were thrilled to speak with Journalist Vincent Bevins on his new book, 'The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World' Vincent was kind enough to engage us in a wide-ranging discussion on his book, the violence perpetrated by governments in Indonesia and Brazil in collaboration with the US Government, and what past violence says about the capitalism of the present.  Without shaming anyone by name, I think many in the US/UK Left, who've spoken to Vincent, would do well to study his habits, such as the level of research he puts into his work, his centering of local voices, and his promotion of local writers in Indonesia, Brazil and the other areas he's covered in his years of reporting.  Here are some Indonesian Writers that Vincent mentioned as influences on his work:  Grace Samboh, writer and curator Sekretariat Bersama '65, community of survivors in Solo, Central Java Baskara Wardaya, historian and Jesuit priest, Yogyakarta Taman 65, Bali survivors' organization Febriana Firdaus, journalist specializing in 1965 and West Papua (based in Jakarta) Soe Tjen Marching, writer and musician (based in London) For more on Vincent's work, you can find the Jakarta Method here: https://vincentbevins.com/book/ And his Twitter Account is: @Vinncent Beat is 'breath' by dontaskalex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upKWUqlR94w

For updates on the Philippines and how it is facing down the struggles of an increasingly authoritarian government I spoke with Manila-based Journalist Barnaby Lo.  We discuss the passage of a recent Anti-Terrorism Bill and the concerns many have about how it may be weaponized by the Duterte Government. We also discuss the dissolving of Media Channel ABS-CBN and the Prosecution of Rappler Founder Maria Ressa.  For more on Barnaby and his reporting on these issues, please follow him on Twitter : @barnabychuck Music by Kiyoto -"Around" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N3yEicMAsM

This is a truly fascinating conversation w. Academic Ruodi Duan of Harvard University on the once thriving solidarity between global black radicals and China under Mao.  We discuss the history of this solidarity in the context of the USSR-China Split, how black revolutionaries such as Huey Newton, W.E.B Du Bois,  Vicky Garvin, Robert Williams and others collaborated with Mao's China, and how eventually this solidarity came undone as China's statecraft and capital became more important to nation-building than solidarity with black radicals.  We cover a great deal of ground in this conversation between Mao, Zhou Enlai, The Black Panthers, The NAACP, Angola, The Sino-Soviet Split, Nixon, Amiri Baraka , Xi Jinping, China's relationship with Africa today, and the current injustices and imperialism being committed by Xi's China. Ruodi is an excellent teacher and you'll learn more in this podcast than most people do in an entire semester!  For more I highly recommend :  Ruodi's Article: https://medium.com/fairbank-center/black-power-in-china-maos-support-for-african-american-racial-struggle-as-class-struggle-7673f2a6abb The fascinating Book: The East is Black by Dr. Robeson Taj Fraizer: https://www.dukeupress.edu/the-east-is-black And Robin D.G Kelley's essay ' Black Like Mao' - Red China and Black Revolution (part of the Afro-Asian collection): https://www.dukeupress.edu/afro-asia And Alexander Cook's -  Mao's Little Red Book: A Global History: https://www.cambridge.org/tw/academic/subjects/history/east-asian-history/maos-little-red-book-global-history?format=PB Music is b l u r by Dontaskalex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga9y_EHdZAY

I was thrilled to be joined by author, organizer and attorney Alec Karakatsanis. Alec is the founder of Civil Rights Corps and author of the critically acclaimed book - Usual Cruelty: The Complicity of Lawyers in the Criminal Injustice System Alec was kind enough to have a  wide-ranging, and brutally honest conversation on the Criminal Punishment Bureaucracy of the United States, the propaganda of the legal system that conceals its racist and capitalist violence, the false promise of progressive DAs, and how defense attorneys can fight against the violence of capital and the state.  For more w. Alec, check him out on twitter @equalityalec I highly recommend both his book and learning more about his organization  Usual Cruelty: https://thenewpress.com/books/usual-cruelty Civil Rights Corps: https://www.civilrightscorps.org/ Music by Dontaskalex : Dance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i9PfSpxBUM 

To understand the history of ANTIFA in Japan, I spoke with researcher and translator Gregor Wakounig. We discuss the wave of Black Lives Matter, Anti-Police protests happening in Japan, the parallels between racism in the USA and Japan, and how we need to oppose fascists like Trump or Shinzo Abe, wherever they appear.  For more with Gregor, you can find his website on Antifascism in Japan: http://zatsudan.at/ And his twitter: @gregor_wakounig  Music by Young Swisher Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqhesZOixec

I spoke with Hyunsu Yim of the Korea Herald on K-Pop, its global fan base, and their support for Black Lives Matter. We discuss the differences between the Progressive politics of K-Pop's Fans, the largely apolitical nature of the musical groups themselves, and how this makes discussing K-Pop and Progressive causes, a very complicated matter.  For more with Hyunsu, you can check out his most recent article with the Washington Post on K-Pop and Black Lives Matter here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/11/surprised-seeing-k-pop-fans-stand-up-black-lives-matter-you-shouldnt-be/#click=https://t.co/E4HGNeezS6 And his recent article with the Korea Herald on the diversity of K-Pop Fandom Here: http://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200612000721  Beats by Kohzo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZyEVZcJgWU

For insights on Seattle's CHAZ autonomous zone we spoke with Author and Seattle local - Shon Meckfessel. Shon, a professor at Highline College, is the author of the 2016 book: Nonviolence Ain't What It Used To Be: Unarmed Insurrection and the Rhetoric of Resistance  We discuss the timeline of CHAZ,  how the zone both rejects and dialogues with local Seattle politics, his thoughts on the methods and mutual aid present in the zone, and how the Zone fits into the constellation of uprisings after the police murder of George Floyd.  For more conversations like this, check out the Arts of Travel Podcast or asiaarttours.com  Music by LitKidBeats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRBRA3ZZ1cM

I spoke w. organizer Harsh Mander on his efforts to help India's poor and Muslim communities, who have endured unspeakable violence from Narendra Modi's government. We discuss Covid-19 impact on India's migrant workforce, the violence India's Muslims have faced, and how despite this hatred and the state targeting him with prosecution for his organizing, Harsh maintains a philosophy of 'radical love' .  Other topics include:  Anarchism vs. Social Democracy, leaders, and how the Black Lives Matter protests are being viewed within India.  For more with Harsh, simply search the internet, he's all over! I like his essays with The Scroll: https://scroll.in/author/1580  You can learn more about his charity work with Karwan e Mohabbat : https://karwanemohabbat.in/  and for more about how the state is targeting him with prosecution, you can read more here: https://thewire.in/video/interview-karan-thapar-harsh-mander Music by Kiyoto:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSJJ5Vy7jE4

Recorded before the brutal police murder of George Floyd, this is a conversation I had with Writer Cassie Da Costa about what celebrity means in a United States where Race, Gender and Capitalism are deeply intertwined.  We discuss figures like Gal Gadot, Jay-Z, The Kardashians, Lebron James, Beyonce, Cardi B, Ru Paul,  Jameela Jamil, and others.  Should we admire celebrities for succeeding despite racial oppression, or do they distract us from dismantling the oppressive systems  of whiteness, sexism and capitalism?  What does Beauty mean in a world where bodies have always been commodified as products?  Can celebrities be 'role models' in a deeply unequal world, where ones role is to be the exploiter (capitalist) or exploitee (laborer)?   We discuss all this and more in a radically honest conversation. For more Cassie's work can be seen in the Daily Beast,  The New Yorker, The New Yorker (Videos), the film journal Another Gaze, and elsewhere. Her Website Can be found here: http://cassiedacosta.com/ Editor's note: I misname a murder victim of police violence as Michael Walker. The victim of police violence was Tamir Rice: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tamir-rice-s-mother-sad-lebron-james-hasn-t-spoken-n492196 Music by Urban Nerd Beats: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4R-E42EucEameNwahTShtg

Prior to the brutal Police murder of George Floyd,  I spoke w. writer Vicky Osterweil ( Read her essay: In Defense of Looting ) to discuss why the US Left Media (at least those with money or fame) are so bad at centering the voices of those in struggle both overseas (in places like Hong Kong, India, West Papua or Xinjiang) and domestically (the complete erasure of the Black Lives Matter Movement).  Vicky discusses some of the structural failures in a US Left Media populated with figures from the Ivy Leagues or The Rich. Why they gravitate towards a leftism based on 'leaders', voting, and trying to make sure they remain the loudest voices in the room, rather than letting the people in struggle speak.  And how they can do better, how we all need to do better. How 'normal' was the problem to begin with.  At least for me, this was the conversation that let me 'wake up' and leave US Left Media behind. As Vicky discusses,  when real revolutions appear, these same voices who could write hundreds of columns on Sanders, Unions or AOC, have nothing to say and offer the people out in the streets of Hong Kong, Lebanon, Bangkok, Chile, Algeria, West Papua, Syria and now the Twin Cities, Louisville, Chicago, and across the USA, fighting for a better,  more just future.  We already released half of the conversation, here  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crisis-collapse-chat-w-vicky-osterweil-on-death-neoliberal/id1406775458?i=1000468974708 For more from Vicky you can find her on Twitter: @Vicky_ACAB Her writing in Real Life: https://reallifemag.com/contributors/vicky-osterweil And the essay that spawned our interview can be found here, it's one of my favorite 'takes' on the brutal violence of neoliberalism: https://thenewinquiry.com/liberalism-is-dead/ Vicky's Book 'In Defense of Looting' based on her New Inquiry essay will be out soon in 2020.  Solidarity to George Floyd, Black Lives Matter, ACAB.   1st Beats by Nxnja: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guS-evJwgg8 2nd Beats by Syndrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpnv_pi97yY

I was fortunate to speak with writer Yi-Ling Liu on her outstanding piece in New York Times Magazine on Blued: How a Dating App Helped a Generation of Chinese Come Out of the Closet Our conversation touches on several issues - The truly remarkable story of Blued's Founder Geng Le - The wax and wane with which LBGTQ rights and acceptance have occurred in China under the PRC - The 'pink yuan' and Neoliberal Queerness in China - And what does a LGBTQ role in society look like if activism or organizing is forbidden. For those looking to understand a bit more about LGBTQ culture in China, Yi-Ling was kind enough to recommend the following:  Lan Yu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lan_Yu_(film) Addicted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addicted_(web_series) And (Her words now) I'd add the Shanghai Pride Parade as well, which I think is a pretty important event for LGBT communities and NGOs in China, the recent phenomena of LGBT cruises, organized by PFLAG, China, and a TMall advertisement this year, depicting a same-sex couple returning home durin the Chinese New Year, which stirred up a lot of hubbub on Weibo. For more of Yi-Ling's Writing you can head to her webiste here: https://www.yi-lingliu.com/ Music by Zeeky Beats Episode Art from Yi-Ling's NYTIMES Magazine Piece. 

We were thrilled to speak with Writer and Researcher Aria Danaparamita or Mita (Twitter: @mitatweets) , for a two part conversation on Indonesia, Covid-19 and Political Economy. In part 2 of our conversation, we discuss the ways Anarchists, Socialists and ordinary people are coming together to help one another, after being abandoned by capitalists and the state. Mutual Aid, Direct Action and other progressive tactics are being used in powerful ways in Indonesia, its my hope we can learn from their struggles, and build links of solidarity. In this spirit of solidarity, here are a list of organizations who are doing great work in Mutual Aid in Indonesia (these were all graciously provided by Mita): Just to share some of the mutual aid initiatives, there are these threads that summarize some of the local initiatives (there are so many!): https://twitter.com/DamarJuniarto/status/1245137166549700608 https://twitter.com/maderodog/status/1241271552097710080 I'd also like to highlight these 2 in particular: For incarcerated women in Jakarta: https://twitter.com/LBHAPIK/status/1247076888918425604 For transwomen in Jakarta: https://twitter.com/aruspelangi/status/1243874699949441025 As I mentioned, most of these are donation drives, rather than a more structured/sustained project. Some of the more organised ones that are focused on food/goods production and distribution are: Konsorsium Pembaruan Agraria (Consortium for Agrarian Reform): connecting farmer unions in Pasundan, Ciamis and Pangandaran to communities in their network, anyone can also buy the rice and staples through KPA https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=ROv-XRiJOeQ / http://kpa.or.id/menu/lumbung/?lang=en Jaringan Rakyat Miskin Kota (Urban Poor Consortium): connecting farmers in Kendeng with urban poor communities in their network (non-farmers can support by donating to subsidize the goods) https://twitter.com/gugunmuhammad1/status/1249583895076429824 / http://www.urbanpoor.or.id/ Perbawani: coordinating Rumah Solidaritas Kemanusiaan Warga Jakarta (RSKWJ) and Federasi Buruh Lintas Pabrik (FBLP) to make masks and distribute them communities in Jakarta and Cirebon. FBLP is a union mostly of garment workers in north Jakarta, many of whom have been laid off since the outbreak and have turned to making these masks. People can support by donating for raw materials. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-lZrLrAigL/ These last ones are more organized and politically explicit (ie. engaged in restructuring production and distribution) and they have also been at it with similar mutual aid projects prior to covid and will (hopefully!) continue. Music by Prod Riddiman- Alien: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93OIOt7N-J0

We were thrilled to speak with Writer and Researcher Aria Danaparamita or Mita (Twitter: @mitatweets) , for a two part conversation on Indonesia, Covid-19 and Political Economy. In part one of our conversation we look at Indonesia through the increasingly irrelevant lens of liberalism. Covering Indonesian Leader Jokowi, The current politics of Indonesia, how Covid-19 has caused crisis or has simply revealed the hidden violence of Capital and the State. The state is failing, Capitalists are using this crisis to line their own pockets. Only we can save each other. To that end, here are a list of organizations who are doing great work in Mutual Aid in Indonesia (these were all graciously provided by Mita): Just to share some of the mutual aid initiatives, there are these threads that summarize some of the local initiatives (there are so many!): • https://twitter.com/DamarJuniarto/status/1245137166549700608 • https://twitter.com/maderodog/status/1241271552097710080 I'd also like to highlight these 2 in particular: • For incarcerated women in Jakarta: https://twitter.com/LBHAPIK/status/1247076888918425604 • For transwomen in Jakarta: https://twitter.com/aruspelangi/status/1243874699949441025 As I mentioned, most of these are donation drives, rather than a more structured/sustained project. Some of the more organised ones that are focused on food/goods production and distribution are: • Konsorsium Pembaruan Agraria (Consortium for Agrarian Reform): connecting farmer unions in Pasundan, Ciamis and Pangandaran to communities in their network, anyone can also buy the rice and staples through KPA https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=ROv-XRiJOeQ / http://kpa.or.id/menu/lumbung/?lang=en • Jaringan Rakyat Miskin Kota (Urban Poor Consortium): connecting farmers in Kendeng with urban poor communities in their network (non-farmers can support by donating to subsidize the goods) https://twitter.com/gugunmuhammad1/status/1249583895076429824 / http://www.urbanpoor.or.id/ • Perbawani: coordinating Rumah Solidaritas Kemanusiaan Warga Jakarta (RSKWJ) and Federasi Buruh Lintas Pabrik (FBLP) to make masks and distribute them communities in Jakarta and Cirebon. FBLP is a union mostly of garment workers in north Jakarta, many of whom have been laid off since the outbreak and have turned to making these masks. People can support by donating for raw materials. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-lZrLrAigL/ These last ones are more organized and politically explicit (ie. engaged in restructuring production and distribution) and they have also been at it with similar mutual aid projects prior to covid and will (hopefully!) continue. Music by Prod Riddiman- Radio : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNcuXo-2N5s

This is a "Mini-cast" w. the Washington Post's Regine Cabato on Press Freedom in the Philippines and her thoughts on what its like to do journalism in the country. We discuss the state's targeting of Maria Ressa, Troll Farms and how it feels to be a journalist in the Philippines. For more of Regine's work please check out her Twitter at @RegineCabato or her page at the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/regine-cabato/ Beat by PLXR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rruZoAfOi4c

To understand how Covid-19 is impacting the Philippines, we were joined by Regine Cabato of the Washington Post. Our conversation centers on the domestic impact Covid-19 has had on the Philippines and the at times brutal response of Leader Rodrigo Duterte. We also discuss how the Philippines, which is deeply integrated into global immigration and migrant labor, is a reflection on Capitalism. Is a 'return to normal' a solution? Or was 'normal' the problem to begin with? For more of Regine's work please check out her Twitter at @RegineCabato or her page at the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/regine-cabato/ Beat by zp3nd : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPNemFiYpr0

CONTENT WARNING - The content within this episode is graphic, refers to assault and may be triggering to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised We spoke w. Journalist Haeryun Kang on the Telegram 'Nth Room' Scandal and a contemporary history of the misogyny, digital violence and real-life harassment that South Korean Women have endured. For as brilliant as South Korea has been in handling Covid-19, it deserves scrutiny and criticism for the violence and harassment of women that the government has left unaddressed for years. From ridiculous double standards, to an epidemic of spy-camera pornography, to absurd rulings in sexual assault cases... South Korea has left fester a toxic misogyny that's culminated in perhaps the most disturbing scandal in the history of the Internet in Korea: The Nth Room We discuss all this and potential ways forward. I can't thank Haeryun enough for her candor and strength in discussing these matters. For more of Haeryun's journalism please follow her on Twitter at - @Haekoko and check out her work at VideocusIN: videocus.in/ Summary of Sexual Assault Laws in South Korea - hrw.org/news/2020/03/26/south-korea-online-sexual-abuse-case-illustrates-gaps-government-response South Korea's blatantly patriarchal Sex Education programs in schools - theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/28/south-koreas-sexist-sex-education Strong Writing on the Nth Room Scandal can be found at Quartz - qz.com/1824130/korea-shocked-by-telegram-chat-room-sexual-abuse-scandal/ Good Interview in English w. TEAM FLAME, the student journalists who broke the Nth Room Story - https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3075527 Finally for Haeryun's doc on the Nth Room you can find it here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSYsI0lM1wQ&t Beat by Prod. b e l a m i - HOPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-i2NT6Ghq8

To better understand Vietnam's stunning success in managing Covid-19, I spoke to Vietnam-based Journalist Mike Tatarski, and Academic Mai Truong of the University of Arizona. Mike's interview is the first half. We discuss the timeline of Covid-19 in Vietnam, the measures the government put into place and his impressions as an American abroad of Vietnam's competency, compared to the disastrous response of the United States. Mai's interview is the second half. We discuss Vietnam's political system. How it gained citizenship participation and trust in its handling of Covid-19, and the complicated ways the country handles protest when citizens disagree with the government. For more of Mike's work check him out on Twitter ( @miketatarski) or his work at Saigoneer https://saigoneer.com/ For Mai's work you can check out her recent article at the Diplomat on Vietnam's response to Covid-19 https://thediplomat.com/2020/03/vietnams-communist-party-finds-a-silver-lining-in-covid-19/ You can also check out her Academic website here: https://sgpp.arizona.edu/people/mai-truong Beats are : Beat 1 - "Funkaholic" by Producer: XelaOnDaTrack https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7s0GhF7yhk Beat 2 - "S A L T" by Producer: Omoon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C3AXn6l9Fg

This is a conversation w. Michael Penn: President of Shingetsu News Agency. We discuss Covid-19's impact on daily life, the economy and labor in Japan. We also analyze the political fallout for Shinzo Abe, who has dominated politics in the country seemingly forever. Could Covid-19 be his downfall? It's a fascinating conversation. For more with Michael and Shingetsu News (which does wonderful progressive reporting in Japan) you can head to their website: http://shingetsunewsagency.com/ And check them out on Twitter - @ShingetsuNews beats by Omoon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C3AXn6l9Fg

I was thrilled to speak w. Jasmine Chia of the Thai Enquirer on Thailand's Government, its Capitalist class and why both these dominating actors have offered such weak and inept responses to Covid-19. In our conversation we discuss Thai Healthcare, the political economy that motivates both Thai Government and Thai Capital, the growing hostility behind many Thai Citizens and a increasingly misanthropic government, and the stark divide between rural and urban Thailand being exacerbated by this pandemic. Jasmine is a fascinating guest and I consider her a go-to voice for a progressive understanding of Thailand. For more w. Jasmine you can follow her on Twitter @chia_jasmine • And you can Jasmine's column in the Thai Enquirer here - https://www.thaienquirer.com/author/writer_la/ Beat by Omoon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxyeKzZdXkQ

This is the fiery conclusion to my conversation with two of smartest people I know: Edward Ongweso Jr. of Vice and Wendy Liu who just released her memoir ABOLISH SILICON VALLEY (from Repeater Books) Bernie Sanders is gone, electoralism is not an option to defeat the monsters of capitalism. We cannot use protests to blind the panopticon of technology rapidly imprisoning us. So what comes next? I discuss this with Edward and Wendy who both turned their back on wealth and power to try and build a better world. For Wendy's new memoir, published by Repeater Books, you can find more info here - https://abolishsiliconvalley.com/ For more on Wendy, please check out her main Website here - https://dellsystem.me/ For more w. Edward , check out his work on Vice (Motherboard) here - https://www.vice.com/en_us/contributor/edward-ongweso-jr Beats by Eskry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H15r9jws3kU

We were overjoyed to speak w. Dr. Wen Liu, one of the founding members of the progressive organization- New Bloom (Taiwan) and a member of the Decolonial Left Organization - Lausan (Hong Kong). Our conversation explores how Taiwan has functioned as a Queer Casablanca, offering a space for solidarity and exploration for pan-Asian queerness within a still Hetronormative and Heteronationalist Asia. We also discuss Taiwan's current government in relation to Queerness, the country's path to Same-Sex Marriage and the obstacles remaining to intersectional queerness in the country. Plus we talk briefly w. Writer Chason Dailey on the complicated situation for expats and whiteness in the time of Covid-19. Like many he is stuck between the country he's from and fears return to (The United States) and the country where he is not a citizen but wishes to remain (Taiwan). Taiwan has (since our conversation) extended all visas for foreigners for 30 days in an act of grace and mercy. What happens after those 30 days expire, controls the fate of many, including Chason. Let's hope they continue to be world leaders in nuance and empathy during this Pandemic. For more with Wen we recommend following her on Twitter - https://twitter.com/wenliunyc And exploring her website here - http://www.wenliu.info/ Beats by - Free Use Worldwide Sounds - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0OhxFhmWSIiVqXUbqoG57Q and Producer Riddiman - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdSuKogXJOZld5Dzw_9285w

To better understand a United States where the richest men in the world - Bezos, Zuckerberg, Gates- have gained their wealth from a tech industry that is directly killing the workers at the front lines of Covid-19, I spoke to two of smartest people I know: Edward Ongweso Jr. of Vice and Wendy Liu whose memoir: ABOLISH SILICON VALLEY, is out now on Repeater Books Its a powerful two-part conversation on the culture of smug cruelty that dominates the tech industry, and how we, the subjects they rule like kings, can tear down their systems of exploitation and create technology based on liberation for the many, not wealth for the few. For Wendy's new book, launched April 14th on Repeater Books, you can find more info here - https://abolishsiliconvalley.com/ For more on Wendy, please check out her Main Website here - https://dellsystem.me/ For more w. Edward , check out his work on Vice (Motherboard) here - https://www.vice.com/en_us/contributor/edward-ongweso-jr Beats by Esky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNDKHysnIUY

Malaysia is enduring twin crisis, both Covid-19 and a recent coup which threw the country back into political uncertainty. To discuss how Malaysia is weathering these political and pandemic storms, I'm joined by Deborah Augustin of New Naratif Deborah guides us through both these issues with honesty and good humor that left me feeling much more knowledgeable about Malaysia, Religion and Regional Politics. For more on New Naratif please head here - https://newnaratif.com/about/ Beats by Urban Nerd - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0YKrNTtt0w

I spoke with Grace Moon of AAJA and Dasl Yoon of the Wall Street Journal on South Korea's response to Covid-19, one that's proving to be among the most effective in the world. Part one of the Conversation is w. Grace, we mostly discuss what South Korea that's getting back to normal looks like. The second 40 minutes is with Dasl . We discuss the political, economic and medical systems that have been so successful for South Korea, and what lessons they offer the rest of the world. For more w. these great journalists you can follow Grace on Twitter at - @gracesoyeonmoon and for Dasl's great work in the Wall Street Journal, you can find that here - https://www.wsj.com/news/author/dasl-yoon Music by Urban Nerd Beats - https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDallascooper

I spoke w. Shashank Bengali of the LA Times on Singapore's Response to Covid-19, and how their coordinated, competent response stands in stark contrast to the piecemeal efforts of the United States We also discuss how a Singapore long associated with capitalism and globalization, is making the health of the Many its top priority. For more of Shashank please follow his work at the LAtimes - https://www.latimes.com/people/shashank-bengali You can also find him on Twitter here - @SBengali Beats by Urban Nerd Beats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gu2QCriDk4

We spoke with journalist William Yang of Deutsche Welle News on How Taiwan has been able to contain the Covid-19 Coronavirus, and how its universal health care system has been crucial in this fight. William also discusses some of the politics going on between Taiwan, China and the US at this moment where we need to work together to defeat this virus. It's a great chat with journalist during urgent important work. For more on William, you can check out his Twitter here - @WilliamYang120 And his most recent article on Taiwan, Taiwan's Healthcare and fighting Covid-19 here - https://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-coronavirus/a-52724523 Beats by Nayz & Yz : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0r6a6dnsEg

At the outset of the US's Coronavirus outbreak, I had a fascinating conversation w. writer Vicky Osterweil on the era we live in. We'll release part 1 soon but, due to our present crisis, I'm skipping to Part 2 We look with unflinching personal honesty at our era of cascading environmental, economic, and political crisis. How this has led us to two equally horrific choices, the Ethnonationalist fascism (ala a Trump or Modi) or Neoliberal fascism (in the form of Big Tech and Silicon Valley.) We must recognize both, reject both, and build something else. Something inclusive, moral and for the benefit of all. Vicky and I discuss how to recognize and reject... but building that third choice, is still undecided and still up to all of us. For more from Vicky you can find her on Twitter: @Vicky_ACAB Her writing in Real Life: https://reallifemag.com/contributors/vicky-osterweil And the essay that spawned our interview can be found here, it's one of my favorite 'takes' on the brutal violence of neoliberalism: https://thenewinquiry.com/liberalism-is-dead/ Beats by Syndrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpnv_pi97yY

March 15th was the 9th anniversary of the Syrian Revolution. It's made all the more painful by the indifference from Western governments towards refugees. Hunted first by the Assad Regime they now face the invisible tormentor of the Covid-19 virus as they try to finally find stability, peace and hope. To discuss the revolution, why the international community failed Syria, and what can be done, I spoke with Leila Al Shami, co-author with Robin Yassin-Kassab of Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War. Its one of my favorite recent political books and I think a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Syria. Find Leila and Robin's book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/author/leila-al-shami/ Beat by Syndrome: https://www.beatstars.com/beat/hip-hop-swing-891376

This is the finale of our chat w. Comedian/Activist/Twitter Final Boss Jake Flores (@feraljokes). We discuss the misanthropic phenomenon of 'Edgelord' comedy, why Nanette isn't talked about more on the Left, and the emotional toil/labor of being a Stand-up Comedian under Neoliberalism. It's a fascinating conversation w. a rising star in comedy and I know you'll laugh (and maybe cry) a little bit! Part one of our conversation can be found here. It's a great chat about the "Brooklyn" Left, the limits of "Podcast Leftism" and the good and bad of contemporary Left Media. • https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=562590 (and iTunes/Spotify/Android) For more on Jake check out his twitter, go see his live shows, and listen to his own podcasts: • The more serious and academic 'Why you Mad?': https://soundcloud.com/whyyoumadpod • And the horror/leftist/cluster-fu*k that is Pod Damn America : https://soundcloud.com/poddamnamerica • And Jake's own website (with tours and other info) can be found here: http://www.feraljokes.com Beats by Lakey Inspired, Golden Hour: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired

I spoke w. Nicole Curato (Twitter:@NicoleCurato) an author, academic and the editor of "A Duterte Reader", one of my favorite recent books on Asia : A Duterte Reader Nicole joined me for a complex discussion on Phillipines' leader Rodrigo Duterte, why he was elected, and how Western observers far too often use lazy tropes and stereotypes about the Philippines to try and understand Duterte, rather than looking at the myriad of complex factors that explain his rise and the rise of authoritarian leaders globally in our era of cruel Neoliberalism. It's a fascinating chat for both scholars of the Philippines and for a casual listener who'd like to learn more. I hope you enjoy! For more on the Duterte Reader: http://www.ateneo.edu/ateneopress/product/duterte-reader-critical-essays-rodrigo-dutertes-early-presidency Beat is by 27Corazones Beats

Perhaps the saddest paradox of California, America's most 'progressive state' is the increasing indifference, if not outright hostility to the homeless and unhoused. To discuss this paradox I was joined by the brilliant Cora Currier of the Intercept. Our conversation is centered on her outstanding article for Dissent Magazine about California politics and organizing unhoused communities. As well as numerous other topics. You Can Read Cora's outstanding piece in Dissent Magazine here: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/organizing-skid-row And follow groups advocating for the unhoused here: Cora's Twitter: https://twitter.com/coracurrier Ground Game LA: https://twitter.com/GroundGameLA Ktown for All: https://twitter.com/KtownforAll Los Angeles Community Action Network: https://twitter.com/LACANetwork Invisible People: https://invisiblepeople.tv/ Podcast- We the Unhoused: https://soundcloud.com/user-369990655 Photo is Creative Commons, some rights reserved by Franco Folini https://www.flickr.com/photos/livenature/ Music is by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is incredibly popular within India's diaspora. But how can one support tolerance and immigration within the context of the US or UK, and at the same time support the bigotry and Islamophobia of Modi's BJP Party in India? To explore this paradox I spoke w. Eviane Leidig, a researcher at The Center for Research on Extremism (C-REX). We discuss the rise of the BJP, its growing ties with other global far-right leaders like Trump and Boris Johnson, and how industries like Silicon Valley are crucial to spreading its toxic message of neoliberalism and islamophobia. For more on these subjects, I highly recommend checking out Eviane's website: https://www.evianeleidig.com/ Lastly, for four more sources, I highly recommend • Neha Dixit for understanding the scope of violence currently being unleashed by the BJP in India • Dr. Aihwa Ong for her examinations of how neoliberalism affects immigration policies. • Soumya Shankar. (Her work at The Intercept) is also outstanding. • Dr. Kecheng Fang on the rise of Ethnosupremacy & Right Wing Economics in China. Beats by Urban Nerd Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa5VSPk6d-k

We spoke to Harvard Film Scholar Keung Yoon Bae (twitter: @becky_kybae) on the movie Parasite! As a scholar who grew up in Korea during its "new wave" Cinema, Keung Yoon was able to explain many subtle nuances of Korea as it relates to Parasite, Korean Cinema and Korean Politics that added many new layers to my understanding of the film.* (* Warning there are spoilers!) For more on Keung Yoon, please check out her Twitter, Academic Journals and her essay discussing the Korean Films, Burning and Parasite. For more w. us check out Asia Art Tours .com ! Music is by Hojo Street Beats https://soundcloud.com/esponthebeats/free-sik-k-type-beat-girl-friend-kpop-beat-free-type-beat-instrumental

This is part 1 of a two part conversation. I spoke w. Comedian Jake Flores on his terrifying experience with ICE, his interactions with what's colloquially known as the Brooklyn Left, and how podcasting has become so critical to amplifying the left, and the positives and negatives of this Medium. Jake's an incredibly sensitive and kind comedian with great insights on how we can build a more progressive space for Comedy, Media and politics. I try to raise some good-faith criticisms of my own interactions with the "Brooklyn Left". I think our conversation ends at a good place before we move onto part two (next week) which talks more specifically about Comedy. For more on Jake check out his twitter, go see his live shows, and listen to his own podcasts: • The more serious and academic 'Why you Mad?': https://soundcloud.com/whyyoumadpod • And the horror/leftist/cluster-fu*k that is Pod Damn America : https://soundcloud.com/poddamnamerica • And Jake's own website (with tours and other info) can be found here: http://www.feraljokes.com Beats by Lakey Inspired - Golden Hour https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired

I was thrilled to speak with Dr. Joshua Hendrick, Author of Gülen: The Ambiguous Politics of Market Islam in Turkey and the World Fethullah Gülen is perhaps the world's most open but least understood religious leaders. In this conversation, Dr. Hendrick unpacks how The Gülen movment built itself into a religious and business empire, how it was originally an ally of the Erdogan and the AKP, and how it became such a threat to the Turkish State that an open war was declared between the former alllies, culminating in the 2016 coup attempt against Erdogan. We also discuss the fascinating term "Market Islam" or (as I call it Neoliberal Islam), how Neoliberalism was crucial to the infrastructure of the Gülen Movement. This is perhaps our most interesting chat of the year, we can't wait for you to listen and learn more about this fascinating man, movement and his falling out with the Turkish State! Prod. Riddiman: Holidays - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIup-HVd4_M

I was thrilled to speak with accomplished journalists Karen Ho (Twitter: @karenkho) & Tony Lin (@tony_zy) for a conversation on Race, Class and Privilege. We discuss how Wuhan's Corona Virus is being used to promote anti-Chinese racism, how Post-Coloniality and White Privilege affects Journalism, and how far-right tendencies manifest themselves in China's digital spaces. We also touch upon Wall Street, The Ivy Leagues, Ellen K Pao and a host of other subjects. It's a passionate and at times contentious conversation, but, it's all in good faith. We all want to build a better world, we just feel there are different ways to get there. For more on Tony and Karen's incredible reporting, I would recommend the following: Karen's cover story for Time on Whitness in Hollywood and the film Crazy Rich Asians: https://time.com/longform/crazy-rich-asians/ Karen's Story for Toronto Life on the family crime drama of Jennifer Pan: https://torontolife.com/city/crime/jennifer-pan-revenge/ And her story for Vox on the ordeals of US immigration: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/2/26/18235347/us-work-visa-o-1 For Tony I'd highly recommend: His report on the Doxxing of Chinese citizens for supporting the Hong Kong Protests: https://qz.com/1696522/chinese-supporters-of-hong-kong-protests-face-doxxing/ His work on Islamophobia on China's Digital Spaces: https://www.cjr.org/analysis/weibo-new-zealand-massacre.php And for the book we discuss LIQUIDATED: An Ethnography of Wall Street (written by a different Karen Ho, Dr. Karen Ho of the University of Minnesota ) Can be found here: https://www.dukeupress.edu/liquidated Music is by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired

I was thrilled to be joined by Naomi Burton, Co-Founder of Means TV (@means_tv), the first Anti-Capitalist Media Platform in the United States. Naomi and Co-Founder Nick Hayes, rose to prominence through producing videos for Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and several other campaigns. After these big breaks they could have done anything, but (to my great admiration) they chose perhaps the most risky and unprecedented path: trying to build a worker-owned media platform that gives voice to those traditionally excluded from the entertainment industry, and to produce content that explains the structural forces (Racism, Capitalism, Patriarchy, Sexism) that generates these exclusions. It's a strange conversation in that I'm not sure Fame or Celebrity (which themselves are based on inequality) can ever be progressive or leftist. I discuss this with Naomi, my own difficulty in building solidarity with fellow leftists in Media, and thoughts on how we can do things better. It's a fascinating conversation with a brilliant woman, and I can't wait to hear what you think! For more on Means TV check them out on Twitter or their webpage. They launch February 26th and need your support! Music is "Arcade" by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired

Writer and Professor @AruniKashyap was kind enough to join The Arts of Travel Podcast to discuss how he captures the complexity of India, his home state of #Assam and identity, through his fiction and poetry. Aruni is a highly regarded Assamese Writer and Translator currently teaching at the University of Georgia. He is the author of His Father's Disease and Other Stories (Context/ Westland) and the novel The House With a Thousand Stories (Viking/ Penguin Random House). His short stories, poems, and essays have appeared or forthcoming in The Oxford Anthology of Writings from Northeast, The Kenyon Review, The New York Times, The Guardian UK, the Hindu, Evergreen Review, Karthika Review, Juked, Sin Fronteras Journal, Stonecoast Review, The Atticus Review For those interested in our discussion, below are recommended titles from Aruni: • Miya poetry is mostly available online in translation or in the Assamese script in blogs. • Fiction by Indira Goswami, Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya, Syed Abdul Malik, Nirupama Borgohain, Homen Borgohain, Arupa Patangia Kalita, would be a wonderful way to start with Assamese fiction. • Non Fiction by Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, Dilip Kumar Chattopadhyay, Makiko Kimura, Vibhuti Singh Shekhawat, Sanjib Baruah For More w. Aruni, check out his interview in Scroll: https://scroll.in/article/949444/aruni-kashyaps-gentle-stories-depict-assamese-characters-trying-to-make-sense-of-their-world His Interview in the Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/the-only-way-forward-is-building-a-tolerant-society-aruni-kashyap-6147681/ And of course his numerous writings on Context, Penguin, Viking and other presses: https://www.arunikashyap.com/ Music by Eskry: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn7sTl5-v4Ik6OpPHTQkEVg

In light of Taiwan's recent election, and Hong Kong's struggles for Democracy, a third nation has remained quiet: Singapore. This small territory has seen none of the protests of Hong Kong and has none of Taiwan's Democracy. Is this stability, or the calm before the storm? To unpack Singapore, I was thrilled to have Kirsten Han (Twitter:@kixes), The Editor in Chief of New Naratif (@NewNaratif) as our guest. Kirsten and I discuss "Manufacturing Consent" in the context of Singapore, what the current state of democracy is within the country, and how colonial legacies of racism, capitalism, and control, still shape this modern-day financial center. It's a fascinating chat, and I hope it inspires more conversation on what Democracy is, where Democracy can go, and how we still need to work towards decolonization and intersectionality, no matter the person or place. For more on New Naratif, please check out their work here: https://newnaratif.com/ And we also recommend Kirsten's "We the Citizens" Newsletter for more in-depth coverage on Singapore: https://wethecitizens.substack.com/

I was trying to think of an eloquent title to describe my conversation with this week's guest, the brilliant and brave journalist Surabhi Tandon, but I've decided to use the words of Arundhati Roy, one of India's greatest living activists. When asked about the current CAA/NRC laws within India, she simply called them, "Fu*king Insane" Kashmir, where Surabhi has done some of the best reporting (in video or print) I've seen, is also "Fu*king nsane". A conflict left festering for decades, suddenly people can't leave their neighborhoods, networks of barbed wire, pellet guns and torture chambers have appeared, and a digital siege has left Kashmir cut off from the world. Coupled with disgusting comments from BJP politicians about buying land and 'fair-skinned Kashmiri women', marrying the language of misogyny with Settler Colonialism. I discuss the insanity of Kashmir w. Surabhi, how insanity has become normalized in Kashmir, and the contemporary history of Kashmir's suffering. I may have learned the most from this conversation from any I've recorded. I hope you find it to be a powerful and informative conversation. For more on Surabhi- https://www.surabhitandon.com/about Beats by Urban Nerd Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSHD9IulAB0 And for resources on Kashmir, we recommend the following: • Surabhi's incredible report for France 24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVF77IRxKpk • Arundhati Roy on India's execution of Afzal Guru: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/feb/10/hanging-afzal-guru-india-democracy • Pankaj Mishra on Kashmir the case for Freedom: https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/4411-kashmir-the-case-for-freedom • Nishita Trisal on the Kashmiri Pandit's right to have their story told, but not weaponized by the BJP: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/08/22/i-am-kashmiri-pandit-india-must-stop-weaponizing-pain-our-past/ • Goldie Osuri on the comparisons between Kashmir and Palestine: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2016/08/kashmir-palestine-story-occupations-160823101836524.html • Supchina on comparisons between Kashmir and Xinjiang: https://supchina.com/2019/10/21/is-kashmir-the-next-xinjiang/ • On Secular Islamophobia within India: https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/to-invoke-allah-or-to-not-secular-islamophobia-and-the-protesting-indian-muslim • On Liberalism's failure in India to resolve Kashmir: https://thewire.in/rights/pankaj-mishra-mirza-waheed-kashmir-caa-india • On Sexual Violence committed by state actors of India in Kashmir: https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/women-biggest-victims-inhumane-siege-190820122327902.html • On Kashmir: https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/a-kashmiri-novelist-on-a-state-under-siege

We were fortunate to speak with Dr. Martin Hägglund on a book which profoundly changed our thinking on Life, Meaning and Humanity. Dr. Martin Hägglund's work This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom has been discussed on platforms as varied as the New Yorker to MSNBC's Chris Hayes. We were thrilled to have him on our podcast. In the spirit of Dr. Hägglund's deeply inquisitive work, we didn't want to ask him questions we'd heard elsewhere. Rather, we tried to have a meaningful discussion w. Dr. Hägglund that explored and interrogated his work in good faith. We hope you enjoy our conversation. For our favorite review of Dr. Hägglund's book we highly recommend the New Yorker's Review: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/05/20/if-god-is-dead-your-time-is-everything We also enjoy his conversation w. Meagan Day of Jacobin: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2019/05/this-life-martin-hagglund-review-interview Beat by KBRZBeats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH1LOM1V0z4

To better understand mainstream politics and viewpoints on the protests within India, we're joined by Writer/Journalist Debasish Roy Chowdhury (Twitter: @Planet_Deb), formerly of the Southern China Morning Post and currently a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney. I found Debasish's writing on Modi, India and the current state of the protests to be some of the best, even-handed, and accessible journalism on these complex and sensitive subjects. Our conversation will discuss Modi, how capital has reacted to his party's increasing authoritarianism, and the all-too real horror Modi's unleashed throughout India. For more on Debasish I would highlight these pieces: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3044557/modi-thinks-he-xi-jinping-protests-show-india-not-china https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3042045/modis-surgical-strike-muslims-puts-india-war-itself https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/society/article/3024155/assam-edge-indias-rohingya-moment-threatens-millions-modis-hindu Music - Caught in the Rain by Prod. Riddiman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8J-_yHvhGQ Photo Credited to: @ImSaqlainQuadri

This was a conversation that went to some really unexpected places. I spoke w. Kyle Chayka, the Author of: The Longing for Less - Living with Minimalism. We discuss Kyle's ground-breaking research into AirBnb and the creation of what he calls "Airspace", a minimalist design aesthetic driven by algorithms, the ubiquity of global monopoly capitalism and the sheer size of platforms like AirBnB. If you've ever wondered, as Kyle puts it, why the design aesthetics of a neighborhood in Brooklyn and Beijing may be more similar than one in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll want to listen to this conversation! Never did I consider how design aesthetics and neoliberalism could be so interlinked. Also we talk about how Little Nas X's Old Town Road may have been the most revolutionary work of art of the 2010s! For more on Kyle's incredible writing, pick up his book, which comes put Jan 21st on Bloomsbury, for his magazine work, I highly recommend the following: https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/3/12325104/airbnb-aesthetic-global-minimalism-startup-gentrification https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/aug/06/hipster-aesthetic-taking-over-world https://harpers.org/archive/2019/12/the-longing-for-less-living-with-minimalism-kyle-chayka/ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/03/empty-promises-marie-kondo-craze-for-minimalism Music: Flying by Prod. Riddiman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FhsyqHOSaI

We spoke with Pranav Dixit (Twitter: @PranavDixit) on the recent protests in India, how Tech is aiding the current Modi/BJP Government's turn towards authoritarianism, and how Silicon Valley, with its 'move fast and break things' motto, has broken countless promises and lives within India. It's a fascinating conversation with