The Skeptical Leftist Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Boots for a wide-ranging chat about unlearning reactionary ideas, building community, and trying to make meaningful content in an algorithm-driven world. We get into our own political journeys, the burnout that comes with being online all the time, and the weird mix of personal growth and public pressure that comes with making leftist media.You can find Steve on all the placeshttps://linktr.ee/stevebootshttps://bsky.app/profile/steveboots.bsky.socialhttps://www.twitch.tv/steve_bootshttps://www.youtube.com/@Steve_Bootshttps://x.com/steve_bootsAnd check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode, I’m joined by Seamus Geoghan to talk about what it means to build real community as the system around us falls apart. We get into the role of mutual aid, the failure of institutional politics, and how everyday acts of care are a form of resistance. Along the way, we touch on anarchism, surviving collapse, and why there's no savior coming—just each other.Here are some links were you can find Seamushttps://bsky.app/profile/seamusgeoghan.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/GeoghanSeamusAnd check out his podcasthttps://x.com/TheJIBPodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@TheJIBPodcastAnd check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

This time on Red Reviews, Justin and I dig into God and the State by Mikhail Bakunin — one of the most enduring works of anarchist theory. We talk about why Bakunin saw rebellion as a core part of what it means to be human, how disobedience challenges systems of domination, and what it means to live freely in a world built on obedience.From Satan as the first rebel to the dangers of scientism, the moral weight of revolt, and the liberatory potential of education, we explore why Bakunin’s vision still resonates — and why it matters now more than ever.You can get a copy of God and The State here https://z-library.sk/book/2360474/364435/god-and-the-state.htmlOr you can purchase a copy at these booksellershttps://www.akpress.org/godandthestate.htmlhttps://redemmas.org/titles/2099-god-and-the-state/https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1356https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/3GiS_XTIkh2sa_b2wRa_WgCheck out Justin's links and follow himhttps://www.justinclark.org/https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkphhttps://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.socialhttps://www.threads.net/@justinclarkphhttps://www.in.gov/history/https://blog.history.in.gov/https://newspapers.library.in.gov/And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

I came across one of those Facebook posts that frames itself as "just common sense" — but underneath, it's pushing a lot of political spin and selective outrage.Instead of pretending it’s harmless, I broke it down piece by piece.I'm not above politics — this is a political video. I just hate when bad narratives like this get passed around as if they're neutral or apolitical.If you want to read a full written version of this breakdown, you can find it here: https://open.substack.com/pub/theskepticalleftist/p/this-common-sense-facebook-post-isnt?r=iu0tj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true If you found this helpful, or you’re tired of seeing this kind of bad framing pop up everywhere, feel free to like, share, or subscribe.If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode, I sit down with The Wolf Spirit for a wide-ranging conversation about anarchism, power, and resistance. We talk about what anarchism really means beyond just rebellion, the role of strategy in building movements, and why organizing doesn’t have to mean hierarchy. We also get into cultural struggles—how reactionary elements creep into subcultures like metal and gaming, the anti-capitalist themes in horror films, and the broader fight for a liberated world. It’s not a debate, not a lecture—just two anarchists thinking through these ideas together.Here are a couple places where you can find The Wolf Spirithttps://mastodon.social/@thewolfspirithttps://bsky.app/profile/thewolfspirit.bsky.socialAnd check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

The Enlightenment promised liberty, equality, and justice—but did it ever fully deliver? In this episode, we dive into The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus to explore how socialism isn’t a rejection of Enlightenment ideals but their fulfillment. We break down the tensions between liberalism and socialism, the failures of left-liberalism, and why expanding democracy beyond politics is the next step.You can get a copy of the book herehttps://z-library.sk/book/115586502/7c858b/the-political-theory-of-liberal-socialism.htmlOr purchase a copy herehttps://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234Check out Justin's links and follow himhttps://www.justinclark.org/https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkphhttps://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.socialhttps://www.threads.net/@justinclarkphhttps://www.in.gov/history/https://blog.history.in.gov/https://newspapers.library.in.gov/And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

Misinformation is everywhere, but why do we keep falling for it? Social scientist Matthew Facciani joins me to explain how our beliefs are shaped by identity, bias, and the media we consume. We discuss the psychology of misinformation, why both the left and right fall into their own traps, and how bad actors exploit these weaknesses. We also discuss the role of AI, fact-checking, and whether we can ever really fix this problem.You can find Matthew’s podcast and writing at these linkshttps://www.matthewfacciani.com/https://matthewfacciani.substack.com/https://www.youtube.com/@misguidedthepodcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6EJnW3I0KCi17Zi1LmOISj?si=3fe15105a0334f95https://www.threads.net/@matthewfaccianihttps://bsky.app/profile/matthewfacciani.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/matthewfacciani/And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

Christian nationalism isn’t just a movement—it’s a well-funded machine. In this episode, we dig into The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart and break down how billionaires, think tanks, and right-wing operatives have spent decades quietly reshaping American politics through the church. From dark money networks to school vouchers and Supreme Court takeovers, we unpack how this ideological project took power—one church at a time.You can get a copy of The Power Worshippers herehttps://z-library.sk/book/5408915/dc3418/the-power-worshippers-inside-the-dangerous-rise-of-religious-nationalism.htmlOr you can buy it from these bookshopshttps://www.akpress.org/power-worshippers.htmlhttps://bookshop.org/p/books/the-power-worshippers-inside-the-dangerous-rise-of-religious-nationalism-katherine-stewart/8555591https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/power-worshippers-9781635573459/In the post show we watched and talked about this video https://youtu.be/xatYHiKviiA?si=Av_hBhx-RVINwip4Check out Justin's links and follow himhttps://www.justinclark.org/https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkphhttps://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.socialhttps://www.threads.net/@justinclarkphhttps://www.in.gov/history/https://blog.history.in.gov/https://newspapers.library.in.gov/And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

Journalism is dying—so what comes next? I sat down withBig Shiny Takes co-host Marino Greco to talk about the collapse of mainstream media, the rise of independent journalism, and why the Canadian political landscape is stuck in neutral. We get into media critique, class struggle, and why corporate control over the press is killing real reporting. Plus, Marino shares why he’s stepping away from journalism to focus on creative work—and what that says about the state of the industry.Here is where you can here Marino on Big Shiny Takeshttps://bigshinytakes.com/And check out his social mediahttps://bsky.app/profile/marinogreco.bsky.socialhttps://www.instagram.com/brorino/https://x.com/marinogrecoAnd check out Press Progress and Tech Won’t Save Ushttps://pressprogress.ca/https://www.techwontsave.us/And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substackhttps://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotifyhttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridgehttps://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

The US has spent decades trying to crush Cuba, but why does this small island nation still stand? In this episode, we dive intoThe Declarations of Havana, exploring Fidel Castro’s most radical ideas, how his speeches shaped the Cuban Revolution, and why the empire still fears them. From anti-imperialism to mass mobilization, we break down how Castro framed Cuba’s struggle for independence and what made his vision so dangerous to US interests.Here’s where you can get the bookhttps://z-lib.gs/book/5206735/0ff530/the-declarations-of-havana.html?ts=2221Or you can buy it herehttps://www.versobooks.com/en-ca/products/2055-the-declarations-of-havana?_pos=1&_sid=be5041e5b&_ss=rhttps://redemmas.org/titles/41395-the-declarations-of-havana/https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/byaBWPmPb52by_Rvq3hByg Referenceshttps://daily.jstor.org/cuba-annexation-nation/Here is what we talked about in the post showhttps://z-library.sk/book/30095239/cc3439/on-cuba.htmlhttps://thenewpress.com/books/on-cubaCheck out Justin's links and follow himhttps://www.justinclark.org/https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkphhttps://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.socialhttps://www.threads.net/@justinclarkphhttps://www.in.gov/history/https://blog.history.in.gov/https://newspapers.library.in.gov/And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substackhttps://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotifyhttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridgehttps://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode, I talked to Siobhan O'Connor, who has lived through it all—growing up in a hardcore evangelical environment, serving in the military, coming out as trans later in life, and watching the world turn more hostile toward people like her. We get into her story, the right’s relentless attacks on trans people, and how even so-called allies keep failing the community. She shares what it’s like to keep moving forward, even when the odds are stacked against you.Links for Siobhan’s content and social mediahttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Erin-Greene/author/B00BT9H586?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=truehttps://bsky.app/profile/theangrywrench.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/thewriterscottage.bsky.social https://www.youtube.com/@The_Angry_Wrench_Speakshttps://linktr.ee/siobhancreations2025And check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/SkepticalleftistIf you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substackhttps://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotifyhttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support!And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridgehttps://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

Capitalism is dead… but it just won’t stay buried. This episode, we’re diving into Mark Fisher’s Capitalist Realism—one of the most influential leftist texts of the last 20 years. Why does it feel like nothing ever changes, even when everything is constantly in crisis? How does capitalism keep itself alive, even as it rots? And most importantly, how do we break out of this nightmare? Let’s get into it. You can get Capitalist Realism here https://z-library.sk/book/1007165/822c41/capitalist-realism-is-there-no-alternative.html https://z-library.sk/book/3362634/10f03f/capitalist-realism-is-there-no-alternative.html Or you can buy it at these bookstores https://redemmas.org/titles/10491-capitalist-realism-is-there-no-alternative/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/capitalist-realism-is-there-no-alternative-mark-fisher/703f190ad15ef851?ean=9781846943171&next=t&affiliate=3323 https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/WepMITbQuyf6hXho7u4Tvw Here is a link for Justin’s notes to the show https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nmQrra8PJZSB3X0yVWy8c1uvxAvWg4j8yM3K3CeWw6Y/edit?usp=sharing Here are some links for stuff we covered in the post-show chat https://youtu.be/aCgkLICTskQ?si=D58h5ddsSSUhELBI https://issuu.com/bouvet0716/docs/the_slow_cancellation_of_the_future Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

This week, we’re wrapping up our trilogy on Anton Pannekoek with a deep dive into his classic work, Workers’ Councils. What’s the real alternative to capitalism and state socialism? Pannekoek argued it’s workers themselves taking control—no bosses, no bureaucracy, just collective power. We unpack his critiques of unions, the state, and nationalism, and explore his vision for a society run by workers' councils. From strikes to direct action, we look at how this theoretical framework can inspire real-world change. Don’t miss this one as we explore what it really means to build a world run by workers. You can get Workers’ Councils here https://www.marxists.org/archive/pannekoe/1947/workers-councils.htm https://z-library.sk/book/904599/4b0c87/workers-councils.html Or you can buy it here https://www.akpress.org/workerscouncils.html https://redemmas.org/titles/2101-workers-councils/ https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/AEIoziCvS29UOEzwW3fxZQ Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode Justin and I dive into Adolph Reed’s Class Notes to tackle the failures of performative politics and the rise of identity-driven activism. We break down Reed’s critique of neoliberalism, symbolic gestures, and the commodification of struggle while making the case for class-based organizing as the only path to real solidarity and change. It’s a deep and fiery conversation about how the left can get back on track by focusing on material issues and collective action. You can get a copy of Class Notes here https://z-library.sk/book/2563117/c11bd1/class-notes-posing-as-politics-and-other-thoughts-on-the-american-scene.html Or you can buy it here https://redemmas.org/titles/3895-class-notes-posing-as-politics-and-other-thoughts-on-the-american-scene/ Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of The Skeptical Leftist, I talk with Damien Marie at Hope about axiology—the philosophy of value and worth—and its relevance to how we make ethical decisions. We break down the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic value, look at how capitalism distorts our understanding of human worth, and explore how axiology can clarify morality in practical ways. The conversation also touches on justice versus care ethics, the nuances of the free will debate, and why understanding value is key to navigating ethical challenges in a complex world. For more reading on Axiology https://www.academia.edu/126349221/Moral_fear_and_Moral_love_which_together_motivate_my_axiological_ethics_ https://blog.ttisi.com/what-is-axiology-in-assessments#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20primary%20value,a%20broader%20framework%20or%20structure https://spot.colorado.edu/~heathwoo/Phil220/axiology.html https://philarchive.org/archive/EDWTAA-3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axiological_ethics https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/value-theory/#:~:text=Axiology%20can%20be%20thought%20of,objective%20states%20of%20the%20world https://damienmarieathope.com/2018/09/i-am-a-scientific-axiology-minded-philosophic-axiologist-theorist-and-my-conclusion-is-axiological-atheism/ https://damienmarieathope.com/2017/09/moral-fear-and-moral-love/ https://damienmarieathope.com/2022/06/i-am-an-axiologist-anti-nihilism-value-theorist/ https://damienmarieathope.com/2020/08/my-general-thinking-in-relation-to-my-axiology-assumptions-intrinsic-extrinsic-and-systemic-value/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378151954_Formal_Axiology_Another_Victim_in_Religions_War_on_Science Make sure to follow Damien on social media https://x.com/AthopeMarie https://bsky.app/profile/damienmarieathope.bsky.socialAnd subscribe to his channel https://www.youtube.com/@DamienAthope  And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of Red Reviews, we dive into Erich Fromm’s The Revolution of Hope and explore how hope—not blind optimism—can be a radical tool for social change. We tackle the dangers of a mechanized society, critique the unchecked power of big tech, and discuss what a truly democratic, humanistic use of technology could look like. Along the way, we dig into the environmental costs of generative AI, the allure of doomerism, and why Fromm’s ideas about radical hope are more relevant than ever. It’s a conversation about technology, democracy, and what it means to fight for a better world. Tune in and let us know what you think! You can get the book herehttps://z-library.sk/book/3364561/56fc32/the-revolution-of-hope-toward-a-humanized-technology.html Or purchase a copy at one of these bookshops https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/x_TGv4UhblvxFiVomYzB8Q https://www.abebooks.com/9781935307372/Revolution-Hope-Fromm-Erich-1935307371/plp https://www.matthewsbookshop.com/pages/books/3445/erich-fromm/the-revolution-of-hope Here are some extra notes from Justin and for an article referenced in the discussion https://www.justinclark.org/blog/hope-in-the-machine-towards-a-humanistic-technology https://docs.google.com/document/d/18zF93wCw9vzpgpRTjNK9TxE3Qbm_weB0QyNCuJDm2DQ/edit?tab=t.0 https://newrepublic.com/article/180487/balaji-srinivasan-network-state-plutocrat Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode, we explore how systems of hierarchy have shaped humanity, from ancient rulers to modern billionaires. Why do hierarchies exist? Are they inevitable, or can we dismantle them? Together, we’ll examine the role of prehistory, morality, and resistance in understanding our current world. From mounds and pyramids to the structures of capitalism, we connect the dots and challenge the narratives we’ve been told. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts—it helps keep the show going! Here is a link for Damien’s blog on mounds and pyramidshttps://damienmarieathope.com/2024/10/shell-mounds-dolmens-kurgans-earth-mounds-ziggurats-mastabas-pyramids-their-origins-evolutions-and-migrations/ Make sure to follow Damien on social media https://x.com/AthopeMarie https://bsky.app/profile/damienmarieathope.bsky.social And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of Red Reviews, we dive into Kohei Saito’s Slow Down: The Degrowth Manifesto and explore its bold reinterpretation of Marx’s ideas on ecology and capitalism. We unpack the concept of degrowth, debate its critiques, and ask if Marx’s later writings hold the key to addressing the climate crisis. Along the way, we challenge the myths of consumer blame, examine systemic solutions, and grapple with what it really means to rethink Marx for a dying planet. Here is a copy of this episode’s transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Uw53SnpcDa7BDWl-F8N2Mo85tbTB7y8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115023785272415422487&rtpof=true&sd=true Some links for further readinghttps://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1881/zasulich/index.htm https://jacobin.com/2024/03/kohei-saito-degrowth-communism-environment-marxism Here are some links where you can get Slow Down https://z-library.sk/book/27413778/29c01a/slow-down-the-degrowth-manifesto.html https://www.akpress.org/slow-down.html https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/MexlWhzwbd-b7iAlWPw-yw https://redemmas.org/titles/39973-slow-down-the-degrowth-manifesto/ Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this video, Chris from It Had to Be Said joins me for a deep dive into Boiler Room. We explore the film’s themes of ambition, greed, and the toxic hustle culture that fuels them, all while connecting the story to modern parallels like crypto scams and hustle culture myths. If you’ve ever wondered about the cost of chasing success, this conversation is for you. Make sure to check out Chris’s channel and subscribe for more great content. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Here are the links where you can find and follow Chris https://www.youtube.com/@ItHadToBeSaid https://theruleoffreedom.wordpress.com/ https://todon.eu/@adaoist https://bsky.app/profile/anarchodaoist.bsky.social And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of Red Reviews, Justin and I dive into Naomi Klein's latest work, Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World. We unpack the concept of the "mirror world," where misinformation distorts reality, and examine how diagonalism—blurring the lines between left and right—has created some of the strangest political figures of our time. From Naomi Wolf’s baffling transformation to the role of social media in spreading toxic narratives, this episode is all about the fight for a shared reality. As always, stay skeptical, stay informed, and keep fighting for a better world. You can get a copy here https://z-library.sk/book/26306193/436a34/doppelganger.html Or you can buy one here https://www.akpress.org/doppelganger.html https://redemmas.org/titles/39586-doppelganger-a-trip-into-the-mirror-world/ Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of The Skeptical Leftist Podcast, I talked to with Matt McManus, a political theorist and author who identifies as a liberal socialist. While this idea might seem unusual at first, Matt dives into how it blends individual rights with collective well-being in a thoughtful and relevant way. We break down what liberal socialism means, how it stacks up against anarchism, and why it might be a key framework for building economic democracy. Whether you’re a political theory nerd or just curious about how these ideas can work together, there’s a lot to unpack here. As always, stay skeptical, stay informed, and keep fighting for a better world. Enjoy the show! You can find Matt at these links and buy his book too. https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234 https://x.com/MattPolProfhttps://bsky.app/profile/mattpolprof.bsky.social  https://umich.academia.edu/MatthewMcManus https://x.com/edgelordpod https://www.academicedgelords.com/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of Red Reviews, Justin and I take a deep dive into Grace Blakeley’s Vulture Capitalism. In it, Blakeley tears apart the lies we’re told about “free markets” and “freedom” under capitalism. We talk about Boeing, the 2008 financial crash, and how neoliberalism has turned our entire economy into a rigged game for the rich. But it’s not all doom and gloom—we also dig into ideas for fighting back, from participatory economics to universal basic services and organizing for real worker power. If you’re tired of the status quo and want to hear how we can build a better world, this one’s for you. You can get the book herehttps://z-library.sk/book/28135339/98083e/vulture-capitalism-corporate-crimes-backdoor-bailouts-and-the-death-of-freedom.html  Or you can find it at these bookshops.https://www.akpress.org/vulture-capitalism.html https://bookshop.org/p/books/vulture-capitalism-corporate-crimes-backdoor-bailouts-and-the-death-of-freedom-grace-blakeley/20158195 https://guardianbookshop.com/vulture-capitalism-9781526638076/ https://www.cedarcanoebooks.com/products/vulture-capitalism?variant=48025241616670 Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode, I sat down with Steve Shives to talk about how we both went from New Atheism’s golden age to something a little more… let’s say, nuanced. We talk about why the New Atheist movement felt like home at first and why it didn’t go deep enough when it came to actual social change. Steve doesn’t hold back on what he thinks about some of the big names in the atheist world and how his focus has shifted over time—from taking down religious beliefs to taking on bigger social issues. We also discuss what it was like navigating all the divides within the skeptic and atheist communities, why breaking away from that world opened up new perspectives for us, and how we both ended up in the realm of leftist politics and social justice. Whether you’ve followed the atheist movement for years or just want to hear about evolving perspectives, there’s a lot for you here. Here are some links where you can find Steve https://www.youtube.com/c/steveshives https://bsky.app/profile/steveshives.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@steve.shives https://www.instagram.com/steve.shives/ https://www.facebook.com/thatguysteveshives https://x.com/steve_shives And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

This week, Justin and I are talking about gender and the manufactured panic surrounding it. We’re digging into the fear tactics, misinformation, and the fake ‘gender debate’ that keeps us from addressing real issues—like the rights and dignity of trans and non-binary people, access to gender-affirming healthcare, and the fight against discrimination. With insights from Judith Butler’s Who's Afraid of Gender, we’re breaking down the lies and exposing the real stakes they don’t want us to see. You can get the book here https://z-library.sk/book/28106498/164331/whos-afraid-of-gender.html Or purchase it at these bookstores online https://www.akpress.org/who-s-afraid-of-gender.html https://redemmas.org/titles/41691-who-s-afraid-of-gender/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/who-s-afraid-of-gender-judith-butler/19994814 Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode of Red Reviews, Justin and I tackle one of the biggest questions for leftists: where do Marxism and Anarchism actually meet? Inspired by Daniel Guérin’s For a Libertarian Communism, we explore how these two ideologies—often seen as opposing forces—come together in their shared goal of dismantling state control and capitalist exploitation. Guérin’s work is a powerful roadmap for those of us who want a world where people have real freedom and power over their own lives. We’re digging into what libertarian communism actually looks like in practice and why this synthesis matters for anyone dreaming of a world built on solidarity, mutual aid, and true liberation. If you’re curious about where radical thought can take us, this one’s for you. You can find For a Libertarian Communism here https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/daniel-guerin-for-a-libertarian-communism https://www.pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=823 Read more on Daniel Guerin https://libcom.org/article/guerin-daniel-1904-1988 Check out Justin's links and follow him https://www.justinclark.org/ https://www.instagram.com/justinclarkph/ https://www.tiktok.com/@justinclarkph https://bsky.app/profile/justinclarkph.bsky.social https://www.threads.net/@justinclarkph https://www.in.gov/history/ https://blog.history.in.gov/ https://newspapers.library.in.gov/ And check out my linktree https://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!

In this episode, I chat with psychoanalysts Avgi Saketopoulou and Ann Pellegrini about their new book, Gender Without Identity. We dig into how gender isn’t some fixed core identity but something shaped by cultural interactions, and yeah, sometimes trauma. Avgi and Ann take apart the mainstream ideas of gender, questioning the whole "core identity" thing, and instead offer a way more nuanced take that dives into the messy complexities of gender in psychoanalysis. We also take a hard look at the bullshit legislative attacks on trans people and how transness gets framed as a problem by those in power. This is a deep dive into gender theory and trauma that anyone interested in real, meaningful inclusivity needs to hear. You can follow Ann and Avgi on their websites Ann Pellegrini’s Websitehttps://annpellegrini.com Avgi Saketopoulou’s Websitehttps://avgisaketopoulou.com Unconscious in Translation:https://www.uitbooks.com/shop/gender-without-identity  Little District Books:https://www.littledistrictbooks.com/products/gender-without-identity My thoughts on the bookThis book challenges the idea that gender is fixed or inherent, instead showing how it’s shaped by trauma and cultural experiences. It’s dense and complex, but it dives into important questions we need to be asking about how gender forms. Saketopoulou and Pellegrini do an excellent job of pushing beyond conventional thinking. It’s not a light read, but for those who care about really understanding the intersection of gender and trauma, it’s well worth the effort. The psychoanalytic approach might sometimes feel heavy, but the depth they go into pays off. If you’re looking for a book that challenges the mainstream understanding of gender identity and forces you to confront the uncomfortable realities of how we construct gender, Gender Without Identity is one to pick up. It’s thought-provoking and timely for anyone who’s serious about moving these conversations forward. Check out my linktreehttps://linktr.ee/Skepticalleftist If you enjoyed the show, consider supporting us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/skepticalleftist  to help keep the content coming. You can also subscribe to my Substack https://theskepticalleftist.substack.com/  for updates and extra content or get bonus episodes through Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/skepticalleftist/subscribe . Every bit makes a difference! If that’s not your thing, sharing the episode with friends or on social media goes a long way too. Thanks for listening and for your support! And you can get a copy of Gender Without Identity from these sitesAnd please, if you can, support the Cathedral Community Fridge https://www.cathedralcommunityfridge.com/  or your local community fridge. Mutual aid matters—let’s help each other thrive!