
Current Affairs
621 episodes — Page 11 of 13
PREVIEW: Get to know...Brianna Rennix!
trailerIn the second episode of this series, Eli speaks to Current Affairs senior editor Brianna Rennix about their life. Topics include mindgames with nuns, mythology, monasticism, the immigration system, law school, authority, suffering, guilt, and rollercoasters. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our supporters at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
PREVIEW: Zach Wehrwein on social networks
trailerSociologist Zach Wehrwein returns to talk to Pete about one of the most underrated factors powering our society—social networks. Together, Zach and Pete explore how mapping people's social connections can explain everything from political radicalization to the modern impact of slavery. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
PREVIEW: Brie's Back, Baby!
trailerOur former editor, Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy), has returned to the CA team, after a stint as Press Secretary to the Bernie Sanders campaign. Nathan speaks to Brie about the Bernie campaign, what she would and wouldn't change in retrospect, Warren, Biden and much else. We missed her. This is a preview of an episode currently available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our Patreon subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
UNLOCKED! Tiger Lawyer
bonusRargh. In this bonus episode, Sparky, Lyta, Allegra and Nick are joined by animal rights lawyer and Current Affairs contributor Asher Smith, to discuss what the hit new docuseries Tiger King got right—and what it might have got wrong. Asher tells us what it's like to work with Carole Baskin, the truth about roadside zoos, how to tell if a sanctuary is legit, and the team discusses the power and allure of big cats. Look out for use of the term 'charismatic megafauna', which was first brought up way back in Episode 28! This episode contains descriptions of animal cruelty. This episode was originally released last week on our Patreon feed. To gain early access to episodes like this, as well as lots of other exciting bonus content, please consider becoming one of our Patreon subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! ** Asher's articles for Current Affairs: https://www.currentaffairs.org/author/asher-smith PETA v Tri-State Zoological Park: https://www.animallaw.info/case/peta-v-tri-state-zoological-park This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Ep 47#47: This Is A Pro-Bean Broadcast
The panel snaps on the gloves and attempts a Bernie campaign postmortem, considers voting for "the lesser of two evils", and shares what they've been cooking in quarantine (after they've taken off the postmortem gloves). Musical interludes were written and performed by the fantastic Danny Bradley—if you've found his music as lethally infectious as we have, please note you can purchase "We Might Not Die (Maybe)" from his website, and help out an artist who's had to cancel all his gigs: https://dannybradleymusic.com/store/wemightnotdiemaybe The panel this week was associate editor Vanessa A. Bee, senior editor Brianna Rennix, newsletter editor Nick Slater, finance editor Sparky Abraham, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your temporary host is Oren Nimni. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Chomsky Drop music: Astro - Alphanerd
John J. Lennon on doing journalism from prison
bonusPete Davis speaks to prison journalist John J. Lennon (@JohnJLennon1), who writes and acts as contributing editor for Esquire magazine, all while incarcerated in Sing Sing. John J. Lennon's podcast is available here: https://www.podcastone.com/This-Is-A-Collect-Call-from-Sing-Sing Website here: johnjlennon.org This episode was made available earlier to our Patreon subscribers. To gain early access to episodes like these, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
PREVIEW: Lev Menand on the Federal Reserve and a public banking option
trailerSparky speaks to Lev Menand, academic fellow and lecturer at Columbia Law School, who answers all Sparky's questions about the Federal Reserve: what it is, what money is, how banking works, Modern Monetary Theory—and, of course, whether money printer go brrr. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other fantastic bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
PREVIEW: Tiger Lawyer
trailerRargh. In this bonus episode, Sparky, Lyta, Allegra and Nick are joined by animal rights lawyer and Current Affairs contributor Asher Smith, to discuss what the hit new docuseries Tiger King got right—and what it might have got wrong. Asher tells us what it's like to work with Carole Baskin, the truth about roadside zoos, how to tell if a sanctuary is legit, and the team discusses the power and allure of big cats. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To get full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
Ep 46#46: Get Lanai'd
The team tackle the coronacrisis—how we got here, what comes after, and how to cope in the interim. The panel this week was finance editor Sparky Abraham, newsletter editor Nick Slater, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host is Pete Davis. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Music: Alexander Blu
PREVIEW: Doug Henwood on the financial impact of COVID
trailerNathan speaks to Doug Henwood (@DougHenwood)—journalist, radio host and author of Wall Street: How it Works and for Whom amongst others—about the current health crisis, its economic impact, and where to go from here. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To listen to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our supporters at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
Ep 46PREVIEW: John J. Lennon on doing journalism from prison
trailerIn this particularly special episode, Pete Davis speaks to prison journalist John J. Lennon (@JohnJLennon1), who writes and acts as contributing editor for Esquire magazine, all while incarcerated in Sing Sing. This is a preview of an episode currently available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To listen to this episode in full, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
In conversation: Abdul El-Sayed on COVID-19
bonusNathan and Eli speak to former city health director, epidemiologist, public health doctor and commentator Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) about 2020's rudest uninvited guest. You can preorder Abdul's book here: https://abdulelsayed.com/healingpolitics We've made this episode public, given the importance of the subject. This episode was recorded on March 20. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Ep 45Voicemailbag IX
Once again, we're answering your voicemails! If you want to send us a voicemail, call us anytime on 504-867-8851. Topics include both the expected and the unexpected. The panel this week was legal editor Oren Nimni, finance editor Sparky Abraham, senior editor Brianna Rennix, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host is Pete Davis. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios.
Ep 44#44: The Biden Ramble
This week, the panel discusses the concept of 'cool' and whether it belongs in politics, debate the pitfalls of homeschooling, and shares their favorite quotes on what it means to be a socialist. This episode was recorded a few weeks back and then delayed by the events of Super Tuesday, hence why there are no references to The Ongoing Unpleasant Situation. The panel this week was associate editor Vanessa A. Bee, newsletter editor Nick Slater, administrative maven Cate Root and legal editor Oren Nimni. Your supply host is Aisling McCrea. Music by the fantastic Danny Bradley: https://dannybradleymusic.com/ Wallace Shawn's essay: http://www.tomdispatch.com/blog/175350/tomgram:_wallace_shawn,_are_you_smarter_than_thomas_jefferson/%3E This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Current Affairs/Michael and Us Crossover Special: The Westboro Baptist Church
bonusNathan and Aisling are joined by Luke Savage and Will Sloan of the political movie podcast Michael and Us. Together, they ruminate on the three-part documentary series The Most Hated Family in America, which followed the extremist Westboro Baptist Church from 2007 to 2019, and which unwittingly created a time capsule that offers a strange insight into the liberal viewpoint on religion and dogma in the 2000s. (Content warning: we briefly quote some of the homophobic slurs used by the WBC.) Follow Michael and Us at @MichaelandUs on Twitter, listen at https://soundcloud.com/michael-and-us , and please consider subscribing to their Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/michaelandus. Folks, it's good. Luke has also written for us here: https://www.currentaffairs.org/author/luke-savage
PREVIEW: Hope/Sadness/Cube etc.
trailerIn the immediate aftermath of this weeks' primaries, Nathan, Oren, Lyta and new Current Affairs team member Allegra gather round to express their feelings and concerns going forward. This is an excerpt from an episode available in full exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other delicious bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
In conversation: Nomiki Konst on election strategy
bonusCairo correspondent Eli Massey speaks to Nomiki Konst, Bernie surrogate, commentator and host of The Nomiki Show. Together, they delve into the inner workings of the Democratic party, delegates and superdelegates, discuss possible strategies for progressives going forward, and express some of their political anxieties after Super Tuesday. Eli is broadcasting from Egypt, so apologies for the sound quality being a little less crisp than usual. Our usual fortnightly panel episode will be up in a few days - we're just putting this out today while it's still timely! The Nomiki Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma5Tg9oBINo Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thenomikishow Twitter: @NomikiKonst In These Times on superdelegates: https://inthesetimes.com/features/superdelegates_bernie_sanders_hillary_clinton.html
Democrats, you do NOT want to nominate Joe Biden
bonusWe've made a little audiobook adaptation of Nathan's recent takedown of Joe Biden. Please share with any and all voters you may know! Article version: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2020/03/democrats-you-really-do-not-want-to-nominate-joe-biden Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSu3khaJunE
UNLOCKED! Josh Davis on Christian socialism
bonusThis episode was originally available exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. We're releasing it to everyone - we hope you enjoy it, and if you'd like to hear more episodes like this, please consider subscribing to our Patreon feed at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! Pete Davis talks to Josh Davis of the newly-founded Institute for Christian Socialism. Together, they talk about the intertwined history of left movements and Christianity. The Institute for Christian Socialism: https://christiansocialism.com/ Twitter: @smashmammon The Enchantments of Mammon by Eugene McCarraher: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674984615 This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
BONUS: Heidi Sloan on running a left campaign in Texas
bonusNathan speaks to Heidi Sloan, a former teacher, a farmer, and now a left candidate running in Texas' 25th congressional district. (This episode would usually be available only to our premium subscribers, but we're making it public to try and get out the word before the primary on March 3rd!) Transcript: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2020/02/interview-heidi-sloan-on-running-a-left-campaign-in-texas Heidi for Congress: https://heidisloan.com/ This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Ep 43#43: The Baby Caucus
This week, the panel tackles yet another round of vital questions. Should we be nice or nasty on the internet? Should children be given the vote? Was it immoral to go to the moon? The panel this week was amusements editor Lyta Gold, senior editor Brianna Rennix, newsletter editor Nick Slater, and—making her podcast debut—administrative maven Cate Root. Your host is Oren Nimni. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Download Bloomvuu. Please. We want to go home.
PREVIEW: Get to know...Sparky Abraham!
trailerIn this new series, Current Affairs interviewer-in-chief Eli Massey turns his razor-sharp interrogation methods on...his coworkers. First up: Sparky Abraham, Current Affairs' finance editor, who writes excellent explainers on debt and education, has strong opinions on the physical world, and grew up in a barn that was also a mosque. Also, tune in to find out why he's called Sparky. This is a preview of an episode available in full exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
In conversation: Alex Morse, Democrat for Congress (MA-01)
bonusPete Davis speaks to Alex Morse, who has been mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts since the age of 22, and is currently running in Massachusetts' 1st district primary against veteran Democrat Richard Neal. Alex Morse for Congress: https://alexmorseforcongress.com/ This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
PREVIEW: Josh Davis on Christian socialism
trailerPete Davis talks to Josh Davis of the newly-founded Institute for Christian Socialism. Together, they talk about the intertwined history of left movements and Christianity. This is a preview of an episode available in full exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please subscribe to our Patreon feed at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
Ep 42#42: BUTTIGIEG!
The panel debates debate, pours their heart out about the Heartland, and gives each other teeny tiny spiels on teeny tiny policies. The panel debates debate, pours their heart out about the Heartland, and gives each other teeny tiny spiels on teeny tiny policies. Plus, tune in to hear about the hot new show claiming to be the number one musical in Iowa... The panel this week was contributing editor Eli Massey, finance editor Sparky Abraham, amusements editor Lyta Gold, legal editor Oren Nimni, podmaster-general Aisling McCrea, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host is Pete Davis. Music by Danny Bradley: https://dannybradleymusic.com/ This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Iowa Emergency Broadcast
bonusWe had to convene suddenly and put this out fast, using the Current Affairs Emergency Broadcast System located in Basement Sector 11. The Corn Gods have been angered. Tweet: https://twitter.com/ambientGillian/status/1170390242517487616?s=20
PREVIEW: The Grifties!
trailerNathan and Lyta look back on the year 2019's best (and worst) con-artists, bullshitters and story-spinners. This is an excerpt from a full one-hour episode available on our bonus feed. If you enjoyed this excerpt, please consider subscribing to our bonus feed at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
In conversation: Branko Marcetic on Joe Biden
bonusOriginally posted on the Patreon feed, we've made this episode available to everyone just in time for Iowa... As we gear up for the first round of primaries, Eli and Nathan start calling in the shock troops. This week, Jacobin staff writer Branko Marcetic joins us to discuss the former favorite to win the Democrat nomination: Joe Biden. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to our bonus feed at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! Yesterday's Man: The Case Against Joe Biden is available here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/652731/yesterdays-man-by-branko-marcetic/ Read Branko's work here: https://www.jacobinmag.com/author/branko-marcetic This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Ep 41#41: The Old Man Hour
The panel shares their thoughts on antiwar movements, indulges in movie chat, and attempts to provoke the audience with scandalous opinions. Topics include Louisa May Alcott, bats dressed in human clothes, parades, concrete, folk music, and butter vats. The panel this week was associate editor Vanessa A. Bee, senior editor Brianna Rennix, and legal editor Oren Nimni. Your host is Aisling McCrea. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Music: 'Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye' - The Irish Rovers National Tweet: 'Ham'
PREVIEW: Paul Waters-Smith on labor organizing
trailerIn this magnificently long episode, Nathan speaks to his friend Paul Waters-Smith, labor organizer and Current Affairs contributor. Together, they discuss their high school years, how they became politically aware, Paul's time unionizing the workers in Pomona College dining hall, and how to build power. This is a preview of an episode available in full exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our supporters at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
PREVIEW: ALIENS? ?? ? ?
trailerNathan, Brianna, Lyta and Sparky come together to discuss the possibility of life on other planets, mysterious inventions, alien sex and other general oddities. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other excellent bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
Nathan wrote a book!
bonusExit Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief. Enter Nathan J. Robinson, author of the brand-new book, Why You Should Be A Socialist. Why You Should Be A Socialist: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250200877 This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
UNLOCKED! Student Debt Special (feat. Allie Conti, Marshall Steinbaum and Matt Bruenig)
bonusUnlocked from our Patreon feed, here's a little bonus for you all! Current Affairs finance editor Sparky Abraham sits down with Vice writer Allie Conti, economics professor Marshall Steinbaum and People's Policy Project founder Matt Bruenig to discuss the question of cancelling student debt, in light of Bernie Sanders' and Elizabeth Warren's recent plans for college debt forgiveness. This episode was originally made available for Patreon subscribers in July 2019. To gain full access to more episodes like this, please consider becoming one of our supporters at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! Allie on student debt forgiveness: https://www.vice.com/amp/en_us/article/qv75kd/people-trapped-by-student-debt-need-money-not-a-long-policy-argument Matt's writing on the issue: https://www.peoplespolicyproject.org/2019/06/24/the-student-debt-forgiveness-muddle-continues/ https://www.jacobinmag.com/2018/11/student-debt-forgiveness-free-college Marshall on whether it's regressive: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/06/is-student-debt-cancellation-regressive-no Sparky on free college: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/04/the-case-for-free-college This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
End-of-Season Bonus: The Decade In Review
bonusThe twenty-tens are over, if you're not one of those pedants who insists the twenties don't start 'til 2021. This week, our panel waves goodbye to the last decade, and looks back on the new trends it brought us in tech, comedy, journalism, and popes. On location data: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/12/10/business/location-data-privacy-apps.html Nathan's free book: https://images.currentaffairs.org/2019/12/myaffairs-manuscript-free.pdf Your panel this week was finance editor Sparky Abraham, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, senior editor Brianna Rennix, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host is Pete Davis. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
PREVIEW: Justin "donoteat" Roczniak on TRAINS (and other things)
bonusNathan Robinson and Aisling McCrea speak to a very special guest: urban planning and infrastructure guru Justin Roczniak, who makes Youtube videos on planning, politics, transport and much more under the handle 'donoteat'. Together, they discuss city design, the human cost of architecture, trams, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, yakuza construction schemes, the psychology of driving, and trains. We love trains. Also, he informs us that all your furniture is made of stuff that catches fire really easily.
In conversation: RJ Eskow
bonusToday Nathan talks to RJ Eskow, host of The Zero Hour podcast and YouTube show, and former lead writer for the 2016 Bernie Sanders campaign. Together, they discuss dirty secrets RJ learned during his time in the insurance industry, why critiques of single-payer healthcare fail, what separates millennials and baby boomers, why RJ didn't go to Woodstock, and what it was like to sit on the stage with Jimi Hendrix as a teenager. The Zero Hour is on Patreon at http://patreon.com/thezerohour. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
Ep 40Voicemailbag VIII
Precious listeners of Current Affairs, we hear you loud and clear! This week, the panel answers your queries on everything from literature, to dreams, to questionable environmentalist projects. The panel this week was associate editor Vanessa A. Bee, legal editor Oren Nimni, finance editor Sparky Abraham, contributing editor Eli Massey, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host this week was Aisling McCrea. 'Crepuscule with Nellie' - Thelonious Monk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvXOcLi47TY This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
In conversation: Cenk Uygur
bonusIn this episode, contributing editor Eli Massey speaks to Cenk Uygur, creator and host of The Young Turks, who is running as a Democrat in the 2020 primary for California's 25th congressional district. Cenk explains why he's running, his positions on everything from the Green New Deal to immigration to free speech, as well as giving his response to some criticisms of his past actions. You can read more about Cenk's campaign at cenk2020.com.
PREVIEW: Cenk Uygur
trailerIn this episode, contributing editor Eli Massey speaks to Cenk Uygur, creator and host of The Young Turks, who is running as a Democrat in the 2020 primary for California's 25th congressional district. Cenk explains why he's running, his positions on everything from the Green New Deal to immigration to free speech, as well as giving his response to some criticisms of his past actions. You can read more about Cenk's campaign at cenk2020.com.
PREVIEW: Mike Duncan on revolutions
trailerIn this very special episode, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold and finance editor Sparky Abraham speak to Mike Duncan, beloved history podcaster and bestselling author. Together, they discuss the importance of popular history, guillotine memes, surprise revolutions, the end of history, and surviving crises. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our supporters at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
Ep 39Episode #39: The Durian Of Power
"You have a grandfather clock, you bastard!" In this jam-packed episode, the panel investigates The Atlantic's hatred of democracy, shares their most recent revelations, and Aisling invites the team to participate in Ritual Shaming. In a corny postscript, everyone shares a thing that they are thankful for. The panel this week was senior editor Brianna Rennix, editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, contributing editor Eli Massey, finance editor Sparky Abraham, podmaster-general Aisling McCrea, and your host is Pete Davis. 'Too Much Democracy Is Bad For Democracy': https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/12/too-much-democracy-is-bad-for-democracy/600766/ Desert Oracle: https://www.desertoracle.com/ Frogge: https://incubator.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wp/enm/Frogge This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Music: 'The Show Must Be Go' - Kevin MacLeod
In conversation: Jamaal Bowman, Democrat for Congress NY-16
bonusA smaller episode, to refresh our patrons after the big, bloaty extravaganza that was our Harry Potter episode. The dessert after the turkey, if you will (in other words, smaller but more important). In this episode, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold sits down with Jamaal Bowman, the founding principal of one of New York City's most successful public middle schools, and who is now running for Congress in New York's 16th district. You can find out more about the campaign here: https://www.bowmanforcongress.com/
UNLOCKED: Kendri M. Cesar on Indian Law
bonusRead more about Kendri's firm here. Read Indian Country Today on Thanksgiving here. Read Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz on the whitewashing of America's founding myths (including Thanksgiving) here. Read about the projects of the Indian Law Resource Center here.
UNLOCKED! Meagan Day on why everyone should have the right to a sabbatical
bonusUnlocked, for your listening pleasure. Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, senior editor Brianna Rennix and newsletter editor Nick Slater sit down with Jacobin staff writer Meagan Day to discuss her article 'One Year Off, Every Seven Years'. Meagan's article can be found here: https://www.jacobinmag.com/2019/05/workers-sabbatical-demand-leisure This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Please send in your sabbatical ideas to 504-867-8851. You can also send us voicemails about anything else you fancy. (This is the last thing Nathan said at the end of this episode, before his voice was swallowed up by the jazz music. Our apologies - we tried to pull him out of the jaws of the jazz monster, to no avail.)
Wizard Children
bonusA lot of people are completely sick and tired of the world's twenty-year-long obsession with Harry Potter. "Shut up about Harry Potter! Read another book!" they cry. To which we respond: no. This week, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, senior editor Brianna Rennix, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, legal editor Oren Nimni, finance editor Sparky Abraham, and Current Affairs Podcast host Pete Davis have a long, extremely animated discussion about the Wizard Children And Their Politics. You can read more about the time-travelling Ron Weasley theory here: https://the-toast.net/2014/01/02/let-the-man-speak/
UNLOCKED: Welcome to The Neighborhood
bonusTo celebrate the release of the new Mister Rogers biopic, 'A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood', we're reposting this cosy little episode!This week, unlocked from the patreon bird feed, to the main feed: Current Affairs podcast host Pete Davis and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson discuss the visionary auteur, child development crusader, and moral voice Mister Rogers.For Pete's favorite book on the case that Mr. Rogers is a left-wing icon, see *Peaceful Neighbor: Discovering the Countercultural Mister Rogers* by Michael Long. For a delightful book of Mister Rogers aphorisms, see *The World According to Mister Rogers. The latest hit documentary on Rogers is [Won't You Be My Neighbor*]4.For more on Eleanor Duckworth and "the having of wonderful ideas," see her wonderful book *The Having of Wonderful Ideas*. For more on how narcissism is actually based in a lack of self-esteem, see here. And here's Nathan's piece on teaching climate change.Have a response to this episode? Call into Current Affairs anytime at (504) 867-8851.To listen to interviews when they first come out — and gain access to our patrons' "Bird Feed" — consider becoming a monthly patron at our Patreon page. Call into Current Affairs anytime at (504) 867-8851.
Antiquity: GOOD or BAD? (feat. Dan Walden)
trailerAisling McCrea and Lyta Gold are joined by Homeric scholar Dan Walden, in an episode that settles the question, once and for all, of whether Ancient Greece and Rome were GOOD...or BAD. This is an excerpt from an episode available exclusively to our supporters on Patreon. To get full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
In conversation: Maureen Tkacik on airplane disasters
trailerNathan J. Robinson sits down with journalist Maureen Tkacik to discuss the recent Boeing 737 Max disasters, and the toxic management structures behind them. There's also some gossip about sharing a college dorm with Donald Trump, Jr. Maureen's article is here: https://newrepublic.com/article/154944/boeing-737-max-investigation-indonesia-lion-air-ethiopian-airlines-managerial-revolution This is an excerpt from an episode available exclusively to our Patreon supporters. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our supporters at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
UNLOCKED! Ryan Grim on following Sanders and Warren since the 2000s
bonusWe've unlocked a bonus episode from the Patreon feed! In this episode, Current Affairs host Pete Davis sits down with Ryan Grim, author and DC bureau chief for The Intercept. Ryan shares his experiences as one of the few progressive reporters in Capitol Hill in the 2000s, and gives the inside scoop on Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Nancy Pelosi, among others. Ryan's book We’ve Got People: From Jesse Jackson to AOC, the End of Big Money and the Rise of a Movement is available here: https://strongarmpress.com/catalog/weve-got-people/ This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
In conversation: Elizabeth Anderson on expanding democracy
trailerIn this episode, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson speaks to philosophy professor Elizabeth Anderson about workplaces as dictatorships, expanding democracy, and what feminism can bring to science. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon supporters. To gain full access to this episode, please consider becoming one of our subscribers - for just a few dollars a month, you can help support our work AND gain access to lots of brilliant bonus content. Go to www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs to find out more!