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Current Affairs

610 episodes — Page 12 of 13

PREVIEW: Julian Brave NoiseCat on the Green New Deal

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In this episode, finance editor Sparky Abraham and podmaster-general Aisling McCrea sit down with Julian Brave NoiseCat, writer and Director of Green New Deal Strategy at Data For Progress. Together, they discuss the ins and outs of the Green New Deal, the relationship between climate change and justice, ecofascism, and why Indigenous activists should be at the forefront of climate change activism. 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 wonderful bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Oct 8, 20191 min

PREVIEW: Candi CdeBaca on her plans for Denver City Council

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Current Affairs contributing editor/jack-of-all-trades Eli Massey speaks with Candi CdeBaca, a former community organizer and councilwoman for District 9 of Denver City Council. Together, they discuss her vision for the city of Denver, mass incarceration, and why she identifies as an anarchist. This is a preview of an episode available in full exclusive 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!

Oct 3, 20191 min

Ep 35Voicemailbag VII

We've gathered up all your voicemails and picked out a few for discussion! Are the Olympics woke? Should you yell at Ben Shapiro? What is a nation? Who decides how to fund art? How do we protect public schools? Did Eve make the right choice? Should Aisling be sent to Siberia? Today, all these questions will be answered. The song at the end was written and performed by Dan, one of our lovely readers. You can find the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm04Vw1CD2c And his Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/user-905346049 You can read some examples of the All Souls exam questions here: https://verbivoco.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/all-souls-general-exam-questions-2009-to-2014.pdf Current Affairs on nationalism: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2018/12/whats-with-nationalism Current Affairs on schools: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/04/the-case-for-free-college https://www.currentaffairs.org/2018/08/what-is-education-for https://www.currentaffairs.org/2016/11/why-is-the-decimation-of-public-schools-a-bad-thing This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Oct 1, 20191h 2m

UNLOCKED! Tim Faust on health justice

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We unlocked one of our Patreon-exclusive episodes for y'all! In this episode, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, legal editor Oren Nimni, and contributing editor Aisling McCrea sit down with Tim Faust, the author of Health Justice Now: Single Payer and What Comes Next. Together, they discuss the ins and outs of single payer healthcare—what it is, what it isn't, and why it's necessary for a healthy and just society. Health Justice Now: Single Payer and What Comes Next is available now: https://www.mhpbooks.com/books/health-justice-now/ This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Sep 30, 201945 min

PREVIEW: The Only Good Boss

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Current Affairs editors Oren Nimni and Sparky Abraham discuss the legendary, heartbreaking, much-misunderstood music of Bruce Springsteen. 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 delicious bonus content, please consider supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Sep 26, 20192 min

UNLOCKED: A Very Nice and Polite Argument with Ezra Klein

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Originally available only to Patreon subscribers, this episode has been unlocked for all listeners! Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson sits down with founder and editor-at-large of Vox, Ezra Klein. Together, they debate (in a very friendly manner) the successes and failures of the Bernie Sanders campaign, incremental change versus radical change, and whether Nathan was justified in writing mean things about Vox in 2016.

Sep 25, 20191h 9m

PREVIEW: 'Hope Never Dies: An Obama/Biden Mystery'

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Editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, managing editor Lyta Gold, and Current Affairs contributor Luke Savage come together to discuss a baffling, frustrating, and vaguely upsetting novel: 'Hope Never Dies: An Obama/Biden Mystery'. Does this book give us insight into the dark heart of the Obama administration? Do we support Biden now? How do you make men pee better? Tune in to find out. 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 exciting bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Sep 24, 20192 min

In conversation: Tim Faust on single payer and health justice

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Health justice advocate Tim Faust tells the CA team why single payer healthcare is essential. 'Health Justice Now: Single Payer And What Comes Next' is available to purchase now: https://www.mhpbooks.com/books/health-justice-now/ This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain access to this episode, as well lots of other delicious bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Sep 19, 20192 min

Ep 34Episode #34: I Am Become Eli, Defender of Words

Please note: this episode does contain spiders. You may wish to skip 28.00-29.23 if you do not enjoy spiders. This week, the all-powerful, some-knowing Current Affairs panel discusses self-help culture, productivity, and their most hated left-wing words and phrases. The panel this week is Podmaster Aisling McCrea, senior editor Brianna Rennix, finance editor Sparky Abraham, jack-of-all-trades Eli Massey, and your host is Pete Davis. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. The music in the amusement is "Orbit" by Josh Woodward.

Sep 18, 20191h 8m

In conversation: Naomi Klein on climate crisis, hope, and Jonathan Franzen

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Naomi Klein explains to us why Jonathan Franzen is wrong. This is an excerpt from an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain access to this episode, as well as lots of other exclusive bonus content, please consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Sep 12, 20191 min

PREVIEW: In conversation with Daniel Mallory Ortberg

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In this episode, Current Affairs senior editor Brianna Rennix and amusements editor Lyta Gold sit down with Daniel Mallory Ortberg, writer and co-founder of The Toast. This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain access to this episode, as well as lots of other incredible bonus content, please consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! We also have a Kickstarter, which you can donate to here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020

Sep 10, 20191 min

JUBILEE DAY 7: Adolph Reed!

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To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Today's guest is Adolph Reed Jr., professor of political science at University of Pennsylvania, and the author of numerous books and articles on race and class politics. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020

Sep 10, 20191h 35m

JUBILEE DAY 6: Ana Kasparian!

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To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Today's guest is Ana Kasparian, co-host and executive producer at The Young Turks and No Filter. In this episode, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson and business manager Eli Massey sit down with Ana to discuss independent left media...and Dave Rubin. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020

Sep 8, 201955 min

JUBILEE DAY 5: Philip K. Howard!

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To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Something a little different today - our guest is Philip K. Howard, lawyer, author, small-government advocate, and a former adviser to Donald Trump's transition team. In this episode, Current Affairs business manager and King of Interviews Eli Massey sits down with Howard for a somewhat feisty conversation. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020

Sep 7, 201950 min

JUBILEE DAY 4: Thomas Frank!

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To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Today's guest is Thomas Frank, historian, co-founder of The Baffler, and author of several legendary books, most notably "What's the Matter with Kansas?" and "Listen, Liberal". In this episode, Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson sits down with Thomas for a discussion on the past few decades in American political history. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020

Sep 7, 20191h 10m

JUBILEE DAY 3: Johann Hari!

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To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Today's guest is Johann Hari, author of "Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions". In this episode, Johann sits down with Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson to discuss the social and political factors behind depression and anxiety. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020 This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Sep 5, 20191h 2m

JUBILEE DAY 2: Kade Crockford!

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To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Today's guest is Kade Crockford, director of the Technology for Liberty Program at the ACLU of Massachusetts. In this episode, Kade tells us all about facial recognition, surveillance, and the terrifying implications of technological developments in the criminal justice system. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020 This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Sep 4, 201947 min

JUBILEE DAY 1: Barbara Ehrenreich!

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Hello all! This week, we're launching a fundraiser to help our small business grow into a fearsome (yet still beautiful) media empire. If you like what we do, please consider donating to our Kickstarter page, so that we can improve the quality of our podcast, magazine and Youtube channel, as well as start new and exciting projects. To celebrate the launch of our Kickstarter, we're bringing you seven new interviews with seven mystery guests in seven days! Today's guest is legendary writer and activist Barbara Ehrenreich, interviewed by our very own managing editor Lyta Gold. In this cozy conversation, Lyta and Barbara talk about the incredible scope of Barbara's work over the past few decades, and cover everything from the politics of "wellness" to paleolithic cave paintings. We hope you enjoy this episode. If you want to help us expand and improve Current Affairs, please consider donating to our Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/804992239/help-current-affairs-expand-in-2020 This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Sep 3, 201954 min

PREVIEW: In conversation with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor

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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 amazing bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 29, 20192 min

Ep 33Episode #33: Bike Dancing

In this episode, the Current Affairs team discuss the usefulness of boycotts, encouraging news, and Pete faces down the rest of the cruel and ruthless panel in a round of Lefty Shark Tank. The panel this week is amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, senior editor Brianna Rennix, legal editor Oren Nimni, contributing editor Aisling McCrea 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.

Aug 29, 20191h 5m

PREVIEW: WATER (feat. Varsha Venkatasubramanian on dams)

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Current Affairs finance editor Sparky Abraham and associate editor Vanessa A. Bee sit down with Varsha Venkatasubramanian to discuss the politics of water —more specifically, dams. Find out how the simple act of altering the flow of water has radical effects on everything from energy policy to health to war. It is taking all my energy right now not to just put as many 'dam' puns in here as possible. 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 exciting bonus content, please consider supporting us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 22, 20190 min

In conversation: Mehdi Hasan on pseudo-intellectualism and Islamophobia

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson and business manager Eli Massey sit down with journalist and broadcaster Mehdi Hasan to discuss the bad-faith actions of the "Intellectual Dark Web", the ubiquity of Islamophobia, and why it's important to continue fighting even when you're not guaranteed a win. This is an excerpt from an episode available in full exclusively to Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, along with lots of other brilliant bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 20, 20193 min

PREVIEW: A Very Nice and Polite Argument with Ezra Klein

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson sits down with founder and editor-at-large of Vox, Ezra Klein. Together, they debate (in a very friendly manner) the successes and failures of the Bernie Sanders campaign, incremental change versus radical change, and whether Nathan was justified in writing mean things about Vox in 2016. 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 exciting bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 15, 20191 min

Ep 32Landlord Wars, Ep. #32: The Tenant Strikes Back

Relevant reading: An Example for All the Land: Emancipation and the Struggle over Equality in Washington, D.C., by Kate Masur: https://www.uncpress.org/book/9780807872666/an-example-for-all-the-land/ Home Rule or House Rule? by Michael Fauntroy: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780761827146 A Housing Crisis, a Failed Law, and a Property Conflict: The US Urban Speculation Tax, by Katie J. Wells: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/anti.12146 Carving Out the Commons: Tenant Organizing and Housing Cooperatives in Washington, D.C., by Amanda Huron: https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/carving-out-the-commons Nicholson St tenant strike coverage on WAMU : https://wamu.org/story/18/10/15/northwest-d-c-residents-go-strike-protest-decaying-buildings-rising-rent/ Irving St tenant strike coverage on Greater Greater Washington: https://ggwash.org/view/71558/a-columbia-heights-rent-strike-highlights-abuses-tenants-face-in-dc DC DSA's housing campaign: https://www.thenation.com/article/democratic-socialist-campaigns-target-isnt-incumbent/

Aug 13, 20191h 1m

In conversation: Mckayla Wilkes on her 2020 run for Congress

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Current Affairs host Pete Davis and managing editor Lyta Gold sit down with Mckayla Wilkes, a 28-year-old progressive who is challenging the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for his seat. Mckayla tells us what motivated her to run, her experiences with the criminal justice system, and the power of a grassroots campaign. You can find out more about Mckayla's campaign at https://www.mckayla2020.com/ . We're unlocking this episode for all listeners! To gain access to more episodes like this, as well as lots of other delicious bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 8, 201934 min

PREVIEW: Malcolm X

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Nathan J. Robinson and Oren Nimni discuss the legacy of Malcolm X. This episode is 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 patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 6, 20190 min

UNLOCKED! Chuck Marohn on Strong Towns

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Current Affairs host Pete Davis sits down with engineer, land planner and founder of the Strong Towns movement, Chuck Marohn, to discuss how to create thriving towns and cities. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. This episode was made available early for our patrons. If you'd like early access to episodes like this, as well as lots of exclusive bonus content, consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Aug 5, 201948 min

PREVIEW: Chris Arnade on photographing poverty

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson sits down with photographer Chris Arnade to discuss his journey from Wall Street trader to travelling photographer, the things elites don't understand about poverty, and his book Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America. This is a preview of a bonus episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain access to episodes like this, as well as lots of other exclusive bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Aug 1, 20191 min

Ep 31Episode #31: The Pigeon Vortex

The Current Affairs panel sits down to discuss AOC's first year in office, proposes an innovative new way of dividing up the United States, and shares the transcendental experiences they've had with animals. The panel this week is finance editor Sparky Abraham, legal editor Oren Nimni, associate editor Vanessa A. Bee, editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, and your host is Pete Davis. Many thanks to our newsletter editor, Nick Slater, for getting us exclusive access to the secret Beto O'Rourke tapes. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Jul 30, 20191h 2m

PREVIEW: Micah Uetricht on Chicago

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Current Affairs editors Nathan J. Robinson and Eli Massey sit down with writer and labor organizer Micah Uetricht to discuss the weird and tangled world of Chicago politics. This is an excerpt from an episode that is available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain access to this episode, as well as lots of other exclusive content, consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!

Jul 25, 20191 min

PREVIEW: Chuck Marohn on Strong Towns

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Current Affairs host Pete Davis sits down with engineer, land planner and founder of the Strong Towns movement, Chuck Marohn, to discuss how to create thriving towns and cities. This is an excerpt from an exclusive Patreon episode. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other delicious bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 23, 20192 min

UNLOCKED! Ben Burgis on Logic and Arguments

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, financial editor Sparky Abraham and contributing editor Aisling McCrea sit down with philosophy professor Ben Burgis to discuss his new book Give Them An Argument: Logic for the Left. Give Them An Argument: Logic for the Left is published by Zero Books. You can support and enjoy Ben Burgis' work by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/benburgis, where he publishes short essays and videos, or catch him on The Michael Brooks Show on his regular segment, The Debunk. This is a bonus episode that was released early for Patreon subscribers. To gain early access to episodes like these, as well as lots of delicious exclusive content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs! This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Jul 19, 201950 min

Ep 30Voicemailbag VI

The Current Affairs team has stuck their hands into the mailbag once again, and pulled out a handful of your voicemails. Topics range from the likelihood of getting mangoes under socialism, to the frailty of velvet trousers. The panel this time is: amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, business manager Eli Massey, contributing editor and podcastrix Aisling McCrea, senior editor Brianna Rennix, finance editor Sparky Abraham, and your host is editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. The case we discuss towards the end of this episode is Adoptive Couple v Baby Girl, 570 U.S. 637 (2013). For more detailed analysis of the case, and other material relating to Indian law, consider reading Turtle Talk at https://turtletalk.blog/. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Jul 16, 20191h 9m

PREVIEW: Student Debt Special (feat. Allie Conti, Marshall Steinbaum and Matt Bruenig)

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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 will be unlocked in full soon, but is available now in full for Patreon subscribers. To receive early access to episodes like this, as well as exclusive bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 11, 20191 min

PREVIEW: Ben Burgis on Logic and Arguments

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, financial editor Sparky Abraham and contributing editor Aisling McCrea sit down with philosophy professor Ben Burgis to discuss his new book Give Them An Argument: Logic for the Left. This episode will be unlocked in ten days. To get early access to this episode, as well as other exclusive bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at Patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 9, 20192 min

UNLOCKED: Pride Month Special (feat. Yasmin Nair, Conner Habib, and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore)

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Current Affairs business manager Eli Massey and contributing editor Aisling McCrea are joined by three radical queer writers for a raucous, thought-provoking discussion on Pride, rainbow capitalism, the meaning of queer culture, the politics of desire, and so much else. You can find and support Yasmin Nair at yasminnair.net, Conner Habib at patreon.com/connerhabib, and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore at mattildabernsteinsycamore.com. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. To receive early access to episodes like these, as well as lots of other delicious exclusive content, consider becoming a Patron at patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 9, 20191h 7m

Ep 29#29: Another Excuse To Eat Tex-Mex

The Current Affairs panel discusses some of the controversies around Harvard University (cue booing sounds), creates a fabulous new post-utopia festival, and asks: how do we know when we're wrong? The panel this week is senior editor Brianna Rennix, managing and amusements editor Lyta Gold, legal editor Oren Nimni, associate editor Vanessa A. Bee, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Many thanks to Josh Woodward for the music in the bit.

Jul 5, 20191h 1m

UNLOCKED: Bhaskar Sunkara on Jacobin magazine and promoting socialism

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson talks to Bhaskar Sunkara, the founder and publisher of Jacobin magazine and author of The Socialist Manifesto: The Case for Radical Politics in an Era of Extreme Inequality. In this episode, Bhaskar tells us his vision for the future of radical media, gives his thoughts on whether Bernie Sanders is a real socialist, and explains how he started a leftist magazine from scratch—all the way back in 2010. Truly, Bhaskar walked so that Nathan could run. (If you ever get a chance, we really would recommend watching Nathan run.) You can find Bhaskar's book here, and Jacobin magazine here. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. To receive early access to bonus episodes like this, as well as lots of other delicious premium content, consider becoming one of our patrons at Patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 5, 201949 min

PREVIEW - Meagan Day on why everyone should have the right to a sabbatical

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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 why everyone should have the right to a year off work every seven years. To hear this episode in full, and gain access to our exclusive 'Bird Feed', consider becoming a monthly patron at https://www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 3, 20192 min

PREVIEW - Pride Month Special

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Current Affairs business manager Eli Massey and contributing editor Aisling McCrea are joined by three radical queer writers - Yasmin Nair, Conner Habib, and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore - for a raucous, thought-provoking discussion on Pride, rainbow capitalism, the meaning of queer culture, the politics of desire, and so much else. To hear this episode in full, and gain access to our exclusive 'Bird Feed', consider becoming a monthly patron at https://www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jul 1, 20192 min

RE-UPLOAD: Tiffany Cabán on running for district attorney as a public defender

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In light of Tiffany Cabán's stunning victory in the Queens District Attorney election, we're bumping this interview from March, in case you missed it - or want to listen again! Current Affairs legal wonks Oren Nimni and Vanessa A. Bee sit down with Tiffany Cabán, a career public defender who is running to be Queens District Attorney on a radically justice-oriented platform. Cabán is at the forefront of an exciting new lefty strategy — most famously deployed by Philadelphia's Larry Krasner — of dismantling mass incarceration and prosecutorial overreach by taking over DA's offices ourselves.

Jun 26, 201942 min

Bonus episode excerpt: Creating a Left Magazine

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An excerpt from today's bonus episode, available in full to our Patreon patrons, in which Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson talks to Bhaskar Sunkara, the founder and publisher of Jacobin magazine. In this episode, Bhaskar tells us his vision for the future of radical media, gives his thoughts on whether Bernie Sanders is a real socialist, and explains how he started a leftist magazine from scratch—all the way back in 2010. Truly, Bhaskar walked so that Nathan could run. (If you ever get a chance, we really would recommend watching Nathan run.) To hear this episode in full, and gain access to our exclusive 'Bird Feed', consider becoming a monthly patron at https://www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jun 25, 20191 min

Ep 28#28: The Dolphin Tax-Advantaged Account

The Current Affairs panel discusses animal rights, the question of whether to treat internet platforms as private or public spaces, and what they would like to see added to the school history curriculum. The panel this week is newsletter editor Nick Slater, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, senior editor Brianna Rennix, finance editor Sparky Abraham, editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson, and host Pete Davis. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA. Many thanks to Golden Tony for assistance with the bits. Credit goes to Livio Amato for the piano music in the bit.

Jun 20, 201954 min

UNLOCKED: In conversation: Molly Crabapple on the power of art

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson sits down with artist and writer Molly Crabapple to discuss the merits of political art, the way society values (and undervalues) artists, and her experiences drawing everyone from Occupy anarchists to the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. They also return to the most controversial topic ever covered by Current Affairs—modern architecture. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn at Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.

Jun 19, 201939 min

Ep 27#27: Folks, Fasten Your Seatbelts... (ft. Ralph Nader)

Current Affairs host Pete Davis speaks to legendary activist, attorney and consumer advocate Ralph Nader about the potential of young people, political tactics, and the advantages of being an outsider. You can find more information about Ralph Nader and his decades of work, as well as his regularly updated columns and radio show, at nader.org. Support Current Affairs by becoming a patron on our Patreon page. For the written form of Current Affairs — and to subscribe to the beautiful print magazine — visit currentaffairs.org. To join the conversation, leave us a voicemail at 504-867-8851.

Jun 10, 201955 min

UNLOCKED: In conversation: Natalie Wynn on Seizing Ground in Reactionary-Occupied Youtube

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Current Affairs editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson and contributing editor Aisling McCrea sits down with left-wing Youtube superstar Natalie Wynn (aka Contrapoints) to talk about her work making unforgettable left-wing videos in the Age of Reactionary-Occupied Youtube. This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Jun 7, 201939 min

UNLOCKED: The Gravel Gang

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UNLOCKED FROM THE PATREON BIRD FEED: Current Affairs editor in chief Nathan J. Robinson, legal editor Oren Nimni and man about town Eli Massey sit down with The Gravel Boys — Henry Williams and David Oks — to discuss the 2020 campaign they are running through anti-imperialist former senator and 2008 Presidential candidate Mike Gravel. Learn more about Mike Gravel at MikeGravel.org and @MikeGravel on twitter. Watch Rock here and Rock 2.0 here.

Jun 4, 201958 min

UNLOCKED: The Lyta, The Witch & The Wardrobe

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UNLOCKED FROM THE PATREON BIRD FEED: Current Affairs amusements editor Lyta Gold, senior editor Brianna Rennix, contributing editor Aisling McCrea and friend of the pod Dan Walden continue our "problematic fave" series with a conversation on C. S. Lewis. Topics discussed include: Narnia, trauma from British boys schools, A Grief Observed, The Space Trilogy, Lewis' relationship to conservatives, uncertainty, ecosocialism, ecofascism, the human condition, brutalist architecture, cancel culture, and more. Thanks to Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios for editing this podcast. To listen to bonus episodes when they first come out, become a patron at our Patreon page: Patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.

Jun 2, 20191h 1m

Ep 26#26: Standardized Litmus Tests

The Current Affairs panel discusses the recent addition of the "adversity score" to the SAT, determines the appropriate abortion litmus test for the left, and goes around sharing things that made them glad and mad in the past month. The Panel Oren Nimni, legal editor Lyta Gold, managing editor Vanessa A. Bee, social media editor Nick Slater, newsletter editor Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief Malaika Jabali, guest panelist Many thanks to Aisling McCrea for the bits. Many thanks to Orgy O' Agamben (@Ad0rnosPorno69) for his Jordan Peterson impression. Many thanks to Dan Thorn at Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA for editing the episode. Support Current Affairs by becoming a patron at our patreon: Patreon.com/CurrentAffairs

May 29, 20191h 24m

UNLOCKED: Tiffany Cabán on running for district attorney as a public defender

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UNLOCKED from the bird feed to the main feed just in time for AOC's endorsement: Current Affairs legal wonks Oren Nimni and Vanessa A. Bee sit down with Tiffany Cabán, a career public defender who is running to be Queens District Attorney on a radically justice-oriented platform. Cabán is at the forefront of an exciting new lefty strategy — most famously deployed by Philadelphia's Larry Krasner — of dismantling mass incarceration and prosecutorial overreach by taking over DA's offices ourselves.

May 23, 201942 min