Scheer Intelligence

A tenured professor can spend decades building a career, win awards, earn lifetime recognition, and still be discarded the moment political speech crosses an invisible line. That is what happened to Dr. Sang-hae Kil after she supported Palestinian protest on campus. Her teaching record was untouched, her scholarship praised, and a faculty panel ruled unanimously against punishment — yet San José State University fired her anyway. The message is unmistakable: on many campuses, academic freedom survives only until it collides with Palestine.

The newly released Epstein files don’t just implicate a handful of powerful men—they expose an entire architecture of American power built on impunity, secrecy, and the quiet expectation that the rules apply only to everyone else. As Robert Scheer and Nolan Higdon dig into this week’s revelations, the picture that emerges is not simply one of individual crimes but of a political and financial aristocracy that treats the law as a suggestion, democracy as theater, and vulnerable people as expendable. From Harvard boardrooms to Clinton‑era fundraisers to Trump’s Justice Department slow‑walking disclosures, the documents reveal a culture where fixing, hiding, and protecting the powerful is the real bipartisan consensus. What’s breaking open now is not just a scandal—it’s a portrait of a system that was never meant to be fair in the first place.

Former congressman and longtime peace advocate Dennis Kucinich joins Robert Scheer for a stark assessment of what he calls the most perilous moment in modern U.S. foreign policy. With Washington openly coordinating military action with Israel and escalating toward direct confrontation with Iran, Kucinich argues the United States has reached the terminus of its imperial project — a point where decades of overreach, militarism, and economic decline collide. Drawing on his years in Congress fighting unauthorized wars, he warns that the killing of Iran’s leadership, the collapse of diplomatic credibility, and the fantasy of American omnipotence have created a crisis with no clear exit. Scheer and Kucinich trace the roots of the disaster from the 1953 coup against Mossadegh to Trump’s current campaign of regime change, asking whether Iran may become the graveyard of American empire — and what it means for a world no longer willing to accept U.S. dominance.

As the U.S. drifts deeper into an era shaped by concentrated wealth, surveillance technology, and political strongmen, Robert Scheer sits down with Jonathan Taplin to examine what he calls the rise of “techno‑authoritarianism.” Drawing on decades at the intersection of culture, media, and technology—from producing Bob Dylan and The Band to directing USC’s Annenberg Innovation Lab—Taplin traces how corporate monopolies, AI, and political intimidation have hollowed out the counterculture that once challenged American power. In this wide‑ranging conversation, Scheer and Taplin explore the collapse of artistic independence, the fusion of Big Tech and state authority, and the dangers facing a generation coming of age under unprecedented surveillance and economic inequality.

In this edition of Scheer Intelligence, Robert Scheer sits down with journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin to unpack her blistering new documentary, Earth’s Greatest Enemy—a film that argues, with devastating clarity, that the U.S. military is the single largest institutional driver of climate destruction on the planet. Martin walks Scheer through the years‑long battle to make and distribute a documentary that Hollywood wouldn’t touch, exposes the Pentagon’s grip on media narratives, and traces how bipartisan militarism—under Democrats and Republicans alike—has locked the world into a self‑perpetuating cycle of war, extraction, and ecological collapse. What emerges is a sweeping indictment of empire at the precise moment when the planet can least afford it, and a call to recognize the shared human cost borne by soldiers, civilians, and the environment itself.

Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, hosted by the legendary journalist Robert Scheer.In this episode, Scheer sits down with media scholar Nolan Higdon to dissect the explosive revelations emerging from the Epstein Files — newly exposed documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.At nearly 90 years old, Scheer says he has never seen anything like this.This isn’t gossip. It isn’t tabloid scandal. It’s a rare, unfiltered look into how power actually operates in America.From Silicon Valley giants like Peter Thiel and firms such as Palantir Technologies, to Wall Street titans and political elites spanning both parties — from Bill Clinton to Donald Trump — the files reveal a bipartisan ruling class operating beyond traditional accountability.This week’s revelations focus on Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico, alleged connections to gene-editing ambitions, intelligence networks, and a global web of influence reaching from Washington to Tel Aviv.Scheer calls it “techno-fascism” — a fusion of concentrated wealth, surveillance technology, elite universities, and intelligence agencies — where power believes itself immune from moral restraint.How did Silicon Valley become intertwined with the national security state? What role did academia play? Why does religion get invoked in public — but ignored in practice? And why are so many lawmakers still silent?Higdon, who has been combing through the primary documents, breaks down what’s real, what’s speculative, and what the public still hasn’t been allowed to see.This is Episode Three of their ongoing weekly deep dive.The question is no longer whether Epstein was powerful.The question is: what system made him possible — and who’s still protecting it?

In this second installment of our weekly deep dive into the Epstein files, Robert Scheer and media scholar Nolan Higdon unpack a wave of newly unredacted documents that expose the scale—and the culture—of Epstein’s elite network. In the last 24 hours alone, Congress forced the release of additional co‑conspirator names, revealing ties that stretch from Wall Street to Harvard, Silicon Valley, global finance, and even the intellectual world of Noam Chomsky.Higdon walks through the emerging picture: a ruling class that treated Epstein not as a pariah but as a peer, confidant, fixer, and ideological fellow traveler. The files show billionaires, academics, and political figures trading favors, seeking image management, and in some cases engaging in coded exchanges about trafficked girls—all while U.S. institutions look the other way.Scheer and Higdon connect these revelations to the broader crisis of American democracy at its 250‑year mark: a Second Gilded Age defined by impunity, eugenics‑tinged technocracy, collapsing accountability, and a political‑economic system engineered by figures like Lawrence Summers to shield the powerful from scrutiny. This conversation asks the question the mainstream press won’t touch: Is the Epstein network a window into the true culture of American power?

In this conversation, Robert Scheer and Nolan Higdon dig into the contradictions at the heart of America’s elite class — the philanthropists, technocrats, and political leaders who publicly preach democracy, equality, and women’s rights while privately orbiting Jeffrey Epstein long after his crimes were known. Higdon walks through the documents, the lies, the intelligence connections, and the cultural implications of a scandal that refuses to fade. What emerges is a portrait of a society where wealth shields wrongdoing, institutions collapse under their own corruption, and the public is left to pick up the pieces.

On today’s episode of Scheer Intelligence, Robert Scheer sits down once again with former CIA analyst Ray McGovern for a rare, unvarnished look at the war in Ukraine, the collapse of nuclear arms control, and the dangerous return of great‑power spheres of influence. McGovern, who spent 27 years briefing presidents from Nixon to Reagan, argues that the conflict was provoked, that Russia believes it has already won, and that the real negotiations now bypass Europe entirely. Scheer pushes back, insisting on the human cost and the moral urgency of ending the war now — not after another round of geopolitical maneuvering. Together, they cut through media narratives and political posturing to expose what’s really at stake: the future of global security, the erosion of diplomacy, and the lives caught in the crossfire.

Today on the show, Joshua Scheer speaks with award‑winning investigative journalist Peter Byrne about the explosive conclusion to his 10‑part Project Censored series on the militarization of artificial intelligence. Byrne’s reporting uncovers how Silicon Valley billionaires, the Pentagon, Wall Street, and corporate media have fused into a single war‑driven superorganism—one that feeds on conflict, surveillance, and profit while pushing humanity toward nuclear brinkmanship.In this conversation, Byrne dismantles the mythology surrounding companies like Palantir and Anduril, exposes the New York Times for cheerleading a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget, and explains why China is not the existential threat Americans are told to fear. He argues that AI is already embedded in a self‑propelling war machine that may be beyond meaningful human control.This is a deep dive into empire, technology, and the death‑driven logic of American militarism—and what it will take for life‑affirming movements to resist it.

Every year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, official tributes reduce a radical critic of empire, capitalism, and militarism into a safely packaged icon — while quietly ignoring the brutal reality of how the U.S. government treated him in real time. Martin Luther King Jr. was not merely monitored by the FBI; he was hunted, harassed, and psychologically terrorized by a federal agency determined to silence a man whose moral authority threatened entrenched power. In this republished interview, acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard exposes the depth of the FBI’s crusade against King — a campaign far darker than most Americans are ever taught. Revisiting this history is not an exercise in nostalgia, but a necessary confrontation with how the state responds when demands for justice move from rhetoric to action.

Today on Scheer Intelligence, we pull back the curtain on a crisis unfolding quietly but catastrophically across American higher education. Robert Scheer sits down with Professor Steve Macek — scholar, organizer, and one of the country’s sharpest analysts of academic freedom — to examine what he calls an unprecedented assault on the institutions that produce knowledge itself.From Trump’s weaponization of the Justice Department to Democratic governors signing bills that criminalize criticism of Israel, the attack on academic freedom is no longer coming from the fringes. It’s bipartisan, it’s systemic, and it’s reshaping the university into a place where surveillance replaces debate and self‑censorship replaces inquiry.In this conversation, Scheer and Macek trace the historical lineage — from Galileo to McCarthy to the present — and confront the chilling reality that tenure no longer protects scholars, adjuncts are silenced by precarity, and entire universities can now be punished for allowing dissent.If you want to understand why America’s intellectual life is collapsing into fear, conformity, and political intimidation, this episode is essential.

As the world stumbles into a new year, journalist Robert Scheer sits down with former CIA analyst Ray McGovern for a conversation that feels less like a holiday reflection and more like a warning flare. Both men came of age in the shadow of World War II, lived through the Cold War, and spent their lives studying the machinery of American power. Now, they confront a moment they argue may be even more perilous: a nuclear‑armed standoff between the United States and Russia, shaped by political chaos, military inertia, and a peace movement too faint to hear.In this episode, Scheer and McGovern revisit the promises, failures, and back‑channel dramas that brought the U.S. and Russia to the brink—unpacking Trump’s claims he could end the Ukraine war in 24 hours, Biden’s abandoned assurances, and the quiet but escalating risks that rarely make it into mainstream headlines. What emerges is a sobering, unsentimental look at how fragile global stability has become, and why the coming year may determine far more than most Americans realize.

Academic freedom in the United States is hanging by a thread — and nowhere is that more visible than in Texas.In this episode of Scheer Intelligence, Robert Scheer speaks with Dr. Daniel Braaten, Associate Professor of Criminology and Political Science at Texas A&M–San Antonio, from what may be the epicenter of the most aggressive political assault on higher education in modern American history. As state legislators, governors, university boards, and now the federal executive branch move to police curriculum, punish dissenting faculty, and weaponize funding, Texas has become a testing ground for how far political power can go in controlling what is taught — and what is silenced.Braaten details how professors are being publicly targeted, fired without due process, and subjected to ideological litmus tests — not only in the humanities, but across all disciplines, including science and medicine. From audits of course syllabi to bans on “race or gender ideology,” to social-media-driven intimidation campaigns, the goal, he argues, is clear: to weaken universities until they submit.But this conversation goes far beyond Texas. Scheer and Braaten connect these state-level attacks to a broader national and global pattern — from Trump-era threats to withhold federal research funding, to the cynical weaponization of anti-Semitism, to the erosion of shared governance that once made American higher education the envy of the world. As Braaten warns, there are no “safe” fields: when academic freedom collapses in one discipline, it collapses everywhere.At stake is not only the future of professors, but the education of students, the pursuit of truth, and the ability of a democratic society to think critically about power, science, war, climate, immigration, and human rights.This is a conversation about how democracies lose knowledge — and how they might still fight to defend it.

Today we dive deep into the intricate web of America's economic landscape with our esteemed guest, Doug Henwood. As a prominent economist and writer for outlets like The Nation and Jacobin, Doug brings a critical progressive lens to the disarray of the American ruling class.In this episode, we explore the alarming short-sightedness of our elites, their complicity in fostering economic inequality, and the historical missteps that have led us to this precarious moment. From the legacy of the Clinton administration to the contemporary challenges of neoliberalism, we dissect the threads of class struggle that weave through our society.Join us as Doug shares insights on the recent political shifts in New York City, the role of grassroots movements, and the urgent need for a transformative vision that prioritizes the well-being of the many over the profits of the few. It's a conversation that cuts to the heart of our collective future—one you won't want to miss!

Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Lassiter, author of the compelling memoir, How I Know Why White People Are Crazy and Other Stories. Dr. Lassiter, a licensed psychologist and cultural commentator, takes us on a journey through his personal experiences and insights on the complexities of race, identity, and the pervasive whiteness mindset that shapes our society. Discover how fear, competition, and a distorted sense of self can keep us trapped in cycles of oppression, and learn about the power of curiosity and cultural humility in fostering genuine connections across communities. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just beginning to explore these themes, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own perspectives and the world around you. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between personal narrative and critical social issues!

Join Robert Scheer in this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence as he engages with David Baker, author of "Global Megascience: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production." Together, they explore the critical state of academic freedom in today's world and its far-reaching implications for scientific progress and collaboration. As Baker highlights, the decline of academic freedom is not just an isolated issue but a global concern that threatens the very foundation of innovation and knowledge production. From the historical context of post-war academia to the contemporary challenges posed by political nationalism, this conversation delves deep into why protecting intellectual freedom is essential for the future of scientific advancement and the economy. Tune in as they unpack the ongoing battle for academic integrity and the vital role universities play in fostering a global exchange of ideas.

In this episode, we’re not just skimming the surface; we’re taking a hard look at the Democratic Party’s long and winding road—from its noble roots in the New Deal to its current identity crisis. Joining me is the brilliant Lily Geismar, a history professor at Claremont McKenna College and the author of two must-read books that dissect the failures of the Democratic Party in addressing inequality.We’re going to tackle the big questions: How did the party that once championed the working class betray its core values? What role did elitism and opportunism play in shaping today’s political climate? And why is it more crucial than ever to reclaim the narrative of genuine progressivism?

Welcome to the Scheer Intelligence podcast, where we probe the forces reshaping academia and the growing struggle to protect intellectual freedom. In this episode, renowned scholar Hank Reichman joins veteran journalist Robert Scheer to examine the alarming pressures undermining the core principles of higher education. From political interference to the distorting power of money, they unpack the trends that threaten the university’s mission as a space for open inquiry and debate.This is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of ideas. Join us for a sharp, timely, and ultimately hopeful conversation. It’s Scheer Intelligence—where the battle for the soul of the university takes center stage.

Welcome to another episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we dive deep into the minds shaping our political landscape. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today, we have an enlightening conversation with journalist and author, Ted Hamm. His latest book unpacks the transformative campaign of Zohran Mamdani, a figure poised to redefine New York's political scene and perhaps even the future of American democracy.Together, we'll explore how Mamdani's progressive platform echoes the values of past leaders like Franklin Roosevelt, and why his message of social equity is resonating with a new generation. As we navigate the complexities of today’s political climate—from the influence of billionaires to the struggles for social justice—we'll examine what this means for the working class and the fabric of our society.Join us as we discuss not just a candidate, but a movement—a grassroots uprising that challenges the status quo and aims to restore hope to a disenchanted electorate. This episode promises to inspire and provoke thought on the future of governance in America. Tune in and be part of the conversation!  

In this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence, host Robert Scheer welcomes Professor Omar Zahzah, a leading voice in Arab Muslim ethnicities and diaspora studies at San Francisco State University. With a compelling background in both academia and activism, Zahzah delves into the intersection of technology, media, and the Palestinian liberation struggle through his groundbreaking book, Terms of Servitude. As the digital landscape evolves, so too does the narrative surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, often shaped by the powerful forces of Silicon Valley. Join us as we explore how corporate interests and digital censorship are reshaping critical discourse, the implications for global freedom, and the urgent need for creative resistance in a world increasingly defined by surveillance and control. This is not just a conversation about Palestine—it's a vital examination of freedom in the digital age and the power dynamics that challenge our very understanding of democracy.

Intro:Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the real intelligence comes from our guests. Today, Robert Scheer sits down with legendary cultural critic Greil Marcus—called by The Washington Post “our greatest cultural critic”—to explore how rock and roll became the pulse of political and personal liberation in America.From the streets of Berkeley during the Free Speech Movement to the birth of Rolling Stone magazine, Marcus and Scheer trace the intertwined history of music and resistance—how the Beatles, Dylan, and Lennon didn’t just soundtrack an era, but gave voice to its rebellion.It’s a rare conversation between two thinkers shaped by the same storms—war, protest, and art—and still asking the same question: can truth survive in a world that insists on selling it back to us?

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we explore the intricate tapestry of our natural world through the lens of literature and personal experience. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we embark on a delightful journey into the heart of one of nature's most beloved fruits—the apple.Joining me is acclaimed naturalist and author Priyanka Kumar, whose latest book takes us beyond the grocery store aisles and into the wild, exploring the profound connections we share with the apple and its role in the broader narrative of biodiversity. In a candid discussion that traverses her childhood in the Himalayan foothills to her current life in Santa Fe, we unravel the stories of feral apple trees, cultural histories, and the urgent call to reconnect with nature in an increasingly disconnected world.Whether you're a casual apple enthusiast or a devoted naturalist, this conversation promises to enlighten and inspire as we peel back the layers of history, science, and personal reflection surrounding this humble yet extraordinary fruit. So grab your favorite apple—perhaps one with a few character marks—and settle in for a rich exploration of our forgotten ties to the wild.

Welcome to another thought-provoking edition of Scheer Intelligence. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we delve into the heart of a critical issue facing our society: the erosion of academic freedom in higher education. Joining me is Brian Rosenberg, a noted educator and commentator whose recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education warns that autocratic pressures are compromising the very institutions that promise to foster critical thought and innovation. As we navigate the complexities of modern governance and the chilling effects of fear on intellectual discourse, Rosenberg exposes how universities are grappling with their vulnerabilities amidst political upheaval. Together, we'll explore the implications of this capitulation and the urgent need for a robust defense of academic principles in a time when they are more threatened than ever. Stay tuned as we unpack the intricate relationship between power, education, and the future of democracy."

Join Robert Scheer in this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence as he engages with sociologist Charlie Derber, author of Bonfire: American Sociocide - Broken Relations and the Quest for Democracy. This conversation delves into the complexities of modern American society, exploring the alarming trends of sociocide and the ramifications of systemic alienation amidst apparent prosperity.Derber, a prolific writer with 29 books to his name, presents a compelling argument about the forces at play in our current societal landscape, where individualism erodes community bonds and the quest for democracy feels increasingly distant. Robert and Charlie dissect the historical context of these issues, tracing the roots of contemporary authoritarianism and the role of elites in shaping the socio-political climate. Amidst the grim diagnosis, they also uncover rays of hope, examining the potential for grassroots movements and collective action to challenge the status quo. With insights that resonate deeply in today's political climate, this episode is not just an analysis of despair but also a call to recognize the cracks in the system where light can break through.Listen in as they discuss the contradictions inherent in a society at odds with itself and contemplate the future of democracy in a world grappling with profound social and economic upheaval. Tune in for a rich conversation that challenges conventional narratives and invites listeners to reflect on their role in shaping a more equitable society.

Welcome to another riveting episode of Scheer Intelligence. I’m your host, Robert Scheer, and today, we delve deep into an extraordinary tale that challenges the very fabric of American history. Joining me is Rob Edwards, a seasoned Hollywood storyteller known for his impactful work in mass media. His recent project, a graphic novel titled "Defiant," sheds light on the life of Robert Smalls—a man who not only escaped the bonds of slavery but also rose to prominence as a congressman and an influential public figure.Prepare to be inspired as we explore how Smalls’ daring escape during the Civil War defied expectations and shattered stereotypes, revealing a narrative that has been overlooked in traditional historical accounts. From his unlikely upbringing to his courageous actions that changed the course of his life and the lives of others, this is a story about resilience, humanity, and the fight for freedom. Tune in as we celebrate an unsung hero and discuss the importance of reclaiming our history through compelling storytelling.

Welcome to another compelling edition of the Bob and Ray Show, where insightful journalism meets deep expertise. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, joined by Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst with a rich background in Russian affairs. With 27 years at the CIA and a knowledge base that spans decades, Ray is uniquely positioned to dissect the intricacies of international relations, particularly concerning Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.In today’s episode, we delve into the recent Alaska summit, a meeting many pundits dismissed as inconsequential, labeling it a “nothing burger.” But as we’ll discuss, both President Trump and President Putin emerged from the summit with differing takes, raising critical questions about the shifting power dynamics on the global stage. Trump proclaimed the discussions a success, while Putin appeared to reinforce his position of strength, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict.As we explore this topic, we’ll reflect on the changing landscape of power relations, the implications of Trump’s negotiating stance, and the broader ramifications for U.S. foreign policy. Join us as we unpack these complex issues, challenge prevailing narratives, and consider what this means for the future of international diplomacy and the Ukrainian people caught in the crossfire.

Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where insight meets honesty. I'm Robert Scheer, and in this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the shadowy world of nuclear technology with acclaimed author Thomas Bass. We'll explore the ongoing disaster at Fukushima, the dangerous illusions of peaceful nuclear energy, and the profound geopolitical and environmental risks that threaten our future. Join us as we uncover the truths behind the nuclear industry and question the promises of “safe and clean” energy in a world on the brink.

Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the insights come straight from the voices of our guests. In this episode, we explore the turbulent political and social landscape of Los Angeles and the United States, featuring a compelling conversation with Dr. Frances Gill—a psychiatrist, community advocate, and labor supporter. Join us as we delve into the rise of madness, the threat of authoritarianism, the power of organized labor, and the urgent need for collective action in times of crisis.

Join Robert Scheer in this illuminating episode of Scheer Intelligence as he explores the complex truths of Jewish identity, the fight for religious and political freedom, and the urgent need for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through candid conversations with voices rooted in Jewish tradition and progressive activism, this series delves into how the principles of debate, human rights, and democratic liberty can guide us toward a more compassionate and equitable future. It’s a heartfelt discussion about what it truly means to stand "Not in Our Name."

In this compelling edition of Scheer Intelligence, Robert Scheer engages with journalist Kit Klarenberg to explore the complex dynamics shaping our world. From the enigmatic diplomacy of Donald Trump to the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern geopolitics, Klarenberg offers a nuanced perspective on shifts in U.S. foreign policy, the decline of American exceptionalism, and the rise of a multipolar global order. Their conversation sheds light on contradictions, realignments, and the potential for a fairer, more collaborative international system in uncertain times.

oin Robert Scheer and guest Peter Byrne as they delve into the dark side of artificial intelligence, exploring its militarization, misuse, and impact on global security and democracy. Through a series of in-depth investigations sponsored by Project Censored, they reveal how AI is being used to control societies, threaten peace, and undermine human rights—exposing what mainstream media often overlooks. Essential listening for those concerned about the true power of technology shaping our future.

Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the insights come directly from leading experts and insiders. In this episode, Robert Scheer sits down with Judy Karofsky, author of Diselderly Conduct, to explore the troubled landscape of assisted living and hospice care in America. From personal tragedy to systemic neglect, they delve into how a lack of regulation, corporate greed, and profit motives endanger our elders and what society must do to ensure dignity and safety in their final years. Stay tuned for an urgent conversation that affects all of us.

Welcome to a compelling episode of Scheer Intelligence, where host Robert Scheer engages in a thought-provoking dialogue with political stalwart Dennis Kucinich. Join us as we delve into Kucinich's reflections on the devastating consequences of war, specifically addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader implications for both Israeli and Palestinian lives. In a time when questioning government policies can lead to severe backlash, Kucinich's courage shines through as he confronts the repercussions of warfare and the moral responsibilities we all share. Together, they explore the intertwined destinies of oppressors and the oppressed, the erosion of free speech, and the urgent need for a complete reevaluation of our approach to conflict. Tune in for a deep conversation that challenges us to think critically about peace, justice, and the shared humanity that binds us all.

Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence, where host Robert Scheer dives into critical discussions with renowned guests. Today, we have Dr. Charles LeBaron, a distinguished physician and CDC veteran, who has authored a compelling and essential book, 'Greed to Do Good: The Untold Story of the CDC's Disastrous War on Opioids.' Dr. LeBaron offers a unique perspective on the opioid crisis, drawing from his extensive experience and personal encounters. Through his well-crafted narrative, he sheds light on the complexities of pain management, the challenges of public health policies, and the human stories behind addiction. Join us as we explore these pressing issues with honesty and depth."

Welcome to this week's episode of Scheer Intelligence, where host Robert Scheer dives deep into the compelling and complex world of international relations. In today’s episode, we are joined by Ben Norton, a distinguished journalist based in China, and editor at Geopolitical Economy Report. With a profound understanding of the intricacies of China's economy, Ben offers invaluable insights into the ongoing trade tensions under the Trump administration and the shifting sands of global power dynamics. As we discuss everything from tariffs and trade wars to the implications of a multipolar world, prepare to gain a clearer picture of the challenges and realities facing not just the U.S. and China, but the global community at large. Join us for an enlightening conversation that goes beyond the headlines!

Welcome to another gripping episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we delve deep into the stories that shape our understanding of freedom, power, and the human experience. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today, I'm joined by the insightful Joel Whitney. We will uncover the harrowing tale of Pramodia Ananta Toer, a celebrated Indonesian writer whose life was turned upside down by U.S. intervention during a turbulent chapter of history. His imprisonment for over a decade serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of geopolitical maneuvering, and his writing offers a profound reflection on resilience and the quest for freedom. Join us as we discuss the echoes of this past in our current political landscape and explore what it means to truly stand against oppression.

Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the true brainpower comes from our guests. Today, join Robert Scheer as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the talented Natasha Hakimi Zapata. A former award-winning poet and influential journalist at Truthdig, she now sheds light on her new book, Another World is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe. With insights drawn from her unique upbringing and experiences across nine different countries, Natasha brings forth stories and solutions that challenge the prevailing narratives about our world today. In a time when despair seems so pervasive, she offers a refreshing look at what has been achieved globally—combined with actionable lessons that could inspire real change in America. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion as we explore how we can pave the way toward a more equitable and hopeful future.Copy

Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence with your host, Robert Scheer. Today, we delve into the profound implications of the Ferguson movement, a pivotal moment in American history that continues to resonate throughout our society. Joining us are two exceptional guests: State Senator Marie Chappelle Nadal, who was on the ground in St. Louis during the turbulent aftermath of Michael Brown's tragic shooting, and filmmaker Ray Nowaselski, known for his compelling documentaries that tackle critical societal issues.As we explore their investigative efforts and the stories of those affected by violence and injustice, we'll uncover the essential lessons we've learned over the past decade. From the profound impact of police accountability to the importance of understanding our history, this conversation aims to shed light on systemic challenges and the ongoing fight for justice. Join us as we navigate the complexities of these intertwined narratives, seeking to learn from the past and advocate for a better future.

Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence, where insights come alive through the voices of our guests. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we have the privilege of speaking with the insightful Vijay Prashad, a prolific author and the Director of the Tri-Continental Institute for Social Research. With an impressive body of work that includes over 40 books, Prashad has established himself as a leading voice on global affairs.In our conversation, we explore the complexities of international relations, particularly focusing on the rising influence of China, the dynamics of capitalism, and the implications of a multipolar world on the global economy. We discuss critical issues, from technological advancements to the evolving nature of democracy, and reflect on the historical context that shapes today’s geopolitical landscape.Join us as we unravel the narratives behind global events and seek to understand the balance of power in a world that's rapidly changing. 

Welcome to another episode of Scheer Intelligence! I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we’re diving into a critical conversation about the state of media, censorship, and the role of independent journalism in our society. Joining me are two passionate advocates from the organization Project Censored: Shealeigh Voitl and Andy Lee Roth.In this episode, we explore the alarming trends of censorship, particularly in an era where many attribute societal issues to the influence of the internet rather than systemic inequalities or failures within our democratic structures. We'll discuss Project Censored's important work in highlighting underreported stories—stories that often reveal systemic injustices overlooked by corporate media.Shealeigh and Andy share insights from their recent list of the top 25 censored stories, touching on crucial topics such as environmental crises, reproductive rights, and the growing influence of big tech on our information landscape. As we reflect on the historical context of media censorship, we’ll also examine how today’s media environment serves to obscure the significant challenges faced by working people and marginalized communities.With the 2024 elections looming and the political landscape becoming increasingly polarized, this conversation is more relevant than ever. Together, we aim to illuminate the cracks in our media system and empower listeners to seek out independent voices that challenge the dominant narratives.So, stay tuned as we unpack these pressing issues and advocate for a more informed and engaged public.For more information go to https://www.projectcensored.org/Article link: https://www.projectcensored.org/top-25-most-censored-stories-2024/Photo from Project Censored 

Welcome to another edition of Scheer Intelligence. I’m your host, Robert Scheer, and today marks a significant new chapter for our program as we transition to Scheerpost, where we’ll continue our mission of exploring vital issues with depth and clarity. After nearly a decade of broadcasting through KCRW, we’re excited to bring you more frequent conversations, allowing us to engage with the news as it unfolds.In this inaugural episode under the Scheerpost banner, I’m joined by the esteemed Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst with over 27 years of experience, who has briefed three U.S. presidents and witnessed history from the inside. Together, we’ll delve into pressing topics, including the current geopolitical landscape shaped by figures like Trump and Netanyahu, and the ongoing crises in places like Gaza.As we navigate this complex terrain, we’ll reflect on the challenges posed by the current administration’s foreign policy and the implications for international relations, particularly with Russia and China. Our discussion will not shy away from the harsh realities of war and the moral imperatives that arise from them.At Scheer Intelligence, we believe in the power of informed dialogue to shed light on the issues that matter. So, whether you’re a long-time listener or new to our show, we invite you to join us as we seek to uncover the truth and engage in meaningful conversations about the most pressing issues of our time.

Tariffs, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, electric cars: there is much to be said about the evolving relationship between China and the United States. While Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on the country are just the latest story, it is only a fraction of the news coming out of China that directly affects the U.S. and the future prospect for business and the government. Joining host Robert Scheer from China on this episode of Scheer Intelligence is Geopolitical Economic Report editor-in-chief and journalist Ben Norton. The two discuss what the incoming Trump administration represents for U.S.-China relations as well as the state of China from the ground. Norton reports on his experiences living there and the local reaction to the U.S. political scene.  

This is the political season to be thankful for small favors of optimism, and in this edition of Scheer Intelligence, host Robert Scheer and guest Joe Lauria, editor of the Consortium News website, are excited to have found a gift of striking significance to what remains of the practice of serious journalism on the internet. It is Donald Trump’s delivery on a promise in his inauguration address that “After years and years of illegal and unconstitutional federal efforts to restrict free expression, I will also sign an executive order to immediately stop all censorship and bring back free speech to America.” What Trump is referring to is summarized in his executive order, “Restoring Free Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” asserting: “Over the last four years, the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve.” Under the guise of combatting ‘misinformation,’ `disinformation’ and ‘malinformation,’ the Federal Government infringed on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States.”  Despite its presence In the egregious pile of Donald Trumps otherwise deeply frightening Executive Orders assaulting logic and decency, both Scheer and Lauria, who edit internet publications that have been targeted in this manner, argue that this particular executive order is a gem of sharp brilliance that should not be shunned for the 

The wildfires in Los Angeles county have brought a multitude of difficult and prevailing questions to the forefront of the region as well as the system of capitalism. Joining host Robert Scheer on this episode of the Scheer Intelligence podcast is Jacobin Magazine columnist Ben Burgis to discuss writer Mike Davis and how his book, “The Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster,” (February 1998) serves as a kind of prognosis for everything going wrong in Los Angeles today. The two dissect the multitude of issues at play in the wildfire disasters: the conceit of real estate developers testing the limits of nature, the passive and active exploitation of the working class to make and now handle the disaster, the greed of for-profit insurance companies cancelling policies, and the decisions by a major county like Los Angeles in foregoing budgets to handle these inevitable disasters. Burgis asks, “If the public is just frankly going to be on the hook for it, do we, in fact, need to be building this densely in areas this prone to fire? I think at the very least, that's something that should be a question for public discussion in a way that it's just not.”

The American saber-rattling against China has been increasing almost as fast as China’s own development in the past few years. China’s economic prosperity and international influence is undeniable yet American politicians continue to treat their rise as a threat to their global hegemony. Joining host Robert Scheer on this episode of Scheer Intelligence is Megan Russell, a writer, academic and CODEPINK's China is Not Our Enemy Campaign Coordinator. Scheer is quick to point out the intergenerational dynamic between his own work on China as a fellow in the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s and Russell’s recent experience living in China and studying in Shanghai. Both witnessed and experienced the American perspective of China and how it has continued to undermine it. Scheer and Russell focus on her latest article, which calls out New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman for his portrayal of China and how his deficient op-ed mirrors the broader perception of China in the United States. While many may think that China is an authoritarian country with people living under the heel of Xi Jinping, the actual material conditions of its population are often left out. “Something [people] don't talk about enough, in my opinion, is how China managed to eradicate extreme poverty. And that's not just a minimum income level, it also means access to food, to clothes, healthcare, clean housing, free education. It means infrastructure, means functioning systems,” Russell says. People also point to working conditions and the outsourcing of American jobs to China as a means of attacking them. To this, Russell explains, “All China has done is use the system in place to develop and try to provide opportunities to its incredibly vast population, while still maintaining its proto-socialist policies. It's us that has exported the production of all our goods to make a few more dollars.” In the end, the US stands to lose, not only in a trade war, but also in the climate aspect, since China has also made great strides towards combatting the climate crisis. Russell cites their plan of reaching carbon neutrality by 2060 and tells Scheer, “China has really undergone this internal green energy revolution, doing far more than any other country to combat climate change.”

*This episode originally aired on December 21, 2018.This is part two of a two-part interview. To listen to part one, click here.In part two of this two-part interview, Death Row inmate Kevin Cooper, once coming within four hours of execution, details how he copes with the daily torment of impending death as his legal team fights to prove his innocence with new exonerating evidence Gov. Jerry Brown has refused to allow to be examined. For the past 33 Christmas holidays, Kevin Cooper has inhabited an 11-by-4 ½-foot cell in California's San Quentin State Prison, the last eight waiting for Brown to grant him a new hearing and advanced DNA testing that would support what federal Appellate Judge William C. Fletcher has said: “Kevin Cooper is on Death Row because the San Bernardino sheriff’s department framed him.” Cooper, at the top of the list to be killed when the state resumes executions, talks to Robert Scheer in the latest installment of "Scheer Intelligence" about the unfairness of the justice system and the difficulty of proving one’s innocence once convicted: “”Whenever you have a judge that comes forward and stands up and says no, this person innocent…this person was framed, we need to take that serious as a society.” He discusses his ongoing struggle to preserve his basic humanity: "I’ve been blessed, in a sick sense of the word. I’ve been cursed by putting me here, but while I’m in here, I’ve been blessed, because there are a lot of death row inmates who commit suicide every time you turn around. They took a guy past this cage last night on a gurney, ‘cause he was ‘man down’...Don’t know if he lived or died. But they’ve been committing suicide up here, they’ve been killing each other up here. All types of craziness has been going on up in here."  Cooper explains how he has kept hope alive when he could so easily succumb to desperation and despair.  He paints, writes and reads voraciously but is most passionate when speaking out against the death penalty: "When you find yourself in a fight that is bigger than you—[capital punishment] affects the lives of many people—and you can do something to help in that fight, you can’t give up...You can’t stop, you can’t quit. You just can’t do it...I did not choose this, to speak out against the death penalty; I didn’t. This [struggle] chose me."

Much needed attention has been brought upon the for-profit health insurance industry in the wake of the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Personal stories about people’s tragic experiences involving not only UnitedHealthcare but many other insurance companies have spelled out a deeper issue that resonates across the American political spectrum. Sean Morrow, a journalist and writer for More Perfect Union—a nonprofit newsroom that focuses on working class issues—has gained significant attention lately as a result of the shooting. Morrow joins host Robert Scheer on this episode of Scheer Intelligence to further elaborate on the issues millions of Americans are facing and why Brian Thompson’s assassination led to such a widespread public reaction. Morrow dives into some of his reporting, which has dealt with the internal processes behind the health insurance system. Among insurance companies, there is a consolidation process in the form of vertical integration. Companies like UnitedHealthcare can own multiple parts of the healthcare process and thus set up toll booths along each route people can expect to take. “They'll have pharmacy benefit manager companies, they'll have data companies, and then they kind of own this entire system, so that they're always routing you through there,” Morrow says.  “If you have a health issue, you could theoretically be giving UnitedHealthcare a little bit of money from every step of the process. And they're their own vendors in all of that,” he explains. “The system's not broken. The system's working as it's intended,” Morrow tells Scheer. The system, Morrow says, is intended “to funnel more and more money to a certain handful of people at the cost of all others.” Despite the legality of this system, the rigging of it against the interests of the working class is what enables their suffering as well as their anger against it.

The assassination of Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare insurance company, has prompted a national reckoning of how corporate entities commit crimes on a daily basis and are not only not punished but rewarded for their profit-making prowess. Many point to Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin, as an example of vigilante justice, murdering someone who is responsible for the deaths of thousands who are denied medical care. Joining host Robert Scheer on this episode of Scheer Intelligence is Anthony Grasso, professor of political science at Rutgers University and author of the new book, “Dual Justice: America’s Divergent Approaches to Street and Corporate Crime.” The book, published a day before the assassination, dives into how the justice system is really set up in two separate ways which Grasso describes as “poor people, people of color, we want to crack down on them.” But as Donald Trump puts it, when he doesn’t pay his taxes, he’s not a criminal, he’s smart. The criminal justice system fails ordinary people by bypassing the criminal activity occurring in corporate boardrooms. “A lot of corporate actions that are legalized or regulated, things like denials of life saving medical care that companies make in pursuit of profit maximization,” Grasso says. “We don't understand these things as crimes. We say these are byproducts of business decision making. It comes down to the U.S. being rooted in the principles of capitalism and how those with the wealth and power to be in positions that affect the lives of thousands can harm them as long as they follow the rules. “You can prioritize profit maximization over human life. You can deny people coverage because it increases shareholder value maximization,” Grasso tells Scheer. “Those things are okay, as long as you're doing it within the regulatory confines we give you."

Though one can debate the reasons, statistics and precedent of nuclear war, what is often left out of the conversation is the reality of it: destruction of the world as a whole. In her new immersive art experience titled, “Any War, Any Enemy,” immersive artist Lena Herzog throws this reality literally right in the faces of viewers. The film can uniquely be experienced via virtual reality as well as a traditional screen and it plainly shows what nuclear war looks like. Herzog begins the film with a quote stating nuclear war is not war. She tells host Robert Scheer on this episode of Scheer Intelligence that she begins with this because “the word ‘war’ is disorienting, because in war, you can have a battle, you can lose a battle, you can win a war. You cannot win a nuclear exchange. It's omnicide. It's not war.” Part of a trilogy which tries to invoke art in a novel form, the film follows "Last Whispers," another piece of immersive art that focuses on the destruction of language. For “Any War, Any Enemy,” Herzog wants people to “experience [nuclear war] inside the frame, to feel it in the fiber of your being.” For Scheer, the film’s power comes from viscerally showing the reality most people have no idea will happen in the event of a nuclear war. “You are forced to be immersed into an environment where your voice means nothing, your brain means nothing, your eyes mean nothing, because this weapon has destroyed any means of sustaining life,” Scheer says. “So you are these figures floating around in the water dead.” Foreign policy discussions centering around the U.S., Russia, China, Israel and others become moot points as Herzog points out, “This is a question of existence versus nonexistence.” Scheer and Herzog agree that the time for nuclear disarmament is now. As opposed to the middle of the 20th century with the Cuban Missile Crisis, where leaders had hours and days to talk about any provocations and would actually speak to one another. Nowadays, leaders avoid each other and the response time to any kind of strike, Herzog says, “it's 90 seconds. It's four minutes.”