Please keep all top level comments limited to unique podcast recommendations, including the title, summary, and links to the feed or website. Fell free to discuss the shows in the replies.
Don’t forget to upvote the shows you enjoy so others can find them!
Citations Needed is a podcast about the intersection of media, PR, and power, hosted by Nima Shirazi and Adam Johnson.
97
culdrought [he/him] - 5.4yr
Official podcast of this lemmy instance
39
Sushi_Desires - 5.3yr
This is a good one. Specifically, I would recommend showing the Mike Rowe episode to all your liberal and apolitical friends. Every time I bring this topic up to my family they refuse to accept that he is some sort of republican 'agent.' Hopefully I will trap them in the car at some for a trip long enough where I will force them to listen.
10
SmartPerson [he/him] - 5.4yr
If there was one podcast I could (successfully) convince more people to listen to, it would be Citations Needed.
7
MasterShakeVoice [undecided] - 4.4yr
This is almost certainly a very good podcast on all relevant levels, but when I see a title like "the post-neoliberal ad-hominisation of the reverse mortgage non-discouse" or "the soft de-radicalisation of centering managerial loss-prevention perspectives" my inner organs rebel and cease to function. It's like when zero-irony people see a Don Hughes tweet. I'm not clicking on that.
The only non-pedophile podcast focused on uncovering the truth of the Epstein conspiracy. Join unlicensed private investigators Liz Franczak, Brace Belden, & @yung-chomsky in their journey digging through the Ep-Files.
A podcast-with-slides about engineering disasters. Featuring Justin Rozniak / donoteat01 (the Franklin guy)'s engineering expertise, Trash Future's Alice Caldwell-Kelly's jaded sarcasm, and I dunno, Justin's roommate or something. About one in four episodes will make you want to pitchfork some capitalists, and the rest are very funny.
Description: Chapo Trap House is an American political podcast founded in March 2016 and hosted by Will Menaker, Matt Christman, Felix Biederman, Amber A'Lee Frost, and Virgil Texas. The show is produced by Chris Wade and formerly by Brendan James. The podcast is strongly associated with the dirtbag left, a term coined by Frost to refer to a style of contentious left-wing political discourse that eschews civility for its own sake in favor of vulgarity.
30
SerLava [he/him] - 5.4yr
Sweet I'll have to check it out.
37
hexaflexagonbear [he/him] - 5.4yr
Alright I'll bite, who is chapo trap house?
20
lib2 - 5.4yr
Chapo trap house is a pseudonym used by Gwen Snyder
The only good boomers share deep knowledge of geopolitics and military history and also complain about travelling and family troubles
27
PorkrollPosadist [he/him, they/them] - 5.4yr
I'm recently unemployed and had to cut all of my Patreon subscriptions, but this is the one I kept. There are a lot of great - absolutely great - shows being produced, but there is something unique about this one.
a podcast about business success and making yourself smarter with the continued psychic trauma of capitalism by @raaleh, @HKesvani, @milo_edwards, @inthesedeserts and @aliceavizandum
There’s a reason the History Channel has produced hundreds of documentaries about Hitler but only a few about Dwight D. Eisenhower. Bad guys (and gals) are eternally fascinating. Behind the removed dives in past the Cliffs Notes of the worst humans in history and exposes the bizarre realities of their lives. Listeners will learn about the young adult novels that helped Hitler form his monstrous ideology, the founder of Blackwater’s insane quest to build his own Air Force, the bizarre lives of the sons and daughters of dictators and Saddam Hussein’s side career as a trashy romance novelist.
23
Necco [any] - 5.4yr
Ah the filter caught that word because of its ending not the word itself. I’ll push a change
19
AndroidWhale [he/him] - 5.4yr
All Cops Are removed
19
PorkrollPosadist [he/him, they/them] - 5.4yr
That makes sense.
3
PorkrollPosadist [he/him, they/them] - 5.4yr
Behind the removed, huh? :soviet-hmm:
We might want to revisit the slur regex after we get going and add/remove things as we see fit. Great podcast though. Robert Evans is a really cool dude.
14
Helmic [he/him] - 5.4yr
Oh lovely, the word filter even mucks up the URL. Search for "Robert Evans podcast" and you'll probably find it.
EYES LEFT is a military podcast hosted by two anti-war Army veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Spenser Rapone and Mike Prysner, covering issues from a left-wing and socialist perspective.
EYES LEFT gives updates and progressive commentary on military news, war developments, failings of military leadership, veterans’ issues, radical military history, and how US troops can resist Trump and US foreign policy.
Some funny lefty lawyers (including Rich Lather of twitter fame) talk about how awful laywers are and discuss some really dumb lawsuits
21
slevin [none/use name] - 5.4yr
As a frequent visitor of BestOfLegalAdvice to hate-read about the legal system, and the people who choose to dedicate their life to it, this sounds right up my ally. Thanks for the rec.
5
culdrought [he/him] - 5.4yr
Also check out 5-4. A bunch of lefty lawyers including the_law_boy of Twitter fame talk about landmark supreme court cases and why the supreme court sucks.
3
slevin [none/use name] - 5.4yr
thanks, will add it to the list
2
steely_its_a_dildo [any] - 5.4yr
it's like if BOLA was good and the lawyers at least remember what morals are.
Anarchist, anti-sectarian podcast that grew out of the host's experiences with the Occupy movement and the dysfunctional sectarianism that ultimately caused it to fall apart. Chill, wholesome, and absurdly well edited, with episodes typically consisting of the hosts Shawn and Aaron discussing theory interspersed with silly skits that demonstrate that theory.
They also host a book club that's currently going through a series of essays each week to make it easier for people to jump in, and anyone's welcome to join if they request an invite.
15
hogposting [he/him,comrade/them] - 5.4yr
They also have an outstanding episode on prison abolition. It's far better than most of the prison abolition literature I've found, because it squarely addresses the "well what about murderers/other violent criminals" question and goes into significant detail about how an alternative justice system could function. Calling for such a radical change is far more effective when you talk about how to do things better, not just the problems with the current system.
9
marxisthayaca [he/him,they/them] - 5.4yr
where would i go to ask for an invite?
2
Helmic [he/him] - 5.4yr
DM me on the Discord and I'll try to nab one. Or you can subscribe to their Patreon to not need a current member of the book club to vouch for you.
1
fuckwit [none/use name] - 4.6yr
Hey I know this is a shot in the dark but can I get an invite?
1
Helmic [he/him] - 4.6yr
Sent to your DM's.
1
fuckwit [none/use name] - 4.6yr
Thank you, + for getting for getting back to me!
1
BriezyBee [she/her,comrade/them] - 5.2yr
love this one. when people are like, "well what does a utopia look like" they take you there (or dystopia) in a fun way.
a podcast about huffin leef and political shrieking
I really like this one. It's like chapo but way better
17
NonWonderDog [he/him] - 5.4yr
It's basically this place in podcast form.
11
Zoltanu [none/use name] - 5.4yr
It's not a leftist podcast at all, but Revolutions by Mike Duncan is a history podcast series that covers some great times of leftist ideas. Season 3 is the French revolution, 6 is the July revolution, 7 is the spring of the people, 8 is the Paris Commune, 9 is the Mexican revolution (Zapatistas), and 10 is currently coming out and is on the Russian revolution.
The first 8 episodes of season 10 are a history of Socialism, communism, and anarchism. There are episodes like Historical Materialism, The Three Pillars of Marxism, The Adventures of Mikhail Bakunin. This is not a leftist podcast at all, and tries to take an unbiased historical approach, but there's always some bias.
16
PorkrollPosadist [he/him, they/them] - 5.4yr
Revolutions may not be a leftist podcast, but Revolutions is the podcast that turned me into a leftist.
10
SmartPerson [he/him] - 5.4yr
I listened to those episodes near the release date (and subsequently fell off from listening because I couldn't remember all the hundreds of important people week-to-week) but those episodes about the history of socialism were super great. Mike did a great job of concisely laying out the founding tenants.
Working People: A podcast by, for, and about the working class today (now in partnership with In These Times magazine)
Working People is a podcast about working-class lives in 21st-century America. In every episode you'll hear interviews with workers from around the country, from all walks of life. We'll talk about their life stories, their jobs, politics, and families, their joys and hopes and frustrations. Overall, Working People aims to share and celebrate the diverse stories of working-class people, to remind ourselves that our stories matter, and to build a sense of shared struggle and solidarity between workers around the country.
Welcome to Boonta Vista. It’s a comedy podcast! It's a show about Australia sometimes! We cover the important topics: what are those clowns in Canberra up to? Can nonna be used for military blast testing? Is Bigfoot circumcised?
Ashes Ashes is a show about systemic issues, cracks in civilization, collapse of the environment, and if we’re unlucky the end of the world. The name is borrowed from the nursery rhyme “Ring a Ring o’ Roses,” a song that children sing while spinning in a circle before collapsing on the floor in heaps of laughter. Some claim that the lyrics were written in response to England’s Great Plague and Black Death, and the line Ashes! Ashes! We all fall down is interpreted as death and the cremation of bodies. Although apocryphal, this interpretation is fitting for our times. While human civilization owes its existence to the unimaginable wealth that nature freely provides, our current growth trajectory is increasingly being fueled by the direct erosion of biodiversity, ecosystem services, cultural heritage, and more, effectively cannibalizing our future for the sake of short-term “progress.” Our show is dedicated to understanding this process, and illustrating its many forms, which includes everything from environmental destruction and unsustainable economic extraction to social atomization and isolation. Although these themes may appear dark, awareness is what can help open the door to collective action through which the strength of our communities can prevent the great falling down of life as we know it.
Rebel Steps is a podcast for anyone who wants to take political action and doesn’t know exactly where to get started. It guides listeners through actions that go beyond protesting and calling your representatives. Season 1 offers insights into how individuals can join movements. Season 2 focuses on the ways people can work together to build these movements. We’ve focused on three goals: taking action, building skills, and onboarding.
We created this podcast in recognition that there are a number of podcasts for the American “left,” but many of them focus heavily on the organizing of social democrats, progressives, and liberal democrats. Aside from that, on the left we are always fighting a war of ideas and if we do not continue to build platforms to share those ideas and the stories of their implementation from a leftist perspective, they will continue to be ignored, misrepresented, and dismissed by the capitalist media and as a result by the general public. Our goal is to provide a platform for communists, anti-imperialists, Black Liberation movements, ancoms, left libertarians, LBGTQ activists, feminists, immigration activists, and abolitionists to discuss radical politics, radical organizing and share their visions for a better world. Our goal is to center organizers who represent and work with marginalized communities building survival programs, defense programs, political education, and counterpower. We also plan to bring in perspectives on and from the global south to highlight anti-capitalist struggles outside the imperial core. We view solidarity with decolonization, indigenous, anti-imperialist, environmentalist, socialist, and anarchist movements across the world as necessary steps toward meaningful liberation for all people.
A revolutionary Maoist (MLM) perspective from a black communist. Supporter of the PCR-RCP.
10
BriezyBee [she/her,comrade/them] - 5.2yr
love me some Horror Vanguard. its the GHOST, i mean GOAT.
3
Revmyasshole [none/use name] - 5.4yr
New on mass ep dropping soon, and I can’t wait
3
PrincessMagnificent [they/them, any] - 5.4yr
I don't know what's more rare, a new On Mass episode or a new Hbomberguy video
1
marxisthayaca [he/him,they/them] - 5.4yr
niiiiice.
1
AndroidWhale [he/him] - 5.4yr
The Magnificast is a podcast by a Catholic in the Communist Party of Canada and a Protestant in the DSA. My favorite stuff of theirs is about how Christians have participated in revolutionary movements historically. Their episodes on James Connolly's Catholicism and the Three-Self Movement in the PRC are good in that regard, if you're interested in that sort of thing.
Each week, comedian Dave Anthony (of history podcast The Dollop) and screenwriter Josh Olsen (A History of Violence) watch and discuss an episode of The West Wing.
Josh and Dave are heavily critical of the centrist politics of the show, the rampant misogyny, and the lazy writing of Aaron Sorkin.
Humorous , sometimes scary analysis of Alex Jones and his orbit of right wing grifters. I resisted recommendations from friends for this pod for a while because I figured "why do I need to listen to a podcast to know that Alex Jones is lying and his listeners are dumb." When I finally gave it a try, I never looked back.
The hosts work very hard. They release two or three episodes a week, and these episodes have no set length. Some are 45 minutes; some are over 3 hours. There are two hosts. One does all of the work and research and is really into logic and being reasonable. The other shouts a lot and frequently says things that break chapochat's code of conduct. They have great chemistry and are really likable in different ways.
Mostly, this podcast's just for fun. However, it has given me some insight into how the personalities in the rightwing grift-o-sphere make up a complex web of life. After listening to this for a while, I realize a lot of what Fox News pushes is right wing talking points laundered from less "reputable" sources like Infowars. And that's hilarious, if disturbing, as the origins of THOSE talking points boils down to rich idiots completely making up shit to scam poor idiots out of their money.
8
PrincessMagnificent [they/them, any] - 5.4yr
While it isn't the main topic, my favorite KF episodes are when they abandon Alex altogether and set sail for the wonderful land of Project Camelot, where an intrepid researcher interviews an imprisoned war hero and veteran of the Secret Space Program. Here you will discover the real forces behind the Vietnam War - beetle aliens being controlled by spider aliens - and the real reason for the wars in the middle east - raptors, when not eating people for their chocolate or starring in Jurassic Park movies, are fighting with reptilians over the stargates buried in the desert sands.
Living bioships, wise catgirl contessas, all of these things will be revealed to you by a trustworthy military veteran who is definitely not just a guy in jail for life for murdering a guy in the 80's.
4
BriezyBee [she/her,comrade/them] - 5.2yr
shit has been rough on this podcast lately because Alex Jones really reveals the dark underbelly of the the humorously insane conspiracy theories out there. it's Nazi shit. but besides that, boy they show you how to laugh at it. helpful stuff, but i hope they're taking care, listening to so much Alex Jones can't be a good thing. lol
Michael S. Judge, a slightly paranoid, borderline dead, Pynchon fanatic talks about all kinds of stuff. 3 episode series starting at #79 about Iran/Contra is the place to start, and the episode about Watergate is a good follow up - his Nixon impression is beautiful. He was on TrueAnon recently, too.
2 criminal defence attorneys discussing high profile cases. Not really leftist at all, but there is some good discussion on criminal justice reform issues. They've also covered Breona Taylor and Rodney King recently, and have covered a few other homicides by cops in the past.
two canadians started an irony michael moore fan podcast to review his movies now that they have gone further left than him. They aren't communists by any means, but it's leftish and mostly focuses on film criticism so they are unlikely to trip over their dicks when talking politics. The reason I bring this up is in a q&a, one of them basically said the nordic model is socialism to him basically and then the other glibly stated that maintaining capitalism is important as an ironic joke even though it basically describes what the other said. TBF, there was more to it, but he seemed particularly impressed with the nordic model.
one thing they do exceptionally well that most podcasts aren't that great at is irony. in a sea of irony, this is somehow still a rare commodity. TBH, I am not sure that I have actually LOL'd irl, but I find it nice to listen to.
I've been listening to it so much that I just about wrote, "I should mention..." which I am pretty sure is a vocal tic of one of the hosts.
Some of my favorite episodes have been what they describe as, "politics, what a concept!" They've reviewed two 'docus' by Nancy Pelosi's daughter. First where she was on the campaign trail with GWB and her impression was basically, "gosh, how can you not like him?" and another one where she travelled to trup country and found a bunch of people that were willing to say on camera what she already believed trump voters believe.
I also learned a funny way to look at libs. they like to bear witness to suffering, but ultimately do nothing. They didn't come up with it, but it's a point they bring up often and for good reason.
now watch this drive
6
ElGosso [he/him] - 5.3yr
The Antifada:
Your favorite Ultra-Left-Post-Posadist-Nihilist-Anarcho-Communist-Bordiga-Adjacent comedy and politics podcast. #UnrestIsBest
With Jamie Peck, Sean, AP Andy and a rotating cast of guests.
An occult podcast for leftists and a leftist podcast for witches. Black Banner Magic is a member of the Revolutionary Left Radio network.
Episodes include:
Mutual Aid Magick
Sigil Magic with the Anarchawitch
Antifa Satanism and the Order of The Raven
Cat Bee and the Marxist Mage
Soviet TV Psychics with Hannah Gais
5
slevin [none/use name] - 5.4yr
Since discovering Your Kickstarter Sucks, I've barely been listening to anything else. This is a very very bad pitch of the show, but for me, it scratches the same itch cumtown did, without all the ironic bigotry.
5
hexaflexagonbear [he/him] - 5.4yr
Can't not love a podcast that the entire fanbase hates as a bit.
3
Helmic [he/him] - 5.4yr
As a bit?
6
Vulpes [he/him] - 5.4yr
Since I am a degenerate, I am going to recommend a gaming podcast.
Watch Out for Fireballs is a games club (a la a book club) podcast which has been running for more than 10 years. The hosts Gary and Kole seem like really great people, and they've got excellent chemistry so even 4 hour shows feel like they fly by. They're both good leftists (listening to the evolution of their political comments over the 10+ year run of the show might sound familiar to many), and host annual charity drives for the Trans-Active Gender Centre in Portland and immigrant rights charities (also a stream to raise money for Bernie back when he was gonna win). They've got a bunch of other great shows on the network (the Lovecraft movie adaptation series is a personal favourite) and their $10 Patreon tier is probably the best dollar to entertainment hour value in my media habit.
They've covered all 3 Bioshock games, and these are probably good places to start.
Horror Vanguard is a podcast about analyzing horror films from a leftist perspective to look at the messages they have to say about our current world and lived experiences under capitalism flavored by white supremacy and patriarchy. Shout out to my favorite episode so far, A Slasher in the Panopticon, which looks at Carpenter's Halloween as a dialogue about the nature of suburbia as a bourgeois construct and the nature of policing.
Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill is a personal favorite of mine.
3
AngusMcAnus [he/him] - 4.8yr
Corner Späti, a podcast about German/European politics (in English of course). They're not the funniest Chapo knockoff, but they have gotten better at this over time, and they're always informative anyway. Some of my favorite episodes include:
This is Hell is a weekly longform political interview program broadcast across Chicago on WNUR since 1996.
Every Saturday morning, Chuck Mertz works off his news hangover by talking to the journalists, authors and activists working to make this world a slightly less hellish place. Expect in-depth conversations about the forces that drive politics, and gallows humor about a world with more questions than answers.
3
BriezyBee [she/her,comrade/them] - 5.2yr
love, this is hell! great tunes, great dudes, great hangover cures, and best yet, great interviews. the best "bong-hitting journalism" around.
Really deep and well researched. Also, I'm getting left-leaning vibes from the guy, he has a very humanist approach to the subject, highlighting gay, black, indigenous and female pirates. There's like 180 episodes, if you're into pirates, give it a try.
The guy from pod damn america and his much smarter co-host talk about stuff from a left and latin perspective, it's pretty good
1
Spongebobsquarejuche [none/use name] - 2.2yr
Cool Story Guys
Cool Story Guys is a creative writing podcast and fantasy adventure audiobook where major plot points are determined by RPG-style dice rolls.
https://www.coolstoryguys.com/
A leftist's guide to the conservative movement, one podcast episode at a time, with co-hosts Matthew Sitman and Sam Adler-Bell.
Know Your Enemy explores the key figures, arguments, texts, and ideas of conservatism from the left, with an eye toward learning from our opponents. Co-hosts Matthew Sitman (an editor at Commonweal and Dissent contributor) and Sam Adler-Bell (a writer for The Intercept, The Outline, Commonweal, and elsewhere) dive into the swamp of right-wing thought so you don’t have to, taking conservative ideas seriously but not uncritically. Sitman, a former conservative, offers insight about how conservatives see themselves, while Adler-Bell, practically a red-diaper baby, is attuned to the left’s own pathologies and hang-ups.
Radio Free Humanity is a podcast covering news, politics and philosophy from a Marxist-Humanist perspective. It is co-hosted by Brendan Cooney and Andrew Kliman. We intend to release new episodes every two weeks.
PorkrollPosadist in podcasts
Community Podcast Recommendations
Share your favorite podcasts, folks.
Please keep all top level comments limited to unique podcast recommendations, including the title, summary, and links to the feed or website. Fell free to discuss the shows in the replies.
Don’t forget to upvote the shows you enjoy so others can find them!
Sort by top to see the "best of all time".
Citations Needed
Official podcast of this lemmy instance
This is a good one. Specifically, I would recommend showing the Mike Rowe episode to all your liberal and apolitical friends. Every time I bring this topic up to my family they refuse to accept that he is some sort of republican 'agent.' Hopefully I will trap them in the car at some for a trip long enough where I will force them to listen.
If there was one podcast I could (successfully) convince more people to listen to, it would be Citations Needed.
This is almost certainly a very good podcast on all relevant levels, but when I see a title like "the post-neoliberal ad-hominisation of the reverse mortgage non-discouse" or "the soft de-radicalisation of centering managerial loss-prevention perspectives" my inner organs rebel and cease to function. It's like when zero-irony people see a Don Hughes tweet. I'm not clicking on that.
TrueAnon
The only non-pedophile podcast focused on uncovering the truth of the Epstein conspiracy. Join unlicensed private investigators Liz Franczak, Brace Belden, & @yung-chomsky in their journey digging through the Ep-Files.
anyone who doesn't listen to trueanon is a pedo
Allegedly.
Brace noise.
Replying to a year-old comment? That's cray-see
Rev Left Radio
Description A leftist podcast about philosophy, current events, and revolutionary politics. Operating out of a bunker somewhere on the Great Plains.
Love Breht. Too many eps lately though that are just another angle on "Psychedelics, Meditation and Communism"
Definitely one of my favorites.
It literally has an episode on like everything, its a great tool to learn about historical events and leftist ideology from a marxist perspective.
pardon the necro but I had to rep this, it's one of my favorite podcasts at the moment.
Well There's Your Problem
A podcast-with-slides about engineering disasters. Featuring Justin Rozniak / donoteat01 (the Franklin guy)'s engineering expertise, Trash Future's Alice Caldwell-Kelly's jaded sarcasm, and I dunno, Justin's roommate or something. About one in four episodes will make you want to pitchfork some capitalists, and the rest are very funny.
I read all of that in Justin's voice.
yes.
Trillbilly Worker's Party
I enjoy it because I don't have to listen to some goddanged coastal elites tell me about socialism
Chapo Trap House
Description: Chapo Trap House is an American political podcast founded in March 2016 and hosted by Will Menaker, Matt Christman, Felix Biederman, Amber A'Lee Frost, and Virgil Texas. The show is produced by Chris Wade and formerly by Brendan James. The podcast is strongly associated with the dirtbag left, a term coined by Frost to refer to a style of contentious left-wing political discourse that eschews civility for its own sake in favor of vulgarity.
Sweet I'll have to check it out.
Alright I'll bite, who is chapo trap house?
Chapo trap house is a pseudonym used by Gwen Snyder
:downbear:
Radio War Nerd
The only good boomers share deep knowledge of geopolitics and military history and also complain about travelling and family troubles
I'm recently unemployed and had to cut all of my Patreon subscriptions, but this is the one I kept. There are a lot of great - absolutely great - shows being produced, but there is something unique about this one.
The only podcast I pay for, and it's worth it.
TrashFuture
Behind the Bastards
Ah the filter caught that word because of its ending not the word itself. I’ll push a change
All Cops Are removed
That makes sense.
Behind the removed, huh? :soviet-hmm:
We might want to revisit the slur regex after we get going and add/remove things as we see fit. Great podcast though. Robert Evans is a really cool dude.
Oh lovely, the word filter even mucks up the URL. Search for "Robert Evans podcast" and you'll probably find it.
Behind the bastards folks.
Woo, the filter got fixed! Thanks!
Eyes Left
EYES LEFT is a military podcast hosted by two anti-war Army veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Spenser Rapone and Mike Prysner, covering issues from a left-wing and socialist perspective.
EYES LEFT gives updates and progressive commentary on military news, war developments, failings of military leadership, veterans’ issues, radical military history, and how US troops can resist Trump and US foreign policy.
ALAB
Some funny lefty lawyers (including Rich Lather of twitter fame) talk about how awful laywers are and discuss some really dumb lawsuits
As a frequent visitor of BestOfLegalAdvice to hate-read about the legal system, and the people who choose to dedicate their life to it, this sounds right up my ally. Thanks for the rec.
Also check out 5-4. A bunch of lefty lawyers including the_law_boy of Twitter fame talk about landmark supreme court cases and why the supreme court sucks.
thanks, will add it to the list
it's like if BOLA was good and the lawyers at least remember what morals are.
Srsly Wrong
Anarchist, anti-sectarian podcast that grew out of the host's experiences with the Occupy movement and the dysfunctional sectarianism that ultimately caused it to fall apart. Chill, wholesome, and absurdly well edited, with episodes typically consisting of the hosts Shawn and Aaron discussing theory interspersed with silly skits that demonstrate that theory.
Their Library Socialism series is probably their best stuff and a great starting point for understanding their style.
They also host a book club that's currently going through a series of essays each week to make it easier for people to jump in, and anyone's welcome to join if they request an invite.
They also have an outstanding episode on prison abolition. It's far better than most of the prison abolition literature I've found, because it squarely addresses the "well what about murderers/other violent criminals" question and goes into significant detail about how an alternative justice system could function. Calling for such a radical change is far more effective when you talk about how to do things better, not just the problems with the current system.
where would i go to ask for an invite?
DM me on the Discord and I'll try to nab one. Or you can subscribe to their Patreon to not need a current member of the book club to vouch for you.
Hey I know this is a shot in the dark but can I get an invite?
Sent to your DM's.
Thank you, + for getting for getting back to me!
love this one. when people are like, "well what does a utopia look like" they take you there (or dystopia) in a fun way.
https://blowback.show/
Blowback, a 10 episode podcast with a leftist perspective on the Iraq War, aka a truthful one. Co-hosted by Brendan James of Chapo Trap House.
I'm actually about two episodes in so far, and I absolutely love this podcast.
Well there’s your problem is great
car bad train good
Beep Beep Lettuce
I really like this one. It's like chapo but way better
It's basically this place in podcast form.
It's not a leftist podcast at all, but Revolutions by Mike Duncan is a history podcast series that covers some great times of leftist ideas. Season 3 is the French revolution, 6 is the July revolution, 7 is the spring of the people, 8 is the Paris Commune, 9 is the Mexican revolution (Zapatistas), and 10 is currently coming out and is on the Russian revolution.
The first 8 episodes of season 10 are a history of Socialism, communism, and anarchism. There are episodes like Historical Materialism, The Three Pillars of Marxism, The Adventures of Mikhail Bakunin. This is not a leftist podcast at all, and tries to take an unbiased historical approach, but there's always some bias.
Revolutions may not be a leftist podcast, but Revolutions is the podcast that turned me into a leftist.
I listened to those episodes near the release date (and subsequently fell off from listening because I couldn't remember all the hundreds of important people week-to-week) but those episodes about the history of socialism were super great. Mike did a great job of concisely laying out the founding tenants.
You forgot the Haitian Revolution.
Srsly Wrong
research based comedy podcast; utopian ecosocialism; pretty good show
Working People
Hosted by Maximilian Alvarez.
Moderate Rebels
This one is essential.
Moderate Rebels is a political podcast and video show hosted by journalists Max Blumenthal and Ben Norton.
Max is decent. Norton is a blowhard
Street Fight Radio
If someone wants an intro to the show the newest ep encapsulates everything they're about really well
General Intellect Unit
Hosted by two Cybernetic Marxists. Examining the intersection of Technology, (Left) Politics, and Philosophy.
That seems right up my alley, I'll check it out
Boontavista
Ashes Ashes
Rebel Steps
Horror Vanguard
Revolutions
Coffee with Comrades
Marx Madness
Millenials are Killing Capitalism
On Mass
love me some Horror Vanguard. its the GHOST, i mean GOAT.
New on mass ep dropping soon, and I can’t wait
I don't know what's more rare, a new On Mass episode or a new Hbomberguy video
niiiiice.
The Magnificast is a podcast by a Catholic in the Communist Party of Canada and a Protestant in the DSA. My favorite stuff of theirs is about how Christians have participated in revolutionary movements historically. Their episodes on James Connolly's Catholicism and the Three-Self Movement in the PRC are good in that regard, if you're interested in that sort of thing.
The West Wing Thing
Each week, comedian Dave Anthony (of history podcast The Dollop) and screenwriter Josh Olsen (A History of Violence) watch and discuss an episode of The West Wing.
Josh and Dave are heavily critical of the centrist politics of the show, the rampant misogyny, and the lazy writing of Aaron Sorkin.
Here's a more in-depth summary of the podcast: https://bookandfilmglobe.com/podcasts/podcast-review-the-west-wing-thing/
Knowledge Fight
https://knowledgefight.com/
Humorous , sometimes scary analysis of Alex Jones and his orbit of right wing grifters. I resisted recommendations from friends for this pod for a while because I figured "why do I need to listen to a podcast to know that Alex Jones is lying and his listeners are dumb." When I finally gave it a try, I never looked back.
The hosts work very hard. They release two or three episodes a week, and these episodes have no set length. Some are 45 minutes; some are over 3 hours. There are two hosts. One does all of the work and research and is really into logic and being reasonable. The other shouts a lot and frequently says things that break chapochat's code of conduct. They have great chemistry and are really likable in different ways.
Mostly, this podcast's just for fun. However, it has given me some insight into how the personalities in the rightwing grift-o-sphere make up a complex web of life. After listening to this for a while, I realize a lot of what Fox News pushes is right wing talking points laundered from less "reputable" sources like Infowars. And that's hilarious, if disturbing, as the origins of THOSE talking points boils down to rich idiots completely making up shit to scam poor idiots out of their money.
While it isn't the main topic, my favorite KF episodes are when they abandon Alex altogether and set sail for the wonderful land of Project Camelot, where an intrepid researcher interviews an imprisoned war hero and veteran of the Secret Space Program. Here you will discover the real forces behind the Vietnam War - beetle aliens being controlled by spider aliens - and the real reason for the wars in the middle east - raptors, when not eating people for their chocolate or starring in Jurassic Park movies, are fighting with reptilians over the stargates buried in the desert sands.
Living bioships, wise catgirl contessas, all of these things will be revealed to you by a trustworthy military veteran who is definitely not just a guy in jail for life for murdering a guy in the 80's.
shit has been rough on this podcast lately because Alex Jones really reveals the dark underbelly of the the humorously insane conspiracy theories out there. it's Nazi shit. but besides that, boy they show you how to laugh at it. helpful stuff, but i hope they're taking care, listening to so much Alex Jones can't be a good thing. lol
Death/Corner
Michael S. Judge, a slightly paranoid, borderline dead, Pynchon fanatic talks about all kinds of stuff. 3 episode series starting at #79 about Iran/Contra is the place to start, and the episode about Watergate is a good follow up - his Nixon impression is beautiful. He was on TrueAnon recently, too.
also the kennedy assasination 5 parter is quality
Lions Led By Donkeys
Podcast about the biggest failures in military history. The hosts are leftists and it is produced by Nate of Trashfuture fame.
Getting Off
2 criminal defence attorneys discussing high profile cases. Not really leftist at all, but there is some good discussion on criminal justice reform issues. They've also covered Breona Taylor and Rodney King recently, and have covered a few other homicides by cops in the past.
Michael and us
two canadians started an irony michael moore fan podcast to review his movies now that they have gone further left than him. They aren't communists by any means, but it's leftish and mostly focuses on film criticism so they are unlikely to trip over their dicks when talking politics. The reason I bring this up is in a q&a, one of them basically said the nordic model is socialism to him basically and then the other glibly stated that maintaining capitalism is important as an ironic joke even though it basically describes what the other said. TBF, there was more to it, but he seemed particularly impressed with the nordic model.
one thing they do exceptionally well that most podcasts aren't that great at is irony. in a sea of irony, this is somehow still a rare commodity. TBH, I am not sure that I have actually LOL'd irl, but I find it nice to listen to.
I've been listening to it so much that I just about wrote, "I should mention..." which I am pretty sure is a vocal tic of one of the hosts.
Some of my favorite episodes have been what they describe as, "politics, what a concept!" They've reviewed two 'docus' by Nancy Pelosi's daughter. First where she was on the campaign trail with GWB and her impression was basically, "gosh, how can you not like him?" and another one where she travelled to trup country and found a bunch of people that were willing to say on camera what she already believed trump voters believe.
I also learned a funny way to look at libs. they like to bear witness to suffering, but ultimately do nothing. They didn't come up with it, but it's a point they bring up often and for good reason.
now watch this drive
The Antifada:
https://podtail.com/en/podcast/the-antifada/
And you can email them at antifadamindset at gmail dot com for the paid eps if you really want them
Black Banner Magic
Episodes include:
Since discovering Your Kickstarter Sucks, I've barely been listening to anything else. This is a very very bad pitch of the show, but for me, it scratches the same itch cumtown did, without all the ironic bigotry.
Can't not love a podcast that the entire fanbase hates as a bit.
As a bit?
Since I am a degenerate, I am going to recommend a gaming podcast.
Watch Out for Fireballs is a games club (a la a book club) podcast which has been running for more than 10 years. The hosts Gary and Kole seem like really great people, and they've got excellent chemistry so even 4 hour shows feel like they fly by. They're both good leftists (listening to the evolution of their political comments over the 10+ year run of the show might sound familiar to many), and host annual charity drives for the Trans-Active Gender Centre in Portland and immigrant rights charities (also a stream to raise money for Bernie back when he was gonna win). They've got a bunch of other great shows on the network (the Lovecraft movie adaptation series is a personal favourite) and their $10 Patreon tier is probably the best dollar to entertainment hour value in my media habit.
They've covered all 3 Bioshock games, and these are probably good places to start.
Bioshock 1 - https://www.watchoutforfireballs.com/57
Bioshock 2 - https://www.watchoutforfireballs.com/190
Bioshock Infinite - https://www.watchoutforfireballs.com/quarantine-woff
The Night in the Woods episode is also excellent - https://www.watchoutforfireballs.com/212
Next week they begin coverage of Disco Elysium and I am so excited it's almost embarrassing.
Real Ass History Hours
Created by reddit user and chapoposter Loves_His_Bong He covered all of Capital and it was a fun listen on the way to and from work.
https://www.reddit.com/r/leftpodcasts/comments/hifz8m/the_big_ass_left_podcast_megathread_post_your/
Horror Vanguard:
Horror Vanguard is a podcast about analyzing horror films from a leftist perspective to look at the messages they have to say about our current world and lived experiences under capitalism flavored by white supremacy and patriarchy. Shout out to my favorite episode so far, A Slasher in the Panopticon, which looks at Carpenter's Halloween as a dialogue about the nature of suburbia as a bourgeois construct and the nature of policing.
First episode: https://www.stitcher.com/s?eid=57488131&refid=asa
Against Everyone with Conner Habib
https://youtu.be/3-OrKekeGms
Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill is a personal favorite of mine.
Corner Späti, a podcast about German/European politics (in English of course). They're not the funniest Chapo knockoff, but they have gotten better at this over time, and they're always informative anyway. Some of my favorite episodes include:
A depressingly funny episode about the Neo-Nazi infiltration of German military and security forces
The Trashfuture crossover about Italy and Berlusconi was pretty funny
They talk about neoliberals in this one and Nick advances the theory that Gerhard Schröder is the only cool neoliberal
good but very depressing ep about Hungary
This is Hell
https://thisishell.com/
This is Hell is a weekly longform political interview program broadcast across Chicago on WNUR since 1996.
Every Saturday morning, Chuck Mertz works off his news hangover by talking to the journalists, authors and activists working to make this world a slightly less hellish place. Expect in-depth conversations about the forces that drive politics, and gallows humor about a world with more questions than answers.
love, this is hell! great tunes, great dudes, great hangover cures, and best yet, great interviews. the best "bong-hitting journalism" around.
Out of Left Field
A Canadian socialist politics podcast
As well as the whole Canadian Ricochet Podcast Network
The Pirate History Podcast.
Really deep and well researched. Also, I'm getting left-leaning vibes from the guy, he has a very humanist approach to the subject, highlighting gay, black, indigenous and female pirates. There's like 180 episodes, if you're into pirates, give it a try.
Why You Mad
https://soundcloud.com/whyyoumadpod
The guy from pod damn america and his much smarter co-host talk about stuff from a left and latin perspective, it's pretty good
Cool Story Guys
Cool Story Guys is a creative writing podcast and fantasy adventure audiobook where major plot points are determined by RPG-style dice rolls. https://www.coolstoryguys.com/
Know Your Enemy
Radio Free Humanity: The Marxist-Humanist Podcast
Radio Free Humanity is a podcast covering news, politics and philosophy from a Marxist-Humanist perspective. It is co-hosted by Brendan Cooney and Andrew Kliman. We intend to release new episodes every two weeks.
Medicine for the Resistance
https://soundcloud.com/patty-wbk
Live like the world is dying