Podcasts - Future Left
178 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 20 ratingsFuture Left Podcast is a weekly podcast supported by www.futureleft.org. We're talking about all things future: tech, climate change, conflict, labor, and beyond!
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Ep. 219: The Horror, The Horror
October 29, 2021 11:17 - 54 minutes - 77.8 MBThis week we are talking about various aspects of the very real dystopian horror setting that capitalism is making out of our lives and those of working people around the world. Enjoy! If you liked this episode please consider throwing us a dollar or several at patreon.com/futureleft. Or just share this episode with someone you think will enjoy it. Or leave a review on iTunes or wherever you get your pods.
Ep. 218: Swindlers List
October 22, 2021 16:39 - 50 minutes - 73.8 MBwe talk about the newest edition of the Forbes 400--the richest evil bastards on the planet. (fyi the Forbes 400 does NOT include home addresses, which seems shortsighted imho) if you dig this episode, please consider giving us a little scratch on Patreon at www.patreon.com/futureleft. or leave us a review or retweet it or something like that. burn it on to a CD and give it to your uncle if you're into that, just help us get the word out!
Ep. 217: Burning Down the Housing Market (Ft. Saoirse Gowan)
October 04, 2021 11:15 - 1 hour - 104 MBAaaaand we're back. Sorry for the unexpected hiatus. We've had a few life events that pulled us away from the podcast, which is unfortunate, but bound to happen. In any event, we are returning with an in-depth look at all things housing, featuring guest Saoirse Gowan (who you can follow on Twitter at @saoirsegowan). Zillow, Berlin, urban planning, central planning, soviet planning, and more! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft I...
Ep. 216: Shout Out To Wallace Shawn
September 15, 2021 01:12 - 1 hour - 107 MBA quick note: we love doing Future Left, and we're going to keep doing it for as long as we are able. But the reality is that we need your support. We are currently taking our time with new episodes because we are trying to put some thought into a new direction for the podcast. We want Future Left to be your #1 go to podcast. If you want to share what your favorite thing about Future Left is or what you think we could do better, we'd welcome your input. Send us an email at [email protected]...
Ep. 215: Doomsday Preppin
August 18, 2021 13:53 - 1 hour - 98.1 MBIn the wake of the new IPCC report and the updated MIT study on "Limits to Growth" it looks like this system that is destroying the world is going to collapse soon and maybe try to take you with it. Are you prepared? We look at doomsday preppers this episode and ponder why their politics seem to be dominated by right-wing individualist nonsense and post-apocaplypitc zombie pop culture tropes. Enjoy! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futu...
UNLOCKED: July Bonus Episode - Grimey Grubby Future
August 07, 2021 15:01 - 1 hourThis is the July news roundup we did for Patreon. You could have listened to in July if you gave us, like, a dollar on Patreon. But instead you decided to listen to it in August, which is fine. (I guess.) In any event, we’re talking about Grimes’ take on AI and communism, a union that used direct action to boycott Israeli goods in solidarity with Palestinians, and much more. Hope you enjoy it! Check out patreon.com/futureleft to get access to all bonus content.
Ep. 214: Evil Empire (Ft. Alex Press)
July 19, 2021 09:30 - 55 minutes - 79.8 MBLabor journalist Alex Press is joining us this week to talk about her new podcast, Primer, which focuses on Amazon, one of the most exploitative and inescapable corporations on the planet. Listen to Primer Podcast on Jacobin Radio, found on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher Radio, and other podcast platforms. Support Primer on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/primerpodcast. This week we're talking about Amazon, a formless lovecraftian monster slowly devouring the economy industry by industry. Wh...
213: Lonestar Bullshit: Critical Race Theory Edition
July 11, 2021 12:59 - 59 minutes - 86.6 MBWelcome to Texas, where nothing bad ever happened and everything has always been about freedom for EVERYONE, no exceptions, EVER. That's at least what Greg Abbott and the fuck around boys in the Texas state government want kids to believe. School board meetings are even more insufferable now as white people are showing up in droves worried that someone is telling their children about the experience of other people and the systemic reasons why those experiences are different from theirs. Bu...
Ep. 212: Care Werk
June 17, 2021 19:24 - 1 hour - 99 MBThis episode is about care work. Child care, elder care, and just... care. It's something that at some point everyone needs, whether its getting their doo doo baby ass wiped or help turning a PDF when you turn 50. For child care, most developed countries have a more human approach to this important labor--extended time off of work for new parents, public child care options, etc. For home care workers more broadly, they remain a uniquely exploited group of workers excluded from traditional...
Ep. 211: Back on that bullshit
May 28, 2021 20:09 - 1 hourFuture Left is back! Kinda. Life is still very unpredictable. So much so that Casey and Adam are going to be talking about how best to continue doing Future Left with some much needed changes in production. Things will likely still be a bit unpredictable until we settle into a new rhythm (and my new baby settles into existence), but this is indeed a new episode. We talk about Palestine, which is very good and a real thing as opposed to the Bad Place, which you might say ISNTreal (comedy g...
Ep. 210: IP and So Do You
May 01, 2021 22:35 - 32 minutes - 48.8 MBProperty is definitely theft. Is intellectual property theft too? We're talking about a lot of dumb things that have happened lately because of this idiotic notion of intellectual property. For instance, Metallica getting censored for playing Metallica is pretty funny. Side note--there's a tagential discussion about Metallica and our favorite Christian Rock band KoRn. Also we talked a bit about the notion of intellectual property when it comes to the vaccine, and how--say what you will abo...
Ep. 209: Landchads vs. Rentoids
April 25, 2021 16:14 - 40 minutes - 60.1 MBEpisode recorded back in March. Parental leave continues. Future Left will be back with fresh episodes in May 2021.
Ep. 208: Call of Duty: Modern War Crimes
March 31, 2021 15:55 - 33 minutes - 49.6 MBIt's all fun and games until you start reproducing imperialist propaganda. A new first-person shooter lets you find out what it would be like to kill maintain a brutal imperialist occupation in the Middle East. The gameplay is so realistic the white phosphorous and pleas from unarmed civilians really jump right out of the screen at you. What would videogames be like under socialism? What is a reasonable approach to violence that doesn't veer into pointless moralism? This episode was record...
Ep. 207: The Beflowering of Craig Babbitt
March 25, 2021 12:06 - 39 minutes - 57.9 MBAdam is now out on parental leave and subsequently is very bad about doing things in a timely fashion, even things as simple as the upload button. Anyway, here is a podcast recorded on March 8. We talk about the CIA's attempt to recruit the next generation of coup orchestrators who will be DIVERSE and QUEER and WHO GIVES A SHIT IT IS THE CIA, THE MOST DEMONIC ORGANIZATION ON THE PLANET SECOND ONLY TO KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN We also talk about this dipshit businessman who claims to be an ana...
Ep. 206: VR AC
March 16, 2021 01:23The rich want you to pretend you have what you want and need. And then shut the fuck up about it. Support Future Left (PLEASE) at patreon.com/futureleft
Ep. 205: bAcK tO nOrMaL
March 05, 2021 19:32 - 40.3 MBWe're bombing Syria again. The kids are still in cages. The minimum wage is unwavering. What do? If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on social media or recommending us to a friend.
Ep. 204: Chillin' With Comrade Uri (Ft. Steven Monacelli and Andrew Teeter)
February 27, 2021 20:56 - 56 minutes - 88.3 MBThis week, we're talking about the weather. We're joined by an organizer from the Fort Worth chapter of the Democracy Socialists of America, Andrew Teeter, as well as the founder and co-editor of Protean Magazine, journalist Steven Monacelli. Ted Cruz fucks up. The rich get richer. The poor freeze. What is to be done? All that and more this week on Future Left. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this pod...
Ep. 203: Malarko-Communism
February 09, 2021 22:29 - 1 hour - 92.2 MBJOE BIDEN IS A FAR LEFT RADICAL. ALL HAIL COMRADE JOSEPH. Just kidding. We also talk about Jeff Bezos firing Jeff Bezos so Jeff Bezos can still basically be Jeff Bezos without catching all of Jeff Bezos' heat. The AI is going to take jobs from models. Also the liberals are trying to co-opt "eat the rich" into a campaign to unfollow meanies on social media. It fucking sucks. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enj...
Ep. 202: Stonctus Interruptus
February 01, 2021 19:37 - 1 hour - 107 MBThis week we're running down some news: nonsense on Wall Street, nonsense in Texas, and nonsense in the tech sector. Enjoy! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on social media or recommending us to a friend.
Ep. 201: J-2021 Jump Street (Ft. Ella Fassler & Michael Loadenthal)
January 25, 2021 15:27 - 58 minutes - 82 MBThis week, Future Left is joined by two of Adam's co-defendants in the "J20 case" that resulted from the January 20, 2017 protest at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Journalist Ella Fassler and researcher Dr. Michael Loadenthal share their recollection of J20, the legal prosecution that followed, and their perspective on the January 6 raid of Capitol Hill by the far right--and where anti-fascism has to go under a Biden administration. Check out Ella's latest work at Truthout he...
Ep. 200: Kapital Riot
January 12, 2021 11:43 - 1 hour - 100 MBIt's the big episode 200. This week we're talking about rioting on the hill, the richest bastard on earth, and a big-brained idea from the IMF about how your credit score should be based on your web history. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on social media or recommending us to a friend.
Ep. 199: Tis The Season To Be Commie
January 01, 2021 02:47 - 1 hour - 109 MBThis episode is very late. Just listen, you'll like it.
Ep. 198: Nationalize the Drugs (Ft. Hadas Thier)
December 12, 2020 12:32 - 59 minutes - 86.7 MBThis week we're looking at medicine, vaccines, and the companies that make them. We're joined by Hadas Thier, author of the new book "A People's Guide to Capitalism: An Introduction to Marxist Economics," to discuss the failures of Big Pharma, as well as capitalism and the profit motive more broadly. Hadas wrote recently about nationalizing Big Pharma this past summer for In These Times, which you can read here: https://inthesetimes.com/article/big-pharma-pharmaceutical-industry-vaccine-co...
Ep. 197: Wack Friday
November 28, 2020 00:36 - 1 hour - 98.1 MBThis episode, in honor of capitalism's highest holiday, we're looking at consumerism: how it fits into broader capitalist ideology, and it's impacts on workers and the environment. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on social media or recommending us to a friend.
Ep. 196: What is to be done? (About Video Games) Ft. Jamie Woodcock
November 20, 2020 12:50 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MBThis week we're talking about the videogames industry, from labor to play to the god damn CIA. Joining us is Dr. Jamie Woodcock, editor at Notes from Below (https://notesfrombelow.org/) author of "Marx at the Arcade: Consoles, Controllers, and Class Struggle." We talked about the new Ronald Reagan war crimes simulator, Cyberpunk 2077 and the crunch behind it, and all of the labor (and exploitation) that goes into creating videogames and the stories they tell. Be sure to get Jamie's book fr...
Ep. 195: Judge Fridge
November 16, 2020 11:44 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBCan you judge a man's soul based on a picture of his fridge? The New York Times thinks so! Meanwhile, while the results of the US election are known, the next president is not. Adam's old union is getting busted. And more! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on social media or recommending us to a friend.
Ep. 194: All the President's Men (Ft. Abner Hauge)
November 06, 2020 13:02 - 1 hour - 102 MBThe election is over (kind of) and now what the fuck is going to happen? We spoke to journalist Abner Hauge, of Left Coast Right Watch, about what he is seeing and what he anticipates in the months to come from right-wing extremists of various types committed to President Trump's political project. Check out Abner's work at https://leftcoastrightwatch.org/ and support his work at https://www.patreon.com/lcrw. We also spoke to him about collective self-defense. He trains with the Truckee Me...
Ep. 193: The Monster Squad
October 31, 2020 11:09 - 1 hour - 124 MBAfter a brief discussion of Amy Comey Garrett's entry onto the Supreme Court, we wanted to take a break from reality (we're probably gonna get a fuck ton of that over the next few weeks) and instead discuss some movies--horror films specifically. We talk about some classics--Friday the 13th, Halloween--and some newer films, both reactionary (Green Inferno) and progressive (Ready or Not, Pilgrim). Get a fresh pair of pants ready, because this episode will scare you until you shit! If you e...
Ep. 192: Sinning on the Internet
October 25, 2020 12:49 - 1 hour - 113 MBThis week we're looking at getting caught with your pants down, for both America's mayor as well as America's TV liberal law person. We also break down perhaps the dumbest music video of all time in an attempt to understand the world view of reactionary auteurs and finally discussing why other reactionaires are mad about internet censorship on privately owned social media platforms. WELL WELL WELL IF IT ISN'T THE CONSEQUENCES OF MY OWN IDEOLOGY. If you enjoyed this podcast, please conside...
Ep. 191: No, Seriously, Orange Man Bad
October 19, 2020 20:21 - 1 hour - 105 MBThis week we spoke to Andy Zee, co-initiator of Refuse Fascism, about the upcoming election on Nov. 3 (in case you hadn't heard...). Should you vote in the upcoming election? Is this election unlike any that has ever come before it? Is a vote for Biden "biting the bullet" or "a gift to humanity"? All that and more this week on Future Left. Andy Zee is the co-initiator of Refuse Fascism, spokesperson for NY’s Revolution Books, and the host of The RNL Show. Learn more about Refuse Fascism at...
Ep. 190: Imperial Decline
October 12, 2020 10:12 - 1 hour - 118 MBThis week we talked about the recent vice presidential debate, the Pope's anticapitalism, and the looming possibility of civil war. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on social media or recommending us to a friend.
Ep. 189: "Will You Shut Up, Man" & Other Political Treatises (Ft. Bryn (@kinematografi))
October 02, 2020 12:37 - 114 MBIn order to talk about the thing that no one wants to think about any more we invited on a very special guest: Bryn! She's the co-host of podcasts Beep Beep Lettuce and Generation Loss. She also co-hosts Means TV's Left Trigger. You can follow her on Twitter at @kinematografi and on Twitch at @dullcare. We also spoke to Bryn about "conspiracy theories" and of course played our favorite game: Control + Alt + Delete, featuring movie theatres, Bethesda Game Studios, and more. Help support Bry...
Ep. 188: Techno Tyrants (Ft. Edward Ongweso Jr.)
September 28, 2020 10:45 - 1 hour - 108 MBThis episode, we're joined by a very special guest, Edward Ongweso, Jr. Edward is a tech journalist that works for VICE News, he is also the co-host of the new (and very good) podcast "This Machine Kills." We wanted to talk to Edward about his perspective on the Netflix documentary that seems to be a topic of conversation right now "The Social Dilemma." The documentary attempts to diagnose problems in the tech industry as defined by-- who else -- tech industry professionals. The end result ...
Ep. 187: Trash Humanism
September 18, 2020 12:12 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBThe Transhumanist Party is a political party that appears to lack any serious framework for politics. It wants to upend the traditional dogmas like "everyone will die at some point" and replace them with the idealism and zealotry of scientific savior-ism. According to them, In order to extend human life, we don't need medicare for all. We need to cut government waste and put more money into scientific research! Eternal Life 2020! Is there any other candidate out there promising to save you...
Ep. 186: Ctrl + Alt + Dlt: Garth Brooks & Spotify (Ft. Austin Robey)
September 14, 2020 20:47 - 56 minutes - 82.2 MBThis week we're joined by Austin Robey, co-founder of Ampled, a musician-owned platform cooperative. Austin has a new piece in Music Ally where he proposes the company should fork over a chunk of equity to the people that make their platform valuable: the artists themselves. Check it out here: https://musically.com/2020/09/01/artist-ownership-spotify/. And be sure to check out Ampled, a democratically governed, artist-owned platform: https://www.ampled.com/ Stay tuned to the end of the ep...
Ep. 185: Robots and Rituals in the Workplace
September 05, 2020 15:56 - 1 hour - 123 MBYou know all those fancy pants think tanks that claim that most of the economy will be automated by 2025? What do those sickos say now? We're looking at how COVID-19 and the resulting economic upheaval has impacted projections. We also have a wild time listening to workplace jargon that consultants and efficiency experts love to babble on about. Bonus chats: Elon Musk's NeuroSTINK, ExSTINKtion Rebellion's sad politics. the right to repair, and more. Note: Adam is on vacation. Hence the ver...
Ep. 184: Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Fascists
August 28, 2020 21:13 - 58 minutes - 85.6 MBThis week we're talking about a wide range of subjects, not the least of which includes the attempted murder of Jacob Blake and the subsequent protest and fascist violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A better world is possible, but damn if it don't seem like it's gotta get worse first. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us on...
Ep. 183: Comedians in Cars Being Racist
August 21, 2020 13:02 - 1 hour - 110 MBThis week we're joined by Jake Flores, co-host of Pod Damn America and Why You Mad, to discuss a range of subjects from a bizarre mixture of guns and toxic masculinity to our early-DNC takes to stand-up comedy and cancel culture. Follow Jake on Twitter at @FeralJokes. Support Pod Damn America at: https://www.patreon.com/poddamnamerica Support Why You Mad at: https://www.patreon.com/whyyoumad If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft ...
Ep. 182: DC VICE
August 15, 2020 15:51 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBSorry for the lack of description and for the tardiness. This week we are once again looking around in horror. This year's political contest--which will take place amidst growing social unrest and fragmentation and a global pandemic--will be fought between two reactionary forces that have little more than civil disagreements between them. Along with the Kamala announcement, we're also looking at some big tech news as well as the future (or hopefully, lack thereof) of the nuclear family. If...
Ep. 181: Death & Capitalism
August 07, 2020 12:09 - 1 hour - 128 MBAt the mercy of dipshits, what future lies ahead for working people amidst increasingly fractured capitalism? In this context can the working class even trust each other? What are the actual emancipatory horizons of technology within this context? All that and more on Future Left this week. Some of the things we read: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/09/coronavirus-american-failure/614191/ https://www.npr.org/2020/07/30/896952403/4-key-takeaways-from-washingtons-big-tech...
Ep. 180: Cancel the Bosses
July 27, 2020 11:46 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis week we're catching up on the dumbest conversation in the discourse right now: cancel culture. If you say a bad thing, then people on the internet get mad, and then your boss fires you. Who *actually* canceled you? Also, Texas (and other places) want schools to go back to normal despite a worsening pandemic, Adam attends a corporate webinar on unconscious bias, and the United States slides further toward fascism. That's... the tea this week on Future Left. If you enjoyed this podcas...
Ep. 179: Looting is the Coolest Crime
July 20, 2020 12:09 - 1 hour - 114 MBThis week we're talking about looting, by far the coolest of all crime. Might be cooler if you involve drugs, but idk. In any event, a lot of people are mad that a local Target was harmed during an uprising against white supremacy and police violence. It is not a new concern, but it is one worth considering why it really is not the thing to be concerned about right now. This episode was recorded a few weeks back, by the way. So the current events are not super fresh, and Ghislaine Maxwell-...
Ep. 178: The Watchmen & Copaganda Ft. Pete Johanssen & Leslie Lee III
July 10, 2020 13:17 - 1 hour - 153 MBIf you watched HBO's The Watchmen, it probably filled you with rage, curiosity, confusion, and disappointment. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' original work deconstructed and destroyed the American super hero mythos. The work was complete and final. Or so we thought, until HBO and Damon Lindeloff came along. The resulting TV series is what happens when an ambitious work is handed to a showrunner without any discernible vision or any further comment on The Watchmen's themes. Here to help us p...
Ep. 177: Useless Utopia
July 03, 2020 12:11 - 57 minutes - 79.9 MBThis week we're looking at the pathetic musings and aspirations of Silicon Valley, the apparent leaders in building the future. And what do we see? Half-hearted public relations attempts, pleading with their elite peers for meaningless reform, and undaunted profit-seeking at any cost. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing us...
Ep. 176: Community Control Of Police (Ft. Max Rameau)
June 26, 2020 13:32 - 54 minutes - 76.9 MBDefund the police! Abolish the Police! But what comes next? This week, we're speaking to activist and political theorist Max Rameau about that very question. He and his co-author Nefta Freeman recently wrote a thoughtful and comradely critique of the Defund the Police campaign. They argue that if you want to abolish the police, first you have to have the power to control it. Otherwise, you don't have the power to control what comes next. You can (and should!) give their piece a read here: h...
Ep. 175: There's Something about CHAZ
June 19, 2020 12:28 - 84.4 MBThis week we look at: A stupid thing: the Federalist has a melt down about not being able to fire the gays. A cool thing: Cops are getting defunded in many many places. Another cool thing: leftists are getting armed and are seizing public spaces. It's very, very cool. Check it out! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider giving to us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/futureleft If you enjoyed this podcast but can't support us with money, consider helping us get the word out by sharing u...
Ep. 174: You Are Not The 'U' In Cop Union
June 12, 2020 11:27 - 54 minutes - 76.7 MBMany people are saying it: abolish the cops. Some dumb asses are also saying "hold on now, those are good union jobs." Those dumb asses are very dumb. We're joined by Douglas Williams (@ClassHuggle), a labor educator and member of the Strikewave editorial collective. Douglas has a new piece on Strikewave calling on working people to organize at their central labor council level to take action where the AFL-CIO won't and expel the cop unions. We spoke with Douglas about his new piece, about ...
Ep. 173: Delete the Police
June 05, 2020 17:12 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBThe cops, we should admit, are a necessary institution for maintaining capitalism. This is a good reason why leftists should be very clear about dismantling the institution of police in the same way we think about dismantling other capitalism institutions. We often discuss such institutions under the framework of CONTROL (public ownership), ALT (worker ownership), or DELETE (abolition). Police are firmly in the category of delete. There is no governance structure, no reform measure, that ca...
Ep. 172: We're all Stossel Down Here
May 29, 2020 12:25 - 1 hour - 102 MBAmidst the complete collapse of global capitalism and its inability to confront or endure a global pandemic, there remain a few true believers. Meet the 2020 libertarian party. Casey and Adam watched the final libertarian debate so you don't have to. We also spoke a bit about the recent attempted murder of Chris Cooper in New York and the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, toward the end of the podcast. So, here's a trigger warning for that content for folks who would rather not listen ...