Podcast
The Sensible Socialist
Hosted by Kevin Gustafson · EN
A podcast for the sane and rational left to discuss important topics relevant and accessible to all.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Where we are and where to go with Brandon Madsen (#74)
Dec 27, 202102:27:26Tap to summarizeIf you like this show please like, subscribe, and got to http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist to support us directly. In this episode Kevin brings back Brandon Madsen (DSA- Reform and Revolution Caucus) to review the current state of things. They discuss Dialectics, Class Struggle, Using Historical Materialism, the role of Technology, The Modern American Class Structure, America’s failed political system, identity politics, America’s Economic system, including the movement away from consumer commodity production, our dependence on a few key Consolidated industries, COVID 19 and the essential workforce, the importance of supply chain workers (amazon warehouses, deliver drivers, shipping), the gig economy and breaking down the protections of old working class, America’s social system and how that all informs what we should do going forward. Reform and Revolution Caucus – https://www.reformandrevolution.org/
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Thoughts on Martian Social Design with Allyson Kim (#73)
Dec 19, 202100:59:26Tap to summarizeIf you enjoy the show, please support it by donating on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist In this episode we talk to Allyson Kim, a Cultural Entrepreneur and Social Designer, currently studying Social Design at the Center for Social Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Allyson Kim, like Kevin, is interested in the social design of a future Martian Settlement. In their discussion they talk about the unique situation on Mars, what the means for the social, political, cultural, and economic structures that will need be be specifically designed for not only long term success of such a settlement, but one that exemplifies the values of sustainability, equity, and justice.
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A Chat with Ben Burgis (#72)
Dec 6, 202101:39:52Tap to summarizeIn this return episode of the Sensible Socialist, Kevin talks to Ben Burgis about his background and some fairly nerdy philosophic issues, and the inimitable Christopher Hitchens. Ben Burgis is philosophy professor, a columnist for Jacobin Magazine, among others. He hosts his own podcast called Give Them An Argument, and he is stating a new gig on Callin’ Give ME An Argument. He was a regular guest on the also inimitable Michael Brooks show, and has written several book published by Zero Books including, Give Them An Argument, Cancelling Comedians While The World Burns, and his upcoming Christopher Hitchens: What He Got Right, How He Went Wrong, and Why He Still Matters. If you like the show, please consider supporting us at patreon.com/sensiblesocialist.
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A Talk With A Listener (Part 1) – Episode 71
Jun 16, 202103:16:21Tap to summarizeSupport the Podcast – Patreon.com/sensiblesocialist In this episode I talk with a listener who reached out with some questions for me. We have a wide ranging discussion on a number of different topics. I hope you find it interesting.
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Operation Wall Guardian
May 25, 202102:09:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode legal scholars and human rights advocates Thamil Ananthavinayagan and Wasem Ahmad join Kevin to discuss the hum costs of the current hostilities in Gaza, the rules of International Humanitarian Law, and how they apply in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. To learn more about Al Haq check out their website: https://www.alhaq.org/
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Discussion with Destiny (#69)
May 12, 202103:00:53Tap to summarizeThe audio of my chat with popular streamer Destiny about socialism and cooperatives.
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Leninism in the 21st Century (#68)
Apr 17, 202101:40:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode I talk with Brandon Madsen about Leninism and it’s applicability in the 21st century. If you like this podcast, please support it at patreon.com/sensiblesocialist Download: .mp3
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A Left Critique of International Law (#67)
Mar 27, 202101:51:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode I speak with Dr. Thamil Ananthavinayagan about international law and what a eft critique looks like. Thamil is a proponent of the Third World Approaches to International Law perspective, which aims to put international law in its proper place – as the well spring of imperialism and colonization. In our conversation we discuss the role of the state, the problem with enforcement, the Great Powers, the Security Council, and issues with Human Rights. Download: .mp3
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Interview With Noah Hutton – Director, Editor, and Writer of Lapsis (#66)
Mar 9, 202100:53:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Kevin Gustafson talks with Noah Hutton, the writer, director, editor and score composer of the new film Lapsis. Lapsis was selected to premiere at SXSW in the narrative feature competition and has since won the grand jury prize at BIFAN in South Korea. At its core, the film is political, both in style and substance and has been compared to Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You and Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You. Lapsis comments on the already dystopian gig economy by imagining taxing manual labor in the forest, which is at the foundation of new wall street gains after a quantum computing boom. The gig work takes the form of laying cable through huge swaths of forests, connecting massive cubic transistors, and the film portrays human laborers who are forced to work without basic protections and are often robbed of their routes by automated cabling robots. Lapsis makes the case for collective action and organizing as the way to combat exploitation, especially given the recent catastrophe of prop 22. Download: .mp3
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Episode 65 – A Socialist Rebuttal of Sam Harris and Jack Goldstone
Mar 1, 202101:40:50Tap to summarizeOn January 26, 2021 Sam Harris released an episode of his podcast Making Sense about Inequality and Revolutions with George Mason University professor Jack Goldstone. In this video, Sensible Socialist host Kevin Gustafson talks with Brett O’Shea of Rev Left Radio, Cinar Ackin of All Things Coop, and Veteran Guest Aaron Firouz discuss the shortcomings of the views presented in the episode.
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