Episodes

This week Eric chats with Ross Benes about his new book “Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold.” The conversation explores the rightward trajectory of Nebraska’s politics over the last few decades and the reasons behind it. Ross gives his insights into the mentality, values, and prejudices of the communities in which he grew up with an eye toward understanding how and why they think the way they do. Abortion politics, race and immigration, right wing media and disinformati...

This week Eric chats with Ross Benes about his new book “Rural Rebellion: How Nebraska Became a Republican Stronghold.” The conversation explores the rightward trajectory of Nebraska’s politics over the last few decades and the reasons behind it. Ross gives his insights into the mentality, values, and prejudices of the communities in which he grew up with an eye toward understanding how and why they think the way they do. Abortion politics, race and immigration, right wing media and disinformati...

This week Eric welcomes David Roth, co-founder and co-owner of Defector, a new sports, politics, and culture media project and co-op, to the podcast to talk baseball, politics, and assorted silliness on the eve of Opening Day 2021. Eric and David discuss why we love baseball despite everything that is utterly repulsive about it, the state of labor relations in baseball and the slashing of the minor leagues, baseball as a reactionary white man sport, the infestation of the game by McKinsey and th...

This week Eric welcomes David Roth, co-founder and co-owner of Defector, a new sports, politics, and culture media project and co-op, to the podcast to talk baseball, politics, and assorted silliness on the eve of Opening Day 2021. Eric and David discuss why we love baseball despite everything that is utterly repulsive about it, the state of labor relations in baseball and the slashing of the minor leagues, baseball as a reactionary white man sport, the infestation of the game by McKinsey and th...

This time Eric welcomes journalist Camila Escalante to the show for an in-depth analysis of the recent election in Ecuador, what it means for the Left, and the latest in Bolivia. The conversation breaks down each of the main candidates in the first round, the allegations of fraud, the role of the indigenous movements and party, the conflicts on the Left, and more. Camila also provides an update on the situation in Bolivia and introduces the audience to the new news service of which she’s a found...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Yassamine Mather to discuss the latest with Iran, US policy towards Tehran, COVID and more. Eric and Yassmine explore the Biden Administration’s effect on US-Iran relations in the wake of Trump, the state of Iranian politics ahead of June presidential elections, and the impact of Trump on the Iranian diaspora. The conversation touches on everything from Iranian military cooperation with Russia and China to the ongoing situation of COVID in the country. So...

This week Eric welcomes activist, journalist, and filmmaker Abby Martin to the show to discuss Biden, US foreign policy, and the evolving nature of US imperialism. Eric and Abby explore what the transition from Trump to Biden means for the Empire and how US policy is likely to reflect that. The conversation explores the ongoing US war crimes in Yemen, the impact of Saudi Arabia and Iran in shaping the US agenda, and the 20+ year war in Afghanistan and the geopolitical and strategic motivations f...

This week Eric welcomes to the show author and professor Emil Draitser to discuss his brand new book “In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir” and his experiences as a Jewish writer and satirist in the Soviet Union. The conversation touches on everything from a historical and material analysis of Odessa, the center of Jewish culture in the Soviet Union, to the political life of dissidents in Odessa and beyond. This wide-ranging conversation provides insights on the reality of daily life, t...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show CounterPunch columnist Laura Carlsen to discuss all things Mexico. The conversation explores the political dynamics at play in Mexico and how Mexican President Obrador (AMLO) relates to incoming President-Elect Joe Biden and his administration. Eric and Laura discuss the impacts of COVID in Mexico, the Mexican far right, the failed drug war and US imperialism, the state of Mexico’s social movements, and so much more. Don’t miss this week’s episode! The p...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Brazil-based multimedia journalist Mike Fox to discuss all things Brazil. Mike provides his analysis of the Trump loss and what the period of transition to Biden means for Brazil. Eric and Mike discuss the results of the recent elections and what the results mean for President Bolsonaro and his political project, as well as the reality of COVID on the streets. Attacks on indigenous leaders, the latest on Lula and the Workers’ Party, the resurgent left in ...

This week Eric welcomes to the show professor of political science and author Joe Lowndes to discuss this moment of transition in the US, the outlook for the left and right, and much more. Joe gives his analysis of the incoming Biden administration and the prospects for resuscitating the neoliberal consensus in the midst of the pandemic. The conversation also explores the city of Portland and the political context necessary for understanding how it became a flashpoint in the fight against fascis...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show US-Palestinian journalist and author Ramzy Baroud to discuss all things Palestine. Eric and Ramzy begin with a discussion of Israeli policy in the last days of Trump and what to expect from a Biden Administration in terms of Israel-Palestine policy. The conversation touches on everything from demographic imperatives for Israel to the logic behind evictions and demolitions to discoveries of gas in Palestinian territorial waters. So much ground covered with...

This week Eric welcomes Kali Akuno back to the show to discuss the bizarre political moment we’re living through and the historical context necessary to understand it. Eric and Kali explore everything from the end of Black Reconstruction and the economic underpinnings of the modern imperial state, to geopolitics and the nature of the ruling class conflicts shaping our world today. Don’t miss the latest CounterPunch Radio! The post Kali Akuno appeared first on CounterPunch.org.

On the latest podcast Eric does an Election 2020 wrap up with CounterPunch managing editor Joshua Frank. Eric and Joshua discuss how Trump’s loss will impact him and his movement, including the possibility that Trump will not relinquish power. From there the discussion explores parallels and differences between 2020 and 2008, including the economic and psychological impact. The second half of the conversation explores the future Biden Administration, what should be expected of the assorted ghoul...

On this special Election 2020 episode, Eric sits down with CounterPunch regulars Anthony DiMaggio and Paul Street to discuss the latest as the US elects its next executioner and much of the country hopes and prays for the Orange Fascist’s exit from power. The conversation touches on everything from the lasting impacts of Trump’s tenure to the possibility of Trump attempting a “soft coup.” The guys discuss conspiracy theory, COVID’s impact on Trump’s chances, the likely pathetic reality of a Bide...

This time Eric welcomes to the show Bolivia-based researcher Thomas Becker to discuss the recent election which saw the Movement for Socialism (MAS) returned to power after the right wing coup which deposed Evo Morales in 2019. Thomas provides a summary of the events of the last year leading up to last week’s elections, including the racism, violence, and ethnic cleansing carried out by the right wing coup government. From there, Eric and Thomas discuss the election results, the role of indigeno...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political scientist and author Anthony DiMaggio to discuss social media, conspiracy theory in America, and his latest book “Unequal America.” Eric and Anthony explore the role of social media in propagating conspiracy theories, fake news, and eroding social and cultural institutions. They discuss how fake news and conspiracism is nothing new in America while also exploring the nature of Americans’ economic consciousness and self-deception. This conversati...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show political scientist and author Anthony DiMaggio to discuss social media, conspiracy theory in America, and his latest book “Unequal America.” Eric and Anthony explore the role of social media in propagating conspiracy theories, fake news, and eroding social and cultural institutions. They discuss how fake news and conspiracism is nothing new in America while also exploring the nature of Americans’ economic consciousness and self-deception. This conversati...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show Paul Street, author of the brand new book “Hollow Resistance: Obama, Trump, and the Politics of Appeasement” published by CounterPunch. Eric and Paul discuss the various ways that Obama paved the way for Trump and the fact that Trump could not exist were it not for Obama. Eric and Paul explore Obama’s reactionary effect on liberals and Black voters, his electoral fetishism, his faux resistance to Trump, and much more. From the fascist backlash against him...

This week Eric introduces listeners to CounterPunch+, the new subscriber section of CounterPunch, by discussing his exclusive article “The Plot Against Libya” which tells the story of Obama’s mostly forgotten war on Libya, one of the most brazenly criminal acts committed by a US president. Eric explains why it’s important to remember the truth of Libya now, nine years later. Eric also discusses other pieces currently featured on CP+. Don’t miss this week’s show and don’t forget to sign up for Co...

This week Eric welcomes to the show essayist, editor, and host of the Working People podcast, Maximillian Alvarez, to discuss the state of the working class in the time of COVID. Eric and Maximillian discuss the contours of the class war, what the pandemic has revealed about the failures of neoliberalism and the true nature of American capitalism, and the action and inaction of organized labor against the backdrop of America’s social movements. Also, Eric and Maximillian ask (and try to answer) ...

This week Eric welcomes back to the show author and journalist Dave Zirin to discuss the strike wave in US professional sports and what it means for the future. Eric and Dave discuss the NBA being in the forefront of the issue, the significance of professional baseball getting involved, and the future of the NFL in this year of COVID and police brutality. The conversation touches on everything from the diametrically opposed roles of Kaepernick and Obama to the political and economic concerns at ...

This week Eric welcomes to the show California State Senate candidate Jackie Fielder to discuss her campaign, the issues facing San Franciscans, and the overlapping crises facing all workers in the US. Eric and Jackie discuss why she launched the campaign, and how her experiences as an indigenous woman, and especially as a water protector at Standing Rock, helped shape her politics and activism. From there, the conversation touches on labor issues, the housing apocalypse in California, the ragin...

This week Eric welcomes to the show journalist Doug Henwood to talk about the latest terrifying economic numbers, how COVID is changing the economic life of America’s working class, what we should expect in the near- and medium-term, and so much more. The second half of the show finds Doug and Eric discussing Trump’s attempts to undermine the election, what a constitutional crisis in the US would look like, and whether the US is a failed state. Also, the specter of fascism makes its usual appear...