This time Eric welcomes to the podcast Christina Heatherton, author of the fantastic new book “Arise: Global Radicalism in the Era of the Mexican Revolution.” Eric and Christina discuss the historical period and how radical internationalism was constructed by revolutionaries globally. The conversation explores political and artistic radicals, the development of imperialism and modern capital, history from below, the importance of radical history to present-day struggles and so much more.

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This week Eric welcomes back to the show multimedia journalist and host of the Brazil on Fire podcast, Michael Fox. Eric and Mike discuss the recent presidential election that saw former president Lula triumph over the fascist Bolsonaro and the political, economic, and social implications of this historic victory. The conversation explores a wide variety of issues, from a deep dive into the political landscape of Brazil to exploring the Bannon-Trump connections to Bolsonaro and the situation in Brazil. What does this mean for the Amazon? What does it mean for Brazil’s poor and indigenous communities? What does it mean for the Brazilian left? What does it mean for the US? So many questions explored in this latest conversation on CounterPunch Radio, don’t miss it!

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This time Eric chats with CounterPunch co-editor Johsua Frank about his new book “Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America” and the dangers of nuclear weapons and nuclear power. Josh discusses the history of the Hanford site, including both its years as a nuclear weapons facility and the last 4 decades of clean up. Eric and Josh also discuss the renewed push for nuclear energy, even among some Leftists, in the context of climate change. The conversation also touches on environmental impacts of mining, the targeting of Native communities for mineral extraction, the importance of understanding the Left’s role in the anti-nukes movement, and so much more. Get your copy of Atomic Days from CounterPunch or wherever you get your books.

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This time Eric welcomes back Yassamine Mather to discuss the protest movement in Iran and the implications for the government and society. Yassamine explains the origins and class character of the protests, the ways in which the government has responded, and some of the issues that sparked the protests. The conversation also explores how Iran’s struggle with COVID may have exacerbated some tensions, the nuclear talks with the Biden Administration, and how Iran has responded to the Russia-Ukraine War and the global political and geopolitical upheaval it has caused. So many issues discussed in this conversation with the great Yassamine Mather.

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This time Eric welcomes David Roth of Defector and The Distraction podcast back to CounterPunch to talk union organizing in Minor League Baseball and why this long overdue event is such a big deal. Eric and David explore the inner workings of Herschel Walker’s mind and campaign in fruitless search for meaning and sanity while also considering the bizarre Saudi-Trump phenomenon known as LIV Golf and what it could possibly be. Oh, and they also talk NY Mets and MLB playoffs, so you’ll know when to tune out. Don’t miss the latest CounterPunch Radio!

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This week Eric welcomes back political economist and author Jeffrey Sommers to discuss the political and historical legacy of Mikhail Gorbachev in the wake of his recent death. Jeffrey examines how Gorbachev rose to power, the forces with which he had to contend while in power, and his ultimate failure to change the course of the Soviet Union. The conversation explores everything from the dismantling of the USSR and rise of the oligarchs to the ways in which the Gorbachev period paved the way for the Putin era. So much ground covered in this conversation with one of our favorite CounterPunchers.

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This time Eric welcomes back to CounterPunch Moscow-based historian, sociologist, and author Boris Kagarlitsky to discuss the situation in Russia more than 6 months after the invasion of Ukraine. Eric and Boris explore the economic and social reality for ordinary Russians in the wake of the sanctions and economic war. Boris explains why so much analysis from the western Left misses the mark, especially in understanding Russia’s motivations for the war, as well as the importance of recognizing the material interests of Russian elites in driving this war. The conversation also touches on everything from Russian poor and working class soldiers and the importance of Crimea in the strategic calculus to the possibility of regime change and “Putinism without Putin.” Don’t miss this important conversation with one of Russia’s leading political minds.

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This week labor journalist and organizer Kim Kelly joins CounterPunch Radio to discuss her important new book “Fight Like Hell: The Untold History of American Labor.” Eric and Kelly discuss recent labor history in the neoliberal era and how the sustained attack on unions has helped radicalize a new generation of workers at Starbucks, Amazon, and other workplaces large and small. The conversation touches on Kim’s book and the idea of a labor history from below as well as the importance of learning about movements and individuals often forgotten or ignored by traditional labor history. Kim Kelly is one of America’s leading labor journalists, don’t miss this conversation only on CounterPunch!

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This time Eric welcomes to the show author and activist Ray Acheson to discuss their brand new book “Abolishing State Violence: A World Without Bombs, Borders, and Cages” (Haymarket, 2022). Eric and Ray explore the nature of abolitionism, its historic roots, and the ways in which it is a framework emerging from the oppressed and marginalized. Ray discusses their anti-nuclear work and how the Left should respond to the growing calls for nuclear energy to tackle the climate crisis. The conversation also touches on the psychology of activism and the importance of seeing past perceived failures toward the larger goal. Ray is an incredible activist and organizer, and we are thankful that they chose to come to CounterPunch and discuss it all with us!

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This time Eric welcomes back author and economist Michael Hudson to discuss his new book “The Destiny of Civilization: Finance Capitalism, Industrial Capitalism, or Socialism” available from CounterPunch. Eric and Michael discuss the nature of financialization, neoliberalism, and how these ideas form the basis of the modern global capitalist system. The discussion also explores the role of the US Dollar, the nature of debt as a weapon, US financial imperialism, and so much more.

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