RedStar Podcasts

In Episode 6, we’re exploring a timely conversation titled “Housing as a Right.” As the UK continues to face rising housing costs, growing homelessness, and an affordability crisis, this episode examines whether access to safe, secure, and affordable housing should be considered a fundamental right.

Together, we explore the challenges driving the UK’s housing crisis, the role of government policy, and the practical solutions needed to ensure decent housing for all.

Join our guest, Owen Wright, alongside the host of the show, Ben Stevenson, for an insightful discussion on one of the UK’s most important social issues and what it will take to build a fairer housing system.

In this episode, we are excited to welcome James Martin for an in-depth analysis of the current geopolitical landscape in the UK—viewed through the lens of people’s history.

This powerful conversation takes a deep dive into the everyday realities behind headlines—exploring how political instability, economic crises, and systemic inequality are shaping the lives of ordinary British citizens.

Our host, Ben Stevenson, alongside guest commentator James Martin, traces the roots of today’s social tensions, from deindustrialisation and the decline of union power to the long shadow of austerity politics. Together, they spotlight the enduring impact of class divides and the erosion of public services, asking: how did we get here, and what can history teach us about resistance and change?

With a focus on the role of trade unions, grassroots movements, and the often-overlooked voices of the working class, this episode offers a compelling people’s history of Britain—one where struggle, solidarity, and resilience take center stage.

In this episode, we are excited to welcome Pierre Marshall, co-founder of the RedStar Podcast, for an in-depth analysis of the current geopolitical situation in France and its wider implications for Europe. In this insightful conversation, we will explore the complex socio-economic challenges shaping the region—focusing on how political instability, economic crises, and systemic inequality are affecting the lives of ordinary French citizens.

Our host, Ben Stevenson, will examine the roots of France’s internal tensions, particularly how economic inequality and social fragmentation have deepened divisions within the middle and working classes. Together with Pierre Marshall, they will unpack the realities of class struggles in modern France and highlight the vital role that trade unions and industrial relations play in resisting austerity and advocating for workers’ rights.

Join Ben Stevenson as he engages with Pierre Marshal in a timely and thought-provoking discussion on France’s evolving geopolitical landscape.

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Sean Halsall, a distinguished political organizer in the United Kingdom, who offers a comprehensive analysis of the tragic killings and riots that occurred in Southport, shedding light on the complex socio-political dynamics that led to the unrest and examining its lasting impact on the local community. Drawing on his deep understanding of grassroots movements, Sean explores the underlying causes of these events, from social inequality to political disenfranchisement, and discusses how these factors continue to shape public perception and policy in the region.

The core of our conversation, however, centers on the pressing issue of how we can enhance democratic participation at the local level. In this context, we explore the role of community organizing, the importance of accessible civic engagement, and the ways in which local governments can foster a more inclusive and participatory political environment. Furthermore, we delve into the ongoing struggle for socialism, examining its relevance in today’s political landscape, and discussing how a renewed focus on democratic values could offer a pathway toward more equitable and just societies.

In this episode, we are excited to welcome Paul Dobson, a distinguished journalist based in Venezuela, who will offer an in-depth analysis of the ongoing struggles faced by the working class in Venezuela and, by extension, throughout Latin America. In this insightful conversation, we will explore the complex socio-economic challenges that have shaped the region, including the impact of political instability, economic crises, and systemic inequality on the lives of ordinary workers.

Our host, Ben Stevenson, will also delve into the broader issue of economic inequality, specifically focusing on the growing divide within the middle class. Through this conversation, we aim to unpack the realities of class struggles and the critical role of trade unions and industrial relations in addressing these disparities.

Join Ben Stevenson as he engages with Paul Dobson in a thought-provoking discussion on trade union organizing, workers’ rights, and the broader socio-economic forces that continue to shape the future of Latin America.

For Episode 4 we wanted to celebrate the 4th birthday of what is fast becoming a labour movement staple for activists, Strike Map!

Strike Map aims to present an interactive tool to be “a ‘worker-powered’ attempt to map the industrial action taking place” as it happens.

So we invited co-founder Henry Fowler to take us through what they’ve learned along the way of building this vital tool for activists.

Join Ben Stevenson as he sits down and talks trade union organising and industrial relations with this esteemed guest.

To kick off the 3rd episode of season 2 we wanted to delve into the realm of arts and culture. Particularly the challenges and barriers that artists from a working class background face in the arts.

We approached some artists we knew operating in the East Midlands – Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire for a panel discussion on some of these challenges.

So join artists Sarah Camplin, Lauren Foster and Claire Quigley as we examine the fight for Bread and Roses.

After the disturbing events of the summer in the UK, we witnessed violence on our streets. This violence targeted black, Asian, and ethnic minority UK citizens and others. We wanted to understand the roots of racism in the UK.

We invited trade unionist, author, and educator Roger McKenzie. He discussed the issues facing those engaged in the battle against racism and fascism.

We touched upon the origins of the racist rhetoric. We discussed capitalism’s divide and rule strategies. It is more necessary than ever for Black and White to unite.

Follow Roger McKenzie on Twitter

Roger McKenzie is International Editor of the Morning Star