Scheer Intelligence

Academic freedom in the United States is hanging by a thread — and nowhere is that more visible than in Texas.

In this episode of Scheer Intelligence, Robert Scheer speaks with Dr. Daniel Braaten, Associate Professor of Criminology and Political Science at Texas A&M–San Antonio, from what may be the epicenter of the most aggressive political assault on higher education in modern American history. As state legislators, governors, university boards, and now the federal executive branch move to police curriculum, punish dissenting faculty, and weaponize funding, Texas has become a testing ground for how far political power can go in controlling what is taught — and what is silenced.

Braaten details how professors are being publicly targeted, fired without due process, and subjected to ideological litmus tests — not only in the humanities, but across all disciplines, including science and medicine. From audits of course syllabi to bans on “race or gender ideology,” to social-media-driven intimidation campaigns, the goal, he argues, is clear: to weaken universities until they submit.

But this conversation goes far beyond Texas. Scheer and Braaten connect these state-level attacks to a broader national and global pattern — from Trump-era threats to withhold federal research funding, to the cynical weaponization of anti-Semitism, to the erosion of shared governance that once made American higher education the envy of the world. As Braaten warns, there are no “safe” fields: when academic freedom collapses in one discipline, it collapses everywhere.

At stake is not only the future of professors, but the education of students, the pursuit of truth, and the ability of a democratic society to think critically about power, science, war, climate, immigration, and human rights.

This is a conversation about how democracies lose knowledge — and how they might still fight to defend it.

Today we dive deep into the intricate web of America's economic landscape with our esteemed guest, Doug Henwood. As a prominent economist and writer for outlets like The Nation and Jacobin, Doug brings a critical progressive lens to the disarray of the American ruling class.

In this episode, we explore the alarming short-sightedness of our elites, their complicity in fostering economic inequality, and the historical missteps that have led us to this precarious moment. From the legacy of the Clinton administration to the contemporary challenges of neoliberalism, we dissect the threads of class struggle that weave through our society.

Join us as Doug shares insights on the recent political shifts in New York City, the role of grassroots movements, and the urgent need for a transformative vision that prioritizes the well-being of the many over the profits of the few. It's a conversation that cuts to the heart of our collective future—one you won't want to miss!

Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Lassiter, author of the compelling memoir, How I Know Why White People Are Crazy and Other Stories. Dr. Lassiter, a licensed psychologist and cultural commentator, takes us on a journey through his personal experiences and insights on the complexities of race, identity, and the pervasive whiteness mindset that shapes our society. Discover how fear, competition, and a distorted sense of self can keep us trapped in cycles of oppression, and learn about the power of curiosity and cultural humility in fostering genuine connections across communities. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or just beginning to explore these themes, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own perspectives and the world around you. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between personal narrative and critical social issues!

Join Robert Scheer in this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence as he engages with David Baker, author of "Global Megascience: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production." Together, they explore the critical state of academic freedom in today's world and its far-reaching implications for scientific progress and collaboration. As Baker highlights, the decline of academic freedom is not just an isolated issue but a global concern that threatens the very foundation of innovation and knowledge production. From the historical context of post-war academia to the contemporary challenges posed by political nationalism, this conversation delves deep into why protecting intellectual freedom is essential for the future of scientific advancement and the economy. Tune in as they unpack the ongoing battle for academic integrity and the vital role universities play in fostering a global exchange of ideas.

In this episode, we’re not just skimming the surface; we’re taking a hard look at the Democratic Party’s long and winding road—from its noble roots in the New Deal to its current identity crisis. Joining me is the brilliant Lily Geismar, a history professor at Claremont McKenna College and the author of two must-read books that dissect the failures of the Democratic Party in addressing inequality.

We’re going to tackle the big questions: How did the party that once championed the working class betray its core values? What role did elitism and opportunism play in shaping today’s political climate? And why is it more crucial than ever to reclaim the narrative of genuine progressivism?

Welcome to the Scheer Intelligence podcast, where we probe the forces reshaping academia and the growing struggle to protect intellectual freedom. In this episode, renowned scholar Hank Reichman joins veteran journalist Robert Scheer to examine the alarming pressures undermining the core principles of higher education. From political interference to the distorting power of money, they unpack the trends that threaten the university’s mission as a space for open inquiry and debate.

This is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of ideas. Join us for a sharp, timely, and ultimately hopeful conversation. It’s Scheer Intelligence—where the battle for the soul of the university takes center stage.

Welcome to another episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we dive deep into the minds shaping our political landscape. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today, we have an enlightening conversation with journalist and author, Ted Hamm. His latest book unpacks the transformative campaign of Zohran Mamdani, a figure poised to redefine New York's political scene and perhaps even the future of American democracy.

Together, we'll explore how Mamdani's progressive platform echoes the values of past leaders like Franklin Roosevelt, and why his message of social equity is resonating with a new generation. As we navigate the complexities of today’s political climate—from the influence of billionaires to the struggles for social justice—we'll examine what this means for the working class and the fabric of our society.

Join us as we discuss not just a candidate, but a movement—a grassroots uprising that challenges the status quo and aims to restore hope to a disenchanted electorate. This episode promises to inspire and provoke thought on the future of governance in America. Tune in and be part of the conversation!  

In this thought-provoking episode of Scheer Intelligence, host Robert Scheer welcomes Professor Omar Zahzah, a leading voice in Arab Muslim ethnicities and diaspora studies at San Francisco State University. With a compelling background in both academia and activism, Zahzah delves into the intersection of technology, media, and the Palestinian liberation struggle through his groundbreaking book, Terms of Servitude. As the digital landscape evolves, so too does the narrative surrounding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, often shaped by the powerful forces of Silicon Valley. Join us as we explore how corporate interests and digital censorship are reshaping critical discourse, the implications for global freedom, and the urgent need for creative resistance in a world increasingly defined by surveillance and control. This is not just a conversation about Palestine—it's a vital examination of freedom in the digital age and the power dynamics that challenge our very understanding of democracy.

Intro:

Welcome to Scheer Intelligence, where the real intelligence comes from our guests. Today, Robert Scheer sits down with legendary cultural critic Greil Marcus—called by The Washington Post “our greatest cultural critic”—to explore how rock and roll became the pulse of political and personal liberation in America.

From the streets of Berkeley during the Free Speech Movement to the birth of Rolling Stone magazine, Marcus and Scheer trace the intertwined history of music and resistance—how the Beatles, Dylan, and Lennon didn’t just soundtrack an era, but gave voice to its rebellion.

It’s a rare conversation between two thinkers shaped by the same storms—war, protest, and art—and still asking the same question: can truth survive in a world that insists on selling it back to us?

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Scheer Intelligence, where we explore the intricate tapestry of our natural world through the lens of literature and personal experience. I'm your host, Robert Scheer, and today we embark on a delightful journey into the heart of one of nature's most beloved fruits—the apple.

Joining me is acclaimed naturalist and author Priyanka Kumar, whose latest book takes us beyond the grocery store aisles and into the wild, exploring the profound connections we share with the apple and its role in the broader narrative of biodiversity. In a candid discussion that traverses her childhood in the Himalayan foothills to her current life in Santa Fe, we unravel the stories of feral apple trees, cultural histories, and the urgent call to reconnect with nature in an increasingly disconnected world.

Whether you're a casual apple enthusiast or a devoted naturalist, this conversation promises to enlighten and inspire as we peel back the layers of history, science, and personal reflection surrounding this humble yet extraordinary fruit. So grab your favorite apple—perhaps one with a few character marks—and settle in for a rich exploration of our forgotten ties to the wild.