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!

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.

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.

Support Rabkor.ru on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Rabkor

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!

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!

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.

This week Eric welcomes back to CounterPunch economist, author, and scholar Richard Wolff to discuss the state of the US and global economy. Prof. Wolff provides his analysis of the inflation issue and what banks, corporations, and the US Government can and should (but probably won’t) do. Eric and Richard also discuss unemployment, interest rates, the crypto collapse, the future of the US dollar as a global reserve currency, and much more. Don’t miss the latest CounterPunch Radio!

This time Eric welcomes back economic analyst and journalist Doug Henwood to discuss the economic situation in the US and globally. Doug provides his analysis of the causes and implications of the current rise in inflation, and how much of the Left has failed to properly analyze the situation. Eric and Doug also discuss issues ranging from “de-dollarization” and the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine to the political fallout for Democrats in coming elections and more. Don’t miss this week’s CounterPunch Radio.

This time Eric welcomes back to CounterPunch Radio author and historian Shalon van Tine for a discussion of the greatest Russian/Soviet films of all time. Eric and Shalon present their top 5 films and go back and forth discussing various aspects of these films and filmmakers. If you are a film nerd or just a student of history, this is an indispensable conversation for you exclusively at CounterPunch.

This time Eric chats with historian and author Doug Greene about his brand new book “A Failure of Vision: Michael Harrington and the Limits of Democratic Socialism.” Doug explains who Michael Harrington was, the role he played on the socialist left in the 60’s and beyond, and the Democratic Socialists of America, the organization he founded. Eric and Doug discuss the nature of democratic socialism and the historical conditions in the US that led to its prominence on the Left. This critical look at Harrington, DSA, and democratic socialism is essential reading for any socialist trying to make sense of the Left in the US today. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation on CounterPunch Radio!

This time Eric welcomes historian and author Marcus Rediker to CounterPunch Radio to discuss how the study of history can impact our politics today. Marcus explains what he means by studying “history from below” and how that perspective translates to our thinking of present day struggles. The conversation touches on the nature of slave resistance on the Atlantic, how and why that history has been suppressed, and the importance of unearthing it for future generations. Marcus also introduces the audience to the radical abolitionist Benjamin Lay and explains why Lay matters so much, even nearly 300 years after his death. So much important ground covered in this conversation with one of America’s leading historians and radical scholars. Don’t miss it!

This time Eric welcomes back Jason Stanley, Professor of Philosophy at Yale University and author of the bestselling book “How Fascism Works.” Eric and Jason discuss the war in Ukraine, the nature of the propaganda and disinformation, the manipulation of historical narratives and much more. The discussion also explores how Putin’s Russia aligns with some of the core elements of fascism identified in Stanley’s book. Don’t miss this important CounterPunch Radio!

On this 200th episode of CounterPunch Radio, Eric welcomes back to the show award-winning journalist and author Barrett Brown to discuss the roles of private intelligence firms, fascist billionaires, and careerist mainstream journalists in undermining democracy and doing the bidding of the corrupt institutions of the US State. Barrett discusses his role with Anonymous and Wikileaks, his time in prison, his release in 2016, and how the Trump-Clinton election broke the brains of so many on the left. Eric and Barrett also explore the utter bankruptcy of the corporate press and how they have played an integral role in pushing us to the brink of the fascist police state. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!

This time Eric chats with Dr. Rashid Khalidi, Edward Said Professor of Arab Studies at Columbia University and author of The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance 1917-2017. The conversation explores the early years of the Zionist movement and how it was perceived by prominent Palestinians, including Dr. Khalidi’s ancestors, and the inextricable link between Zionism, colonialism, and imperial power. Eric and Rashid discuss everything from attempts to erase Palestinian culture and history to the impact that Israel’s rightward shift has had on younger generations of Jews, especially in the US. So many topics covered in this important conversation with one of the most prominent voices of opposition to Israeli policies and oppression. Don’t miss this CounterPunch Radio!

This time Eric marks the passing of legendary actor and civil rights icon Sidney Poitier with a conversation with Aram Goudsouzian, Professor of History at the University of Memphis and author of Sidney Poitier: Man, Actor, Icon. The discussion touches on everything from Poitier’s early life and training as an actor to his tenuous relationship with Black radical politics in the 1960s. The second half of the conversation explores Poitier’s lasting impact and relevance to today.

This time on CounterPunch Radio, author and journalist Jacqueline Keeler joins Eric to discuss a range of critical issues affecting Native people in the US and Canada, including the ongoing struggle against pipelines and extractive industries, the impact of COVID on Native communities, the fight against native mascotry, and more. Jacqueline also helps reframe how we think of US history, the American Revolution and Founding Fathers, and the nature of the settler-colonial presence on this continent. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Break Music: “Stadium Pow Wow” by The Halluci Nation ft. Black Bear

Intro/Outro: “The Corridors of Power” by Dean Wareham

This time Eric welcomes to the show author and researcher Helen Yaffe to discuss the post-revolutionary history of Cuba, the recent protests, the effects of US imperialism and the blockade, and Cuba’s response to COVID.

Author and Washington editor of Harper’s Magazine Andrew Cockburn joins CounterPunch to discuss his new book “The Spoils of War: Power, Profit, and the American War Machine.”

This time Eric welcomes back to the show Dave Zirin to discuss his latest book “The Kaepernick Effect” which explores how Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel sparked a movement for social justice and became a universal symbol of resistance and rebellion against white supremacy and injustice. Eric and Dave also discuss several sports issues, including the future of baseball in an age of extreme inequality and profit-driven baseball executives who care little for the game. Don’t miss this great conversation with the one and only Dave Zirin on CounterPunch Radio.

Marxist economist and author Michael Roberts returns to CounterPunch to discuss the state of US imperialism following the end of the Afghanistan War and how it relates to the profitability of capital in the 21st Century. He also explains the capitalist nonsense called the Austrian School of Economics, and provides his predictions for the global economy in the coming decade.

Environmental and climate journalist Robert Hunziker joins CounterPunch+ and CounterPunch Radio to discuss his latest writing about the climate apocalypse unfolding around us. Eric and Robert discuss the Arctic emergency, methane nightmares, the toxic planet, the anthropogenic rocketship, the death of our coral reefs and wetlands, and so much more. Don’t worry, there’s a little inspiration at the end!

On the latest CounterPunch Radio: Film critic and host of the Filmsuck podcast, Eileen Jones, stops by to chat with Eric about American movies, the birth and death of indie cinema, why so many movies are so bad these days, and, of course, her Top 5 films all leftists must see.

This week Eric welcomes back to the show CounterPunch regular Paul Street to discuss Bidenism, Trumpism, and other contagious diseases. Paul doesn’t hide his contempt for all the right people, so listen today and subscribe to CounterPunch+ where you can read all of Paul’s writings.

Scott Parkin, a climate organizer and Counterpuncher, joins Eric to discuss climate activism and the indigenous-led resistance movement against pipelines in North America.