This week Eric welcomes to the show veteran journalist and CounterPunch contributor Dave Lindorff, who is also the author of the groundbreaking book “Killing Time: An Investigation into the Death Row Case of Mumia Abu-Jamal” (2002). Eric and Dave discuss the political and cultural significance of Mumia and his case, as well as the circumstances regarding his case and the misconduct by the Philadelphia establishment. They also touch on everything from Mumia’s relation to Black Lives Matter and contemporary social movements to the importance of political prisoners in the US as leaders. The conversation also explores Biden and the continuity of US imperialism, China as a manufactured enemy, and the inability of the Left to understand China. Don’t miss this week’s episode!

This time Eric sits down with filmmaker and activist Josh Fox (Gasland, 2010) to discuss the aftermath of the Derek Chauvin verdict, the latest in the struggle against the fracking industry, and the daunting challenge of disinformation as it spurs on America’s fascist movement. Josh also reveals the evolution of his own thinking in regard to capitalism, humanity, and the planet we all share. Don’t miss this great conversation only on CounterPunch Radio!

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 disinformation, and other cheerful subjects are all explored in this conversation about the people of “America’s Heartland.”

This week Eric welcomes Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer and indigenous defender Ruth Hopkins to discuss critical issues facing the Native community in the early days of the Biden Administration. Eric and Ruth discuss the confirmation of Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary and what that means for Native communities and the policies affecting them. The conversation explores everything from the impact of Trump and COVID on Native people to the false promises of Green energy and 21st Century extractivism to the latest on pipelines and the struggle to defend water and sacred land. Ruth also helps us understand the symbolic and spiritual meaning of water and the protection of water and land. Don’t miss the latest CounterPunch Radio!

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 the management consulting class, and lots of other fun topics. Also, they briefly remember a guy or two, talk 2021 NY Mets, and make definitely not slanderous statements about MLB managers. Listen to this week’s CounterPunch Radio…even if you hate baseball!

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 founder. Lots of information to keep you informed on this latest CounterPunch Radio.

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 many topics critical to understanding Iran are discussed in this latest CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it!

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 for US actions. Abby also tells of her experiences in Palestine, her documentary about Gaza, and her political repression at the hands of Israel and US lawmakers. Don’t miss this great conversation on this week’s CounterPunch Radio!

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, the nature of cultural production, the role of humor in Soviet Jewish life, and so much more. The conversation also explores the acceptance of right wing political ideology by Jewish emigres from the Soviet Union, the shameful embrace of Trumpism by that community, and the generational divides that exist.

Click to register for Emil Draitser’s book launch on February 3, 2021

Read an excerpt from Emil Draitser’s “In the Jaws of the Crocodile: A Soviet Memoir”

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!

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 Latin America and so much more on this week’s CounterPunch Radio. Don’t miss it!

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 fascism and Trump. Lots of ground covered in this week’s CounterPunch Radio.

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 one of the great voices for justice and the Palestinian cause. Don’t miss it!

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!

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 ghouls in the running for top cabinet posts, how it might approach issues ranging from Palestine to white supremacist militias, and why a return to normalcy is a return to liberal imperialism. Another great chat with one of the hardest working guys in the left media.

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 Biden Administration, and so much more. This was a fun conversation even as the world seemingly burns. But hey, at least there will no be no more daily Trump overdose…but CounterPunch will still be here to mainline every morning.

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 indigenous social movements, the failures of the international left, and much more. This important conversation touches on all the critical issues you need to know to understand where Bolivia has been and where it’s going. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!

This time Eric sits down with Ian Scott Horst, author of the new book “Like Ho Chi Minh! Like Che Guevara! The Revolutionary Left in Ethiopia 1969-1979.” Eric and Ian discuss the history of the Ethiopian student movement and the revolution itself, its connections to other liberation movements, the redirection of the revolution by the military, and the events that followed. The conversation explores everything from Ethiopia’s experience with Italian fascism and corrupt monarchy, to how this seemingly forgotten chapter of revolutionary history connects to events in Africa today, as well as to the experiences of activists the world over.

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 conversation goes in-depth on some of the key issues facing us today. Don’t miss it!

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 to his attacks on the Left, Eric and Paul dissect everything Obama…and it ain’t pretty.

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 CounterPunch+!

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) the question: What does it mean to be working class in 2020?

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 the heart of the issues. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!

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 raging wildfires and pandemic and how they’re impacting workers, what “democratic socialism” really means, and so much more. Don’t miss CounterPunch Radio this week!