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!