A Time of Monsters

In this special interview, Alex Teich sits down with Shane Sullivan -- local comrade and researcher for InSightCrime.org -- to discuss organized crime in Latin America, the political corruption that enables it, and the ways in which crime has been organized (and legalized) in the United States. They consider how these factors affecting the global South have influenced the on-going protests in Colombia, and reflect on militarized authoritarianism at home and abroad. Suggested Reading: Articles written by Shane Sullivan on InSight Crime MS-13: The Making of America's Most Notorious Gang by Steven Dudley [Recorded by Pete Ivanecky on May 19, 2021]

This Weekly Update is FREE for the people. Subscribe to our Patreon for more exclusive content! Aaron, Alex, and Pete analyze the historical context, modern parallels, and discourse surrounding Israel's latest surge of violence against the Palestinian people.   We also take care of some housekeeping, including information about our new Patreon tier system and scheduling updates. Suggested Viewing Gaza Fights For Freedom directed by Abby Martin

Aaron is joined by journalist and author Ryan Grim to discuss Biden's first hundred days in office, what he's accomplished (and has yet to accomplish), and what we can expect from his administration in the future. They also dive into Ryan's book, We've Got People, to cover a brief history of grassroots and labor organizing in the United States, the relationship between electoralism and social movements, and the times and places such movements have intersected with the Democratic party... for better or worse.  What power does the left have under a Biden presidency, and where can it be found? Suggested Reading: We've Got People by Ryan Grim Suggested Listening: Deconstructed with Ryan Grim (via The Intercept)

PLANTING THE SEED: Conversations with DSA - Episode III In this edition of Planting the Seed, Aaron welcomes Atlanta organizers Kelsea B. and Jasmine B. of DARC (Defund APD, Refund Communities) to discuss the group's origins, the origins and history of policing, gentrification, and the state of policing in Atlanta: APD's tactics, and the tactics needed to dismantle them. How do capitalists define "crime" as a social construct, and how can we protect our communities from the injustices of capitalism? Suggested Reading: Despite opposition, HB 286 moves through state legislature (Mainline Zine) Follow @DARCATL on Twitter, and visit VoteRogelio.com and donate to Rogelio Arcila's campaign for Atlanta City Council District 4!

As we return to our regularly scheduled programming, Aaron (@thotteusstevens) sits down with Jamie Peck (@jamie_elizabeth) -- writer, organizer, and co-host of The Antifada -- for a long-awaited interview about everyone's favorite letters of the alphabet: DSA, AOC, CIA, PSL, NPR, etc.  Along the way, they provide a primer on dual power: what it is, how we build to it, and whether or not it's possible in the United States. They also discuss the founding principles of a communist party, new horizons in leftist media, new challenges in police abolition, what comes next, and _what is to be done. _ How did we get so fucked up, and how do we unfuck the world?  Suggested Reading: When the Wave Crashes by Jamie Peck (Commune) Everyday Ruptures: Putting Basebuilding on a Revolutionary Path by Teresa Kalisz (Regeneration) Suggested Listening: The Antifada, Ep 138 - Spring Break Forever w/ Jake Flores

UNLOCKED FOR THE PEOPLE! Aaron (@thotteusstevens), Alex (@ArtieBucco69), and Pete (@mistakewizard) crack open the news of the week, including commentary on Amazon workers' efforts to unionize, Major League Baseball pulling the All-Star Game out of Atlanta, Matt Gaetz under investigation for sex trafficking, and marijuana legalization in New York. [Opening music by John Pierce]

THIS BONUS EPISODE IS FREE FOR THE PEOPLE! In this week's Update, Aaron Thorpe (@thotteusstevens) and Alex Teich (@ArtieBucco69) sit down with local comrade and organizer Anna T. (@docfission) to hear her reactions to the violent hate crime that claimed the lives of eight people, including six Asian women, in Atlanta last week. They also discuss growing up in Georgia, organizing within (and without) the AAPI community, the impact of imperialism upon domestic expressions of racism, and the limitations of hashtag campaigns. Listen to Anna's recent appearance on Hot Girl Agenda and support the good work being done by NAPAWF! Later in the show, Pete (@mistakewizard) joins Aaron and Alex to crack open a bag of 'bears to cover the following topics: The Snyder Cut What is a "Jeremy" lighter? Biden's Big Fall Weed purges in the White House Prince Philip: Lookin' Good! Meditations on our gerontocracy

In this episode recorded on International Sex Workers Rights Day (3/3), Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) invites leftist organizers and the hosts of Hot Girl Agenda, Rara Imler (@islandgoth) and Yesi Padilla (@StolenVelour_), to discuss their podcast, the state of sex work on the left and the place of sex work within a socialist society, restorative justice and the nature of forgiveness, organizing as femmes of color, community protection, and more! They also discuss the "New Sincerity" in left media, and how their show fits into the growing wave of leftist content breaking the cynical, white-male-dominated mold. Subscribe to Hot Girl Agenda on Patreon! Suggested Viewing: "Born In Flames" (Directed by Lizzie Borden, 1983)

In this GIANT-SIZE episode, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) welcomes Daniel Harper (@danieleharper), far-right researcher and co-host of I Don't Speak German, to deliver a (nearly) comprehensive primer on the rise of white nationalist movements in the United States -- from the Oklahoma City bombing to the Boogaloo Boys, and beyond. Together, they try to provide a deeper context for ATOM's central question: how did we get here, and how can the left fight against it? Support Daniel Harper and Jack Graham's work on Patreon, and listen/subscribe to I Don't Speak German on Libsyn! Suggested Listening: Episode 52: Genocide and The Right Stuff Episode 78: Jimmy Dore Platforms a Boogaloo Boy Episode 79: Tom Metzger & The Origins of Online Hate Suggested Reading: Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America by Kathleen Belew

PLANTING THE SEED: Conversations with DSA - Episode II In the second installment of "Planting the Seed," a miniseries exploring the organizing work of Democratic Socialists of America, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) brings in Kenzo Shibata (@KenzoShibata) of the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago DSA to discuss CTU's efforts to ensure safe conditions for teachers, staff, and students as Chicago's Democratic mayor, Lori Lightfoot, pushes for a reckless re-opening. How does solidarity with one's community aid in organization efforts? What the educators on the frontlines teach us about direct action, mutual aid, and class consciousness? [NOTE: This interview was recorded on 2/5, so some information may not reflect the most recent state of affairs.] Check out Kenzo's podcast/stream, CLASS TIME, on Twitch, Twitter, & Patreon. Donate to the CTU's GoFundMe to provide aid for teachers who have been locked out of their classes. Visit DSAUSA.com for more information on how to get involved with DSA. Suggested Reading: Losing is Part of Fighting by Kenzo Shibata, via Substack (Published on 2/11)

Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) transcends meatspace to discuss Guy Debord's "The Society of the Spectacle" with Julian Feeld (@julianfeeld) and Liv Agar (@livposting), co-hosts of the QAnon Anonymous podcast. Together, they explore the spectacle: what it is, how it is maintained, and how the politics that shape our material lives come to be influenced by it as both products and producers of the spectacle. How does the spectacle manifest in social movements on the left, such as BLM, and on the right, like QAnon? Can we escape this vicious cycle, or are we doomed to spectate? Subscribe to QAnon Anonymous and Liv Agar on Patreon Suggested Reading: "The Society of the Spectacle" by Guy Debord Suggested Listening: QAnon Anonymous: "Secret Society of the Spectacle feat. Matt Christman"

In ATOM's first interview of the year, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) sits down with Sam Adler-Bell (@SamAdlerBell) and Matthew Sitman (@MatthewSitman), hosts of the podcast KNOW YOUR ENEMY, to discuss what Biden's presidency holds for the left, and what leftists ought to make of the Capitol riots on January 6th. Are we seeing the rise of fascism, or is something else taking root? Subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon, and check out Matt's work with Commonweal Magazine. SUGGESTED LISTENING: Know Your Enemy: Did It Happen Here? - "Is Donald Trump a fascist? A breakdown of the long-roiling debate."

WELCOME BACK! In our first episode of 2021, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) returns to the podcast to chat with Pete (@mistakewizard) and Madison (@mads_smelly) about the Senate run-off in Georgia, and the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. Follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our Patreon for more content, including exclusive updates! Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

In the wake of the 2020 Election, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) sits down with author, attorney, and activist Malaika Jabali (@MalaikaJabali / @missjabali) to address the myth of a monolithic black electorate, the influence of black voters in recent elections, and the impact that electoral politics can have on black communities in the United States. Suggested Reading: The Color of Economic Anxiety by Malaika Jabali (for Current Affairs) What Ice Cube's collaboration with Trump – and critique of Democrats – reveals by Malaika Jabali (for The Guardian) Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

12:06 PM EST - SOMEWHERE IN ATLANTA, GA In this Very Presidential Edition of our Weekly Update series, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) and Pete (@mistakewizard) get into the Peachtree Dish with journalist Eoin Higgins (@EoinHiggins_) to crack open the bittersweet news [announced only moments before recording] about our new President: Joseph R. Biden. We also pop the cap on a variety of topics related to the 2020 Election, including: Dismal down-ballot races! All eyes on Georgia! Hope for a progressive future? Check out Eoin's work at The Intercept Listen to the Official ATOM Playlist on Spotify Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

3:23 AM - SOMEWHERE IN ATLANTA, GA In this EMERGENCY POD Edition of our Weekly Update series, Aaron, Madison, and Pete crack open the ongoing results of the 2020 Election, including the Presidential race, as well as a few consequential Senate races. What were we expecting? And where do we go from here? Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

In our first Patreon-exclusive episode, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) cracks one open with comrades Pete (@mistakewizard) and Madison (@mads_smelly) for a casual chat about the news of the week. Topics include: The Amy Coney Barrett confirmation hearings [TW: discussion of abortion procedure] Evo Morales' victory in Bolivia The final Presidential Debate AND MORE! Suggested Reading: Bolivians Return Evo Morales's Party to Power One Year After a U.S.-Applauded Coup by Glenn Greenwald Featured Music: castle island by weeping fawn Riding Alone by METAS (based on "X" by 21 Savage ft. Future) Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) and Rob Rousseau (@robrousseau) -- host of 49th Parahell and The Insurgents -- sit down to discuss the limitations of liberalism, the on-going conflict between Mi'kmaq fishermen and settlers, and why Canada isn't the social democratic utopia many believe it to be. Check out 49th Parahell & The Insurgents Suggested Reading: A timeline of Nova Scotia's lobster conflict between Mi'kmaq and commercial fishers Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) and Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) -- journalist, author, and co-founder of The Intercept -- discuss the Julian Assange extradition hearing, updates regarding the massive US spying program that Edward Snowden revealed, US mainstream media coverage of Trump, Glenn's work in Bolsonaro's Brazil, and more. This episode was recorded on September 8th, 2020 so events regarding the Assange hearing may have significantly changed by then. Check out Glenn's work at The Intercept Suggested Reading: Journalism's New Propaganda Tool: Using ‘Confirmed' to Mean Its Opposite Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

PLANTING THE SEED: Conversations with DSA - Episode I In the first installment of "Planting the Seed," a mini-series exploring the organizing work of Democratic Socialists of America chapters throughout the country, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) and Matt T. (@foiaforlastname) -- co-chair of Southside Chicago DSA -- discuss DSA in Chicago, electoralism, reformism, and the Bread and Roses DSA caucus. Check out Matt's podcast Midwest Socialist on Twitter. Visit DSAUSA.com for more information on how to get involved with DSA. Suggested Reading: “Reform or Revolution” by Rosa Luxemburg

Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) sits down with Mariah Parker (@MariahforAthens) -- County Commissioner of District 2 in Athens-Clarke County, Georgia and the emcee known as Linqua Franqa -- to discuss her run for county commissioner, her work in office, the intersection between her music and her politics, and more. Check out Mariah on Bandcamp and listen to her podcast, Waiting on Reparations. Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) and Matt Christman (@cushbomb) -- co-host of Chapo Trap House -- demystify the commonly understood narrative of the American Civil War and reveal its materialist underpinnings rooted in conflicts of race and class. Check out Chapo Trap House on Twitter and Patreon Suggested Reading: “Black Reconstruction” by W.E.B. Du Bois Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co

In our inaugural episode, Aaron (@posadist_trapgd) and Sean KB (@as_a_worker) -- co-host of The Antifada -- break down historical materialism, Marx's attempt to understand history by analyzing underlying structures in society. Check out The Antifada on Twitter and Patreon Suggested Reading: “Marx: The Alternative to Capitalism” by Kieran Allen Find out more at https://a-time-of-monsters.pinecast.co