Desolation Radio

Dan was joined by our good mate and all round legend Paul O'Connell to discuss the Labour Party and Labourism as a political culture, following Paul's recent article on Conter https://www.conter.scot/2022/1/25/labouring-under-illusions/. They discussed the history and defining features of Labourism, the new left debate on Labour as a vehicle for socialism, its analysis of the state, its relationship with imperialism, why the Labour party annoyingly refuses to die and ultimately why socialists urgently need to break with Labourism in order to tackle the current crisis of capitalism.

In this episode we were joined by none other than Professor Walter Benn Michaels, the author of 'The Trouble with Diversity: How we learned to love identity and ignore inequality'. We talked about the rise of left neoliberalism and why it is wrong; the history of the civil rights movement and why it moved away from socialism; the material roots and role of racism in society; the role of Universities in marginalizing class analysis; the failure of the left to present an alternative analysis; the myth of 'class reductionism'; and how liberal anti-racism and all forms of progressive identity politics ultimately function to undermine socialism and aid capitalism. An extremely provocative episode with one of the best socialist thinkers around.

We were rejoined by our friend Frank Ledwidge to discuss war crimes conducted in the war on terror. Frank talked us through the enquiry into crimes committed by the Australian SAS, the parallel British investigations into allegations against British special forces, the Overseas Operation Bill, Marine A, Soldier F and what the domestic response to war crimes says about our society.

In part 2 of our mini-series on the fall of Afghanistan we were lucky enough to be joined by the one and only Professor Michael Hardt, author of the seminal work Empire. Michael talked to us about what the US withdrawal from Afghanistan means for US imperialism, whether there is a future for humanitarian intervention after Afghanistan, the differences between imperialism and his concept of 'empire', the nature of the modern global capitalist system, and a whole lot more. Hope you enjoy as much as we did.

The Graveyard of Empires mini-series. Part 1. After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban last month, the boys bring you a mini-series of reflective episodes on the war in Afghanistan and what the withdrawal of foreign troops means. The first episode in the series is with Dr Frank Ledwidge, a former military intelligence officer who served in Helmand province as a civilian adviser and who authored the devastating book 'Losing Small Wars: British Military Failure in Iraq and Afghanistan'. Frank talks us through the tragic failures of British strategy in Afghanistan and the culture which allowed these failures to happen. We cover everything from the history of British colonial presence in the country to the military industrial complex to daily life on the ground. Frank now regularly writes on defence and war for The Guardian.

Kieron talks to Dr Rhian Barfoot and Dr Rhys Trimble about the little-known Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. They discuss Thomas's life and work, his "Welshness", the Dylan Thomas industry, and the ambivalence surrounding his legacy in Wales. Enjoy! Rhian is a critic and author of Liberating Dylan Thomas: Rescuing a Poet from Psycho-sexual Servitude (UWP, 2014) https://www.uwp.co.uk/author/1438/ Rhys is a poet whose books include Swansea Automatic (2015) and the Red Book of Hergest Ward (2018). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhys_Trimble Rhian and Kieron co-edited the recent collection New Theoretical Perspectives on Dylan Thomas (UWP, 2020) https://www.uwp.co.uk/book/new-theoretical-perspectives-on-dylan-thomas/ The collection on Apocalyptic poets discussed is Jim Keery, ed., Apocalypse: An Anthology(2021) Dylan Thomas audio clips from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyavcLn2_uo&ab_channel=WALESintheMOVIESWALESintheMOVIES

Following the evictions of Palestinian families in the east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah at the beginning of May, the conflict in Israel-Palestine has begun once again to spiral into conflict, with Israel beginning new lethal attacks on Gaza that have killed over 200 people including many women and children. We were privileged to be joined by one of our heroes, the great dissident Professor Professor Norman Finkelstein, to explain not just the current situation but the whole history of the conflict and the nature of the state of Israel. As expected, Norm provides an expert tour de force. Strap in!

We discuss the Senedd election results. We go through what this means for Labour, Conservatives and Plaid. Also we discuss the future of the indy movement.

Dan caught up with our good friend @cdbeaton from the Radical Independence Campaign to discuss Scottish politics and the forthcoming Scottish Parliament elections. Connor talked us through the formation of Alec Salmond’s new Alba party, the state of the SNP, the Labour Party, his overall predictions for the elections & the next steps for the indy movement and the left in Scotland

As tensions continue to rise in the north of Ireland, Dan caught up with our friend Padraig from AIA Ireland to gain some historical context and a socialist, materialist analysis of the current situation. Padraig brilliantly explains the history of socialist republicanism, the nature of the Good Friday Agreement, Ireland's continued subordinate relationship with British imperialism, fighting fascism, and much much more. An incredibly insightful and important chat. Beir Bua!

Stef and Nath are joined by special guests double Dr Kieron and Dr Dan Evans to reflect on this month's news. We talk about Welsh Labour's fantastic campaign, joined Neil Mcevoy's Propel party, flags and try to solve the mystery of who has been killing dogs. Enjoy!

Dan chatted to Catrin about her article in Planet 231 'All Mothers are Working Mothers', the writings of Silvia Federici and the global 'wages for housework' campaign that inspired the article. They talked about the role of reproductive labour within capitalism and the international roots of the wages for housework campaign. Catrin examines the Welsh care system (including childcare and elder care) and also puts forward concrete policy demands which would help achieve a society based on care in Wales.

We were joined by our good friend and comrade Paul to reflect on the global crisis of capitalism and think about what lies ahead in the coming years. Paul expertly talked us through the recent events in the USA and the rise of fascism across the world; the COVID- crisis, Brexit and class struggle in the UK, and the future of socialism in the UK. A must listen!

The episode we should've done 4 years ago! After much soul searching, the boys get together to go over the basics of Marxism. We talk about Marx's life and the historical context, have a go at explaining dialectics, historical materialism, classes, freedom, alienation, the state, and of course proletarian revolution. Enjoy, comrades!

Stef and Nath talk about Neil 'Scrappy Doo' Mcevoy's suspension. Subscribe on our patreon for the full ep!

Kieron discusses all things Ron Berry with Dr Georgia Burdett and Dr Sarah Morse. Georgia and Sarah's collection, Fight and Flight: Essays on Ron Berry, available now. Books by Berry: Hunters and Hunted (1960) Travelling Loaded (1963) The Full-time Amateur (1966) Flame and Slag (1968) So Long Hector Bebb (1970) Peregrine Watching (1986) This Bygone (1996) History is What you Live (1998) Collected Stories (2000) More info on Berry: http://www.ronberry.co.uk/ Image: Berry's grandmother Mary Jane Berry, the Mayoress of Blaencwm.

First 10 mins of this week's news round! For the full ep subscribe to our patreon!

Newsround 1st November - taster by Desolation Radio

Dan was joined by our mate Owain to discuss the legacy of our dearly departed comrade David Graeber, who passed away in September 2020. The boys discussed David's huge contribution to not just anarchist theory but to modern social and political thought as a whole, particularly his work on bullshit jobs and the ideology of work; the rise of bureaucracy under neoliberalism and its relationship with centrist politics; the role of debt in modern capitalism; and finally the liberatory potential of democracy, which David passionately participated in throughout his life. Rest in power comrade. A reading list will be sent round to all patrons following this episode. Owain's Undod article on Graeber https://undod.cymru/en/2020/09/13/graeber/ Bullshit jobs article https://www.strike.coop/bullshit-jobs/

Stef and Nath rate hot nazis.

A sample from this week's newsround available on Patreon

As we enter another lockdown amidst panic over a second wave of Covid-19, we were joined by our good mate @danielhowdon to discuss what is happening. Dan talked us though the mixed messages, the lower mortality rate, the effects of austerity, and a lot more

In this episode Dan was joined by our friends Crash @crash_w and Mabli @mablisiriol to discuss trans rights. Crash and Mabli explain everything you ever needed to know about these issues: the difference between being CIS and non-binary, pronouns, the 'bathroom debate', terfism, the gender recognition act and much more. Hope you all find it as interesting and educational as we did.

In this specail Live episode we're joined by Mairead (@maireadcan) and Elspeth Webb (@elspethwebb). We discuss the A-level debacle, childhood in Wales and much more. Full episode available on Patreon.

We talk to Euros Lewis about Epynt, a large farming community that was cleared to make way for a military training facility during WWII. 80 years on, the land is still in the possession of the Ministry of Defence and has now been expanded to include a vast area. We discuss what happened and the lessons to be learned from this overlooked chapter in Welsh history. More on Epynt: https://undod.cymru/en/2020/06/28/epynt/ https://nation.cymru/opinion/its-the-end-of-the-world-why-we-should-remember-the-clearing-of-epynt-80-years-on/ Outro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxokBzXrDF8

In this episode we're joined by our good comrade and uncle Tegid Roberts to talk about Universal Basic Income. He tells us how it could be implemented, what it would mean for society and how much we'd get. Please give us money.

We spoke to Michael Higgins Jr., an organiser with the Brooklyn Gentrification Network, about the BLM movement, institutional racism, and why we need to defund the police. @ComplxBlackness Subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/desolationradio

In this episode we're joined by James Meadway who talks us through the economics of the Covid crisis. We talk about his take on the Furlough scheme, the possible end to neoliberalism, whether we are heading for another financial crisis and when is best to dig up all the gold you've buried.

Dan, Nath and Kieron forget to mute their mics on a low quality web-based conference service and discuss the latest in the Covid chronicles: a new saviour has arrived; Keir Starmer joins the Tory party; Welsh Government give up on testing; a politician from a bygone era is raised from the dead to advise on Welsh economic policy.

Dan, Nath and Kieron discuss the latest Wales and UK developments in the Covid-19 crisis. Meanwhile Nath returns from gold prospecting, and Dan has started a new band.

Dan talks to immunologist Dr Christian Maine about Covid-19. Everything you always wanted to know about viruses(but were afraid to ask). [2:05] What is a virus? [4:10] How do viruses affect the immune system? [6:10] How did the virus originate? [7:55] Covid-19 as part of a group of coronaviruses. [9:40] Symptoms and asymptomatic spread. [13:30] Herd Immunity. [16:15] Situation in the US. [18:28] Viral spread. [23:50]: Differences between antibody and antigen tests. [30:58] Manufacturing tests. [37:58] Manufacturing vaccines. [40:25] Ending the lockdown before a vaccine. [44:15] Can people who have had Covid-19 still carry/spread the virus? [46:45] Is the virus likely to mutate?

Dan and Kieron (not real doctors) talk from their respective isolation chambers to discuss the latest developments in the Coronavirus crisis. They discuss Welsh Government's various failures to provide an adequate response, and how they've been bettering themselves while in isolation. Meanwhile Nath pans for gold in Dolgellau.

Live from the Senedd we discuss the virus, the limits of capitalism dealing with it, the failure of the Welsh Governments response and pay tribute to our girlfriend Alexia. Remember one like equals one prayer for Alexia RIP

We chat to Ivan about the anarchist legend Nestor Makhno. We discuss his life, his fight against the Whites and the Reds and the best way to deal with anti-semitism. Hunker down in quarantine and get settled!

We chat to Niall about his books Gritts, Sheepshagger and his latest novel Broken Ghost. We also discuss the themes of nature in his work, his influences and the effects of social media on mental health. Best enjoyed topping and tailing with a partner or close friend ehhhhhhhhhh.

Hunker down in your nuclear bunker for this episode. We speak to activist Robat Idris about the nuclear industrial complex and its tentacle like reach into local and national government. We discuss Horizon, Wylfa B, dispel some of the pro nuclear leftist arguments and discuss Rob's trip to Japan. Best enjoyed sandwiched between a Mad Max marathon. Oh what a lovely day!

Tom and his wonderful hair are back to talk to us about the BBC (again). In this episode we discuss the BBC's horror show during the 2019 election, the collapse of editorial standards and oversight and why the left should care about what happens to the BBC. Stay around until the end for some hair care tips from Tom.

In this news round episode taster we rant about the Welsh Budget, Labour leadership and what it means for Wales, the new History Curriculum and all the business ventures of Bridgend's newest MP.

warning - this podcast is rated R: contains very strong language and very strong accents Dan travelled up to Merthyr to talk to our mates Ross and NEO about the key topics: expats, 'the psycho', JK Rowling's transphobia, Prince Phillip being dead, the movie Cats, 'I loves the diff' (argh) and the boys' new podcast.

The anatomy of the aftermath of a tragedy. We talk about how 40 years of deindustrialisation, Corbyn capitulating to a second Ref and the atomisation of the working class led to the election result. Dust yourself off and get back up.

Coming live from the Guardian Towers! We talk to 'Senior' Economics Editor Aditya Chakrabortty about Corbynism as a political vehicle, what will happen if he loses the election and touch a bit of Brexit too. Enjoy with some spaghetti!

In this episode we met Joe Glenton author of Soldier Box, to talk us through his new documentary A Very British Institution: The UK Military and the Far-Right. We also talked about the army, structural racism, the links between the military and insurgent far right in the UK and what a radical defence policy might look like. Enjoy!

For this episode we're joined by Patrick McGuinness (@padrigmcg) he talks to us about his beef with Leighton Andrews and Dai Smith, the literary scene in Wales and his new book Throw Me to the Wolves about his time on Take Me Out.

Waddup! Normally for Patreons only but this week we're giving a little sip of our premium content to everyone. Drink full and descend.

Put down your blades and light some incense it's time to talk poetry. This episode we're joined by real life poets Nia Davies (@niapolly) and Rhys Trimble (@rhystrimble) who tell us that poetry isn't for nonces. We cover how they got started, how to publish, the poetry scene in Wales and try to summon Baphomet. All hail the horned one.

Part 2 of our episode on Trotsky! We cover Trotsky's exile, his work on Fascism and ultimate assassination. Enjoy!

Privet Comrades! This episode is part 1 of our 2 part series on the Bolshevik (for a time at least) boy Leon Trotsky. We're delighted to be joined by the Soviet Savant Tinman who talks to us about his life, his role in the Russian Revolution, his theories on Permanent Revolution and Uneven Development. Sit down with some borscht and enjoy!

In this episode we finally make good on our promise of covering more culture. Dan's been usurped and our new host Kieron is here to tell us why poetry may not be for gimps (unconvinced)and what Raymond Williams was all about. Make sure to stay hydrated while listening.

Mama mia! We've been absolutely terrified that our Italian Supermodel girlfriends will be deported after Brexit but Rob Griffiths tells us this isn't the case. We talk about the history of the EU, cover those treaties and grill him on Lexit.

Listen up Maniacs! This week we discuss Neoliberalism. We talk about the historic roots of the concept, the warped philosophy which underpins it, and how it was realised in practice through Thatcherism & Reaganism. We discuss Key texts by David Harvey, and Andrew Gamble, and in the second part of the podcast we discuss our boy Mark Fisher and show how Neoliberalism isn’t just an economic policy but a set of social relations which impacts our everyday lives. Neoliberalism is something that lives within each of us. Finally, as ever, we look at what all this means for wales and conclude that wales is a deeply Neoliberal state. Enjoy!

In part 2 of our chat with LGSM, Mike and Gethin talk about the foundation of the group amidst the destruction of Thatcherism, how they campaigned, how the built links with the South Wales coalfields, and how their amazing relationship with South Wales grew throughout the miner's strike.