The old forms of the left are moribund and the new forms are stupid. We're making a podcast that talks about the need to organize a dialectical pessimism and develop a Marxist salvage project capable of putting up a good fight as the world burns around us. A clean, honest, and unsentimental melancholy is required; we've cultivated one and would like to share it with you.
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The Regrettable Century podcast is an absolute gem for anyone interested in Marxist theory and revolutionary-minded analysis. In just a brief hour, the hosts do an impeccable job of explaining complex concepts while simultaneously alleviating any feelings of alienation that one may have when delving into this subject matter. Their insightful analysis and sharp commentary make you almost forget just how dire things are under capitalism's oppressive grasp. If there is any hope for a more equitable future, it lies with individuals like the hosts of The Regrettable Century.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to dissect and explain Marxist theory in a way that is accessible and engaging. The hosts have a knack for breaking down dense concepts and making them relatable to everyday life. This makes it easier for listeners to understand and connect with the ideas being discussed, ultimately deepening their understanding of Marxist theory. Moreover, the hosts' passion for their subject matter shines through in each episode, creating an enthusiastic environment that is contagious.
Additionally, The Regrettable Century stands out for its willingness to tackle the devastating realities of our current world while offering fresh perspectives on what won't work in terms of bringing about meaningful change. They don't shy away from exploring the harsh truths about capitalism's impact on society, which sparks critical thinking among listeners. Jenny, one of the hosts, particularly excels at providing insightful commentary and adding value to the discussions.
However, one potential downside of this podcast is that some listeners may find it overwhelming or pessimistic due to its frank exploration of societal challenges under capitalism. While this realism is necessary for understanding the issues at hand, it can occasionally be disheartening or discouraging for those seeking a more lighthearted approach to their podcasts.
In conclusion, The Regrettable Century is a must-listen podcast for anyone interested in delving into Marxist theory and revolution-focused analysis. Its ability to explain complex ideas while maintaining an engaging and relatable tone sets it apart from other podcasts in this space. Despite occasionally delving into the harsh realities of our current world, the sharpness and comradery of the hosts make it a balanced and thought-provoking experience. Whether you are well-versed in Marxist theory or just starting to explore these ideas, The Regrettable Century offers valuable insights that will leave a lasting impact.
This week, we began (and had to cut short) a close reading of The Concept of Left by Leszek Kolakowski. Kolakowski was a dissident Polish Marxist who later turned against the project altogether. However, before he did, he wrote much that is worth reading. The Concept of the Left- Leszek Kolakowski Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
This week, Jason and Ben sat down to acknowledge and resolve all the contradictions that have manifested in our discussions on this podcast. Actually, we don't resolve anything, but we do acknowledge some things. Our listeners will know that we often disagree with the broader left, each other, and our earlier selves. While we don't manage to piece together a solid line for the podcast, we do manage to talk a lot about those contradictions.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
This week, the Regrettable Christian Caucus begins Chapter II of Laudato Si, by the late Pope Francis. You can follow along by grabbing the PDF from Verso or from the Vatican website. This Papal Encyclical calls for urgent action to address the global environmental crisis, critiques consumerism, blind developmentalism, inequality, and profit seeking. The document calls for global political solidarity to transition to a sustainable economy and for the protection of the world's most vulnerable populations. Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
Samantha Powers' UN/Israel Collusion, Anduril/Palantir Intel Risks to US Military, Right Wing Imperialist Proxy Wins Nobel Prize, Cease Fire in Gaza?, Angela Merkel Shifts Blame Onto Poland and Baltics, Poland's Imperial Ambitions, Zelensky's Wunderwaffen Scams, Ukraine's Energy Industry Crippled...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
It's time for a new patron reading group, and we've chosen 'Disaster Nationalism' by Richard Seymour. The gang gets started with the introduction, which means there is still time to become part of the group. If so, go to the Discord to join in.From the publisher:Liberal civilisation is in crisis - now is a time of monsters.While the spotlight often shines on the actions of charismatic right-wing leaders such as Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro, defeating these people will not stem the tide behind them. They are the embodiment of profound forces that are rarely understood. With meticulous analysis and compelling storytelling, Richard Seymour delves into the ideologies fueling the contemporary right and distorting modern politics into something abhorrent and nihilistic. The battle against disaster nationalism is not just political; it is a struggle for our collective soul and the future of civilization.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
This week the boys finish a close reading of an interview with Terence Renaud wherein he discusses his new book New Lefts: The Making of a Radical Tradition. We weigh in on the positive and negative legacies of the multiple revisions to "leftism."https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/qa-terence-renaud-new-left/ Listen to Part I:https://regrettablecentury.buzzsprout.com/220523/episodes/17815226-a-cascading-series-of-new-lefts-part-i-of-ii Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
This week, we read and discussed an article about a phenomenon that apparently some people are, or were, concerned about: the problem of fascist infiltration of the anti-war movement. We discuss the problems inherent in gatekeeping social movements and the lack of left-wing organizations of any size. We also chime in on the overblown concerns about "Red-Brownism."Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the showVisit the Regrettable Century Merch Shop
The US is Behind On Drone Warfare, Satano-Nazi Terror in the USA, The Global Turn Against the Genocidal Apartheid State, The AFD's Gains in Former SPD Bastion, Reform UK is Britain's Most Popular Party, The Neo-Nazi Who Knew Too Much, Zelensky Is Losing Touch With Reality, Ukraine's Slow Collapse Continues...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Instances of stochastic violence in the United States are at an all-time high and the political violence of our era mirrors the political topography, disaggregated and rudderless. The boys got together this week to talk about Charlie Kirk and the newer/dumber years of lead. Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Newer Dumber Years of Lead, Newer Dumber Cold War Heats Up, Israel Kills Kids in Doha This Time, Europe Can't be Inconvenienced by Sanctions on India and China, Poland Shoots Down Three Slow Moving Unarmed Decoy Drones...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week the boys do a close reading of an interview with Terence Renaud wherein he discusses his new book New Lefts: The Making of a Radical Tradition. We weigh in on the positive and negative legacies of the multiple revisions to leftism. https://www.thenation.com/article/culture/qa-terence-renaud-new-left/Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Today we read the second half of an article titled Do We Need an Updated Theory of Fascism? Theorizing the nature and implications of the global far-right resurgence by Prof. Dr. Alex Demirović, which was published by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.We liked this article for a few reasons, not the least of which was that it sparked good discussion...Do We Need an Updated Theory of Fascism? by Alex DemirovićSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
We sat down with our patrons to read and discuss the 1973 Hal Draper Pamphlet, Anatomy of the Microsect. https://www.marxists.org/archive/draper/1973/xx/microsect.htmSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week, the animist caucus of the Regrettable Century (Kevin) teamed up with Dr. Mathias Nordvig, professor of Nordic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder and the Sacred Flame Podcast, as well as Arnold from the Fight Like an Animal Podcast to talk about the intersection of animist spirituality and radical politics. To that end, the crew read and discussed William Morris' short essay titled Under an Elm Tree. Click Here for More Mathias Nordvig Click Here for Fight Like an Animal PodcastSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Bounty on Maduro, Israeli Pedophile Protected by Trump... Again, Palestinian Dead are 83% Civilians, Zelensky in the Whitehouse... Again, Ukraine's Failing Drone Industry, The Inexorable Russian Lava Flow Pushes On...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Trump Wusses out on China Tariffs... Again, Leaks Expose Netanyahu's Hunger Plan, Israeli Spies Have Thoroughly Infiltrated Big Tech, The Alaska Summit, Ukraine's Infantry Crisis, Ukraine's Morale Crisis, Dobrapilia Breakthrough, The Collapse Speeds Up...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week the boys are joined by eternal co-host Jess to discuss the novelty of adults being adults. We discuss the self-infantilization of millennials and older zoomers, which is a reflection of the crisis of meaning and deep rot at the heart of liberal modernity. We believe this is the result of a purely self-oriented conception of liberty and the ideological victory of capital's redefinition of the very essence of what it means to be human.Adulting in Middle Agehttps://jacobin.com/2024/01/adulting-middle-age-millennials-boomersAre millennials really an ‘infantilised generation' - and if so, why?https://theweek.com/107508/are-millennials-infantilised-generationArrested Developmenthttps://newint.org/features/2018/01/01/arrested-development Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Today we read an article titled Do We Need an Updated Theory of Fascism? Theorizing the nature and implications of the global far-right resurgence by Prof. Dr. Alex Demirović, which was published by the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung. This is an excellent article that we think misses the mark in a few places and provides much fodder for discussion.Do We Need an Updated Theory of Fascism? by Alex DemirovićSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Marxist, as well as conservative and liberal bourgeois historians alike, have always had a fundamental misunderstanding about the Luddites. It turns out they weren't just reactionary peasants who feared technology and wanted to keep the world mired in an economy based on stacking sticks and mud. The Luddites weren't resisting technology itself—they were fighting the economic systems that exploited them through it. This week, the boys dive into a conversation about Luddism's past, present, and future.The Luddites Were Right https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/2021/06/the-luddites-were-right What the Luddites Really Fought Against https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-the-luddites-really-fought-against-264412/ Rethinking the Luddites in the Age of AI https://www.theinteldrop.org/2023/10/02/rethinking-the-luddites-in-the-age-of-a-i/ Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week Chris, Jason, and Ben read over the founding document of a now-defunct group to which Jason and Ben used to belong. While much has changed in the years since Jason wrote this document, the fundamental arguments remain the same. It is time for new working-class organizations that seek to build power from the ground up, abandoning any association with liberal NGOs, the democratic party, the microsect form, and internet-based culture war.----We've including the document that we're reading below as a PDF.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Ultra-Orthodox Abandon Bibi, Israel Kills More Christians, Israel Kills a US Citizen, SBU Chief Merc'd in Broad Daylight, The West Slowly Begins to Abandon Ukraine, Zelensky's Authoritarianism, Pokrovsk in Peril, Russia's Methodical Advance is Unchecked...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week the gang tackles Chapter I of Laudato Si, but the late Pope Francis. You can follow along by grabbing the PDF from Verso or from the Vatican website. This Papal Encyclical calls for urgent action to address the global environmental crisis, critiques consumerism, blind developmentalism, inequality, and profit seeking. The document calls for global political solidarity to transition to a sustainable economy and for protection of the worlds most vulnerable populations. Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Deep State Don's Pedophile Coverup Extravaganza, More Tariff Idiocy, Israel's Relentless War Crimes Perpetration, Yermak's Power Grab in Kiev, Azerbaijan Mafia/NATO State, Russian Gains, Ukrainian Systemic Breakdown...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Israel failed to assassinate Khamenei, US lifts some sanctions on Hungary/Russia, Russia controls 100% Luhansk, US cuts off military aid to Ukraine, Azov civil war, the collapse continues...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week Chris and Jason signed on to give an update on the status of the spectacular nature of American Capitalism. Trump's useless strikes on Iran and false declaration of victory prompted us to revisit Guy Debord's concept of the spectacle in relation to contemporary American politics. Revenge of the Spectacle: This Time It's Personalhttp://www.redwedgemagazine.com/online-issue/revenge-of-the-spectacle-this-time-its-personal The Game of War. Guy Debord and the Society of the Spectacle.https://www.threemonkeysonline.com/the-game-of-war-guy-debord-and-the-society-of-the-spectacle/ Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
US Attacks Iran... Did It Work?, Iran Tosses out the IAEA, NATO Potemkin Summit, The Inexorable Russian Lava Flow Pushes On, Ukraine Keeps Collapsing...How to Pronounce Schadenfreudehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3_DjiLLDfoSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Real romantic anti-capitalism hours are back, and this week the boys brought in Mir and Daniel to read Laudato Si by the late Pope Francis, as published by Verso Books (you can read it on the Vatican website or in book form, but we got the free ebook from Verso). This Papal Encyclical calls for urgent action to address the global environmental crisis, critiques consumerism, blind developmentalism, inequality, and profit seeking. The document calls for global political solidarity to transition to a sustainable economy and for protection of the worlds most vulnerable populations. Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This is it folks, the second half of Chapter 7 and the grand finale of the reading series.Go to the Patreon to hear the whole episode. Join the Discord to help us determine what's next… And Read Along Here: https://libcom.org/article/question-nationalities-and-social-democracy-otto-bauer Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Poland No Confidence in Tusk, Saudis Support For Syria, Israel Attacks Syria, More Genocide in Gaza, Russia vs Ukraine/Al Qaeda in Africa, Walkin' in the Spiderwebs, Terrorism?, Ukraine Body Swap Debacle, Russia's Inexorable Advance Continues...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
In the final episode of our Czechoslovak Socialism series, we dive into the final attempt to reform the Czechoslovak system. As with the Prague Spring, the official ML/liberal narrative about are the same, that this was an attempt to overthrow socialism and establish a capitalist democracy. Just like the Prague Spring, it seems clear that the intentions of its participants were the opposite. The vast majority of Czechoslovaks who participated in the movements that brought down the republic were attempting to reform the socialist system, not destroy it.Krapfl, James. Revolution with a Human Face Politics, Culture, and Community in Czechoslovakia, 1989–1992. Cornell University Press, 2017.Scott Brown. “Prelude to a Divorce? The Prague Spring as Dress Rehearsal for Czechoslovakia's ‘Velvet Divorce.'” Europe-Asia Studies 60, no. 10 (2008): 1783–1804.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The dudes are back, although Sean couldn't join for this episode. Jason and Varn talk about some of the logic here, the limits of trying to pin down conservatism right now, and why politics is so frustrating. No, we didn't speak much about Dugin... but we are doing this to remind everyone that we will.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The gang takes on the first half of Chapter 7 of Bauer's analysis of the concept of the nation...Follow Along Here:https://libcom.org/article/question-nationalities-and-social-democracy-otto-bauer Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The boys and Varn Vlog are back again, for the long-awaited return to our series talking about "Decadence Theory." This week, the boys respond to a response to the ICC's pamphlet on decadence theory. The article we read and discussed was published by Aufheben and is titled The Theory of Decline or the Decline of Theory. Decadence: The Theory of Decline or the Decline of Theory? Part Varn VlogSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
We recently went on the For a New Republic podcast to talk about Trump, fascism, and rebuilding the workers' movement in the United States. For a New Republic is the official podcast of Éirígí For A New Republic, an Irish socialist republican party that seeks the reunification of Ireland and the establishment of a workers' republic. Éirígí For A New RepublicFor a New Republic PodcastSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Hungary vs Ukraine, Iran Nuke Proposal, Why Trump Declared Victory Over the Houthis, Chinese Jets Better than Euro's?, Istanbul Clown Show, Ukraine's Lost War of Attrition Continues...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week we return to an always prescient question: What happened to the future? What Lies Ahead?https://jacobin.com/2023/01/slavoj-zizek-time-future-history-catastrophe-emancipation Mark Fisher's Specters of Scarcityhttps://jacobin.com/2025/01/mark-fisher-neoliberalism-acid-communism ‘Culture has lost the ability to grasp the present'https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/mark-fisher-ghosts-retromania/How the pandemic messed with our perception of timehttps://www.vox.com/science/23823507/pandemic-memory-time-perception-lockdown Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Habemus Papam, Al Qaeda
Trump/Zelensky Meeting, Minerals Deal, US Arms Sales to Ukraine, Superhornet Down!, North Korean Troops in Kursk, Russian Gains in AprilSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The boys got together to take a look at the first 100 days of Trump's presidency. We talk about inept bumbling, cruelty, misery, war, and how it's still not fascism. Jacobin: This Is America by Daniel Bessner The Nation: The New McCarthyism Was Started by Liberals by Jeet HeerSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Trump Talks Truce, Iran Nuclear Deal, What's the Point of the EU?, Don't Bluff China, Sumy Missile Strike, Russia Rolls OnSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
A couple of weeks ago, Jason gave a talk to the New Zealand Federation of Socialist Societies about the history of American Socialism. Here is the audio of that talk...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The boys (featuring the return of Mir) return to the slaughter-bench to finish discussing Terry Pinkard's article "The Spirit of History."The Spirit of History by Terry Pinkardhttps://aeon.co/essays/what-is-history-nobody-gave-a-deeper-answer-than-hegelSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Kursk Losses Breakdown, China China China, Israel Executes UN Worker and Paramedics, Ansar Allah Reaps Reaper Drones, Renewed Russian Offensive?And so on...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The gang tackles Chapter 06 of Bauer's analysis of the concept of the nation.The Transformation of the Principle of Nationality (pg. 355)National Autonomy and the Principle of NationalityThe Roots of Capitalist ExpansionismThe Working Class and Capitalist ExpansionismImperialism and the Principle of NationalitySocialism and the Principle of NationalityRead along with us:https://libcom.org/article/question-nationalities-and-social-democracy-otto-bauerSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Here's a bonus episode for you on what is normally an off week. Listen now to hear Jason and Chris give an introduction to the introduction of the Unbreakable Union podcast, then listen to the introduction. Unbreakable Union PodcastSend us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Rare Earths Deal, War Footing in the Pacific, Coalition of the... Willing?, Ceasefire Breaches, Le Pen Convicted, Trump is Pissed off at Putin, NYT Says Ukrainians are Stupid Losers, Russian Offensive Isn't Stalling After All...Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
This week Chris talks to Jason and Matthew about their new podcast: Unbreakable Union. This ambitious project will span six seasons with one decade being covered per season. Check out our episode then listen to the podcast here or on your preferred podcatcher. It should be showing up everywhere in the next few days. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2462690Also, come join our Patreon and get access to our discord! Click below:Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Signalgate, Yemen, Ceasefire Failures, Russian Advances, and Ukrainian Flailing.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Ok, finally we get around to answering questions about religion and parenting... also some other stuff. Just go listen.Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
The boys (featuring the return of Mir) kick back on the slaughter-bench to discuss Hegel's philosophy of history by discussing Terry Pinkard's article "The Spirit of History." The Spirit of History by Terry Pinkardhttps://aeon.co/essays/what-is-history-nobody-gave-a-deeper-answer-than-hegel Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
Regrettable Geopolitics - 03/23/2025 (Israel Turns the Genocide Machine Back On, Yemen/Iran, Kursk, Other Ukraine Things, and Cease-Fire Talks)Send us a message (sorry we can't respond on here). Support the show
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