Peter Hudis: Philosopher of the Barricades

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Peter Hudis for a rich and energizing conversation on the life, thought, and legacy of Frantz Fanon. As I mention at the start of our discussion, Peter’s book Frantz Fanon: Philosopher of the Barricades has been one of the most accessible and illuminating introductions to Fanon I’ve ever encountered. If you’ve wanted to understand Fanon beyond the buzzwords—this is the place to begin.Together, we explore the philosophical influences that shaped Fanon’s thinking, from the Negritude movement and Sartre to Merleau-Ponty, Hegel, and beyond. Peter shares fascinating stories about Fanon’s early exposure to philosophy in Martinique, his evolution as a revolutionary thinker, and the ways he transformed the ideas he inherited rather than simply repeating them. We also discuss Fanon’s commitment to a new humanism—one rooted in mutual recognition, dignity, liberation, and social transformation.Whether you’re new to Fanon or have been journeying with his ideas for years, this episode offers both depth and accessibility. I left the conversation energized, challenged, and more convinced than ever that Fanon’s work remains essential for thinking about race, liberation, and humanity today.Tune in, reflect with us, and see what new connections emerge for you as we revisit Fanon’s enduring legacy through the eyes of a leading scholar.