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Coming From Left Field (Audio)
Welcome to Coming From Left Field, a conversation about politics, books, and current events.
Episodes
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"Stalin Over Wisconsin” - The Union They Had To Break with Roger Keeran
What does it take to build a fighting union—and what does it take to destroy one? Historian Roger Keeran returns to Coming From Left Field to discuss Stephen Meyer’s “Stalin Over Wisconsin: The Making & Unmaking of Militant Unionism, 1900–1950.” Keeran wrote the new foreword to this rediscovered...
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- Black Marxism, Class Politics, and the Questions We Cannot Avoid with August Nimtz
In this episode, we welcome political scientist and longtime University of Minnesota professor August H. Nimtz to discuss his book, “Black Marxism: A Marxist Critique.” Nimtz revisits Cedric J. Robinson’s influential 1983 “Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition” and explains why...
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"Requiem for French Theory: Transatlantic Funeral Dirge in a Marxist Key” with Gabriel Rockhilll
In this episode of Coming From Left Field, philosopher and cultural critic Gabriel Rockhill joins us to discuss “Requiem for French Theory: Transatlantic Funeral Dirge in a Marxist Key,” his new book co-written with Aymeric Monville. Rockhill examines how postwar French Theory—associated with...
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“Can Grand Strategy Save the Left?” (Backbone Campaign / Solutionary Rail) with Bill Moyer
Bill Moyer has spent over two decades turning protest into an art form — literally. As co-founder and executive director of the Backbone Campaign, he's behind the giant "We the People" banners, the overpass bannering, the light projections, and the inflatables that have shown up at marches from...
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“Everything the West Gets Wrong About Vietnam” with Luna Oi
Communist writer, educator, creator, and translator Luna Oi (Luna Nguyen) joins us from her home in Vietnam for a conversation that dismantles just about everything the West thinks it knows about her country. Luna has spent six years translating Vietnam's official university Marxism-Leninism...
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“Illinois Coal Country: Immigrants, Unions & the Fight for Justice” with Jackie Dana
In this episode, we talk with St. Louis historian Jackie Dana, author of “The Unseen History of St. Louis,” about the hidden history of central and southern Illinois coal mining. Jackie traces how immigrant workers and their families, including her own Croatian relatives in Benld, Illinois, were...
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“Chomsky and Me: A Memoir” with Bev Boisseau Stohl
This conversation with Bev Stohl, author of “Chomsky and Me,” takes you inside Noam Chomsky’s office and daily life in a way few people have ever seen. Drawing on nearly 25 years as Chomsky’s assistant at MIT, Bev shares intimate, funny, and moving stories about his work habits, his chaotic...
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“Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund” with Molly Crabapple
This episode, artist, writer, and journalist Molly Crabapple discusses her new book, “Here Where We Live Is Our Country.” Through the conversation, she explores how art, memory, and reportage can challenge borders, social movements, and official narratives, focusing on the lives of workers,...
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“Getting Shot At: Essays on War, Conflict & Culture Clash” with Bill Ehrhart
Vietnam veteran, poet, educator, and essayist Bill (W.D.) Ehrhart joins our podcast to discuss his new collection, “Getting Shot At: Essays on War, Conflict and Culture Clash.” Drawing on more than fifty years of writing and activism, Ehrhart reflects on how Vietnam shattered his belief in…
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“"When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class" with Chris Smalls
In this episode, our guest is Chris Smalls, discussing his new book, “When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class.” Smalls, best known as the co-founder and former president of the Amazon Labor Union, led the first successful union drive at an Amazon warehouse in the...
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“When the Revolution Comes" with Chris Smalls
In this episode, our guest is Chris Smalls, discussing his new book, “When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class.” Smalls, best known as the co-founder and former president of the Amazon Labor Union, led the first successful union drive at an Amazon warehouse in the...
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“Capitalism: A Global History" with Sven Beckert
In this episode, we feature historian Sven Beckert discussing his sweeping new book, “Capitalism: A Global History.” We dig into how capitalism emerged over the last thousand years, why it’s not just “markets” but a specific, historically created social order, and how it became a genuinely global...
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“The Billionaires Have Two Parties, We Need a Party of Our Own" with Les Leopold
Les Leopold’s new book, “The Billionaires Have Two Parties – We Need a Party of Our Own,” starts from a simple claim: Republicans and Democrats alike have become instruments of the billionaire class, while working people are left with no real political home. On Coming From Left Field, Leopold…
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“The Yellow Vests and The Battle for Democracy” with Ida Susser
In this episode of Coming From Left Field, we sit down with anthropologist Ida Susser to talk about her book “The Yellow Vests and the Battle for Democracy: Taking to the Streets of Paris in the 21st Century.” We dig into how a seemingly narrow revolt against a diesel fuel tax exploded into a...
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“Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times” with John K. Roth
In this podcast, we interview philosopher Dr. John K. Roth to discuss his latest book, ”Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times.” Roth explores the origins of the American Dream, its dual nature as both an aspiration and a nightmare, and the urgent calls to revive it amid...
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“Fear and Fury: The Reagan Eighties, the Bernie Goetz Shootings, and the Rebirth of White Rage” with Heather Ann Thompson
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Heather Ann Thompson joins us to discuss “Fear and Fury: The Reagan Eighties, the Bernie Goetz Shootings, and the Rebirth of White Rage,” her new book about the 1984 Bernie Goetz subway shooting and how it became a flashpoint in the Reagan-era politics of fear,...
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"Who Paid the Pipers of Western Marxism?" with Gabriel Rockhill
Philosopher and activist Gabriel Rockhill joined us today to discuss his new book, “Who Paid the Piper in Western Marxism?” where he lays out how US imperial power has waged an “intellectual world war” through universities, foundations, journals, and cultural institutions—shaping what counts as...
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"Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States“ with J. Albert Mann
In this episode of Coming From Left Field, we feature author J. Albert Mann discussing her nonfiction book, “Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States,” and why honest labor history for young people is both urgently needed and systematically suppressed. Mann explains that she wrote...
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- "Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers" with Caroline Fraser
Caroline Fraser joins the Coming From Left Field podcast to discuss "Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers," her genre-bending blend of true crime, environmental muckraking, and personal memoir about growing up near Tacoma’s Asarco smelter in the heyday of Ted Bundy and...
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"Fighting Oligarchy" with Charles Derber
In this episode, we sit down with sociologist and author Dr. Charles Derber to dig into his new book, “Fighting Oligarchy: How Positive Populism Can Reclaim America.” At a moment when most Americans feel one paycheck away from disaster and both major parties seem unable—or unwilling—to confront...
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"Square UP: Building Labor's Power in the Gilded Age" with Lorri Nandrea, Tony Pecinovsky and special guest Chris Townsend
In this episode, we welcome Lorri Nandrea and Tony Pecinovsky to discuss the book they edited, “Square Up: Building Labor's Power in the Second Gilded Age”— a vital call to arms for the working class from International Publishers. Square Up is a collection of 16 essays bringing together…
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“Thanks for Nothing: The Economics of Single Motherhood since 1980” with Nicholas Wolfinger and Matthew McKeever
This episode centers on a conversation with sociologists Dr. Nicholas Wolfinger and Dr. Matthew McKeever about their book “Thanks for Nothing: The Economics of Single Motherhood since 1980” and what it reveals about poverty, race, and U.S. policy. The hosts discuss the core puzzle: even after…
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“Mixing Pop and Politics: A Marxist History of Popular Music” with Toby Manning
Toby Manning joins the Coming From Left Field Podcast to discuss his book, “Mixing Pop and Politics: A Marxist History of Popular Music,” a sweeping, theory-driven history of commercial popular music from the 1950s to today. Dr. Manning traces how popular music doesn’t float above politics but is...
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Simplifying Socialism: Reclaiming Marxism with A.J. Horn
In this intergenerational dialogue, we welcome writer A.J. Horn, a remarkable young Marxist-Leninist scholar. We discuss the enduring legacy of the great intellectual, Michael Parenti, who passed away a month ago. We examine what made Parenti’s work—such as his classic “Blackshirts and Reds”—so...
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“Project Censored's State of the Free Press 2026” with Andy Lee Roth
In this podcast episode, we interview Dr. Andy Lee Roth, a sociologist, media scholar, and editor known for his leadership role in the media watchdog group Project Censored. The discussion centers on their latest publication, State of the Free Press 2026, which marks the project's 50th…
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“Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News” with Alec Karakatsanis
In this timely interview, author and civil rights attorney Alex Karakatsanis unpacks the powerful thesis of his book, “Copaganda: How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News.” He argues that the mainstream news media—including trusted liberal outlets like NPR, the New York Times, and…
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“Justice for Colombian Fisherman, Carranza Medina” with Dan Kovalik
Carranza Medina was a 42-year-old fisherman killed when the U.S. military bombed his small boat in the Caribbean off Colombia’s coast on September 15, 2025, in a strike the Trump administration described as targeting drug traffickers. In this podcast, we have a conversation with human rights…
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“Chile in Their Hearts” with John Dinges
In this deep-dive episode, we sit down with legendary investigative journalist and author John Dinges to discuss his acclaimed book, “Chile in Their Hearts: The Untold Story of Two Americans Who Went Missing After the Coup.” Journey back to the early 1970s, when Chile became the global epicenter...
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“Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford” with Carla Kaplan
In this podcast is an interview with Dr. Carla Kaplan, author of the biography "Troublemaker: The Life and Times of Jessica Mitford." The conversation centers on the extraordinary life of Jessica "Decca" Mitford, one of the famous (and famously eccentric) Mitford sisters. Jessica "Decca" Mitford...
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“No Neutrals There: US Labor, Zionism, & the Struggle for Palestine” with Jeff Schuhrke
In this podcast we discuss the just released book, “No Neutrals There,” in which labor historian Dr. Jeff Schuhrke outlines the US labor movement's century-long, official alliance with Zionism and Israel, arguing that this stance was driven both by early ideological sympathy for Labor Zionism…
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“The American Revolution and the Fate of the World” with Richard Bell
Think you know the story of the American Revolution? Think again. In this episode, acclaimed author and history professor Dr. Richard Bell joins the podcast to discuss his book "The American Revolution and the Fate of the World,” where he dismantles the myths and explores the shocking global…
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“Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class & How to Win Them Back” with Joan Williams
In this episode, acclaimed author and law professor Joan Williams joins the podcast to discuss her book "Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back." Williams delivers a powerful diagnosis of the political rift dividing America, arguing that the Democratic Party has...
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“Domestic Causes of American Wars: Economic & Political Triggers” with Ivan Eland
In this episode of "Coming from Left Field," we discuss the book, "Domestic Causes of American War: Economic and Political Triggers," with author and former National Security Analyst for Congress, Dr. Ivan Eland. This is a provocative reassessment of American military history. Dr. Eland...
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“From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music & Why We Love It” with Robert Zatorre
In this episode of "Coming from Left Field," we sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Robert Zatorre to discuss his book “From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music and Why We Love It.” We discuss the connection between music and the human brain, exploring how abstract…
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“Smart Fish Don’t Bite” with Bill Ehrhart
In this podcast, we have a conversation with poet Bill Ehrhart, whose new poetry book, “Smart Fish Don’t Bite,” serves as a testament to a life fully examined. While Ehrhart's identity is often intertwined with the war—a theme he explores but resists being solely defined by—the discussion reveals…
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“Homeland: The War on Terror in American Life” with Richard Beck
Richard Beck was 14 years old when planes flew into the Twin Towers on 9/11. He grew up in a Philadelphia suburb as a “mainstream liberal Democrat,” and during high school, was more concerned with music than politics. After graduating from Harvard, Beck moved to New York, where he still resides,...
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“The Capital of Slavery: Washington, D.C. 1800-1865” with Gerald Horne
Was the founding of the United States a "great leap forward for humanity" or a project deeply rooted in slavery and settler colonialism? In this episode, we sit down with renowned historian Dr. Gerald Horne to discuss his new book, “The Capital of Slavery: Washington, D.C. 1800-1865.” We…
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Fake Work: How I Began to Suspect Capitalism is a Joke” with Leigh Claire La Berge
In this episode of Coming from Left Field, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with author Leigh Claire La Berge about her book “Fake Work: How I Began to Suspect Capitalism is a Joke.” Drawing from her surreal experience documenting Y2K compliance for a Fortune 500 company—a job…
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“Raise Your Hand If You Hear My Voice,” poetry with Janice Cummings O’Mahony
Join us for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation with poet Janice Cummings O’Mahony as we dive into her new collection of poetry, “Raise Your Hand If You Hear My Voice,” exploring memory, family, love, grief, and resilience. Janice’s work blends nostalgia with sharp wit, tackling themes...
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“America, América: A New History of the New World” with Greg Grandin
In this thought-provoking episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Greg Grandin joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book, “America, América: The Origins of Hemispheric and Global Hegemony,” which challenges traditional narratives of U.S. history by centering Latin America’s pivotal role. We...
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“Radio Tacoma: A Low-Power FM Media Revolution” with Pam Beal
This episode features an interview with Pam Beal, a board member of Radio Tacoma (KTAH 101.9), a grassroots low-power FM station dedicated to democratizing media and amplifying local voices. Pam attended Wilson High School, Concordia Lutheran College, and Reed College. She received her Ph.D. in...
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Overview of Coming From Left Field Podcast
This is a 10-minute "deep dive" overview of the Coming From Left Field Podcast created by Google's AI NotebookLM research assistant. It provides a summary of the content and highlights selective episodes that have been aired over the past four years, where we discuss politics, history, economics,...
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“Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, & the Quest for Democracy” with Charles Derber
113-“Bonfire: American Sociocide, Broken Relations, & the Quest for Democracy” with Charles Derber In this episode, we dive deep into America's social crisis with sociologist Charlie Derber, author of “Bonfire of America: Sociocide, Broken Relationships, and the Quest for Democracy.” Derber...
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"DisElderly Conduct: The Flawed Business of Assisted Living & Hospice" with Judy Karofsky
In this episode of Coming from Left Field, we dive into America’s broken elder care system with Judy Karofsky, author of “DisElderly Conduct: The Flawed Business of Assisted Living and Hospice.” We discuss how corporate greed and lack of regulation have turned assisted living into a profit-driven...
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"Obscene Wealth” with Greg Godels & Pat Cummings
In this podcast, we discuss Greg's article "Obscene Wealth" from MLToday, based on Gabriel Zucman's research on U.S. wealth inequality. Zucman reveals that in 2024, the wealth of the top 0.00001% (19 households) increased by $1 trillion, surpassing Switzerland’s GDP. The top 10% possess 67% of…
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"Antonio Gramsci: Theirs and Ours” Interviewing Greg Godels
In this podcast we discuss Greg’s recent article in MLToday: “Antonio Gramsci: Theirs and Ours.” Gramsci, an Italian Marxist philosopher, theorized that ruling classes maintain power through cultural hegemony—controlling institutions like media, education, and religion to shape societal norms....
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"What’s Left” in conversation with Stephen Gowans
Our podcast features Stephen Gowans, a Canadian political analyst, author, and activist known for his anti-imperialist and socialist views on U.S. foreign policy, capitalism, and Western interventionism. Gowans authored The Killer's Henchman: Capitalism and the Covid-19 Disaster (2022), Israel, A...
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"Military AI Watch” A Project Censored Exposé with Peter Byrne
In this podcast, our guest is Peter Byrne, a national and international award-winning investigative reporter and science writer. His works have been published in Scientific American, Wired, Mother Jones, and New Scientist. In partnership with Project Censored, Byrne has launched Military AI…
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“What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis” with Malcolm Harris
In this podcast, our guest is Malcolm Harris, the author of the national bestseller “Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World,” a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Today we discuss his latest book, “What’s Left: Three Paths Through the Planetary Crisis,” an...
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“Professors Speak Out: The Truth about Campus Investigations” with Nicholas Wolfinger
In this podcast, our guest is Nicholas H. Wolfinger, a professor of sociology at the University of Utah, specializing in family demography, marriage and divorce, and social inequality. We discuss his recent book, “Professors Speak Out: The Truth about Campus Investigations,” which examines the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Coming From Left Field, a conversation about politics, books, and current events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Coming From Left Field (Audio) have?
Coming From Left Field (Audio) currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Coming From Left Field (Audio) about?
Welcome to Coming From Left Field, a conversation about politics, books, and current events.
How often does Coming From Left Field (Audio) release new episodes?
Coming From Left Field (Audio) has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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