This week, we critique the climate strike. But, first, some current events. Drone strikes hit a Saudi oil field and cut production in half. Leaked audio shows Brazil’s army is trying to occupy the Amazon. The UAW strike rages on. The Climate Strike kicked off this week. What are the limitations of the strike as a model? How do we move from symbolic protest to direct action? What tools/methods are best suited to combating climate change and capitalist hegemony? Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is part of the Rev Left Radio Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Strangers” by City and Colour Outro: “Downfall” by Architects
Episode 56: “Revolutionary Left Roundtable”
Hey, y’all! We got a jam-packed episode for you today filled with various friends and comrades from the Revolutionary Left Radio Federation of podcasts, including Breht from Rev Left Radio & Red Menace, Brendan from Marxism & Moshpits, and Alyson from Red Menace. This episode is the second half of a conversation that initially premiered as Ep. 2 of Marxism & Moshpits, “Punk culture, leftism, & lifestylism.” But, first, some announcements! Hurricane Dorian pounded the Bahamas. Support autonomous disaster relief efforts to aid the impacted communities! ICE agents opened fire on immigrants outside a Nashville grocery store. The U.S. Border Patrol and an Israeli Military Contractor are putting a Native American reservation under “persistent surveillance.” Auto-workers at Ford, GM, and Chrysler voted to go on strike this past week. First recorded when Pearson was visiting Omaha, NE this past March, today’s episode features various comrades in the Revolutionary Left Radio Federation. We convene for a roundtable discussion on music, science, socialism, spontaneity, insurrection, anarchism, Marxist-Leninism, party-building, and so much more. Alyson jumps in at the end to offer her two cents, as well. We hope y’all enjoy this whirlwind conversation as much as we did. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is part of the Rev Left Radio Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “To My Comrades” by the Window Smashing Job Creators Outro: “Counter Ops” by HAWK
Episode 55: “A Weapon Against the Enemy” ft. Stick to Your Guns
On today’s edition of Coffee with Comrades, George Schmitz, drummer of Stick to Your Guns and co-host of the No Power podcast, joins us to discuss hardcore music, authenticity in art, counterculture, praxis, sobriety, and so much more. But, first, some current events: The Cherokee Nation is seeking to appoint a representative to congress The Trump Administration is trying to get to Supreme Court to legalize anti-LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination Manhattan District Attorney used “geofencing” warrant to surveil anti-fascists. The Amazon Rainforest is on fire. Robber oil-baron David Koch kicks the bucket. In a wide-ranging discussion, Pearson and George chat about hardcore music, toxic masculinity, catharsis, political awakenings, cultural production, counterculture, praxis, and the No Power Podcast. Follow George on Twitter and Instagram. Check out Stick to Your Guns on Twitter and Instagram. Listen to the No Power podcast and follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is part of the Rev Left Radio Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “What Choice Did You Give Us?” by Stick to Your Guns Outro: “Against Them All” by Stick to Your Guns
Episode 54: “Shit-Posting is Counterrevolutionary” ft. Srsly Wrong
In today’s episode, we hang out with the Wrong Bois, Shon and Aaron, of Srsly Wrong. But first, some current events: – Pearson laments the abysmal 2019 DSA National Convention. – White supremacy and misogyny transform once more into violent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton. – Rose City Antifa resolves to defend Portland from the fascist creep. – A federal judge refused to consider fining Chelsea Manning $1,000/day. – 680 people were arrested by ICE this past week at a poultry farm. – India is stripping Kashmir of its autonomy. – The protests in Hong Kong rage on. We can all learn from the tactics of our comrades. Shon and Aaron join us for a discussion of extremely online leftism, sectarian shenanigans, prefiguration, and Mr. Fred Rogers. Follow Srsly Wrong on Twitter and support them on Patreon. Follow Shon and Aaron on Twitter. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is part of the Rev Left Radio Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: – Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World” by Woody Guthrie – Interlude: “Red & Black” by the String-Bo String Duo – Outro: “Empty Heads” by Stick to Your Guns
Episode 53: “Caucus Circus”
In this edition of Coffee with Comrades, Pearson and Mel are joined by John of the Chicago South-Side DSA, Chicago IWW, UC Labor Council, National Nurses United, and Tenants United, Hyde Park to chat about the upcoming 2019 DSA National Convention. But, first, some current events: William Van Spronsen martyred, but not forgotten. Ted Cruz introduces “antifa bill” into the Senate legislature. Indigenous Hawaiian activists face government opposition as they attempt to block a telescope’s construction on sacred land. One small win: Trump’s asylum ban was halted this past week in federal courts. Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló, resigns after massive uprising. John chats with us about organizing in Chicago, the major caucuses in the DSA, the “big tent” approach to building a mass movement, the evolution of the DSA, ideological tension, diversity of tactics, and the struggles ahead. Follow John on Twitter. Scope Symptomatic Redness’s analysis of the DSA caucuses John mentions in this episode. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud affiliate of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is part of the Rev Left Radio Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Burn it Down ft. Caleb Shomo” by Silverstein Outro: “Fortune Teller” by Stray From the Path
Episode 52: “Rural Rebels” ft. the IAF-FAI
Today, we share the second half of out two-part special with comrades from the IAF-FAI, Bad Salish Girl and The Green City. This time, we chat about the unique challenges and advantages of organizing in the countryside. Make sure to check out Pt. I if you haven’t done so already! Follow the IAF-FAI on Twitter and visit their website. Follow Bad Salish Girl and The Green City on Twitter. The artwork for this episode was inspired by Jackie Fawn. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is a grateful part of the Rev Left Radio Podcast Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Fkkk You, Amerikkka” by Indigenize Outro: “A Matter of Action” by Klee Benally
Episode 51: “Decolonization is Not a Metaphor” ft. IAF-FAI
In this edition of Coffee with Comrades, we sit down with our friends in the Indigenous Anarchist Federation to discuss indigeneity and decolonization. But, first, some current events: Portland, OR antifascists courageously confronted Proud Boys and Patriot Prayer. All Out DC got temporarily banned from Twitter, but the July 6th antifascist mobilization is still on. The War on Immigrants rages on and the struggle for freedom of movement endures. Today, we share Pt. I of a special two-part conversation with two comrades from the IAF-FAI, Bad Salish Girl and The Green City. We sat down to talk about indigeneity, decolonization, abolishing whiteness, and timeless revolution. Keep your eyes peeled for Pt. II, which will be live July 16, 2019. Follow the IAF-FAI on Twitter and visit their website. Follow Bad Salish Girl and The Green City on Twitter. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is a grateful part of the Rev Left Radio Podcast Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Meso Murica” by War of Icaza Outro: “Walking with the Dead” Savage Fam & Alas
Episode 50: “Fuck Theory, Do Shit!”
In this one-year anniversary episode of Coffee with Comrades, Pearson and Mel get retrospective and introspective. After looking back at 50 episodes of the program, Pearson and Mel dive into a discussion of new media and the left. But, first, some current events! Bombshell report reveals extent of Judicial Corruption in Brazil. Hong Kong mobilizes against extradition bill. Scott Warren’s prosection ends in mistrial. This week might just be the most polemic episode of Coffee with Comrades yet! After talking about social media under a capitalist mode of economics, Pearson and Mel diagnose some of the problems with new media on the left (and with podcasts, in particular.) Afterward, Pearson and Mel outline a number of practical, material solutions to these dilemmas that can begin to build revolutionary infrastructure right here, right now. In short, “Fuck theory, do shit!” Our zine, Insurrectionary Jubilee, is now available. Please distribute it widely! As per usual, stick around ‘til the very end of the episode for some goofy-ass bloopers. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is a grateful part of the Rev Left Radio Podcast Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Big Mouth” by Citizen Outro: “Echo and Dust, Pt. I” by Greyhaven
Episode 49: “Love Has No Borders”
This week, Dezeray sits down with Pearson and Mel to talk about refugee solidarity networks. But first, in lieu of a current events section, Pearson and Mel chat about the French term “apellism” and give a preview of what’s to come in Episode 50 of Coffee with Comrades. After a brief discussion of local struggles in FL, the dialogue zooms outward, building toward regional issues at the U.S.-Mexico Border before evolving into a conversation about international stories from time Dez spent in Palestine and France! We talk a bit about Dez’s graphic novel and offer some ideas of how YOU can get involved in popular struggles to provide sanctuary and asylum to those fleeing the violence and destabilization so often engendered by capitalism, climate change, and U.S. imperialism. Dez has been on Coffee with Comrades in the past (albeit, briefly) when Pearson drove down to Tampa, FL to visit the Occupy ICE encampment at a detention facility. You can check out that interview at the beginning of Episode 5 of Coffee with Comrades. Stick around ’till the very end of the episode for a brief, out-of-context blooper in which we all wax poetic about the efficacy of the word “fuck.” Follow Love Has No Borders on Facebook and check out their website. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is a grateful part of the Rev Left Radio Podcast Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World Anymore” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Prayer of the Refugee” by Rise Against Outro: “Refuge” by In Hearts Wake
Episode 47: “Brotherhood Begins in Shared Pain” ft. the Left Page
This week, we’re pleased to present a two-part, Coffee with Comrades special. Frank and Bruno—co-hosts of the Left Page podcast—join us to discuss Ursula K. Le Guin’s novel, The Dispossessed. In Pt. I, thing get contentious. We explore suffering, joy, solidarity, critique Le Guin’s presentation of anarchism, and develop a praxis of revolutionary compassion. Check out the Left Page on Twitter and support them on Patreon. Support Coffee with Comrades on Patreon, follow us on Twitter, and visit our website. Coffee with Comrades is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network. Coffee with Comrades is a grateful part of the Rev Left Radio Podcast Federation. Our logo was designed by Sydney Landis. Support her work, buy some art. Music: Intro: “I Ain’t Got No Home in this World” by Woody Guthrie Interlude: “Hypersleep” by 65daysofstatic Outro: “Genesis/Scarab” by Northlane