How the Mainstream Media Enabled Climate Denial | Downstream
Aaron Bastani speaks to George Monbiot about COP26, which countries are climate change leaders and how the mainstream media enabled a culture of climate denial when it mattered most.
Why Are All the Baddies Disabled? | Downstream
From ancient myths through to the Batman trilogy, pop culture is littered with disabled people and those with facial differences being cast as villains. Why does disability feature so heavily in literary and cinematic traditions, and how has this hypervisiblity had the ironic effect of erasing the experiences of disabled people? Ash Sarkar is joined […]
The Capitalist War Being Waged on Disabled People
Ellen Clifford speaks to Michael Walker about her book “The War on Disabled People: Capitalism, Welfare and the Making of Human Catastrophe”, including an explanation of the Social Model of Disability, the history of the Disabled People’s Movement, and the disastrous consequences of austerity policies.
Veterans: Rightwing or Radical? | Downstream
They are claimed from all sides and by all parties. But who are Britain’s ex-service personnel? What do they want? And what do their politics – whether conservative, liberal or socialist – tell us about Britain as a post-imperial country? Aaron Bastani speaks to Joe Glenton, journalist and author of ‘Veteranhood’.
Climate Change Is Violent, That’s Why We Need Sabotage | Aaron Bastani Meets Andreas Malm
From food scarcity to extreme weather, climate change will affect the lives of billions of people around the world. But at what point are its future horrors unacceptable? And how should that shape climate politics now? Aaron Bastani speaks to author Andreas Malm about the limits of today’s activism and what is to be done […]
If Neoliberalism Is Over, What Next? | Downstream
If neoliberalism really is over then what comes after? And could this new political and economic moment, where a larger state is embraced, see a turn right rather than left? Aaron Bastani speaks to sociologist Paolo Gerbaudo about his new book, ‘The Great Recoil’, examining how ideas of protection, control and state intervention are replacing […]
Could Donald Trump Win in 2024? | Downstream
Aaron Bastani meets Nina Turner, co-chair of the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, to discuss the American left under the Biden Presidency, the prospect of Donald Trump running in 2024 and how American workers can build a more progressive politics.
Ash Sarkar Meets Zarah Sultana | Downstream-on-Sea
At Labour Party Conference 2021 Ash Sarkar & Zarah Sultana MP shared fish and chips by Brighton Pier. They discussed why the Labour Party is so boring, being a muslim woman of colour on the left and trans rights amongst other things. Batter not miss it!
How Violence Shapes Our Sex Lives | Downstream
Is ‘consent’ the only dividing line between good sex and bad sex? Ash Sarkar is joined by Rachel Thompson to discuss her new book Rough, and the politics of pornography, kink, and sex ambivalent feminism.
Has the Left Forgotten How to Have Fun?
Ash Sarkar is joined by ACFM’s Jeremy Gilbert to discuss euphoria, liberation, and the wisdom in the rave.
The Stories of Transgender Britain
Ash Sarkar speaks to Juliet Jacques about her new book 'Variations' - a collection of short stories inspired by real-life events that explore the history of transgender Britain.
The Fight for Unite – Interview With Steve Turner
Since 2010 Len McCluskey has been the general secretary of Unite, one of Britain’s largest trade unions. That changes this year with the election of his successor – a three-way race between Gerard Coyne, Sharon Graham and today’s guest, Steve Turner.
The Daniel Morgan Murder Inquiry
The murder of Daniel Morgan in 1987 is back in the spotlight with the official inquiry report soon to be published. Ash Sarkar discusses the case with Daniel’s brother, Alastair Morgan.
How Britain’s Police Spied on the Left | Downstream
The Undercover Policing Inquiry is examining the infiltration of more than 1,000 political groups by British police since 1968. How much has been disclosed? And will more revelations come to light? Aaron Bastani talks to Tom Fowler of the Spycops Info podcast.
What White People Can Do Next | Downstream
Check your privilege. Google it. Stay in your lane. Though Black Lives Matter has politicised a new generation into antiracism, it’s not actually clear what white people are meant to do next. Ash Sarkar is joined by Emma Dabiri to talk about why liberal identity politics are a dead end, why allyship is a nonsense, […]
How Britain Supports Israel’s War on Palestine | Downstream
In March this year the UK’s new military strategy declared Israel remains a ‘key strategic partner’. But what does that mean, and where does it sit in relation to Israel and its war on Palestine? Aaron Bastani is joined by Mark Curtis, editor and co-founder of Declassified UK.
How Labour Wins Back the Red Wall | Downstream
While Labour lost council seats across the North and Midlands, it held firm in Preston. Can only municipal socialism and the ‘Preston Model’ now save the party? Aaron Bastani is joined by Matthew Brown, Labour leader of Preston council.
Is Line of Duty Copaganda?
What impact does the ubiquity of police dramas on our screens have on the real criminal justice system? And has Line of Duty been feeding us pure ideology all this time? Ben Smoke and Caspar Salmon join Ash Sarkar to interrogate the world of fictional police.