Left Reckoning

In this episode of Left Reckoning, we dive deep into the bizarre and unsettling obsessions of billionaire Peter Thiel — is he trolling with all the Anti-Christ talk, or is there something darker going on?We're joined by Gil Duran (@gilduran76) to unpack Thiel's dangerous ideological project and what it means for the future of tech, power, and politics.https://www.thenerdreich.com/Then: Texas' war on trans people has escalated — journalist Gwen Howerton (@kissphoria) joins us to explain how this brutal assault on basic human rights threatens all of us, not just the trans community.🚨 Don’t Miss Out — Join the Left Reckoning Community!👉 Get full access to the postgame, exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and more at🎉 https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoningYour support helps us grow and keep pushing back against corporate media and reactionary nonsense.

Get this full episode and all the Sunday Shows by becoming a member at Patreon.com/leftreckoningDavid and Matt discuss the ethical implications of comedians performing in Saudi Arabia, the political landscape in Texas with Andrew White's gubernatorial campaign, and Megyn Kelly stares into the TPUSA abyss and doesn't like the way it talks about "billionaire jews."

Support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning What is going on with Your Party? Matt and David dive in the fallout from the Corbyn v. Sultana feud and what it means for what felt like a promising start for the UK left. Plus, Democratic socialism, the people like it. New poll show Democratic socialism is now mainstream. - https://jacobin.com/2025/09/new-poll-democratic-socialism-mainstream/Agree? you can join DSA here: https://act.dsausa.org/donate/membership/JOIN MATT & DAVE DSA's Phonebank! http://dsausa.us/LRPBMatt Lech and Devin Thomas O'Shea delve into the works of Thomas Pynchon, particularly focusing on 'Vineland'. They explore Pynchon's unique narrative style, his historical context, and the political themes embedded in his literature. They dive into the relevance of Pynchon's themes in today's political landscape and concludes with reflections on his literary legacy.

get full access to the postgame at ⁠patreon.com/leftreckoning⁠Huge episode tonight! David and Matt discuss the crackdown on free speech. Then we are joined by Dr. Tom Alter, who was let go of his tenured job as a history professor at Texas State University, for engaging in free speech. We talk about what that means for Texas and the country.GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-free-speech-reinstate-dr-tom-alter-nowTSEU petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/reinstate-dr-tom-alter-defend-free-speech-at-all-universitiesSocialist Horizon statement and petition: https://www.puntorojomag.org/2025/09/13/defend-free-speech-no-to-fascists-reinstate-professor-dr-tom-alter-now/READ TOM ALTER'S EXCELLENT BOOK ON TEXAS RADICALS: https://bookshop.org/p/books/toward-a-cooperative-commonwealth-the-transplanted-roots-of-farmer-labor-radicalism-in-texas-thomas-alter/e1f7347c5ee54043Brian Mier (@BrianMteleSUR) join us to talk about Bolsonaro's imprisonment for his role in the attempted coup in Brazil.Keep up with Brian's work here: https://bmier.substack.com/Lastly, we are joined by Tamanisha J. John (@TamanishaJohn) to discuss Venezuela and the Trump administration's aggressive stance, as well as neocolonialism.You can read the piece here: https://www.blackagendareport.com/historical-and-contemporary-role-neocolonial-caribbean-governments-supporting-us-militarism-and

get full access to the postgame at patreon.com/leftreckoningDavid & Matt break down the latest assault on Gaza, the latest in TX Dem primary, Zohran's response to a bizarre Trump comparison and more!PLUS Nilo Tabrizy (@NiloTabrizy) joins david to discuss the Women Life Freedom movement in Iran and the historical context of their fight.Pick Up Nilo's book here: -the-sun-after-long-nights-by-fatemeh-jamalpour-and-nilo-tabrizy/

Get this full episode at patreon.com/leftreckoningMatt and David talk Trump's strikes on a Venezuelan speedboat and an insane story from Wired (for the second week in a row).https://www.wired.com/story/the-baby-died-whose-fault-is-it-surrogate-pregnancy/

Learn more about how to get involved at https://www.labourforpalestine.com/Join David Griscom, Aminah Sheikh, and Kevin Levangie as they dive into the latest labor movements in Canada, focusing on the successful resolutions for a two-way arms embargo with Israel. Discover how grassroots organizing and cross-union solidarity are reshaping the conversation around international labor rights and moral responsibility.Then join us for a fun chat with comedian & Majority Report producer Brian Vokey as we dive into the comedy scene, Joe Rogan's influence, and political comics.https://www.instagram.com/mrbryanvokey/And get full access to the postgame at patreon.com/leftreckoning

get this full Sunday Show and all previous and future ones by becoming a supporting member at patreon.com/leftreckoningDavid and Matt react to the fallout from Taylor Lorenz's Wired article about the dark money subsidization of DNC democrat media.https://www.wired.com/story/dark-money-group-secret-funding-democrat-influencers/

Apologies for the mix-up with the previous upload! LEFT RECKONING 235!!David speaks with Pelle Dragsted (@pelledragsted), a democratic socialist member of the Danish Parliament and leader of the Enhedslisten—the Red-Green Alliance—about his recently translated book, Nordic Socialism. They talk about what the Nordic countries have accomplished, the pitfalls of social democracy, and what is needed to fight for a better future. Find Nordic Socialism here: https://uwpress.wisc.edu/Books/N/Nordic-SocialismThen David speaks with Alexander Lemons, co-author of "Warbodies: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare," to talk about the US military makes 'warbodies.'Pick Up Warbody here: https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324066330Read Alexander's piece in High Country News:https://www.hcn.org/issues/57-2/a-veteran-transforms-a-legacy-of-violence-into-a-campaign-for-restoration/------------------------------------------Show notes: 00:00 Start 1:40 Intro 9:01 Nordic Socialism w/ Pelle Dragsted42:00 Warbody w/ Alexander Lemons

Hope that you enjoy this public version of the LR postgame. Catch it every week at patreon.com/leftreckoning

👉 Join us on Patreon for full access to bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes debriefs: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoningMatt & Dave are back with a big one. We are joined by Kelsea Bond, who is running for city council in Atlanta. Kelsea explains how socialism can win in the South and the importance of being well-versed in a tradition. Then we are joined by two recently elected members of DSA National Political Committee, Ella Teevan (@EllaTeevan) and Cerena Ermitanio (@kasamangcerena) to talk about what is next for the largest socialist organization in the US.Learn more about Kelsea's campaign in Atlanta: https://kelseabond.com/David and Matt also talk about the return of the Texas democrats and the redistricting fight, and lessons from Bolivia's historic loss for the left, with MAS for the first time being out of government.

Tonight on Left Reckoning: We’re joined by journalist Seth Harp @sethharp to discuss his explosive new book, "The Fort Bragg Cartel" — out today — exposing the “Fort Bragg Cartel” and uncovering the U.S. military’s hidden role in the global drug trade. From the battlefields abroad to the violence coming home, Harp’s investigation lays bare the shadowy side of American imperialism.📖 Get Seth Harp’s new book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/730414/the-fort-bragg-cartel-by-seth-harp/We also bring you coverage from the DSA National Convention, including our conversation with Neal Meyer (@nealmeyer) and a live response from Olivia Katbi @oliviakatbi on the DSA convention, BDS, and the fight for a free Palestine, plus respond to recent bizarre allegations from the NY Post.Follow & Support Left Reckoning:💖 Patreon: patreon.com/leftreckoning🎧 Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xzcRxgBjKKSigBt11IytK & https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/left-reckoning/id1553413866Pickup Left Reckoning MERCH: Leftreckoning.com/store📱 Twitter: @davidgriscom @mattlech @leftreckoning

Trump's trying to hide how bad this economy is as more and more people struggle to get by. Plus, in Texas GOP reps are hard at work trying to rig the upcoming midterm elections. In a last ditch effort to stop it Texas Dems have fled the state, will it work?Then Kylie Cheung (@kylietcheung) joins us to talk about her new book, Coercion, which documents the fight for autonomy and the attempt by the Right to control women and their bodies. Pick up Kylie's book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745350615/coercion/👉 Join us on Patreon for full access to bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes debriefs: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning

Get the postgame and Sunday Shows at patreon.com/leftreckoningNeal Meyer of Left Notes joins David and Matt to discuss this piece on Democratic Socialism, Social Democracy, and Communism: https://www.left-notes.com/p/a-typology-of-socialisms-in-the-21stAlso, Tlaib takes a shot across the bow about supporting Israel with "defensive weapons."

Matt & Dave are at it again, talking about Gaza and AOC. Plus we're joined by Slate journalist Alexander Sammon to talk about the Roosevelt Hotel, that housed thousands of migrants and was also the subject of many RW conspiracy theories. What lessons can we take from its closing?https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2025/07/donald-trump-immigrants-new-york-city-conspiracy.htmlSupport the show and get access to the postgame:🌹 https://patreon.com/leftreckoning

We’re live talking about the return of Jeremy Corbyn, and whether we’re entering a 2018 reboot. In Texas, things are getting messier than ever, with SpaceX exploding, Paxton's "biblical divorce," and new details about Musk and Abbott’s cozy relationship coming to light.Plus, we're joined by journalist and author Brian Goldstone (@brian_goldstone) to talk about his new book There Is No Place for Us, which dives deep into the crisis of working homelessness, how landlords, private equity, and even gig apps profit off housing precarity — and what real solutions could look like.Link to the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/645871/there-is-no-place-for-us-by-brian-goldstone/Support the show and get access to the postgame:🌹 https://patreon.com/leftreckoning

We are joined by Branko Marcetic @BMarchetich writer at Jacobin to talk about Zohran's win and Trump's threats against Democracy. David talks about the flooding in Texas and the human consequence of GOP failure. Immediately after catch Ben Burgis in the POSTGAME for PATRONS ONLY patreon.com/leftreckoning➡️ Support independent left media: patreon.com/leftreckoning📺 Subscribe and like for weekly interviews, analysis, and socialist commentary.-------------------------------Show Notes: 00:00 Start 1:40 Intro5:06 Who Is To Blame For The Texas Floods?31:41 Trump's Authoritarianism 40:59 Morning Joe Centrist Freakout w/ Branko Marcetic 59:00 Who Is James Talarico w/ Ben Burgis

➡️ Support independent left media: patreon.com/leftreckoning📺 Subscribe and like for weekly interviews, analysis, and socialist commentary.In this episode of Left Reckoning, Matt and David are joined by Ashik Siddique, co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, to break down the latest in American politics — and why the Democratic establishment is still failing to meet the moment.We dig into Colin Allred’s announcement that he’s running for Senate in Texas and what it reveals about the party’s refusal to back bold, working-class candidates. Then we examine the Democrats’ newly unveiled “2029 Project”, their soft response to the GOP’s Project 2025, and ask whether they’ve actually learned anything from their repeated losses and near-disasters.Ashik joins us to analyze what a real alternative looks like — one rooted in DSA’s growing electoral strategy and grassroots organizing that just helped deliver a major victory for Zohran Mamdani in NYC.Later, we break down the so-called Big Beautiful Bill that recently passed in the Senate — a dangerous right-wing wish list that would slash Medicaid, ramp up immigration enforcement, and undermine protections for working people across the board. It’s a clear preview of Donald Trump’s 2025 agenda and a direct attack on the multiracial working class. We explain what’s in the bill, why it matters, and how the left must respond.------------------------------------------00:00 Start 01:33 Intro 00:05:12 Democrats Keep Blowing It 2029 Edition00:27:40 Colin Allred Wants Your Money To Lose Another Election 00:44:03 DSA Co-Chair On Why Zohran Won 01:15:02 Responding to Attacks On Zohran 01:31:17 Zohran Responds to Trump Threat 01:42:00 Big Beautiful Bill (Betrayal) 2:00:43 OPEN POSTGAME 2:01:22 Responding To The Nonsense Attacks On Zohran By "Socialists" 2:07:55 Matt Taibbi Comes Out As Total Hack

Hey friends, thank you for joining us in this difficult time. We have two conversations coming up on Israel, Iran, and Trump's decision to use US military power. First up we are joined by Dr. Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi to talk about the fallout from Trump's decision to attack Iran, what that means for Iran's nuclear program, and the Reza Pahlavi's opportunism in trying to claim rulership of Iran. Read Culmination: https://newleftreview.org/sidecar/posts/culminationThe Failson & The Flag: https://jacobin.com/2025/06/reza-pahlavi-iran-israel-interventionThen we are joined by Derek Davison (@dwdavison) one half of the beloved American Prestige Pod. Derek will help us break down the recent events, what the political scene will mean in the US following Trump and Israel's attacks, and more. Subscribe to American Prestige: https://americanprestige.supportingcast.fm/Subscribe to Derek's FX Newsletter:https://www.foreignexchanges.news/Check out the Crusades series:https://americanprestige.supportingcast.fm/welcome-to-the-crusades-the-first-crusadeLastly, David and Matt take a look at Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, who has officially joined the Panican Party after Greg Abbott vetoed his THC ban. Keep up with Left Reckoning, support the show and get our Sunday bonus episodes by signing up at patreon.com/leftreckoning

Hey folks! Two great interviews for y'all this week. First, doctor and researcher Adam Gaffney on a study that shows how devastating Trump's bill will be for health in this country. Then, Hannah Habtu on genocide in Tigray where up to 800 thousand people have been killed, and an overview of Ethiopian and Eritrean history surrounding the conflict."Genocide in Tigray: Serious breaches of international law in the Tigray conflict, Ethiopia, and paths to accountability":https://newlinesinstitute.org/rules-based-international-order/genocide-in-tigray-serious-breaches-of-international-law-in-the-tigray-conflict-ethiopia-and-paths-to-accountability-2/Support:https://omnatigray.org/