Spring Radio

This month's episode was recorded at Spring's annual Red October. The session took place on October 25, 2025 as part of the course “What is Revolutionary Socialism?” and features Spring Members Ayan Tani, Sarah Shahid and Emma Paling.  “As revolutionaries, we must engage in battles not just on the ground and picket lines, but also in the realm of ideas," Egyptian journalist and revolutionary Hossam El-Hamalawy has said.  Journalism is a vital tool for socialists to use in this battle of ideas. But the revolutionary newspapers of Lenin and Claudia Jones are not the only publishing format available to socialists anymore. The internet, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and podcasting offer new opportunities — and new challenges — for socialists to organize and disseminate their messages to the working class. Red October is an annual conference organized by Spring Magazine to discuss socialist ideas and put them in action. To learn more and to listen to other sessions from Red October please visit redoctober.ca. To read and listen to more from Spring Magazine, you can go to SpringMag.ca or check out Spring Radio wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Sarah Shahid, Ayan Tani, Emma Paling, Rajean Hoilett, and Josh Frame. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.

Last month, Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race in New York. In January, he will take office. This campaign opened up the imagination for progressives not only in New York but across the world. In this episode, Sarah Shahid speaks with Emily Lemmerman, an organizer, member of the Democratic Socialists of America, and formerly the Communications Director in Zohran Mamdani’s State Assembly office. They discuss what opportunities and challenges a campaign like Mamdani’s provides for socialists interested in raising the confidence of the working class. Further reading: “Zohran Mamdani Is Winning the Battle. Here’s How He Can Win the War” by Eric Blanc, Emily Lemmerman, and Wen Zhuang “What’s left of Canadian social democracy?” By David Bush This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Sarah Shahid, Spencer Bridgman, and Josh Frame. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.

Mail deliveries in Canada have been disrupted after postal workers across the country walked off the job. The strike comes after the Canadian government authorized widespread reforms to Canada Post that would shut post offices and end door-to-door deliveries for millions of people. The government intends to replace postal workers with community mailboxes, speed up deliveries using subcontracted gig labour, and quietly hand over profitable routes to private couriers. Far more than a fight for improved wages and improved working conditions, the strike is about the rights of Canadians to good public services, and about resisting the destruction of good unionized jobs through privatization. This strike comes alongside other action across Canada to fight increasing privatization of public services.  To discuss all of this, the CUPW strike, the fight to protect public services and public service workers, and what is at stake if we lose Canada Post, Spring member Hiva sat down in Hamilton with CUPW members Dawnie, Kevin, and Karl. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to discuss these ideas in person, as well as learn new ones and connect with other socialists from across Canada, please join us at the TMU student centre in Toronto from the 24th to 26th of October for Spring's annual Red October conference. Red October is a whole weekend of socialist ideas and strategy, with more than 25 sessions spread over six courses. Click this link to get your tickets - redoctober.ca This podcast was recorded on the traditional territory of many nations including Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Carlie Macfie, Hiva Nematollahi and Josh Frame, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca. 

Mark Carney’s recent commitment to increase Canada’s military spending to 5% of the country’s GDP by 2036 is the most ambitious investment into national defence in Canada’s history since the Second World War. It comes hand-in-hand with his announcement to cut federal spending by 7.5% by next year. In today’s episode, Spring members Samuel Tetelepta and Alex Hunsberger unpack why Canada and countries across the world are pivoting to an arms economy and how that ultimately goes against the interest of the working class.  Please consider donating to Spring Magazine’s annual fund drive at https://www.gofundme.com/f/spring-magazines-2025-fund-drive. This money supports the production of more episodes like this and the overall activity of Spring magazine. If you want to check out Spring Radio’s series on Pierre Poillievre: Part 1 - Justinflation feat. Pam Frache: https://open.spotify.com/episode/70FWaAGyiO0nJxC3mcuKZ5?si=8d7ac2a942d14925  Part 2 - Housing feat. Ricardo Tranjan: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zP3h9aMG5yq6MuEAgqJKn?si=20e5f290e3374526  Part 3 - Immigration feat. Harshill and Vedanth: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GPcsjWgodzi3yoMYwjAmr?si=90a213525595450b  Part 4 - Federal Election Debrief: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3bOxf7fBgyGh9hmBJy8uOG?si=29ff9f188c474738  This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Meaghan Boisjoli, Sarah Shahid, and Josh Frame. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca. 

When we began this mini-series, Pierre Poilievre and the conservatives were looking like they could win big if an election were to be held. However, the Liberal Party’s political fortunes changed in early 2025, as the threat of tariffs consumed Canadian political conversation, an unpopular Trudeau resigned, and Mark Carney became the new leader of the party.  With polls looking good for the Liberals and the race thrown open, Carney called a quick election and pulled off yet another win at the ballot box, leading the Liberals to a fourth term in office and a minority government.   The success of the Liberals has been hailed as a miraculous political resurrection, whilst, in a shock result, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lost the seat he had held since 2004, even as his party performed better than expected.  To discuss the election results, their implications for the Canadian working class, and what the future holds for organizing and Canadian politics, Spring member Josh Frame sat down with Pam Frache, coordinator of the Justice for Workers Campaign and organiser at the Workers Action Centre. Full transcript of this episode will be available shortly. To support more episodes like this, please consider donating to Spring's annual fund drive. We put every penny to good use! 

The housing system is designed to make the people at the top richer while the rest of us struggle to pay rent or afford a mortgage. The only way the system will improve is if the working class organize to challenge the status quo. In today’s episode, we talk with Chiara Padovani, an organizer who has been challenging corporate landlords and building tenant power with her neighbours.  Follow Chiara at https://www.instagram.com/chipadovani/ and https://x.com/chipadovani  Follow the York South-Weston Tenant Union at https://www.instagram.com/yswtenantunion and https://x.com/YSWtenants   Spring Radio episode with Ricardo Tranjan on the tenant class: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zP3h9aMG5yq6MuEAgqJKn?si=edf88d69841b4794  Spring Radio episode with YSW Tenant Union: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sbroZfLKurguz14PFGxri?si=9a861cb604a248d2  Join us at the Toronto Peoples’ March for Housing Justice on June 14 @ 1pm at 230 Sherbourne. This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Krisna Saravanamuttu, Spencer Bridgman, and Ayan Tani. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca. 

Donald Trump’s tariffs have set the whole global economy in a frenzy. The trade war is escalating and countries, including Canada, are retaliating with heightened nationalism. In the upcoming federal election in Canada, tariffs and Trump are the most central issue. But what does it mean for workers and the working class? Who benefits from the current economic instability in the world? And who pays the price? In this episode, Spring members David Bush and Deena Newaz sit down to understand what tariffs mean for the international working class, how it is playing out in Canada, and how we can build a workers-first response. We also grapple with emerging debates on the left about nationalism, free trade, and the centrality of the labour movement.  You can find the transcript for this episode here. To read and learn more about this topic, check out a series of articles published on Spring Magazine: Trade Wars and Class Wars by David Bush: https://springmag.ca/trade-wars-and-class-wars   Trump, Tariffs, and Return of the National Question: https://springmag.ca/trump-tariffs-and-the-return-of-the-national-question  The banker or the bully: Carney is no alternative to Poilievre by Jesse McLaren:  https://springmag.ca/the-banker-or-the-bully-carney-is-no-alternative-to-poilievre  International solidarity is the answer to Trump’s tariffs by Santiago Moran-Izquierado: https://springmag.ca/international-solidarity-is-the-answer-to-trumps-tariffs  To learn more about the ‘‘No One Left Behind’ campaign visit  https://www.justice4workers.org/tariffemergency  This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Carlie Macfie and Sarah Shahid. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.  

In this episode, we analyze Pierre Poilievre’s anti-immigration rhetoric and the broader political landscape, including policies and messaging from the federal Liberals, Doug Ford, and Donald Trump.  Spring member Samuel Tetelepta sat down with migrant student organizers Harshill and Vedanth to discuss why we need solidarity, not scapegoating, in this critical moment. Episode links:   Migrant Students United: https://www.instagram.com/migrantstudentsunited/  Migrant Workers for Change: https://www.instagram.com/migrantworkersalliance/  https://x.com/MWACCanada  Naujawan Support Network: https://www.instagram.com/naujawansupportnetwork/  Vedanth's social: https://www.instagram.com/septum_ring/  ‘No One Left Behind’ campaign: https://www.justice4workers.org/tariffemergency  This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Samuel Tetelpta, Spencer Bridgman, and Ayan Tani. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.

In this episode we speak with Independent Ontario MPP Sarah Jama about her removal from the Ontario NDP caucus after calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and her ongoing re-election campaign in Hamilton Centre as an independent. We explore the importance of elections, their limitations under capitalism, and why organizing a strong working-class movement remains crucial regardless of who is in power. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca. This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Sarah Jessica, Carlie Macfie, and Sarah Nafisa Shahid, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen.

A few months ago, Spring held our Red October conference in downtown Toronto. The three-day conference featured dozens of talks exploring how we can put socialist ideas into action to fight the capitalist ruling class.  These talks have now been uploaded to the Spring Magazine YouTube page. You can find them by searching ‘spring magazine red october 2024 playlist’ on Youtube or through the following link: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRILLBhWRpdgMvVi8Ty9a8WWtva4_9Q_U&si=JHs33XTmDwrk549t  We will again be holding Red October in 2025, so remember to get your tickets once they’re announced!  This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Ayan Tani, Carlie Macfie, and Spencer Bridgman with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.

This is the second installment in an ongoing series on the rhetoric of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, and his bid to become the next Prime Minister of Canada. With the polling as it stands, it's clear we must be prepared for the very real possibility of a Poilievre led Conservative government in the near future. This series asks, what can socialists do to counter his message?   In this episode, we sat down with writer, policy expert, and friend of Spring, Ricardo Tranjan to discuss the conservative’s slogan ‘build the homes’ and why we may want to look more closely at what the evidence tells us if we want to understand housing in Canada. You can order Ricardo's excellent book 'The Tenant Class' from btlbooks.com or pick up a copy at your local indie bookstore.    To stay updated on how you can support the tenant struggle at Win’s Flowers, follow 'Friends of Chinatown Toronto' on Instagram at @friendsofchinatownto.   This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.   It was produced by Josh Frame, Ayan Tani, and Spencer Bridgman with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.

Today we are looking at the movement to save supervised consumption sites in Ontario, after an unexpected announcement in August that 10 out of 17 sites in the province have been slated for closure by the Ford government following new zoning regulations regarding proximity to schools and daycares. Without mass mobilization and support these sites will be forced to stop providing life saving harm reduction services by April 01, 2025.    There is abundant evidence that supervised consumption sites provide significant cost savings to the healthcare system, reduce public drug use and discarded paraphernalia, facilitate access to essential wrap-around services, and most importantly, keep people alive amidst a toxic drug crisis. Despite this evidence the Ford government is scapegoating people who use substances as an excuse to further cut life saving public health services. Spring member and community health worker, Stephanie Myers, spoke to SCS workers and community members, to share the important work that happens in these sites and what's at stake if they close. These interviews were recorded early September 2024. Since recording this episode, the Conservatives have pushed legislation through provincial parliament in an undemocratic process, including skipping the community consultation, into the 3rd reading. We also want to acknowledge that some of the stigmatizing language used in the interviews is not endorsed by Spring, however we want to give space for people to use whatever language they identify with - including how one may relate to their substance use.    You can find petitions and letters to sign in support of safe consumption sites at the Save Our Sites linktree — https://linktr.ee/SWK4102   Follow the Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective on Instagram to stay informed on upcoming actions and other ways to support safe consumption and harm reduction efforts — instagram.com/hracollective    Other Instagram accounts we recommend following for more info & to support harm reduction in Ontario: @candrugpolicy @drugchecking @hac_toronto @torontoodpreventionsociety @torontoindigenousharmreduction @kmops_ @mossparkctstoronto @streethealthops @bevelupops @kitchenercts This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Stephanie Myers, Carlie Macfie, and Ayan Tani. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.

This month marks one year since Israel escalated its genocidal actions in Palestine. We sat down with Palestinian community organizer, Spring member, and trade unionist Moe Alqasem to reflect on the past year and what comes next. We also spoke with Taher Dahleh (a member of the Communication Workers of America and the Palestinian Youth Movement) and Frank Hammer (a former president of the United Auto Workers local 909) on the importance of unions in the fight for Palestinian liberation. Join Spring for the Red October conference from October 18 to 20 in Toronto, Canada. There will be talks and discussion on Palestine, the role of unions in social justice, and much much more. Purchase tickets here (PWYC options available): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/springmagazine1/1357089  You can follow Labour for Palestine on Instagram at @labourforpalestine and on Twitter @PalestineLabour. You can follow Frank Hammer on Twitter @detroitunionist and check out https://aflcio-int.education/ - a Labor Education Project on AFL-CIO International Operations. Lastly, you can follow the Palestinian Youth Movement on Instagram @palestinianyouthmovement and Twitter @palyouthmvmt. This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Ayan Tani, Spencer Bridgman, and Sarah Shahid. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca. 

Today’s episode is about Philippine labour organizing and political prisoners. We spoke with Migrante BC Secretary General, labour organizer, and former political prisoner Dennise Velasco about the ongoing union organizing in the Philippines as well as the situation for political prisoners such as Maoj Maga, and how these struggles connect to the labour movement, Indigenous self-determination, and other movements in so-called Canada. Join Spring for a weekend of socialist ideas and strategy from October 18 to 20 in Toronto, Canada. Purchase Red October tickets here (PWYC options available): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/springmagazine1/1357089  This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations including the Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Coast Salish Nations. It was produced by Kai Koski, Carlie Macfie, and Lina El Garawany, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca. You can find the transcript for this episode here.

In this episode, Bangladeshi economist and public intellectual, Anu Mohammad, discusses the working class nature of the mass uprising in Bangladesh and where the country is headed after ousting an authoritarian government.  In Spring’s annual Red October conference, we will be going deeper into the discussion around mass uprisings and revolution, along with other talks on state and elections, fighting the right-wing and fascism, and building workers’ power. Join Spring for a weekend of socialist ideas and strategy from October 18 to 20 in Toronto, Canada. Purchase Red October tickets here (PWYC options available): https://www.tickettailor.com/events/springmagazine1/1357089 This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Spencer Bridgman and Sarah Shahid, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. The song at the end of the interview is called Awaaz Utha by Bangladeshi rapper Hannan, who was arrested during the uprising but is now free. The song is available wherever you get your music. To support more episodes like this, please consider contributing to Spring Magazine’s 2024 Fund Drive: https://www.gofundme.com/f/spring-magazines-2024-fund-drive.

This episode is the first installment in an ongoing series on the rhetoric of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, and his bid to become the next Prime Minister of Canada. Poilievre's catchy one liners and strong online presence have been working over drive to promote a broadly regressive, neo-liberal and populist agenda as an option for Canada. With the polling as it stands, it is clear we must be prepared for the very real possibility of a Pierre Poilievre led Conservative government in the near future. But what can we as socialists do to counter his harmful messaging? In this series, we will unpack Poilievre's many slogans and how to challenge them in conversations with those who may be swayed by messaging. Consider this your toolkit for the inevitably difficult conversations with loved ones, acquaintances and strangers as we approach the upcoming federal election.  According to a poll released earlier this month, two of the top issues for voters in turning off support for the Liberal Party were cost of living increases and a lack of progress on inflation. Co-host Josh Frame sits down with Spring Member & Justice for Workers coordinator Pam Frache to talk about what is wrong with Poilievre's views on inflation and his solutions for making life more affordable for the working class.    This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.   It was produced by Carlie Macfie and Josh Frame, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.   To support more episodes like this, please consider contributing to Spring Magazine's 2024 Fund Drive: https://www.gofundme.com/f/spring-magazines-2024-fund-drive.

The fight in the imperial core for a free Palestine has gained new momentum in the last couple months. This is due, in part, to the growing movement of pro-Palestinian student encampments demanding that their universities divest from the genocidal Israeli state. In this episode, you’ll hear perspectives and insights from Ontario Tech University student Waddah, UCLA student and labour organizer Desmond, and OFL President Laura Walton.    This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.   It was produced by Sarah Shahid, Ayan Tani, Spencer Bridgman, and Josh Frame, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.   To support more episodes like this, please consider contributing to Spring Magazine's 2024 Fund Drive: https://www.gofundme.com/f/spring-magazines-2024-fund-drive.  You can find the transcript for this episode here.

In this episode, Spring member Valerie Lannon sits down with Sudanese engineer and Marxist political activist Muzan Alneel to discuss the dire political and humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Muzan walks us through the current political situation, resistance efforts on the ground, and the best way for international allies to express their solidarity.   This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.   It was produced by Valerie Lannon, Carlie Macfie and Sarah Shahid, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.   To support more episodes like this, please consider contributing to Spring Magazine's 2024 Fund Drive: https://www.gofundme.com/f/spring-magazines-2024-fund-drive   You can find the transcript for this episode here.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Matthew Huber, author of the excellent book: Climate Change as Class War. We discuss the causes and possible solutions to the climate crisis from a socialist perspective. This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Deena Newaz, Josh Frame, and Spencer Bridgman, with original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, go to SpringMag.ca.

Today’s episode is about the Migrant Spring: a campaign pushing for permanent resident status to all undocumented people in Canada. We spoke with Migrant Workers Alliance for Change organizer Sarom Rho about the campaign, why it is so necessary in this moment, and how it connects with the fight for a Free Palestine.  To see if there’s a Migrant Spring action being held near you, go to migrantrights.ca/events/mar16/.  This episode was produced on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Samuel Tetelepta, Carlie Macfie, Spencer Bridgman, and me, Josh Frame. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, go to SpringMag.ca. You can find a transcript for this episode here.