Left Reckoning

Fmr. The Michael Brooks Show crew Matt Lech & David Griscom work to cover & build a strong, popular, working-class rooted, no BS Socialist Left. With a special focus on the international struggle and Texas, the South, & the West. The weekly show is live on Youtube @ 2:30 ET/1:30 CT!

https://www.youtube.com/@LeftReckoning

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347 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes347

Newest first

Mar 5, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
210 - Trump's Tariffs & Media Wars ft. Jason Myles
Jason Myles joins us to talk about his new Means TV series where he explores media, politics, and kayfabe. Support Left Reckoning on Patreon for full access to bonus content at patreon.com/leftreckoning
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr 36 min
209 - Ukraine Under Trump, Activism Post-Biden & Bernie Fights Oligarchy ft. Elise Joshi & Van Jackson
👉 Support Left Reckoning on Patreon for full access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning First up, we chat with Elise Joshi (@EliseJoshi), the former head of Gen Z for Change, who recounts her experience organizing under the Biden administration and her confrontation with the Biden White House over climate change. Plus we take stock of where the movement is today after Kamala Harris' defeat and Trump's return to power. Next, international relations professor Van Jackson (@realVanJackson) joins the conversation. As co-host of the un-diplomatic podcast (un-diplomatic.com), he breaks down Trump’s latest moves on Ukraine, the shifting dynamics of military spending, and what’s really happening in the Russia-Ukraine war. Plus Matt & Dave on Bernie Sanders’ Fight Oligarchy Tour and its implications for the progressive movement.This episode is packed with in-depth analysis and candid conversation—and it’s just the beginning. For even more exclusive bonus content and our full postgame , support Left Reckoning on Patreon.👉 Join us on Patreon for full access to bonus episodes and behind-the-scenes debriefs: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoningDon’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all our unapologetic political commentary!Plus, this episode features an exclusive postgame bonus segment—available only to Patreon supporters—where the team debriefs, answers audience questions, and highlights any big stories that may have slipped through in the main show.👉 Support Left Reckoning on Patreon for full access to bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoningSubscribe and hit the bell for more in-depth political and corporate analysis from Left Reckoning!
Feb 19, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
208 - Why Elon Musk Wants A Company Town & Why The CIA Hides JFK Docs ft. Jefferson Morley
First, Elon Musk’s company town Starbase—governed by his head of security. The history of company towns, explain why these exploitative models have long been problematic, and speculate on why Musk is reviving this outdated concept to further his corporate ambitions. Next, the CIA’s handling of JFK documents. Then we're joined by Jefferson Morley (@jeffersonmorley), writer of the JFK Facts Substack, re Trump’s plans to release more JFK files and revisit lingering questions about the JFK assassination. https://jfkfacts.org/https://jfkfacts.org/
Feb 17, 2025 · 40 min
Union Power Special w/ Eric Blanc & Philly Whole Food Workers
On this DOUBLE SUNDAY SHOW, Matt and David talk with Eric Blanc about his new book on union organizing, "We Are the Union." Then, Edward and Ben from Philly Whole Foods Workers United stop by to talk about their real world experience getting their coworkers to vote for a union. CALL TO ACTION: https://bit.ly/SOSactionFollow the Philly workers on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/phillywholefoodsworkersBuy Eric's book herehttps://www.ucpress.edu/books/we-are-the-union/paper
Feb 12, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
207 - The Gulf Of America And Trump's War On Women ft. Kylie Cheung
We sit down with Kylie Cheung (@kylietcheung) to discuss the latest developments in reproductive health policies under the Trump administration. Topics include:Recent pardons of anti-abortion activistsThe implications of Texas's restrictive reproductive health laws. Legal actions against medical professionals and individuals concerning reproductive health services.Follow Kylie's work at https://kylietcheung.substack.com/Support Our WorkIf you appreciate our discussions and want to support independent journalism, consider contributing to our Patreon. Your support helps us continue to bring you in-depth analyses and conversations on critical issues.Patreon: patreon.com/leftreckoningSocial Media:Twitter: @leftreckoningFacebook: @leftreckoningInstagram: @leftreckoningThank you for listening, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!Catch bonus episodes, deep dives into radical history, and more at patreon.com/LeftReckoning for just $5/month!Left Reckoning goes live every Tuesday at 6 PM Central.-------Get our booklist here: https://bookshop.org/lists/left-reckoning-big-book-list/Left Reckoning goes live on Tuesdays @ 6 Central. To get access to all the bonus episodes, including more Hitchens conversations & deep dives into radical US history, Lenin, James Connolly & more support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning - for just $5 you help make the public show possible and get double the bonus content. Support us on patreon.com/LeftReckoning Twitter: @LeftReckoning - @mattlech - @davidgriscom Instagram: @LeftReckoningCheck out our Twitch streams at Twitch.tv/LeftReckoning
Feb 5, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
206 - Trump Vs USAID's 'Marxists', Canada & Mexico + The Musk Coup ft. Alexander Aviña
Historian Alexander Avina (@Alexander_Avina) joins us to talk about Trump's recent tariff threats against Mexico and Canada, Sheinbaum, and the end of USAID. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand the fight against exploitation, inequality, and imperialism. Catch bonus episodes, deep dives into radical history, and more at patreon.com/LeftReckoning for just $5/month! Left Reckoning goes live every Tuesday at 6 PM Central. ------- Get our booklist here: https://bookshop.org/lists/left-reckoning-big-book-list/ Left Reckoning goes live on Tuesdays @ 6 Central. To get access to all the bonus episodes, including more Hitchens conversations & deep dives into radical US history, Lenin, James Connolly & more support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning - for just $5 you help make the public show possible and get double the bonus content. Support us on patreon.com/LeftReckoning Twitter: @LeftReckoning - @mattlech - @davidgriscom Instagram: @LeftReckoning Check out our Twitch streams at Twitch.tv/LeftReckoning
Jan 29, 2025 · 1 hr 41 min
205 - How Capitalism Devours Itself & Trump's Imperialist Ruin w/ Grace Blakeley & Assal Rad
Catch bonus episodes, deep dives into radical history, and more at patreon.com/LeftReckoning for just $5/month! Capitalism is failing, and the vultures are circling. We talk with Grace Blakeley, (@graceblakeley) author of Vulture Capitalism, about how the system is rigged for the rich and what it’s going to take to fight back. Later, Assal Rad (@AssalRad) dives into Trump’s legacy and future in Gaza and Iran, the possibilities of a new Iran deal, and Trump's alarming rhetoric on Gaza. This is a must for anyone looking to understand the fight against exploitation, inequality, and imperialism. Check out Grace's substack here: https://wcwd.substack.com/ Left Reckoning goes live every Tuesday at 6 PM Central. ------- Get our booklist here: https://bookshop.org/lists/left-reckoning-big-book-list/ Left Reckoning goes live on Tuesdays @ 6 Central. To get access to all the bonus episodes, including more Hitchens conversations & deep dives into radical US history, Lenin, James Connolly & more support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning - for just $5 you help make the public show possible and get double the bonus content. Support us on patreon.com/LeftReckoning Twitter: @LeftReckoning - @mattlech - @davidgriscom Instagram: @LeftReckoning Check out our Twitch streams at Twitch.tv/LeftReckoning
Jan 22, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
204 - The Billionaire's Come & What Trump Means For Gaza ft. Abdelhalim Abdelrahman
Donald Trump is back, and Matt & David unpack his return and what it means for the U.S. and beyond. In this episode, Matt Lech sits down with Abdelhalim Abdelrahman (@AbdelA1924), a Palestinian American and foreign policy analyst, to discuss the situation in Palestine, why Arab-American voters rejected Kamala Harris, and how Trump's policies could shape the future of Gaza. 👉 Get our curated booklist: https://bookshop.org/lists/left-recko... 👉 Support us on Patreon: Gain access to bonus episodes covering radical U.S. history, Lenin, James Connolly, and more for just $5/month at patreon.com/LeftReckoning.
Jan 15, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
203 - LA Fires, Gaza Ceasefire?, & The Loneliness Crisis ft. Francesca Fiorentini
Patreon.com/leftreckoning to support the show and get the Sunday Shows and Postgame We are joined by Francesca Fiorentini (@franifio) to talk about the fires in LA. Also, why are we so lonely and Trump, Peacemaker. Gofundme for Francesca's family who lost everythin in the Altadena fire: https://www.gofundme.com/f/altadena-fire-aid-for-yon-and-diana?attribution_id=sl:f7a9dc61-84ab-473d-a601-2fbf23228b7d&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Jan 8, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
202 - Trudeau Resigns Chaos In The 51st State
We are joined by Luke Savage (@LukewSavage) - writer and co-host of "Michael & Us" - to talk about Trudeau's resignation and what that means for the career of Pierre Poilievre and Canada. Then we are joined by union organizer Aminah Sheikh (@aminahsheikh) to talk about how to organize with people who hold different views than you. ------- Get our booklist here: https://bookshop.org/lists/left-reckoning-big-book-list/ Left Reckoning goes live on Tuesdays @ 6 Central. To get access to all the bonus episodes, including more Hitchens conversations & deep dives into radical US history, Lenin, James Connolly & more support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning - for just $5 you help make the public show possible and get double the bonus content. Support us on patreon.com/LeftReckoning Twitter: @LeftReckoning - @mattlech - @davidgriscom Instagram: @LeftReckoning Check out our Twitch streams at Twitch.tv/LeftReckoning
Dec 31, 2024 · 50 min
201 - Left Reckoning's Bum Steer Awards 2025
Thanks to all our patrons who have supported us through the past year at patreon.com/leftreckoning
Dec 31, 2024 · 2 hr 2 min
Reading Series Rewind: Eugene Debs and Hal Draper
Day two of our rewind, this time with Debs and Draper. get all the reading series' and other bonus shows at patreon.com/leftreckoning
Dec 28, 2024 · 2 hr 39 min
Reading Series Rewind: Marx's The German Ideology & Critique of the Gotha Program
David and Matt wanted to release a couple of previously only released for members readin series episodes over winter break. These two being Marx's The German Ideology & Critique of the Gotha Program. Support the show and et full access to the readin series and other bonus episodes at patreon.com/leftreckoning
Dec 24, 2024 · 33 min
200 - Biden's Slow, Boring Bum Steer ft. Nathan Robinson
Read Nathan's piece on Yglesias and subscribe to Current Affairs here: https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-opinions-of-matt-yglesias-should-be-ignored Support Left Reckoning at Patreon.com/leftreckoning and get the sunday and postgame shows plus full archives
Dec 18, 2024 · 1 hr
199 - What Left Media Missed About Trump's "Populism" & The Democrats Bill Clinton Problem ft. Matthew Sitman
We are joined by the great Matthew Sitman (@matthewsitman) of Dissent Magazine and the podcast Know Your Enemy. We talk about Trump's fake populism, what left media missed about Trump, and what that means for the left going forward. Left Reckoning goes live Tuesdays @ 6 Central. To get access to all the bonus episodes, including more Hitchens conversations & deep dives into radical US history, Lenin, James Connolly & more support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning - for just $5 you help make the public show possible and get double the bonus content. Support us on patreon.com/LeftReckoning Twitter: @LeftReckoning - @mattlech - @davidgriscom Instagram: @LeftReckoning Check out our Twitch streams at Twitch.tv/LeftReckoning
Dec 11, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
198 - American's United Against Insurance, Syria's Shift, & What Is DSA In 2024?
Support us and get the Sunday Shows and Postgames at Patreon.com/leftreckoning Matt & David talk about American insurance and why it is so bad. We are joined by Danny Bessner (@dbessner) professor of International Studies at the University of Washington, a fellow at the Quincy Institute, and co-host of the American Prestige Pod (@AmPrestigePod) joins us to talk about Syria, what Trump's foreign policy may look like, and how difficult it is being right all the time. Then we are joined by Ashik Siddique (@ahSHEEK) national co-chair of DSA to talk about what is next for the organization in the wake of Trump's victory. DSA's website to join & become a member: https://www.dsausa.org/ DSA's "Workers Deserve More" platform: https://2024.dsausa.org/ ewsweek article: "We Democratic Socialists of America Will Not Apologize. We Stand for What Is Right" https://www.newsweek.com/we-democratic-socialists-america-will-not-apologize-we-stand-what-right-opinion-1989801
Dec 8, 2024 · 19 min
The Tragic Murder Of Hind Rajab: Is The Govt Covering It Up? Ft. Prem Thakker
get all Sunday Shows at patreon.com/leftreckoning Zeteo reporter Prem Thakker (@Prem_thakker) joins Matt and David to discuss the lack of justice for Hind Rajab, what it means about the broader genocide of Palestinians being conducted by Israel, and what it's like questioning overnment spinmeisters Check out Zeteo's coverage of Hind Rajab's killing here: https://youtu.be/dHn-3TOeXx0
Dec 4, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min
197 - Trump's Crypto Bomb & Can The Left Break From The PMC?/ Vivek Chibber & Freddy Brewster
Support the show and get the postgame shows at patreon.com/leftreckoning We are joined by NYU professor of sociology, author of "Class Matrix" & "Confronting Capitalism" and a new podcast premiering on December 4th on the Jacobin Radio feed, Vivek Chibber. Vivek breaks down the election, debunks the false consciousness argument, and talks about the middle-class problem on the left. Vivek's new podcast will be available on the Jacboin Radio feed, subscribe here to get it when it releases: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jacobin-radio/id791564318 We are joined by Lever News journalist Freddy Brewster to talk about the Crypto election bomb, how they spent, and what the industry hopes to gain under a Trump administration. Read Freddy's work and support the Lever: https://www.levernews.com/the-crypto-triad-won-the-election/
Nov 27, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
196 - Class Dealignment After The Kamala Election Crash w/ Lillian Cicerchia & Briana Last
We are joined by Lillian Cicerchia (@classreductress) and co-host of What's Left Of Philosophy podcast to talk about why Kamala Harris flamed out in the election, the problem with the lazy arguments excuses for Donald Trump's win, and what a socialist left can do to take advantage of this moment. And check out Briana Last's paper on organizing in the mental health field. https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/6cqtz?view_only=
Nov 20, 2024 · 1 hr 22 min
195 - The Squad's Dilemma & Future w/ Ryan Grim
We are joined by journalist Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) of Drop Site News & author of "We've Got People" and "The Squad," to talk about what is next for progressive elected officials and how they relate to the movement at large. Plus Matt & David on the right way to respond to the Trump win, and how to challenge the identity-only reactions from liberal pundits. To get access to all the bonus episodes, including more Hitchens conversations & deep dives into radical US history, Lenin, James Connolly & more support the show at patreon.com/leftreckoning - for just $5 you help make the public show possible and get double the bonus content. Support us on patreon.com/LeftReckoning Twitter: @LeftReckoning - @mattlech - @davidgriscom Instagram: @LeftReckoning Check out our Twitch streams at Twitch.tv/LeftReckoning

Left Reckoning

210 - Trump's Tariffs & Media Wars ft. Jason Myles

209 - Ukraine Under Trump, Activism Post-Biden & Bernie Fights Oligarchy ft. Elise Joshi & Van Jackson

208 - Why Elon Musk Wants A Company Town & Why The CIA Hides JFK Docs ft. Jefferson Morley

Union Power Special w/ Eric Blanc & Philly Whole Food Workers

207 - The Gulf Of America And Trump's War On Women ft. Kylie Cheung

206 - Trump Vs USAID's 'Marxists', Canada & Mexico + The Musk Coup ft. Alexander Aviña

205 - How Capitalism Devours Itself & Trump's Imperialist Ruin w/ Grace Blakeley & Assal Rad

204 - The Billionaire's Come & What Trump Means For Gaza ft. Abdelhalim Abdelrahman

203 - LA Fires, Gaza Ceasefire?, & The Loneliness Crisis ft. Francesca Fiorentini

202 - Trudeau Resigns Chaos In The 51st State

201 - Left Reckoning's Bum Steer Awards 2025

Reading Series Rewind: Eugene Debs and Hal Draper

Reading Series Rewind: Marx's The German Ideology & Critique of the Gotha Program

200 - Biden's Slow, Boring Bum Steer ft. Nathan Robinson

199 - What Left Media Missed About Trump's "Populism" & The Democrats Bill Clinton Problem ft. Matthew Sitman

198 - American's United Against Insurance, Syria's Shift, & What Is DSA In 2024?

The Tragic Murder Of Hind Rajab: Is The Govt Covering It Up? Ft. Prem Thakker

197 - Trump's Crypto Bomb & Can The Left Break From The PMC?/ Vivek Chibber & Freddy Brewster

196 - Class Dealignment After The Kamala Election Crash w/ Lillian Cicerchia & Briana Last

195 - The Squad's Dilemma & Future w/ Ryan Grim