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Proles Pod

A podcast about history, politics, and culture... without the liberalism

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Thursday · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 113 - Indigenous Marxism
In this episode, Dr. Brandon Sanchez returns to discuss the development of Indigenous Mayan Marxism in Guatemala. We trace how Guatemala's revolutionary movement evolved from often treating Indigenous peoples simply as peasants toward confronting questions of colonialism, racism, nationality, and Indigenous self-determination. We explore the ideas of organizations including FAR, EGP, MRP-Ixim, MIT, and MAYAS, and how Indigenous revolutionaries synthesized Marxism-Leninism, anti-colonialism, Pan-Mayan politics, and Indigenous cosmovision. We also discuss proposals for a socialist federal and plurinational Guatemala and what these debates can teach revolutionary movements today. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com
S4 · E112
August 12 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep 112 - "Obsession" and the Vagaries of Capitalist Hollywood (ft. Evan and Ward from Left of the Projector)
Jeremy flies solo as host with Ward and Evan from Left of the Projector as guests. They discuss the film Obsession both as a piece of art, as well as a cultural artifact in terms of its production and distribution. They talk about the low-budget and high profit of the movie itself, which springboards into a conversation about the highly exploitative industry that underlies it. Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com
July 29 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep 111 - Cuban President Defends Economic Reforms
Jeremy, Justin, and Tony examine Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez's June 17, 2026 speech, "Reality Demands Urgent and Necessary Changes," delivered at an extraordinary meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. Facing a severe economic crisis forced on it by the United States sanctions regime, Cuba's leadership has announced a new wave of economic transformations aimed at stabilizing the economy, increasing production, attracting investment, and restructuring parts of the socialist model. Link to Text of Speech Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com or at prolespod@protonmail.com
July 15 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep 110 - Western Media Concedes North Korean Success
Tony, Jeremy, and Justin break down The Wall Street Journal's recent coverage of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, centering on the headline-grabbing article, "The World's Most Surprising Economic Success Story Is... North Korea." Has Western capitalist media finally acknowledged that communism works? Or is there more to the story than the headline suggests? Join the hosts as they unpack the article's claims, examine the broader narrative around North Korea's socialist construction, and explore what this surprising piece reveals about capitalist media and it's limits. Additional Links Image of Scary North Korean Skyscraper How to Visit North Korea w/ Zoe Stephens (AES Episode) Explaining North Korea (DPRK) w/ Ben Weston (AES Episode) A Walk Through Pyongyang in 2026 Traffic in Pyongyang 2026 Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E109
July 1 · 1 hr 39 min
Ep 109 - Half the Sky: Think of the Children
Half the Sky is a brand new podcast from ProlesPod host, Rae! It is an attempt to provide a perspective often lacking from the podcast space: that of women (and women-adjacent folks). If and when those voices are present, they are quite often offset by their dude counterparts. And so (at least on the mic) HTS is a bro-free zone. Rae's cohosts on this very special audio journey are Jen (Big Nasty) of How the Red Was Won, Lenore from Workers Lit, Luna Oi!, and Revolutionary Th0t. Episode one of Half The Sky is partly a discussion of why none of our hosts has children, but additionally, would anything change their minds? There are further conversations about the differences between the extremely hostile world that western kids are subjected to, vs the attitude toward mothers and children in Vietnam. And Luna advocates for humans to return to egg-laying like our distant ancestors. HTS Instagram
S4 · E108
June 18 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep 108 - The Unique Character of South American Revolutions
Rae and Justin (and Martín!) are joined by Camarada Michi and Danny El Comunista to have a deep discussion of the ways in which South American socialist revolutions have formed and changed. Why have there been almost no successful armed revolutions? Why did Allende fail? What is happening in the region today? Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E107
June 3 · 1 hr 25 min
Ep 107 - Prison, Innocence, and Love In Revolution (w/ Jean Paul Fartre)
Justin and Rae sit down with Jean Paul Fartre (JPF) for a wide-ranging conversation on justice work, prison abolition, wrongful convictions, and the role of love in revolutionary politics. Along the way, they discuss JPF's experiences as a male escort, the limits of liberal approaches to prison abolition, and what meaningful solidarity can look like in practice. Read JPF's writing at https://jeanpaulfartre.substack.com/ Follow him on social media: @jeanpaulfartre Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E106
May 20 · 1 hr 37 min
Ep 106 - Green China: Sovereignty through Green Tech
Rae and Jeremy are joined by Ashwin Shantha of the Journal of International Solidarity to discuss the ways in which (and the reasons why) China has developed an indigenous approach to green technology. We talk NEVs and solar panels through the lens of sovereignty, socialism, and anti-imperialism. We get into the relationship among the Imperialist West, China, and the rest of the Global South. Resources Exploring China's Green Development Path China's Ecological Miracle w/ Kyle Ferrana Reviving Erhai Lake Closer to China: Five Major Development Concepts III - Green Development China's Ecological Civilization Sets China on a Greener Course Journal of International Solidarity Podcast (YouTube) Journal of International Solidarity Patreon Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E105
May 6 · 1 hr 36 min
Ep 105 - East German Democracy & Anti-Imperialism (Ft. IF DDR)
Max and Matthew from IF DDR (International Research Centre DDR) join Jeremy and Justin for a wide-ranging discussion on the realities of socialist democracy in East Germany. The conversation explores the lived experiences of German peasants during a period of major social transformation, alongside a closer look at the GDR's often-overlooked anti-imperialist legacy. Studies Produced by IF DDR THE LAND TO THOSE WHO WORK IT "SOCIALISM IS THE BEST PROPHYLAXIS" RISEN FROM THE RUINS Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E104
April 22 · 1 hr 50 min
Ep 104 - Fraud, Fatherhood, and Fascism
On this very special episode of ProlesPod, Rae gets to meet their hero, Matthew Remski, host of the podcasts Conspirituality and Anti-Fascist Dad. He is also the author of the new book Anti-Fascist Dad. Today, we discuss grifters and grifts in the wellness community, cults, the intersection of these things with fascism, as well as fatherhood itself. You can find all of Matthew's various links to his socials and projects here. Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E103
April 8 · 1 hr 10 min
Ep 103 - Laos and People's Democracy (Ft. Holly High)
Rae and Tony sit down with Holly High—frequent guest on Tony's other podcast, Actually Existing Socialism—to discuss the present-day realities of Laos' socialist people's democracy. Holly is an anthropologist whose fieldwork in Laos uses ethnographic methods and anthropological analysis to explore everyday human experience. Check out Holly's Substack, Revolutions in Reproduction, and subscribe for a chance to win a free copy of one of her books. Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E102
March 26 · 2 hr 24 min
Ep 102 - Vietnam Today (Ft. Luna Oi & EJ)
*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:46689808-d0dc-4eed-be4c-a712e949e949-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Luna Oi and EJ join the show for a grounded, hilarious, and wide-ranging conversation on what socialist construction actually looks like in Vietnam today—the wins, the contradictions, the setbacks, and yes, a bit of extra beef along the way. They also dive into their ambitious translation project, bringing Vietnamese Marxism-Leninism textbooks to a broader audience and unpacking why that work matters right now. Access Free Vietnamese Marxist Leninist Textbook PDF Here Buy Vietnamese Marxist-Leninist Textbook Physical Copy Here Support the show Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E101
March 12 · 1 hr 45 min
Ep 101 - Where Are the Girls?
Where Are the Girls?! In honor of International Working Women's Day, Rae is joined by several girls (and girls adjacent) to ask and answer a question that weighs heavily on left spaces: Where are the girls?! Why are so many communist spaces male dominated, what are the impediments to getting women and people of other genders to join, and once they've joined, are there specific considerations that make it difficult for them to stay? Joining Rae are Pame Ledesma of Y Las Palabras and correspondent of Means Morning News, Lenore and Jen Big Nasty of Workers' Lit and How the Red Was Won, Revolutionary Th0t, and Princess Marx. And don't forget to head over to Patreon.com/ProlesPod for the bonus episode Slumber Party Edition.
February 25 · 1 hr 58 min
Throwback Ep: Talking Marxism With the Proles (2024 RevLeft Episode)
Back in the summer of 2024, back in the BSE (Before Stalin Eras) period of the Proles reboot - Rae, Tony, and Jeremy joined Breht on RevLeft Radio to talk Marxism. If you haven't heard it! Check it out. If you have, listen again! Support the show: Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com
S4 · E100
February 11 · 1 hr 54 min
Ep 100 - 100th Episode Ask Us Anything
We did it! Somehow. And somehow there are now more episodes post-comeback than in the original run. It doesn't really feel that way. These past two years have flown by. It feels like only yesterday that Justin was saying, "I think we should invite the guy who does the AES podcast to join Proles." We're grateful to Tony and Rae for putting up with the brothers J, and for adding insight we wouldn't have. But we also want to thank all of you, our listeners, without whom we would just be four people with ADHD screaming into the void. We love you, comrades. We love you so much we decided to forgo our typical format and answer your burning questions about soup and other serious matters. We hope you enjoy. And we hope we last to episode 200 without being taken out by the US State Department. Intro Music: "ProlesPod Theme" by Ransom Notes Outro Music: "Eastern Bloc Beats" by DJ DTA
S3 · E99
January 29 · 1 hr 46 min
Ep 99 - Ecuador, The Left, and Fascism
This episode, which was recorded toward the end of November 2025, nonetheless tells an intersting story that gives context to the historical moment we have found ourselves in. It adresses the role of the left in latin american movements, the future, philosophy, and the failure of social democracy. We are joined by Dr Marc Becker and Dr Brandon Sanchez who are experts on these areas and histories. Support the show: Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod Upscrolled: @prolespod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com Have questions, comments, or ideas that are too spicy for the FBI? Email us at prolespod@protonmail.com May the spectre haunt your streets and solidarity forever.
S3 · E98
January 14 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep 98 - How to Study and Read Theory (ft. Andre from Weeb Revolution)
Andre is back! This time they join Rae and Jeremy for a conversation on how to study and read theory. The discussion covers recommended readings, practical reading tips, and other useful guidance to help listeners better undersand and engage with Marxism-Leninism. Andre's Beginner Communist Resource Video Beginner Friendly Theory Primers: Georges Politzer, Elementary Principles of Philosophy (ProleWiki Link) (Foreign Language Press version) Maurice Cornforth, Dialectical Materialism: An Introduction (Volumes 1-3) PDF Hosted On Prolewiki, Buy a physical copy from Aakar Books Basic Curriculum of the Principles of Marxism Leninism (Translated by Luna Nyugun) Potential Reading Lists For Getting Into The Classics ML Reading Hub's List ProleWiki's Absolute Beginner's List Marxist Internet Archive's List Recommended Auxiliary Theory Texts: J.M Blaut, Marxism And Eurocentric Diffusionism Domenico Losurdo, Flight From History? The Communist Movement between Self-Criticism and Self-Contempt Two Members of the Bolshevik Tendency, Nationhood Or Genocide: The Struggle of the Native People Against Canadian and American Imperialism Leslie Feinberg, Lavender & Red Love Is Law: Cuba's Queer Rights Revolution Miscellaneous Mentioned Or Cited Texts for Part 2: Vladimir Lenin, The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism Kim Jong-Il, Giving Priority To Ideological Work Is Essential For Acomplishing Socialism Kim Jong-Il, On The Juche Idea George Jackson, Blood In My Eye Audiobook reading of the Losurdo essay
S3 · E97
Dec 31, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
Ep 97 - ProlesPod Patreon Bonus Bonanza
On this very special (clip show) espisode, we bring you three separate types of cOnTeNt you can access on Patreon if you so choose. Card Carrying Communist is a bit more fun and less structured--we came up with several dozen bonkers questions which end up randomized for our guests. The Secret Speech allows us to address topics we didn't get to on the main feed. And Q&Rae is pretty much what it sounds like: Rae asks whichever Proles are available at the time a bunch of listener-submitted (and Rae-submitted) questions. If you like what you hear, you can sign up at Patreon where you get access to early release episodes, study guides, the aforementioned bonus episodes, TheoryBeats, and MORE! YOU CAN DO SO FOR FREE, which will get you the study guides, merch, and other random drops. Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod. If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever.
S3 · E96
Dec 17, 2025 · 1 hr 45 min
Ep 96 - Kims of the Roundtable
The gang's all here! On the first classic Proles episode in a while, the crew reads through texts written by Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. We unpack what makes Juche and the DPRK unique inheritors of the tradition of Marxism-Leninism as well as dialectical and historical materialism. Jeremy covers the Juche Idea, Tony talks governance and reuinification, and Rae gives us a look at Korean theater, music, and art. We've started including a short preview of our bonus episodes at the end of the main feed, so stay around for those! You can sign up at Patreon where you get access to early release episodes, study guides, the aforementioned bonus episodes, TheoryBeats, and MORE! YOU CAN DO SO FOR FREE, which will get you the study guides, merch, and other random drops. Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod. If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever. Sources: Kim Il sung (1948-1994) Reminiscences: With the Century Let Us Create South-South Cooperation On Eliminating Dogmatism and Formalism and Establishing Juche in Ideological Work On Achieving the National Reunification by the Great Unity of the Nation Ours is the Socialism of Juche Kim Jong Il (1994-2011) On the Art of the Drama On the Art of Music Abuses of Socialism Are Intolerable On the Juche Philosophy Kim Jong Un (2011-present) Let Us Brilliantly Accomplish the Revolutionary Cause of Juche Dissecting Kim Jong Un's Plenum Speech on North Korea's 2024 Plans DPRK news http://www.rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?MUBAMkAxQA== http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/ https://www.nknews.org/ Intro Music: "ProlesPod Theme" by Ransom Notes Outro Music: "Eastern Bloc Beats" by DJ DTA
S3 · E95
Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Ep 95 - Critical Psychology and Marx (w/ Frank, of r/counterpsych)
Rae and Jeremy are joined by returning guest, Frank Gruba-McCallister, for a meander through the philosophy that drives Frank's own, expanding on the role of capitalism in the human experience, as well as the ways in which Marx overlaps and applies to interpretations of mental health and healing. Frank is the co-author of The Revolutionary Psychologist's Guide to Radical Therapy, and runs the r/counterpsych page. Support the show: Join us on Patreon for early-release episodes, study guides, bonus content, TheoryBeats, and more! You can even sign up for free to access study guides, merch updates, and surprise drops. Stay connected: Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and don't forget to rate and review it helps the show reach more comrades.Follow us on: Twitter/X: @prolespod Instagram & Facebook: @prolespod TikTok: @proles.pod Have questions or comments? Email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets and solidarity forever.

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