Alle afleveringen
206 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Octavia Butler's "Kindred"
2 november 2026 · 1 uur 37 min
It's that time again. It's a patron-chosen episode!! Lees meer
This time the patrons chose a dark one: Octavia Butler's 1979 time travel novel/first-person slave narrative, "Kindred."
This book is a classic for a reason. It engages directly with American slavery and its long-term legacy, and doesn't shy away from the brutality. As such, this is a darker episode...though we still think you'll enjoy and get a lot from it!
Some podcast news: starting next week we'll be launching "Workers' Lit: The Epilogues," an additional half hour (or so) of conversation around the week's book and related topics we'd like to get to but didn't quite fit in the episode. These Epilogues will release the same day of every new episode, and be available only to Workers' Lit Patrons.
We'll also be launching a Patrons-only Discord and reading club very soon, so be on the look out for that (and support us on Patreon so you can be part of it!)
https://patreon.com/workerslit
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[Patreon Episode Preview] Aysha's Author Corner: Lee Mandelo
30 oktober 2026 · 1 min
THIS IS A PATREON EPISODE! If you want the full episode go support us on Patreon here: Lees meer
https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit/posts/ayshas-author-173875308
In today's bonus Patreon episode Aysha sits down with one of our favorite writers and guests: Lee Mandelo!
Lee is a brilliant horror author, having written such books as "Summer Sons" and "Woods All Black." In this conversation he and Aysha delve into discussion about his genre, creative examinations of gender and sex in literature, and watching shows with subtitles.
We hope you enjoy! Also, go check out "Amplitudes: Stories of Queer and Trans Futurity", a sci-fi collection edited by Lee and featuring Aysha!
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/770919/amplitudes-by-lee-mandelo/
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How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, ft. Isaac of the SDCC
26 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 35 min
Have y'all heard about this whole "European colonialism" thing? It's bad news, REALLY bad news! Lees meer
Isaac, an organizer with the South Dekalb Coordinating Committee joins us today for a conversation about a true political titan: Walter Rodney. A Guyanese historian, political philosopher, and organizer, Rodney published his masterwork, "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" in 1972.
This conversation takes you through Rodney's life, the outline of his arguments, and a high-level view of the historical processes by which European colonization and imperialism stunted the growth of the African continent, leaving us with the geopolitical situation we see today. It's upsetting stuff, but it's absolutely crucial to understand should we want to see change!
Go support the South Dekalb Coordinating Committee in its quest to organize, educate, and support the people of the Metro Atlanta area in their fight against capitalism and racism!
https://linktr.ee/SDCC_
Go check out Isaac's writing on Substack!
https://substack.com/@isaacboa
Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Links to sources for this episode:
https://www.economist.com/special-report/2025/01/06/the-economic-gap-between-africa-and-the-rest-of-the-world-is-growing
https://www.policycenter.ma/publications/impact-chinese-investments-africa-neocolonialism-or-cooperation
https://www.worldbank.org/en/brief/2026/09/17/the-job-i-hope-for
https://www.reddit.com/r/MapPorn/comments/m7o1qi/africa_according_to_the_conference_of_berlin/
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[BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW] Article Brain: Make Books Manly Again, Make David Funny Again
23 oktober 2026 · 4 min
This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon: Lees meer
https://www.patreon.com/workerslit
It's time for yet another installment of Lenore and Rahab's monthly patron-only miniseries, "Article Brain!"
This time we wade into two very different, very stupid articles. First, Jacobin asks us why books aren't manly anymore. Then, Larry David (yes, that Larry David) shows that even a generational comedian can't make "socialism is when no iPhone" funny.
Links to the articles. Please do not read them, this is just to cite our sources or whatever:
https://jacobin.com/2026/10/lonesome-dove-reading-novels-men
https://airmail.news/issues/2026-10-17/the-view-from-here
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"Metal From Heaven" ft. Amal El-Mohtar. Or: Let's Go Lesbians
19 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 54 min
IMPORTANT NOTE: You might notice one of our hosts is going by a new name (Rahab/Ray). Have you slipped into an alternate reality? Perhaps, perhaps not. For some specifics, go check out the "Rise of Rahab" episode on the Patreon. Or just pretend it was always this way, that works too. Lees meer
Let's Go Lesbians!
This is a really special episode. The incredible science fiction author Amal El-Mohtar joins us to discuss August Clarke's 2024 "Metal From Heaven," a queer, violent, exciting, sexy, brutal, blast of a novel that will have YOU ready to join the Highwaymen's Choir.
Discussion includes: building parallel systems in the face of oppression, the performance of gender and its intersection with sexuality, the need for more strap-ons in science fiction, and becoming communist God.
Go check out Amal's incredible work at her website: https://amalelmohtar.com/
Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon:
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Sources from the episode:
https://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html
https://www.semcoop.com/blog/post/end-hereafter-qa-august-clarke-author-metal-heaven
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"Automatic Noodle," ft. Cecilia Tan
12 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 54 min
The age of humanity has passed. The age of the noodle is at hand! Lees meer
This week, we are joined by the brilliant author Cecilia Tan to discuss "Automatic Noodle," a cozy sci-fi novella by Annalee Newitz. This book will finally answer the question we've all been waiting to solve: What happens when a bunch of abandoned, sentient robots try to claim their autonomy and open a restaurant?
This episode has a bit of friendly disagreement as we discuss questions like: Is the environment TOO warm and fuzzy? Where does sci-fi succeed/fail as it turns real-world issues into allegory? How did California separate from the United States? All this and more!
Cecilia Tan is an incredible author. Go buy her books and support her on Patreon! All relevant info can be found at Cecilia's website here:
https://www.ceciliatan.com
We also covered one of Cecilia's books, "The Mystery of the Bitten Peach," just a few months ago. Go listen to that here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6q5EVMX85CuyFPD1SeSUke
Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
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Health Communism, ft. Jake Flores
5 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 37 min
Capitalism is not up to the task of 21st century healthcare. Facing wars, an ageing population, fossil fuel-driven disasters, debilitating diseases, and the everyday rigors of life, the capitalist healthcare system instead prioritizes profit above all else. Lees meer
On this episode Jake Flores of "Pod Damn America" joins Jen and Lenore to discuss this crisis, then they get into a different healthcare model presented by, "Health Communism," a 2025 book written by Artie Vierkant and Beatrice Adler-Bolton of the "Death Panel" Podcast.
It's a great book. It's a great episode. Don't miss it!
Go support "Workers' Lit" on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Go check out Jake Flores' podcast, "Pod Damn America"
https://www.patreon.com/poddamnamerica
Go check out "Health Communism"
https://www.versobooks.com/products/2801-health-communism
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Summer Sons: 5 years later. A Retrospective with Lee Mandelo
28 september 2026 · 1 uur 59 min
On September 28, 2021, Lee Mandelo released his debut novel: "Summer Sons," a southern gothic horror that wrestles with guilt, sexual repression, the long shadows of southern history, the evils of academia, and reinventing BDSM dynamics from first principles with your buddies. Lees meer
On September 28, 2026, Workers' Lit released an episode with Lee himself, looking back on "Summer Sons" as a book.
We've had authors on to talk about their books, but never to break down their novels in a beat-by-beat way we typically review literature. We were thrilled to have Lee back on the show for this amazing topic.
Want more of Workers' Lit/Lee collaboration content? You'd be crazy not to. Links to his two previous appearances and our coverage of "Woods All Black" here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5j6AH8gxlpojTjZdEiuJH9?si=0qRwbRd3Q_G8w26qW-EGhw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5M8AaWNVKHh0zuhWDVbt81?si=fl-JuDvlTiqgoojLR7ztGg
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3CRYIorpGHJVC0oYvtJhLu?si=_qTz2i4OR9eWku4PjLnIzQ
Want to support Workers' Lit on Patreon? Of course you do. Link here!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Want more of Lee? OBVIOUSLY! Link here!
https://leemandelo.com/
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Antonio Gramsci's "Prison Notebooks," ft. Caleb of Kill the Computer
21 september 2026 · 1 uur 38 min
Now is the time of monsters! Lees meer
Caleb from Kill The Computer and 60 Minute Drill returns to the pod to discuss the legendary Italian intellectual, Antonio Gramsci. Trace the life story of this short king with us as he travels from the poor countryside of his youth to meet baddies in a Moscow sanitarium all the way to revolutionary struggle and prison in fascist Italy…and bro didn’t stop there! As soon as he hit the jail cell he started, “The Prison Notebooks.”
Over 3000 pages of documents, “The Prison Notebooks” contains keys for understanding the failure of the working class to defend its own interests, the way the ruling class exerts control despite all odds, and answers the key question: is Macklemore an intellectual?
Go Support Workers’ Lit on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit
Go Check out Caleb’s podcasts!
https://www.killthecomputer.com/
https://linktr.ee/60MinuteDrill
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[Bonus Episode Preview] Article Brain: Ross Douthat and AI Apocalypse
18 september 2026 · 7 min
This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon. Lees meer
https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit
Once again it's time for an Article Brain, the monthly sub-series where we find the worst articles of our day and age to torment one another with.
First up, we read Ross Douthat's departure from the New York Times. In typical Ross fashion, he manages to "both sides" in a way specifically designed to drive us insane.
And then we get CNN's take on the AI Apocalypse. Sure, it's coming, but don't we prefer an American AI Apocalypse to a Chinese one??
Links (not recommending you read these please God don't):
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/08/opinion/obama-trump-biden-enemy.html
https://us.cnn.com/2026/09/15/tech/ai-kill-everyone-china
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“All Systems Red,” or, We Rock With Murderbot
14 september 2026 · 1 uur 13 min
It’s another Patron-selection! Welcome to “All Systems Red,” a 2017 sci-fi adventure novella by Martha Wells. Lees meer
We talk about Wells’ life and the story, but a good chunk of this episode is dedicated to discussing robots in fiction more generally. What makes the robot who wants love such an interesting stand-in for real world alienation? Where do those parallels fall short? How does the rise of Gen AI (particularly AI slop) impact our relationship to robot narratives? Would Muderbot engage in kink at Pride discourse? All this and more will be answered!
Support us on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/workerslit
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Anthony Bourdain’s, “Kitchen Confidential,” or: Bourdain in the Membrane
7 september 2026 · 1 uur 37 min
In the year 2000 a snarky chef named Anthony Bourdain published a collection of essays, rants, and observations about the food industry. The dude went on to do cool stuff, so much that our patrons voted for us to discuss this book! Lees meer
In this episode we discuss how restaurant culture has (and mostly hasn't) changed, how to have working class solidarity in weird situations, the beauty of loving your job and having dignity in it, and the new A24 Film, "Tony."
Read the original Bourdain essay here:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1999/04/19/dont-eat-before-reading-this
Go support us on Patreon here!
https://www.patreon.com/workerslit
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Aysha's Author Corner: Jonathan Sims [BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW]
5 september 2026 · 8 min
This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon. Lees meer
https://www.patreon.com/workerslit
The spookiness only grows!
Jonathan Sims returns to Workers' Lit to talk with Aysha about his work, his novel, "The Burn Line" (which you should buy!), horror, trains, and more!
This episode is exclusively for $5 patrons and up. Every patron we gets helps us keep the show going and growing, and we appreciate you all for it!
Check out more of Jonathan's work here: https://jonathan-sims.com/
Go buy Jonthan's newest book, "The Burn Line" https://www.sourcebooks.com/the-burn-line.html
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The King In Yellow ft. Jonathan Sims
31 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 48 min
It's about to get really spooky. Lees meer
Join us as we explore Robert W. Chambers' iconic 1895 short story collection, "The King In Yellow." Learn about this iconic influence on Lovecraft and eldritch horror as a genre, consider what might lie within the pages of that cursed play that makes you crazy, and consider whether you might in fact be the King of the United States.
Joining us is Jonathan Sims, writer of the Magnus Archives/Magnus Protocol, voice actor in games such as Slay the Princess, and author of books such as, "Family Business." Together, we will answer such puzzles as why Rhode Island is so scary, what the deal is with American and British naming conventions, and why the second half of this collection really, really, REALLY drags.
Also, would an eldritch being find Jacob sexy? We discuss!
Check out Jonathan's work here:
https://jonathan-sims.com
Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
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“Letter to the American Church,” Or: We Expose Metaxes’ Lies. Ft. Josh Boerman
24 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 52 min
It’s a classic “we read a conservative book and get mad” episode! Lees meer
This time we take on pseduo-biographer and self-proclaimed public intellectual Eric Metaxes and his 2022 book, “Letter to the American Church.” Eric says he sees scary parallels to nazi Germany in today’s USA…and he thinks Donald Trump is going to stop it.
Joining us is 7-time returning guest and evangelical-freak-understander Josh Boerman. Together we will crash out about Eric and, somewhere in the rage, try to figure out the core of his ideology and how to fight it.
Check out Josh’s phenomenal podcasts, The Worst of All Possible Worlds and Ill Concieved, at his website!
https://joshboerman.com/
Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Links from the episode:
https://www.christiancentury.org/reviews/2010-09/hijacking-bonhoeffer
https://currentpub.com/2024/10/20/bonhoeffer-family-to-eric-metaxas-we-are-horrified-to-see-how-the-legacy-of-dietrich-bonhoeffer-is-being-distorted-and-misused/
https://manhattandeclaration.org/
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[Bonus Episode Preview] Article Brain: Trans CIA Agents
21 augustus 2026 · 5 min
This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon. Lees meer
https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit/posts/article-brain-167304042
It's August Article Brain! And we've got more brain worms than ever.
This month, Lenore brings us an article about a trans woman who is bemoaning that the CIA is becoming less accepting of trans people (no mention of becoming more accepting of election results in the Global South). Jacob brings us an article by a never-Trump Republican claiming that actually, Democrats shouldn't run on popular things.
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“The Works of Vermin,” or, The LGBTQ+ Community Does War Crimes. Ft. Maria Ingrade Mora.
17 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
This book is weird, and horny, and gnarly, and gross, and exciting, and an all around winner. Lees meer
Welcome to our discussion of “The Works of Vermin,” Hiron Ennes’ 2025 speculative fantasty slam dunk of a novel. Seriously, go buy this one. Go read it. The episode will still be here when you’re done.
And we’re not alone! Maria Ingrade Mora, author of “A Wild Radiance” and many others joins us as we descend into this labyrinth of class, gender, angst, repression, and artistic agonies.
Questions we discuss: Can art be a revolution? What makes a good plot twist work? Where is the line between effective and overwrought prose? Is it possible to get head so good you join a new political movement?
Go check out Maria’s work and get a copy of “A Wild Radiance!”
https://www.mariamora.net/
Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/workerslit
(Production Note: Lenore’s internet was a problem so she had to drop out of the episode midway through and we didn’t get any of her audio. As such there may be an occasional odd-sounding moment in the first half because we had to cut around Lenore. Apologies for any confusion this may create!)
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“The Communist Manifesto,” Or: A Fun, Gay Little Intro to Marx
10 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 38 min
It’s the big one. Our most requested text ever. The spectre haunting Europe is now haunting our podcast. Lees meer
It’s 1848’s “The Communist Manifesto” from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels!
What are the origins of this earth shattering text? Where does it still hold up, and what needs adjusting for a modern context? Did Marx and Engels ever kiss? We discuss it all!
If you ever wanted to learn about the foundation of communism but bounced off the age of the work or lack of context, this is perfect. And if you’re a certified Marx expert there’s still stuff to love. It’s a good episode!!
Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Read or listen to the Communist Manifesto yourself here, it’s not long!
https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/download/pdf/Manifesto.pdf
https://www.marxists.org/audiobooks/archive/marx-engels/communist-manifesto/index.htm
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"Communion: Finding My Way Back To Faith," or, Just Dance Vance 2, ft. AJ Ditty
3 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 45 min
We've returned to the dark abyss that is the mind of Just Dance Vance. Lees meer
AJ Ditty of The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast joins us to take on Vice President JD Vance's newest book, "Communion: Finding my way back to faith."
Vance tells us all how he totally became an authentic Catholic, definitely believes in God, and certainly isn't merely trying to set up a 2028 presidential run.
Topics in this discussion include Vance's quirky millennial-ness, Vance as wife guy, the networks of money behind Vance, and some helpful tips to shut down anyone who tries to say this dude is worth your time.
Link to our original episode on JD Vance (Hillbilly Elegy):
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MiUlc8fho79aP1twvVDDz
Check out The Worst of All Possible Worlds:
https://www.patreon.com/WorstOfAll
Get tickets to see AJ's play, "Heart of Duckness":
https://portlandstage.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SPa00000dFOunMAG
Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
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The Incandescent ft. Brandon Crilly
27 juli 2026 · 1 uur 29 min
Grab your three-ringed binders, highlighters, and spellbooks, this week we're talking about "The Incandescent," a 2025 academia fantasy novel by Emily Tesh. Lees meer
We've got schools, and labor concerns, and demons, and bisexuality, and a fantastic guest: Brandon Crilly, author, organizer, and all around cool guy. You may know his novels, such as "Catalyst" and "Castoff," or perhaps his work on The Expanse RPG. Know him or not, you'll be a fan by the end of this episode!
You can check out everything Brandon's up to here:
https://linktr.ee/brandoncrilly
Go support us on Patreon, where we release exclusive content such as author interviews (including an upcoming one with Brandon himself!)
https://Patreon.com/workerslit
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Angela Davis' "Women, Race, and Class." Ft. RevolutionaryTh0t
20 juli 2026 · 1 uur 56 min
It’s time to talk about a true living legend: Angela Davis. Lees meer
Educational YouTuber and podcaster RevolutionaryTh0t joins us to talk about the life of one of the greatest thinkers and organizers of our time before we hop into the 1981 book, “Women, Race, and Class.”
Fair warning, this book gets into the truly brutal American history of its three titular topics, so please be aware this episode features discussion of sexual and racial violence.
RevolutionaryTh0t is a non-binary socialist trying to undo decades of Red Scare propaganda and get people to believe in themselves so we can build a better world - one in which the individual can come to full fruition. Check out their fantastic YouTube Channel, as well as the podcast “Half The Sky,” at the links below.
https://www.youtube.com/@revolutionaryth0t
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578
Go support us and get bonus content at our Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/workerslit
Listen to the eugenics episode of “Ill Conceived” referenced on the pod here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Y7D9TuIhTD10Awoa3ZdRr?si=akdhoPwvQ_WZWWYJT42ZWA
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Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks
13 juli 2026 · 1 uur 53 min
Pull up a chair listeners, and heed the tale of a man named Zakalwe… Lees meer
This month’s listener-chosen episode is “Use of Weapons” by Iain M. Banks, a 1990 sci-fi novel and one of the most famous entries in “The Culture” series.
Imagine an alien civilization so advanced that they spend all their time trying to help other species develop. Now imagine they have to recruit a mercenary to help them with extremely sticky situations. Now imagine that mercenary is the most obnoxiously try-hard faux cool jerk with deep-seated trauma surrounding cuck chairs.
Imagine that and you’ve got this book.
Want to suggest and help pick out future episode topics? Want access to weekly bonus content? Check out our Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
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Bonus Episode! "On Practice," ft. Rae of ProlesPod
10 juli 2026 · 56 min
We are joined once again by Rae of the phenomenal ProlesPod, this time to discuss a deeply influential work of philosophy: Mao Zedong's 1937 essay, "On Practice." Lees meer
Perhaps one day we'll do our big Mao deep dive episode. This isn't that. Instead, this is a close look at a particular aspect of practical theory for changing the world...and regardless of your take on what came after, it cannot be denied the Chinese Communists were pretty damn effective at that whole, "changing the world thing."
You can read or listen to the essay here:
https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-1/mswv1_16.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86RIzuWVsYA
Go check out ProlesPod! It's a podcast about history, politics, and culture...without the liberalism.
https://prolespod.libsyn.com/
Go check out Half The Sky, Rae and Lenore's other podcast for communist women (and women adjacent).
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578
And finally, make sure you support us on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
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Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism by Vladimir Lenin
6 juli 2026 · 1 uur 31 min
Let's get into some THEORY (don't worry, we make it fun)! Lees meer
Lenore, Jacob, and Jen are discussing the revolutionary Vladimir Lenin's famous 1916 text, "Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism." Despite being more than 100 years old, this book feels deeply relevant in 2026...terrifyingly so.
We talk about the life of Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, before going through the book chapter by chapter, showing how capitalism creates monopoly which chases after greater profits that eventually leads to imperialism and war. It's intense stuff, but it brings great clarity to the world we live in.
The entire book is available here:
https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/
The USSR is a complex and divisive topic. If you're interested in a primer on Soviet history, check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb5grDNww6U
Support us on Patreon!
https://patreon.com/workerslit
Check out "Half The Sky!"
https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578
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Did I Shave My Legs For This? [Half The Sky Promo Episode]
1 juli 2026 · 1 uur 38 min
Hey Lit Ladies and Lads (but especially ladies for this one!) Today's episode is episode three of a new show featuring both Jen Big Nasty and Lenore. Episodes of Half The Sky won't typically go up on the Workers' Lit feed, but we figured, why not give you a sample? Lees meer
Half the Sky 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.
Our hosts on this very special audio journey (in addition to Lenore and Jen) are Rae of ProlesPod, Luna Oi!, and Revolutionary Th0t.
Episode three is a thoughtful yet approachable conversation about beauty standards. What does it look like to be objectified? Are there times that objectification can be leveraged beneficially? How do each of the hosts, with their very separate and unique experiences, view their relationship to what they were taught or socialized as children? Is Toe-Man good? Bad? Is advocating for Toe-Man liberalism? All of these questions and more are answered within...
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578
Find the girlies elsewhere
On socials: Instagram.com/HalftheSkyPod
(More are coming, we swear!)
Lenore and Jen Big Nasty on Workers’ Lit: Patreon.com/WorkersLit
Rae on ProlesPod: Patreon.com/ProlesPod
Luna Oi YT: Youtube.com/LunaOi
Revolutionary Th0t YT: Youtube.com/@revolutionaryth0t
Jen Big Nasty on How the Red Was Won: Patreon.com/HowtheRedWasWon
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Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
29 juni 2026 · 1 uur 43 min
We've had queer joy, it's time for some queer suffering. Lees meer
Jacob and Lenore dive into the life of one of the greatest to ever do it, the legendary James Baldwin. A pioneer, artist, and leader for Black liberation and Gay liberation alike, Baldwin is among the finest of all American writers and public intellectuals.
First, we cover his life story, and incredible legacy. Then, we discuss his subversive and beautiful 1956 novel, "Giovanni's Room."
What conditions create internalized homophobia, and where does it lead? How does one live as themselves in a world designed to destroy them? What protocol is necessary to handle a thicc baddie in jeans? All will be discussed.
We need you to keep this show going! Please go support us on Patreon.
www.patreon.com/workerslit
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Important Announcement: Listen or Read Episode Description
24 juni 2026 · 6 min
It's an important podcast announcement! Lees meer
Folks, the numbers don't lie. While we appreciate all the good feedback and interest we've received for our political/news episodes, Workers' Lit is very much a podcast about literature, first, foremost, and entirely.
As such, we've elected to change what our release schedule looks like.
We will be ending our Thursday news/politics episodes to double down on our weekly literature episode, which will still come out every Monday. We will alternate weeks, covering fiction and nonfiction with Aysha and Jen as third mic (along with, as always, Lenore and Jacob) respectively.
But don't worry, our news and politics talk isn't going away entirely! For Patrons we will be releasing bonus content several times a month, including our monthly video episode, where we'll get into current political happenings, a monthly installment of Article Brain, where we'll lose our minds at the worst of the worst in modern article technology, regular author interviews, video game episodes, and more!
We're sorry to anyone this may disappoint and hope you all continue to stay with us as we work to make Workers' Lit the very best podcast about books for hot, cool, gay, and/or working class people there's ever been.
www.patreon.com/workerslit
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The Mystery of The Bitten Peach
22 juni 2026 · 1 uur 21 min
A lesbian bottom is on a time traveling adventure in ancient China. We know y’all love this stuff. Lees meer
It’s the most recent book we’ve ever covered: Cecilia Tan’s 2026 novella, “The Mystery of the Bitten Peach.” Follow a young woman with the power to travel through time navigate her feelings of disconnect with her culture, identity, and sexuality.
It’s good. And it’s published by our friends at Neon Hemlock. Go get it!
https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/bitten-peach
Support us on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/workerslit
Sources and references in this episode:
https://strangehorizons.com/wordpress/non-fiction/articles/interview-cecilia-tan/
https://www.kaleidoscoperomance.com/post/interview-with-author-cecilia-tan
https://www.ceciliatan.com/archives/landingpage/home
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tDXd9zABFy161jTFaO6zG?si=8YenxOcwSNe5-yli5PpWjQ
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Iran, Elections, And Empire. A Conversation With Greg Stoker
18 juni 2026 · 1 uur 14 min
Today we’re joined by Greg Stoker, anti-imperialist activist, journalist, host of the Colonial Outcasts podcast, and independent candidate for U.S. House Texas District 31. Lees meer
Greg talks to us about a range of topics such as his campaign, the role of veterans in liberation movements, Graham Platner’s whole deal, and the (possible?) end of the Iran War.
Support Greg’s Campaign and check out his podcast below:
https://www.stokerfortexas.com/
https://m.youtube.com/@ColonialOutcasts
Support Workers’ Lit on Patreon!
And keep an eye out for a new podcast project on women in the socialist movement from Lenore and Jen very soon!
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Gregor the Overlander
16 juni 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
We put out the call to Patreon, and Patreon answered! Patreon decided on today’s topic: Suzanne Collins’ 2003 middle grade fantasy novel, “Gregor the Overlander.” Lees meer
This is Suzanne’s first novel, and she gets into themes about poverty, futurelessness, family, war, and changing diapers.
It’s cute! It’s good! You’ll like this one.
To help choose future episode topics go check out our Patreon!
Www.patreon.com/workerslit
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Unity, Solidarity, Struggle: The Task of the American Left, ft. Black Red Guard
11 juni 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
The American left has a LOT of work to do. Lees meer
We’re joined in this episode by Black Red Guard, an organizer with the DSA, YouTuber, and that guy who made the excellent “cracker control” tweet you’ve probably seen.
BRG joins us for a vital conversation about the work ahead of any liberatory movement in the United States, how to build principled left unity, the American labor movement, the Iran war, and even the Knicks!
Check out BRG’s YouTube and Twitter below!
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCpYZYH_1VTB9q8Leg0TrROA
https://x.com/OGBlackRedGuard
Support Workers’ Lit on Patreon!
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We Return To Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew
8 juni 2026 · 1 uur 33 min
We’re talking about THE evangelical author once again. The man known as Jacksie, the drunken Inkling terror, the OG Christian furry, the most miserable convert in all of England. It’s C.S. Lewis!! Lees meer
In this episode we learn how all adventures in Narnia began as we cover the 1955 prequel, “The Magician’s Nephew.” Lewis will answer questions you never asked such as: where did the lamp post and wardrobe COME FROM?
He has a hot evil woman that’s seven feet tall though, so he’s kind of cooking from time to time.
If you want to hear our Lewis bio, check out our episode on “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” from two years ago. Apologies for the audio, but it’s good.
We need your support! Go to www.patreon.com/workerslit and help us keep this show rolling. Every few bucks helps (and makes us very pleased indeed).
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Let’s Talk About That Ballroom
4 juni 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
Nothing says “declining empire” like an all-out show of ruling class decadence! Lees meer
In this episode Jen, Lenore, and Jacob discuss Trump’s increasingly wild vanity projects, Republican (and one very big and very dumb Democrat) attempts to defend them, and what it means to live in a country that couldn’t care less about its 250th birthday.
Go support us on Patreon!
Also, shout out to RXKNephew for his John Fetterman song, from which we have added tasteful snippets where appropriate.
Sources for this episode:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-white-house/
https://www.foxnews.com/media/fetterman-why-he-supports-trumps-ballroom-his-shock-democrats-who-doubt-last-assassination-attempt
https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/01/politics/what-we-know-ufc-fight-white-house
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/30/trump-considers-dropping-freedom-250-concerts-in-dc-after-artists-pull-out.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Triumphal_Arch
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On Queer Horror, with Cursed Morsels Press
1 juni 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
Y’all loved the Neon Hemlock episode, so here’s yet another episode where we sit down with someone in weird, queer, independent publishing! Lees meer
Eric Raglin of Cursed Morsels press talks to us about why us queers love horror, the definition of antifascist art (and how it differs from/intersects with action), and the ongoing battle of writing versus slop.
Go support Cursed Morsels’ incredible work below:
https://cursedmorsels.com/
Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon here;
www.patreon.com/workerslit
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Hard Drive Mag Is Dead, Long Live GG Tribune! Ft. The GG Tribune Founders
29 mei 2026 · 53 min
What do you do when the video game comedy website you write for is bought out and you stop getting paid and everything gets a lot worse? Lees meer
You start your own worker-run, people-first, video game comedy website that rules, that's what!
We are joined by the founders of the GG Tribune to discuss the horrific behavior of the new owner of Hard Drive Magazine, their break from it, and the work they're doing to make actually cool stuff!
This is a story of labor struggle, the fight for artistic autonomy, and of course...the battle for the narrative.
Go support GG Tribune today!
https://ggtribune.com/
Also, don't forget to support Workers' Lit on Patreon!
www.patreon/com/workerslit
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Wallace Shawn's "The Fever," ft. Ethan (People's New Republic).
26 mei 2026 · 1 uur 42 min
Yes, THAT Wallace Shawn wrote a play about reckoning with capitalism’s horrors as a privileged person in the imperial core. Written in 1990, it hits like a dozen punches to the gut. Lees meer
Ethan of People’s New Republic and The Sandcastle Business joins us to discuss his own staging of this show, the impacts it’s had on him, and the brutality of the challenge it poses.
Listen to Ethan read the entirety of the play here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4xJMz8zB5xbHHU1hFbifGb?si=0gEWZZLjTSeqJVrNzPnrAQ
Check out the Workers’ Lit Patreon below!
Www.patreon.com/workerslit
Check out Jacob’s guest appearance on People’s New Republic, alongside the show Sandcastle Business!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7LFMgtdTVjhnoed8eRbUjl?si=xpK7lfGwS8iFRMptdw4kyg
https://open.spotify.com/show/5Zys77kT2JBZPByOUXrvvZ?si=fxuUfUvmRDaG6MaYG4krXg
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How to Sell a Genocide ft. Adam Johnson
21 mei 2026 · 1 uur 13 min
Buy the book you goofballs you know you want to. Lees meer
Buy Adam Johnson's "How to Sell a Genocide: The Media's Complicity in the Destruction of Gaza" today!
Brilliant media analyst and host of the "Citations Needed" podcast Adam Johnson joins the pod to discuss his book about the media's truly criminal coverage of Israel and Palestine, as well as the U.S. (and its proxies') relationship to the Middle East more generally.
You listen to this podcast because we discuss the battle for narrative. This is that at its most quintessential.
Check out Citations Needed!
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The Virtu: Doctrine of Labyrinths Book 2
18 mei 2026 · 1 uur 19 min
How do you feel about gay trauma? How about getting disabled because of your annoying twink brother? How about some mild, one-sided incest? How about two of the best ladies in podcasting on their absolute A-game? Lees meer
If you answered yes to any of these questions, listen to our episode on Sarah Monette's 2006 fantasy novel, "The Virtu."
If you want the backstory before you proceed, we did an episode (with the great Lee Mandelo!) on the first book in the series, "Melusine."
For more fun content and to help us keep the lights on, go support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit
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Are YOU a terrorist? It’s more likely than you think!
13 mei 2026 · 1 uur 14 min
The White House has rolled out a new counter-terrorism strategy. It’s nuts. Lees meer
Are you Muslim? How about trans? Are you an immigrant, or related to one? How about on the left in any way? How about opposed to fascism?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I’ve got bad news: you’re on the list.
We get into Trump’s bizarre counter-terrorism czar, Sebastian Gorka, the narratives involved in justifying “pre-crime” arrests, and the need to kick this nonsense in the teeth ASAP.
Also, a tangent on Chick-Fil-A lemonade and respecting the troops.
Go support us on Patreon!
Links mentioned in episode:
https://open.substack.com/pub/kenklippenstein/p/insane-pre-crime-strategy-unveiled
https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-USCT-Strategy-1.pdf
https://thegrayzone.com/2024/11/25/sebastian-gorka-british-intelligence-asset/amp/
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The Dispossessed
11 mei 2026 · 1 uur 47 min
It’s our first Patron chosen episode! Shout out to all who submitted and voted, especially Dark Jackal who submitted Ursula K. Le Guin’s 1974 work of political sci-fi, “The Dispossessed.” Lees meer
Want to suggest and vote on an episode for next month? Become a Patron and support our work!
Imagine an imperfect but noble anarchist utopia in space, now imagine it’s orbiting a capitalist world. Can you imagine trouble ensuing? You should, because it does.
In this episode we get into the brilliant life and work of one of the greatest sci-fi writers of all time, discuss how chairs can make you horny, look at the sexism/bigotry that can crop up in leftist circles, and ask ourselves: is it gay to hook up with your homie for a single decad?
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The Everything Episode. Also Available in Video!
7 mei 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
We’re gonna shoot straight: we had a guest drop out a few hours before we recorded. So we made the best of it, turned on our webcams, and talked about…everything. Lees meer
The MET Gala, Cuba, King of the Hill, Final Fantasy, the Supreme Court, Iran, Being Gay. All of it.
We decided to make a video episode out of this, which you can watch on our Youtube. If you want more video episodes of us chatting (and answering your questions!) go support us on Patreon!
patreon.com/cw/WorkersLit
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Dengue Boy, ft. Vajra Chandrasekera
4 mei 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
What if you were a giant mosquito in a climate hell future, and the mosquito was trans, and the trans mosquito destroyed the stock market and also a school bully, and the school bully possessed a VR headset that allowed him to be the guy that runs the stock market, and the guy that runs the stock market is responsible for your mosquito-fication, so you have to confront him as you bring about a new mosquito-themed age of the earth? Lees meer
Welcome to Michel Nieva’s 2025 novel, “Dengue Boy,” translated by Rahul Bery.
Joining us to dive into this strange and rich text is author of “The Saint of Bright Doors” and “Rakesfall,” Vajra Chandrasekara. Together we will unpack just what it means to confront your inner trans revolutionary mosquito as the world burns.
Learn more about Vajra’s work and buy his books here!
We have a Patreon! Sign up to support us and get cool bonus content here!
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Bonus Author Interview: Joe Kassabian and “The Highlands Burn”
1 mei 2026 · 56 min
It’s time for more BONUS CONTENT! Lees meer
We are joined by host of the “Lions Led By Donkeys” podcast, Joe Kassabian, to discuss his upcoming gunpowder fantasy novel, “The Highlands Burn.”
What is gunpowder fantasy? Where are all the Armenians in sword and sorcery? How do you build an interesting magic system? All this and more in this fantastic interview!
Pre-order “The Highlands Burn”
Listen to Lions Led By Donkeys
Become a Workers’ Lit patron!
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Section 230 and Internet Censorship, ft. Much Like Your Posting
30 april 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
Sure, we have our beefs with the internet, but did you know a lot of powerful people are working extremely hard to make the internet even worse? Lees meer
On today’s episode Cameron, aka Much Like Your Posting joins us to discuss efforts to repeal internet protection law Section 230 and other attempts at online censorship.
It’s a tricky issue, but that’s never stopped us from yapping before!
Check out MLYP’s work!
Become a Workers’ Lit Patron!
Sources:
https://www.eff.org/issues/cda230
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/12/graham-leads-bill-to-sunset-section-230-immunity-protect-americans-online
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3546/cosponsors
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Walking Practice, ft. Lee Mandelo
27 april 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
We’re back to talk about EVEN MORE QUEER HORROR. Lees meer
We are joined by brilliant author and returning guest Lee Mandelo to discuss Dolki Min’s 2023 novel, “Walking Practice.” If you’re queer, this book will be highly relatable to you. If you’re a shapeshifting monster from space who eats humans it will also seem familiar. All others will have to imagine.
We discuss the challenges and beauty of translation, the complicated nature of our unreliable bodies, and maybe even trauma dump a little.
Go follow us on Patreon to get access to exclusive content like our April 28th livestream/video episode!
Go learn more about Lee Mandelo and buy his books!!
Sources:
https://m.koreaherald.com/article/3048404
https://www.instagram.com/dolkimin?igsh=MXJlZ3ZjNXRld3dtcA==
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Alexander Karp's Manifesto, Palantir, and The Future of American Fascism
23 april 2026 · 1 uur 31 min
After a brief check-in at the top with Tehran Taylor, Jen and Jacob launch into Palantir CEO Alexander Karp's Manifesto, "The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West." More specifically, we look at Palantir's 22 point summary of the text it put out, to a concerning amount of praise from the liberal and conservative establishment alike. Lees meer
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Black Flame, ft. Jon Greenaway of Horror Vanguard
20 april 2026 · 1 uur 42 min
Do you want it? Lees meer
If by “it” you mean Gretchen Felker-Martin’s 2025 queer horror novel, “Black Flame,” the answer is 100% yes!
We are joined by Jon Greenaway, writer, co-host of the “Horror Vanguard” podcast, and certified gothic literature understander. Together we enter this story about being so horny it warps reality, trauma-haunted art, supernatural resistance against patriarchal violence, and Rodney Dangerfield.
Go follow us on Patreon go be blessed beyond your wildest imagination
Guest plugs:
Check out Horror Vanguard here or wherever you get your podcasts!
Check out Jon’s blog here!
Buy Jon’s book “Capitalism, a Horror Story.”
And follow Jon @thelitcritguy.bsky.social
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Legos and Lethality, the new age of war propaganda, ft. Caleb of Kill the Computer
16 april 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
War propaganda has always been strange... Lees meer
But now it's got Wii Sports and Legos in it.
Caleb of Kill the Computer and 60 Minute Drill joins us to talk about the "meme war" that has raged parallel to the Iran war.
First we check out the White House's slop: warning, not for the faint of heart. Then we look at Explosive Media, an Iranian-state backed media collective's, use of AI Legos to call Trump, Hegseth, and anyone else they hate every insult under the sun.
What does this mean for the future of communication? What does this mean for the future of war? What does this mean for our own sanity? Find out here.
Want to follow along? Check out this document for links to the various videos we cover.
Check out Caleb's work over at Kill the Computer and 60 Minute Drill.
https://www.patreon.com/cw/killthecomputer
https://www.patreon.com/cw/60MinuteDrill
Also follow him on Bluesky @birdrespecter.bsky.social
News sources linked below:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/white-houses-use-of-internet-memes-to-promote-iran-war-sparks-criticism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUrveflgWhk
https://www.404media.co/iran-is-winning-the-ai-slop-propaganda-war/
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The Yiddish Policemen’s Union
13 april 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
What if the Jewish diaspora had established a mini-state in Alaska? Lees meer
What if Harry DuBois had a gigantic muscle-pal instead of Kim?
What is the Messiah was gay?
All this and more is addressed in Michael Chabon’s 2007 alternate history novel, “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union.”
On top of being some darn good genre fiction, this book takes a hard and unique look at U.S. empire and its relationship to Zionism. It’s also a beautiful and fun look at numerous aspects of Jewish culture, which Chabon delights in showing off with remarkable skill…Also it describes some REALLY yummy donuts.
Note: there’s some words in this book we’ve elected not to say as non-Jews, so in the interest of respect we’ve bleeped those when we read passages out loud.
Links to articles/topics referenced in this episode:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Yiddish_Policemen%27s_Union
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/avi-shlaim-proof-israel-zionist-involvement-iraq-jews-attacks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavon_Affair
https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/somebodys-protest-novel/
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The Social Media Episode, ft. Anthony DePice
9 april 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
Folks, we regret to inform you that the internet has kind of become...important. Lees meer
Today we are joined by Anthony DePice, activist, movement cheerleader, and digital organizer to talk about the wide, wonderful, horrid world of social media. We talk some (and laugh more) about various platforms, their highs and lows, and how people pursuing liberation can make our intervention on the web (hopefully without killing each other while we're at it).
Also, we talk about the online right and left more broadly. Fun times.
Check out Anthony on Instagram and other social media sites:
https://www.instagram.com/j.anthony.depice/
Check us out on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit
Sources for today's discussion:
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/news-platform-fact-sheet/
https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2010/compendia/statab/130ed/tables/11s1134.pdf
https://www.pewresearch.org/journalism/fact-sheet/newspapers/
https://www.georgetown.edu/news/ask-a-professor-renee-diresta-how-social-media-can-shape-public-opinion/