Alle afleveringen
206 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Revenge of the Vegans: Tender is the Flesh
17 augustus 2024 · 2 uur
That flesh do be tender Lees meer
The shelfers take on Augustina Bazterrica's 2017 horror novel (or cookbook if you're really weird I guess), "Tender is the Flesh." They're really out here eating people.
This is a book about justifying your place as a node in the extractive machine of capitalism, and as such it's pretty intense. We try not to over-dwell on the goriest bits, but this book does feature extreme violence as well as sexual assault and human trafficking. Please be warned that these things will be discussed
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is the cover art of the novel's English release
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Just Dance Vance: Hillbilly Elegy
12 augustus 2024 · 2 uur 9 min
Yee...and I can't stress this enough...Haw Lees meer
The Shelfers dive into VP hopeful, evil lawyer, and overgrown garden gnome J.D. Vance's 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy."
Does this book (and its 2020 film adaptation) answer all the questions about the Rust Belt and the white working class??? Uh. No.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is a selfie J.D. Vance took last night but he accidentally dropped his phone and just got his mouth in it perfectly centered somehow and then he texted it to us for some reason.
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Highkey No Mouth, Lowkey Gotta Scream
4 augustus 2024 · 1 uur 24 min
A blast from the past...we've dug up an episode recorded several months ago. Why didn't we release it? Uhh...idk honestly. Lees meer
Anyway! It's Harlan Ellison's work of sci-fi/horror, "I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream."
Why on earth does this evil computer hate us so much??
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is original cover art.
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I Hate When Evil is Born: Black, ft Josh Boerman
27 juli 2024 · 2 uur 25 min
It's a three-peat folks! They're calling him the three-peater! Lees meer
Josh Boerman of the Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast is BACK to help the Shelfers crack Ted Dekker's 2004 evangelical fantasy novel, "Black: The Birth of Evil."
We examine the inherent weaknesses of the evangelical fiction author, figure out why Ted hates the French so much, ask bold questions about magical super-vaccines, and discuss the horrifying banality of a story set in paradise.
Oh also, we have some serious questions about why Ted based his stand-in character's love interest on his daughter. Yikes.
Interview with Ted by Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/interviews/show/579.Ted_Dekker
More Josh Boerman/Worst of All Possible Worlds: https://www.worstpossible.world/ and @BoshJ on Twitter
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is Ted looking kinda fresh tho.
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Portrait Mode: The Picture of Dorian Gray
20 juli 2024 · 1 uur 47 min
"A Picture of Doran GAY" was too low-hanging of fruit, but I did consider that as an episode title. Lees meer
This week the Shelfers dive into the only novel Oscar Wilde ever wrote, 1891's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Come for the Gothic horror, stay for the overt homosexuality.
We discuss Wilde's life, which is so exciting and tragic we *almost* forgive him for being a follower of Kropotkin rather than Marx. We talk about class in Victorian England, the politics of repressed desire, and those types of guys who use philosophy as an excuse to be a bad person.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is Oscar in all his glory
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The Return of This Thing: LOTR, Pt 1
12 juli 2024 · 1 uur 58 min
WE! ARE! BACK! Lees meer
The Shelfers have RETURNED! This week we discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's 1953 quintessential fantasy novel, "Fellowship of the Ring." (If you're interested in Tolkien as a guy, you may want to catch the first part of our episode on "The Hobbit," because we go into detail there)
Is the Shire the perfect society? What's the deal with Tom Bombadil? Is Middle Earth becoming woke? Are elves boomers? All this and more will be discussed.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is the completely unedited theatrical poster for Lord of the Rings
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Enter the TolkienVerse: The Hobbit
29 maart 2024 · 2 uur 48 min
And so it begins...The Socialist Shelf Tolkien deep dive. Lees meer
The Shelfers begin an examination of the ultimate fantasy series, "The Lord of the Rings," starting with 1937's "The Hobbit" (not technically part of the trilogy but pretty darn important if you want to understand it.)
We also talk about the life of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, a world-historic wife guy, a mustard gas survivor, history's greatest expert in "mad fairy language," and a...conservative anarchist? Maybe? Sort of? We get into it.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is the fellow himself.
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Shelf Lore: They Called Her Rebel
17 maart 2024 · 28 min
It's short, but it's important (to us!) Lees meer
Ahead of our next month of Tolkien deep-dive, we need another week to read and study. However, we did want to use this time to announce that Jacob is now querying for his novel, "They Called Her Rebel."
"They Called Her Rebel" is a story about people power, fantastical revolution, and queer love. If you're interested in reading it and providing some feedback, or better yet, have any kinds of connections to agents or the publishing industry, please let us know at: thesocialistshelf@gmail.com
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is based on some characters in Jacob's book, drawn by Tay, whose art and commissions you can view here.
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SchizoZENia: The Book of Form and Emptiness
12 maart 2024 · 2 uur 6 min
Alternate episode title: "Who Killed Captain Aleph?" Lees meer
The Shelfers get Zen as we dive into Ruth Ozeki's 2021 work of magical realism, "The Book of Form and Emptiness."
This book has got it all: psych wards, nonbinary ferrets, anarchist goth GFs, Zizek in a wheelchair, disaster capitalism, Marie Kondo, ghostly fridge magnets...none of this is a joke by the way.
Also, Jacob yelled at the President last weekend, so that's pretty cool. Video of that here.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from "Angelus Novus" by Paul Klee.
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WORM WORM WORM: Dune, ft Trent
4 maart 2024 · 2 uur 10 min
It's time to talk about DUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lees meer
Educator and sci-fi lover Trent returns to the show to discuss Frank Herbert's 1965 epic tale of spice, sand, and worms. The movies get talked about a good bit too (we loved them.)
Can Paul Atreides see the dialectic itself? Why is Frank Herbert so scared of women? What is "good" power and what is "bad" power, and why is Dune so afraid of it as a concept?
Oh yeah, and there's worms. Lots of worms
Can't get enough of Trent? Well he doesn't have his own show, but he did previously feature on our Vonnegut episode, and you can follow Trent @BarryLyndon116 on Twitter.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the book's cover.
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Burning Man: Interview w/ Vincent Bevins
23 februari 2024 · 1 uur 2 min
Right at the top: y'all need to get this book. You can find it here. Lees meer
Journalist and author Vincent Bevins joins the Shelfers to discuss his new book, "If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution."
Topics of discussion: the need for organization during mass movements, Hunger Games GIFS, and V for Vendetta.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the book's cover.
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History Science Theater 1231: Cross-Time Engineer, ft. Dracula
17 februari 2024 · 1 uur 48 min
Special thanks to THE Count Dracula for stopping by! Lees meer
This week we get into Leo Frankowski's 1986 sci-fi—let's not say "epic," exactly—"The Cross-Time Engineer," the story of the coolest, buffest, smartest, sexiest engineer that's ever lived (and TOTALLY isn't a self-insert power fantasy character of the author!!)
What's the deal with creepy libertarian men, just like in general? How are we supposed to feel about a masterful concept with wretched execution? How do you, in extreme detail, forge a steel sword?
Heads-up, Frankowski was a real creep and his writing reflects that in his attitude towards women, especially underaged girls. While we don't harp on the details much, we do discuss his disgusting, pedophilic fantasies that play out in this book, so be forewarned.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the book's cover.
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Cursed Episode: Edgar Allan Poe
13 februari 2024 · 1 uur 35 min
This episode was delayed multiple times due to what is no doubt the curse of the ghost of Poe himself! Lees meer
This week we're discussing the life of famed American spook-smith, Edgar Allan Poe, with a particular focus on his short stories, "The Masque of The Red Death" and "Hop-Frog"
Was Poe a tortured genius, or just some guy trying to get by? How do class politics bleed into the art of apolitical writers? Will Lenore ever be safe from bird attacks? All this and more!
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from "Stephen King Vs. Edgar Allan Poe" Epic Rap Battle (I thought it was amusing.)
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Fighting Times: Interview with Jonathan Melrod
2 februari 2024 · 1 uur 12 min
We're back with a Socialist Shelf author interview! This week we're talking to labor lawyer, long-time activist, and author of the book, "Fighting Times," Jonathan Melrod! Lees meer
Want to learn how to change the world through working-class organization? Jon is the man you need to hear from! He's an absolute fountain of wisdom. Don't miss this interview...or his book!
Visit https://www.jonathanmelrod.com/ to learn more about Jon, purchase "Fighting Times," and get access to all sorts of resources on working-class history.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from the cover of "Fighting Times."
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The Twisted Mind of C.S. Lewis: Narnia, ft. Aysha U. Farah
22 januari 2024 · 1 uur 56 min
This is a fun one. Lees meer
Fantasy expert and professional hater Aysha U. Farah is back on the show to discuss C.S. Lewis' 1950 children's novel, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," though we really get into all of Narnia and spend a lot of time on its deeply fascinating author.
Who was this odd, sometimes-brilliant, sometimes-foolish, always-insane author? What made Narnia so wildly successful? Do we feel bad for Edmund? Was the Pevensie Monarchy a historically progressive force?
You can find Aysha's work at her website, here: https://www.ayshaufarah.com/, or follow her on Twitter or Bluesky at @ayshaufarah.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art from Pauline Baynes' artwork for the novels.
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Good Kush(ner): iHO, ft A.J. Ditty
12 januari 2024 · 2 uur 42 min
We're covering Tony Kushner's 2009 (and 2010, and 2011, and many-times-since-edited) play, "The Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures," which incidentally could also be the name of this podcast. Lees meer
Joining us is beloved theater-enjoyer, A.J. Ditty from The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast!
Together we dive into the mind of one of the great American playwrights, figure out how to kill yourself Marxistly, and catch up on Italian-American lore.
You can find A.J.'s work at https://www.worstpossible.world/ and follow him on Twitter @TheFuzzyMask.
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) Episode art is a picture of the good Kush(ner)
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2024, the Year of Lenore: Red Plenty
7 januari 2024 · 2 uur 8 min
It's 2024...new year, new books, a new name...the same, classic socialist spirit. Lees meer
We're talking about Francis Spufford's 2010 historical fiction...novel? Short story collection? Something like that... "Red Plenty."
Come for the history of the first worker state, stay for the discourse on whether or not smoking is sexy.
We both continue to remain dedicated to our organizing with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Any funds you can contribute would be helpful! The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) Episode art is the book cover.
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Utopia 4 Kidz: The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas
22 december 2023 · 58 min
It's our last episode of 2023...so let's end it on something we all know and love, "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin! Lees meer
What is it about this little story that gets inside people's heads? Is Omelas basically just the story of Jesus? Can you reform a system built on child misery? (I'll go on and answer that one: no.)
For more top-tier Omelas content, check out this phenomenal article by friend of the pod, Kurt Schiller! https://bloodknife.com/omelas-je-taime/
We are giving shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,)
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Does the Dog Die: The People of Sand and Slag, ft. Karlo Yeager Rodríguez
17 december 2023 · 1 uur 36 min
Yeah. The dog dies. Lees meer
This week we're discussing Paolo Bacigalupi's sci-fi short story, "The People of Sand and Slag."
There's a lot of sand, there's a lot of slag. There's not a lot of joy, but we and our fantastic guest from Podside Picnic, Karlo Yeager Rodríguez, manage to find it where we can. They haven't managed to write a story yet that can destroy the power of a good bit.
We talk about climate change as blasphemy, the responsibility of humanity to the earth, the job of speculative fiction, and manage to talk about "1984" AGAIN despite having not done a "1984" episode.
Check out Karlo's work at https://alineofink.com/ and follow him on Twitter @kjy1066. Also, be sure to listen to Podside Picnic! https://www.patreon.com/PodsidePicnic
We are giving shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,)
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The Bad McCarthy: The Crucible
10 december 2023 · 1 uur 56 min
Not all is well in the town of Salem...or Washington for that matter. Lees meer
Join the Shelfers as we dive into Arthur Miller's 1953 not-so-subtle-allegorical play, "The Crucible"
Topics of discussion: McCarthyism, religious hypocrisy, Marilyn Monroe, and Jacob playing Judge Danforth in high school.
We are doing shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is high school Jacob looking snazzy as Judge Danforth.
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The One About Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
2 december 2023 · 2 uur 9 min
It's a lesser-known series...you probably haven't heard of it. Lees meer
Today the shelfers take on Matthew Stover's 2005 novelization of "Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith," the novel that asks the dangerous question of what would happen if you made ROTS... good?
Enjoy us diving into the concept of Star Wars legends, criticize Yoda for undialectical thinking, encouraging Bail Organa to start a Marxist militia on Alderaan, and draw parallels between Taylor Swift and Anakin Skywalker.
As discussed in the cold open, we'll be doing shout-outs to anyone who donates to PSL Atlanta and sends proof of donation to our Twitter account (@SocialistShelf) or email (TheSocialistShelf@gmail.com). The link to donate is here: https://www.liberationatl.org/donate
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) episode art is definitely an actual picture we took of ourselves to promote this episode.
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Rock Uber: The Myth of Sisyphus
24 november 2023 · 1 uur 4 min
Joss reads the entire thing at the opening so you have no excuse not to absorb this text (unless you just don't want to in which case...fair) Lees meer
This week we discuss French philosopher Albert Camus' 1942, essential absurdist work, "The Myth of Sisyphus." You might have heard this one before, it's where the guy is happy despite his whole rock situation.
We get into the life of Camus (we've got opinions!), look into if absurdism and socialism are compatible ideas (we have MORE opinions) and talk about high school Jacob's brief fling with absurdist thought (no need for opinions on this one.)
Come back next week for a discussion of Matthew Stover's 2005 novelization of "Revenge of the Sith."
Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart), episode art from SuperGiant's masterpiece, "Hades."
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Marxism-Springsteenism: Battle Royale
19 november 2023 · 1 uur 51 min
History may have gone entirely differently, but the music of Bruce Springsteen is eternal... Lees meer
Today we explore the alt-history dystopia of Koushun Takami's, 1999 novel, "Battle Royale." This one's a little more intense than Fortnite.
What does "successful fascism" look like? Why is the genre of kids murdering each other so lucrative? Will Koushun Takami ever write a second novel?
Music by SoloMonk (@SoloMonl 256 on Twitter and https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart.) Episode art from novel's cover.
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Proletariat Number 1 Great: The Crab Cannery Ship
10 november 2023 · 1 uur 42 min
Folks welcome to the episode where we debut our BRAND NEW THEME SONG!!!!! Massive shout-out to Solo Monk for putting it together. Please go give him a follow on Twitter @SoloMonk256, on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart, and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/tsalcollective Lees meer
But we do have an episode today outside the music. We're discussing the great 1929 work of Japanese proletarian literature, "The Crab Cannery Ship" by Takiji Kobayashi.
How does the historical process of capitalist development in Japan mirror that in Europe, and how is it different? How can the nameless, faceless nature of the working class be turned into a strength? Plus, what to do if your revolution fails (hint, hint: it's try again.)
Episode art is a crab emoji.
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Zig Zag Zig: The Ballad of Black Tom
3 november 2023 · 1 uur 27 min
It's existential horror time!! Lees meer
This week we get into Victor LaValle's 2016 novella, "The Ballad of Black Tom," a retelling of H.P. Lovecraft's shockingly racist (and honestly boring) short story, "The Horror at Red Hook." And yes, we read the original short story too so you don't have to.
The Shelfers discuss Lovecraft adaptions that deal with his legacy (and all that entails,) the inevitability of resistance against oppression, and why Cthulhu is way less scary than the NYPD.
Tune in next week for, "The Crab Cannery Ship" by Kobayashi Takiji!
Episode art from the novel's cover, music by Kevin MacLeod.
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Neurodivergent and a Minor: Catcher in the Rye, ft. Aysha U. Farah
29 oktober 2023 · 2 uur 9 min
Jacob fails to read poetry, Joss makes bad jokes, we have a cool guest, and we released the episode two days late...honestly, it's the platonic ideal of a Socialist Shelf episode. Lees meer
This week we're talking about J.D. Salinger's 1951 rant of a novel, "Catcher in the Rye." Joining us is writer, game developer, and professional Holden Caulfield defender, Aysha U. Farah, begging you to forget everything YA Twitter has told you to think about this book.
What's the deal with middle-class American angst? Is Holden Caulfield gay? Are angsty teens just tiny Marxists waiting to be given direction? All this and more!
You can find Aysha's work at her website, here: https://www.ayshaufarah.com/, or follow her on Twitter or Bluesky at @ayshaufarah.
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art is just a rye field from Getty Images
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The Gang Goes Anarchist: V for Vendetta
20 oktober 2023 · 2 uur 4 min
Let's. Get. Edgy. Lees meer
Step into (even more) fascistic London in Alan Moore's classic 1982-1985 graphic novel, "V for Vendetta."
What makes Moore such a remarkable creator? How do repressive regimes give birth to their own destruction? How brutal must a revolution be? Also...what's the deal with anarchism?
Art from the graphic novel, music by Kevin MacLeod.
A little housekeeping: we're going to be (for the most part) dispensing with the part ones and twos and doing full weekly episodes, so I hope y'all enjoy that. Tune in next week for our "Catcher in the Rye" episode!!
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This one's just for fun: My Immortal
13 oktober 2023 · 1 uur 42 min
Some are calling it THE literary classic. Lees meer
This week the boys get into "My Immortal," a notorious 2006-2007 Harry Potter fan fiction by the user known as XXXbloodyrists666XXX.
What makes a bad fanfiction so magical? Why are so many preps flaming our podcast? What can we learn from the earnestness of online fiction...plus, some young Jacob and Joss lore.
If you like this episode, please leave us a good review and follow us @SocialistShelf on social media (if that's still a thing.)
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art is the Harry Potter film cover fused by dark magic with Snapchat photo editor.
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Top of the Pots: Compassionate Capitalism Part 2, ft. Josh Boerman
6 oktober 2023 · 55 min
We're back and holding Rich Devos accountable. Lees meer
This is the second half of our conversation on "Compassionate Capitalism" and "Ten Powerful Phrases" by Amway founder and rightwing billionaire Rich Devos.
In this half we really tear into the cult of toxic positivity, discuss dialectics the Devos way, and Jacob gets REAL heated about the idea that God will "just take care of it."
If you're not already familiar with Josh's work, then what the heck are you doing?? Check out Josh's podcast here: https://www.worstpossible.world/
Music by Kevin MacLeod, art is the dude himself
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Real Capitalism Has Never Been Tried: Compassionate Capitalism ft. Josh Boerman Part 1
29 september 2023 · 1 uur 2 min
It's time to learn more than we ever wanted to about Amway founder and general rightwing psycho, Richard Devos.
Josh Boerman from Worst of All Possible Worlds returns to the podcast to discuss Devos' self-help book/manifestos "Compassionate Capitalism" and, to a lesser extent, "Ten Powerful Phrases for Positive People." They're some doozies, folks.
Who is this Rich guy, and how did he manage to get his sticky fingers all over everything in the whole country? What's the deal with multi-level marketing companies? Is socialism doomed (Rich thinks so in 1994, he becomes less sure by 2008.)
Check out Josh's podcast here: https://www.worstpossible.world/
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art is of the Amway Center. Lees meer -
...You're the loser. Snow Crash Part 2, Ft. Kurt Schiller
22 september 2023 · 1 uur 33 min
Welcome back to the cyber-adrenaline rush that is Neal Stephenson's, "Snow Crash!" Lees meer
The Shelfers team up with Kurt Schiller of Podside Picnic and Blood Knife Magazine to get to the bottom of age-old questions like: how do you handle a guy who has a nuclear bomb strapped to his motorcycle? (and other stuff like that)
Check out Kurt's work at https://bloodknife.com/, https://www.patreon.com/PodsidePicnic, and @MechanicalKurt on Twitter
Episode art is of Neal Stephenson, music by Kevin MacLeod.
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In the Gaming World...Snow Crash Part 1, Ft. Kurt Schiller
15 september 2023 · 1 uur 6 min
We're going to the distant, wild, far-flung cyberpunk future of the early 2000s...as seen from the early 90s. Yep, we're talking about Neal Stephenson's 1992 science fiction/action/dystopian/satirical/straight-up-badass novel, "Snow Crash." Lees meer
Joining the Shelfers to discuss is editor of Blood Knife Magazine and member of Podside Picnic, Kurt Schiller.
What's the difference between anti-capitalism and anti-corporatism? What happened to the dreams of the techno-utopians? Is Hiro Protagonist a good name for your main character? Why is Uncle Enzo so damn cool? All that and more!
Check out Kurt's work: https://bloodknife.com/, https://www.patreon.com/PodsidePicnic, @MechanicalKurt on Twitter.
Credit to Blowback for our parody intro and to the song "World Destruction" by Time Zone. Credit to Kevin MacLeod for our outro music. Cover art is from the cover of the novel itself.
Alternate title for this episode: "Ready Player FUN"
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The Evilest Episode: True Allegiance Part 2, ft Sydney Dallas-Main
8 september 2023 · 1 uur 4 min
EMBRACE THE IMMORTAL SCIENCE OF MARXISM-LENINISM-LEVONISM!!!! Lees meer
We're back with Sydney to finish out this trudge through what I assume has to be Ben Shapiro parodying himself: "True Allegiance."
This book is bad. It's so so so so bad.
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art is of a random child who tapped me on the shoulder and asked if he looked cool in his hat.
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The Evilest Episode: True Allegiance Part 1, ft Sydney Dallas-Main
1 september 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
UGGHHHHHH Lees meer
That more or less summarizes our reaction to "True Allegiance," Ben Shapiro's work of fiction that repeatedly, incessantly, infuriatingly, asks over and over and over: "Have you considered wokeism might be at the heart of our problems?"
No Ben, we haven't.
Joining us is cringe-fiction expert and Jacob's spouse, Sydney, to really get into this evil creation of the whiny, deranged, foot-stomping manchild known as Ben Shapiro.
Music by Kevin MacLeod. The cover art is...pretty epic.
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Octavia is BACK: Bloodchild, Featuring Aaron Thorpe
25 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 47 min
It's our first repeat author! Get ready to discuss the short stories, "Bloodchild," "Amnesty," and "Book of Martha" by the Queen of science fiction, Octavia Butler. Lees meer
Joining us is noted sci-fi enthusiast, drip-king, and all-around-cool-guy, Aaron Thorpe!
How does one sanitize literally being eaten alive? Why is the internet into botflies? What would you do with the powers of God? Who's more evil, alien invaders or the US Government? (Okay, that's one's obvious.)
Check out Aaron @Afrocosmist on Twitter or go listen to his podcasts: "The Trillbilly Worker's Party," "Struggle Session," and "Everybody Loves Communism"
Music by Kevin MacLeod, art from the republished edition of "Bloodchild."
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Socialism and Superheroes, an Interview with Vijay Prashad
11 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
It's the week of interviews, and we're back with another fantastic one...this time with legendary socialist writer, thinker, and enjoyer of good fiction, Vijay Prashad! Lees meer
Hear Vijay's thoughts on superhero films, the (super)power of organizing, how mass media reveals the insecurities of the ruling class, and how anti-capitalist fiction can become revolutionary art.
For more from Vijay Prashad, go to https://thetricontinental.org/
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art is Vijay's Twitter profile pic (and a very nice one at that.)
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BONUS: An Interview with Omar El Akkad
10 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 16 min
We enjoyed his book, "American War," and in this episode, we got a chance to enjoy speaking to the author! Lees meer
Listen to acclaimed writer and journalist Omar El Akkad chat with the Shelfers about climate change, the dangers of American individualism, his writing process...and then even more about climate change.
You're not required to scroll back and listen to our "American War" episodes before listening to this interview, but we sure would recommend it.
You can find Omar here on Twitter: @omarelakkad. We also recommend you check out his podcast, "WITHOUT."
Music by Kevin MacLeod. Episode art is a picture of our guest!
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The Best Timeline: Ministry for the Future Part 2
4 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 12 min
Y'all know what's up: it's Kim Stanley Robinson's climate fiction smorgasbord, "The Ministry for the Future!" Lees meer
REVOLUTIONARY OPTIMISM!!!!!!!!
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art is of KSR himself
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The Best Timeline: Ministry for the Future Part 1
1 augustus 2023 · 1 uur 6 min
"Jacob...Joss...do y'all talk about nothing but bleak books anymore? I'm getting tired! I'm getting depressed." Lees meer
Never fear listeners, it's time to talk about Kim Stanley Robinson's positive, anti-dystopian work of climate fiction, "Ministry for the Future."
Questions we consider: What will spur the working masses of the world to action? What role does sci-fi play in painting visions of a better world? What's the difference between being a utopian idealist and a revolutionary optimist?
Music by Kevin MacLeod, cover art from the original novel cover.
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Red Vs. Blue: American War Part 2, ft. Josh Boerman
21 juli 2023 · 1 uur 14 min
"First of all, I don't want to hear the word surrender..." Lees meer
We're back with more dystopia! "American War" by Omar El Akkad continues to deliver with discussion of life as a refugee, island torture facilities, and economies strangled by war...sound familiar? The chickens are coming home to roost.
With us is delightful guest, Josh Boerman, helping us figure out what to make of this nightmare novel.
We also talk about water. Lots of water in this book, folks.
If you've got ears to hear, pop over to https://www.worstpossible.world/ as soon as you finish listening to this episode. You might just want to keep an eye out for their upcoming guests.
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art from iStock.
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Red Vs. Blue: American War Part 1, ft Josh Boerman
14 juli 2023 · 1 uur 1 min
What if everything was bad...and then it got worse...and then it kept getting worse...and everything generally stayed bad forever? Lees meer
That's what Omar El Akkad tackles in his work of climate fiction, "American War," and that's what the Shelfers are here to discuss. But wait! Joining us is noted apocalyptician and student of declining empire, Josh Boerman from The Worst of All Possible Worlds!
What will happen to the American South without left organizing? What is the trajectory of a society without hope? What, if anything, is the use of novels preaching dire climate warnings? What's the deal with the Mississippi Sea? All this and more!
Check out Josh's work at https://www.worstpossible.world/. Seriously, it's one of the best podcasts out there.
Music by Kevin MacLeod, cover art is from the cover of American War
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The Good McCarthy: Blood Meridian Part 2, Ft. Drew Mason
7 juli 2023 · 1 uur 38 min
Part 2! Welcome back to the godless wasteland roamed by the Glanton Gang. We, along with our guest, Drew Mason, will be your guides. Lees meer
We're talking more about Cormac McCarthy's "Blood Meridian." In this episode, we ask how the Judge Holdens of the world can be fought, try to puzzle out just what that epilogue is talking about, and give a send-off to one of the best writers to ever do it.
We're on BlueSky now! Check us out @socialistshelf.bsky.social. Also, be sure to follow our guest on Twitter @dkpmason.
Episode art from Unsplash. Music by Kevin MacLeod.
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The Good McCarthy: Blood Meridian Part 1, Ft. Drew Mason
30 juni 2023 · 1 uur 44 min
Everybody's favorite dirt mage, Drew Mason, is back to talk with us about "Blood Meridian" by the recently late, forever great, Cormac McCarthy. Lees meer
What does the Western (or in this case, anti-western) teach us about the foundations of the United States? What is the truth behind this nation's founding myths? Can we have an episode even darker than our discussion of "The Jungle?" All that and more within.
If you liked this episode, check out @dkpmason on Twitter. If you didn't like it, check him out anyway. He's a cool guy, we can vouch.
Music by Kevin MacLeod, the cover art is a picture of the greatest bean-eating pond swimmer to ever grace the literary world.
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They Made Tumblr Into A Book...and It's Good: Gideon the Ninth Part 2
23 juni 2023 · 1 uur 9 min
No poetry for this episode summary, just appreciation for Tamsyn Muir's blast of a novel, "Gideon the Ninth." Lees meer
How does the internet intersect with Millennial and Gen Z art? How much lore is the right amount of lore? Is romance dead? (Spoilers, it's not.)
Also, here's a link to a really good interview between Three Crows Magazine and the author. If you didn't already like her from this book, you'll like her by the end of the interview. Check it out!
The episode art is a picture of Tamsyn herself. Episode music, as always, by Kevin MacLeod.
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They Made Tumblr Into A Book...and It's Good: Gideon the Ninth, Part 1
16 juni 2023 · 51 min
Two for the stories reread in our dreams Lees meer
Three for the prose we remember in memes
Four for the books that we both recommend
Five for the ones where we're glad for the end
Six for the classics debated to death
Seven for those that have wasted our breath
Eight for the novels inspiring our stuff
and Nine for the pod and for all of its scuff
(P.S. Sorry to Ms. Tamsyn Muir for the fact that I can't say your last name right. I liked your book.)
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode art from the cover of "Gideon the Ninth."
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Clinton's Worst Crime: The President is Missing Part 2
2 juni 2023 · 58 min
"Stop reading this! It's too awful!" our brains cry. "No," we reply, as we sink further into madness. Lees meer
Yep, we're back with more of "The President is Missing" by Bill Clinton and James Patterson.
How do reactionary politics work hand-in-hand with liberalism? What is Joss' personal lore with Bill Clinton? How do you create the world's most annoying vision of utopia? Plus...is that Wario and Waluigi I hear?
Music by Kevin MacLeod. Art is just a normal, totally unedited picture of Clinton and Patterson.
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Clinton's Worst Crime: The President is Missing Part 1
26 mei 2023 · 1 uur 34 min
Bill Clinton wrote a novel, y'all...Yes, that Bill Clinton. Lees meer
Join us as we slowly lose our minds trying to crawl through the nightmare that is "The President is Missing" by James Patterson and former U.S. President, Bill Clinton.
We'll be answering such questions as: "Can a former President still be deeply insecure?" (Yep.) and "Can liberalism save us?" (Nope.)
If you thought "Left Behind" had us worked up, you ain't seen nothing yet!!!
Music by Kevin MacLeod, cover photo from Whitehouse.gov.
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From the Military to Mercury: Slaughterhouse-Five, Part 2, ft TRENT
22 mei 2023 · 51 min
We're back with more of Kurt Vonnegut's anti-war sci-fi classic, "Slaughterhouse-Five" ft none other than known Vonnegut-head, TRENT. Lees meer
In this episode, we talk more about the fate of poor old Edgar Derby, discuss what makes Paul Lazarro the perfect American hero, and ask ourselves...is Billy Pilgrim the Muad'Dib?
Music by Kevin MacLeod, episode cover from the film adaptation of "Slaughterhouse-Five"
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Gaming in Spaaaaaace: The Three-Body Problem, Pt 2
3 mei 2023 · 1 uur 4 min
It's what you've been waiting for, folks: the GAMING portion of Liu Cixin's sci-fi headscratcher, "The Three-Body Problem." Lees meer
Okay, okay, there's more than gaming. We've got political intrigue, we've got nano-violence, we've got existentialism, we've got futuristic internationalism...and more.
Plus, our Netflix-based plan to prevent World War 3.
Episode Art from LiveScience (depicting an actual three-body diagram.) Music by Kevin MacLeod.
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Gaming in Spaaaaace: The Three Body Problem, Part 1
24 april 2023 · 44 min
We're back...and yes I mean *we.* After a three-week hiatus, Joss has returned to the program. And we're talking Liu Cixin's hard sci-fi puzzle-box, "The Three Body Problem." Lees meer
How did this distinctly Chinese work of fiction manage to capture the hearts of so many in the West? What do the Chinese Cultural Revolution and gravitational currents have in common? Can we use science fiction to prevent nuclear war? All these questions and more...answered!
As a side note: The Cultural Revolution of China is a complicated chapter in history that takes a lot more deciphering than we're capable of conducting in a couple sci-fi centric episodes, so we wanted to link this source from the Liberation School for those who may want to learn more. https://www.liberationschool.org/tag/cultural-revolution/
Music by Kevin MacLeod, art is the cover of the English edition of "The Three Body Problem."