The Pandemic

Matthew is joined by Qiao Collective member Sun Feiyang, as well as Proles Pod co-hosts Rae and Justin, to discuss the political and historical context of the 1989 Tiananmen protests, unsavory aspects of protest leadership, the fallacious "Tiananmen Square massacre" narrative, the challenges of building socialism, Western anti-China propaganda, and much more.Music by Benjamin MichaelRelevant hyperlinks:Tiananmen Protests Reading List (Qiao Collective)A Note on the Tiananmen Protests (Qiao Collective)Debunking the "Tiananmen Square Massacre" (Matthew's latest article)The Stalin Eras (Proles Pod)This American Left LinktreeBuy Me a Coffee

Matthew and Hannah discuss the cultural and political dimensions of the December 2024 assassination of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the problems with for-profit healthcare in the United States, and much more.Music by Benjamin MichaelClick here for notes and sources

Matthew and Hannah turn a simple microphone test into a podcast episode in what critics have described as "the worst episode of This American Left ever recorded."  Click here to buy a copy of Matthew's book "Millennial Marxist."

Matthew and Hannah discuss the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including their own recent experiences and the stark differences between the U.S. government's response and the Chinese government's response. Music by Benjamin Michael. Click here for notes and sources.

Matthew and Hannah discuss Afghanistan, covert CIA operations, 9/11 conspiracy theories, and much more. This episode will blow hearts and minds (while leaving steel-framed skyscrapers completely intact).Click here for notes and sources

Matthew and Hannah talk to former Navy corpsman Ben Jarvis about his experiences with the U.S. military and how he became a leftist. General content warning/trigger warning (discussion of violence, etc.).

Meghan joins Matthew and Hannah to discuss recent anti-trans legislation in states like Arkansas and Tennessee. Matthew talks about trans liberation from a Marxist perspective. Music by Benjamin Michael. Support this podcast at patreon.com/thisamericanleft "Marxism and Trans Liberation" by Alyson Escalante Resources for Kids/Families: Families in Transition: A Resource Guide for Families of Transgender Youth Peer Support, Group Meetings, Referrals And Resources For The Transgender Community Online Support Groups/Talklines for Queer and Trans Individuals Online Discussions for Adults & Youth Groups Something to Talk About: A Monthly Series Designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality Program Trans Lifeline- A Hotline for Transgender Needs Trans Mentors International Resources for Professionals: 4 Ways To Make Your Workplace Equitable For Trans People Diversity & Inclusion Relias Training A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth- from The Trevor Project Quick Tips for Medical Providers of Transgender Patients Supporting the Transgender People in Your Life: A Guide to Being a Good Ally Serving our Transgender Patients- Relias Training with Nate Cannon Tips for Allies of Transgender Individuals Trans Affirming Therapists: Online Education Opportunities Useful Tools and Worksheets for Using with Transgender Patients

Matthew talks about the pejorative use of the term "authoritarian", which is often used in the West to denounce socialist and communist movements.

Matthew and Hannah discuss the history of the Black Panther Party and its relevance today. The primary source for this episode was the PBS documentary, "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution."Additional sources:https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/black-panthers-ten-point-program/https://timeline.com/the-black-panthers-helped-free-breakfast-programs-9e4756d93510https://www.liberationnews.org/50-years-later-what-can-the-black-panther-party-teach-a-new-generation-of-revolutionaries/Music by Benjamin Michael

In a completely unscripted and improvised discussion, Matthew and Hannah talk about the fascist insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the incoming Biden administration, Borat 2, and many additional random topics.Music by Benjamin Michael