The Trials and Tribulations of Municipal Socialism in NYC and Beyond w/ Daniel Wortel-London

In this week's episode, Adam talks with Jacobin editor and NYC DSA member Nick French about the rise of democratic socialism at the municipal level. Using Zohran Mamdani’s political trajectory as a focal point, they explore how socialist organizers are navigating the shift from insurgent campaigns to the realities of governing. The conversation digs into the evolution of the Democratic Socialists of America, changing electoral strategy on the left, and the tension between movement politics and institutional power. Along the way, they examine the promises — and contradictions — of “municipal socialism,” the role of grassroots organizing, and what it really takes to turn bold demands into durable political change. To hear the entirety of this episode, become a patron of HWDI at https://www.patreon.com/hwdipod

In this week's episode, Adam talks with Jacobin editor and NYC DSA member Nick French about the rise of democratic socialism at the municipal level. Using Zohran Mamdani’s political trajectory as a focal point, they explore how socialist organizers are navigating the shift from insurgent campaigns to the realities of governing.The conversation digs into the evolution of the Democratic Socialists of America, changing electoral strategy on the left, and the tension between movement politics and institutional power. Along the way, they examine the promises — and contradictions — of “municipal socialism,” the role of grassroots organizing, and what it really takes to turn bold demands into durable political change.To hear the entirety of this episode, become a patron of HWDI at https://www.patreon.com/hwdipod ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this week's B-Side, I continue my conversation with Daniel Wortel-London, author of ˆThe Menace of Prosperity: New York City and the Struggle for Economic Development, 1865–1981. We discuss what he would do if he could give advice to Mayor Mamdani: public banking, developing an inside-outside strategy, linking up with social movements and much more. We discuss DSA, co-ops, and all kinds of policies and strategies being utilized by democratic socialists worldwide. This a free teaser of the full episode. To support this project and get access to our full back catalog of B-Sides, become a patron today: http://www.patreon.com/hwdipod ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this inaugural episode of How We Do It, I chat with Daniel Wortel-London, author of "The Menace of Prosperity," about the intersection of economic policies and social movements in New York City's history from 1865 to 1981. We discuss the significance of understanding fiscal policy for socialists and explore historical moments that shaped economic development, including the fiscal crisis of the 1970s. Daniel emphasizes the need to redefine fiscal imaginaries to empower citizens in shaping equitable economic narratives. ******************** Support this project by becoming a patron and get access to our weekly B-Side and other subscriber content: http://www.patreon.com/HWDIpod ******************** Chapters: 0:05 Welcome to How We Do It 0:54 Introducing Daniel Wortel-London 2:15 Understanding Fiscal Policy 6:35 The Excitement of New York City DSA 7:00 The Menace of Prosperity 12:33 The Growth Machine of New York 14:59 Henry George's Vision 22:01 The Rise of Public Ownership 23:58 The Producer's Mindset 30:58 A Call to Action 33:59 The Future of Socialist Leadership 40:21 Public Housing and Its Legacy 51:56 Reflections on the 1970s Crisis 54:06 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this episode of the Parrot Room on Zero Squared, Adam and Doug talk about the "Post-Left," why the left needs therapy (Okay, Adam said that and I'm not sure Doug agrees) and much, much more. p.s. get therapy. Become a patron of DPS to hear the entirety of this episode: http://www.patreon.com/deadpundits Support Zero Books here: www.patreon.com/zerobooks

Adam goes on Zero Squared Podcast, hosted by Doug Lain, to lay out his case for why Bernie Sanders was important to support and they end up talking a lot about some dusty, nerdy shit -- from Marx to the Second International to the New Deal and beyond. Support Zero Book Podcast here: www.patreon.com/zerobooks Become a supporter of DPS on patreon here: http://www.patreon.com/deadpundits

Sam Gindin joins us to address recent claims about the death of neoliberalism in the wake of the latest turn to stimulus-based policies. Can it be? -- of course not... Gindin explains why. Become a patron of DPS to hear this ep in its entirety: http://www.patreon.com/deadpundits

Joining us this week is James Schneider, former communication director for Jeremy Corbyn, cofounder of Momentum (UK), and current comms guy for Progressive International. He's here to discuss a new series out at Novara called "How We Win: A Socialist Strategy for the 2020s." Read the intro and find the rest of the essays here: https://novaramedia.com/2021/03/12/introducing-how-we-win-a-socialist-strategy-for-the-2020s/ --------------- Become a patron of DPS here: http://www.patreon.com/deadpundits

On this week's patron-exclusive ep of DPS, we're joined by Ben Burgis. We talk about the state of the left in the Biden era, cancel culture, the psycho-emotional baggage of the left, and much much more. You all know about this book by now, but you should really buy it: https://www.johnhuntpublishing.com/zer0-books/our-books/canceling-comedians-while-world-burns *** Join the Society to hear the full episode: http://www.patreon.com/deadpundits ***

After an extended intro by Adam, we're joined by Matt Karp who wrote a great essay a few months ago called "The Politics of a Second Gilded Age" (https://jacobinmag.com/2021/02/the-politics-of-a-second-gilded-age). Listen to this episode in its entirety by becoming a patron: http://www.patreon.com/deadpundits