Workers' Lit

“Letter to the American Church,” Or: We Expose Metaxes’ Lies. Ft. Josh Boerman Aug 24, 2026 01:52:07 It’s a classic “we read a conservative book and get mad” episode!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 Bo

[Bonus Episode Preview] Article Brain: Trans CIA Agents Aug 21, 2026 00:04:54 This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit/posts/article-brain-167304042It'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 accept

“The Works of Vermin,” or, The LGBTQ+ Community Does War Crimes. Ft. Maria Ingrade Mora. Aug 17, 2026 01:25:22 This book is weird, and horny, and gnarly, and gross, and exciting, and an all around winner.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 descen

“The Communist Manifesto,” Or: A Fun, Gay Little Intro to Marx Aug 10, 2026 01:37:50 It’s the big one. Our most requested text ever. The spectre haunting Europe is now haunting our podcast.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 foundat

"Communion: Finding My Way Back To Faith," or, Just Dance Vance 2, ft. AJ Ditty Aug 3, 2026 01:45:16 We've returned to the dark abyss that is the mind of Just Dance Vance.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 presidenti

The Incandescent ft. Brandon Crilly Jul 27, 2026 01:28:33 Grab your three-ringed binders, highlighters, and spellbooks, this week we're talking about "The Incandescent," a 2025 academia fantasy novel by Emily Tesh.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,&qu

Angela Davis' "Women, Race, and Class." Ft. RevolutionaryTh0t Jul 20, 2026 01:56:09 It’s time to talk about a true living legend: Angela Davis.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

Use of Weapons by Iain M. Banks Jul 13, 2026 01:53:06 Pull up a chair listeners, and heed the tale of a man named Zakalwe…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 extr

Bonus Episode! "On Practice," ft. Rae of ProlesPod Jul 10, 2026 00:55:50 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."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 afte

Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism by Vladimir Lenin Jul 6, 2026 01:31:28 Let's get into some THEORY (don't worry, we make it fun)!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 b

Did I Shave My Legs For This? [Half The Sky Promo Episode] Jul 1, 2026 01:38:17 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?Half the Sky is an attempt to provide a perspective often lacking from the podcast space: that of women (and women-adjacent

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin Jun 29, 2026 01:42:38 We've had queer joy, it's time for some queer suffering.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 sub

Important Announcement: Listen or Read Episode Description Jun 24, 2026 00:05:57 It's an important podcast announcement!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

The Mystery of The Bitten Peach Jun 22, 2026 01:21:04 A lesbian bottom is on a time traveling adventure in ancient China. We know y’all love this stuff.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 He

Iran, Elections, And Empire. A Conversation With Greg Stoker Jun 18, 2026 01:14:01 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.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

Gregor the Overlander Jun 16, 2026 01:15:34 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.”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

Unity, Solidarity, Struggle: The Task of the American Left, ft. Black Red Guard Jun 11, 2026 01:07:37 The American left has a LOT of work to do.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

We Return To Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew Jun 8, 2026 01:33:28 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!!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

Let’s Talk About That Ballroom Jun 4, 2026 01:10:43 Nothing says “declining empire” like an all-out show of ruling class decadence!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 Joh

On Queer Horror, with Cursed Morsels Press Jun 1, 2026 01:04:22 Y’all loved the Neon Hemlock episode, so here’s yet another episode where we sit down with someone in weird, queer, independent publishing!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:h

Hard Drive Mag Is Dead, Long Live GG Tribune! Ft. The GG Tribune Founders May 29, 2026 00:52:44 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?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'

Wallace Shawn's "The Fever," ft. Ethan (People's New Republic). May 26, 2026 01:41:40 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.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

How to Sell a Genocide ft. Adam Johnson May 21, 2026 01:12:43 Buy the book you goofballs you know you want to. 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

The Virtu: Doctrine of Labyrinths Book 2 May 18, 2026 01:18:40 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?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 a

Are YOU a terrorist? It’s more likely than you think! May 13, 2026 01:14:06 The White House has rolled out a new counter-terrorism strategy. It’s nuts.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 justif

The Dispossessed May 11, 2026 01:46:41 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.”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 t

The Everything Episode. Also Available in Video! May 7, 2026 01:23:16 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.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 ans

Dengue Boy, ft. Vajra Chandrasekera May 4, 2026 01:24:12 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

Bonus Author Interview: Joe Kassabian and “The Highlands Burn” May 1, 2026 00:56:04 It’s time for more BONUS CONTENT!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

Section 230 and Internet Censorship, ft. Much Like Your Posting Apr 29, 2026 01:00:48 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?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

Walking Practice, ft. Lee Mandelo Apr 27, 2026 01:23:30 We’re back to talk about EVEN MORE QUEER HORROR.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 translatio

Alexander Karp's Manifesto, Palantir, and The Future of American Fascism Apr 23, 2026 01:30:58 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.

Black Flame, ft. Jon Greenaway of Horror Vanguard Apr 20, 2026 01:42:24 Do you want it?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 Rod

Legos and Lethality, the new age of war propaganda, ft. Caleb of Kill the Computer Apr 16, 2026 01:11:09 War propaganda has always been strange...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

The Yiddish Policemen’s Union Apr 13, 2026 01:20:25 What if the Jewish diaspora had established a mini-state in Alaska?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 Zioni

The Social Media Episode, ft. Anthony DePice Apr 9, 2026 01:25:18 Folks, we regret to inform you that the internet has kind of become...important.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 wi

The Unworthy. Also: PATREON!! Apr 6, 2026 01:19:05 PRIORITY: We finally got a Patreon! Supporting us there wins you 1 million Lit Points.Go check it here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/WorkersLitToday we cover “The Unworthy,” a 2023 horror novel by Agustina Bazterrica (of “Tender is the Flesh” fame).Religious trauma, oppression of women, lesbian sex jokes, puppy girls, this episode is 100% worth the obligatory purification ritual in the Tower of Sile

Iran. No Kings. Trans Rights. General Strike? Apr 2, 2026 01:09:15 Bad times in the USA...and elsewhere.The Iran war rages, trans rights come under assault, millions of people take to the streets, and calls for a general strike are building.It's just another week in 2026.Articles referenced and quoted:https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/trump-goes-commandohttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/communists-democrats-use-nokings-rally-call-may-day-strike-shut-downhttps:

Who Stole Feminism? Ft. Talia Bhatt Mar 30, 2026 01:38:15 This book sucks. But the episode? It goes hard.We are joined by returning guest Talia Bhatt, writer and radical trans-feminist whose work covers epistemic injustice, Third World feminism, and ranked competitive breast growth (yes, she has RANGE!) to discuss "GamerGate's favorite feminist," Christina Hoff Sommers' anti-feminist rant from 1994, "Who Stole Feminism? How Women H

The Iran War Continues Mar 26, 2026 01:11:52 The war hasn't stopped.Today we discuss the U.S. and Israel's murderous war against Iran and Lebanon as the Iran War escalates into what may be an even larger conflict. We get into the absurd communication style of the White House around the war, the confusion around what the point even is, and how we're all just trying to piece together our own little reality.Also, we get sidetracked

Mockingjay: The Conclusion of the Hunger Games Saga Mar 23, 2026 01:47:35 The Hunger Games are finally at an end.Welcome to "Mockingjay," Suzanne Collins' 2010 conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy that will make you say, "Well that was depressing!" (though your mileage may vary on whether or not you consider that an endorsement.)We get INTO IT about revolution, violence, retribution, propaganda, and the silly lizard guys underneath the Capitol.

Julia Serano Says Queer People Aren't Going Anywhere! Mar 18, 2026 01:06:02 "It's like toothpaste that's left the tube. Trans and queer people have become a fact of life in the United States, they won't be forced back into hiding."We are absolutely thrilled to be joined by the brilliant activist, author, scholar, and artist Julia Serano for today's episode!The queer (especially trans) community in the USA is facing a historic assault by the far r

The Battle for Country Music, God, and The South ft. Nathan Evans Fox Mar 16, 2026 01:00:04 We normally talk books on Monday, but lyrics are a type of literature, and Nathan sure is waging the narrative battle.Country music artist and writer Nathan Evans Fox joins us for a wide ranging discussion about Southern cultural and artistic traditions, the stranglehold of evangelical Christianity over the south (and this country), and the joy of writing a hillbilly hymnListen to Nathan's mus

Nuestra América Convoy to Cuba, ft. James Schneider Mar 11, 2026 00:42:53 Break the siege!Jacob is joined by organizer, writer, and Communications Director for Progressive International, James Schneider to discuss the Nuestra América Convoy to Cuba.Learn how organizations like Progressive International, The People's Forum, and many more were inspired by the brave actions of the Gaza Sumud Flotilla and now seek to break the blockade on Cuba.The convoy will convene in Ha

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Mar 10, 2026 01:15:12 THIS GIRL IS ON FIIIIREEEEEWe're back for part 2 of The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, 2009's "Catching Fire."The first book was about survival, this book is about revolution. Revel with us in the drama of resistance, cringe at the fandom memories we unearth, and prepare for the forces of fascism to overplay their hand at the onset of the dreaded QUARTER QUELL!

The Hunger Games Mar 4, 2026 01:36:42 Game time.We keep the dystopian mood alive as we take on Suzanne Collins' 2008 YA smash hit, "The Hunger Games."Join us for a conversation about colonialism, necessary vs. unjustified violence, fanfiction, bodily autonomy, and more!What do YOU want to see out of a Workers' Lit Patreon? Email us at workerslit@gmail.com to let us know!

War on the Iranian People and the American Mind, ft. Rev Left Radio Mar 2, 2026 01:31:33 The American ruling class is at war.Physically, they are at war with Iran, pummeling the country with unrelenting airstrikes, slaughtering civilians, and doing their best to make yet another nation unlivable.But they are fighting another war: a psychological war against every one of us. They are building a world of declining literacy, misinformation, confusion, and fear.Combine those two wars and

Who Paid The Pipers of Western Marxism? Ft. Rae of ProlesPod Feb 25, 2026 01:26:36 Lenore and Jen are joined by Rae of ProlesPod to discus Gabriel Rockhill's new book, "Who Paid the Pipers of Western Marxism?" You may be asking: what is a piper? Well, that part's not important.What IS important is the way the CIA and other U.S. government forces spent the 20th century infiltrating the media and every level of academia, squelching dangerous opposition, promoting

The Running Man, ft. Left of the Projector Feb 23, 2026 01:11:34 Last time we covered Stephen King, we were walking a long ways. Now we're running. We're speeding up, folks!Today we're covering King's 1982 dystopian novel, "The Running Man." Joining us are Evan and Bill from the "Left of the Projector" podcast. Together, we'll get mad at how clearly Stephen wrote this book in just one week and then...didn't fix it.Top

Bonus Author Interview: Nick Mamatas Feb 20, 2026 00:36:55 It's a bonus interview with the great science fiction author, Nick Mamatas!We talk about Nick's new book, the horrors of Silicon Valley, and Shakespeare adaptations.Don't miss out: go get your copy of "Kalivas! Or Another Tempest" right now.You can follow him on Bluesky @nmamatas.bsky.social

A Discussion with Representative Ruwa Romman, Candidate for Governor of Georgia Feb 18, 2026 01:02:03 2026 is an election year, and we have no intention of ignoring it!We are joined by candidate for Governor of Georgia, Representative Ruwa Romman. Ruwa represents GA’s 97th House of Representatives district in Gwinnett County and is the first Muslim and Palestinian woman to ever be elected to the GA House of Representatives. She is a long time organizer, served as a delegate of the Uncommitted move

The Minority Report and Sci-Fi, ft. The Pod Universe Feb 16, 2026 01:29:58 We promise we're super mature with Philip K. Dick's last name. Mostly.This week we're taking on Philip K. Dick's 1956 sci-fi novelette, "The Minority Report." What if you could solve crime before it happens? What if said process led to a lot of violence and exploitation? What if you dealt with all that that while worrying that your wife was cheating on you with your hotte

How to kill a country without anybody noticing: America’s war on Cuba Feb 11, 2026 01:03:40 Can you kill a country with hardly anyone noticing? The Trump Administration intends to try with Cuba.In this episode we examine the criminal blockade on Cuba, and the way knowledge of it is essentially non-existent among Americans. Plus, we touch on different levels of information warfare based on class strata, Marco Rubio's plots, and...Elmo's feud with Taylor Swift??Support the Let Cuba

Gaywyck: The First Gay Gothic Romance Feb 9, 2026 01:37:20 Gay. Gothic. Romantic. I know you’re already cheering, and you should be, because we’re covering Vincent Verga’s 1980 novel “Gaywyck.”Why must breathy bodice rippers feature only the heteros? There’s plenty of good gay drama to be had, and gay drama Gaywyck delivers.We discuss the genre of the gothic romance, the groundbreaking nature of Verga’s willingness to not pull punches, and the place weird

On Trans-Feminism and Gender War, ft. Talia Bhatt Feb 4, 2026 01:20:45 This is a really, really, REALLY cool guest.Today we are joined by Talia Bhatt, writer and radical trans-feminist whose work covers epistemic injustice, Third World feminism, and ranked competitive breast growth (yes, she has RANGE!)Want to know more? Just listen! She’ll explain it better than we can.You can find info on all of Talia’s work (including her new book, “Brown/Trans/Les”) at her websit

Indie Publishing, Ft. Neon Hemlock Feb 2, 2026 01:03:04 What's more literary than talking about one piece of literature? Talking about the very nexus from which literature flows!Today we sat down with Dave Ring of Neon Hemlock, an independent press for speculative fiction, rad zines, and queer chapbooks. Discussion topics range from the mission of Neon Hemlock to the state of publishing in the Age of Slop to the importance of queer art.Links to che

On the Narrative Battle: Hamilton, Rightwing Media, ICE's Lies, and More Jan 28, 2026 01:01:42 Welcome to Workers' Lit, your favorite show about the battle for narrative.Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?Today we talk about our focus as a show before discussing the ongoing narrative war in our culture...on several fronts. First, we made Jen watch Hamilton, so we chat about that, which turns into a bit of a side conversation about right-wing films.Then we get back into ICE and mass d

United States of Banana, ft. Karlo Yeager Rodríguez Jan 26, 2026 01:25:13 9/11, Hamlet, the Statue of Liberty, Segismundo, Zoroastrianism, Puerto Rican Independence, Bananas: If you hear all those terms and think, “wow, this sure does sound like the building blocks of a great book,” then congrats, you’re award-winning author Giannina Braschi.We are joined by brilliant writer and host of Podside Picnic, Karlo Yeager Rodríguez, to discuss Braschi’s 2011 postmodern novel,

On Donald Trump: A Year In Review Jan 21, 2026 01:11:27 We are officially one year into Donald Trump’s second term. How’s everybody feeling?This week we discuss the nightmare 365 days that have passed, the battles to come, and the framework that’ll beat Trump for real.Also, we congratulate Usha Vance and her pool boy on their soon-to-be-born child.(We had some technical issues on sound today, so sorry about that!)Articles quoted from in today’s episode

The Great Gatsby, ft, Joshua Ilon of the Penumbra Podcast Jan 19, 2026 01:33:10 It’s time to get real old-sportyThis week we narrowly avoided death-by-pool to deliver you a discussion of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 gilded age masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby.” Joining us is Joshua Ilon, voice actor on The Penumbra Podcast (Juno Steel, Mr. Serling, Jacob, Sir Tristan the Cold) to discuss just how ridiculously relevant Gatsby has become in 2026, our own fraught gilded age.Listen t

On ICE: The State's Fascist Thugs Jan 14, 2026 00:45:42 It's time to break the ICE.Jen and Jacob discuss the dramatic week that's passed since the murder of Renée Nicole Good, the latest stats on ICE, Trump, and Congress' popularity, and the campaigns in motion to hold these fascists to account.Read Renée's poem here:https://poets.org/2020-on-learning-to-dissect-fetal-pigsSources cited in the episode:https://www.filesforprogress.org/dat

T.S. Eliot’s “The Wasteland,” ft. The Eclectic Radical Jan 12, 2026 01:21:27 April is the cruelest month, but it’s January so we should be good.Today we’re discussing T.S. Eliot’s 1922 modernist poetic masterpiece, “The Wasteland.” We also discuss Eliot himself…who’s a lot less cool than his poem.Joining us as we wander the wasteland is Chris Richards, AKA The Eclectic Radical. You can check out his work here!

On Venezuela: A Discussion with Vijay Prashad Jan 8, 2026 01:06:30 Author and Executive Director of the Tricontinental Institute for Social Research, Vijay Prashad, returns to the show to discuss the United States' kidnapping of Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, Trump's claim that the United States now owns Venezuela's oil industry, and American foreign policy in the age he calls "hyperimperialism." We also get into Venezuela's unique and

LA Confidential, ft. Brian Wishart Jan 5, 2026 01:41:21 It's crime time.We're ringing in 2026 with James Ellroy's 1990 work of nasty neo noir, "LA Confidential." And we're mad about it! Why are there so many bizarre little policemen running around in this book???Joining us is Brian Wishart of "Moviepod: A Reclaimed Cinema Podcast" to unpack the weird freak that is James Ellroy, get exasperated over this absurd book,

The War Crimes Episode: Nigeria, Venezuela, and the Crimes of American Empire Dec 31, 2025 01:10:35 We took a weeklong break from talking about the news, but it's time to get back into the doings of the United States government...namely, starting new wars.Today we discuss Trump's Christmas strikes on Nigeria, the bombing of a Venezuelan port, and preparations being made inside Venezuela itself for siege and war. Also, we mention our favorite holiday movies.Articles referenced in this epi

Three Scenes in the Life of a Trotskyist, w/ Andy Boyd Dec 29, 2025 00:44:48 IT'S TIME FOR SOME THEATER!!!We're delighted to have Andy Boyd back on the show to discuss her play, "Three Scenes in the Life of a Trotskyist." Are you looking for a show about the betrayal of the young radicals of the early 20th century in the face of their own success and a conservative culture? No? Well, you should be, and it's this play!Go buy the written version of &quo

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Was the Grink There?) Dec 23, 2025 01:03:09 Classic alert!It's Christmas...so it's time to talk about Dr. Seuss' 1957 children's classic, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."What is a Grinch? Are the residents of Whoville bourgeois? Was the Grink there? All these questions and more, answered!We hope y'all like the new theme music from the talented SoloMonk!Feeling generous? Feel free to send some of that generosit

The Attack On LGBTQ+ Rights, and How We Fight Back! Ft. Pigeon of “2 Whits, 1 Cup” Dec 17, 2025 01:20:43 There’s a war on LGBTQ+ Rights in the US. The sooner we treat it as such the better.The Workers are joined today by Pigeon of “2 Whits, 1 Cup,” an exvangelical, queer podcast about the evangelical radio drama, “Adventures in Odyssey” to discuss the Trump Administration—and every other powerful institution’s—increased aggression towards the queer community. Topics include the Department of Justice’

The Saint of Bright Doors Dec 15, 2025 01:31:02 Them doors are about to get real bright.It's time to hop into Vajra Chandrasekera's crazy 2023 fantasy novel, "The Saint of Bright Doors."We've got revolution, we've got being bisexual, we've got family trauma, we've got cults, we've got it ALL with this book!!

Workers Discuss: Idiotic Institutional Collapse, ft. Nelson of What's Left of the South Dec 10, 2025 00:57:37 So…bad news. Pretty much all American institutions are imploding into their most idiotic possible forms. However, since that includes journalism, you’ll probably hear elsewhere that this is good news. Go figure.This week, the workers are joined by Nelson from the “What’s Left of The South” podcast to talk about the attempts of different mega-corporations to take over Warner Bros, the ascendence of

On the Beach, ft. Brian Alford Dec 8, 2025 01:27:35 Nuclear war kinda sucks.We are joined by returning guest and apocalypse-understander Brian Alford of The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast to discuss Nevil Shute's 1957 end-of-the-world novel, "On The Beach."What if the world was ending, but we were in Australia and being real polite about it? Have you been wondering what that'd be like? We know you have, so listen on!Listen t

Bonus Interview: Hell Bent with Brian Recker Dec 6, 2025 00:29:41 It's a bonus author interview!We're joined by author, public theologian, and all-around cool guy Brian Recker to talk about his new book, "Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love"If you were raised evangelical, this one will hit hard, but even if you weren't, this is a great discussion (and book!) about the politics of hell, liberator

Tgirls Who Stare at Aircraft Carriers: WL News, 12/4/25 Dec 5, 2025 00:59:26 The US is up to some bad stuff, folks.We start by discussing the evangelical cabal (and Jacob's ties to it), move into the DC shooting (and the Pentagon's responsibility for it), and then talk about US meddling in Latin America, Pete Hegseth, and Jen's suspicious absence.Finally, Starbucks takes a big L (and we're very pleased).Articles referenced in this episode:https://www.propub

The Secret History: ft. The Penumbra Podcast Dec 2, 2025 01:33:49 This week Aysha and Jacob face down the twin horrors of Dionysian madness and class anxiety with Donna Tartt’s brilliant 1992 work of literary fiction/inverted mystery, “The Secret History.”We are joined by Kevin Vibert and Harley Takagi Kaner of “The Penumbra Podcast.” In the opinion of the Workers’ Lit team these two are among the greatest audio dramatists literally of all time…so yeah, they’re

MAGA’s Mad, MTG’s Sad: WL News, ft. Jason Robinson Nov 27, 2025 01:25:03 The world remains quite weird.This week we’re joined by Jason Robinson of “48 Minutes of Dogs Barking” and “Submitted for the Approval of the Midnight Pals” to talk about Marjorie Taylor Greene and the so called “MAGA Civil War,” some standout Epstein emails and the wackiest online reactions to them, the so-called “Seditious Six” scandal, and some truly horrid news out of Texas.Also, Jacob shares

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus Nov 25, 2025 01:45:55 It’s Alive!!!It’s time to make up a guy to get mad at with Mary Shelley’s 1818 genre-creating classic, “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus.”We join Victor as he falls in love with his sister, gets real depressed, and is sooooo mean to the poor little monster.Class critique, religious skepticism, a Guillermo Del Toro adaptation, this book’s got it all!

Workers' Lit News: Sorry to Burst Your Bubble, ft. Johnny Amizich Nov 20, 2025 01:29:03 Epstein scandals! A tumbling economy! Nicki Minaj standing up for Christendom! AI in massive trouble! What a week to talk about the darn news.We are joined by Johnny Amizich, writer for Hard Drive and host of the podcast "Culture Dumpster," to talk about the happenings of the last week, with special attention put on the AI bubble. Johnny explains it well here, and for further reading, ch

The Computer is my Friend: Neuromancer, ft. Trevor Strunk Nov 18, 2025 01:49:48 What if you could really, really, REALLY go on the computer?William Gibson asks this vital question in his 1984 sci-fi classic, "Neuromancer," and today we're joined by Trevor Strunk of "No Cartridge" to consider just that!How did AI get so lame? Why are tech oligarchs the worst? How do we feel about hot women with claws? All will be revealed...Go listen to "No Cartrid

Unfit to Print: 11/4-11/11 2025, ft. Josh Boerman Nov 12, 2025 01:25:59 Another crazy news week! We start with the summary, and then go into a discussion (featuring Josh Boerman) at around the 15-minute mark.Today's topics: huge electoral losses for the Republicans, the Zohran Mamdani victory, total Democrat capitulation on the shutdown, unceasing imperialism, too little (and too much!) water due to climate change, and a socialist victory in Atlanta.Listen to Josh

Dark Woke: Woods All Black (Socialist Shelf) Nov 11, 2025 01:30:50 This truly is a book for our moment.The pod dives into (friend of the pod) Lee Mandelo’s 2024 queer horror, “Woods All Black.”Looking for an intersection of queerness, rage, and resistance in the face of rising fascist undercurrents? Look no further!Episode art is an edited version of a Deviantart post (and later popular meme) by Endlen.

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