Best Riposte Podcasts (2025)

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We Are Poor Because They Are Rich 38:41

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15h ago38:41

38:41

How is it that we can work our lives away, but barely achieve more than scraping by? How is it that there are trillions of dollars to fund war and genocide, but no money for livable wages and good education? How is it that billions on earth can struggle with hunger, whilst the rich and powerful take leisure trips to space?All these questions lead u…

1
How to get rid of billionaires - Mangione, Mamdani or Marx? 47:56

6d ago47:56

47:56

The hatred felt towards billionaires is at a fever pitch around the globe. The idea that “billionaires should not exist” has increased in popularity, especially amongst the youth. But how to get rid of the billionaires? In recent months, figures like Luigi Mangione and Zohran Mamdani have garnered immense support for those hoping to rid the world o…

1
Capitalism Needs War 36:32

8d ago36:32

36:32

War is spreading like a plague across the globe. From the brutal war in Ukraine to the genocide in Gaza, from the conflicts in Sudan to the rising tensions in the South China sea, the world seems to be barreling towards violence and destruction. Meanwhile, arms manufacturers laugh all the way to the bank as the western imperialists increase militar…

1
Marxism vs Individual Terrorism 46:18

14d ago46:18

46:18

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is another example of rising terrorist tendencies in the United States. Some on the Left are celebrating Kirk’s demise, but what is the position of communists? While we share the disgust felt towards this right-wing demagogue, we disagree with the idea that we can defeat the ruling class and their representatives t…

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Why YOU Should Be A Communist 50:37

20d ago50:37

50:37

All around the world, young people see only a bleak future ahead of them. Generation Z has only known a world rotten with social inequality, racism, environmental crisis and war, and a political system at the service of billionaires. By the thousands, young people are looking for explanations—how can a supposedly civilized society accept so much mi…

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The myths of Canadian Confederation 1:04:29

28d ago1:04:29

1:04:29

When you grow up in Canada, you are taught fairy tales about how the country was formed. In this talk, Rob Lyon provides a Marxist analysis of the real process that led to the foundation of Canada. This included the bloody putting down of revolutions, the oppression of francophones and the genocide of indigenous people. The provinces were also larg…

1
Flight Attendants defeat back-to-work order! What next? 1:10:02

1M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

The Air Canada flight attendants defied a back-to-work order and defeated it. This is a watershed moment for the Canadian labour movement that sets the tone for future struggles. Violations of the right to strike can and will be defeated! However, the contract being proposed by the leadership maintains unpaid work and wages under the legal minimum.…

1
A Communist analysis of the rise of China 51:46

1M ago51:46

51:46

The spectacular rise of China as an economic powerhouse is one of the defining features of our epoch. But what does this represent and what should the position of Communists be? While some on the left represent China as some sort of progressive counterweight to US imperialism, this is simply not true. Capitalism was restored in China long ago and n…

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Marxism vs. Postcolonialism 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

Communists stand for a united struggle of all workers, regardless of nationality, race, or culture, against the capitalist system. Yet, in academic circles today, this emphasis on our shared class interests and international solidarity is often met with the accusation of being “Eurocentric.” But is dialectical materialism really a simple product of…

1
Marxism and Art 49:40

2M ago49:40

49:40

It’s a common misconception that Marxists see art merely as a product of economic relations, lacking any independent meaning or value of its own.In reality, we recognize art as an integral part of what it means to be human. Art reflects humanity’s striving to forge meaning, to understand itself, and—no less importantly—to create beauty. As such, th…

1
Marxism vs. Empiricism 55:48

2M ago55:48

55:48

The dominant philosophy of any society is that of its ruling class. For our ruling class, the capitalists, that is the philosophy of empiricism. The capitalist class, when it appeared in Britain, used empiricism as a weapon against the old feudal order. Today it is the working class that poses the greatest threat to their rule, and empiricism conti…

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Doing the Bosses' Bidding 51:45

3M ago51:45

51:45

Mark Carney is doing the bidding of his corporate masters. From unfettered profiteering off of natural resources to increased militarization and massive austerity measures, he is loyally carrying out what they have been demanding. And he is empowering the state with the tools necessary to clamp down on the coming resistance. The labour movement as …

1
Middle East on the brink of war: a communist analysis 46:25

3M ago46:25

46:25

2 weeks ago Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran targeting nuclear facilities, military sites, and key officials. Iran responded to Israel's unprovoked aggression and ever since, two of the strongest powers in the Middle East have been bombing each other. This event has the potential to radically destabilize the region and world politics, and …

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So-Called "Lesser-Evil" Exposed | Revolutionary Communist Podcast 1:22:00

3M ago1:22:00

1:22:00

Many people on the left, fearful of a Poilievre victory—voted for Carney as the "lesser-evil". But just a month and a half later, Carney is now carrying out one of the most reactionary policies both domestically and internationally. Having rode an anti-Trump wave to power, Carney is now capitulating to Trump on issue after issue. This week, Joel is…

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Where is Canada Going? | RCP Political Perspectives 48:27

4M ago48:27

48:27

The privileged position Canada once enjoyed on the world stage is under threat, and this will have profound implications for politics, the economy, and the class struggle. In this speech from the 2025 Congress of the Revolutionary Communist Party, comrade Joel outlines our political and economic perspectives for the coming year. Everything that gav…

1
Capitalism is killing Canada Post 1:28:37

4M ago1:28:37

1:28:37

Canada Post is in crisis. The post office has seen its market share fall and is running significant deficits. In response, management is attempting to crush the union and "amazonify" working conditions. This week, Joel is joined by Donovan Ritch to discuss the crisis in Canada Post and what the communist solution is to defend good jobs, benefits an…

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Episode 42 • Jonathan Nunn, Vittles • Floor, Guus and Lou-Lou, Pleasant Place 1:22:02

4M ago1:22:02

1:22:02

This episode’s guests came to publishing via very different routes. First up, Jonathan Nunn, outspoken founder of food Substack Vittles, joins Jeremy at the magCulture Shop. To mark the fifth anniversary of the newsletter, he’s published the first print edition of Vittles, a chunky piece of publishing that builds on the strengths of the digital pla…

1
Will Alberta Separate? 56:44

4M ago56:44

56:44

The re-election of the Liberals has led to a resurgence of the separatist movement in Alberta. Some polls place support for independence as high as 37 per cent and it looks like a referendum will take place next year. This week, Joel is joined by Rob Lyon to discuss why this is happening and the Communist approach to this question.If you agree with…

1
The Rise and Fall of the Militant Tendency 58:48

5M ago58:48

58:48

By the late 1980s the Militant tendency, the organization which Ted Grant led before founding our international, became the most successful Trotskyist tendency in Britain since the founding of Trotsky’s Left Opposition. At its height Militant was a household name. Everybody knew about the Militant Tendency, not just in Britain but internationally. …

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Canadian Federal Election: A Marxist Analysis 1:02:47

5M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

This week, Marco and Joel help to unpack the results of the federal election. In particular, they help look beneath the appearances of things to get to the heart of what has just happened and draw the lessons for the left and the labour movement.Read Joel's article: https://www.marxist.ca/article/the-ruling-class-get-their-manIf you agree with our …

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‘Intifada, revolution!’ or ‘Vote Palestine’? 56:32

5M ago56:32

56:32

Description: This week, Joel and Marco discuss the Palestine solidarity movement and what tactics will help bring the movement forward. In particular they discuss issues with the Vote Palestine campaign and counterpose this to the revolutionary methods of class struggle.Read our analysis and position:https://www.marxist.ca/article/can-we-actually-v…

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The Great French Revolution: A Marxist Analysis 41:21

5M ago41:21

41:21

The French Revolution is one of the greatest events in history. It set the world on fire and ushered in a completely new epoch. In this episode, Jeremy Swinarton of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Communist Party discusses the epic drama of the revolution. He illuminates a wealth of lessons on the dynamics of the class struggle, lessons …

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Federal election, Vote Palestine and combating the crisis 1:13:00

6M ago1:13:00

1:13:00

This week, Joel is joined by Holly Quilty of the Communist Revolution editorial board to discuss the communist approach to the federal election, our opinion of the Vote Palestine campaign and the communist approach to combating the unfolding crisis. The Communist Program to combat the crisis: https://www.marxist.ca/article/the-communist-program-to-…

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Episode 41 • All Things Measured • M Le Monde International 44:08

6M ago44:08

44:08

The magCulture Podcast returns after a brief break, with a double-header featuring interviews with the people behind two new magazines, All Things Measured, and M Le Monde International.All Things Measured is a magazine about the shared obsession with measuring our lives. Published by Romanian artist Andreea Samoila, it’s an extension of her art pr…

1
Why Is the Left So Lame? 59:57

6M ago59:57

59:57

The left is in crisis. Having adapted themselves to the capitalist establishment, both the New Democratic Party and Quebec solidaire fail to inspire. The NDP is headed for its worst electoral defeat in a generation and QS is 5th place in the polls and their leader, Gabriel Nadeau Dubois has now resigned.This week, Joel Bergman is joined by Julien A…

1
The Materialist Conception of History 36:09

6M ago36:09

36:09

Can history be understood scientifically? Modern science shows us that all realms of nature are dictated by objective laws—from quantum physics to molecular biology. But most mainstream historians refuse to admit that the same is true about human society. As Marx famously said: “Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please.” H…

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Mark Carney: A safe pair of hands for the ruling class 50:18

7M ago50:18

50:18

Canada now has a former banker, never elected to any political post in his life, in the most important seat of the country. He has miraculously resuscitated the Liberals, capitalizing on the fears raised by Trump’s threats. But while Carney may fight against Trump, the question remains: In whose interests? In this week's episode of the Revolutionar…

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The Trade War is Not OUR War: The Communist Position 43:30

7M ago43:30

43:30

The trade war has begun. Or has it? The trade war with the US threatens to rapidly shift the situation in Canada and its consequences will destroy the living standards of average workers on both sides of the border. "Team Canada" would have us believe that the only way out of the crisis is by rallying behind Canadian businesses and Canadian capital…

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Bolshevism vs. Stalinism 1:01:18

7M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Capitalism’s defenders love to attack communism by pointing to the atrocities perpetrated by the Stalinist regime in the USSR. Bolshevism—the ideas and methods of Lenin—can only ever result in a totalitarian dictatorship, we’re told. As for capitalism, there is no alternative. In reality, a river of blood separates Bolshevism and Stalinism. This pr…

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How Marx Became a Marxist 43:38

7M ago43:38

43:38

Together with Friedrich Engels, Karl Marx forever transformed the landscapes of philosophy, political economy, and history. As the founder of scientific socialism, he laid the theoretical foundation on which the oppressed and exploited could free themselves from the shackles of class society once and for all. Marx’s method is, to this day, essentia…

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Trump and the Crisis of American Imperialism 52:07

7M ago52:07

52:07

Trump is once again at the head of the world’s strongest imperialist power. One month after his innauguration, he has already provoked a trade war with Canada and Mexico, and threatened to invade Panama and Greenland. His presidency has ushered in a new period of uncertainty and chaos into politics all over the world. As revolutionary communists, w…

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The Communist Position on the Trade War 48:39

7M ago48:39

48:39

The U.S.-Canada trade war has become the central question in Canadian politics. As Trump pivots U.S. foreign policy to attempt to assert the dominance of U.S. capital on the continent, politicians and business leaders are panicking, trying to avoid disaster. In response, there has been a developing mood of Canadian nationalism with widespread suppo…

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Nick Logan and Neville Brody in conversation 40:06

7M ago40:06

40:06

As the National Portrait Gallery’s survey of photography from The Face magazine opened to ecstatic reviews, the magazine’s founder/editor Nick Logan and art director Neville Brody met for a rare live interview. We’re excited to share a recording of their conversation here, courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.The conversation took place at the…

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Palestine Ceasefire: What Next? 53:23

8M ago53:23

53:23

On January 19, a ceasefire took effect, ending Israel’s onslaught in Gaza. This has not meant the end of the Palestinians’ suffering; many are not able to return to their homes in North Gaza and the IDF has unleashed a new wave of attacks in the West Bank. Then, on February 4, Donald Trump proposed that the US should take over Gaza and force the wh…

1
Operation Solidarity 49:09

8M ago49:09

49:09

British Columbia in 1983 was brought to the verge of a general strike. The workers were fighting back against the draconian attacks of premier Bill Bennett who was doing the dirty work for the capitalists. The conditions that led to Operation Solidarity bear a striking resemblance to the ones we face today with economic crisis, inflation and a capi…

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Trump vs. Canada 1:03:17

8M ago1:03:17

1:03:17

Donald Trump is back in power and this time around he is threatening 25 per cent tariffs against Canadian goods. He has even gone so far as to threaten to annex Canada, turning it into a 51st state. Joel Bergman and Rob Lyon from the Revolutionary Communist party met for an episode of the Revolutionary Communist Podcast where they break down what t…

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Free Will and Determinism 57:26

8M ago57:26

57:26

If you want to transform the world, first we must understand what role individuals can play in the development of history. That is why the question of freewill and determinism is of fundamental importance to revolutionaries today.The following presentation, by Revolutionary Communist Party activist Holly Quilty, explores this age old philosophical …

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Government crisis as Trump threat looms 48:22

9M ago48:22

48:22

With the threat of Donald Trump hanging over them, the Trudeau government is in shambles, unable to meet the crisis of Canadian capitalism. In this episode, Joel Bergman and Marco LaGrotta discuss what this means, what we can expect in 2025, and how communists should respond. Join Us: ⁠marxist.ca/join⁠ Donate: https://www.marxist.ca/article/winter-…

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Why communists oppose NATO 37:55

10M ago37:55

37:55

Tomorrow, on November 22nd, the NATO Parliamentary summit opens in Montreal. We have been inundated with speeches from politicians and articles in the bourgeois press of how NATO is a force for peace in the world, a pillar of democracy against the tyranny of Russia and China. But how does this compare to NATO’s real history, and to the role that it…

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Perspectives for the Canadian Class Struggle 57:58

11M ago57:58

57:58

In recent years, Canada has appeared to be an island of stability against the sea of wars, crises and class battles taking place all over the world. Canadian capitalism, however, is quickly approaching a reckoning. Debt is reaching astronomical heights, productivity is declining, and the Canadian ruling class is looking for ways to unload the burde…

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Imperialist Crisis in the Middle East 55:01

12M ago55:01

55:01

Netanyahu's latest escalation of violence in Lebanon risks dragging the Middle East into an all-out war. In Palestine the number of dead and displaced continues to rise with no end in sight.This is the nature of capitalist imperialism in the 21st century: horror without end. That’s why we say – down with the warmongers! If we are to achieve peace, …

1
Gathering Steam: Student Strike for Palestine 25:39

12M ago25:39

25:39

As the Israeli war machine launches its ground invasion of Lebanon, the struggle against imperialism intensifies. The Student Strike for Palestine Campaign has reached its first month of activity, and with it hundreds of students have been drawn into active resistance to the brutality unfolding in the Middle East and the complicity of our imperiali…

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Episode 40 • Danielle Pender, Riposte Editions and Kai von Rabenau, mono.kultur 51:52

1y ago51:52

51:52

For this 40th anniversary episode of the Podcast, Jeremy is joined by Danielle Pender, founder of Riposte, and Kai von Rabenau, founder of mono.kultur. They discuss the return to print of the two magazines after a three-year gap, and the changes and learnings the two publisher/editors have noted over the long runs of their magazines.Danielle publis…

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Student Strike for Palestine 26:43

1y ago26:43

26:43

As Israel's assault on Gaza drags towards a year, the disgust and anger felt by millions of Canadians has only grown. Already the movement to end the genocide has seen protests of tens of thousands and encampments on every major campus in the country. But still the genocide continues, as does the unwavering support of the Canadian ruling class for …

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Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism 46:52

1y ago46:52

46:52

We live in an epoch of wars, crises, revolutions, and counter-revolutions. The capitalist system has reached its limits and is spending humanity spiralling towards an uncertain, barbarous future. But in order to fight against this dying system and for the transformation of society we first need to understand it. This is why the question of imperial…

1
Left-Wing Communism: An Infantile Disorder 43:09

1y ago43:09

43:09

In one country after another, millions of working people are coming into direct conflict with the capitalist system. In revolutionary epochs the question of "how communists can win over the masses" acquires a life-or-death importance for the revolutionary workers' movement in general.It is for this reason that we're sharing an interview with Julien…

1
The State and Revolution - Fundamental Ideas of Lenin 56:20

1+ y ago56:20

56:20

All over the globe, movements of the oppressed are regularly running into the obstacles of the police, the courts, and even the armed forces. The state stands as the armed last line of defence for the status quo, and therefore the question of the state and our approach to it as revolutionaries and as marxists is a question that all communists must …

1
Towards a Revolutionary Communist International! 59:39

1+ y ago59:39

59:39

The Revolutionary Communist Party has landed! Onwards to the Revolutionary Communist International! Capitalism has spread to every corner of the planet, it has become a deeply interconnected global system, and therefore can only be overthrown on an international scale. This requires a revolutionary leadership that is not confined to this or that na…

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Episode 39 • Illustration • Cathy Olmedillas, Anorak • Charles Baker, The Fence 56:28

1+ y ago56:28

56:28

This episode looks at the role of illustration in publishing, with two guests whose magazines rely on drawn images to bring their pages to life. Cathy Olmedillas launched her ‘happy mag for kids’ Anorak 18 years ago, and has developed an international audience for its colourfully themed quarterly editions. The magazine is also one of a set that lau…

1
We need a Revolutionary Communist Newspaper 46:56

1+ y ago46:56

46:56

Welcome to the official podcast of the Revolutionary Communist Party! Across the country there are already tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of communists - but atomized and alone we are powerless against the weight of the global capitalist system. How can we effectively join forces and organize into a collective? How can we clarify our ideas in …