Best Upstream Radio Podcasts (2025)

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Tim and Tam: A Love Story for Today 27:04

Play Pause

6d ago27:04

27:04

If you listened to our podcast today, you will have heard how about two years ago Tim Alden was Diagnosed with Dementia. Now, this is not that unusual. 10 million cases are diagnosed annually. What is unusual was the good humored determination with which they set out to navigate this stage of life.We're lucky to have Tam's story below, as originall…

1
Union Organizing, Islamic Faith, and the Collective Vision of Socialism 1:20:33

4d ago1:20:33

1:20:33

In this episode, Breht speaks with Aminah Sheikh -- Vice President of the Canadian Freelance Union, member of the Twin Cities DSA Steering Committee, and longtime labor organizer -- about the intersection of Islamic faith, union organizing, and the collective vision of socialism. Aminah shares her journey from growing up in a devout religious house…

1
On Fatherhood: Parenting and Marriage in an Era of Uncertainty 1:59:44

12d ago1:59:44

1:59:44

Breht is joined by Nick from MEANS TV and JT from Second Thought and The Deprogram, to have an unstructured conversation about fatherhood, parenting, role modeling, masculinity, marriage, children, and much more! ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/revleftradio Make…

1
Notes on My Greenwich Village - Dave, Bob and Me by Teri Thal 26:09

13d ago26:09

26:09

I remember my first meeting with Terri Thal. She was preparing for the publication of her new book. She had titled it, MY GREENWICH VILLAGE, Dave, Bob and Me It's release coincided roughly with the movie about Bob Dylan's Life, A Complete Unknown. The movie was three hours long and ,yes, Timothée Chalamet did all the playing and singing himself. I …

1
Ceasefire in Gaza, The Monroe Doctrine Under Trump, and a US Economy on the Brink of Collapse 1:42:15

19d ago1:42:15

1:42:15

Alyson and Breht analyze current events, including the ceasefire in Gaza and its implications, the newest round of US imperialist aggression against Venezuela, Regime Change aspirations in Iran and Venezuela, the absolutely horrific state of the American economy, the AI bubble, Free Speech, ICE raids, and more. -------------------------------------…

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Generation Gap - Halloween Edition 28:09

19d ago28:09

28:09

The purpose behind this fast moving and moderately funny show is to spotlight the way that the simple and involuntary act of being born causes us to act and think differently. Ray Miller-Still is a Millennial. He is also the editor of a major Northwest Newspaper. This causes him to be fussy about facts. Jason Falls produces this podcast but like an…

1
Traveling with disabilities and wonderful Easy Walks walks mapped out by Marjorie Turner 22:55

27d ago22:55

22:55

By Dorothy Wilhelm

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Discussing Popular Education and Social Movement Work (w/ Ultra-Red) 1:42:18

27d ago1:42:18

1:42:18

In this episode, Alyson joins members of the Ultra-Red collective to discuss their recent trip to Central America where they learned first hand about popular education movements of the past and present. The discussion gets into the history of popular education, existing social movements in Central America today, and what we can learn from these mov…

1
The State of the American Left (w/ How The Red Was Won) 2:08:55

28d ago2:08:55

2:08:55

Breht went on How The Red Was Won to talk about the current state of the left, the contradictions of American trade unions, American geopolitics, and much more! From the original description: You know him. You love him. It's everyone's favorite Breht O'Shea from such fine podcasts as RevLeft Radio, The Red Menace, Shoeless in South Dakota, and more…

1
Menace of our Time: The Long War Against American Communism 1:41:48

1M ago1:41:48

1:41:48

For over a century, the U.S. ruling class has waged war on communists, anarchists, and radicals. From the Palmer Raids of 1919 to McCarthyism in the 1950s, from COINTELPRO in the Cold War to today's MAGA rhetoric about "woke communists" and his crackdown on "Antifa Radicals", state repression has always sought to crush revolutionary politics before…

1
Eric Mann on Revolutionary Struggle: The Weather Underground, the Long 1960s, and the Fight for Liberation Today (Part 1) 2:19:14

1M ago2:19:14

2:19:14

Breht speaks with veteran organizer, revolutionary strategist, and author Eric Mann. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mann reflects on his decades of struggle; from his early work with SNCC and SDS, through his involvement with the Weather Underground and his time as a political prisoner, to his rank-and-file organizing as a UAW autoworker. Along…

1
Rev Left Intervention: Help Get Food to Palestinians in Gaza! (REUPLOAD) 9:10

1M ago9:10

9:10

Update and Reupload Sept. 25th: The extended family we have been supporting for over a year needs another influx of support as they try to move themselves and their stuff south, as the IOF closes in on their area. Make a direct intervention in the lives of Palestinians enduring genocide: Donate directly to the Rayyan family in Gaza: https://www.spo…

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The Russian Revolution of 1917: The Bolshevik March to October 2:34:08

1M ago2:34:08

2:34:08

In 1917, Russia went from a centuries-old monarchy to the world's first workers' state in just eight months. From the February Revolution and the fall of the Tsar, to the July Days and the failed Kornilov coup, and finally to the decisive October insurrection, the Bolsheviks and the Soviets navigated setbacks, repression, reactionary coups, bourgeo…

1
How Small Communities Help Each Other 21:49

1M ago21:49

21:49

Jon Hubbell and Diane Malone shared stories of how they found ways to help people in need. Ron told of repelling down the front of a building in Lach. The goal was to raise $1000 for Thurston County Networks and Jon said proudly that the goal was exceeded. Diane added Sponsored Food Help for Thurston County was receiving help from and for Thurston …

1
Socializing Sports: Reclaiming The Beautiful Game from Capital & Empire 2:39:22

2M ago2:39:22

2:39:22

In this episode, Breht speaks with Robert E. Wilson, author of The Football Manifesto and The Supporters Trust League Manifesto. Together they explore what it means to socialize sports; to reclaim the Beautiful Game from billionaire owners, corrupt institutions, and imperial powers, and return it to the people as a democratic, community-owned, and …

1
Sandra Solon: The Crafty Canadian 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

Sandra shares her bio with us: Sandra Solon, also known as "The Crafty Canadian," is a multifaceted and versatile artist hailing from Maple Ridge, British Columbia. Her artistic repertoire spans a diverse range of disciplines, showcasing her mastery in various media. Sandra's talents include painting, drawing, and intricate needle crafts such as ta…

1
On Technofeudalism: Rent Seeking in Late Stage Monopoly Capitalism 1:16:16

2M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

Alyson and Breht critically engage with the concept of "technofeudalism" from a Marxist (and thus historical materialist) perspective, analyzing its origin and recent popularity, critiquing its depoloyment and the implication that it represents a "new mode of production", explaining related concepts like rent-seeking, discussing the role of private…

1
Generation Gap: Dorothy Wilhelm, Ray Miller Still, Jason Falls 26:34

2M ago26:34

26:34

Generation Gap has been on the air nearly ten years, hosted by Dorothy Wilhelm. and Ray Miller Still, Editor in Chief of The Enumclaw Courier Herald. Ray says there are only 2 Courier Herald Newspapers in the World. One is in the United States and One in Ireland. So it's been our custom to decide on the question we'll discuss for each show. Dorothy…

1
Building an Internationalist Left in a New Era of Global Politics (w/ Breht O'Shea – Rev Left Radio) 1:55:38

2M ago1:55:38

1:55:38

Breht went onto the International Solidarity Podcast with host Ashwin! "In this latest episode, I'm joined by Breht O'Shea (who many of you will know as the host of Revolutionary Left Radio and co-host of Red Menace) for a pretty wide-ranging discussion. We talk about the state of the left in the global north amidst the Gaza genocide and its inabil…

1
The Business Book Strategist on Writing Your Own Book 26:21

2M ago26:21

26:21

Cathy Fyock, CSP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is The Business Book Strategist and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write a nonfiction book about their expertise as a business development strategy. She is the author of 12 books, including—On Your Mark: From First Word to First Draft in Six Weeks, Blog2Book: Repurposing Content to Discover…

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Breht Joins the Trades, Supports the Bolivarian Revolution, and Pops the AI Bubble... 1:59:20

2M ago1:59:20

1:59:20

Breht updates listeners on the fundraiser for the family we are supporting in Gaza, updates listeners on his new job and talks about the challenges and rewards of joining a trade union, explores the economic developments in and around AI (the hype, the bubble, and the infrastructure build-out), and then discusses the US sending troops to Venezuela …

1
Sandra Solon, The Crafty Canadian 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

In these perilous times when the United States and Canada are takiing turns to nip at each others heels, it's a special pleasure to welcome our special friend, Sandra Solon, the Crafty Canadian. Sandra always brings us treasures we'd never think of by ourselves. This month, it 's apple leather for a snack, to nibble on, and the same piece of apple …

1
Art and the Cowboy - Part 3 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

In This third part of the series, Art and the Cowboy, Joella Oldfield brings the story home. IN the first installment, Joella, Fred Oldfield's daughter and Ambassador for the Fred Oldfield Cultural Center, gave Fred Oldfield's credentials for calling himself a cowboy artist, as he was a working cowboy for at least 40 years and distinguished himself…

1
Red Star Ministry: Marxism, Theology, & The Human Condition 1:58:31

3M ago1:58:31

1:58:31

Alyson and Breht are guests on the Red Star Ministry Podcast, a Christian Communist outlet. Together with the host Christian, they discuss Alyson and Breht's evolving personal relationship with religion and atheism, the Dialectics of Nature and Human Consciousness, Spinozist Philosophy, Marxist Philosophy, Post-Atheism and much more.…

1
Generation Gap: Navigating Summer Activity Schedules for Children 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Continuing into our 10th year with Generation Gap, Dorothy, Ray and Jason, talk about hard learned tips for navigating parenthood. OH, come on. We must know something. Dorothy observes that one thing that was the most successful tool for her children’s good behavior was sending them to their room - for an extended period. The time in the room was i…

1
Philosophy Series: Hegel, Marx, & Modern Life (Part 2) 1:05:16

3M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Part Two: Breht listens to, comments on, and expounds upon a public lecture by the late professor of philosophy Rick Roderick from 1989 on Hegel, Marx, and modern American capitalism. Along the way he discusses the central role of reproductive labor, the dialectic of feminism in the US across the last century, identifying with your job under capita…

1
Philosophy Series: Hegel, Marx, & Modern Life (Part 1) 1:15:51

3M ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Breht listens to, comments on, and expounds upon a public lecture by the late professor of philosophy Rick Roderick from 1989 on Hegel, Marx, and modern American capitalism. Along the way he explicates the Hegelian notion of Freedom, Right and Left Hegelianism, the End of History, Communism as the Dawn of History, Cognitive Dissonance among the Ame…

1
The Power of Meditation (Teaser) 28:12

3M ago28:12

28:12

This is a small snippet from a full episode currently up on patreon in which Breht discusses a crucial dimension of a well-lived, meaningful existence, and explicates the transformative power of meditation practice,when done sincerley and consistently over time within an established philosophical and religious framework (as opposed to the stripped …

1
The Dialectical Inversion of Liberal Values: Freedom, Democracy, and The Contradictions of Capitalism 9:55

3M ago9:55

9:55

These are two snippets from a full episode which is currently up on our patreon in which Breht dialectically inverts core aspects of liberal philosophy (i.e. freedom and democracy) from a Marxist perspective, and then explains how the contradiction between the relations and forces of production under capitalism create an untenable and abjectly immo…

1
But You Don't Look Like A Spy 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

Do you mean big companies really hire spies to prevent fraud and criminal activities? Yes, but more Betty Crocker and less James Bond. Our guest today, Jean Hughey was adjusting to a cross country move and so she looked for a part time job. She didn't expect to wind up as a spy for a one of the US' biggest companies. She turned out to be pretty goo…

1
Springs of Revolution: The Revolutionary Left of the DSA Struggles to Shape the Organization 1:20:21

3M ago1:20:21

1:20:21

In this episode, Breht sits down with Ahmed and Luisa - two members of the Democratic Socialists of America's National Political Committee and leaders within the Springs of Revolution Platform. With the August 2025 DSA Convention approaching, this episode dives into the growing struggle between the organization's revolutionary left and its more mod…

1
Lending A Hand 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

About 22% of adults age 65 and older reported volunteering in 2021, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey, Volunteering and Civic Life Supplement. Around 22% of people in their 70s and 80s volunteer on a weekly basis, which is higher than the rate among older adults in their 50s. This week on the Swimming Upstream…

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On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among The People 1:35:26

3M ago1:35:26

1:35:26

In this episode of Red Menace, Breht and Alyson dive into Mao Zedong's pivotal 1957 speech On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People. This foundational text offers insight into Mao's dialectical approach to politics, particularly in navigating the complex terrain of class struggle within socialist society. Together they explore Mao…

1
Christianity and Communism with Southern Catholic Worker 1:24:23

4M ago1:24:23

1:24:23

In this episode, Breht is joined by Alex Zambito, the voice behind the Instagram account Southern Catholic Worker, for a wide-ranging conversation on the intersections of Christianity and revolutionary struggle. Together, they explore Alex's journey into the Catholic Worker movement, how his Southern roots and spiritual convictions shaped his polit…

1
A Look at the old west through the paintings of Fred Oldfield as explained by his daughter Joella Oldfield (Part 2) 27:07

4M ago27:07

27:07

This is the second in the series of paintings of the old west as it was left. The paintings were by acclaimed cowboy artist Fred Oldfield and acclaimed because they so obviously were lived by the man who painted them. This is my favorite, notes Dorothy Wilhelm. Although the photo of Fred comes from Eastern Washington, everyone knows the feeling whe…

1
BRICS Nations Slam Trump Tariffs, Condemn Strikes On Iran 1:05

4M ago1:05

1:05

BRICS leaders at a summit took aim at US President Donald Trump’s “indiscriminate” import tariffs and recent Israeli-US strikes on Iran. The 11 emerging nations — including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — account for about half the world’s population and 40 per cent of global economic output. BRICS members says the tariffs risked h…

1
Elon Musk Set To Launch New Political Party 0:47

4M ago0:47

0:47

Elon Musk says he is launching a new political party, weeks after dramatically falling out with US President Donald Trump. The billionaire announced on his social media platform X that he had set up the America Party, billing it as a challenge to the Republican and Democratic two-party system. The Federal Electoral Commission had not published docu…

1
Namibia Halts All State Funerals Amid Criticism Of The High Cost 1:07

4M ago1:07

1:07

The Namibian government has announced a temporary ban on state funerals amid criticism over the rising costs of these burials. Only President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the power to exempt funerals from the moratorium, the government said. Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus says the moratorium would last until April…

1
Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission earns N28bn From Oil Licensing Fees 1:04

4M ago1:04

1:04

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has generated a total sum of N28.11bn in miscellaneous oil revenue tied to licensing fees and renewals within the first five months of 2025. The fund collected by the commission between January and May 2025 was remitted fully to government coffers. This comes amidst the scramble by over 40 Petro…

1
Nigerian Communications Commission gives Tower Companies Deadline To Improve Internet Quality 1:03

4M ago1:03

1:03

The Nigerian Communications Commission, the regulator for telecom firms and internet service providers, has said it will introduce a portal for tower companies to report downtimes on their network facilities. It has also given them an August deadline to improve their infrastructure or face fines. The NCC says Nigeria experiences an average of two n…

1
Nigerian Government Fines Multichoice N766m Over Privacy Breaches 1:07

4M ago1:07

1:07

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, has imposed a fine of N766million on Multichoice Nigeria for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act, citing violations of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unlawful transfer of citizens’ personal data across borders. The Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at NDPC, …

1
Illegal Fireworks! The Generation Gap with Dorothy Wilhelm, Ray Miller Still and Jason Falls 29:28

4M ago29:28

29:28

It's Independence Day, the 4th of July is at hand. Let's talk about illegal fireworks - and other patriotic things. On this edition of Generation Gap, we pay tribute to the old days of the 4th of July when celebration wasn't complete til somebody blew off one or more appendages. On this show our regulars (Dorothy - Silent Generation ) (Ray - Millen…

1
Trump Says He’s Found A Buyer For Tiktok 1:00

4M ago1:00

1:00

President Donald Trump says a group of very wealthy people is set to buy short-form video app TikTok. Trump declined to share more details about the buyers, saying only that he would reveal their identities in two weeks Trump has repeatedly delayed a bill forcing owner ByteDance to sell the app or see it banned in the United States. In January, he …