Proles Pod

Latest Episodes:

Ep 85 - Reform or Revolution (Part II of II) Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this two-part Theory Episode, the ProlesPod Squad takes on one of the most influential texts in socialist history: "Reform or Revolution" (1898) by Polish-German Marxist Rosa Luxemburg.

Whether you're new to political theory, find socialist texts hard to get through, or just want to hear our unique take—this deep-dive is for you. We break it down, debate its meaning, and explore why this revolutionary classic still matters today.

Ep 84 - Reform or Revolution (Part I of II) Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this two-part Theory Episode, the ProlesPod Squad takes on one of the most influential texts in socialist history: "Reform or Revolution" (1898) by Polish-German Marxist Rosa Luxemburg.

Ep 83 - Iran: Draw a Line Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

In this very special release, Justin talked with Iranian communist and comrade, Araaz, about life in Iran, the effects of the attacks by Israel, and the context of life under the Islamic Revolutionary Government. We weren't sure what we expected this episode to be, but it surpassed those expectations.

You can sign up at Patreon where you get access to early release episodes, study guides, the aforementioned bonus episodes, TheoryBeats, and MORE! YOU CAN DO SO FOR FREE, which will get you the study guides, merch, and other random drops.

Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod.

If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever.

Intro Music:

"ProlesPod Theme" by Ransom Notes

Outro Music:

"Eastern Bloc Beats" by DJ DTA

Ep 82 - Guatemalan Guerrillas Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Digging into his own family's background, PhD Candidate, Brandon, is our subject matter expert. He combines archival research with ethnographic interviews to bring us the history of the guerrilla struggle, focusing on the era between the early 1960s and the early 1980s. We learn about tactics, tribulation, and Trotskyite treachery.

Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod.

If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever.

Sources:

Days of the Jungle: The Testimony of a Guatemalan Guerrilla (1972-1976) by Mario Payeras

Turcios Lima: His Biography and Documents by Dulcila Cañizares

The Guerrilla Movement in Guatemala by Adolpho Gilly

Autobiography of a Guerrilla: Guatemala 1960-1968 by Ricardo Ramirez

Intro Music:

"ProlesPod Theme" by Ransom Notes

Outro Music:

"Siberian Trails" by DJ DTA

Ep 81 - One Big Blanket and Other Hilarious Anti-Communist Arguments May 28, 2025

Show notes

The ProlesSquad shares and responds to some of the most poorly concieved yet commonly heard anti-communist arguments!

Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod.

If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever.

Ep 80 - MMT, Austerity, and Imperialism May 14, 2025

Show notes

Virginia and Steve from Macro N Cheese Podcast/Real Progressives join Justin and Jeremy in a discussion of Modern Monetary Theory, how it can be used as a radicalizing tool, as well as what it means in the grand scheme of global economics. We go even more in depth on our Patreon exclusive bonus episode, so make sure you don't miss it!

Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod.

If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever.

Sources: Reclaiming the State by Bill Mitchell and Thomas Fazi

Seven Deadly, Innocent Frauds of Economic Policy by Warren Mosler

Modern Money Theory by L. Randall Wray

The Deficit Myth by Stephanie Kelton

Global South Perspectives by Fadhel Kaboub

Jason Hickel's Substack

Intro Music:

"ProlesPod Theme" by Ransom Notes

Outro Music:

"Average Folk" by DJ DTA

Ep 79 - Soviet Cartoons & Raising Socialist Children Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

The Proles Squad is joined by communist Youtuber RevolutionaryTh0t to talk about their recent work on soviet children's cartoons, women's liberation in the USSR, and socialist child rearing!

RevolutionaryTh0t's Youtube Channel

RevolutionaryTh0t's Instagram

Sign up at Patreon where you can get access to early release episodes, study guides, bonus episodes, TheoryBeats, and MORE! YOU CAN DO SO FOR FREE, which will get you the study guides, merch, and other random drops.

Please subscribe on your favorite podcast catcher and rate or review to help extend our reach. Like and rate us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @prolespod and Tiktok @proles.pod.

If you have any questions or comments, email us at prolespod@outlook.com. May the spectre haunt your streets, and solidarity forever.

Intro Music:

"ProlesPod Theme" by Ransom Notes

Ep 78 - The Stalin Eras, Part 6: Conclusions Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In the FINAL main-feed episode of the Stalin Eras, we sat back and took a look at where we started and where we ended up. Were we successful in what we set out to do? What did we learn? What do we hope listeners learned? How did the process change us? We answer these and more.

Please comment what you learned, something that surprised you. We would love to see them.

The Stalin Eras, inspired by the classic RevLeft Radio episode "Stalin: A Marxist-Leninist Perspective, mixes both narrative history (ala Blowback) and discussion (like classic Prolespod) to provide the most comprehensive English overview of the life and impact of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in podcast format.

Whether you're a socialist history enthusiast, someone who's just curious to learn more than what you got in school about the Soviet Union, or even a total hater who just wants to rage, this series has something for everyone.

Support the show at www.patreon.com/prolespod

Ep 77 - The Stalin Eras, Part 5: Criticisms and Contradictions Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

The much anticipated criticisms and contradictions episode of The Stalin Eras! In this episode we wrestle with the following controversies during Stalin's leadership of the USSR: the Gulag, anti-homosexuality laws, anti-abortion Laws, the "Final" Contradiction, and more! You don't want to miss this one!

Support the show at www.patreon.com/prolespod

Recommended Supplemental Listening

Was the Soviet Union Totalitarian w/ Robert Thurston

Stalin's Constitution & Life in 1930s Soviet Union w/ Samantha Lomb

Understanding Siege Socialim w/ Gabriel Rockhill