Stef and Nath are joined by special guests double Dr Kieron and Dr Dan Evans to reflect on this month's news. We talk about Welsh Labour's fantastic campaign, joined Neil Mcevoy's Propel party, flags and try to solve the mystery of who has been killing dogs. 

Enjoy!

March Newsround Special

We discuss the Senedd election results. We go through what this means for Labour, Conservatives and Plaid. Also we discuss the future of the indy movement.

90. Welsh Election Debrief

Following the evictions of Palestinian families in the east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah at the beginning of May, the conflict in Israel-Palestine has begun once again to spiral into conflict, with Israel beginning new lethal attacks on Gaza that have killed over 200 people including many women and children. We were privileged to be joined by one of our heroes, the great dissident Professor Professor Norman Finkelstein, to explain not just the current situation but the whole history of the conflict and the nature of the state of Israel. As expected, Norm provides an expert tour de force. Strap in!

91. Explaining the Israel-Palestine conflict and the siege of Gaza with @normfinkelstein

The Graveyard of Empires mini-series. Part 1.

After Afghanistan fell to the Taliban last month, the boys bring you a mini-series of reflective episodes on the war in Afghanistan and what the withdrawal of foreign troops means. The first episode in the series is with Dr Frank Ledwidge, a former military intelligence officer who served in Helmand province as a civilian adviser and who authored the devastating book 'Losing Small Wars: British Military Failure in Iraq and Afghanistan'. Frank talks us through the tragic failures of British strategy in Afghanistan and the culture which allowed these failures to happen. We cover everything from the history of British colonial presence in the country to the military industrial complex to daily life on the ground. Frank now regularly writes on defence and war for The Guardian.

93. British military failure in Afghanistan with Frank Ledwidge.

In part 2 of our mini-series on the fall of Afghanistan we were lucky enough to be joined by the one and only Professor Michael Hardt, author of the seminal work Empire. Michael talked to us about what the US withdrawal from Afghanistan means for US imperialism, whether there is a future for humanitarian intervention after Afghanistan, the differences between imperialism and his concept of 'empire', the nature of the modern global capitalist system, and a whole lot more. Hope you enjoy as much as we did.

94. Empire after Afghanistan with Michael Hardt

We were rejoined by our friend Frank Ledwidge to discuss war crimes conducted in the war on terror. Frank talked us through the enquiry into crimes committed by the Australian SAS,  the parallel British investigations into allegations against British special forces, the Overseas Operation Bill, Marine A, Soldier F and what the domestic response to war crimes says about our society.

95. War Crimes in the War on Terror with Frank Ledwidge.

In this episode we were joined by none other than Professor Walter Benn Michaels, the author of 'The Trouble with Diversity: How we learned to love identity and ignore inequality'. We talked about the rise of left neoliberalism and why it is wrong; the history of the civil rights movement and why it moved away from socialism; the material roots and role of racism in society; the role of Universities in marginalizing class analysis; the failure of the left to present an alternative analysis; the myth of 'class reductionism'; and how liberal anti-racism and all forms of progressive identity politics ultimately function to undermine socialism and aid capitalism. An extremely provocative episode with one of the best socialist thinkers around.

96. The trouble with diversity- in conversation with Walter Benn Michaels

Dan was joined by our good mate and all round legend Paul O'Connell to discuss the Labour Party and Labourism as a political culture, following Paul's recent article on Conter https://www.conter.scot/2022/1/25/labouring-under-illusions/. They discussed the history and defining features of Labourism, the new left debate on Labour as a vehicle for socialism, its analysis of the state, its relationship with imperialism, why the Labour party annoyingly refuses to die and ultimately why socialists urgently need to break with Labourism in order to tackle the current crisis of capitalism.

97. Understanding Labourism with Dr Paul O Connell (@pmpoc)

Well, that hiatus was longer than expected! Sorry everyone. But we are back, fear not. For episode 98 we were lucky enough to be able to speak to the incomparable Ned Thomas. Ned is the author of the modern classic 'The Welsh Extremist', as well as being the founder of Planet magazine, which has become a modern Welsh institution. He is truly a giant of Welsh political and cultural life and he shares his wisdom with us here on a wide range of topics, reflecting on a lifetime of activism and intellectual work. We talked about the Welsh language, Welsh identity, the nature of devolution, direct action, and loads more besides. Hope you enjoy x

98. In conversation with Ned Thomas

What's up everyone. For our 99th episode (!) we were joined by our friend Hussein Said to talk about his experiences in the Black Lives Matter movement and the environmental movement. We talked about class, policing, ecology and the problems the left faces in uniting these issues, as well as the intractable problem of identity politics seeping into leftist activism and much much more besides. This one is vital listening- Hussein is the man. If you want to donate to Asylum Justice you can do so here: https://www.asylumjustice.org.uk/fundraising/

99. Race, class, protest & the environmental movement with Hussein Said

Ladies and gentlemen...we got him. For our 100th episode we were joined by the one and only Michael Sheen. We talked about films, politics, the homeless world cup, and lots more besides. An honour and a privilege to talk to Michael, and thanks so much to all of you who've supported us over the last 6 years. We love you. Peace out X

Episode 100. In Conversation with Michael Sheen

Dan sat down with Chris, Gerald and Jordan from the ALU to discuss their amazing campaign to establish and organize a trade union in their Amazon warehouse in Staten Island. Despite a huge union busting campaign from Amazon, the ALU's campaign culminated in a successful recognition agreement, the first of its kind worldwide and a huge symbolic victory for the working class across the world. We discussed conditions in Amazon, organizing strategies, union busting, why we shouldn't talk politics in trade unions, covid, the importance of fighting back and much more besides. This one is a must listen for socialists and organizers of any kind. Enjoy!

101. Desolation meets the Amazon Labour Union

Desperate times call for desperate measures. The people's podcast returns to bring hope to the starving masses (starved of podcasts). We linked up with our old friend Huw to discuss the Gething affair. Here is a man who would not take it anymore. Here is a man who stood up! Here is...Huw Williams.

102. Getting Away with It feat. Huw Williams

Oh dip! This week we discuss policing and rioting with out good friend Mike Harrison. We cover the militarisation of the police and touch upon the Rebecca Riots and the Newport Uprising.

16. Policing and Protest feat. Mike Harrison

Waddup brah! This week we talk to Martin Johnes about Wales since 1939. We cover how identity has changed since then and what it means to be 'Welsh' also a bit of Devolution and Independence for you! Aren't you so lucky!

19. History of Wales (since 1939) feat. Martin Johnes

This week we talk to Simon Brooks about his new book - Why Wales Never Was: The Failure of Welsh Nationalism. 
We discuss liberalism, its relationship to Wales and what it means for Independence.

30. Why Wales Never Was: The Failure of Welsh Nationalism feat Simon Brooks

In this episode we talk to Kirsti Bohata about Postcolonialism. We discuss identity, hybridity, Postcolonial literature and more! Listen with your favourite farm animal.

39. Postcolonial Wales with Kirsti Bohata

In this episode Dan drops some knowledge on Pierre Bourdieu. We cover his theories on Habitus, the different types of Capital and why you'll never stop being scum. Best enjoyed in the shower.

43. Big thinkers: Pierre Bourdieu and Social Class (in Wales)

This episode we catch up with Leanne Wood who talks us through her blueprint The Change We Need https://www.partyof.wales/newidchange
We talk economy, best way to combat the growing rise of fascism and how to successfully summon the demon Paimon (hail Paimon).

47. The Change We Need feat. Leanne Wood (@leannewood)

In this episode we met Mike Jackson (@mikeinpride) and Gethin Roberts from Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, who famously supported and forged links with the South Wales miners during the 1984 miner's strike, something immortalised in the 2014 film Pride. In part one we spoke to Mike and Gethin about the experience of the gay and lesbian movement in the 80s. Enjoy!

53. Desolation meet LGSM (@LGSM) part 1

In this episode we finally make good on our promise of covering more culture. Dan's been usurped and our new host Kieron is here to tell us why poetry may not be for gimps (unconvinced)and what Raymond Williams was all about. Make sure to stay hydrated while listening.

57. Talking Raymond Williams and Culture with Kieron (@kieron_d_smith)

Part 2 of our episode on Trotsky! We cover Trotsky's exile, his work on Fascism and ultimate assassination. Enjoy!

59. Big Thinkers 3: Trotsky w. Shrieking Tinman (@phased_bemused) part 2

In this episode we met Joe Glenton author of Soldier Box, to talk us through his new documentary A Very British Institution: The UK Military and the Far-Right. We also talked about the army, structural racism, the links between the military and insurgent far right in the UK and what a radical defence policy might look like. Enjoy!

62. Militarism and the Far Right with Joe Glenton (@joejglenton)

warning - this podcast is rated R: contains very strong language and very strong accents 

Dan travelled up to Merthyr to talk to our mates Ross and NEO about the key topics: expats, 'the psycho', JK Rowling's transphobia, Prince Phillip being dead, the movie Cats, 'I loves the diff' (argh) and the boys' new podcast.

65. Yoda Slam: Festive news round up with Ross (@EOIJONESYBOI) and NEO (@MULLEt_FAN_NEO)

We chat to Ivan about the anarchist legend Nestor Makhno. We discuss his life, his fight against the Whites and the Reds and the best way to deal with anti-semitism. Hunker down in quarantine and get settled!

70. Makhno and the Black Army w. Ivan Gololobov

Dan and Kieron (not real doctors) talk from their respective isolation chambers to discuss the latest developments in the Coronavirus crisis. They discuss Welsh Government's various failures to provide an adequate response, and how they've been bettering themselves while in isolation. Meanwhile Nath pans for gold in Dolgellau.

72. Desolation goes Viral 2: Covid Chronicles

We talk to Euros Lewis about Epynt, a large farming community that was cleared to make way for a military training facility during WWII. 80 years on, the land is still in the possession of the Ministry of Defence and has now been expanded to include a vast area. We discuss what happened and the lessons to be learned from this overlooked chapter in Welsh history.

More on Epynt:

https://undod.cymru/en/2020/06/28/epynt/

https://nation.cymru/opinion/its-the-end-of-the-world-why-we-should-remember-the-clearing-of-epynt-80-years-on/

Outro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxokBzXrDF8

79. Cofiwch Epynt with Euros Lewis

Dan was joined by our mate Owain to discuss the legacy of our dearly departed comrade David Graeber, who passed away in September 2020. The boys discussed David's huge contribution to not just anarchist theory but to modern social and political thought as a whole, particularly his work on bullshit jobs and the ideology of work; the rise of bureaucracy under neoliberalism and its relationship with centrist politics; the role of debt in modern capitalism; and finally the liberatory potential of democracy, which David passionately participated in throughout his life. Rest in power comrade.

A reading list will be sent round to all patrons following this episode. 

Owain's Undod article on Graeber
https://undod.cymru/en/2020/09/13/graeber/

Bullshit jobs article
https://www.strike.coop/bullshit-jobs/

83. A tribute to David Graeber with @HanmerOwain

Kieron discusses all things Ron Berry with Dr Georgia Burdett and Dr Sarah Morse. 

Georgia and Sarah's collection, Fight and Flight: Essays on Ron Berry, available now.

Books by Berry: 
Hunters and Hunted (1960)
Travelling Loaded (1963)
The Full-time Amateur (1966)
Flame and Slag (1968)
So Long Hector Bebb (1970)
Peregrine Watching (1986)
This Bygone (1996)
History is What you Live (1998)
Collected Stories (2000) 

More info on Berry: http://www.ronberry.co.uk/

Image: Berry's grandmother Mary Jane Berry, the Mayoress of Blaencwm.

84. Ron Berry w. Georgia Burdett @GeorgiaBurdett and Sarah Morse @petit_morsel

The episode we should've done 4 years ago! After much soul searching, the boys get together to go over the basics of Marxism. We talk about Marx's life and the historical context, have a go at explaining dialectics, historical materialism, classes, freedom, alienation, the state, and of course proletarian revolution. Enjoy, comrades!

85. Deso does theory: introduction to Marxism.

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