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

As tensions continue to rise in the north of Ireland, Dan caught up with our friend Padraig from AIA Ireland to gain some historical context and a socialist, materialist analysis of the current situation. Padraig brilliantly explains the history of socialist republicanism, the nature of the Good Friday Agreement, Ireland's continued subordinate relationship with British imperialism, fighting fascism, and much much more. An incredibly insightful and important chat. Beir Bua!

88. Dispatches from Ireland: an interview with Padraig O Fearghail from AIAI (@AIAIreland)

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

Kieron talks to Dr Rhian Barfoot and Dr Rhys Trimble about the little-known Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas. They discuss Thomas's life and work, his "Welshness", the Dylan Thomas industry, and the ambivalence surrounding his legacy in Wales. Enjoy!

Rhian is a critic and author of Liberating Dylan Thomas: Rescuing a Poet from Psycho-sexual Servitude (UWP, 2014) https://www.uwp.co.uk/author/1438/

Rhys is a poet whose books include Swansea Automatic (2015) and the Red Book of Hergest Ward (2018). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhys_Trimble

Rhian and Kieron co-edited the recent collection New Theoretical Perspectives on Dylan Thomas (UWP, 2020) https://www.uwp.co.uk/book/new-theoretical-perspectives-on-dylan-thomas/

The collection on Apocalyptic poets discussed is Jim Keery, ed., Apocalypse: An Anthology(2021)

Dylan Thomas audio clips from here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyavcLn2_uo&ab_channel=WALESintheMOVIESWALESintheMOVIES

92. Deso does Dylan w. Rhian Barfoot and Rhys Trimble

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

This week we discuss the best pamphlet committed to paper.

https://welshsocialistrepublicanism.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/1979-socialism-for-welsh.pdf

We go through this Marxist analysis of Welsh History and throw in our two cents. Hope you enjoy!

27. Socialism for the Welsh People Part 1

In this episode we're joined by Foreign Correspondent Bethan Mckernan, we chat about the Revolution in Rojava, her experiences covering the Syrian War and how great Isis' hair is. Don't miss this one!

41. Revolution in Rojava with Bethan Mckernan (@mck_beth)

In this episode we're joined by Rhian Jones as she talks us through her book Petticoat Heroes: Gender, Culture and Popular Protest in the Rebecca Riots. We discuss the events that led up to the protests, the theatrics of Rebaccism and the role of gender within them. 
Enjoy!

42. Rebecca Riots with Rhian E. Jones (@RhianEJones)

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)

Our first ever live episode! Huzzah! Live and endorsed by the Eisteddfod we talked to Rob Griffiths about his reflections on the Welsh Socialist Republican Movement. He talks about his arrest, his direct action and why we shouldn't bother with another one.

48. Desolation Live! Lessons from the Welsh Socialist Republican Movement with Rob Griffiths

Ohhh, Stugats! It's part 2 of our big thinkers series. In this episode we talk about the Italian Communist revolutionary and thinker Antonio Gramsci. We discuss his life, the prison notebooks, as many of his core concept as we can cram in,  fascism, and Gramsci's legacy today.  We also hopefully dispel some myths about Gramsci and try to stop people listening to Paul Mason.

51. Big thinkers number 2: Gramsci

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)

Privet Comrades! This episode is part 1 of our 2 part series on the Bolshevik (for a time at least) boy Leon Trotsky. We're delighted to be joined by the Soviet Savant Tinman who talks to us about his life, his role in the Russian Revolution, his theories on Permanent Revolution and Uneven Development. Sit down with some borscht and enjoy!

58. Big Thinkers 3: Trotsky w. Shrieking Tinman (@phased_bemused) part 1

Coming live from the Guardian Towers! We talk to 'Senior' Economics Editor Aditya Chakrabortty about Corbynism as a political vehicle, what will happen if he loses the election and touch a bit of Brexit too. Enjoy with some spaghetti!

63. Assessing Corbynism with Aditya Chakrabortty (@chakrabortty)

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)

Dan talks to immunologist Dr Christian Maine about Covid-19. Everything you always wanted to know about viruses(but were afraid to ask).

[2:05] What is a virus?

[4:10] How do viruses affect the immune system?

[6:10] How did the virus originate?

[7:55] Covid-19 as part of a group of coronaviruses.

[9:40] Symptoms and asymptomatic spread.

[13:30] Herd Immunity.

[16:15] Situation in the US.

[18:28] Viral spread.

[23:50]: Differences between antibody and antigen tests.

[30:58] Manufacturing tests.

[37:58] Manufacturing vaccines.

[40:25] Ending the lockdown before a vaccine.

[44:15] Can people who have had Covid-19 still carry/spread the virus?

[46:45] Is the virus likely to mutate?

73. Desolation goes Viral 3: Coronavirus primer w. Dr Christian Maine

In this episode we're joined by James Meadway who talks us through the economics of the Covid crisis. We talk about his take on the Furlough scheme, the possible end to neoliberalism, whether we are heading for another financial crisis and when is best to dig up all the gold you've buried.

76. The Economics of Covid-19 with James Meadway (@meadwaj)

In this episode we're joined by our good comrade and uncle Tegid Roberts to talk about Universal Basic Income. He tells us how it could be implemented, what it would mean for society and how much we'd get. Please give us money.

78. Discussing UBI wth Tegid Roberts (@tegidroberts)

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

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.

Dan chatted to Catrin about her article in Planet 231 'All Mothers are Working Mothers', the writings of Silvia Federici and the global 'wages for housework' campaign that inspired the article. They talked about the role of reproductive labour within capitalism and the international roots of the wages for housework campaign. Catrin examines the Welsh care system (including childcare and elder care) and also puts forward concrete policy demands which would help achieve a society based on care in Wales.

87. All mums are working mums: the wages for housework campaign with Catrin Ashton

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