The Socialist Program presents a new special 3-part, more than 5-hour-long podcast series on the legacy of Russian Marxist V.I. Lenin, based on a class series by Brian Becker at The People’s Forum in November and December 2023, enhanced with historical audio recordings and more. This series provides a specific approach to studying Lenin's writings for a new generation of socialist organizers. It discusses the war in Gaza and the struggle of the Palestinian people for national liberation, and outlines Lenin's organizational and tactical outlook in the era of modern imperialism.

This is Part 1 of Lenin and the Path to Revolution

Below are details of historical audio clips included in this episode that may not be otherwise identified by listening:

5:50 - Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, written in 1893 (a favorite of Lenin)

8:53 - Excerpt of Lenin’s speech “What is Soviet Power?” recorded March 1919

14:28 - Recording of Tsar Nicolas II addressing soldiers in 1910

37:45 - Journalist John Pilger speaking with a U.S. soldier in Vietnam, 1970

52:02 - Eyewitness account of the February Revolution from the Kennan Institute Russian History Audio Archive

1:21:14 - Marching Song of the First Arkansas Regiment (U.S. Civil War)

1:28:36, 1:28:56 - News report on House Un-American Activities Committee investigation in Hollywood, 1947

1:29:44, 1:30:15 - Anderson Cooper and Bernie Sanders at the Democratic Party presidential debate in Las Vegas, 2015

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Help make this show possible by joining our patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram

Lenin and the Path to Revolution [Part 1]

The Socialist Program presents a new special 3-part, more than 5-hour-long podcast series on the legacy of Russian Marxist V.I. Lenin, based on a class series by Brian Becker at The People’s Forum in November and December 2023, enhanced with historical audio recordings and more. This series provides a specific approach to studying Lenin's writings for a new generation of socialist organizers. It discusses the war in Gaza and the struggle of the Palestinian people for national liberation, and outlines Lenin's organizational and tactical outlook in the era of modern imperialism.

This is Part 2 of Lenin and the Path to Revolution

Below are details of historical audio clips included in this episode that may not be otherwise identified by listening:

12:28 - Eugene Puryear speaking at the National March On Washington for Palestine, November 4th 2023

30:04 - Brian Becker speaking at anti-war rally in Washington, D.C., January 18, 2003

56:37 - ‘John Brown’s Body’ - popular song in the U.S. Civil War

1:36:28 - Joe Biden (then a senator) speaking in Congress, 1986

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Help make this show possible by joining our patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram

Lenin and the Path to Revolution [Part 2]

On today's episode Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss Trump and the billionaires' priorities and plans now that Trump is in the White House. 

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

The Billionaires Behind Trump

What does the loss of Musk’s well-funded candidate in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race mean? What factors are at play in China’s foreign policy with Israel? Why are there two marches on Saturday, does marching really work, and should I go? Is there a risk of war with Iran? Huge numbers of Asheville residents are homeless after the storms there—how would a socialist society address this? These are just some of the topics that Brian Becker and producer Nicole Roussell discuss in today’s patrons-only Q&A seminar.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Wisconsin says NO to Musk & Billionaires, Is Protest Effective?, Palestine, Iran, China, & More [Preview]

Trump enacted major tariffs on countries all around the world last Wednesday, and the stock market crashed over the next two days, with about $5 trillion in losses. Upsetting the world’s billionaires, stocks have continued to be extremely volatile this week. Brian Becker and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss what Trump’s aims are, what’s coming next, and what it means for our class.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Stock Market Chaos Amid Trump’s Billionaire Family Feud w/ Prof. Richard Wolff

Trump increased already huge tariffs today, bringing total tariffs on China to 125% of goods (at 104% at the time of recording). China has retaliated, and the stock market plunged $7 trillion in value after tariffs were announced last week (before bouncing back after this recording).  Trump says this is about bringing back jobs, but what is the reality? Brian Becker and Eugene Puryear discuss Trump’s real goals.

Brian is joined by Eugene Puryear, an author and political organizer, and co-host of The Freedom Side LIVE, a live video show every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on BreakThrough News.

Please make an urgently-needed contribution to The Socialist Program by joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Explosive Trade War with China: What Are Trump’s Real Goals?

Brian and Layan discuss Trump’s possible shift in his policy of genocide on Gaza while the witch-hunt against U.S. students grows and Trump terrorizes millions by shutting down their bank accounts to encourage “self deportations” on this patrons-only episode. 

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Trump Hints At Shift On Gaza, Witch-Hunt Against Students In the US Grows, Millions Face Deportation

Trump's trade war against China is escalating, but so far it seems to have only facilitated a growing political and economic isolation of the United States. Brian Becker and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the real motives behind Trump’s seemingly chaotic tariff declarations, including how Greenland factors in, and what may lie ahead. 

Brian and Prof. Wolff also discuss Harvard’s refusal to cave to Trump’s threats to pull federal funding, and the wider role of elite universities in the United States.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.


Trade War Will Be a ‘Colossal Blunder’ For U.S. w/ Prof. Richard Wolff

Brian Becker and Layan Fuleihan break down Trump’s doubling down on deportations – including potential plans to deport U.S. citizens, Rubio’s signal of a possible pivot away from the war in Ukraine, new developments in the Gaza genocide, and how socialists should relate to the new wave of the anti-Trump movement.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

The US Oligarchy Can Be Defeated – But Not By The Democrats [Preview]

Trump’s trade war is causing stock market chaos and may trigger a ‘capital war’ – or even a military war – and seems to be an act of desperation in the face of a declining U.S. empire. Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss this rapidly shifting global economy, and what may come next. 

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.


Trump’s Trade War: U.S. Empire Is In Free Fall w/ Prof. Richard Wolff

Trump had to retreat big this week, and Brian and Layan discuss all of it. The administration is backing off of tariffs, Trump is furious over Ukraine negotiations, and Musk took a huge step back from DOGE amid Tesla’s profits tanking. 

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Trump Faces Setbacks On Tariffs, Student Deportations, And Ukraine [Preview]

China doesn’t need U.S. energy or farm imports, several officials announced this week, deflating the Trump Administration’s aggressive trade war. Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss the long use of tariffs for manipulation and bullying by the U.S. and why it’s different this time.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

China is Ready for Trump’s Trade War

The Trump White House has issued another executive order announcing their intention to deploy the U.S. military against the people of the United States. Donald Trump is hell bent on building a new political system inside the United States and across the world.

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Why Is Trump Trashing The World Order That The U.S. Created? [Preview]

A new world order is emerging as the old one declines. A wide swath of countries in Asia—including China, Indonesia, and U.S.-occupied South Korea and Japan—announced a joint project to build up Asian trade infrastructure and reduce Western dependence. Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss this comprehensive plan as a response to Trump’s tariffs and trade war.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram. We rely on the generous support of our listeners to keep bringing you consistent, high-quality shows. All Patreon donors of $5 a month or more are invited to join and submit questions to the monthly Q&A seminar with Brian.

Asian Nations Announce Plans to Fight Trump’s Trade War

U.S. officials announced that they will begin distributing aid in Gaza, with or without a ceasefire. Donald Trump declared an end to US strikes on Yemen, and plans to hold new talks with Iran. What are the implications for the people in Gaza and the entire region?

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content including live Q&A seminars with Brian Becker, and help keep this show on the air.

Trump’s Deal With Yemen, New Iran Talks, China Tariffs, and more [Preview]

Brian Becker and Layan Fuleihan field questions from listeners on the AI hype, Trump charting a new U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, a socialist view of organizing tactics, and more. 

Have your own question for the show? Send us a voice memo on Telegram @TheSocProgram or leave a voicemail at +13028034804 and you might hear your question on air!

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Q&A: The Reality of AI, Trump’s Middle East Trip & Socialist Organizing Tactics

Trump went to the Middle East this week, securing trillions in investment commitments that will line the pockets of the capitalists but do nothing to solve the dire crises in the United States. He also publicly denounced U.S. intervention in the Middle East, but then declared his intention to turn Gaza into a US-controlled “freedom zone.” Brian and Layan discuss Trump's Middle East trip, the dangerous chaos at Newark airport, and more.

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.

Trump Bashes ‘Interventionists,’ But Wants To Take Over Gaza [Preview]

College graduation ceremonies are turning into hotbeds of protest against the complicity of university administrations and the U.S. government in suppressing dissent on college campuses. Project 2025 outlined the plan to repress and suppress pro-Palestinian protest as part of their larger project to crush democracy inside the United States. 

Brian Becker and Layan Fuleihan field questions from listeners on these topics and more in this episode.

Have your own question for the show? Send us a voice memo on Telegram @TheSocProgram or leave a voicemail at +13028034804 and you might hear your question on air!

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Q&A: What Project Esther Means for Democratic Rights, & Socialist Approach to Building Unity in 2025

Trump threatened Europe with tariffs and stocks plummeted. He paused them and stocks climbed. Now the EU says they are ready for “fast track talks.” Is Europe bowing to Trump?

Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss what’s going on between the Trump Administration, Europe, the elites, and what it means for workers.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.


Why Trump Is Targeting Europe w/ Prof. Richard Wolff

Are enormous cuts to Medicaid and food stamps coming? The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would make historically large cuts to both programs, which will result in millions losing access to health insurance and food stamps, now known as SNAP. These cuts will also effectively slash subsidies to retailers, farmers, food producers, and the health care industry—while the economy is already floundering from tariffs, as shown by a new financial forecast from the OECD.

Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss the horrendous effects this will have on people, the economy, and our society, and what could stop them from happening.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.


Historic Medicaid & SNAP Cuts Could Tank Already Faltering U.S. Economy, w/ Prof. Richard Wolff

Donald Trump and the US government declared war against working class immigrant families, against grandparents, parents, and against their children. 30 million people in the United States either have a green card giving them legal status as immigrants, or they are undocumented, working here, but without legal papers. This means that a big section of the country is under attack by the US government, and people are standing up, they're organizing, they’re mobilizing, they’re fighting back.

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

Trump Wages War On Immigrant Families, Mass Movement Sweeps LA & The Country

China and the US have been in high stakes trade talks this week while the Trump Administration launches all-out attacks on immigrants, sending military forces to Los Angeles in an attempt to stop protests against ICE raids.

Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss Trump’s management of the affairs of the bourgeoisie, and the extreme stress that U.S. capitalism is under.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Trump's Trade Wars, Talks with China & Attacks Against Immigrants w/ Prof. Wolff

The Israeli government, with the full support of Donald Trump and the White House, has launched a war against Iran and the people of Iran, posing the danger of a wider regional war that could lead to a global confrontation unlike anything since World War II.

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Trump and Netanyahu Launch War on Iran

Trump is escalating a potentially huge war against Iran while pushing massive cuts on basic needs for Americans like food and health care, enacting widespread tariffs, and terrorizing immigrants with deportation raids.

Nicole Roussell and Prof. Richard Wolff discuss what’s new and what’s not new about the U.S. government attacks.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Trump Escalates Wars on Iran, Immigrants, and All of the U.S. Working Class w/ Prof. Wolff

The Trump White House has ordered U.S. Naval and Air Force assets to move in the direction of Iran in preparation for a major U.S. war against this country of 90 million people. Trump promised to be the president bringing peace and ending endless war; instead, he has become the partner of war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu in expanding Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza now against Iran. 

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.

From Iraq to Libya and Now Iran: Understanding U.S. Wars in the Middle East [Preview]

The Trump Administration bombed Iran and then within 24 hours announced a ceasefire. Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff analyze Trump and Netanyahu's erratic actions and the bigger picture behind them.

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at https://www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.


Trump’s Iran Fail: Endless Wars Won’t Stop US and Israel’s Decline w/ Prof. Wolff

Trump and Israel started a dangerous war against Iran but Trump called it off after dropping massive bombs. What happened? Was the United States defeated again? How did Iran pull off a victory?

Brian Becker is joined by Professor Mohammad Marandi, an expert on American studies who teaches at the University of Tehran.

Join the The Socialist Program community at www.patreon.com/thesocialistprogram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Under Israel’s Bombs in Iran: ‘Netanyahu Was Begging for a Ceasefire’ w/ Prof. Marandi

New Yorkers voted by a large margin for Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, in the Democratic Party primary this week. The entire U.S. ruling class, much of it rooted in New York City, on Wall Street, has declared war against Mamdani, hoping to prevent his expected victory in the general election in November. 

Brian and Layan also discuss the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and what it says about contemporary politics and the state of the U.S. empire.

Brian Becker is joined by Layan Sima Fuleihan, a Palestinian organizer with the Shut It Down for Palestine coalition, a popular educator, the Education Director at The People’s Forum, and an editor at 1804 Books.

This is a preview of a patrons-only episode. Subscribe at www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to hear the full episode, get access to all our patrons-only content, and help keep this show on the air.


A Socialist Mayor for New York City? + Is the U.S. Empire in Decline? [Preview]

Trump and the Republicans have passed in the Senate a sweeping tax bill that is a massive wealth transfer from the poorest to the wealthiest, making permanent Trump’s huge 2017 tax cuts for the wealthiest and giving hundreds of billions to corporations —while slashing millions of people’s access to healthcare and nutrition. Brian Becker and Professor Richard Wolff discuss how Congress is ramming through a highly unpopular bill and what it says about U.S. capitalism. They tie in how the primary victory of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in NYC shows people are ready for another way. 

Professor Richard Wolff is an author & co-founder of the organization Democracy at Work. You can find his work at rdwolff.com.

Join the The Socialist Program community at https://www.patreon.com/TheSocialistProgram to get exclusive content and help keep this show on the air.

Trump and the Den of Thieves, aka Congress w/ Prof. Wolff

News and views about the world for those who want to change it, with Brian Becker

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