New Books in Critical Theory
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 60min
William H. F. Altman, "The Revival of Platonism in Cicero's Late Philosophy: Platonis Aemulus and the Invention of Cicero" (Lexington Books, 2016)
William H. F. Altman, a scholar and author, explores the profound influence of Platonism on Cicero's philosophy. He discusses Cicero's complex character, his defense of the Republic against Caesar, and the political implications of his writings. Altman draws parallels between Roman crises and contemporary issues, emphasizing the civic value of rhetoric. He also highlights Cicero's emotional depth following the loss of his daughter and argues for a reevaluation of his significance in both philosophy and politics.
Sep 27, 2025 • 1h 13min
Carol Atack, "Plato: A Civic Life" (Reaktion, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Carol Atack, a Fellow at the University of Cambridge, dives into her book exploring Plato's life and thought. She reveals how Athens' turbulent history shaped Plato’s views on democracy and civic life. Atack highlights new evidence from Herculaneum that sheds light on his Academy and critiques of rhetoric. She also connects Plato's methods to contemporary issues, suggesting that his dialogues can foster better public debate today. A fascinating blend of philosophy and history awaits!
Sep 26, 2025 • 43min
Natacha Chetcuti-Osorovitz and Sara Garbagnoli "La Pensée Wittig: Une Introduction" (Payot, 2025)
Sara Garbagnoli, a feminist scholar and co-author of 'La Pensée Wittig', dives into the revolutionary ideas of Monique Wittig. She discusses how Wittig's theories challenge oppressive regimes, particularly heterosexuality, as a political construct. Garbagnoli emphasizes the importance of materialist feminism and critiques the inadequacies of consent within oppressive frameworks. She also explores the transformative potential of lesbianism and how literature can serve as a subversive tool. Her insights illuminate why Wittig's work remains vital to contemporary feminist and queer discussions.
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Constance Bailey, "Conversations with Kiese Laymon" (UP of Mississippi, 2025)
Constance Bailey, an accomplished editor and scholar of African American literature, chats with Kiese Laymon, a celebrated author from Mississippi. They dive into the fascinating process of compiling 'Conversations with Kiese Laymon,' exploring how regional identity influences his writing. Laymon shares insights about his creative energy and changing narratives, while Bailey reveals the challenges of preserving the authenticity of his voice through transcription. Their dialogue showcases Laymon's humility and his profound impact on contemporary literature.
Sep 23, 2025 • 49min
Robert F. Carley, "Culture and Tactics: Gramsci, Race, and the Politics of Practice" (SUNY Press, 2019)
Robert F. Carley, an Associate Professor at Texas A&M and author of Culture and Tactics, dives into the intersection of Gramsci's theories and race. He argues that social movement tactics are more than just means to an end; they express demands for justice. Carley discusses how Gramsci's innovative approaches bridged racial divides among workers and illuminates modern implications for critical race theory and cultural studies. His insights challenge us to rethink the role of tactics in shaping political communities and mobilizing marginalized voices.
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 10min
Kenja McCray, "Essential Soldiers: Women Activists and Black Power Movement Leadership" (NYU Press, 2025)
Kenja McCray, Assistant Professor of History at Clayton State University, dives into her book, focusing on the pivotal role of women in the Black Power movement. She challenges the male-dominated narrative, highlighting how women’s unique, service-oriented leadership shaped organizations. McCray shares insights from her oral history research, emphasizing the importance of cultural nationalism through art and education. She introduces Qazi leadership, linking past activism to contemporary organizing, revealing invaluable lessons for today's advocates.
Sep 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Marcus Rediker, "Freedom Ship: The Uncharted History of Escaping Slavery by Sea" (Penguin Group, 2025)
Marcus Rediker, a distinguished professor at the University of Pittsburgh and acclaimed author, delves into the riveting history of maritime escapes from slavery in his latest work, Freedom Ship. He reveals how up to 100,000 fugitives sought liberation at sea, sharing tales of whispered conspiracies and daring adventures. With insights from abolitionist narratives, Rediker discusses the vital networks and tactics used by escapees. He also connects historical resistance to present-day lessons on solidarity and resilience, highlighting the role of women and maritime unions.
15 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 33min
Paying Attention with Anya Daly
Dr. Anya Daly, a philosopher exploring the intersection of phenomenology, psychology, and Buddhist philosophy, delves into a captivating discussion about meditation and perception. She shares her journey from law to Buddhist practice, emphasizing how art reveals unseen dimensions of experience. The conversation touches on Merleau-Ponty's ideas of embodied perception and the political implications of art. Additionally, Daly connects Indigenous lifeworlds with mental health, offering insight into the shared experiences of humans and animals.
25 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
Zahi Zalloua, "Fanon, Žižek and the Violence of Resistance" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Zahi Zalloua, a Cushing Eells Professor at Whitman College, delves into the provocative intersections of Frantz Fanon and Slavoj Žižek's philosophies. He unpacks how colonial violence shapes identity and critiqued liberalism's failure in addressing systemic injustices, particularly concerning Palestine and anti-Blackness. The discussion emphasizes the need for revolutionary violence as a response to oppressive structures while exploring the crucial role of imagination in forging transformative futures and fostering global solidarity among marginalized communities.
Sep 13, 2025 • 42min
Laura Garbes, "Listeners Like Who?: Exclusion and Resistance in the Public Radio Industry" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Laura Garbes, a Sociologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, dives into the racially exclusive narrative of public radio. She explores the historical context of this industry and how it perpetuates white supremacy while marginalizing voices of color. Garbes discusses the financial shifts that impact diversity, examines the evolving listener demographics, and shares insights from radio workers resisting these norms. Her compelling analysis reveals the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in a crucial media space.
