New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 32min

Alyssa Battistoni, "Free Gifts: Capitalism and the Politics of Nature" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Alyssa Battistoni, author of "Free Gifts: Capitalism and the Politics of Nature," dives into capitalism's failure to properly value nature. She critiques how certain aspects of the natural world are commodified while others, essential for ecological balance, are ignored. Battistoni discusses contemporary issues like pollution and reproductive labor, revealing how capitalism exploits these elements. Her thought-provoking insights challenge listeners to reconsider ecological values and emphasize the need for meaningful political intervention to protect our environment.
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9 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 56min

Enrique Dussel, "The Theological Metaphors of Marx" (Duke UP, 2024)–A Conversation with Camilo Pérez-Bustillo and Eduardo Mendieta

Camilo Pérez-Bustillo, a human rights educator and translator, and Eduardo Mendieta, a philosophy professor, delve into Enrique Dussel's insights in 'The Theological Metaphors of Marx.' They discuss Marx's critique of capitalism as a form of idolatry and explore the complex relationship between theology and political theory. The conversation highlights Dussel's reinterpretation of Marx's thought, emphasizing the significance of theological metaphors in understanding alienation and liberation, especially within the context of Latin America and decolonization.
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8 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 15min

David Theo Goldberg, "The War on Critical Race Theory: Or, The Remaking of Racism" (Polity Press, 2023)

David Theo Goldberg, a Distinguished Professor at UC Irvine, delves into the escalating war on Critical Race Theory and its profound impact on American society. He discusses how conservative movements distort CRT to foster racism while promoting colorblind ideologies. Goldberg unpacks the role of think tanks in shaping educational policies and the chilling effect on racial discourse. He connects these issues to broader political shifts and demographic changes, revealing how the narrative around race is manipulated to maintain power dynamics.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 57min

Bryon L. Garner, "Black Veteranality: Military Service and the Illusion of Inclusive Patriotism" (Routledge, 2025)

In this insightful discussion, Bryon L. Garner, a former Navy serviceman and author of *Black Veteranality*, delves into the nuanced relationship between race and American patriotism. He candidly shares personal stories and sheds light on the moral injuries faced by Black veterans. The conversation highlights their complex identity, the struggle against systemic biases, and the need for a more inclusive narrative of military service. Garner advocates for recognizing the overlooked contributions of Black veterans while confronting the realities of exclusion in a country that claims to embody inclusivity.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 2min

Jirí Anger, "Towards a Film Theory from Below: Archival Film and the Aesthetics of the Crack-Up" (Bloomsbury, 2024)

In this engaging discussion, Jirí Anger, a scholar and archivist from Queen Mary University of London, dives deep into his innovative book, which advocates for a unique perspective on film theory from the ground up. He explores 'accidental aesthetics,' highlighting how flaws and imperfections in archival films reveal their creative potential. Anger tackles vital questions about agency in film preservation, the ethics of manipulation, and how these elements reshape our understanding of cinematic history. His insights challenge traditional views and celebrate the unexpected beauty of film's material traces.
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Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 41min

Alan M. Wald, "Bohemian Bolsheviks: Dispatches from the Culture and History of the Left" (Brill, 2025)

Alan M. Wald, H. Chandler Davis Collegiate Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, dives into the complexities of radical politics and literary culture of the American left. He discusses his latest book, exploring the deep commitment to political causes despite challenges. Wald examines the emotional landscape of literature intertwined with leftist thought, the shifting narratives of Jewish identity and activism, and the evolving discourse on Palestinian rights within leftist circles, all while reflecting on the intricacies of personal and ideological commitments.
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Aug 10, 2025 • 29min

Alexandra Freidus, "Unequal Lessons: School Diversity and Educational Inequality in New York City" (NYU Press, 2025)

Alexandra Freidus, an associate professor of education and former classroom teacher, explores the complexities of educational inequality in New York City. She discusses her groundbreaking work, highlighting how diversity efforts often miss the mark in addressing systemic racial disparities. Through personal stories of students, Freidus reveals that simply integrating schools does not guarantee equitable outcomes. She emphasizes the need for community-driven solutions and a deeper understanding of the implications of school diversity on actual learning experiences.
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Aug 9, 2025 • 1h 9min

Irvin Weathersby Jr., "In Open Contempt: Confronting White Supremacy in Art and Public Space" (Viking, 2025)

Irvin Weathersby Jr., a Brooklyn-based writer and professor from New Orleans, dives deep into the reflection of America's racial history through public spaces. He shares personal anecdotes from his childhood and confronts the lingering presence of Confederate monuments. Weathersby discusses the interplay between art and identity, and explores the emotional weight embedded in historical sites like the Whitney Plantation. He encourages listeners to foster empathy and consider how these symbols shape our understanding of race, ultimately promoting healing through love and human connection.
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Aug 8, 2025 • 57min

Eli Zaretsky, “Political Freud: A History” (Columbia UP, 2015)

Eli Zaretsky, a history professor at The New School, shares his journey through the intersection of Freud's theories and political thought. He unpacks how psychoanalysis elucidates societal structures and examines its dual role as both conservative and critical. Zaretsky discusses the contributions of African-American intellectuals and the socio-political implications of Freud's work, especially in relation to capitalism and identity movements. His insights challenge contemporary views on the self and underscore the enduring relevance of psychoanalysis in understanding political dynamics.
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Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 1min

Daniel José Gaztambide, "Decolonizing Psychoanalytic Technique: Putting Freud on Fanon's Couch" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024)

Daniel José Gaztambide is an author and researcher at Queens College, tackling the intersection of psychoanalysis and decolonization. He explores the influence of Frantz Fanon on contemporary therapeutic practices, emphasizing the need to address systemic inequalities in mental health. Gaztambide rethinks traditional techniques to embrace the complexities of identity and trauma, especially within marginalized communities. He proposes a model that connects personal experiences with broader sociopolitical issues, advocating for a more holistic approach in psychotherapy.

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