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
9 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 27min
Daisy Fancourt, "Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives" (Cornerstone Press, 2026)
Daisy Fancourt, a Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London, explores the transformative power of the arts in her latest work. She reveals how arts engagement can activate brain pathways, reduce stress, and even enhance longevity. Fancourt discusses the psychological advantages of dance over traditional exercise and the importance of addressing barriers that limit access to arts programs. Through compelling evidence and personal narratives, she makes a strong case for integrating arts into public health and education.
Jan 22, 2026 • 57min
Michelle Henning, "A Dirty History of Photography: Chemistry, Fog, and Empire" (U Chicago Press, 2026)
In this engaging discussion, Michelle Henning, a photography professor at the University of Liverpool, unpacks the intricate ties between photography, empire, and industrial practices in her latest book. She dives into the environmental impacts of chemical photography, revealing how its materials were sensitive to pollution. Henning connects photography’s evolution to coal and war, emphasizing its role in shaping perceptions of atmosphere and identity. She even touches on the legacies of colonialism in contemporary mobile photography, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
11 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 41min
Robert Dorschel, "The Social Codes of Tech Workers: Class Identity in Digital Capitalism" (MIT Press, 2025)
Robert Dorschel, an Assistant Professor in Digital Sociology at the University of Cambridge, discusses his book examining the often-overlooked lives of tech workers. He reveals that these workers, far from embodying the entrepreneurial spirit, often critique digital capitalism's pitfalls. Dorschel highlights their reflexive industry awareness, class-based identities, and the challenges they face in unionization efforts. He also explores how their lifestyles and tastes signal authenticity, alongside a new, more moral brand of capitalism emerging in tech culture.
5 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 1h 13min
Ryan Donovan, "Broadway Bodies: A Critical History of Conformity" (Oxford UP, 2023)
Ryan Donovan, Assistant Professor of Theater Studies and author of *Broadway Bodies*, dives into the complex world of Broadway casting. He discusses the narrow ideals of the 'Broadway Body' and how they shape societal norms in performance. Topics include the impact of fat suits in musicals and the casting of straight actors in gay roles, revealing the industry’s pervasive biases. Donovan critiques both the progress in inclusivity and the lingering structural barriers, highlighting key figures like Ali Stroker and recent shifts towards representation.
Jan 18, 2026 • 45min
Laurie Parsons, "Carbon Colonialism: How Rich Countries Export Climate Breakdown" (Manchester UP, 2023)
Laurie Parsons unveils the concept of carbon colonialism, revealing how wealthier nations export their environmental crises. She critiques sustainable consumerism, highlighting the opaque supply chains and corporate greenwashing that mislead consumers. Through the lens of Cambodia's garment industry, Parsons exposes the stark differences between brand claims and reality. She also addresses labor exploitation in brickmaking and advocates for political action over ethical consumption. New supply-chain laws aiming to hold companies accountable signal hope for change.
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 17min
Daniel Wyche, "The Care of the Self and the Care of the Other: From Spiritual Exercises to Political Transformation" (Columbia UP, 2025)
Daniel Wyche, a senior scholar at the Columbia Center for Contemporary Critical Thought, dives into the transformative power of ethical self-practices. He connects ideas from Foucault, Audre Lorde, and Martin Luther King Jr. to explore how personal transformation can lead to political action. Wyche discusses the importance of collective organization over mere individual ethics, the complex relationship between power and freedom, and the potential for technology to both liberate and harm. His insights challenge listeners to consider their own roles in societal change.
4 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 2min
Mark Christian Thompson, "Phenomenal Blackness: Black Power, Philosophy, and Theory" (U Chicago Press, 2022)
Mark Christian Thompson, Krieger-Eisenhower Professor of English at Johns Hopkins University, delves into his book, Phenomenal Blackness. He explores the evolution from sociological to phenomenological perspectives in African American thought, highlighting figures like James Baldwin and Amiri Baraka. Thompson emphasizes the importance of language in cultural expression and critiques essentialism through Malcolm X's strategies. He discusses how thinkers like Angela Davis merge philosophy with activism, showcasing the need for criticisms that drive political change.
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 19min
Di Wu et. al, eds., "China As Context: Anthropology, Post-globalisation and the Neglect of China" (Manchester UP, 2025)
Di Wu, an Associate Professorial Fellow at Zhejiang University and co-editor of "China as Context," challenges the marginalization of Chinese ideas in academia. Alongside Ed Pulford, a Senior Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Manchester, they discuss the urgent need to recognize China as a key player in global ethnography. The conversation touches on their diverse paths in anthropology, how Russia's invasion of Ukraine influenced their work, and the importance of avoiding cultural essentialism while integrating Chinese perspectives into global discussions.
Jan 16, 2026 • 45min
Helen Graham, "Deconstituting Museums: Participation’s Affective Work" (UCL Press, 2024)
Helen Graham, an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds and author of *Deconstituting Museums*, explores the urgent need for change in museum practices. She discusses the concept of the 'museum constitution' and its inherent contradictions, highlighting tensions in participation and institutional logic. Graham introduces 'participation's affective work,' advocating for participatory methods that genuinely engage audiences. She challenges conventional notions of conservation and representation, urging a shift toward relational and restorative practices for a more meaningful museum experience.
8 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 19min
Angie Hobbs, "Why Plato Matters Now" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Angie Hobbs, Emerita Professor at the University of Sheffield and author of Why Plato Matters Now, argues that Plato's insights are vital for understanding contemporary issues like democracy and ethics. She explores how Plato's dialogue form promotes constructive debate and exposes us to moral questioning. Hobbs connects ancient philosophy to modern challenges, from healthcare to the impact of art on society. She emphasizes the need for civic dialogue in times of polarization and suggests that Platonic friendship can help rebuild trust in communities.
