House of Dissent

This episode of House of Dissent traces the history and modern revival of democratic socialism, from 17th-century English dissenters and 19th-century Chartists to contemporary figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Mayor Zoran Mamdani in the USA. It explores British influences, key historical events, political debates, media backlash, and the challenges and prospects for democratic socialism in the US and UK today. It also explo...

This episode examines Cuba's current economic model, the impact of long-standing U.S. sanctions, and the collapse of key sectors like tourism. It compares Cuba's cautious moves toward private enterprise with the experiences of China and Vietnam, and outlines the government’s recent 176 proposed measures that could reshape the economy.

The host traces Cuba's historical context from Batista through the revolution, and discusses...

This episode traces Vietnam's path from anti-colonial and anti‑American struggle to its current socialist-oriented market economy, explaining Ho Chi Minh's adaptation of Marxism to Vietnamese conditions and the Doi Moi reforms of 1986.

It assesses economic and social gains—poverty reduction, expanded education and healthcare—considers debates over growing inequality and class formation, and examines Professor Pan Jin's ...

This episode examines China’s claim that it is a socialist country under Xi Jinping, exploring the meaning of “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” historical materialism, and the party’s ideological continuity from Deng to Xi.

It contrasts models like market socialism, democratic socialism, and state capitalism, considers policy shifts (economic reform, ecological targets, and party control), and asks w...

Episode 28 of the House of Dissent podcast examines Edward Bernays and the emergence of public relations as a force in 20th-century politics and commerce. It explores how mass communications, advertising and PR shaped consumer culture, reinforced capitalism, and became tools of Cold War propaganda.

The episode discusses Bernays' major campaigns (including promoting women smoking and his role in the 1954 Guatemala coup), the broader...

Episode 27 revisits historical materialism to ask whether Marx’s theory still explains our world. The host contrasts Marx’s prediction of socialism emerging from capitalism with Fukuyama’s “end of history” thesis, examines the role of mass media and advertising in preserving capitalist systems, and reflects on post‑1989 developments from Eastern Europe to China.

The episode also critiques Stalinist sta...

Episode 26 of the House of Dissent podcast expands on Marx's theory of historical materialism, focusing on the division of labour, consciousness, and alienation. The host traces Marx’s writings from the German Ideology and the 1844 Manuscripts through to Das Kapital, and connects them to later thinkers like Lukács and the Frankfurt School, as well as contemporary figures such as Xi Jinping and Francis Fukuyama.

The episode ex...

In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, the host introduces Marx's Materialist Conception of History, explaining how modes of production emerge and collapse and discusses the division of labour, class consciousness, and alienation.

The episode contrasts Marx's materialist critique of Hegelian idealism, notes modern responses (including Xi Jinping's take on scientific socialism), and previews two follow-up episodes that div...

Episode 24 examines Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's defense of dissent and his idea of what it means to be radical, rooted in Jewish covenantal thinking and the balance between individualism and collective life. The host — a non-Jew and atheist — explores how Sacks reconciles tradition, social justice, and his establishment roles, including his seat in the House of Lords.

The episode also critiques the limits of Sacks's dis...

Hello, and welcome to episode 23 at the House of Dissent podcast. This episode explores the importance of dissent in challenging authority across history and personal experience. From ancient revolts like Spartacus, through socialist and religious dissent in Britain, to modern movements against neoliberalism and state repression, the host discusses how context shapes radicalism, shares personal stories of union activism and redunda...

This episode reads chapter 10—"Burmese Guerrilla Warfare, Technology and Identity"—exploring how Burma’s deep ethnic divisions shape resistance and how the internet and new technologies are transforming guerrilla tactics, communication, and propaganda.

It examines alliances like the NUG, PDF and 3BHA, the junta’s paramilitaries and online repression, and argues for a renewed federal vision (Panglong 2.0) to ...

Episode 21: David reads chapter 8, "Colombian Resistance in Civil Society," written by Valentina Murillo, exploring the struggles of indigenous, Afro‑Colombian and campesino communities defending land, culture and the environment.

The episode traces colonial legacies like biopiracy, the rise of social movements such as the Minga, the use of social media as a tool of resistance, and profiles groups like the Nasa, PCN and CNA as well...

Episode 20 features chapter 6, "New Weapons of Resistance," from The Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent by Sue Branford. The episode explores how Indigenous groups in the Brazilian Amazon use technology—from tape recorders and radios to mobile phones, drones and LiDAR—to document invasions, defend territory and reclaim their cultural heritage in the face of land grabbing and ecological crisis.

It also covers the his...

Episode 19 of the House of Dissent podcast features chapter 5 from the Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent and an in-depth interview with the Iranian born artist Roshi Rouzbehani. The episode explores her journey from Tehran to the UK, and discusses her artwork as a form of resistance to the current Iranian authority. 

The conversation covers the history and impact of anti‑hijab protests, the Woman‑Life‑Freedom movement, mi...

Episode 18 features a reading of Chapter 4 from The Internet and Radical Voices of Dissent titled "Kurdish Woman's Revolution: an interview with Ilham Ahmed'. The episode explores the Kurdish struggle for a homeland, the rise of the women's movement in Rojava, and the influence of Abdullah Öcalan's ideas on gender equality and libertarian socialism.

Topics include the YPJ and female guerrilla fighters, media marginalization of the ...

Episode 17 features a reading from chapter 3, “Campfires of Resistance in Cheran,” recounting the April 15, 2011 insurrection led by indigenous women who defended their forests and community against illegal loggers, corrupt officials and organised crime. The episode describes the spontaneous campfire gatherings, barricades, and grassroots strategies that rebuilt social life and security in Cheran.

It also covers the leg...

In this episode of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the socio-political landscape that gave rise to a new left-wing political party in the UK in 2025. We explore the historical and media-driven adversities faced by prominent political figures Jeremy Corbyn and Ed Miliband, tracing the narrative from the Labour Party's defeat in 2015 through the relentless media critique that both have endured over the years.

The episode...

In episode 15 of the House of Dissent podcast, we delve into the controversial decision by the British government to classify the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The episode explores the roles played by three key entities - 'We Believe in Israel,' the right-wing British press, and the Home Office - in this unprecedented move against a group whose most dangerous weapon has been red paint.

The discussion ...

Welcome to episode 14 of the House of Dissent podcast. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the controversial subject of Israel's actions towards Palestinians through the lens of Hannah Arendt's concept of the "banality of evil." By examining historical and contemporary events, the episode seeks to illuminate the ongoing conflict that has persisted since 1948 and addresses how mainstream media often fails to contextuali...