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Coming From Left Field (Audio)
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Welcome to Coming From Left Field, a conversation about politics, books, and current events.
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”The Least of Us: True Tales of America & Hope in the Time of Fentanyl & Meth” with Sam Quinones
4d ago
1 hr 1 min
”The Least of Us: True Tales of America & Hope in the Time of Fentanyl & Meth” with Sam Quinones
Today, we welcomed Sam Quinones to discuss his book, "The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth." The book follows his 2015 release, Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic. Both books are critically acclaimed. In January 2022, The Least of Us was nominated for a National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) award for Best Nonfiction Book of 2021. Book: The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth (2021) Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate (2015) Link to Greg's blog : ZZs Blog #SamQuinones #TheLeastofUs # Dreamland #Podcast #Meth #Fentanyl #Homeless #Drugaddiction #GregGodels #ZZblog #ZZsblog #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
4d ago
1 hr 1 min
”The Last Years of Karl Marx” book discussion with Carlos Garrido
Today, we welcomed Carlos L. Garrido to discuss Marcello Musto's book, "The Last Years of Karl Marx: An Intellectual History," and his research focus, including Marxism, Hegel, and early 19th Century American socialism. Book: Marcello Musto's book, "The Last Years of Karl Marx: An Intellectual History" The Midwestern Marxist YouTube channel: (https://www.youtube.com/c/MidwesternMarx/) and website: (https://www.midwesternmarx.com/ ) The article mentioned: A Critique of Western Marxism's Purity Fetish Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #Carlos L Garrido #MidwesternMarxist # Marcelo Musto #The Last Years of Marx #GregGodels #ZZblog #ZZsblog #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Apr 22 2022
1 hr 4 mins
”American Trade Unionism” with Chris Townsend
We welcomed today Chris Townsend to discuss his four decades as a union organizer and the relevance of William Z. Foster’s book, “American Trade Unionism” on today’s labor struggles. Book: American Trade Unionism by William Z. Foster https://www.intpubnyc.com/product/american-trade-unionism/ Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #ChrisTownsend # American Trade Unionism #WilliamFoster #UE #ATU #podcast #Amazon #ChrisSmalls #GregGodels #ZZblog #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Apr 9 2022
1 hr 12 mins
”Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream” with Jennifer Sherman
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Jennifer Sherman to discuss her book "Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream.” Dr. Sherman is a Professor of Sociology at Washington State University and her work focuses on rural America, poverty, and inequality. Book: Dividing Paradise: Rural Inequality and the Diminishing American Dream https://www.kingsbookstore.com/book/9780520305144 Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #JenniferSherman #DividingParadise #WSU #Sociology #podcast #GregGodels #ZZblog #ZZsblog #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Mar 29 2022
1 hr 1 min
From “Imperialism in the 21st Century” to Ukraine with Brian Becker
Greg and Pat welcomed Brian Becker to discuss the Ukraine situation and his book "Imperialism in the 21st Century.” Brian Becker is the National Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition and an insightful journalist on the “The Socialist Program” which is part of the BreakThrough News podcast. His observations on the Ukraine conflict deserve a wide audience. Book: Imperialism in the 21st Century. https://www.liberationschool.org/imperialism-in-the-21st-century/ BreakThrough News podcast https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakThroughNews/featured Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #BrianBecker #Imperialism21stCentury #BreakThrough #TheSocialstProgram #podcast #GregGodels #ZZblog #ZZsblog #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Mar 11 2022
1 hr 6 mins
”Wounds of War” with Suzanne Gordon and guest Bob Bonner
Greg and Pat welcome Suzanne Gordon to discuss her book " Wounds of War: How the VA Delivers Health, Healing, and Hope to the Nation's Veterans.” Suzanne Gordon is an award-winning journalist and author of numerous books regarding healthcare systems, teamwork, patient safety, and nursing. We are also joined today with guest Bob Bonner, a retired VHA nurse and long-time fighter for better care as a local union president representing hospital workers. Website: https://www.suzannecgordon.com/ Book: Wounds of War: How the VA Delivers Health, Healing, and Hope to the Nation's Veterans Advocacy: https://www.veteranspolicy.org/ Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com # SuzanneGordon #WoundsofWar #VHA #VA # BobBonner #GregGodels #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Mar 5 2022
1 hr 4 mins
”The St Louis Commune of 1877” with Mark Kruger
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Mark Kruger to discuss his book "The St. Louis Commune of 1877: Communism in the Heartland ." Dr. Kruger is a retired professor that also had a career practicing law and serving as a municipal judge. Dr. Kruger's book tells a captivating story about a little-known chapter of labor history, the first general strike in America that resulted in a major US city being ruled by communists. Book: https://www.powells.com/book/st-louis-commune-of-1877-communism-in-the-heartland-9781496228130 Articles on" The Veiled Profit" parade in St Louis: The AtlanticThe Nation Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com # MarkKruger #StLouis #Commune1877 #Communist #VeiledProphet #GregGodels #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Jan 26 2022
55 mins
“The Cult of Smart” with Fredrik deBoer
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Freddie deBoer, to discuss his book “The Cult of Smart: How Our Broken Education System Perpetuates Social Injustice.” Dr. deBoer is a creative essayist and academic whose writings have appeared in such places as The New York Times, Harper’s, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Politico, and Jacobin. He is one of the most original and prolific voices in essays today, and his anti-tribal style has earned him admiration from political thinkers of all quadrants. Book: https://www.powells.com/searchresults?keyword=Fredrik+deBoer Substack: https://freddiedeboer.substack.com/ Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com # FredrikDeBoer #FreddieDeBoer #TheCultofSmart #EducationalReform #Meritocracy #GregGodels #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Jan 12 2022
56 mins
One Hundred Years of the CPUSA with Tony Pecinovsky
Greg and Pat welcome Tony Pecinovsky, author and nationally known historian on the Communist Party, USA. Today we discuss two of his books, "Let Them Tremble: Biographical Interventions Marking 100 Years of the Communist Party, USA" and "The Cancer of Colonialism: W. Alphaeus Hunton, Black Liberation, and the Daily Worker, 1944-1946." Pecinovsky has appeared on C-SPAN's "Book T.V." and regularly speaks on college and university campuses across the country. Books and articles about Tony: http://www.workerseducationsociety.org/officers/ https://www.peoplesworld.org/authors/tony-pecinovsky/ https://www.powells.com/searchresults?keyword=Tony+Pecinovsky Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com # TonyPecinovsky #CPUSA #LetThemTremble #CancerofColonialism #GregGodels #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField #PeoplesWorld
Jan 7 2022
1 hr 11 mins
Neoliberalism: From Reagan to Trump with Jack Rasmus
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in the Economics and Politics departments at Saint Mary's College of California. Dr. Rasmus is the author of numerous books and articles about the economy. Today we discuss his latest book, "The Scourge of Neoliberalism: US Economic Policy from Reagan to Trump," and other topics related to our present economic and political situation. Web: https://jackrasmus.com/ Twitter: (@drjackrasmus) Alternative Visions on the Progressive Radio Network: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/alternative-visions-progressive-radio-network-RBcaS7f9PWX/ Books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/447807.Jack_Rasmus Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #JackRasmus #Neoliberalism #Economics #GregGodels #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField https://youtu.be/-iQxgGse0ZY
Dec 11 2021
1 hr 7 mins
The Lost Legacy of Henry Winston with Tony Monteiro
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Tony Monterio, scholar/activist and one of the most cited DuBois scholars in the world to discuss the legacy of Henry Winston. Winston, committed to equal rights and communism, was an advocate of civil rights for African Americans decades before the idea of racial equality emerged as a mainstream current of American political thought. Anthony Monterio (Key Wiki) : http://keywiki.org/Anthony_Monteiro Link to Saturday Free School (Website): http://www.saturdayfreeschool.org/ (FaceBook): https://www.facebook.com/TheSaturdayFreeSchool Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #TonyMonteiro #AntonyMonteiro #WEBDuBois #HenryWinston #SaturdayFreeSchool #GregGodels #PatCummings #ComingFromLeftField
Dec 1 2021
1 hr 13 mins
”The Broken Heart of America” with Walter Johnson
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Walter Johnson, who is the Winthrop Professor of History and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. Dr. Johnson's work focuses on the history of slavery, capitalism, white supremacy, Black resistance, and US imperialism. Today we discuss " The Broken Heart of America: St. Louis and the Violent History of the United States (2020). The book analyzes the pervasive exploitation and radical resistance in America told through the turbulent history of St. Louis. Link to Dr. Johnson's vitae: https://scholar.harvard.edu/wjohnson/biocv Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #WalterJohnson #BrokenHeartofAmerica #StLouis #Slavery #GregGodels #PatCummings
Nov 5 2021
1 hr 5 mins
”Black Liberation/Red Scare” with Gerald Horne
Greg and Pat welcome Dr. Gerald Horne, who holds the Moores Professorship of History and African American Studies at the University of Houston. Dr. Horne is the author of more than thirty books and one hundred scholarly articles and reviews. He addresses pivotal points of racism across the gamut, ranging from labor, politics, and civil rights to international relations and war. Today we discuss "Black Liberation/Red Scare: Ben Davis and the Communist Party," which is a study centered on the life of the remarkable African American leader Ben Davis, Jr. (1904-64). The book analyzes Davis's activism and political progression as the civil rights movement took flight. Link to Dr. Horne's vitae and books: Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #GeraldHorne #BenDavis #BlackLiberation #RedScare #SmithAct #GregGodels #PatCummings
Sep 23 2021
1 hr 4 mins
Poets – Round #2” with guests Janice O‘Mahony, Kevin Miller and Derek Sheffield
Greg and Pat welcome back Janice O'Mahony and Kevin Miller for a second round pf poetry reading. Also included is special guest, Derek Sheffield, nationally recognized poet, teacher and editor of Terrain.org. In this podcast we put pandemics, politics, and an over-heated planet on the back burner, and engage with some lighter verse. Poem Index: (0:16:31_Derek) Transcendentalism by Lucia Perillo (0:22:57_Kevin) Racehogs by David Lee (0:27:27_Janice) Patriarch’s Birthday Party Nine Days Away Blues by Janice O’Mahony (0:31:55_Derek) For Those Who Would See 3 by Derek Sheffield (0:37:00_Kevin) After Hearing Birdnote on the Song - Sparrow’s Double Scratch by Kevin Miller (0:42:51_Janice) Year of the Monkey by Janice O’Mahony (0:54:51_Derek) Sans Teeth by Dennis Held (1:00:32_Kevin) A Retired Farmer Working as A Greeter at Wal-Mart by Leo Dangel (1:04:48_Janice) Denim by Janice O’Mahony (1:09:38_Derek) Ornithology Lesson by Jan Wallace (1:13:25_Kevin) Sunset Knoll by George Bilgere (1:15:47_Janice) Just the Facts by Janice O’Mahony Books by Janice O'Mahony Whidbey Island: Reflections on People & the Land (2014) by Elizabeth Guss, Janice O'Mahony, Mary Richardson (available at https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/ ) Books by Kevin Miller Light That Whispers Morning (1994), Everywhere Was Far (1998), Home & Away (2008) and Vanish (2020) (available at https://www.kingsbookstore.com/ ) Books by Derek Sheffield Through the Second Skin (2013), Dear America: Letters of Hope, Habitat, Defiance, and Democracy (2020) and Not for Luck (2021) (available at https://www.kingsbookstore.com/ ) Link to Greg's blog: ZZ's Blog http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #GregGodels #PatCummings #JaniceOMahony #KevinMiller #Derekheffield #PoetryReading #Terrain.org
Sep 9 2021
1 hr 20 mins
President Biden's 6 Month Report Card
Greg and Pat have a one-on-one discussion about Biden's first six months as president. How is he doing at the end of his first semester? We discuss his executive orders, COVID, border crisis, economics, bipartisan cooperation, foreign policy, defense, media coverage, and a grade. Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #Biden6months #GregGodels #PatCummings https://youtu.be/akWHs5xuqdo
Jul 28 2021
1 hr 14 mins
"Rabble!" book discussion about the Paris Commune 1871 with Geoffrey Fox
Greg and Pat welcome noted author, Geoffrey Fox, to discuss his soon-to-be-released book, "Rabble!" about the Paris Commune. The demise of the commune was both tragic and predictable. The events of 150 years ago lit a fire of reform and hope that still burns. Some pictures of the Paris Commune 1871 from the Library of Congress: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KZNWxJHEP5eB3wkE6 Geoffrey's new book, "Rabble!": https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/historical/rabble/ Background on the Paris Commune: https://geoffreyfox.com/2021/05/the-paris-commune-and-the-crisis-of-imperialism/ Other books by Geoffrey Fox: https://go.authorsguild.org/members/854 Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #GeoffreyFox #Rabble! #ParisCommune #GregGodels #PatCummings #1871
Jul 21 2021
1 hr 13 mins
“Exterminate All the Brutes” book review with guest Richard Hollwedel
Greg and Pat welcome friend of the show, Richard Hollwedel, to discuss the Sven Lindquvist 1992 book, “Exterminate All the Brutes” which was recently made into a HBO four-part documentary series directed by Raoul Peck. The book and documentary delves deeply into the legacy of European colonialism from the Americas to Africa. Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com #RaoulPeck #SvenLindquvist #KingLeopold #ExterminateAlltheBrutes
Jul 14 2021
58 mins
“Single-Payer Health Care Activism” with guest Kay Tillow
Greg and Pat welcome Kay Tillow, a veteran union activist from Louisville, is executive director of the Nurses Professional Organization. She and the NPO have spent 21 years battling to organize nurses who work for Louisville-based Norton Healthcare, Kentucky's most extensive health care system. Most recently, Kay has turned her attention to supporting a single-payer health care system. Link to Kentuckians for Single-Payer Health Care: http://kyhealthcare.org/author/kay Information on July 24, 22021 March for Medicare for All: http://kyhealthcare.org/posts/louisville-and-20-other-cities-plan-march-for-medicare-for-all-july-24-2021 Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com Errata: (25:00) Pat said "63% of doctors support a public option". The correct percent is 73%. #KayTillow #Single-Payer #Medicare for all # kyhealthcare
Jun 26 2021
53 mins
"Israel, A Beachhead in the Middle East" with guest Stephen Gowans
Greg and Pat welcome Stephen Gowans, an independent political analyst from Ottawa and author of several acclaimed books: Washington's Long War on Syria (2017), Patriots, Traitors and Empires: The Story of Korea's Struggle for Freedom (2018) and Israel, A Beachhead in the Middle East: From European Colony to US Power Projection Platform (2019) Link to Stephen’s blog: https://gowans.blog/ Stephen’s books: https://www.barakabooks.com/?post_type=dd-product&s=Stephen+Gowans Link to Greg's blog: http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com Errata: (17:32) Pat sai: "We must stand AGAINST Israel against terrorists." It should have been: "We must stand WITH Israel against terrorism." # A Beachhead in the Middle East #StephenGowans #StevenGowans #What’sLeft
May 21 2021
58 mins
"A Couple of Poets" with guests Janice O’Mahony and Kevin Miller
Greg and Pat welcome the poets Janice O’Mahony and Kevin Miller for conversation and reading of selective poems that cover current events, politics, and other matters. Books by Janice O’Mahony Whidbey Island: Reflections on People & the Land (2014) by Elizabeth Guss, Janice O'Mahony, Mary Richardson (available at https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/ ) Books by Kevin Miller Light That Whispers Morning (1994), Everywhere Was Far (1998), Home & Away (2008) and Vanish (2020) (available at https://www.kingsbookstore.com/ ) Poem Index: (05:24_Kevin) Alive So Who Is Complaining (09:08_Janice) Just Wondering (15:58_Kevin) After Pogroms Ending In River (19:10_Janice) Intake At The Veterans Center (26:00_Kevin) The United State Of Dog Fish (30:56_Janice) Selma 1986 (36:08_Janice) I Got Nothing (40:10_Kevin) Consider Religion (42:11_Janice) The Poem That Led To My Arrest (52:07_Kevin) Vanish (53:52_Janice) Our Place Poem Greg mentioned: Bertholt Brecht: Concerning the Infanticide, Marie Farrar (1922) https://muvs.org/en/topics/literary-quotes/bertolt-brecht-concerning-the-infanticide-marie-farrar-1922-en/ Link to Greg's blog: ZZ's Blog http://zzs-blg.blogspot.com
May 19 2021
57 mins
