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This Is Hell!

This Is Hell!
Capitalism
Gaza
Climate Change
Neoliberalism
Israel
Democracy
United States
Trump Administration
Inequality
Racism
Colonialism
Fascism
White Supremacy
Police Violence
Venezuela
George Floyd
Social Justice
Donald Trump
Disability
Transgender Rights

Manufacturing Dissent since 1996

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes515Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for This Is Hell!

Latest Episodes

Dónal Gill discusses the view of the United States from Canada in the age of MAGA. His essay appears in the new edited volume by The Dial, "How We See It: The World Looks at America in the Age of Trump" (The New Press). "The Moment of Truth" with Jef... more

Cory Doctorow returns to This Is Hell! to talk about his new book “The Reverse Centaur’s Guide To Life After AI - How To Think About Artificial Intelligence Before It’s Too Late”, published by Macmillan Publishers. (us.macmillan.com/books/978... more

Peter Bloom joins us to discuss his recent book, "Nativism and Capitalism: From Colonial Hauntings to Radical Indigenous Futures" from Routledge.: www.routledge.com/Nativism-and-Capitalism-From-Colonial-Hauntings-to-Radical-Indigenous-Futures... more

Emmaia Gelman joins This Is Hell! to talk about her new book “The Anti-Defamation League And The Racial State”, published by University of California Press. (www.ucpress.edu/books/the-anti-defamation-league-and-the-racial-state/hardcover) Emm... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Dónal Gill
Contributor to How We See It, The World Looks at America in the Age of Trump (Dial magazine)
Dial Magazine / How We See It
Episode: Canada and its Asshole Neighbor + Chuck Gets Interviewed / Dónal Gill
Peter Bloom
Author of Nativism and Capitalism, From Colonial Hauntings to Radical Indigenous Futures
University of Essex; Center for Commons Organizing Values, Equalities and Resilience
Episode: Nativism Shapes Scarcity, Hierarchy, and Belonging Under Capitalism / Peter Bloom
Emmaia Gelman
Author of The Anti-Defamation League and the Racial State; founding director of the Institute for the Critical Study of Zionism
Institute for the Critical Study of Zionism
Episode: The Anti-Defamation League & The Racial State / Emmaia Gelman
Samuel Moyn
Kent Professor of Law and History at Yale University; author of Gerontocracy in America
Yale University
Episode: Gerontocracy / Samuel Moyn
Andrew McKenzie-McHarg
Author of The Hidden History of Conspiracy Theory
Bibliotheca Herziana, Max Planck Institute for Art History (Rome)
Episode: A History of Conspiracy Theory / Andrew McKenzie-McHarg
Flint Taylor
Attorney, founding member of the People's Law Office
People's Law Office
Episode: Chicago's Conviction Machine / Flint Taylor
Molly Crabapple
Artist and writer, author of Here Where We Live Is Our Country, The Story Of The Jewish Bund
Author, Artist
Episode: The Story Of The Jewish Bund / Molly Crabapple
Lauren Fadiman
Author and folklorist, The Baffler essayist
The Baffler (writer), Yale University (PhD candidate)
Episode: Inventing Antifa / Lauren Fadiman
Robin Anderson
Author of The Complicit Lens, US Media Coverage Of Israel's Genocide In Gaza
Fordham University (Professor Emerita) / OR Books (publisher)
Episode: US Media’s Complicity In The Gaza Genocide / Robin Andersen

Host

Chuck Mertz
Host known for long-form, investigative interviewing and anti-establishment perspective

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.3k ratings
  • True stuff about compelling earth-based events that you're very unlikely to hear elsewhere

    Podcast Addict
    5
    RuminatingStoic
    7 months ago
  • True stuff about compelling earth-based events that you're very unlikely to hear elsewhere

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Ruminating_Stoic
    7 months ago
  • my favourite interview show

    seriously, incredible guests from across the left, and chuck is the best interviewer out there, insightful and probing questions that engage deeply with the work. the show has a fun, irreverent, only slightly jaded diy vibe i very much enjoy, and it’s completely listener supported, so no ads ever!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tnbuddy
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Did Some Episodes Get Deleted?

    It seems like a lot of episodes from 2020/21 that i saved for listening to later has vanished. can someone let me know if they’ll be added back or if they’ve been stored/saved somewhere else. please let me know.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ob4cl95
    United Statesa year ago
  • Burley interview c. 11:11–

    Podchaser
    articolate
    2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Reviews emphasize the show's role as a critical, explanatory resource for understanding power structures and social justice.
Some criticisms exist around perceived license to attribute causation to capitalism, reflecting a debate-style engagement rather than consensus.
Listener sentiment highlights deep respect for long-form, probing interviews and the host's ability to let guests speak at length.
Audience expresses appreciation for the show's humor and humanity amid serious analyses.
Feedback praises coverage of diverse topics and rigorous research, though a few listeners note variations in sound quality across episodes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#131
Norway/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How To Think About AI Before It’s Too Late / Cory Doctorow
Q: So first, what's wrong with anti-AI absolutism?
Anti-AI absolutism overemphasizes AI as an existential threat or a guaranteed leap forward; a nuanced approach is needed that considers power dynamics, labor implications, and the social-use case of AI rather than treating it as binary good or evil.
Gerontocracy / Samuel Moyn
Q: What potential reforms could balance power between generations without demonizing older people?
He suggests targeted reforms such as extending long-term care, broadening social supports, implementing intergenerational equity measures, and pursuing a grand bargain that empowers younger generations while adequately caring for seniors.
Gerontocracy / Samuel Moyn
Q: To what degree does aging citizenship reshape political power and policy in the United States today?
Moyn explains that an aging electorate concentrates wealth and influence, reshaping priorities like taxes, entitlement programs, and care policies, while simultaneously creating opportunities for reforms that emphasize intergenerational solidarity and expanded long-term care.
Canada and its Asshole Neighbor + Chuck Gets Interviewed / Dónal Gill
Q: What gap were you trying to fill in journalism, and how has that evolved?
The gap was to overcome not just misinformation but disinformation, acknowledging a public-private propaganda system that tangibly distorted how people understand news and democracy.
The Anti-Defamation League & The Racial State / Emmaia Gelman
Q: So up to that point in time, April 9th, 1993, when that raid happened, by your estimation, how deserved was that reputation as a civil rights leader?
Gelman argues that the ADL's reputation as a civil rights leader was historically tied to broader state and capital interests, and that its later actions—such as surveillance of civil rights groups—undermine that legacy, showing the organization often served state power rather than a genuine commitment to transformative civil rights.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Is Hell!

What is This Is Hell! about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show features long-form, deeply sourced conversations that challenge mainstream narratives on geopolitics, economics, technology, and social justice. Recent episodes orbit the intersections of AI, state power, and corporate influence; imperialism and foreign policy; environmental justice; and radical critiques of capitalism. The host(s) prioritize thorough, context-rich discussions with researchers, journalists, and activists, often highlighting historical patterns, power asymmetries, and accountability. The format tends to favor expansive interviews over quick takes, offering listeners nuanced perspectives on global events, policy, and dissent. A notable strength is the show's ability to connect complex topics—like the politics of AI,... more

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Which podcasts are similar to This Is Hell!?

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1. Jacobin Radio
2. Behind the News with Doug Henwood
3. This Wreckage
4. This Machine Kills
5. Citations Needed

How many episodes of This Is Hell! are there?

This Is Hell! launched 21 years ago and published 515 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on This Is Hell!?

Recent guests on This Is Hell! include:

1. Dónal Gill
2. Peter Bloom
3. Emmaia Gelman
4. Samuel Moyn
5. Andrew McKenzie-McHarg
6. Flint Taylor
7. Molly Crabapple
8. Lauren Fadiman

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