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Upstream

Upstream
Capitalism
Socialism
Imperialism
United States
China
Palestine
Marxism
Global South
Climate Change
US Imperialism
Zionism
Israel
Colonialism
Neoliberalism
Class Struggle
Venezuela
Labor Movement
Working Class
Thomas Sankara
Degrowth

Conversations and audio documentaries exploring a wide variety of themes pertaining to economics and politics, hosted by Della Z Duncan and Robert R. Raymond

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes279Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsSociety & CulturePolitics

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Latest Episodes

In this episode, part 7 of our ongoing series on Cuba, we're joined by Helen Yaffe for a conversation exploring what the attempts to build socialism in Cuba look like in a practical sense—from housing to food distribution to economic management. Hele... more

This is a free preview of the episode "Cuba Pt. 6: The Political Thought of Fidel Castro w/ Renzo Llorente." You can listen to the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast

As a Patreon subscriber you'... more

In this episode, part 5 of our ongoing series on Cuba, we're joined by Manolo De Los Santos & Liz Oliva Fernández for a conversation exploring the current state of the island and how Cubans are responding to Trump's oil blockade. Manolo De Los Santos... more

This is a free preview of the episode "The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism w/ Torkil Lauesen." You can listen to the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast

As a Patreon s... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Liz Oliva Fernández
Havana-based journalist, Belly of the Beast
Belly of the Beast
Episode: Cuba Pt. 5: Under Siege w/ Manolo De Los Santos & Liz Oliva Fernández
Torkil Lauesen
Author, The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism; Unequal Exchange, Past, Present and Future
Iskra Books
Episode: [TEASER] The Long Transition Towards Socialism and the End of Capitalism w/ Torkil Lauesen
Ramsey Robinson
Mental health social worker, organizer, revolutionary
Peace and Freedom Party, San Francisco
Episode: A Socialist California w/ Ramsey Robinson
Matteo Capasso
Professor of Middle East Studies based in China and Editor of Middle East Critique
Middle East Critique (Taylor & Francis journal)
Episode: [TEASER] Iran Pt. 4: Towards a Multipolar World / Matteo Capasso
Renzo Llorente
Associate professor of philosophy at Saint Louis University-Madrid; author of The Political Theory of Che Guevara and The Political Thought of Fidel Castro
Saint Louis University Madrid, Spain
Episode: Cuba Pt. 4: Counterrevolution w/ Renzo Llorente
Helen Yaffe
Professor of Latin American Political Economy at University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow
Episode: Cuba Pt. 3: Che Guevara and the Building of Socialism w/ Helen Yaffe
Hussein Assaf
Beirut-based journalist with Vocal Politics, a Patreon listener-funded independent news outlet
Vocal Politics
Episode: [UNLOCKED] Lebanon Pt. 1: Resisting Occupation w/ Hussein Assaf
Bikrum Gill
Faculty in Political Science and International Relations; scholar of International Political Economy
[not explicitly stated in episode]
Episode: Iran Pt. 3: The Empire vs. Iran w/ Bikrum Gill
David McNally
Author and historian, professor of history
University of Houston
Episode: [UNLOCKED] Atlantic Slavery and the Plantation System w/ David McNally

Hosts

Robert R. Raymond
Host discussing societal issues and the impacts of capitalism.
Della Z. Duncan
Co-host exploring various societal challenges with an emphasis on political education.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.8k ratings
  • Superb

    This show takes on the most important questions in a rapidly changing world from a solidly anti-imperialist stance with so many excellent guests. Their very well-produced content manages to be both approachable for anyone and intellectually challenging. I would highly recommend this show to anyone left in the dark by our corporate media.

    My only recommendations for the hosts would be to unlock two recent Patreon episodes: The Long Transition with Torkil Lauesen and Atlantic Slavery and the Pl... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lukewcamp
    United States14 days ago
  • Most relevant podcast

    Upstream is my go-to podcast. I always look forward to new episodes and learn something new every time. It has changed the way I view the world

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    QueenGunderB
    United States14 days ago
  • Eye opening & empowering

    I am grateful for this podcast..it has helped me make sense of the world today. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MG2046
    United Kingdom16 days ago
  • A beacon of light in the darkness

    This show has literally changed my life. I’ve been a loving and empathetic “left-leaning” person all of my life but was largely ignorant to the deep truths of Marxism and Socialist theory. Robert, Della, and their incredible guests have made this learning journey fun and engaging and have awoken a desire in me to better educate myself and those around me, as well as participating instead of just reacting to the collapse. I’m forever grateful and highly recommend their pod!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AtomLily
    United States17 days ago
  • No better pod

    The topics, the questions, the guests... everything the show brings to the table is phenomenal. Each episode is comprehensive yet accessible! Probably the best leftist pod out there for trying to accomplish their goal of making people unlearn and rethink the world around them.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Uncle_FIroh
    United States18 days ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners highlight the show as a valuable resource for understanding leftist theories and social justice movements.
The insightful discussions and diverse guests are frequently praised for their relevance and depth.
Many express a transformation in their political perspectives after engaging with the content, appreciating the rigorous analysis provided.
Overall, the podcast is commended for its critical approach and ability to inspire active engagement in socio-political issues.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Socialist California w/ Ramsey Robinson
Q: What would a day look like for a child in a socialist California?
A day would start with warmth from central heating in publicly built housing, attend a school with comprehensive mental health services and free education, have guaranteed meals, and rely on universal healthcare funded by the state, with parents holding union jobs that provide stability and time for family.
[TEASER] Iran Pt. 4: Towards a Multipolar World / Matteo Capasso
Q: All right, Matteo, it's great to have you back on the show. For anyone who might have missed you the first time around, or who just might not be familiar with you and your work, could you introduce yourself for us and talk a little bit about the work that you do?
Matteo Capasso explains his role as a professor and editor, focusing on Middle East studies, historical materialism, and sovereign development within the Global South, with emphasis on Libya, Syria, Palestine, and how imperial dynamics shape political economy in the region.
Cuba Pt. 4: Counterrevolution w/ Renzo Llorente
Q: Why did Cuba pursue a one-party system, and how is democracy defined in this framework?
The one-party model was justified as a means to preserve unity in the face of external threats and internal fragmentation, with democracy defined not only by multi-party competition but also by social equality, education, and empowerment. Fidel argued that multiple parties could still correspond to democracy if critical conditions—education, equality, and independence—were met.
Cuba Pt. 4: Counterrevolution w/ Renzo Llorente
Q: What does counter-revolution mean in the Cuban historical context, and why is it important to discuss now?
Counter-revolution refers to organized efforts—military, economic, ideological—to destabilize Cuba and reverse the revolution's gains. It has manifested across decades, from armed insurgencies and invasions to economic warfare and online propaganda, and remains relevant because external pressures persist and shape internal policy and solidarity strategies.
Cuba Pt. 3: Che Guevara and the Building of Socialism w/ Helen Yaffe
Q: What was the economic condition Cuba inherited after the revolution, and why did nationalization become a central tool?
The guests explain Cuba's heavily dependent economy under Platt Amendment legacy, widespread capital flight, and the need for sovereignty; nationalization emerged as a way to wrest control of resources and ensure political autonomy and social needs.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Upstream

What is Upstream about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the intersections of economics, sociology, and politics, this podcast offers in-depth conversations and audio documentaries that cover a broad range of impactful topics. From the emotional commodification of love under capitalism to the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy and labor movements, the discussions provide listeners with a critical perspective on how historical and contemporary struggles shape our current socio-economic landscape. The hosts feature diverse voices from academia, activism, and various industries, grounding their conversations in both theory and practice, which makes this an informative resource for those interested in socialist thought and activism.

Listeners are drawn to the podcast for its ability to con... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Upstream?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Upstream:

1. Rev Left Radio
2. Guerrilla History
3. The Socialist Program with Brian Becker
4. The Red Nation Podcast
5. The East is a Podcast

How many episodes of Upstream are there?

Upstream launched 10 years ago and published 279 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 Upstream?

Recent guests on Upstream include:

1. Liz Oliva Fernández
2. Torkil Lauesen
3. Ramsey Robinson
4. Matteo Capasso
5. Renzo Llorente
6. Helen Yaffe
7. Hussein Assaf
8. Bikrum Gill

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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