Rephonic
Artwork for Upstream

Upstream

Upstream
Capitalism
Socialism
Imperialism
China
United States
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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes275Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsSociety & CulturePolitics

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Upstream

Latest Episodes

In this episode we're joined by Ramsey Robinson for a conversation exploring the need for socialism in California (and beyond). Ramsey Robinson is a mental health social worker, organizer, and revolutionary based in San Francisco. He is running for G... more

This is an unlocked version of the episode "Palestine Pt. 17: Capital Accumulation at Any Cost w/ Jason Hickel." You can help to support our work and access Patreon-only episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: www.patreon.com/upstreampodc... more

This is a free preview of the episode "Iran Pt. 4: Towards a Multipolar World / Matteo Capasso." You can listen to the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast

As a Patreon subscriber you'll get acces... more

In this episode, part 4 of our ongoing series on Cuba, we're joined by Renzo Llorente for a conversation exploring the counterrevolution to Cuba's 1959 revolution and the various forms it took. Renzo Llorente is associate professor of philosophy at S... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Guerrilla History
Guerrilla HistoryGuerrilla History
Rev Left Radio
Rev Left RadioRevolutionary Left Radio
Red Menace
Red MenaceRed Menace

Recent Guests

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
Manolo De Los Santos
Founder of the People's Forum and a researcher at Tricontinental Institute for Social Research
The People's Forum
Episode: Cuba Pt. 2: ¡Viva la Revolución! w/ Manolo De Los Santos
Tings Chok
Scholar affiliated with the Tri-Continental Institute for Social Research
Tri-Continental Institute for Social Research
Episode: [UNLOCKED] How Fascism Works (a Michael Parenti Reading)

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
  • One of my faves

    It’s great except for the theme music and song interludes

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    f j o r d
    United Statesa month ago
  • Everyone Needs This Podcast

    The guests on this podcast are incredible and the topics are for anyone who cares about learning how our systems REALLY work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kbgymnast87
    United Statesa month ago
  • Long time listener, finally reviewing

    I have been listening on and off to this podcast for a long time now, I have been especially impressed with their ongoing series on Palestine. There is so much information and perspective you can't get anywhere else! I also have loved the series on post-capitalist parenting, and so many other episodes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kelsiecb
    United Statesa month ago
  • STRONGLY RECOMMEND

    High quality show. Makes difficult concepts accessible without watering them down. Strongly recommend

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Prolematica
    United Statesa month ago
  • Brilliant and accessible

    So much of what passes for leftist thought these days is either needlessly complicated, abstract, and obscure, focused on internecine conflict with those who might be in solidarity, or otherwise toothless, inaccessible, or uninspiring. Not Upstream! Consistently delivers fresh, smart voices that bring to light interesting aspects of history, culture, and thought that are outside of the bland, orderly, and neutered versions of history, politics, and economics those of us who grew up being propag... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CharlieMB18
    United States2 months 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.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#102
Indonesia/Society & Culture
Apple Podcasts
#163
Norway/Society & Culture

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
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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

Where can I find podcast stats for Upstream?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Upstream. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Upstream and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Upstream get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for three million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Upstream, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for Upstream?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Upstream, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Upstream have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Upstream has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Upstream?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Upstream:

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

How many episodes of Upstream are there?

Upstream launched 10 years ago and published 275 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Upstream?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Upstream?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Upstream from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Upstream?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Upstream. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on Upstream?

Recent guests on Upstream include:

1. Ramsey Robinson
2. Matteo Capasso
3. Renzo Llorente
4. Helen Yaffe
5. Hussein Assaf
6. Bikrum Gill
7. David McNally
8. Manolo De Los Santos

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.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days