Best Slacker News Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Like a Bridge over Canada Water. Two men messing about in SE16. (Nov 24) 52:07

2h ago52:07

52:07

In this episode:Pub Quiz 1 WhitstableRochesterPickle FestRoyal Vauxhall TavernShirker's nightsPub and Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsOther NewsPub Quiz 2Desert Island Crisps with Natalie WhittleReaders' LettersBum DosserSMSBy Deserter

1
Alien: Romulus (w/ Joe Mayall) 1:17:34

39m ago1:17:34

1:17:34

Rivka and Frank welcome back returning guest Joe Mayall to talk about the latest installment in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus. They appreciate how director Fede Álvarez doubles down on the anti-corporate themes of the original Alien, while finding new ways to freak the shit out of his audience. They also agree that android Andy stole the movi…

1
Saturday Night Fever (w/ Jon Shelton) 1:26:05

6d ago1:26:05

1:26:05

Jon Shelton (author of The Education Myth: How Human Capital Trumped Social Democracy ) returns to MVC to talk about the 1977 Disco Movie phenomenon Saturday Night Fever. Rivka, Frank, and Matt explore the cultural amnesia surrounding the film’s plot, its commentary on 1970s working-class politics, and its fascinating origin story. For next week’s …

1
Killing Them Softly (w/ Matt Strackbein) 1:25:47

8d ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Matt Strackbein (AKA The Letterhack) is back on MVC to talk about Andrew Dominik’s bleak 2012 crime drama Killing Them Softly. Rivka, Frank, and Matt discuss how the film, set during the 2008 financial crisis, serves as a subtextual critique of Obama’s first term, how the “criminal” economy drives the plot of the film, and how the film’s nihilism h…

1
Drag Me To Hell 1:12:09

13d ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Rivka and Frank return for another "duet" episode, diving into Sam Raimi's 2009 horror-comedy Drag Me to Hell. This time, they explore whether the film serves as a horror story about class betrayal or a metaphor for eating disorders under capitalism. They also discuss the film's problematic racial tropes and consider the director's political intent…

1
Ask a Marxist - Part 3 (w/ Harvey Kaye) [PATREON PREVIEW] 1:36

21d ago1:36

1:36

Harvey Kaye returns for the dramatic final installment of our Ask a Marxist series. In this final episode, Rivka and Frank get Harvey’s take on the Democratic party, revolution, and what he would do as the *democratically elected* president of the U.S. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism For ne…

1
Catford, Bellingham and the search for an open pub. Plus beer, crisps and Cole Palmer (Oct 24) 58:58

28d ago58:58

58:58

In this episode:Lime bike to the velodromeTwo new pieces on DeserterProper Soho night outClassic Borough funeralHiking on Cromer PierGreen hop early doors lock inSpoons moment #327Pub & Beer News Crisp NewsDrug NewsOther NewsBook Corner Readers' LettersSoc Med SceneHappy newsBy Deserter

1
The Cabin in the Woods 1:00:11

27d ago1:00:11

1:00:11

Rivka and Frank are back with another “duet” episode, diving into the 2012 horror-comedy The Cabin in the Woods. A Frank favorite, this film surprises with its sharp critique of capitalism's relentless need for human sacrifice. The duo also can’t resist touching on the latest political chatter sparked by Love Is Blind. For next week’s movie, we’ll …

1
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (w/ Zachary Marlow) 1:29:28

1M ago1:29:28

1:29:28

Rivka and Frank are joined by radical filmmaker and organizer with Moneyless Society, Zachary Marlow, for a silly-voiced conversation about the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. They discuss how the Pythons used comedy to speak truth to power within British society, the transformation of feudalism into capitalism into what some are now c…

1
Hook (w/ Larry Powell) 1:36:23

1M ago1:36:23

1:36:23

Rivka and Frank are joined by award-winning infini-hyphenate artist Larry Powell (they/them) to discuss Steven Spielberg's 1991 classic Hook. Beloved by many, this live-action Peter Pan story starring Robin Williams doubles as a critique of capitalism's impact on family structure, reminding us of the importance of reconnecting with our inner child …

1
Ask a Marxist - Part II (w/ Harvey Kaye) - [PATREON PREVIEW] 2:01

2M ago2:01

2:01

Rivka and Frank are rejoined by author, professor, and MVC’s resident historian Harvey Kaye for part two of Ask a Marxist. In this episode, Harvey names his favorite progressive speakers, continues debunking capitalist myths, and discuss current organizing strategies. The New Economic Bill of Rights - Comic Strip (Common Dreams) We will be posting …

1
Beers in Bermo: all the latest news about pubs, drugs, crisps and slacking off (Sept 24) 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

In this episode:Pub Quiz 1AvignonDartmoorKernel BirthdayClapton v Lewisham BoroLounging at the PromsTap room crawlPub and Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsBurger NewsOther NewsPub Quiz 2Book CornerReaders' Letters- Jessica Pegula and the ultimate Deserter animalBum DosserSocial Media SceneBy Deserter

1
Slacker (w/ Marie Buck and Matthew Walker) 1:37:14

2M ago1:37:14

1:37:14

Rivka and Frank are joined by Marie Buck and Mathew Walker, co-authors of Spoilers (Golias Books, 2024), a book about watching movies with people you love, to discuss Richard Linklater’s 1991 film Slacker, an ode to Austin and Generation X. They dive into how the film captures the aimlessness of the era while embodying the distinct Slacker ethos. T…

1
Ask a Marxist - Part I (w/ Harvey Kaye) 1:27:14

2M ago1:27:14

1:27:14

Frank is joined once again by author, professor, and MVC all-star Harvey Kaye for a special episode: Ask a Marxist. In this episode, Harvey tackles listener questions, covering everything from debunking capitalist myths to recommended reading for those beginning their Marxist journey. (Rivka is on vacation but will return for part two.)" The New Ec…

1
Showgirls (w/ Jenna Cosgrove) 1:21:13

3M ago1:21:13

1:21:13

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, screenwriter, and director Jenna Cosgrove to discuss 1995 cult classic Showgirls. They unpack the film’s brutally honest depiction of the commodification of the female body and sexual exploitation, and the class divide between the Cheetah Club and the Stardust Hotel. They also discuss how Verhoeven is actually …

1
Duck Soup (w/ Branson Reese) 1:33:23

3M ago1:33:23

1:33:23

Rivka and Frank are joined once again by comedian, writer, and illustrator Branson Reese to discuss the Marx Brothers' classic, Duck Soup. Together, they explore the anti-comedy style of the Marx Brothers, the political and cultural legacy of their work, and the film's anti-fascist and anarchic themes. Branson Reese Website Rude Tales of Magic Podc…

1
Peckham Pints with William Blake, Pompey, Pisci, Goose and Ned. Have you got a pipe? (Aug 24) 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

In this episode:Pub Quiz 1A month of musicPompey day cancelledA funeralA month of sportPub & Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsOther NewsPub Quiz 2Desert Island CrispspspsReaders' LettersBum DosserSocial Media SceneBy Deserter

1
Natural Born Killers [PATREON PREVIEW] 2:26

3M ago2:26

2:26

Rivka and Frank unpack Oliver Stone’s 1994 psychological action thriller Natural Born Killers. They get into whether the film was successful in its satirization of violence in the media or if it just ended up glorifying it, how the performances still hold up, and Frank reveals if he ever got the NBK tattoo he wanted as a teenager… 🤝 TO HEAR THE FUL…

1
Rocky (w/ Pamela Capalad & Dyalekt) 1:45:09

4M ago1:45:09

1:45:09

Rivka and Frank are joined by Pamela Capalad and Dyalekt, an anti-capitalist artist power couple who co-founded a financial liberation program for creators of color called See Change. The group discusses Sylvester Stallone's 1976 American classic, Rocky, and how its characters and themes are deeply rooted in the fabric of American capitalism, from …

1
Deptford Drink-up: a new pub, a vague Spanish theme, crisps galore and a ton of pub news (July 24) 53:02

4M ago53:02

53:02

In this episode:Pub Quiz 1Summer Bus PartySpanish fleeMargate liggingBankside FestivalThe PublicanPub & Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsOther NewsPub Quiz 2Bum DosserSocial Media SceneBy Deserter

1
MVC update 3:39

4M ago3:39

3:39

MVC will be taking an indefinite hiatus while Frank deals with his back injury - we'll hopefully be back in the next few weeks or months. You can listen to Frank's announcement here. Love you, comrades. We'll talk to you soon.By Movies vs. Capitalism

1
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (w/ Daniel Bessner) 1:05:50

4M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Rivka and Frank are joined by historian and co-host of the American Prestige podcast, Daniel Bessner, to discuss Joe Dante’s 1990 cult classic, Gremlins 2: The New Batch. They explore the film’s anti-capitalist themes, its self-aware satire of franchised movie sequels, and, naturally, which Gremlin has the best politics. The Life & Death of Hollywo…

1
Snowpiercer 1:18:49

5M ago1:18:49

1:18:49

Rivka and Frank delve into Bong Joon-ho’s 2013 climate horror thriller, Snowpiercer. They explore how the film's deep Marxist themes make it an ideal choice for discussing class warfare. They also examine the role of collaborators in revolutionary movements, the symbolism of airplanes as reminders of our modern caste system, and why Captain America…

1
Deserter 10th Anniversary show, with Ned Boulting, part-live from the Shirker’s Rest (Jun 24) 48:42

5M ago48:42

48:42

In this episode:Deserter is 10 - Q&A with Ned Boulting, live at the Shirker's RestLobster flavoured crispsA History of Crisps read by Dirty SouthLike Father, Like Son read by Dulwich RaiderBack to usual next monthBy Deserter

1
Capitalism, A Love Story (w/ Harvey Kaye) [PATREON PREVIEW] 3:44

5M ago3:44

3:44

Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC all-star Harvey Kaye to discuss Michael Moore’s 2009 documentary Capitalism, A Love Story. They talk about the film’s radicalizing potential, its portrayal of the 2008 financial crisis, what Moore could have done better, and Obama. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capi…

1
Rat Race (w/ Thalia Sablon) 1:42:07

5M ago1:42:07

1:42:07

Rivka and Frank are joined by playwright Thalia Sablon for a conversation about the wild 2001 screwball comedy Rat Race. They discuss how the film's celebrity-packed cast represents a dying culture, the shockingly anti-capitalist character arcs, and how the movie may have been an inspiration for Squid Game. Thalia Sablon - Website For next week’s m…

1
Rosemary’s Baby (w/ Kate Willett) 1:27:57

5M ago1:27:57

1:27:57

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Kate Willett for a conversation about the 1968 horror classic Rosemary’s Baby. They discuss how the film is an overt metaphor for the domination and control of a woman’s body, Mia Farrow’s incredible performance as a woman being gaslit by her husband and neighbors, and how the film’s generational dynamics mirr…

1
Never on Sunday (w/ Nomiki Konst) 1:43:59

6M ago1:43:59

1:43:59

Rivka and Frank are joined by investigative reporter, political analyst, and strategist Nomiki Konst to discuss the 1960 revolutionary comedy Never on Sunday. This hidden gem of a film follows a Greek sex worker who makes her own hours and chooses her clients. The trio delves into the film’s themes of alienation from Western culture, its celebratio…

1
The Dark Knight (w/ Anthony DePice) [PATREON PREVIEW] 2:38

6M ago2:38

2:38

Rivka and Frank are joined by professional organizer and agit-prop creator Anthony DePice to discuss Christopher Nolan’s 2008 Batman movie The Dark Knight. Is Joker a master organizer? Where was the Gotham Rec Center? Does Alfred ever get a break? All these questions and more on this black-pilled episode. For next week's movie, we'll be watching th…

1
Dulwich Beer Festival plus sleepy lawyers, cheap kebabs and gardening tips (May 24) 50:18

6M ago50:18

50:18

In this episode:Quiz 1Ivy House FestivalBermondsey Beer MileRuskin Park Sit InPhil WongSeaside awaydayShirk, Rust and PrayPub & Beer NewsCrisp NewsKebab NewsDrug NewsOther NewsDesert Island Crisps with Cyclo DuncReader's LettersBum DosserSocial Media SceneBy Deserter

1
Whiplash (w/ Kelly Kaufman) 1:21:43

6M ago1:21:43

1:21:43

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Kelly Kaufman, to discuss the 2014 jazz thriller Whiplash. This film is Damian Chazelle’s breakout feature starring JK Simmons and Miles Teller. They talk about abusive power dynamics in the arts, toxic masculinity and the dangers of perfectionism under capitalism. Frank and Rivka also discuss the recent rants…

1
Margin Call (w/ David Bruin) 1:34:00

6M ago1:34:00

1:34:00

Rivka and Frank are joined by theater educator, author, and Executive Artistic Director of Celebration Barn, David Bruin, to discuss the 2011 finance drama Margin Call. The film, which takes place at a fictional investment firm at the start of the 2008 financial crisis, is a fascinating look into the toxic work of finance. They talk about the ins-a…

1
Oldboy (w/ Julian Elijah Martinez) 1:15:54

7M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor and educator Julian Elijah Martinez for a conversation about Park Chan-wook’s 2003 masterpiece Oldboy. They discuss the film’s themes of toxic male narcissism and unquenchable vengeance, how the film serves as a metaphor for the violence perpetuated by the carceral system, and how many live Octopi the lead actor …

1
Ferry good episode. Pubs, puns, crisps and one word film reviews in Woolwich (Apr 24) 44:40

7M ago44:40

44:40

In this episode:Pub Quiz 1Deserter goes to HollywoodReturn to the Hobo HutDulwich Hamlet Women and Peckham Town awayCyprusPub & Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsOther NewsPub Quiz 2Reader's LettersBum DosserSocial Media SceneBy Deserter

1
Civil War [PATREON PREVIEW] 1:18

7M ago1:18

1:18

Rivka and Frank share their thoughts about the new dystopian war film Civil War, written and directed by Alex Garland. They discuss the film’s seemingly complete lack of politics, other than its cynical view of war correspondents and journalists in general. They also get into the whole “Red vs. Blue” debate, how the film fails to contextualize our …

1
Princess Mononoke (w/ Kate Eastman) 1:29:00

7M ago1:29:00

1:29:00

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor Kate Eastman for a conversation about Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 masterpiece Princess Mononoke. They discuss the film’s central theme of environmental equilibrium, the groundbreaking animation, some brief history of feudal Japan, the queer-coded love story, and how Ashitaka is the snack we’ve all been waiting for. Pri…

1
Dream Scenario [PATREON PREVIEW] 4:43

7M ago4:43

4:43

Rivka and Frank unpack the 2023 Nicolas Cage film Dream Scenario, written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalismBy Movies vs. Capitalism

1
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (w/ Rebecca Burns) 1:07:25

8M ago1:07:25

1:07:25

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist Rebecca Burns for a conversation about Robert Zemeckis’ 1988 masterpiece Who Framed Roger Rabbit. They talk about how the film draws inspiration from Los Angeles’ history, like “The Great Red Car Conspiracy” and the Chavez Ravine. They also discuss how the film’s “Toons” serve as a stand-in for LA’s marginal…

1
Little Shop of Horrors (w/ Alex Hare) 1:41:58

8M ago1:41:58

1:41:58

Rivka and Frank are joined by writer and director Alex Hare for a conversation about the anti-capitalist banger Little Shop of Horrors. They talk about the musical’s production history and how creators Alan Menken and Howard Ashman set out to write a musical that was critical of capitalist social relations. They also unpack the myriad metaphors of …

1
The Truman Show (w/ Jaffer Khan) 1:32:11

8M ago1:32:11

1:32:11

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Jaffer Khan for a conversation about the 1998 Peter Weir / Jim Carrey masterpiece, The Truman Show. They discuss how Truman’s arc serves as a metaphor for radicalization, Guy Debord’s Society of the Spectacle and the commodification of genuine human experience, and how the film prophesied the self-surveillance…

1
Blackfriars to Peckham on the Green Link Walk, inc. pubs, crisps, drugs and cuckoos (Mar 24) 53:12

8M ago53:12

53:12

In this episode:Pub Quiz 1Cheltenham daysPark FeverBaked in South LondonFarringdon shithouseryCycling in the DordognePub and Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsOther NewsPub Quiz 2Deserter Island Crisps with Emma StumpReader's LettersBum(per) DosserSocial Media SceneBy Deserter

1
Pig (w/ Seth Simons) 59:23

8M ago59:23

59:23

Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist and writer Seth Simons for a conversation about the 2021 Nicolas Cage drama Pig. They discuss the film’s central theme of creativity vs. commodification, cooking as one of the most communal forms of art making, the abusive and exploitative nature of the restaurant industry, and whether the character of Dariu…

1
Oscars 2024 51:05

9M ago51:05

51:05

Rivka and Frank review the 2024 Academy Awards, AKA The Oscars. They discuss the pro-Palestinian protest outside the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, director Jonathan Glaser’s (somehow) controversial acceptance speech for The Zone of Interest, Emma Stone’s surprise victory, and all of glitz and glam of Hollywood’s biggest night. CeasefireToday.com 5 Ca…

1
Idiocracy (w/ Comrade Workwear) 1:18:37

9M ago1:18:37

1:18:37

Rivka and Frank are joined by James Harr, creator of socialist apparel company Comrade Workwear, for a conversation about Mike Judge’s 2006 political satire Idiocracy, which could have offered a critique of the merger of corporate and state power and privatization, but instead seemed more interested in blaming the impoverished for their own lack of…

1
Poor Things [PATREON PREVIEW] 3:13

9M ago3:13

3:13

Rivka and Frank have an in-depth discussion of Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2023 film Poor Things, the story of Bella Baxter, who receives an experimental brain transplant and embarks on a journey of self-discovery in her new body. They talk about how Bella’s journey embodies the Marxist concept of “dialectical materialism,” how the men in the film represent …

1
Face/Off (w/ Madeline Pendleton) 1:17:33

9M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, content creator, socialist business proprietor, and host of the Pick Me Up, I'm Scared podcast, Madeline Pendleton to talk about John Woo’s unhinged magnum opus, Face/Off. They unpack the film’s depiction of the carceral system (magnet boots!), the extreme misogyny that runs through the film, and whether Castor…

1
Cars (w/ CJ Koepp) 1:05:20

9M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Rivka and Frank are joined by returning guest, comedian CJ Koepp, to unpack the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie Cars, the story of sentient automobiles grappling with the economic devastation of deindustrialization. They also talk about the filmmakers' bizarre choices to animate their anthropomorphic cars with distinct racial characteristics along…

1
Deserter Bake Off! Pubs, crisps, news and dossers, plus we make some cookies (Feb 24) 56:36

9M ago56:36

56:36

In this episode;The art of goutCycloCross in BenidormThe luck of The FixerLewisham Borough CFCOsman at the Sutton ArmsPub and Beer NewsCrisp NewsDrug NewsTheatre News?Other newsPub Convo StarterReader's LettersBum DosserSocial Media Scene (aka Soc Med Sce)The talking centipedeBy Deserter

1
27 Dresses (w/ Erica Bitton) 1:12:16

9M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor and writer Erica Bitton for a cautionary discussion of Katherine Heigl’s 2008 romantic comedy 27 Dressess, which serves as essential propaganda for the wedding-industrial complex. They also critique the film’s reductive portrayal of its two lead female characters, and pay homage to rom-com legend Judy Greer. 🤝 SU…

1
Cradle Will Rock (w/ Harvey Kaye) 1:36:56

10M ago1:36:56

1:36:56

Rivka and Frank are joined by historian Harvey Kaye for a deep-dive on Tim Robbins’ Depression-era film Cradle Will Rock. The film tells the story of the Federal Theatre Project — a New Deal program that funded public theater productions around the U.S. during the Great Depression — and the reactionary forces that ultimately killed it. Rivka, Frank…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Slacker News Podcast

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide

zproxy.org