Shows
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Mick McGahey & The Trade Union Movement ft. Matt KerrJoined by Matt Kerr, we touch on the life of legendary communist and trade unionist Mick McGahey. We examine Mick's early life and how it shaped him, his trade union organising and work in the NUM, his vision of a workers parliament in Scotland, and the current state of our trade union movement today.We draw lessons from his life and challenges that we all must learn from and how to reclaim our unions Additional Reading :Michael ‘Mick’ McGahey: Miner, communist and trade union leader - https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/285121/2025-06-191h 42
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The London Recruits ft. Steve MarslingJoined by London Recruit, Steve Marsling, we explore the amazing story of the London Recruits and the fight against South African Apartheid. We explore the work that the recruits carried out: from planting pamphlet bombs, to setting up and operating safe houses. We draw the lessons learned from the work of a number of recruits and how we can apply it todayLondon Recruits resources & How to Master Secret Work - https://www.manifestopress.coop/product/how-to-master-secret-work-london-recruitsKen Keable's London Recruits - https://www.londonrecruits.org.uk/index.php/reviews/28-london-recruits-edited-by-ken-keableLondon Recruits...2025-05-091h 32
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Socialism in Ethiopia ft. Thistle of Socialism Joined by Cole from the Thistle of Socialism, we explore the history of socialist Ethiopia - the Peoples Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. We examine it's formation and the Derg era, the advances achieved under socialism, democracy within the socialist state, the difficulties it faces against western imperialism, lessons to be learnt, and moreThistle of Socialism Twitter and YouTube - https://x.com/1917Thistle https://www.youtube.com/@ThistleofSocialismMusic Credit: You Better You Bet - The Who Dance With the Devil - Immortal Technique ...2025-04-261h 00
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Legacy of Willie GallacherA solo episode where we explore the early life, work, and political journey of on of Scotland's most prominent communists figures - Willie Gallacher. We examine Gallacher's early life in Paisley, his political journey and campaign work during the Red Clydeside, his political development following his meeting with comrade Lenin, and the legacy he has left behind.Sources/Articles: Gallacher's Tribute to Stalin - https://www.marxists.org/archive/gallacher/1953/04/stalin.htmGallacher's Maiden Speech in Parliament - https://grahamstevenson.me.uk/2008/09/19/willie-gallagher/Gallachers on Meeting Lenin from ‘We Have Met Le...2025-03-1238 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - SCF Edinburgh and Scotland's Drug Crisis Joined by Alex and Ruaraidh of the SCF Edinburgh we discuss the Safe Consumption Edinburgh campaign, the extent of Scotland's drug crisis, what are safe consumption facilities, the stark contrast their operations have with bourgeoise interests, and more.SCF Edinburgh Twitter - https://x.com/scfedi?lang=en-GB Music Credit: Making Plans For Nigel - XTC Sunshine on Leith - The Proclaimers Twitter -https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com2025-02-211h 07
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Red Army Faction A new year and a new season on SPECTRE Podcast ! We're kicking things off with a solo episode exploring some of the history of the Red Army Faction in the West German State. We examine the formation of the group, it's operations in the west, it's strengths, weaknesses, what we can learn from their actions, and what happened to it's membersMost strikingly - We look at the RAF's capturing and execution of Nazi SS officer Hans Schleyer and how the PFLP aided in their campaignMusic Credit - Jun Tzu - A...2025-01-2325 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - James Connolly ft. Dr Conor McCabeJoined by Dr Conor McCabe we explore the early life and political journey of one of Irelands most famous icons, James Connolly. We discuss his involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising, his legacy, and what we can learn from his struggle. We delve into Dr McCabe's book "The Lost and Early Writings of James Connolly 1889-1898" and discuss the importance of documenting the political development of men such as ConnollyLost and Early Writings of James Connolly 1889-1898 pdf link - https://conor-mccabe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-mccabe-connolly-iskra.pdfIskra and Connolly Books purchase links...2024-12-1056 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The People’s Republic of China ft. Keith BennettJoined by Keith Bennett of Friends of Socialist China, we explore the Peoples Republic of China! We examine the how history has shaped china and it's modern socialist development, socialism in China, the driving up of anti-communist propaganda against China, the role that Friends of Socialist China plays in brining workers together, democracy in China, and more !Friends of Socialist China website and twitter - https://socialistchina.org/ https://x.com/socialist_chinaMusic Credit: Wu-Tang Clan - Bring Da Ruckus JME and Skepta - Freestyle 2024-11-211h 26
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Legacy of John MacleanWe are back ! After a brief hiatus SPECTRE Podcast is back with a solo episode where we explore a brief history of famous Scottish Communist John Maclean. We examine his political thought, political journey, and the legacy he left behindAs mentioned at the end of the episode, be sure to check out Unity Books who have over 5,000 books, pamphlets and periodicals from across the workers movement. They also have some great works on John MacleanUnity Books - https://x.com/unitybookshop/status/1848726251269218587Music Credit - Eminem - Without Me2024-10-2318 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Blockade Runners ft. Brian ReynoldsJoined by Brian Reynolds of the RMT we examine the beautiful Blockade Runners to Spain memorial. Situated on the banks of the Clyde, this monument stands as a testament to the brave actions of the seafarers who broke Franco’s blockade of Republican ports. Thirty-five merchant navy and eight Royal Navy seafarers died and scores were injured on vessels attacked by submarine, naval and aerial forces under fascist control between 1936-38. The memorial to seafarers will stand as renewed testimony to the importance of international solidarity in the face of fascist aggression. We also examine the need for Trade Un...2024-07-2332 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The STUC and the Right To WorkJoined by Josh Morris we explore the STUC and STUC YW, its influence, importance throughout history, and the role it will play in the fight back against anti-union legislation. We look at the wider broad left labour movement in Scotland: it's strengths, weaknesses, and how we educate young trade unionists.STUC - https://www.stuc.org.uk/STUC YW - https://www.stuc.org.uk/equalities-youth/STUC Podcast (Mon The Workers) - https://rss.com/podcasts/montheworkers/Music Credit: Everlong - Foo Fighters6L GTR...2024-06-2745 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The UCS Work InA solo episode where we take a brief look into the UCS work-in - from what instigated it, the solidarity shown, the impact on the Clyde, and much moreSources: UCS The Fight For The Right To Work - Alex Murray The Politics of the UCS Work-In - John Foster and Charles WoolfsonMusic Credit - The Stranglers - Golden Brown MF DOOM - One Beer (Instrumental)Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.comTwitter - https://twitter...2024-03-3020 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - One Year In Erksine ft. Paisley TUCJoined by Robert and Colin from the Paisley TUC, we discusses the antifascist counter demonstrations that have been underway for over a year at the site of the Muthu hotel in Erskine. We examine the success of the demos and what we have learnt from them, the importance of trade union solidarity, and how trade unions and trade union councils can combat fascism.STUC Website - https://stuc.org.uk/Music Credit : Tear The Fascists Down - Woody Guthrie Bella CiaoTwitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_Contact us...2024-02-271h 20
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Football, The GDR, and SportJoined by Socialist Swan and Gary, we explore and discuss the football and sport culture within the former GDR, the state of modern football in Britain and Europe, antifascist fan scenes, and the theft of the beautiful game.Socialist Swan YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SocialistSwannSocialist Swan Twitter - https://twitter.com/SocialistSwannFootball Lads And Lassies against Fascism - https://flaf.org.uk/Music Credit: Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - ShakiraThe Free German Youth - IFA WartburgTwitter - https://twitter...2024-01-181h 43
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Violence Against Women & The 16 Days of ActivismJoined by Megan, Robyn and Donal from the Young Communist League of Britain. We examine the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, commercial sexual exploitation, Marxist Feminism vs Liberal Feminism, and moreWe also discuss the YCL's part in the international 16 Days of Activism and the much needed materialist analysis required on the emancipation of womenYCL Britain, Glasgow, and Edinburgh Twitter Accounts - https://twitter.com/yclbritain https://twitter.com/YCLGlasgow https://twitter.com/YCLEdinburgh https://twitter.com/lanarkshire_yclEben Williams Challenge Article - Towards working class unity...2023-11-2959 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Scotland and Environmentalism ft. Coll McCailJoined by Coll McCail from Scottish Labour's EC. We examine the current state of Scotland and Britain's environmental strategies, COP26, the "Just Transition", and more.Coll's Twitter - https://twitter.com/MccailCollFriends of the Earth Scotland - https://twitter.com/FoEScotMusic Credit: It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube Appetite for Destruction - N.W.A.Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_Contact Us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com2023-10-2752 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The International Brigades and the Spanish Civil War ft. Mike ArnottJoined by Mike Arnott from the International Brigade Memorial Trust (IBMT). We examine the cause of the Spanish Civil War, The efforts of the International Brigades, the IBMT, and the fight against Fascism in the modern eraIBMT - https://international-brigades.org.uk/IBMT Twitter - https://twitter.com/IBMT_SCW/Music Credit :Woody Guthrie - Jarama ValleyChristy Moore - Viva la Quinta Brigada. Live at Barrowland GlasgowContact us : spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_2023-09-291h 36
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Scotland and The Communist Party of Britain ft. Keith StoddartJoined by Keith Stoddart of The Communist Party of Britain, we discuss and explore the history of the Communist Party as well as it's influence here in Scotland. We look into the damaging effects Eurocommunism has had throughout Europe and how we rebuild from this, and we also look into the countless industrial disputes that the Party has been involved in throughout the ages.Communist Party of Britain - https://www.communistparty.org.uk/Young Communist League of Britain - https://ycl.org.uk/Morning Star - https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/2023-08-261h 13
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The 13th NoteJoined by Nick Troy - a former Chef at the 13th Note - we explore the case of the 13th Note and the conditions impacting the hospitality sector in Scotland and throughout Britain.13th Note Workers Twitter : https://twitter.com/13thNoteWorkersNick's Twitter : https://twitter.com/ngdt7713th Note Fundraiser : https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-the-13th-note-workersMusic Credit : MF DOOM - Beef RapKanye West - POWERContact us : spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.comTwitter : https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_2023-08-1241 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Anti-Communist Lies and Propaganda A solo episode where we look into some of the most famous anti-communist myths, lies, and propaganda. We examine how and why these lies are spread and how they have been allowed to take a frim position of validity in mainstream media.Sources:Poppers' The Open Society and it's Enemies (1945) and The Poverty of Historicism (1957)Berlin and Kayek's The Road to Serfdom (1944)Wheatcroft and Davis' Agriculture in The Economic Transformation of the Soviet Union 1913-1945 (1944)Michael Parenti's Blackshirts and Reds, Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism (1997)Nick Lowles...2023-07-2725 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Anti-Communist Lies and Propaganda A solo episode where we look into some of the most famous anti-communist myths, lies, and propaganda. We examine how and why these lies are spread and how they have been allowed to take a frim position of validity in mainstream media.Sources:Poppers' The Open Society and it's Enemies (1945) and The Poverty of Historicism (1957)Berlin and Kayek's The Road to Serfdom (1944)Wheatcroft and Davis' Agriculture in The Economic Transformation of the Soviet Union 1913-1945 (1944)Michael Parenti's Blackshirts and Reds, Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism (1997)Nick Lowles...2023-07-2225 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Cuba Solidarity Campaign ft. Rob MillerJoined by Rob Miller, director of The Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC), we discuss: the blockade that's been implemented on Cuba, the work of CSC, Cuba's international work, and how we can aid Cuba and it's people.The Cuba Solidarity Campaign : https://cuba-solidarity.org.uk/Cuba Solidarity Campaign Twitter : https://twitter.com/cubasolidarity?lang=enMusic Credit : Los Barbudos - The Bearded MenYankee Go HomeContact us- spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_2023-05-261h 13
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - An Introduction to Marxism-LeninismA solo episode where we lay a basic introduction to the founding principles of Marxism-LeninismA special thanks to Eben Williams of the Glasgow YCL for his core examples of capitalism in actionBack2Basics - https://challenge-magazine.org/category/theory-history/back2basics/Marx and Engels Selected Works - https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/sw/index.htmLenin Selected Works - https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/sw/index.htmStalin Collected Works - https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/stalin/works/decades-index.htmMusic Credit: Little Barrie - Better Call Saul Theme RATBOY - Who's Ready For TomorrowContacts us...2023-05-1016 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Communist Party of TurkeyJoined by Kumsal from the TKP and TKG, we explore the history of the TKP, the recent earthquakes, the Turkish Governments response, Turkey's road to Socialism, and the upcoming elections and the TKP's approach to them.TKP and TKG social twitter:https://twitter.com/tkpninsesihttps://twitter.com/TKGninsesiWorld Federation of Democratic Youth Solidarity Fund:https://www.mightycause.com/story/M2qgyfMusic Credit:The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored Eminem - Not Alike (feat. Royce da 5'9)Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_Contact us:spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com2023-03-2359 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Save The Wyndford Joined by representatives from the Wyndford Residents Union, we discuss the political occupation of the Wyndford flats, Wheatley's ridiculous plans to demolish and socially cleanse the Wyndford, the classist reporting from the media, and the environmental and social impact that the proposed demolition would have.Wyndford Residents Union Twitter and FB -https://www.facebook.com/WyndfordResidents/?locale=en_GBhttps://twitter.com/WyndfordUSave The Wyndford -https://twitter.com/SaveTheWyndfordEpisode Artwork -Professor Alan DunlopMusic Credit:The...2023-02-0952 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Morning StarJoined by Roger McKenzie of The Morning Star, we discuss the history of the paper, it's influence throughout history, the international coverage, and what makes The Morning Star different from so many of the other "socialist" papers we see.Roger McKenzie Twitter - https://twitter.com/RogerAMckThe Morning Star - https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/Communist Party of Britain - https://www.communistparty.org.uk/Music Credit: We Call It Acieed! - D Mob Feat. Gary HaismanBulls On Parade - Rage Against The...2023-01-131h 18
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Commercial Sexual Exploitation ft. Megan and HannahJoined by Megan and Hannah from the Young Communist League of Britain, we delve into the topic of Commercial Sexual Exploitation. Examining the legitimacy of the arguments in support of "sex work", what we can do as young communists to aid trafficked and sexually exploited women, and the YCL's upcoming 16 days of ActivismYCL Britain and Glasgow Branch Twitter -@yclbritain@YCLGlasgow"Opposing ‘sex worker toolkits’ for women students" Challenge Article -https://challenge-magazine.org/2022/01/31/opposing-sex-worker-toolkits-for-women-students/Music Credit :La Dispute - Woman (In Mirror)Th...2022-11-3022 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Fans Supporting Foodbanks ft. Andy HarrisJoined by Andy Harris, from Fans Supporting Foodbanks (FSF), we explore FSF and it's foundations. We examine the campaign for a Right to Food, the obstacles that football fans face, and the success of the FSF initiative in ScotlandFSF and FSFS Twitter -https://twitter.com/FSFScotlandhttps://twitter.com/SFoodbanksAndy Harris Twitter -https://twitter.com/Andy2HarrisMusic Credit:Daft Punk - One More TimeZombie Nation - Kernkraft 400Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_...2022-11-0429 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Free Kononovich !A solo episode where we explore the case of Aleksander and Mikhail Kononovich, 2 brothers currently imprisoned by the reactionary Ukrainian state. We also dive into the deeper understandings of NATO and Americas role in creating class divisions internationally, and NATO's influence of Ukraine. Today signifies 201 days since the Kononovich brothers were kidnapped by the Ukrainian governmentBe sure to sign the YCL's Free Kononovich petition - https://www.change.org/p/freedom-for-the-kononovich-brothers?redirect=falseWorld Federation of Democratic Youth - https://twitter.com/wfdy1945fmjd?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor...2022-09-2316 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Marxist Feminism ft. Stephanie MartinJoined by Stephanie Martin, Women's Officer for the Glasgow Branch of the Young Communist League of Britain, we discuss the importance of taking a Marxist Feminist perspective on the emancipation of women, the images of women that capitalism creates, sexual health and abortion rights, and the role that men can play in the liberation of women from the chains of capitalism.Stephanie's Twitter - https://twitter.com/GlassOniionBack off Scotland - https://www.backoffscotland.com/Music Credit : Dolly Parton - 9 to 5Lilly Allen - LDNContact us...2022-08-0841 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Capitalism and the Youth ft. Gavin Brewis Joined by Gavin Brewis (GFB), we discuss the effects that capitalism has on the youth, how bourgeois role models are poisoning the potential of young people, and what the solution is to prevent the degeneracy of the working class youth.Gavin Brewis twitter - https://twitter.com/Gavin_F_BrewisThe People's School Uniform Project - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-peoples-school-uniform-funding-projectMusic Credit : Artmesia - Bits n PiecesKneecap - H.O.O.DContact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com2022-07-1146 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Cleansing Workers of Glasgow: The Importance of a Trade Union ft. Chris MitchellJoined by Chris Mitchell of the GMB Trade Union, we discuss the importance of trade unions in todays world and the need for young members to get active within the trade union movement. We also explore the cleansing workers of Glasgow and their ongoing fight against COSLA and the Scottish Government, for better pay and conditions.Chris Mitchell - https://twitter.com/ChrisMGMBGMB Branch 40 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Public---Government-Service/GMB-Branch-40-100337418448138/TUC find a Union - https://www.tuc.org.uk/joinunionRMT - https://www...2022-06-2732 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Palestine Struggle ft. International Solidarity Movement Joined by representatives from International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Scotland, we explore the history of Palestine and its current struggles. We also explore the role that the ISM plays in providing aid to the people of PalestineInternational Solidarity Movement - https://palsolidarity.org/International Solidarity Movement Scotland - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1576881199052795/Palestine Action - https://www.palestineaction.org/Music Credit : 4th Chamber - GZA The Return of Lowkey - Lowkey2022-06-1049 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Glasgow University Communist Society ft. Jamie FitzpatrickJoined by Jamie Fitzpatrick of the Glasgow University Communist Society, we explore the state influence within the education system and the importance of communist representation within universities.UCU : https://www.ucu.org.uk/GUCS : https://www.glasgowunisrc.org/organisation/communists/Music credit : Schools Out - Alice Cooper: Fight The Power - Public Enemy2022-05-2935 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - Scotland's Bloody Future ?As the YSI and SNP affirm their support of for Scotland to become a member of NATO, post independence. We look into the dark history of NATO and the bloody path Scotland could be heading downCommunist Party of Britain : https://www.communistparty.org.uk/CND : https://cnduk.org/Music Credit : Barbarism Begins at Home - The SmithsCanter - Gerry Cinnamon2022-05-2317 min
SPECTRE PodcastSPECTRE - The Young Communist League of Britain ft. Johnnie HunterJoined by Johnnie Hunter, General Secretary of the YCL, we delve into the YCL and its past and present mission in and outside of Britain. From league structure, to standing up for patriotism within a socialist framework, we explore many issues facing the British working classThe YCL - https://ycl.org.uk/Music credit : White Willow Bark - MF DOOMThat's Not Me - Skepta ft. JME2022-05-201h 07