Shows
Current AffairsWhy You Should Join a Club (w/ Rebecca and Pete Davis)Get new episodes early at patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!Today on the Current Affairs podcast, we're joined by two filmmakers, one of whom will be well known to longtime podcast listeners. Pete Davis founded the Current Affairs podcast and served as its original host. Pete and his sister Rebecca Davis have made a new documentary called Join or Die, which looks at the decline of civic life in America, focusing on the work of Bowling Alone author Robert Putnam. The film dives into history to show how, in days before our present epidemic of loneliness and atomization, Americans...
2024-08-2347 minCurrent AffairsVoicemailbag XIIIWe dip once again into your voicemails! Topics include expectations for the Biden administration, anarchic education, and aliens. Stay tuned to the end so you can be sad.
The panel this week was business manager Allegra Silcox, contributing editor Eli Massey, legal editor Oren Nimni, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host was, for the final time...Pete Davis.
"Education Gamification": https://www.currentaffairs.org/2019/10/education-gamification
"The Past and Future of the Socialist Sunday School": https://www.currentaffairs.org/2020/08/the-past-and-future-of-the-socialist-sunday-school
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
2021-01-1257 minCurrent AffairsIs MMT Real? #1: Stephanie KeltonModern Monetary Theory—three simple words that are tearing apart the left. Pete Davis and Sparky Abraham have spent the last few years feeling curious and confused about this highly contentious theory, which posits that the U.S. government can deficit spend much more than it currently believes it can. (Or maybe it doesn't posit that. We're not sure.) Together, they've decided to launch a new series, in which they will interview people across the spectrum of left economics, ask questions, admit what they don't know, and try and muddle through one of the most complex questions in the world of...
2020-12-011h 36Current Affairs#53: Cancel Rent CultureThe panel discusses gender, "yikes" moments, and redemption.
The panel this week was lieutenant editor Brianna Rennix, finance editor Sparky Abraham, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, business manager Allegra Silcox, and administrative maven Cate Root. Your host is Pete Davis.
Rennix's gender article is here: https://www.currentaffairs.org/2020/06/the-peculiarity-of-gender
"Where in the World is Peter Daniel Davis?" jingle is by semi-official Current Affairs musician Danny Bradley. Music for LegumeAnon by Alexander Blu.
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
2020-07-151h 18Current AffairsJohn J. Lennon on doing journalism from prisonPete Davis speaks to prison journalist John J. Lennon (@JohnJLennon1), who writes and acts as contributing editor for Esquire magazine, all while incarcerated in Sing Sing.
John J. Lennon's podcast is available here: https://www.podcastone.com/This-Is-A-Collect-Call-from-Sing-Sing
Website here: johnjlennon.org
This episode was made available earlier to our Patreon subscribers. To gain early access to episodes like these, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
2020-04-1754 minCurrent AffairsPREVIEW: John J. Lennon on doing journalism from prisonIn this particularly special episode, Pete Davis speaks to prison journalist John J. Lennon (@JohnJLennon1), who writes and acts as contributing editor for Esquire magazine, all while incarcerated in Sing Sing.
This is a preview of an episode currently available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To listen to this episode in full, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please consider becoming one of our subscribers at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
2020-03-3101 minCurrent AffairsUNLOCKED! Josh Davis on Christian socialismThis episode was originally available exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. We're releasing it to everyone - we hope you enjoy it, and if you'd like to hear more episodes like this, please consider subscribing to our Patreon feed at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
Pete Davis talks to Josh Davis of the newly-founded Institute for Christian Socialism. Together, they talk about the intertwined history of left movements and Christianity.
The Institute for Christian Socialism: https://christiansocialism.com/
Twitter: @smashmammon
The Enchantments of Mammon by Eugene McCarraher: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674984615
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn...
2020-03-0349 minCurrent AffairsPREVIEW: Josh Davis on Christian socialismPete Davis talks to Josh Davis of the newly-founded Institute for Christian Socialism. Together, they talk about the intertwined history of left movements and Christianity.
This is a preview of an episode available in full exclusively to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other brilliant bonus content, please subscribe to our Patreon feed at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
2020-02-1406 minCurrent AffairsEnd-of-Season Bonus: The Decade In ReviewThe twenty-tens are over, if you're not one of those pedants who insists the twenties don't start 'til 2021. This week, our panel waves goodbye to the last decade, and looks back on the new trends it brought us in tech, comedy, journalism, and popes.
On location data: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/12/10/business/location-data-privacy-apps.html
Nathan's free book: https://images.currentaffairs.org/2019/12/myaffairs-manuscript-free.pdf
Your panel this week was finance editor Sparky Abraham, amusements and managing editor Lyta Gold, senior editor Brianna Rennix, and editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson. Your host is Pete Davis.
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn...
2020-01-141h 14Current AffairsPREVIEW: Elias Crim on localism, solidarity and the Christian leftIn this episode, Current Affairs host Pete Davis speaks with Elias Crim, founder of the blog and online discussion group Solidarity Hall. Together, they discuss the eclectic blend of influences that have inspired their unique outlooks on politics: from Pope Francis, to Polish unions, to housewives who protest ill-considered expressways.
Pete also describes the Current Affairs team as "a ragtag set of characters", which we have chosen to take as a compliment.
This is a preview of an episode available in full to our Patreon subscribers. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other delicious...
2019-11-0501 minCurrent AffairsPREVIEW: Luminiferous PeterPete Davis, host of the Current Affairs podcast, is many things. Even we at the Current Affairs headquarters only know, at best, maybe 10% of the things that he is. For over a year now, Pete has remained shrouded in mystery, hosting the show without dominating the conversation, allowing the rest of the team to speak their minds, and referring only occasionally to his own thoughts. Well, here and now, for the first time ever, editor-in-chief Nathan J. Robinson and finance editor Sparky Abraham are ready to quiz Pete on his many thoughts, theories and stray ideas about the world.
What...
2019-10-2401 minCurrent AffairsIn conversation: Mckayla Wilkes on her 2020 run for CongressCurrent Affairs host Pete Davis and managing editor Lyta Gold sit down with Mckayla Wilkes, a 28-year-old progressive who is challenging the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for his seat. Mckayla tells us what motivated her to run, her experiences with the criminal justice system, and the power of a grassroots campaign.
You can find out more about Mckayla's campaign at https://www.mckayla2020.com/ .
We're unlocking this episode for all listeners! To gain access to more episodes like this, as well as lots of other delicious bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
2019-08-0834 minCurrent AffairsUNLOCKED! Chuck Marohn on Strong TownsCurrent Affairs host Pete Davis sits down with engineer, land planner and founder of the Strong Towns movement, Chuck Marohn, to discuss how to create thriving towns and cities.
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn of Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
This episode was made available early for our patrons. If you'd like early access to episodes like this, as well as lots of exclusive bonus content, consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs!
2019-08-0548 minCurrent AffairsPREVIEW: Chuck Marohn on Strong TownsCurrent Affairs host Pete Davis sits down with engineer, land planner and founder of the Strong Towns movement, Chuck Marohn, to discuss how to create thriving towns and cities.
This is an excerpt from an exclusive Patreon episode. To gain full access to this episode, as well as lots of other delicious bonus content, consider becoming one of our patrons at www.patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.
2019-07-2302 minCurrent Affairs#27: Folks, Fasten Your Seatbelts... (ft. Ralph Nader)Current Affairs host Pete Davis speaks to legendary activist, attorney and consumer advocate Ralph Nader about the potential of young people, political tactics, and the advantages of being an outsider.
You can find more information about Ralph Nader and his decades of work, as well as his regularly updated columns and radio show, at nader.org.
Support Current Affairs by becoming a patron on our Patreon page. For the written form of Current Affairs — and to subscribe to the beautiful print magazine — visit currentaffairs.org. To join the conversation, leave us a voicemail at 504-867-8851.
2019-06-1055 minCurrent AffairsUNLOCKED: Virgil Texas on the Chapo Trap House phenomenonUNLOCKED FROM THE PATREON BIRD FEED: Current Affairs host Pete Davis talks with Virgil Texas about his hit podcast, Chapo Trap House: its origins, its philosophy, its style, its future.
Read Virgil's old Carl Diggler dispatches here.
This episode was edited by Dan Thorn at Pink Noise Studios in Somerville, MA.
To listen to Bird Feed episodes right when they come out, become a patron at our Patreon page: Patreon.com/CurrentAffairs.
2019-04-1550 minCurrent Affairs#23: You Can Call Me (Weird) AlThe Current Affairs panel discuss why they fight in the first place and then share what cultural products are their favorite lefty gateway drugs.
The Panel
Sparky Abraham, finance editor
Lyta Gold, amusements editor
Aisling McCrea, contributing editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief
Pete Davis, host
Our lefty gateway drugs
Kurt Vonnegut's God Bless You Mr. Rosewater
[Black Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Star_(rap_duo)
Mos Def's Black on Both Sides
A Bug’s Life
Star Trek
Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas"
The musical [Cabaret](https://en...
2019-04-1251 min
Current Affairs#20: Voicemailbag IVEvery fifth episode, we like to open up the phone lines and take callers. Join us as we answer questions about: science, Beto, doctors, reverse racism and Douglas Adams!
Our panel:
Briahna Joy Gray, contributing editor
Sparky Abraham, finance editor
Vanessa A. Bee, social media editor
Lyta Gold, amusements editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief
Pete Davis, host
Miscellaneous items
Douglas Adams's cookie story
Einstein's article on socialism
Chomsky's on the responsibility of intellectuals
Nathan on how rights don't mean slavery
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw's essay that coined the phrase "intersectionality"
Corrections
Vanessa said s...
2019-02-271h 05
Current Affairs#17: The Green Big DealThe Current Affairs panel learns about the Green New Deal, discusses the American loneliness epidemic, and share what we think is the worst example of American political amnesia.
The Panel:
Brianna Rennix, senior editor
Briahna Joy Gray, contributing editor
Vanessa A. Bee, social media editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief
Pete Davis, host
Tickets for the live show on January 26th at the Rock & Roll Hotel in Washington, D.C. are HERE.
Further reading on the Green New Deal:
Here is Kate Aranoff with a great GND explainer. Here's Eric Levitz on...
2018-12-201h 22
Current Affairs#16: 2020 VisionsThe Current Affairs panel discusses how they are approaching the 2020 Presidential campaign, we decide whether money is speech, and we all share what we think is the most important lesson that the left can learn from the right.
Tickets for the live show on January 26th at the Rock & Roll Hotel in Washington, D.C. are HERE.
The Panel
Lyta Gold, amusements editor
Oren Nimni, legal editor
Sparky Abraham, finance editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor in chief
Pete Davis, host
Tickets for the live show on January 26th at the Rock & Roll Hotel...
2018-12-051h 08
Current Affairs#15: The Voicemailbag IIIThe Current Affairs panel opens up the phone lines, answering listener questions on postmodernism, growth, effective altruism, New Orleans and jokes.
The Panel
Brianna Rennix, senior editor
Oren Nimni, legal editor
Lyta Gold, amusements editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief
Pete Davis, host
Miscellany
Here's Nathan's original article on the problem of academic language. Here is the 80,000 hours blog referenced in the Effective Altruism segment. Here is Nathan and Brianna's podcast on the morality of wealth. Here is a great book by John Cort on Christian socialism and here is a piece on Martin...
2018-11-2055 min
Current Affairs#14: Fascism SchmascismThe Current Affairs panel discusses the politics of tragedy, we attempt to define fascism, and we all share something that gives us hope in the 2018 elections.
The Panel:
Briahna Joy Gray, contributing editor
Vanessa A. Bee, social media editor
Sparky Abraham, finance editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief
Pete Davis, host
Further reading on the politics of tragedy
Nathan's piece on politicizing tragedies is here. The Outline had an essay on politicizing tragedies here and The Guardian had one on the conservative theory of tragedies here. Plus, here's Nathan's inciteful/insightful architecture article.
2018-11-0653 min
Current Affairs#13: Spooky AffairsIn our unlucky 13th episode, the Current Affairs panel gets into the Halloween spirit: we investigate the murder of American democracy, Pete makes the case that Halloween is the best holiday, and we all share our favorite unsolved mysteries.
The Death Panel:
Brianna Rennix, senior editor
Oren Nimni, legal editor
Lyta Gold, amusements editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief
Pete Davis, host
Miscellaneous Reading:
The books Pete referenced in segment one are Democracy's Discontent by Michael Sandel and The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism by Daniel Bell. A James Joyce halloween costume is here and...
2018-10-231h 04
Current Affairs#11: The Fault in Our BarnstarsThe Current Affairs panel discusses whether the political is personal, Nathan waxes poetic about Wikipedia, and we all share something that is trending in the right direction.
The Panel:
Briahna Joy Gray, contributing editor
Oren Nimni, legal editor
Lyta Gold, amusements editor
Nathan J. Robinson, editor in chief
Pete Davis, host
Further reading on Wikipedia:
Here's more on Wikipedia's government structure. Here's The Guardian waxing poetic about Wikipedia. Here's a relatively recent profile of Jimmy Wales. Here's the Wikipedia page on gender bias on the site. Here's a group working to increase black...
2018-09-251h 13