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Discussion and analysis of politics, history, theory and activism from a revolutionary socialist perspective.
Welcome to Red Flag Radio
We are a socialist podcast based in Australia. We discuss politics, theory and history from a revolutionary Marxist perspective. We aim to explain socialist ideas in a clear and accessible way and to promote the voices of anti-capitalist activists worldwide.
Episodes
Apr 18, 2020
Apr 18, 2020
47 min
The major crises developing from the COVID-19 pandemic are leading many people to think seriously about alternatives to capitalism. As governments around the world spend billions more than usual on welfare and bailouts, questions are being raised about what socialism actually looks like. On this episode, we discuss how to understand socialism from a revolutionary perspective and how we can fight for it with guests Sarah Garnham and Moira Leahy.
We're still working on our sound quality (it gets better through the episode!) Please support us on Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Livestream on Sunday 19th April - https://www.facebook.com/events/2640038589652374/
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Apr 9, 2020
Apr 9, 2020
40 min
The 'Spanish Flu' pandemic of 1918-1920 killed millions of people around the world. Many comparisons are being made to the current crisis, but little attention has been paid to the militant working class rebellion and resistance that broke out in a number of countries, including Australia. Socialist activist and historian Mick Armstrong joins Roz and Liam to uncover stories of struggle in India, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia.
Please support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag online - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Apr 5, 2020
Apr 5, 2020
42 min
Right wing and far-right responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have included outright denial, racist conspiracy theories, extreme nationalism, and anti-democratic authoritarianism. In Australia, incidents of anti-Asian racism have increased and the police are already using the new conditions to crack down on marginal communities. In the long term, this crisis has the potential to build and strengthen the far-right unless there is organised left wing opposition. Roz and Liam are joined in discussion by Vashti Fox, a socialist activist and writer who is currently researching the history of anti-fascism in Australia since the 1970s.*
*we're working on our remote recording quality - please support the podcast on Patreon to help us get better equipment to record outside our usual home studio space. https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag online - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Mar 29, 2020
Mar 29, 2020
53 min
The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus is only just beginning to hit as tens of thousands of workers lose their jobs in Australia and trillions of dollars are spent by governments internationally to bailout business. Analysts are already predicting an economic crisis on a scale potentially bigger than the Great Depression of the 1930s. On this episode, Roz is joined by Rick Kuhn, a Marxist economist, writer, political activist, and honorary Associate Professor at the Australian National University to discuss how we can understand the economic situation.*
*we're working on our remote recording quality - please support the podcast on Patreon to help us get better equipment to record outside our usual home studio space. https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag online - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Mar 25, 2020
Mar 25, 2020
41 min
Educators, parents and students are fighting to shut down schools and childcare centres in Australia to keep all workers and families safe. They are demanding full pay for all workers impacted by closures, and safe provision of care for health workers and other essential service workers. While the government has banned gatherings of more than 10 people they still refuse to shut down schools nationwide. In response, ordinary people are organising resistance. Roz is joined by parents Cathy and Anita alongside year-six student Maya for a discussion of what has been happening, and why it is so important to keep fighting*.
*we're working on our remote recording quality - please support the podcast on Patreon to help us get better equipment to record outside our usual home studio space. https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Follow Workers Organising Resistance in the Pandemic
https://www.facebook.com/WorkersOrganisingResistance
National School Boycott M23 #ShutTheSchoolsNow
https://www.facebook.com/events/538206863490269/
Livestream event Weds 25th 7pm (Melb time)
https://www.facebook.com/events/586894028580228/
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag online - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Mar 21, 2020
Mar 21, 2020
46 min
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on workers around the world is on a scale unprecedented in living memory. In Australia, hundreds of thousands of workers have already lost their jobs, many others are working in hazardous conditions, and almost all have inadequate sick leave allowances. In the face of this, Australian-based workers and unionists are already organising resistance in their workplaces. Roz and Liam are joined by union activists Kath Larkin and Jerome Small for an urgent discussion*.
*we're working on our remote recording quality - please support the podcast on Patreon to help us get better equipment to record outside our usual home studio - https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Follow Workers Organising Resistance in the Pandemic https://www.facebook.com/WorkersOrganisingResistance
National School Boycott M23 #ShutTheSchoolsNow
https://www.facebook.com/events/538206863490269/
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag online - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Mar 18, 2020
Mar 18, 2020
51 min
With the prospect of a rapid escalation in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia, the risk of hundreds if not thousands of deaths, and a growing international economic crisis the brutal reality of capitalism is being revealed more each day. Private profits have been prioritised over public health and workers rights. Roz and Liam are joined in discussion by Red Flag editor Louise O'Shea and veteran activist, historian and writer Sandra Bloodworth.
*we're working on our remote recording quality - please support the podcast on Patreon to help us get better equipment to record outside our usual home studio - https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Follow our coverage of the crisis in Red Flag online - https://redflag.org.au/
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Mar 13, 2020
Mar 13, 2020
41 min
As capitalism lurches from crisis to crisis, the question of revolutionary change has become increasingly important. But what do Marxists mean by revolution? Can revolutions actually happen? What does a revolution look like? Roz Ward is joined in conversation with Tess Dimos and Omar Hassan for an introduction to one of the key concepts of Marxism.
*Please note this episode was recorded on 15 January 2020*
For more reading on this and other topics check out Red Flag's new Introduction to Socialism section.
Thank you to our Patreon supporters! Please chip in some dollars to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Mar 4, 2020
Mar 4, 2020
45 min
International Working Women's Day has a socialist history. On this episode, we discuss the rebellious and revolutionary women who have been at the forefront of working class struggles from 1917 to today. From the legacy of the women's liberation in the 1970s to the global struggles erupting in 2019, there is much to celebrate and so much more to win. Roz is joined by Melbourne socialist activists Liz Walsh and Louisa Bassini to discuss how we fight sexism, and where we have the power to achieve genuine liberation.
Read more of the history of IWWD in Red Flag here and explore our coverage of gender and sexuality.
For more discussions like this one (with you in them!) come to Australia's biggest socialist conference Marxism 2020.
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 26, 2020
Feb 26, 2020
42 min
The agriculture industry is responsible for huge volumes of greenhouse gas emissions and is a key driver of mass deforestation. Crops are sprayed with millions of tonnes of toxic pesticides and fertilizers which ruin the soil and run into the waterways. Despite all this, 9 million people a year will starve to death. On this episode, we explore the production of food in recent human history and uncover the reasons why sustainable food production is not possible in a capitalist system. With special guest scientist Roxanne Kelly.
For more discussions like this one (with you in them!) come to Australia's biggest socialist conference Marxism 2020.
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 24, 2020
Feb 24, 2020
42 min
The second of our series of beginners guide episodes offers an introduction to Marxist economics. What is the difference between mainstream economics and Marxist economics? What are the relationships of economic production that shape life within capitalism? What is the labour theory of value? What does knowing anything about economics have to do with trying to change the world? Host Roz Ward discusses the answers to these questions and more with activists Sarah Garnham and Luca Tavan.
For more reading on this and other topics check out Red Flag's new Introduction to Socialism section.
For more discussions like this one (in real life!) come to Australia's biggest socialist conference Marxism 2020.
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 21, 2020
Feb 21, 2020
47 min
The Jabiluka uranium deposit in the Northern Territory is one of the richest in the world. In 1998, work was scheduled to begin on a mine that would have extracted 19 million tonnes of ore. Led by the traditional owners of the land - the Mirarr people - a campaign was built that successfully stopped the construction of the mine. Fleur and Jerome were activists in the Jabiluka Action Group in Melbourne that organised solidarity protests and blockades in the city. On this episode, they share the story of how a campaign of (extra)ordinary people managed to force a massive mining company to keep it in the ground.
Read Fleur's full story in Red Flag here.
For more discussions like this one (in real life!) come to Australia's biggest socialist conference Marxism 2020.
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 14, 2020
Feb 14, 2020
39 min
As a follow up from our previous episode, Red Flag editor Ben Hillier reports directly from the ground in Hong Kong on how the democracy movement has been impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. We also discuss the impact of changes in police tactics and the development of union organisations as the protesters vow to continue the struggle.
Ben's latest piece in Red Flag is here.
For more discussions like this one (in real life!) come to Australia's biggest socialist conference Marxism 2020.
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper - https://subscribe.redflag.org.au/
Contact the show - redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 13, 2020
Feb 13, 2020
36 min
The first in a new series of 'beginners guide' episodes aimed at people who are new to socialist politics or those who want to refresh their interest! This show focuses on capitalism and asks: What is capitalism? Where did capitalism come from? Why is it such a shit system? It is possible to change capitalism for the better? Can we really get rid of capitalism? Host Roz Ward is joined by activists Anneke Demanuele and Emma Black in the discussion.
For more reading on this and other topics check out Red Flag's new Introduction to Socialism section.
For more discussions like this one (in real life!) come to Australia's biggest socialist conference Marxism 2020.
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 6, 2020
Feb 6, 2020
1hr 4 min
On this special episode we talk to Australian comedian Tom Ballard. Tom is a former triple j presenter, host of ABC tv show Tonightly, writer, podcaster, and stand-up comedian. Tom asks us some big questions about revolution and socialism. Roz and Liam are joined by Sarah Garnham for a lively and serious discussion about how to change the world.
For more discussions like this come to Marxism 2020 - Australia's biggest socialist conference. Tom already bought his ticket!
Please support the podcast on Patreon to help us keep making the show.
https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Tom Ballard's podcast is here -http://tomballard.com.au/podcast/
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Feb 1, 2020
Feb 1, 2020
42 min
The Liberal government's proposed 'Religious Discrimination' Bills would enshrine the right for individuals to express bigoted views and for organisations to discriminate in employment and the provision of services. The laws would restrict access to healthcare for LGBTI+ people and reproductive rights as well as increasing prejudice against other minorities. On this episode, we talk to activists Ali Hogg and April Holcombe about what lessons to take from the marriage equality campaign, how we can beat the bigots, and why Scomo has to go.
Join the protests in Melbourne on Sunday 9th Feb or Sydney on Saturday 8th Feb.
Come to Marxism 2020, Australia's biggest socialist conference.
Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Jan 27, 2020
Jan 27, 2020
41 min
On this episode, we speak to Sagar Sanyal about the political situation in India and the ongoing resistance to the new islamophobic citizenship law. Since the law passed in December last year, millions have taken part in demonstrations and occupations across the country. Women and students have played a particularly important role in pushing back against Modi's increasing authoritarianism in the face of police violence and political repression.
Come to Marxism 2020, Australia's biggest socialist conference.
Support the podcast on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Jan 17, 2020
Jan 17, 2020
36 min
The response to the unprecedented bushfire crisis in Australia has highlighted the inequality and injustice at the heart of the system. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been heavily criticised for the government's slow and woefully inadequate measures to deal with the both the fires and the devastating aftermath. On this episode we speak to Sydney based socialist activist Eleanor Morley who has visited fire affected areas in NSW and been part of Uni Students for Climate Justice, the group that has organised protests demanding climate justice and for Scott Morrison to be sacked.
Read Eleanor's reporting in Red Flag here.
For details of upcoming demonstrations nationally follow Uni Students for Climate Justice here.
You can now support the show! https://www.patreon.com/redflagradiopodcast
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show: redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Jan 8, 2020
Jan 8, 2020
42 min
On this episode, we're joined by Red Flag editor Louise O'Shea to discuss the ongoing attacks on civil liberties in Australia. This increasing authoritarianism includes the criminalisation of journalists and whistleblowers, an expansion of police powers, denial of free speech, growing prison populations, and secret trials. A 2019 CIVICUS report found that in the Pacific region, “the most alarming deterioration in civic space is occurring in Australia” with the country downgraded from a classification of an “open” society to one which is “narrowed”.
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny.
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show>> redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com
Dec 20, 2019
Dec 20, 2019
36 min
French workers have entered a new phase of struggle sparked by President Macron's proposed cuts to the current pension and welfare system. Massive street protests and strikes have taken place as the gilet jaunes (yellow vests) join rail workers, teachers, and other unionists in actions that have continued for fifteen days. On this episode, we are joined by socialist activist Chris di Pasquale to discuss the context, history and politics of the current wave of rebellion in France.
France's general strike: uniting society's anger by Léon Crémieux article in Red Flag here.
Red Flag Radio is a revolutionary socialist podcast.
Hosted by Roz Ward. Produced by Liam Ward.
Music by Dan Kenny - more information in this episode!
Subscribe to Red Flag newspaper. Australia's leading socialist publication.
Contact the show>> redflagradiopodcast@gmail.com