Workers' Lit

It’s another Patron-selection! Welcome to “All Systems Red,” a 2017 sci-fi adventure novella by Martha Wells. We talk about Wells’ life and the story, but a good chunk of this episode is dedicated to discussing robots in fiction more generally. What makes the robot who wants love such an interesting stand-in for real world alienation? Where do those parallels fall short? How does the rise of Gen AI (particularly AI slop) impact our relationship to robot narratives? Would Muderbot engage in kink at Pride discourse? All this and more will be answered! Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/workerslit

In the year 2000 a snarky chef named Anthony Bourdain published a collection of essays, rants, and observations about the food industry. The dude went on to do cool stuff, so much that our patrons voted for us to discuss this book! In this episode we discuss how restaurant culture has (and mostly hasn't) changed, how to have working class solidarity in weird situations, the beauty of loving your job and having dignity in it, and the new A24 Film, "Tony." Read the original Bourdain essay here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1999/04/19/dont-eat-before-reading-this Go support us on Patreon here! https://www.patreon.com/workerslit

This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/workerslit The spookiness only grows! Jonathan Sims returns to Workers' Lit to talk with Aysha about his work, his novel, "The Burn Line" (which you should buy!), horror, trains, and more! This episode is exclusively for $5 patrons and up. Every patron we gets helps us keep the show going and growing, and we appreciate you all for it! Check out more of Jonathan's work here: https://jonathan-sims.com/ Go buy Jonthan's newest book, "The Burn Line" https://www.sourcebooks.com/the-burn-line.html

It's about to get really spooky. Join us as we explore Robert W. Chambers' iconic 1895 short story collection, "The King In Yellow." Learn about this iconic influence on Lovecraft and eldritch horror as a genre, consider what might lie within the pages of that cursed play that makes you crazy, and consider whether you might in fact be the King of the United States. Joining us is Jonathan Sims, writer of the Magnus Archives/Magnus Protocol, voice actor in games such as Slay the Princess, and author of books such as, "Family Business." Together, we will answer such puzzles as why Rhode Island is so scary, what the deal is with American and British naming conventions, and why the second half of this collection really, really, REALLY drags. Also, would an eldritch being find Jacob sexy? We discuss! Check out Jonathan's work here: https://jonathan-sims.com Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit

It’s a classic “we read a conservative book and get mad” episode! This time we take on pseduo-biographer and self-proclaimed public intellectual Eric Metaxes and his 2022 book, “Letter to the American Church.” Eric says he sees scary parallels to nazi Germany in today’s USA…and he thinks Donald Trump is going to stop it. Joining us is 7-time returning guest and evangelical-freak-understander Josh Boerman. Together we will crash out about Eric and, somewhere in the rage, try to figure out the core of his ideology and how to fight it. Check out Josh’s phenomenal podcasts, The Worst of All Possible Worlds and Ill Concieved, at his website! https://joshboerman.com/ Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit Links from the episode: https://www.christiancentury.org/reviews/2010-09/hijacking-bonhoeffer https://currentpub.com/2024/10/20/bonhoeffer-family-to-eric-metaxas-we-are-horrified-to-see-how-the-legacy-of-dietrich-bonhoeffer-is-being-distorted-and-misused/ https://manhattandeclaration.org/

This is a preview. To access the full episode please go support Workers' Lit on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/WorkersLit/posts/article-brain-167304042 It's August Article Brain! And we've got more brain worms than ever. This month, Lenore brings us an article about a trans woman who is bemoaning that the CIA is becoming less accepting of trans people (no mention of becoming more accepting of election results in the Global South). Jacob brings us an article by a never-Trump Republican claiming that actually, Democrats shouldn't run on popular things.

This book is weird, and horny, and gnarly, and gross, and exciting, and an all around winner. Welcome to our discussion of “The Works of Vermin,” Hiron Ennes’ 2025 speculative fantasty slam dunk of a novel. Seriously, go buy this one. Go read it. The episode will still be here when you’re done. And we’re not alone! Maria Ingrade Mora, author of “A Wild Radiance” and many others joins us as we descend into this labyrinth of class, gender, angst, repression, and artistic agonies. Questions we discuss: Can art be a revolution? What makes a good plot twist work? Where is the line between effective and overwrought prose? Is it possible to get head so good you join a new political movement? Go check out Maria’s work and get a copy of “A Wild Radiance!” https://www.mariamora.net/ Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/workerslit (Production Note: Lenore’s internet was a problem so she had to drop out of the episode midway through and we didn’t get any of her audio. As such there may be an occasional odd-sounding moment in the first half because we had to cut around Lenore. Apologies for any confusion this may create!)

It’s the big one. Our most requested text ever. The spectre haunting Europe is now haunting our podcast. It’s 1848’s “The Communist Manifesto” from Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels! What are the origins of this earth shattering text? Where does it still hold up, and what needs adjusting for a modern context? Did Marx and Engels ever kiss? We discuss it all! If you ever wanted to learn about the foundation of communism but bounced off the age of the work or lack of context, this is perfect. And if you’re a certified Marx expert there’s still stuff to love. It’s a good episode!! Go support Workers’ Lit on Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit Read or listen to the Communist Manifesto yourself here, it’s not long! https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/download/pdf/Manifesto.pdf https://www.marxists.org/audiobooks/archive/marx-engels/communist-manifesto/index.htm

We've returned to the dark abyss that is the mind of Just Dance Vance. AJ Ditty of The Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast joins us to take on Vice President JD Vance's newest book, "Communion: Finding my way back to faith." Vance tells us all how he totally became an authentic Catholic, definitely believes in God, and certainly isn't merely trying to set up a 2028 presidential run. Topics in this discussion include Vance's quirky millennial-ness, Vance as wife guy, the networks of money behind Vance, and some helpful tips to shut down anyone who tries to say this dude is worth your time. Link to our original episode on JD Vance (Hillbilly Elegy): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0MiUlc8fho79aP1twvVDDz Check out The Worst of All Possible Worlds: https://www.patreon.com/WorstOfAll Get tickets to see AJ's play, "Heart of Duckness": https://portlandstage.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SPa00000dFOunMAG Go support Workers' Lit on Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit

Grab your three-ringed binders, highlighters, and spellbooks, this week we're talking about "The Incandescent," a 2025 academia fantasy novel by Emily Tesh. We've got schools, and labor concerns, and demons, and bisexuality, and a fantastic guest: Brandon Crilly, author, organizer, and all around cool guy. You may know his novels, such as "Catalyst" and "Castoff," or perhaps his work on The Expanse RPG. Know him or not, you'll be a fan by the end of this episode! You can check out everything Brandon's up to here: https://linktr.ee/brandoncrilly Go support us on Patreon, where we release exclusive content such as author interviews (including an upcoming one with Brandon himself!) https://Patreon.com/workerslit

It’s time to talk about a true living legend: Angela Davis. Educational YouTuber and podcaster RevolutionaryTh0t joins us to talk about the life of one of the greatest thinkers and organizers of our time before we hop into the 1981 book, “Women, Race, and Class.” Fair warning, this book gets into the truly brutal American history of its three titular topics, so please be aware this episode features discussion of sexual and racial violence. RevolutionaryTh0t is a non-binary socialist trying to undo decades of Red Scare propaganda and get people to believe in themselves so we can build a better world - one in which the individual can come to full fruition. Check out their fantastic YouTube Channel, as well as the podcast “Half The Sky,” at the links below. https://www.youtube.com/@revolutionaryth0t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578 Go support us and get bonus content at our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/workerslit Listen to the eugenics episode of “Ill Conceived” referenced on the pod here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Y7D9TuIhTD10Awoa3ZdRr?si=akdhoPwvQ_WZWWYJT42ZWA

Pull up a chair listeners, and heed the tale of a man named Zakalwe… This month’s listener-chosen episode is “Use of Weapons” by Iain M. Banks, a 1990 sci-fi novel and one of the most famous entries in “The Culture” series. Imagine an alien civilization so advanced that they spend all their time trying to help other species develop. Now imagine they have to recruit a mercenary to help them with extremely sticky situations. Now imagine that mercenary is the most obnoxiously try-hard faux cool jerk with deep-seated trauma surrounding cuck chairs. Imagine that and you’ve got this book. Want to suggest and help pick out future episode topics? Want access to weekly bonus content? Check out our Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit

We are joined once again by Rae of the phenomenal ProlesPod, this time to discuss a deeply influential work of philosophy: Mao Zedong's 1937 essay, "On Practice." Perhaps one day we'll do our big Mao deep dive episode. This isn't that. Instead, this is a close look at a particular aspect of practical theory for changing the world...and regardless of your take on what came after, it cannot be denied the Chinese Communists were pretty damn effective at that whole, "changing the world thing." You can read or listen to the essay here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/selected-works/volume-1/mswv1_16.htm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86RIzuWVsYA Go check out ProlesPod! It's a podcast about history, politics, and culture...without the liberalism. https://prolespod.libsyn.com/ Go check out Half The Sky, Rae and Lenore's other podcast for communist women (and women adjacent). https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578 And finally, make sure you support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit

Let's get into some THEORY (don't worry, we make it fun)! Lenore, Jacob, and Jen are discussing the revolutionary Vladimir Lenin's famous 1916 text, "Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism." Despite being more than 100 years old, this book feels deeply relevant in 2026...terrifyingly so. We talk about the life of Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, before going through the book chapter by chapter, showing how capitalism creates monopoly which chases after greater profits that eventually leads to imperialism and war. It's intense stuff, but it brings great clarity to the world we live in. The entire book is available here: https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ The USSR is a complex and divisive topic. If you're interested in a primer on Soviet history, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb5grDNww6U Support us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/workerslit Check out "Half The Sky!" https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578

Hey Lit Ladies and Lads (but especially ladies for this one!) Today's episode is episode three of a new show featuring both Jen Big Nasty and Lenore. Episodes of Half The Sky won't typically go up on the Workers' Lit feed, but we figured, why not give you a sample? Half the Sky is an attempt to provide a perspective often lacking from the podcast space: that of women (and women-adjacent folks). If and when those voices are present, they are quite often offset by their dude counterparts. And so (at least on the mic) HTS is a bro-free zone. Our hosts on this very special audio journey (in addition to Lenore and Jen) are Rae of ProlesPod, Luna Oi!, and Revolutionary Th0t. Episode three is a thoughtful yet approachable conversation about beauty standards. What does it look like to be objectified? Are there times that objectification can be leveraged beneficially? How do each of the hosts, with their very separate and unique experiences, view their relationship to what they were taught or socialized as children? Is Toe-Man good? Bad? Is advocating for Toe-Man liberalism? All of these questions and more are answered within... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/half-the-sky-podcast/id6786116578 Find the girlies elsewhere On socials: Instagram.com/HalftheSkyPod (More are coming, we swear!) Lenore and Jen Big Nasty on Workers’ Lit: Patreon.com/WorkersLit Rae on ProlesPod: Patreon.com/ProlesPod Luna Oi YT: Youtube.com/LunaOi Revolutionary Th0t YT: Youtube.com/@revolutionaryth0t Jen Big Nasty on How the Red Was Won: Patreon.com/HowtheRedWasWon

We've had queer joy, it's time for some queer suffering. Jacob and Lenore dive into the life of one of the greatest to ever do it, the legendary James Baldwin. A pioneer, artist, and leader for Black liberation and Gay liberation alike, Baldwin is among the finest of all American writers and public intellectuals. First, we cover his life story, and incredible legacy. Then, we discuss his subversive and beautiful 1956 novel, "Giovanni's Room." What conditions create internalized homophobia, and where does it lead? How does one live as themselves in a world designed to destroy them? What protocol is necessary to handle a thicc baddie in jeans? All will be discussed. We need you to keep this show going! Please go support us on Patreon. www.patreon.com/workerslit

It's an important podcast announcement! Folks, the numbers don't lie. While we appreciate all the good feedback and interest we've received for our political/news episodes, Workers' Lit is very much a podcast about literature, first, foremost, and entirely. As such, we've elected to change what our release schedule looks like. We will be ending our Thursday news/politics episodes to double down on our weekly literature episode, which will still come out every Monday. We will alternate weeks, covering fiction and nonfiction with Aysha and Jen as third mic (along with, as always, Lenore and Jacob) respectively. But don't worry, our news and politics talk isn't going away entirely! For Patrons we will be releasing bonus content several times a month, including our monthly video episode, where we'll get into current political happenings, a monthly installment of Article Brain, where we'll lose our minds at the worst of the worst in modern article technology, regular author interviews, video game episodes, and more! We're sorry to anyone this may disappoint and hope you all continue to stay with us as we work to make Workers' Lit the very best podcast about books for hot, cool, gay, and/or working class people there's ever been. www.patreon.com/workerslit

A lesbian bottom is on a time traveling adventure in ancient China. We know y’all love this stuff. It’s the most recent book we’ve ever covered: Cecilia Tan’s 2026 novella, “The Mystery of the Bitten Peach.” Follow a young woman with the power to travel through time navigate her feelings of disconnect with her culture, identity, and sexuality. It’s good. And it’s published by our friends at Neon Hemlock. Go get it! https://www.neonhemlock.com/books/bitten-peach Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/workerslit Sources and references in this episode: https://strangehorizons.com/wordpress/non-fiction/articles/interview-cecilia-tan/ https://www.kaleidoscoperomance.com/post/interview-with-author-cecilia-tan https://www.ceciliatan.com/archives/landingpage/home https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tDXd9zABFy161jTFaO6zG?si=8YenxOcwSNe5-yli5PpWjQ

Today we’re joined by Greg Stoker, anti-imperialist activist, journalist, host of the Colonial Outcasts podcast, and independent candidate for U.S. House Texas District 31. Greg talks to us about a range of topics such as his campaign, the role of veterans in liberation movements, Graham Platner’s whole deal, and the (possible?) end of the Iran War. Support Greg’s Campaign and check out his podcast below: https://www.stokerfortexas.com/ https://m.youtube.com/@ColonialOutcasts Support Workers’ Lit on Patreon! And keep an eye out for a new podcast project on women in the socialist movement from Lenore and Jen very soon!

We put out the call to Patreon, and Patreon answered! Patreon decided on today’s topic: Suzanne Collins’ 2003 middle grade fantasy novel, “Gregor the Overlander.” This is Suzanne’s first novel, and she gets into themes about poverty, futurelessness, family, war, and changing diapers. It’s cute! It’s good! You’ll like this one. To help choose future episode topics go check out our Patreon! Www.patreon.com/workerslit