12:00 PM Pacific Time: Mondays to Wednesdays
In-depth analysis and commentary on a variety of matters — political, economic, social, and cultural — important to progressive and radical thinking and activism. Against the Grain is co-produced and co-hosted by Sasha Lilley and C.S. Soong.
Is organic, small-scale agriculture leading the way for a more humane, ecologically-sound future? Or is the picture more complicated? Julie Guthman, author Agrarian Dreams elucidates the complex nature of organic farming in California.
A look at pensions and the political economy of old age provision. New Left Review’s Robin Blackburn, author of Banking on Death, talks with Sasha Lilley about the neoliberal agenda to privatize pensions — and the progressive potential of this collective form of property.
From Dark Streets to the Blacklist. Long shadows, angst, people trapped in impossible circumstances — these are the characteristics most associated with film noir. But the content and context of these films are much more complex, according to James Naremore and Dave Wagner. Noir was created from the Popular Front politics of the 1930s Left … Continued
Constructing A Vision. Radical theory without practice makes no sense; radical practice without theory seems a colossal waste of time and energy. In a new book Michael Albert constructs a radical theory from the ground up, all the while relating it to practical strategizing and goal-setting. He also takes a hard look at anarchism, feminism, … Continued
Analyzing Therapy. While psychotherapy can transform people’s lives, what are its limits — and what are the limits of the conventional view that sees therapy as a science? Pychotherapist, sociologist and writer Lillian Rubin has practiced therapy for the past thirty years and talks about the shortcomings, as well as high points, of therapy.
Unsustainable Suburbia? Ah, suburbia. Everyone dreams of having a large house with a large yard, surrounded by a white picket fence, removed from the dirt and crime of the city. Or at least, that’s what most Americans seem to want. But the suburban way of life has a myriad of hidden costs and, according to … Continued
What is global warming doing to us and other living things? Is it having a disproportionate impact on people of color? C.S. talks with some experts on climate change as well as the author of a new report entitled "African Americans and Climate Change: An Unequal Burden."
A look at the power and potential of local grassroots activism. Activists from three community groups — Just Cause Oakland,Richmond Progressive Alliance, andSan Francisco Network Ministries in the Tenderloin district — talk about trends, issues, and community needs.
What’s with all this talk about cheating, in school and in sports? Evan Watkins sees cheating as a symptom of something much bigger: the changing nature of competition and notions of personal identity. The U.C. Davis English professor joins C.S. in studio.
Toxics in the East Bay. The Bay Area boasts tremendous natural beauty, but the environmental health picture is far from rosy. How much pollution are we exposed to, and how does it affect human health? Azibuike Akaba of the Environmental Indicators Project and toxics management specialist Drew Lerer describe the dangers and suggest precautions.
