Against the Grain – March 1, 2011
Who or what prophesied the end of the world in 2012? Does such a prophecy even exist? John Major Jenkins is the author of “The 2012 Story: The Myths, Fallacies, and Truth Behind the Most Intriguing Date in History.”

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Acclaimed program of ideas, 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 produced and hosted by Sasha Lilley.
Who or what prophesied the end of the world in 2012? Does such a prophecy even exist? John Major Jenkins is the author of “The 2012 Story: The Myths, Fallacies, and Truth Behind the Most Intriguing Date in History.”
Noam Chomsky discusses conspiracy theories, Betsy Hartmann talks about whether overpopulation is the cause of environmental destruction, and Raj Patel weighs in on the commons
Don Lattin discusses his book “The Harvard Psychedelic Club: How Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, and Andrew Weil Killed the Fifties and Ushered in a New Age for America.”
Is it humans who have domesticated plants, or is it the other way around? Michael Pollan took up that question in his book “The Botany of Desire.” The film based on that book explores the natural history of four plants: the apple, the tulip, cannabis, and the potato.
Radical economist Richard Wolff talks about the economic/financial crisis, critiques the government’s response, and identifies strategies that should have been — and should be — pursued.
C.S. Soong presents an audio retrospective of KPFA’s coverage of Egypt’s eighteeen days of revolution, culminating in President Mubarak’s resignation. The special-edition compilation is called “KPFA Presents: Days of Revolution, Day of Triumph in Egypt.”
University of Florida law professor Mark Fenster discusses his book “Conspiracy Theories: Secrecy and Power in American Culture.”
In two new monologues, Mike Daisey examines what money does to human relations and reveals the human cost of our love affair with electronic gadgetry. And Stephanie Rearick describes a system of alternative currency called TimeBanking.