Working Class History

Epizode

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  E124: [TEASER] Fireside Chat - World Cup of Chaos 20.07.2026 25min

  Fireside Chat podcast available exclusively for our Patreon supporters we invited back Tomas Rothaus (from our Argentina 2001 episodes) to discuss football, politics, and the chaotic mess of the World Cup in Donald Trump's USA.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryRecorded before the competition started,we discussed the many contradictions of being a radical football fan, the excitement of attending previous World Cups, the way various authoritarian regimes have utilised football for their own ends, and the many players and managers (past and present) who have believed in fairer society for all.Listen to the full 92-minute episode here:E124: Fireside Chat - World Cup of Chaos – Available exclusively for our supporters on PatreonMore informationGet a copy of Tomas' book, Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, NeoliberalismYou can also get Tomas’ other book, Another War Is Possible: Militant Anarchist Experiences in the Antiglobalization EraCheck out our other books about football and politics in our online storeMore football related merchAcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Fellow Worker and Jazz Hands.Edited by Jesse FrenchOur theme tune is Montaigne’s version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses’, performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.You can listen to all of our Patreon-exclusive podcast episodes by joining us on Patreon at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
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  E123.1 [TEASER]: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, bonus episode 15.07.2026 10min

  Free preview of the bonus episode to our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.This episode covers more about Daniel’s work and organising history, the political and economic context of the early 2000s, and retaliation by Starbucks against him, and what happened in the subsequent legal case. Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMoreListen to this full bonus episode here on Patreon.Listen to all parts now without ads on Patreon.More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossSolidarity Unionism at Starbucks – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossUnions of our Own – Daniel GrossLearn more about the IWW in our podcast series and in these books.Learn more about McDonald’s Workers’ Resistance in this bonus podcast episode, available on Patreon.Learn more about the Solidarity Union Network.Learn more about workplace organising in these organising guides.And, finally, learn about John’s experiences of organising at work in this bonus episode on Patreon.AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode...
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  E123: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 3 08.07.2026 39min

  Final part of our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.This part covers international solidarity, Starbucks union-busting strategies, the decline of the union, and lessons for today.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMoreListen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossSolidarity Unionism at Starbucks – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossUnions of our Own – Daniel GrossLearn more about the IWW in our podcast series and in these books.Learn more about McDonald’s Workers’ Resistance in this bonus podcast episode, available on Patreon.Learn more about the Solidarity Union Network.Learn more about workplace organising in these organising guides.And, finally, learn about John’s experiences of organising at work in this bonus episode on Patreon.AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic: Starbucks Workers Union members, including Daniel, holding the sign, left, march down Union Square, NYC, 2007. Courtesy IWW.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can 
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  E122: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 2 01.07.2026 31min

  Part 2 of our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.This part covers solidarity unionism and direct action on the job, tactics, and gains won by the workers. Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMoreListen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossSolidarity Unionism at Starbucks – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossUnions of our Own – Daniel GrossLearn more about the IWW in our podcast series and in these books.Learn more about McDonald’s Workers’ Resistance in this bonus podcast episode, available on Patreon.Learn more about the Solidarity Union Network.Learn more about workplace organising in these organising guides.And, finally, learn about John’s experiences of organising at work in this bonus episode on Patreon.AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic: Starbucks Workers Union members, including Daniel, holding the sign, left, march down Union Square, NYC, 2007. Courtesy IWW.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can 
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  E121: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 1 25.06.2026 47min

  Before the current wave of organising at Starbucks, another group of workers in the early 2000s got together and formed a union at one of the most anti-union corporations on earth. They won better pay and conditions, and laid the groundwork for the unionisation campaign today. Learn their story in this three-part podcast series in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMorePart 1: Background about Starbucks, workers’ pay and conditions, the Industrial Workers of the World union, how the organising got started, and the legal avenues the IWW pursued. Available without ads for our supporters on Patreon.Listen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossSolidarity Unionism at Starbucks – Staughton Lynd and Daniel GrossUnions of our Own – Daniel GrossLearn more about the IWW in our podcast series and in these books.Learn more about McDonald’s Workers’ Resistance in this bonus podcast episode, available on Patreon.Learn more about the Solidarity Union Network.Learn more about workplace organising in these organising guides.And, finally, learn about John’s experiences of organising at work in this bonus episode on Patreon.
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  E120.1: [TEASER] 1926 general strike, bonus episode 13.05.2026 9min

  Bonus episode for our three-part miniseries about the UK’s 1926 general strike, in collaboration with the General Strike 100 project and told using interviews with striking workers themselves.In this episode, East London dock worker, Harry Watson, talks about life and work on the docks around the time of the general strike as well as the split of skilled dock workers away from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to the whole exclusive bonus episode without ads by joining us on Patreon. As well as more from Harry, it also includes Betty Harrison who recounts her experience of the 1925 textile workers' strike: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e120-1-1926-155633267Listen to our exclusive music bonus episode where we explain the history behind the theme song used for this series (recorded for us by award-winning artist, Montaigne)More infoFind out about events to commemorate the strike in your area (and beyond!) on the General Strike 100 websiteYou will also find dozens of stories about incidents which took place during the strike in cities, towns, and villages across the UKGet a copy of our interviewee, Judy Cox’s Revisiting the General Strike of 1926: When Workers Were Ready To DareMore information including sources, further reading, images and soon a transcript available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e119-121-1926-general-strike/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands and Fellow Worker.Episode graphic: traffic on Westminster Bridge as a result of public transport being shut down. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune for this preview is Montaigne’s version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses’, performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.Edited by Jesse French
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  E120: 1926 general strike, part 3 06.05.2026 43min

  The final of our three-part miniseries about the UK’s 1926 general strike, which saw one and three-quarter million workers walk out in the biggest single work stoppage in British history. In collaboration with the General Strike 100 project and told using interviews with striking workers themselves.In this episode, we look at state repression against the strike, the capitulation of union leaders, and the victimisation of strikers and months-long lockout of the miners after the end of the general strike.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to our bonus episode to hear more from two participants in the general strike, exclusively on PatreonListen to our bonus mini-episode where we explain the history behind the theme song used for this seriesMore infoFind out about events to commemorate the strike in your area (and beyond!) on the General Strike 100 websiteYou will also find dozens of stories about incidents which took place during the strike in cities, towns, and villages across the UKGet a copy of our interviewee, Judy Cox’s Revisiting the General Strike of 1926: When Workers Were Ready To DareMore information including sources, further reading, images and soon a transcript available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e119-121-1926-general-strike/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands and Fellow Worker.Episode graphic: lorry loaded with petrol escorted by mounted policeas workers watch by the side of the road in London. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune for this episode is Montaigne’s version of ‘When the Coal Comes from the Rhonda’, a folk song originating from Welsh miners in the early twentieth century and sung during the general strike. Download the song here. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.Edited by Jesse French
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  E119: 1926 general strike, part 2 29.04.2026 35min

  Part 2 of our three-part miniseries about the UK’s 1926 general strike, which saw one and three-quarter million workers walk out in the biggest single work stoppage in British history. In collaboration with the General Strike 100 project and told using interviews with striking workers themselves.In this episode, we go into the action of the strike itself, the self-activity of the 'Councils of Action', and first-hand accounts of clashes between workers, scabs, and police.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to Part 3 now (without ads) by joining us on PatreonListen to our bonus episode to hear more from two participants in the general strike, exclusively on PatreonListen to our bonus mini-episode where we explain the history behind the theme song used for this seriesMore infoFind out about events to commemorate the strike in your area (and beyond!) on the General Strike 100 websiteYou will also find dozens of stories about incidents which took place during the strike in cities, towns, and villages across the UKGet a copy of our interviewee, Judy Cox’s Revisiting the General Strike of 1926: When Workers Were Ready To DareMore information including sources, further reading, images and a transcript available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e119-121-1926-general-strike/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands and Fellow Worker.Episode graphic: Strikers and their supporters in the Poplar district around the East London docks (where Harry Watson, one of the speakers in our series, was on strike). Credit: Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune for this episode is Montaigne’s version of ‘When the Coal Comes from the Rhonda’, a folk song originating from Welsh miners in the early twentieth century and sung during the general strike. Download the song here. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.Edited by...
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  E118: 1926 general strike, part 1 22.04.2026 41min

  First of our three-part miniseries about the UK’s 1926 general strike, which saw one and three-quarter million workers walk out in the biggest single work stoppage in British history. In collaboration with the General Strike 100 project and told using interviews with striking workers themselves.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to Part 2 and Part 3 now (without ads) by joining us on PatreonListen to our bonus episode to hear more from two participants in the general strike, exclusively on PatreonMore infoFind out about events to commemorate the strike in your area (and beyond!) on the General Strike 100 websiteYou will also find dozens of stories about incidents which took place during the strike in cities, towns, and villages across the UKGet a copy of our interviewee, Judy Cox’s Revisiting the General Strike of 1926: When Workers Were Ready To DareMore information including sources, further reading, images and soon a transcript available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e119-121-1926-general-strike/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands and Fellow Worker.Episode graphic: car overturned in London during the general strike. Credit: Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune for this episode is Montaigne’s version of ‘When the Coal Comes from the Rhonda’, a folk song originating from Welsh miners in the early twentieth century and sung during the general strike. Download the song here. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.Edited by Jesse French
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  E116.1: [TEASER] Argentina uprising 2001, bonus – the state and political violence 18.03.2026 7min

  Preview extract of our bonus episode about state and political violence in Argentina (and beyond). Part of our miniseries on the 2001 Argentina uprising, which toppled the government, and saw the spread of neighbourhood assemblies and factories taken over by workers. In conversation with Tomas Rothaus, a participant in the uprising and author of Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to the whole exclusive bonus episode without ads by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e116-1-argentina-151087148 More infoGet Tomas’ book: Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, NeoliberalismAlso check out Tomas’ other book, Another War Is Possible: Militant Anarchist Experiences in the Antiglobalization EraCheck out more books about football and politics in our online storeMore info, such as further reading, a video documentary, sources and (soon) a full transcript for the main episodes, are available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e115-116-argentina-uprising-2001/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic: pictures of those disappeared during Argentina's 'Dirty War'. Credit: Giselle Bordoy WMAR/Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here or stream it here.Edited by Jesse French
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  E117: [TEASER] Fireside Chat – Trump’s Letter to Norway 16.03.2026 15min

  Fireside Chat podcast available exclusively for our Patreon supporters where we make fun of Trump’s absurd text to the Norwegian Prime Minister, and what it means for the rest of the world that the US President is a half-witted narcissist.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryWhen Trump’s letter to the Norwegian PM came out, we all thought it was extremely funny. And, at WCH, we thought we’d try to produce some newsy/current affairs style content for a change.As you can see, we failed. The news cycle proved too fast for us, and we’ve basically just made another history episode (albeit about more recent history than usual!).Regardless, we’ve decided to release it anyway. So tune in to listen as Matt and John make fun of everything from Trump’s punctuation and grammar, to his anti-colonial Marxist reasoning for the US takeover of Greenland. Plus, what it means to have a fascist leader in such an obvious state of cognitive decline.Listen to the full episode here:E117: Fireside Chat – Trump’s letter to Norway – Available exclusively for our supporters on PatreonAcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Edited by Jesse FrenchOur theme tune is Montaigne’s version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses’, performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.You can listen to all of our Patreon-exclusive podcast episodes by joining us on Patreon at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
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  E116: Argentina uprising 2001, part 2 12.03.2026 49min

  Part 2 of a double episode about the 2001 uprising in Argentina, which toppled the government, and saw the spread of neighbourhood assemblies and factories taken over by workers. In conversation with Tomas Rothaus, a participant in the uprising and author of Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, Neoliberalism.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to our bonus episode about Argentine football culture, exclusively on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e115-1-football-149318192Listen to our bonus episode on Argentine politics and the anti-globalisation movement, exclusively on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e116-1-argentina-151087148More infoGet Tomas’ book: Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, NeoliberalismAlso check out Tomas’ other book, Another War Is Possible: Militant Anarchist Experiences in the Antiglobalization EraCheck out more books about football and politics in our online storeMore info, such as further reading, a video documentary, sources and (soon) a full transcript for the main episodes, are available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e115-116-argentina-uprising-2001/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic: protester in front of the Buenos Aires Obelisk, 20 December 2001. Public domain/Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here or stream it here.Edited by Jesse French
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  E115.1: [TEASER] Argentina uprising 2001, bonus – football and politics 04.03.2026 10min

  Preview extract of our bonus episode about the history and politics of football culture in Argentina. Part of our miniseries on the 2001 Argentina uprising, which toppled the government, and saw the spread of neighbourhood assemblies and factories taken over by workers. In conversation with Tomas Rothaus, a participant in the uprising and author of Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to the whole exclusive bonus episode without ads by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e115-1-football-149318192More infoGet Tomas’ book: Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, NeoliberalismAlso check out Tomas’ other book, Another War Is Possible: Militant Anarchist Experiences in the Antiglobalization EraCheck out more books about football and politics in our online storeMore info, such as further reading, a video documentary, sources and (soon) a full transcript for the main episodes, are available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e115-116-argentina-uprising-2001/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic: Racing Club vs Independiente (Avellaneda derby), 1968. Credit: El Gráfico/Public domain.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here or stream it here.Edited by Jesse French
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  E115: Argentina uprising 2001, part 1 25.02.2026 58min

  Part 1 of a double episode about the 2001 uprising in Argentina, which toppled the government, and saw the spread of neighbourhood assemblies and factories taken over by workers. In conversation with Tomas Rothaus, a participant in the uprising and author of Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, Neoliberalism.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to part 2 early and without ads by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e116-argentina-2-149907446Listen to our bonus episode about Argentine football culture, exclusively on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e115-1-football-149318192Listen to our bonus episode on Argentine politics and the anti-globalisation movement, exclusively on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e116-1-argentina-151087148More infoGet Tomas’ book: Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, NeoliberalismAlso check out Tomas’ other book, Another War Is Possible: Militant Anarchist Experiences in the Antiglobalization EraCheck out more books about football and politics in our online storeMore info, such as further reading, a video documentary, sources and (soon) a full transcript for the main episodes, are available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e115-116-argentina-uprising-2001/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic: protester in front of the Buenos Aires Obelisk, 20 December 2001. Public domain/Wikimedia Commons.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here or stream it here.Edited by Jesse French
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  E114: [TEASER] Fireside Chat – 2025 in review 07.01.2026 11min

  Teaser extract of our latest Fireside Chat podcast available exclusively for our Patreon supporters in which we sit down for a bit of a chat about the year past, for WCH and the world, and plans we have for the year ahead.We discuss a year of the podcast, sick leave, full kit wankers, the rise of the far right and social democratic responses to it in the US, UK and elsewhere, and more. We also let listeners know about projects in the works for 2026.Listen to the complete episode here by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/146576665Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryAcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Edited by Jesse FrenchOur theme tune is Montaigne’s version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses’, performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.
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  E113: [TEASER] Radical Reads – Forces of Labour 26.11.2025 18min

  This is a teaser preview of one of our Radical Reads episodes, made exclusively for our supporters on patreon. You can listen to the full 67-minute episode without ads and support our work at https://www.patreon.com/posts/e113-radical-of-143322722In this episode, we discuss Beverly Silver's pioneering work, Forces of Labour: Workers' Movements and Globalisation Since 1870, a book which was hugely influential on many of us at Working Class History. The book is epic in its breadth (looking at labour unrest around the world and across a long period of time), but also firmly committed to viewing class struggle from the bottom up.But most important about the book is how deeply materialist and methodical it is in how it outlines the concrete conditions that gave space for working-class struggle, and how those struggles forced capital to think of new strategies in order to deal with it. Moreover, in doing so, her book also helps us to think and to strategise about working-class organising today.Listen to the full episode here:E113: Radical Reads – Forces of LabourMore informationBuy Forces of Labour from an independent bookshop (or read it online here)Check out our collection of books about labour movement history in our online shopSee the webpage for this episode at https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e113-radical-reads-forces-of-labour/AcknowledgementsThanks to our patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.Episode graphic consists of two photos: textile strikers in Paterson, in the US, 1913, courtesy National Parks Gallery, and textile strikers in Egypt, 2007, courtesy Hossam el-Hamalawy https://www.flickr.com/photos/elhamalawyEdited by Jesse FrenchOur theme tune is Montaigne’s version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses’, performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube
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  WCH Podcast and Patreon Update 30.10.2025 4min

  An update for you on the Working Class History podcast and its future. In short, we began releasing much more frequent podcast episodes 18 months ago, in an effort to get more supporters on Patreon. While we were able to grow our support, it has not been sufficient to cover our increased costs, and we have now run out of episodes. So we will be taking an end of season break, to work on new episodes to release in the New Year.Patreon is how listeners like you make our work possible, and enables us to cover the cost of making the podcast. Some series we work on take several years, hundreds of hours of work, and cost thousands of dollars, not to mention all of our other costs. Learn more and join us at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryThe price of our exclusive content on Patreon hasn't gone up since 2020, whereas inflation has gone up by 25% and costs have gone up even more.So in the New Year we are going to have to increase the cost of our Patreon benefits to new members. However, if you join us on Patreon before then, you will be able to permanently lock in the 2020 price of $5 per month (or even cheaper if you subscribe annually). So please join us today to access great benefits like early access to all episodes without ads, and access to our exclusive bonus episodes every month. In 2026, the cost of a subscription to new members will increase to $6 per month, so don't delay, join us today to support the dissemination of people's history, at this time of attacks on the genuine teaching of factual history around the world.Learn more and sign up at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistory
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  E112: [FREE EPISODE] Radical Reads - Be Gay Do Crime 18.10.2025 1h 52min

  As part of our Radical Reads series, we speak about our latest book, Be Gay, Do Crime: Everyday Acts of Queer Resistance and Rebellion, with editors Zane McNeill, Blu Buchanan and Riley Clare Valentine.Radical Reads is one of our Patreon-only exclusive series, where we discuss texts – both old and new – that have either influenced the WCH project, or texts that we generally think that people involved in radical and working-class movements should be engaging with, discussing, and using to inform their activism. Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Radical Reads and  Fireside Chats. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryAs attacks on queer and trans people around the globe escalate, we felt it was more important than ever to highlight stories of LGBT+ resistance throughout history. Be Gay, Do Crime: Everyday Acts of Queer Resistance and Rebellion is your ultimate guide to LGBTQ+ resilience and revolt. Packed with hundreds of snapshots of radical queer history for every day of the year, this book celebrates the bold, the brave, and the beautifully defiant moments that have shaped the fight for justice. In this episode, we discuss the book, our current moment, the connections between LGBT+ movements and other aspects like race, class, gender and disability. We look at historical repression of queer identities, colonialism, and talk about what stories from the past can point to away towards a better future.Hope you enjoy this episode, and make sure to get hold of a copy of the book, available in our online store with global shipping.Listen without ads here on PatreonBuy the book hereFull show notes here on our websiteY’all Means All: The Emerging Voices Queering Appalachia – Z. Zane McNeill – Zane’s previous book with PM Press, in our online store.
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  E111.1: [TEASER] Poll tax revolt, bonus episode 01.10.2025 6min

  Preview extract of a bonus episode of our double podcast on the successful mass direct action campaign against the UK poll tax in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In conversation with Dave Morris from the Tottenham Anti-Poll Tax campaign and Haringey Solidarity Group. This part covers more information about Dave’s life and activism, different left strategies within the campaign, undercover police infiltration of the campaign, and community organising today.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to the whole exclusive bonus episode without ads by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e111-1-poll-tax-138554022More informationHaringey Solidarity GroupDanny Burns, Poll Tax Rebellion (AK Press, 1992).Sources, photos, more information and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e110-111-poll-tax-revolt/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands, Fernando López Ojeda, Nick Williams and Old Norm.Episode graphic: Courtesy James Bourne/Wikimedia Commons CC by SA 4.0Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here or stream it here.Edited by Engin Hassan
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  E111: Poll tax revolt, part 2 24.09.2025 44min

  Second of a double podcast episode about the successful mass direct action campaign against the UK poll tax in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In conversation with Dave Morris from the Tottenham Anti-Poll Tax campaign and Haringey Solidarity Group. This part covers repercussions from the poll tax riot, the non-payment campaign, legal defence, repression, how the struggle was won, and lessons for todayOur podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryListen to an exclusive bonus episode by joining us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e111-1-poll-tax-138554022More informationHaringey Solidarity GroupDanny Burns, Poll Tax Rebellion (AK Press, 1992).Sources, photos, more information and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e110-111-poll-tax-revolt/AcknowledgementsThanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands, Fernando López Ojeda, Nick Williams and Old Norm.Episode graphic: Courtesy James Bourne/Wikimedia Commons CC by SA 4.0Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here or stream it here.Edited by Engin Hassan