Spectre - A Scottish based communist podcast, standing in complete and solidified solidarity with the working class of all nations, aims to further the campaign of devotion to, principally, raising the workers to the level of revolutionaries capable of overthrowing the capitalist mode of production and implementing communism, both nationally and internationally. We’ll be interviewing a wide range of guests from a number of socialist/left wing organisations and groups, as well as discussing Marxist-Leninist organisation and theoretical understandings
Joined by Cathal Ó Gaillín, we discuss his time in Palestine developing Palestine's very own GAA team. We talk about the Israeli apartheid system, the Zionist genocide in Gaza, the importance of international solidarity, and the deep historical link between the people of Ireland and Palestine.
Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign - https://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/
Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee - https://ggec.org.uk/
Music Credit: SAM Song (Live) - Eire Og
My Blood is Palestinian
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Sam Paton of the Save Loch Lomond campaign, we explore and examine the current campaign to save Loch Lomond from the clutches of Flamingo Land. We discuss the formation of the campaign, what are the plans that Flamingo Land have proposed, the damage that development would have on the national park, how the Scottish Government is hiding behind civil servants rather than intervening, and what people can do to save Loch Lomond
Save Loch Lomond Twitter - https://x.com/LochSave
Save Loch Lomond email - savelochlomond@gmail.com
Music Credit: Invisible - Duran Duran
Loch Lomond (Live) - Runrig
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Matt Kerr, we touch on the life of legendary communist and trade unionist Mick McGahey. We examine Mick's early life and how it shaped him, his trade union organising and work in the NUM, his vision of a workers parliament in Scotland, and the current state of our trade union movement today.
We draw lessons from his life and challenges that we all must learn from and how to reclaim our unions
Additional Reading :
Michael ‘Mick’ McGahey: Miner, communist and trade union leader - https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/285121/
From the ashes: McGahey’s warning against Scottish chauvinism - https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/ashes-mcgaheys-warning-against-scottish-chauvinism
Matt Kerr Twitter - https://x.com/_Matt_Kerr
Morning Star - https://morningstaronline.co.uk/
Music Credit: 16 Tons - Tennessee Ernie Ford
Which Side are You On - The Almanac Singers
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by London Recruit, Steve Marsling, we explore the amazing story of the London Recruits and the fight against South African Apartheid. We explore the work that the recruits carried out: from planting pamphlet bombs, to setting up and operating safe houses. We draw the lessons learned from the work of a number of recruits and how we can apply it today
London Recruits resources & How to Master Secret Work - https://www.manifestopress.coop/product/how-to-master-secret-work-london-recruits
Ken Keable's London Recruits - https://www.londonrecruits.org.uk/index.php/reviews/28-london-recruits-edited-by-ken-keable
London Recruits film info - https://www.londonrecruits.com/
Music Credit: Holiday - Happy Mondays
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Cole from the Thistle of Socialism, we explore the history of socialist Ethiopia - the Peoples Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. We examine it's formation and the Derg era, the advances achieved under socialism, democracy within the socialist state, the difficulties it faces against western imperialism, lessons to be learnt, and more
Thistle of Socialism Twitter and YouTube - https://x.com/1917Thistle
https://www.youtube.com/@ThistleofSocialism
Music Credit: You Better You Bet - The Who
Dance With the Devil - Immortal Technique
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
A solo episode where we explore the early life, work, and political journey of on of Scotland's most prominent communists figures - Willie Gallacher. We examine Gallacher's early life in Paisley, his political journey and campaign work during the Red Clydeside, his political development following his meeting with comrade Lenin, and the legacy he has left behind.
Sources/Articles: Gallacher's Tribute to Stalin - https://www.marxists.org/archive/gallacher/1953/04/stalin.htm
Gallacher's Maiden Speech in Parliament - https://grahamstevenson.me.uk/2008/09/19/willie-gallagher/
Gallachers on Meeting Lenin from ‘We Have Met Lenin’ by Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1939
Music Credit: Squeez - Up The Junction
Oasis - Champaign Supernova
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Joined by Alex and Ruaraidh of the SCF Edinburgh we discuss the Safe Consumption Edinburgh campaign, the extent of Scotland's drug crisis, what are safe consumption facilities, the stark contrast their operations have with bourgeoise interests, and more.
SCF Edinburgh Twitter - https://x.com/scfedi?lang=en-GB
Music Credit: Making Plans For Nigel - XTC
Sunshine on Leith - The Proclaimers
Twitter -https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
A new year and a new season on SPECTRE Podcast ! We're kicking things off with a solo episode exploring some of the history of the Red Army Faction in the West German State. We examine the formation of the group, it's operations in the west, it's strengths, weaknesses, what we can learn from their actions, and what happened to it's members
Most strikingly - We look at the RAF's capturing and execution of Nazi SS officer Hans Schleyer and how the PFLP aided in their campaign
Music Credit - Jun Tzu - A Cause Worth Living For
The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Interested in the sources we use for episodes? Feel free to send us an email and these can be shared with you for further reading !
Joined by Dr Conor McCabe we explore the early life and political journey of one of Irelands most famous icons, James Connolly. We discuss his involvement in the 1916 Easter Rising, his legacy, and what we can learn from his struggle. We delve into Dr McCabe's book "The Lost and Early Writings of James Connolly 1889-1898" and discuss the importance of documenting the political development of men such as Connolly
Lost and Early Writings of James Connolly 1889-1898 pdf link - https://conor-mccabe.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-mccabe-connolly-iskra.pdf
Iskra and Connolly Books purchase links - https://www.iskrabooks.org/lost-and-early-writings
https://www.connollybooks.org/product/hardback-the-lost-and-early-writings-of-james-connolly-1889-1898
Dr Conor McCabe Twitter - https://x.com/CMacCaba
Music Credit: A Pair of Brown Eyes - The Pogues
James Connolly - The Wolf Tones
Twitter - https://x.com/spectrepodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Keith Bennett of Friends of Socialist China, we explore the Peoples Republic of China! We examine the how history has shaped china and it's modern socialist development, socialism in China, the driving up of anti-communist propaganda against China, the role that Friends of Socialist China plays in brining workers together, democracy in China, and more !
Friends of Socialist China website and twitter - https://socialistchina.org/
https://x.com/socialist_china
Music Credit: Wu-Tang Clan - Bring Da Ruckus
JME and Skepta - Freestyle
Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
We are back ! After a brief hiatus SPECTRE Podcast is back with a solo episode where we explore a brief history of famous Scottish Communist John Maclean. We examine his political thought, political journey, and the legacy he left behind
As mentioned at the end of the episode, be sure to check out Unity Books who have over 5,000 books, pamphlets and periodicals from across the workers movement. They also have some great works on John Maclean
Unity Books - https://x.com/unitybookshop/status/1848726251269218587
Music Credit - Eminem - Without Me
Foo Fighters - MY Hero
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter - https://x.com/spectrepodcast_
Joined by Brian Reynolds of the RMT we examine the beautiful Blockade Runners to Spain memorial. Situated on the banks of the Clyde, this monument stands as a testament to the brave actions of the seafarers who broke Franco’s blockade of Republican ports. Thirty-five merchant navy and eight Royal Navy seafarers died and scores were injured on vessels attacked by submarine, naval and aerial forces under fascist control between 1936-38. The memorial to seafarers will stand as renewed testimony to the importance of international solidarity in the face of fascist aggression. We also examine the need for Trade Unions to remember such actions and what role Trade Unions must play in the fight against fascism
RMT Glasgow Shipping Branch Twitter - https://x.com/rmtgsb?lang=en
International Brigade Memorial Trust - https://international-brigades.org.uk/
Music Credit : Icky Thump - The White Stripes
Fine Art - KNEECAP
Twitter - https://x.com/spectrepodcast_
Contact Us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Josh Morris we explore the STUC and STUC YW, its influence, importance throughout history, and the role it will play in the fight back against anti-union legislation. We look at the wider broad left labour movement in Scotland: it's strengths, weaknesses, and how we educate young trade unionists.
STUC - https://www.stuc.org.uk/
STUC YW - https://www.stuc.org.uk/equalities-youth/
STUC Podcast (Mon The Workers) - https://rss.com/podcasts/montheworkers/
Music Credit: Everlong - Foo Fighters
6L GTR - The Chats
Twitter - https://x.com/spectrepodcast_?s=21
Contact Us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
A solo episode where we take a brief look into the UCS work-in - from what instigated it, the solidarity shown, the impact on the Clyde, and much more
Sources: UCS The Fight For The Right To Work - Alex Murray
The Politics of the UCS Work-In - John Foster and Charles Woolfson
Music Credit - The Stranglers - Golden Brown
MF DOOM - One Beer (Instrumental)
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Joined by Robert and Colin from the Paisley TUC, we discusses the antifascist counter demonstrations that have been underway for over a year at the site of the Muthu hotel in Erskine. We examine the success of the demos and what we have learnt from them, the importance of trade union solidarity, and how trade unions and trade union councils can combat fascism.
STUC Website - https://stuc.org.uk/
Music Credit : Tear The Fascists Down - Woody Guthrie
Bella Ciao
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Socialist Swan and Gary, we explore and discuss the football and sport culture within the former GDR, the state of modern football in Britain and Europe, antifascist fan scenes, and the theft of the beautiful game.
Socialist Swan YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SocialistSwann
Socialist Swan Twitter - https://twitter.com/SocialistSwann
Football Lads And Lassies against Fascism - https://flaf.org.uk/
Music Credit: Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) - Shakira
The Free German Youth - IFA Wartburg
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact Us -spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Coll McCail from Scottish Labour's EC. We examine the current state of Scotland and Britain's environmental strategies, COP26, the "Just Transition", and more.
Coll's Twitter - https://twitter.com/MccailColl
Friends of the Earth Scotland - https://twitter.com/FoEScot
Music Credit:
It Was a Good Day - Ice Cube
Appetite for Destruction - N.W.A.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact Us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Mike Arnott from the International Brigade Memorial Trust (IBMT). We examine the cause of the Spanish Civil War, The efforts of the International Brigades, the IBMT, and the fight against Fascism in the modern era
IBMT - https://international-brigades.org.uk/
IBMT Twitter - https://twitter.com/IBMT_SCW/
Music Credit :
Woody Guthrie - Jarama Valley
Christy Moore - Viva la Quinta Brigada. Live at Barrowland Glasgow
Contact us : spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Joined by Keith Stoddart of The Communist Party of Britain, we discuss and explore the history of the Communist Party as well as it's influence here in Scotland. We look into the damaging effects Eurocommunism has had throughout Europe and how we rebuild from this, and we also look into the countless industrial disputes that the Party has been involved in throughout the ages.
Communist Party of Britain - https://www.communistparty.org.uk/
Young Communist League of Britain - https://ycl.org.uk/
Morning Star - https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/
Music Credit: (I Cant Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones Express Yourself - NWA
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Nick Troy - a former Chef at the 13th Note - we explore the case of the 13th Note and the conditions impacting the hospitality sector in Scotland and throughout Britain.
13th Note Workers Twitter : https://twitter.com/13thNoteWorkers
Nick's Twitter : https://twitter.com/ngdt77
13th Note Fundraiser : https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-the-13th-note-workers
Music Credit : MF DOOM - Beef Rap
Kanye West - POWER
Contact us : spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter : https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
A solo episode where we look into some of the most famous anti-communist myths, lies, and propaganda. We examine how and why these lies are spread and how they have been allowed to take a frim position of validity in mainstream media.Sources:
Poppers' The Open Society and it's Enemies (1945) and The Poverty of Historicism (1957)
Berlin and Kayek's The Road to Serfdom (1944)
Wheatcroft and Davis' Agriculture in The Economic Transformation of the Soviet Union 1913-1945 (1944)
Michael Parenti's Blackshirts and Reds, Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism (1997)
Nick Lowles' Searchlight (February 2000) and The Morning Star (May 19th 2000)
Douglas Tottle Fraud, Famine and Fascism : The Ukrainian Genocide Myth from Hitler to Harvard (1987)
Conquest's The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivisation and the Terror-famine (1986)
Winnington's Breakfast with Mao (Lawrence and Wishart, 1986)
Rowan Valvona Challenge Article -https://challenge-magazine.org/2022/02/03/is-north-korea-a-monarchy/
Ole L Smith's Self-Defence and Communist Policy 1945-1947 in Studies in the History of the Greek Civil War 1945-1949 (1987)
Music Credit: The Streets - has it come to this
Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies
Contact us: spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
A solo episode where we look into some of the most famous anti-communist myths, lies, and propaganda. We examine how and why these lies are spread and how they have been allowed to take a frim position of validity in mainstream media.
Sources:
Poppers' The Open Society and it's Enemies (1945) and The Poverty of Historicism (1957)Berlin and Kayek's The Road to Serfdom (1944)
Wheatcroft and Davis' Agriculture in The Economic Transformation of the Soviet Union 1913-1945 (1944)
Michael Parenti's Blackshirts and Reds, Rational Fascism and the Overthrow of Communism (1997)
Nick Lowles' Searchlight (February 2000) and The Morning Star (May 19th 2000)
Douglas Tottle Fraud, Famine and Fascism : The Ukrainian Genocide Myth from Hitler to Harvard (1987)
Conquest's The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivisation and the Terror-famine (1986)
Winnington's Breakfast with Mao (Lawrence and Wishart, 1986)
Rowan Valvona Challenge Article -https://challenge-magazine.org/2022/02/03/is-north-korea-a-monarchy/
Ole L Smith's Self-Defence and Communist Policy 1945-1947 in Studies in the History of the Greek Civil War 1945-1949 (1987)
Music Credit: The Streets - has it come to this
Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies
Contact us: spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Joined by Rob Miller, director of The Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC), we discuss: the blockade that's been implemented on Cuba, the work of CSC, Cuba's international work, and how we can aid Cuba and it's people.
Yankee Go Home
Contact us- spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
A solo episode where we lay a basic introduction to the founding principles of Marxism-LeninismA special thanks to Eben Williams of the Glasgow YCL for his core examples of capitalism in actionBack2Basics - https://challenge-magazine.org/category/theory-history/back2basics/Marx and Engels Selected Works - https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/sw/index.htmLenin Selected Works - https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/sw/index.htmStalin Collected Works - https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/stalin/works/decades-index.htmMusic Credit: Little Barrie - Better Call Saul Theme RATBOY - Who's Ready For TomorrowContacts us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.comTwitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Joined by Kumsal from the TKP and TKG, we explore the history of the TKP, the recent earthquakes, the Turkish Governments response, Turkey's road to Socialism, and the upcoming elections and the TKP's approach to them.TKP and TKG social twitter:https://twitter.com/tkpninsesihttps://twitter.com/TKGninsesiWorld Federation of Democratic Youth Solidarity Fund:https://www.mightycause.com/story/M2qgyfMusic Credit:The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored Eminem - Not Alike (feat. Royce da 5'9)Twitter:https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_Contact us:spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by representatives from the Wyndford Residents Union, we discuss the political occupation of the Wyndford flats, Wheatley's ridiculous plans to demolish and socially cleanse the Wyndford, the classist reporting from the media, and the environmental and social impact that the proposed demolition would have.
Wyndford Residents Union Twitter and FB -
https://www.facebook.com/WyndfordResidents/?locale=en_GB
https://twitter.com/WyndfordU
Save The Wyndford -
https://twitter.com/SaveTheWyndford
Episode Artwork -
Professor Alan Dunlop
Music Credit:
The Alexander Brothers - The Jeely Piece Song
Gerry Cinnamon - Sometimes
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Roger McKenzie of The Morning Star, we discuss the history of the paper, it's influence throughout history, the international coverage, and what makes The Morning Star different from so many of the other "socialist" papers we see.
Roger McKenzie Twitter - https://twitter.com/RogerAMck
The Morning Star - https://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/
Communist Party of Britain - https://www.communistparty.org.uk/
Music Credit: We Call It Acieed! - D Mob Feat. Gary Haisman
Bulls On Parade - Rage Against The Machine
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Megan and Hannah from the Young Communist League of Britain, we delve into the topic of Commercial Sexual Exploitation. Examining the legitimacy of the arguments in support of "sex work", what we can do as young communists to aid trafficked and sexually exploited women, and the YCL's upcoming 16 days of Activism
YCL Britain and Glasgow Branch Twitter -
@yclbritain
@YCLGlasgow
"Opposing ‘sex worker toolkits’ for women students" Challenge Article -
https://challenge-magazine.org/2022/01/31/opposing-sex-worker-toolkits-for-women-students/
Music Credit :
La Dispute - Woman (In Mirror)
The Clientele - Reflections After Jane
Twitter - @SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Andy Harris, from Fans Supporting Foodbanks (FSF), we explore FSF and it's foundations. We examine the campaign for a Right to Food, the obstacles that football fans face, and the success of the FSF initiative in Scotland
FSF and FSFS Twitter -
https://twitter.com/FSFScotland
https://twitter.com/SFoodbanks
Andy Harris Twitter -
https://twitter.com/Andy2Harris
Music Credit:
Daft Punk - One More Time
Zombie Nation - Kernkraft 400
Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
A solo episode where we explore the case of Aleksander and Mikhail Kononovich, 2 brothers currently imprisoned by the reactionary Ukrainian state. We also dive into the deeper understandings of NATO and Americas role in creating class divisions internationally, and NATO's influence of Ukraine. Today signifies 201 days since the Kononovich brothers were kidnapped by the Ukrainian government
Be sure to sign the YCL's Free Kononovich petition - https://www.change.org/p/freedom-for-the-kononovich-brothers?redirect=false
World Federation of Democratic Youth - https://twitter.com/wfdy1945fmjd?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Music Credit : Jane Air - Junk (feat. Smike, Пойманные Муравьеды)
The Prodigy - Breathe
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/spectrepodcast_
Joined by Stephanie Martin, Women's Officer for the Glasgow Branch of the Young Communist League of Britain, we discuss the importance of taking a Marxist Feminist perspective on the emancipation of women, the images of women that capitalism creates, sexual health and abortion rights, and the role that men can play in the liberation of women from the chains of capitalism.
Stephanie's Twitter - https://twitter.com/GlassOniion
Back off Scotland - https://www.backoffscotland.com/
Music Credit : Dolly Parton - 9 to 5
Lilly Allen - LDN
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Gavin Brewis (GFB), we discuss the effects that capitalism has on the youth, how bourgeois role models are poisoning the potential of young people, and what the solution is to prevent the degeneracy of the working class youth.
Gavin Brewis twitter - https://twitter.com/Gavin_F_Brewis
The People's School Uniform Project - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-peoples-school-uniform-funding-project
Music Credit : Artmesia - Bits n Pieces
Kneecap - H.O.O.D
Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com
Joined by Chris Mitchell of the GMB Trade Union, we discuss the importance of trade unions in todays world and the need for young members to get active within the trade union movement. We also explore the cleansing workers of Glasgow and their ongoing fight against COSLA and the Scottish Government, for better pay and conditions.
Chris Mitchell - https://twitter.com/ChrisMGMB
GMB Branch 40 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Public---Government-Service/GMB-Branch-40-100337418448138/
TUC find a Union - https://www.tuc.org.uk/joinunion
RMT - https://www.rmt.org.uk/home/
Music Credit: Underdog - Kasabian
Which Side Are You On - Billy Bragg
Joined by representatives from International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Scotland, we explore the history of Palestine and its current struggles. We also explore the role that the ISM plays in providing aid to the people of Palestine
International Solidarity Movement - https://palsolidarity.org/
International Solidarity Movement Scotland - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1576881199052795/
Palestine Action - https://www.palestineaction.org/
Music Credit : 4th Chamber - GZA
The Return of Lowkey - Lowkey
Joined by Jamie Fitzpatrick of the Glasgow University Communist Society, we explore the state influence within the education system and the importance of communist representation within universities.
UCU : https://www.ucu.org.uk/
GUCS : https://www.glasgowunisrc.org/organisation/communists/
Music credit : Schools Out - Alice Cooper
: Fight The Power - Public Enemy
As the YSI and SNP affirm their support of for Scotland to become a member of NATO, post independence. We look into the dark history of NATO and the bloody path Scotland could be heading down
Communist Party of Britain : https://www.communistparty.org.uk/
CND : https://cnduk.org/
Music Credit : Barbarism Begins at Home - The Smiths
Canter - Gerry Cinnamon
Joined by Johnnie Hunter, General Secretary of the YCL, we delve into the YCL and its past and present mission in and outside of Britain. From league structure, to standing up for patriotism within a socialist framework, we explore many issues facing the British working class
The YCL - https://ycl.org.uk/
Music credit : White Willow Bark - MF DOOM
That's Not Me - Skepta ft. JME