Best Aysha U. Farah Podcasts (2025)

1
190 - Persecuted (feat. Abigail Thorn) 2:35:48

15h ago2:35:48

2:35:48

Abigail Thorn (The Acolyte, House of the Dragon) and the lads stand up for their beliefs and just kinda drive around New Mexico as they cover the 2014 evangelical political thriller: Persecuted. Topics include passion plays, the art of selling evangelicalism, and what it means to build your entire theological identity around whining like a smol bea…

1
Terminal Article Brain: Abundance 1:30:32

3d ago1:30:32

1:30:32

So, these guys Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein wrote a book about a new liberalism...a liberalism that builds. Everybody in the Democratic party seems really impressed by it, so we had to see what it was all about. "Abundance" does not hold up. In this episode we explore the imaginative limits of progressive capitalism, the obnoxious writing style of…

1
189 - O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) 30:34

8d ago30:34

30:34

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall The lads escape a chain gang and become men of constant sorrow as they embark on Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2000 Southern Odyssey: O Brother, Where Art Thou? Topics include the charms of George Clooney, the superlative soundtrack, and how to adapt the Odyssey without turning into a ho…

1
Episode 3 - Marika | Radagon 56:35

10d ago56:35

56:35

Aysha is joined by writer Arden Ripley and animator Jenn Doyle as we break down the character with arguably the Most Gender of All Time: Marika. Topics include going boymode for political reasons, the grotesque beauty of From's character design, our ongoing inability to remember anyone's name, and the age old question: what came first, the jar or t…

1
The Myth of American Idealism: A Talk with Nathan J. Robinson 57:11

10d ago57:11

57:11

Step one: you're going to want to buy this book. Fortunately you can buy it here! The Shelfers welcome Nathan J. Robinson, editor-in-chief on Current Affairs and co-author with Noam Chomsky of the book, "The Myth of American Idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World". We know the U.S. foreign policy is destructive, but just how destruct…

1
188 - The Merchwhit of Venice (feat. Quorators) [Whit’s Endless Summer 43] 1:59:08

15d ago1:59:08

1:59:08

Alex and Jeremy of the Quorators podcast join the lads for their triumphant return to Odyssey as they throw themselves headlong into adventures of magic bats, deceitful chickens, and Edwin Blackgaard staging The Merchant of Venice. Topics include the Twilife Zone, the ethics of Watto the Toydarian, and what it means to live your life in the service…

1
The Future Where We Lose: The Fall of Cadia by Robert Rath 1:49:49

17d ago1:49:49

1:49:49

In the grim darkness of the far future, Jacob has been banished to a desolate realm that knows naught but darkness and depravity, only inhabitable by the twisted creatures of the warp: Italy. In his stead, join Lenore and our tireless, intrepid editor with creative control over the episode caption, Ryan, as they dive into the Black Library with Fal…

1
187 - Sky King: The Story of Richard Russell (feat. Caleb from Western Kabuki) 25:15

22d ago25:15

25:15

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall Caleb @BirdRespecter (Western Kabuki, 60 Minute Drill) joins Brian and Josh to tell the story of Richard “Beebo” Russell, a man who walked off his job as a baggage handler at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport one day in 2018 to steal an airplane. Russell and his ill-fated fligh…

1
Harry Potter and the Petty Rant Against its Own Fanbase: The Cursed Child ft. AJ from WOAPW 1:47:24

23d ago1:47:24

1:47:24

Remember when bumbling Neville knocked over all the time turners? Wasn't that funny and quaint? That should have been the end of it, but all you bothersome Harry Potter fans who made the author unfathomably rich kept asking her about them. So guess what, Cedric's a fascist now. So there. Join us as AJ from the Worst of All Possible Worlds (and of P…

1
Episode 2 - White Mask Varré 56:42

24d ago56:42

56:42

This week, Aysha talks to Jacob and Lenore of the Socialist Shelf Podcast, about our favorite first guy you meet in a game who calls you bitchless right off the bat. Topics include the dolls, the surgeons, all the gay drama in Elden Ring, and our inability to pronounce the name "Mohg" in any consistent way.…

1
186 - Showgirls (feat. Renee Olstead) 2:09:55

29d ago2:09:55

2:09:55

Renee Olstead (The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Unfriended) and the lads grab some ice cubes and enter the cutthroat world of Vegas dancing as they cover Paul Verhoeven’s 1995 striptacular: Showgirls. Topics include the madness of Joe Eszterhas, the infamous VH1 cut, and the solidarity that can be learned from a movie that involves shoving…

1
The City & The City - ft. RevLeft Radio 1:27:29

1M ago1:27:29

1:27:29

We take a break from our series on the wizarding world to talk about a book that definitely has no dementors in it: The City & The City by China Miéville. We are honored to be joined by Breht O'Shea of the RevLeft Radio and Red Menace podcasts to discuss this work of political fiction about what would happen if you lived in a city where it would be…

1
185 - The Last of Us Part II (Part 2) 30:36

1M ago30:36

30:36

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall The lads grab their crossbows and make for the Space Needle as they cover the back half of Naughty Dog's 2020 revengefest: The Last of Us Part II. Topics include state quarters, the logistics of building crane bridges, and what it truly means to “look for the light”. Media Refere…

1
We take umbrage with Rowling: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ft. Max Graves 2:01:51

1M ago2:01:51

2:01:51

It's Part 2 of our Harry Potter series. Are we having fun yet? This week the Shelfers are joined by returning guest and brilliant web-comic creator, Max Graves, in discussing J.K. Rowling's 2003 fantasy novel, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" as well as the second half of the series, including its YA turn. Rowling's finally getting POLIT…

1
Episode 1 - The Tarnished 1:05:14

1M ago1:05:14

1:05:14

Welcome to the Lands Between! In this first episode, Aysha talks to AJ from the Worst of All Possible Worlds and Kevin from The Penumbra Podcast about the first thing you see in Elden Ring - the opening movie. Topics include: the meaning of Elden, who the Tarnished even are, Godwyn's huge face, Mohg beating the allegations, and the hawk tuah girl, …

1
184 - The Last of Us Part II (Part 1) 2:46:19

1M ago2:46:19

2:46:19

The lads grab their golf clubs and make for Seattle as they hop on the Ellie murder train that is Naughty Dog’s 2020 revengeapalooza: The Last of Us Part II. Topics include the chaotic development process, the CW-fication of the writing, and the inescapable conservatism at the core of The Last of Us universe. Media Referenced in the Episode: The La…

1
The Rise of Rowling: Harry Potter Pt 1, ft Aysha U. Farah 2:06:43

2M ago2:06:43

2:06:43

The Rowling miniseries begins. The Shelfers and honorary Shelfer, Aysha U. Farah, hop on our broomsticks and zoom into the impossibly big world of Harry Potter, and whatever now-notorious bigot J.K. Rowling's whole deal is (Our working theory is that once you cross $100 million in net worth, no matter what you were like before, you lose your mind.)…

1
183 - The War Room (1993) 30:05

2M ago30:05

30:05

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall When Bill Clinton won the US presidential election in 1992, two people were key to his success: James Carville and George Stephanopolous. This week, Brian and Josh step into The War Room, D.A. Pennebaker’s 1993 documentary about how these two men and their team of future top Demo…

1
INTERVIEW: Tim Faust on Defending Medicaid 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

Our ongoing interview series with people working to fight the rising tide of fascism continues today as Josh sits down with Tim Faust, a healthcare activist who has been advocating for the preservation and expansion of federal and state healthcare programs in the United States for years. Tim recently began touring the state of Wisconsin, talking wi…

1
182 - Video Redeemed The Radio Star: Definitive Edition (feat. Rosey Armstrong) 2:36:10

2M ago2:36:10

2:36:10

Saddle up your horses as the lads, along with Rosey Armstrong (Hans Gruber and the Die Hards), slap on their Crosses of Gold and dive headlong into the varied and wild world of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). Topics include what makes Christian music Christian music, the rampaging sexiness of Michael W. Smith, and the importance of artistic int…

1
The Whale Mind Virus: Moby Dick, Ft. Isaac Boa 1:46:08

2M ago1:46:08

1:46:08

Thar she blows! This week, the shelfers unpack The Great American Novel: Herman Melville's 1851 epic, "Moby Dick." Joining us is Isaac Boa, a writer, educator, and revolutionary organizer. Together, we're going to solve just what's going on with this whole whale situation. You can find Isaac's writing here. You can join the PSL Action Network Here.…

1
2 Parable 2 Talents: Parable of the Talents 1:30:17

2M ago1:30:17

1:30:17

Octavia Butler Round 3 The Shelfers finish the Parable Duology and the hazardous life of Lauren Oya Olamina in Octavia Butler's 1998 masterpiece, "Parable of the Talents." This book is an absolutely brilliant analysis of fascism and the powerful organizing that can arise in the face of it. Octavia is the best to ever do it. What else can we say? CW…

1
181 - Animal Crossing: New Horizons 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall Good morning, everyone! The current date is March 20, 2020. Residents, I have some exciting news for you! The Lads have just moved onto our wonderful island! Let’s all give them a big island welcome! In other news, the museum is under construction and you’ll never go outside agai…

1
The Gang Goes Progressive: Black Chamber 2:00:45

2M ago2:00:45

2:00:45

This is a bully good episode (am I using that term properly?) This week, the shelfers check out S.M. Stirling's 2018 alternative history WWI novel, "Black Chamber." The premise? Teddy Roosevelt gets a third term as president, and this time he's Bernie Sanders in a cowboy hat. We didn't dig this one. Jacob REALLY didn't dig this one. If you're here,…

1
180 - Do Coaches Pray for Electric Sheep?: Average Joe (2024) 2:12:55

2M ago2:12:55

2:12:55

The lads take a knee and offer their football up to the Lord as they cover the 2024 Coach Joseph Kennedy biopic: Average Joe. Topics include the return of Harold Cronk, the Deadpoolification of Christian movies, and what it means to build a social movement around one of the most annoying narcissists alive. Media Referenced in this Episode: Average …

1
179 - The Room (2003) 20:39

3M ago20:39

20:39

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall How did the lads meet? Well that’s a very interesting story, when Brian and A.J. moved to New York with two suitcases and didn’t know anyone and they have-uh-they head to YMCA with a $2000 check which they could not cash. Why? Well, because it was an out of state bank. Anyway, uh…

1
We Bring The Boom: When the Wind Blows, ft. Foxy Macchiato 1:14:35

3M ago1:14:35

1:14:35

Have you ever considered that when a nuclear war happens your grandparents will die and it'll be really sad? No? Well this book is gonna make you consider that. This week, the Shelfers take on Raymond Briggs' 1982 graphic novel, "When the Wind Blows," an upsetting little tale about an old couple facing the apocalypse. We are joined by veteran of ou…

1
178 - Falling Down (feat. Justin Roczniak) 2:19:28

3M ago2:19:28

2:19:28

Justin Roczniak (Well There’s Your Problem) and the lads walk in a straight line through Los Angeles and leave carnage in their wake as they cover Joel Schumacher’s 1993 boomer-palooza: Falling Down. Topics include LA geography, the fashion of mechanical engineers, and what it means to hold up an entire fast food joint because those darn cashiers w…

1
Fools Settle Alchemist: The Alchemist, Ft. Kennedy Cooper 1:42:47

3M ago1:42:47

1:42:47

What if the treasure was the friends we made along the way but also was very literally a whole lot of treasure? Join us as we travel to 1988 to discuss Paulo Coelho's global phenomenon of a novel, "The Alchemist." We are joined by Kennedy Cooper, host of the podcasts, "The Worst Week Yet" and "The Most Important Election of our Lives." We haven't b…

1
177 - Love in the Time of Conniera (feat. Devon) [Whit’s Endless Summer 42] 30:37

3M ago30:37

30:37

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall Devon (Kill James Bond!) and the lads return to Odyssey for more adventures in valentines, political blackmail, and volunteering for the Vietnam War. Topics include the logistics of Roman marriage, the intangible dread of grief, and what it means when the great loss that hangs ov…

1
The First Groyper: Confessions of a Mask 1:49:41

3M ago1:49:41

1:49:41

Our new website is live! Check out socialistshelf.com for all your Socialist Shelf needs. Today we enter the very gay, very violent, and very authoritarian mind of Yukio Mishima, aka the worst coup-plotter of all time, as we discuss his 1949 work, "Confessions of a Mask." This novel is harrowing at times, ridiculous at others. Absolutely relatable …

1
176 - The Social Network 2:55:54

3M ago2:55:54

2:55:54

The lads pledge to the Phoenix Club and destroy democracy as they cover David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin’s 2010 techbro parable: The Social Network. Topics include Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ iconic score, the polarizing nature of Sorkin’s writing, and what it means to live in a world ruled by Augustus Caesar wannabes like Mark Zuckerberg. TICKETS…

1
Kicked (To Death!): Liberation Day, ft. Tom Da Anime Sicko 2:01:35

3M ago2:01:35

2:01:35

Have you ever thought, "Hey, why can't I have a guy strapped to my wall that will basically serve as a living large language model for me and my bored guests?" No? Well, we talk a lot about that concept anyway. This is our discussion of "Liberation Day," a 2022 short story collection from George Saunders. Joining us is confirmed genius, Tom from th…

1
INTERVIEW: maia arson crimew on online privacy and operational security 43:38

3M ago43:38

43:38

Our interview series about practical tactics to keep yourself and your community safe from the rising tide of fascism continues this week as Josh talks with maia arson crimew (it/she), a hacktivist and past guest on the show. Topics include: The mechanics of how corporations and governments identify and track you across virtual and real-world space…

1
175 - Final Fantasy VII [Part 2] (feat. Joe Kassabian) 20:56

4M ago20:56

20:56

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall Joe Kassabian (Lions Led by Donkeys) and the lads hop in the Highwind and fly it straight into Sephiroth’s face as they conclude their coverage of Square’s monumental 1997 RPG: Final Fantasy VII. Topics include the wild quests of Yuffie and Vincent, the gamer-rage fueled final du…

1
Forrest "Bram Stoker" Gump: Dracula, ft. Scoob 2:23:06

4M ago2:23:06

2:23:06

It's time to talk about the quintessential vampire novel, Bram Stoker 1897 gothic horror, "Dracula." *Scary music plays, lightning flashes, we look very cool in an old castle* The Shelfers are joined by Scoob, Bluesky Elder, vampire expert, and longtime follower of the Count. Learn how Bram Stoker was the Forrest Gump of late 19th century literatur…

1
INTERVIEW: Knowing your rights in the face of ICE 50:21

4M ago50:21

50:21

Fighting the tide of rising fascism requires good information. This week, Josh sat down with Isaac Adams, an immigration attorney with nearly a decade of experience defending immigrants in removal proceedings from the United States government, to get a better understanding of the current legal landscape. Among other things, we talked about: What is…

1
174 - Final Fantasy VII [Part 1] (feat. Joe Kassabian) 2:18:08

4M ago2:18:08

2:18:08

Joe Kassabian (Lions Led by Donkeys) and the lads grab their buster swords and hit the streets or Midgar as they do battle with the nefarious Shinra Corporation in Square’s monumental 1997 RPG: Final Fantasy VII. Topics include Square’s dramatic split with Nintendo, the eclectic nature of the many, many minigames, and what it means to kill off a ma…

1
Occupy Prescott, an Interview with Andy Boyd 1:31:58

4M ago1:31:58

1:31:58

It's been a minute, but it's time for another famous Socialist Shelf interview!! We're delighted to feature Andy Boyd, a brilliant playwright and artist to talk about her play, "Occupy Prescott," a funny and thoughtful show about an Occupy Wall Street encampment in the much-smaller-than-Wall-Street Courthouse Square of Prescott Arizona. Purchase "O…

1
173 - MASH on TV (Bangers of MASH #1) 29:02

4M ago29:02

29:02

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall The lads once again return to the frontlines of the Korean War as they rejoin 4077th for the first in an ongoing miniseries covering the hit 70s television show: M*A*S*H. Topics include the show’s origins, the gradual evolution beyond the Altman template, and what it means to mak…

1
Baby I Was Born To Walk: The Long Walk 2:05:55

4M ago2:05:55

2:05:55

We walk. And walk. And waaaalk. Welcome to the twisted mind of Stephen King, AKA Richard Bachman, and his 1979 dystopian horror, "The Long Walk." What if America was bad? Like...even more bad. What if we had young men play sports that killed them...like killed them even more than the ones they do now. The Shelfers investigate. Fascism. Masculinity.…

1
172 - AOL Whitstant Messenger (feat. Colette Shade) [Whit’s Endless Summer #41] 2:44:45

4M ago2:44:45

2:44:45

Colette Shade [Y2K: How the 2000’s Became Everything (essays on a future that never was)] joins the lads in Odyssey for some eXtreme adventures in cliques, Y2K paranoia, and the Odyssians’ forever war with the people of Rakistan. Topics include Y2K aesthetics, being jumpscared by John Avery Whittaker, and what it means to have nostalgia for an opti…

1
171 - Left Behind World At War 25:10

4M ago25:10

25:10

THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall The lads dive once more into the apocalyptic mind of Jerry B. Jenkins, as they cover the unintentional finale of the Kirk Cameron Left Behind trilogy: LEFT BEHIND WORLD AT WAR. Topics include the acting bona fides of Lou Gosset Jr., the importance of colons in titles, and how str…

1
Talking about the last year...also, "Hell is the Absence of God" 1:52:21

4M ago1:52:21

1:52:21

It's a year in review episode but also we do a short story because that's what we doooo, baby. It's been a great year for the show (and in basically no other way). We celebrate it in this episode by the giving of dubious gifts, reflecting on our favorite episodes of the year, and being slightly disrespectful to Jimmy Carter. We also discuss Ted Chi…

1
164 UNLOCKED - God’s Not Dead 2 2:46:26

5M ago2:46:26

2:46:26

The lads dare to speak about Christ in the classroom and face the wrath of Ray Wise as they cover Harold Cronk’s 2016 evangelical propaganda film: God’s Not Dead 2. Topics include the horrendous filmmaking, the deeply-flawed rhetoric, and what we can learn about the future of America from a film that posits a world in which the masses will be subju…

1
Depression (In Space!): Aniara, ft. Max Johansson 2:14:48

5M ago2:14:48

2:14:48

It's not just a poem, it an EPIC poem. This week, the Shelfers take on Harry Martinson's 1956 Swedish, sci-fi epic, "Aniara." Joining them is Max Johansson, who will be considered our pod's official Sweden expert from here on out. Proletarian literature, running away from your problems, existential despair, quibbling over translations, nuclear apoc…

1
Dude, Where's My Reich? (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) 2:06:58

5M ago2:06:58

2:06:58

Let's get into the savage heart of the American dream, shall we? Join us as we visit Hunter S. Thompson's pocket dimension version of Las Vegas in his 1971 work of gonzo journalism, "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Hear us praise the writing, be moved by the characters, and get really pissed at the author. Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitt…

1
170 - 2024: A Year in Review 2:08:41

5M ago2:08:41

2:08:41

As has become tradition, we fielded a bunch of calls from you about what The Worst of All Possible Worlds meant to you in 2024 and stitched them together with highlights from the show. Merry Christmas and thanks for being part of our year. We also put out an extra-special Whit's Endless Summer bobus to the premium feed; check it out over on Patreon…

1
169 - Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life 1:59:19

5M ago1:59:19

1:59:19

The lads do battle with Mr. Potter for the heart of Bedford Falls as they cover Frank Capra’s 1946 Christmas classic: It’s a Wonderful Life. Topics include the pernicious myth of “Capra-corn”, the art of the Jimmy Stewart impression, and what it takes to be a George Bailey in a system designed to turn you into a Henry F. Potter. REMINDER: SUBMISSIO…

1
Every Young Man's Saddle: Every Young Man’s Battle, Ft. Josh Boerman 3:08:11

5M ago3:08:11

3:08:11

Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here. Worst of All Possible Worlds’ Josh Boerman, veteran of both the Socialist Shelf and the battle every young man must face, join us as we take on the villainous Arterburn M Stephen and the downright freaky Fred Stoeker’s 2002, sexual purity self-help book, “Every Young Man’s Battle” If you’ve ever wanted to face th…

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Aysha U. Farah Podcasts

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