Best Aysha U. Farah Podcasts (2025)

1
Terminal Article Brain: Abundance 1:30:32

1d 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
Episode 3 - Marika | Radagon 56:35

9d 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

9d 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
The Future Where We Lose: The Fall of Cadia by Robert Rath 1:49:49

16d 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
Harry Potter and the Petty Rant Against its Own Fanbase: The Cursed Child ft. AJ from WOAPW 1:47:24

22d 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

23d 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
The City & The City - ft. RevLeft Radio 1:27:29

30d 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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…

1
See Description for Title: Percy Jackson 1:56:03

5M ago1:56:03

1:56:03

Title: "Luke Castellan and the Heroic Kronosian People's Front's Noble and Correct War Against the Poseidonist Running Dog Known as Percy JacKKK$on and the Imperialist, Westernist Pigs at KKKamp Halfblood, Including the Reactionary and Hyper-Consumptivist Diony$u$ and the Liberal Moralist Annabeth Cha$e, Who Represent Scant Resistance to the Titani…

1
13 Seasons Why: The 5th Season 1:55:22

6M ago1:55:22

1:55:22

We went and ended the whole world this time. This week, the Shelfers unleash the powers of the Evil Earth with N.K. Jemisin 2015 fantasy hit, "The Fifth Season." We talk discrimination against earthbenders, repressed sexuality, and second-person narratives. Not necessarily in that order. Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patr…

1
Maker? I Hardly Know Her: Makers, ft. Max Graves 2:18:43

6M ago2:18:43

2:18:43

It's time to do some serious 3D Printing. The Shelfers are joined by comic artist and internet expert, Max Graves, to discuss Cory Doctorow's 2009, near-future sci-fi, "Makers." Together, we discuss what Doctorow got really right, what he got really wrong, and a bunch of stuff that's just plain confusing. Do you like cheap plastic? Fad diets? Disne…

1
Return of the King, ft. Aysha U. Farah 2:00:07

6M ago2:00:07

2:00:07

The epic saga comes to a close... This week we finish our Tolkien series with Return of the King...but the king's not the only one returning! Alongside us is the triple-guest, Aysha U. Farah! We're talking elves, we're talking gollums, we're talking sad homecomings and magic swords. You already knowwww! You can find Aysha's work at her website, her…

1
Tol-Ken Penders: Sonic Comics, ft. Wiispywitch 2:07:10

7M ago2:07:10

2:07:10

No, it doesn't make sense that we did an episode on the Sonic Archie Comics...but it'll be fine. We had fun. To get into the wild world of Sonic comics, we bring on Wiispywitch, AKA Tay, AKA creator of the iconic (to us) Socialist Shelf art. Between her passion, Ryan's expertise, and the shadow of "The President is Missing" hounding everything we d…

1
Human Boyg Guy: Peer Gynt, Ft. Brian Alford 2:09:17

7M ago2:09:17

2:09:17

It's time to jump off a cliff, seduce a troll, and get turned into a button. This week, we're talking about Henrik Ibsen's 1867 play, "Peer Gynt," an absolutely crazy ride of folklore, modernity's encroachment on tradition, good music, and Sphinxes with Berlin accents. Brian Alford of "the Worst of All Possible Worlds" joins us to discuss this foun…

1
Comey Vs. the Mafia: Central Park West 2:14:11

8M ago2:14:11

2:14:11

Remember James Comey, the FBI Director who infuriated Democrats by reopening the Hillary Clinton email investigation just before the 2016 election, then became a liberal hero a year or so later because Trump fired him? Well, he wrote a novel. We read it. "Central Park West" is a 2023 crime novel about the mafia, being a good mom, and using the full…

1
Tom Bomba-Devil: The Two Towers 2:18:14

8M ago2:18:14

2:18:14

Part 3 of our Tolkien series is HERE! It's time for Ents, Wizards, Giant Spiders, and Ecological Catastrophe, because we're talking about J.R.R. Tolkien's, "The Two Towers." Is this the most action-packed book of the trilogy? How did C.S. Lewis become a tree? How can we keep mind-control incels out of politics? Are Frodo and Sam gay (no...but actua…

1
I'm going to Jeff the Kill you: Creepypastas, ft. Rachel B. 1:29:49

8M ago1:29:49

1:29:49

We're in our spooky era. This week, we're talking about Creepypastas, that internet horror phenomenon that was the pride and joy of kids who "just didn't fit in" circa 2011. In particular, we focus on 2001's "Ted the Caver" and 2011's "Jeff the Killer." Lenore is off stuck in a cave or being murdered by a Joker clone somewhere, so we're joined by o…

1
In The Zone: Roadside Picnic 1:48:43

9M ago1:48:43

1:48:43

Join the shelfers as we enter The Zone and explore a classic work of Soviet sci-fi, the Strugatsky brothers' 1972 novel, "Roadside Picnic." Never heard of it? You may know the film adaptation, Tarkovsky's critically acclaimed 1979 movie, "Stalker." Learn about this book's troubled publication history, hear Jacob get annoyed about thematic pieces no…

1
Jacob and Lenore Yell At An Article 1:00:57

9M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Due to busy schedules and a mild back injury (explanations within) we didn't finish prep to talk about this week's novel, so instead we read and...let's say critique...Adam Wren's "How Lord of the Rings Shaped JD Vance's Politics" for Politico. You can read it here. Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,) …

1
Revenge of the Vegans: Tender is the Flesh 1:59:45

9M ago1:59:45

1:59:45

That flesh do be tender The shelfers take on Augustina Bazterrica's 2017 horror novel (or cookbook if you're really weird I guess), "Tender is the Flesh." They're really out here eating people. This is a book about justifying your place as a node in the extractive machine of capitalism, and as such it's pretty intense. We try not to over-dwell on t…

1
Just Dance Vance: Hillbilly Elegy 2:08:51

9M ago2:08:51

2:08:51

Yee...and I can't stress this enough...Haw The Shelfers dive into VP hopeful, evil lawyer, and overgrown garden gnome J.D. Vance's 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." Does this book (and its 2020 film adaptation) answer all the questions about the Rust Belt and the white working class??? Uh. No. Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.…

1
Highkey No Mouth, Lowkey Gotta Scream 1:23:45

10M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

A blast from the past...we've dug up an episode recorded several months ago. Why didn't we release it? Uhh...idk honestly. Anyway! It's Harlan Ellison's work of sci-fi/horror, "I Have No Mouth, And I Must Scream." Why on earth does this evil computer hate us so much?? Music by Solo Monk (@SoloMonk256 on Twitter, https://www.patreon.com/solomonkart,…

1
I Hate When Evil is Born: Black, ft Josh Boerman 2:24:45

10M ago2:24:45

2:24:45

It's a three-peat folks! They're calling him the three-peater! Josh Boerman of the Worst of All Possible Worlds podcast is BACK to help the Shelfers crack Ted Dekker's 2004 evangelical fantasy novel, "Black: The Birth of Evil." We examine the inherent weaknesses of the evangelical fiction author, figure out why Ted hates the French so much, ask bol…

1
Portrait Mode: The Picture of Dorian Gray 1:46:34

10M ago1:46:34

1:46:34

"A Picture of Doran GAY" was too low-hanging of fruit, but I did consider that as an episode title. This week the Shelfers dive into the only novel Oscar Wilde ever wrote, 1891's "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Come for the Gothic horror, stay for the overt homosexuality. We discuss Wilde's life, which is so exciting and tragic we *almost* forgive hi…

1
The Return of This Thing: LOTR, Pt 1 1:57:50

10M ago1:57:50

1:57:50

WE! ARE! BACK! The Shelfers have RETURNED! This week we discuss J.R.R. Tolkien's 1953 quintessential fantasy novel, "Fellowship of the Ring." (If you're interested in Tolkien as a guy, you may want to catch the first part of our episode on "The Hobbit," because we go into detail there) Is the Shire the perfect society? What's the deal with Tom Bomb…

1
Enter the TolkienVerse: The Hobbit 2:48:03

1y ago2:48:03

2:48:03

And so it begins...The Socialist Shelf Tolkien deep dive. The Shelfers begin an examination of the ultimate fantasy series, "The Lord of the Rings," starting with 1937's "The Hobbit" (not technically part of the trilogy but pretty darn important if you want to understand it.) We also talk about the life of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, a world-histori…

1
Shelf Lore: They Called Her Rebel 27:42

1y ago27:42

27:42

It's short, but it's important (to us!) Ahead of our next month of Tolkien deep-dive, we need another week to read and study. However, we did want to use this time to announce that Jacob is now querying for his novel, "They Called Her Rebel." "They Called Her Rebel" is a story about people power, fantastical revolution, and queer love. If you're in…

1
SchizoZENia: The Book of Form and Emptiness 2:05:30

1y ago2:05:30

2:05:30

Alternate episode title: "Who Killed Captain Aleph?" The Shelfers get Zen as we dive into Ruth Ozeki's 2021 work of magical realism, "The Book of Form and Emptiness." This book has got it all: psych wards, nonbinary ferrets, anarchist goth GFs, Zizek in a wheelchair, disaster capitalism, Marie Kondo, ghostly fridge magnets...none of this is a joke …

1
WORM WORM WORM: Dune, ft Trent 2:09:44

1y ago2:09:44

2:09:44

It's time to talk about DUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Educator and sci-fi lover Trent returns to the show to discuss Frank Herbert's 1965 epic tale of spice, sand, and worms. The movies get talked about a good bit too (we loved them.) Can Paul Atreides see the dialectic itself? Why is Frank Herbert so scared of women? What is "good" power and what is "bad" po…

1
Burning Man: Interview w/ Vincent Bevins 1:02:10

1y ago1:02:10

1:02:10

Right at the top: y'all need to get this book. You can find it here. Journalist and author Vincent Bevins joins the Shelfers to discuss his new book, "If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution." Topics of discussion: the need for organization during mass movements, Hunger Games GIFS, and V for Vendetta. Music by Solo Monk (@Sol…

1
History Science Theater 1231: Cross-Time Engineer, ft. Dracula 1:48:07

1+ y ago1:48:07

1:48:07

Special thanks to THE Count Dracula for stopping by! This week we get into Leo Frankowski's 1986 sci-fi—let's not say "epic," exactly—"The Cross-Time Engineer," the story of the coolest, buffest, smartest, sexiest engineer that's ever lived (and TOTALLY isn't a self-insert power fantasy character of the author!!) What's the deal with creepy liberta…

1
Cursed Episode: Edgar Allan Poe 1:34:37

1+ y ago1:34:37

1:34:37

This episode was delayed multiple times due to what is no doubt the curse of the ghost of Poe himself! This week we're discussing the life of famed American spook-smith, Edgar Allan Poe, with a particular focus on his short stories, "The Masque of The Red Death" and "Hop-Frog" Was Poe a tortured genius, or just some guy trying to get by? How do cla…

1
Fighting Times: Interview with Jonathan Melrod 1:11:58

1+ y ago1:11:58

1:11:58

We're back with a Socialist Shelf author interview! This week we're talking to labor lawyer, long-time activist, and author of the book, "Fighting Times," Jonathan Melrod! Want to learn how to change the world through working-class organization? Jon is the man you need to hear from! He's an absolute fountain of wisdom. Don't miss this interview...o…

1
The Twisted Mind of C.S. Lewis: Narnia, ft. Aysha U. Farah 1:55:35

1+ y ago1:55:35

1:55:35

This is a fun one. Fantasy expert and professional hater Aysha U. Farah is back on the show to discuss C.S. Lewis' 1950 children's novel, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," though we really get into all of Narnia and spend a lot of time on its deeply fascinating author. Who was this odd, sometimes-brilliant, sometimes-foolish, always-insane a…

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Aysha U. Farah Podcasts

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