SPECTRE Podcast

Joined by Berkan from the Young Communist League of Britain, we explore the history and work of The World Federation of Democratic Youth. We examine the founding of WFDY, current international campaigns, the need for a unified radical youth movement, and more WFDY - https://www.instagram.com/wfdy.1945/?hl=en-gb Berkan's Instagram - @berkan.celebi5 Young Communist of Britain - https://ycl.org.uk/ W...

Happy May Day to workers of all lands ! Joined by Keith Stoddart from the Glasgow TUC, we examine the origins of May Day/International Workers Day. We explore its beginnings, how it developed and what the Glasgow TUC have been organising for May Day this year, as well as the future of the labour/workers movement Glasgow TUC Twitter - https://x.com/GlasgowTUC May Day Programme - https://linktr.ee/g...

Joined by Chris Cullen, Communist Party of Britain candidate for Edinburgh and Lothians East, we examine the need for communists to stand in bourgeoise elections. We analyse the political backdrop of the current Holyrood elections, his campaign, the future of Scotland's economy, the dangers of ultra leftism, the CPB's Scottish Manifesto, and more CPB Scottish Manifesto - https://elections.communis...

Joined by the secretary for Stop The War (STW) Scotland, Sophie Johnson, we explore the work of STW across Britain and dive into their campaign work. We also examine the current shaping of Britain's war economy and how certain elements in the Trade Union movement tow the line of the ruling class and work hard to manufacture consent for building up Britain's war machine, and more... STW - https://w...

Kicking off season 5 with a fantastic project ! In this first solo episode of 2026, we examine the How To Master Secret Work series, first published by the South African Communist Party during the fight against apartheid at the time they were declared illegal and forced to operate underground. This podcast episode aims to arm communists with the knowledge in how to carry out secret work: from secr...

For our final episode of Season 4, we are joined by Zoe Alexandra from The Peoples Dispatch! In this episode we explore the founding of NATO, How the west builds NATO into the monster that it is, War crimes committed by NATO and her allies, How to beat NATO, and more. All whilst referring to the NATO: The Most Dangerous Organisation on Earth dossier published by tricontinental. Enjoy the final epi...

Joined by Nick, Stella, and Daniel from Unite Hospitality. We explore the Village Hotel strike that took place earlier this year. We examine what lead to the strike, organising the workplace, the current state of the hospitality sector in Scotland, and what comes next for these workers and the wider hospitality sector Unite Hospitality - https://x.com/FairHospitality Music Credit: What's New Pussy...

In this collaborative episode with Challenge Magazine, we present an interview with Alexander Rusakov from the Komsomol (the youth wing of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation). In this interview with Jax Tennyson, they discuss the ongoing proxy war, the history of destabilisation in the region following the fall of the soviet union, and the domestic struggles between the workers or Russi...

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 Committe...

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 w...

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 u...

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 Ma...

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.co...

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 Tribu...

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 -...

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 execu...

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 s...

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...

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. Th...

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...

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 Pod...

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....

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/ M...

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:...

Joined by Megan, Robyn and Donal from the Young Communist League of Britain. We examine the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, commercial sexual exploitation, Marxist Feminism vs Liberal Feminism, and more We also discuss the YCL's part in the international 16 Days of Activism and the much needed materialist analysis required on the emancipation of women YCL Britain,...