SPECTRE Podcast

Joined by Jim Lister of the Calton Weavers Commemoration Committee, we delve into the history of the Calton Weaver's Martyrs, their historical impact, trade unionism today, and more.

The Calton Weavers Commemoration Committee - https://calton-weavers.org/

Music Credit: Nirvana - Aneurysm

Cyberpunk 2077 SAMURAI - Chippin' In

Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_

Contact us - spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com

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/

WFDY Lebanon appeal - https://www.instagram.com/p/DZXaICLIIXu/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

WFDY World Anti-Imperialist Day of Solidarity with...

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/glasgowmayday?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Music Credit : Solidarity Forever - Pete Seeger

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.communistparty.org.uk/manifesto-scotland-2026/

Chris Cullen's Insta & Edinburgh Branch's Twitter - https://x.com/cpb_edinburgh/status/2035317389345128756

https://www.instagram.com/chriscullencpb/

Music Credit : FENIAN - Kneecap

Sunshine...

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://www.stopwar.org.uk/

Stop The War Scotland Substack - https://stopthewarscotland.substack.com/

Music Credit : Fortunate Son...

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 secret communications, building an underground network, outwitting state security services...and more.

So, grab a note pad and pen and get learning !

How To Master Secret Work...

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 episode of this season and have a happy New Year !!!

NATO: The Most Dangerous Organisation on Earth - https://thetricontinental.org/dossier-nato-the-most-dangerous-organisation/

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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 Pussycat? - Tom Jones

I Fought the Law - The Clash

Twitter - https://x.com/SpectrePodcast_

Contact - spectre.podcast.scotland...

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 Russia and the oligarch class

Challenge Magazine and article - https://challenge-magazine.org/

https://challenge-magazine.org/2025/10/12/british-warmongers-wont-give-up-on-war-with-russia/

Music Credit: SAYŌNARA- KNEECAP and Paul Hartnoll

Anthem of t...

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_

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

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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/

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...

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

...

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 Le...

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...

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...

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

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<...

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 Un...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, Glasgow, and Edinburgh Twitter Accounts - https://twitter.com/yclbritain https://twitter.com/YCLGlasgow https://twitter.com/YCLEdinburgh https://twitter.com/lanarkshire_ycl

Eben Williams Challenge Article - Towards working class unity...

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/

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...

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...

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.

The Cuba Solidarity Campaign : https://cuba-solidarity.org.uk/

Cuba Solidarity Campaign Twitter : https://twitter.com/cubasolidarity?lang=en

Music Credit : Los Barbudos - The Bearded Men

Yankee Go Home

Contact us- spectre.podcast.scotland@gmail.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/SpectrePodcast_

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...

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...

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...

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)

Th...

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_

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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

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