Revisit: Professor Steve Babson Explores American Populism

In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Dr. Steve Babson, a man who has spent his life studying and teaching the intricacies of labor movements and political dynamics. His latest book, Populism: When America's Farmers Turned Left to Save Democracy, takes us back to the late 1800s, a time when America's farmers rallied against corporate giants to defend democracy. The parallels with today’s political landscape are numerous. Steve’s career has been anything but ordinary. His life as a professor and labor activist ranged from college classrooms to union halls and factories, to the most unconventional spots, like bowling alleys. His dedication to labor education, showcased through his work at Wayne State University's Labor Studies Center, speaks volumes about his commitment to workers' rights, both within and outside unions. This hands-on experience gives Steve a unique lens through which he views the parallels between past and present political movements. "Populism is a term applied to a whole range of politicians who, in my estimate, have very little in common." - Steve Babson In our conversation, Steve and I dive deep into the roots of populism, exploring how it has morphed over time and what it means today. We tackle pressing issues like climate change and the current political climate, all while drawing lessons from the populist farmers of the 1890s who dared to challenge the status quo. As we inch closer to the 2024 election, understanding the past becomes crucial. Steve's insights not only offer a fascinating look at historical populist movements but also shed light on our contemporary struggles. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on grasping the broader implications of populism and its relevance to today's political and environmental debates. Episode Links Forgotten Populists Website Buy Forgotten Populists from Powell’s Independent Bookstore ⁠Buy Forgotten Populists from Amazon.com Listen & Subscribe to How We Change the World: 🎧 Spotify: ⁠ https://bit.ly/ChangeTheWorld-Spotify 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/ChangeTheWorld-Apple 💻 Website: ⁠https://www.howwechangetheworld.co⁠ How We Change the World is a weekly podcast designed to inspire hope, encourage action, and celebrate progress in the realms of the environment, poverty, health, governance, social justice, education, animal welfare, conservation, self improvement, health, and other pressing issue areas. Every Wednesday, tune in to hear in-depth conversations with activists, advocates, and other change makers whose stories of triumph, tragedy, and tenacity will encourage you to explore your own problem-solving potential.