Working Class History – Details, episodes & analysis

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Working Class History

History

Education

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/21d. Total Eps: 152

History isn't made by kings and politicians, it's made by all of us. This podcast is about how we, together, have fought for a better world.
Become a paid subscriber, support our work and listen ad-free with early access and exclusive bonus episodes at patreon.com/workingclasshistory.

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http://www.alabianca.it/en/store/bravo-records-en/le-canzoni-di-bella-ciao-aa-vv/
37 shares
https://montaignemusic.com.au/
19 shares
https://montaigne.bandcamp.com/track/bread-and-roses
14 shares

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Score global : 69%

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E126: [TEASER] Fireside Chat - How we won the weekend

Episode 126

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 10:11

New Fireside Chat available exclusively for our Patreon supporters about the true history of the weekend, struggles over time off from work, and what is missing from mainstream accounts.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory

Listen to the full episode here on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/workingclasshistory/posts/e126-fireside-we-169049458

While mainstream narratives credit antisemitic capitalist, Henry Ford, with the creation of the modern two-day weekend, the reality is that it was something which millions of workers around the world organised and fought for.
Time, like wage labour, and many other facets of modern life, seems like a natural phenomenon. But the way we experience time has been shaped almost entirely by human societies.
From ancient Mesopotamia, and major world religions including Judaism, Christianity and Islam, we trace the history weekend to mediaeval Europe, Iran, China, revolutionary France up to the present day in the US, UK and elsewhere.
From drunkards in Austria, to oil workers in Azerbaijan, anarchists in Chicago, and women in Detroit, in this episode we look at the people who, together, created the weekend.
The majority of workers in the West today don’t realise that the modern two-day weekend that most of us enjoy only really became widespread in the last 80 years. And while today we take it for granted, employers and governments everywhere are making moves to erode it. At the same time, as automation continues, and large language models promise ever-higher productivity, a new generation of workers is calling for its extension – to a three-day weekend without loss in pay.
Who will ultimately prevail, depends on us.

E125: Fireside Chat – How We Won the Weekend – Available exclusively for our supporters on Patreon
Full episode webpage: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e126-the-radical-history-of-the-weekend/
WCH commemorative merch about the weekend: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/all/weekend

Acknowledgements

Thanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.
Edited by Jesse French
Our theme tune is Montaigne’s version of the classic labour movement anthem, ‘Bread and Roses’, performed by Montaigne and Nick Harriott, and mixed by Wave Racer. Download the song here, with all proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.

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WCL15: Literature of the 1926 General Strike

Season 2 · Episode 15

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:15:17

As part of our work to mark the centenary of the UK's 1926 general strike, we sat down with with Charles Ferrall and Dougal McNeill, authors of the excellent Writing the 1926 General Strike: Literature, Culture, Politics to talk about some of the literature texts produced in response to the strike, both from established authors and emerging working-class writers.

Our podcast is brought to you by patreon supporters of both Working Class Literature and Working Class History. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory

In our discussion, Charles Ferrall and Dougal McNeill explain why they wrote their book and what they mean when they say the strike was “a literary event.” We also discuss the works of a number of different working-class authors responding to the strike, not to mention those of more famous authors that were also affected by the strike, in particular Lady Chatterley’s Lover (1928) by DH Lawrence and To the Lighthouse (1927) by Virginia Woolf. Further reading and a transcript available on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/wcl15-literature-of-the-1926-general-strike/

Acknowledgements

Thanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands and Fellow Worker.
Our theme tune for this episode is Montaigne’s version of ‘When the Coal Comes from the Rhonda’, a folk song originating from Welsh miners in the early twentieth century and sung during the general strike. Download the song here. More from Montaigne: website, Instagram, YouTube.

E125.1: [TEASER] Riot Dogs - Greece bonus episode

Episode 126

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 05:25

Free preview extract ofIn various countries around the world, as movements against exploitation and inequality exploded, protesters found some unlikely allies – street dogs. In these episodes, we look at movements and riot dogs in two countries: Chile and Greece, and Negro Matapacos and Loukanikos, respectively.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
In this bonus episode, we look at a street dog named Loukanikos, and protests against police violence in 2009, and against austerity in 2011. Listen to the whole thing exclusively by joining us on Patreon.
More info

Check out the Riot dog merch in our online shop.
Check out sources, more information, and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e125-riot-dogs/

Acknowledgements

Thanks to our Patreon supporters for making this podcast possible. Special thanks to Jazz Hands.
Episode graphic: Loukanikos poster, designed for WCH by Jeff Mooridian Jr
Our theme tune is Loukanikos, by .

E125: Riot dogs - Negro Matapacos

Episode 125

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 • Duration 34:35

In various countries around the world, as movements against exploitation and inequality exploded, protesters found some unlikely allies – street dogs. In these episodes, we look at movements and riot dogs in two countries: Chile and Greece, and Negro Matapacos and Loukanikos, respectively.Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
You can listen to our podcast on the links below, or on any major podcast app. Links to a few below.Episodes

E125: Chile – In this episode, we head to Chile, where a central figure of the 2019 uprising against the country’s dictatorship-era legacy, was a street dog called Negro Matapacos. Available without ads on Patreon.
E125.1: Greece – In this bonus episode, we look at a street dog named Loukanikos, and protests against police violence in 2009, and against austerity in 2011. Available exclusively for our supporters on Patreon.

More info

Check out the Riot dog merch in our online shop.

Acknowledgements

E124: [TEASER] Fireside Chat - World Cup of Chaos

Episode 124

Monday, July 20, 2026 • Duration 25:09

Fireside Chat podcast available exclusively for our Patreon supporters we invited back Tomas Rothaus (from our Argentina 2001 episodes) to discuss football, politics, and the chaotic mess of the World Cup in Donald Trump's USA.

Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory

Recorded before the competition started,we discussed the many contradictions of being a radical football fan, the excitement of attending previous World Cups, the way various authoritarian regimes have utilised football for their own ends, and the many players and managers (past and present) who have believed in fairer society for all.

Listen to the full 92-minute episode here:

E124: Fireside Chat - World Cup of Chaos – Available exclusively for our supporters on Patreon

More information

Get a copy of Tomas' book, Argentina, a Tale of Two Utopias: Anarchism, Soccer, Neoliberalism
- You can also get Tomas’ other book, Another War Is Possible: Militant Anarchist Experiences in the Antiglobalization Era

AcknowledgementsYou can listen to all of our Patreon-exclusive podcast episodes by

E123.1 [TEASER]: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, bonus episode

Episode 124

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 • Duration 10:10

Free preview of the bonus episode to our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.
This episode covers more about Daniel’s work and organising history, the political and economic context of the early 2000s, and retaliation by Starbucks against him, and what happened in the subsequent legal case.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
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Listen to this full bonus episode here on Patreon.
Listen to all parts now without ads on Patreon.
More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/
Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:

- Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel Gross

Acknowledgements

E123: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 3

Episode 123

Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 39:40

Final part of our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.
This part covers international solidarity, Starbucks union-busting strategies, the decline of the union, and lessons for today.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
More

Listen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.
More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/
Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:

- Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel Gross
- Solidarity Unionism at Starbucks – Staughton Lynd and Daniel Gross

Acknowledgements

E122: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 2

Episode 122

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 • Duration 31:33

Part 2 of our three-part podcast series about the organising campaign by the Industrial Workers of the World union at Starbucks in the 2000s, in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.
This part covers solidarity unionism and direct action on the job, tactics, and gains won by the workers.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
More

Listen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.
More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/
Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:

- Labor Law for the Rank and Filer: Building Solidarity While Staying Clear of the Law – Staughton Lynd and Daniel Gross
- Solidarity Unionism at Starbucks – Staughton Lynd and Daniel Gross

Acknowledgements

E121: IWW Starbucks Workers Union, part 1

Episode 121

Thursday, June 25, 2026 • Duration 47:46

Before the current wave of organising at Starbucks, another group of workers in the early 2000s got together and formed a union at one of the most anti-union corporations on earth. They won better pay and conditions, and laid the groundwork for the unionisation campaign today. Learn their story in this three-part podcast series in conversation with Daniel Gross, one of the key organisers.
Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Supporters also get access to two exclusive podcast series: Fireside Chats and Radical Reads. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory
More

Part 1: Background about Starbucks, workers’ pay and conditions, the Industrial Workers of the World union, how the organising got started, and the legal avenues the IWW pursued. Available without ads for our supporters on Patreon.
Listen to all 3 parts now without ads, plus an exclusive bonus episode on Patreon.
More information, sources, show notes and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e121-123-iww-starbucks-workers-union/
Get hold of books by Daniel Gross, including:

Acknowledgements

E120.1: [TEASER] 1926 general strike, bonus episode

Episode 120

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • Duration 09:44

Bonus episode for our three-part miniseries about the UK’s 1926 general strike, in collaboration with the General Strike 100 project and told using interviews with striking workers themselves.

In this episode, East London dock worker, Harry Watson, talks about life and work on the docks around the time of the general strike as well as the split of skilled dock workers away from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Our podcast is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes without ads, bonus episodes, two exclusive podcast series – Fireside Chats and Radical Reads – as well as free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistory

Listen to the whole exclusive bonus episode without ads by joining us on Patreon. As well as more from Harry, it also includes Betty Harrison who recounts her experience of the 1925 textile workers' strike: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e120-1-1926-155633267
Listen to our exclusive music bonus episode where we explain the history behind the theme song used for this series (recorded for us by award-winning artist, Montaigne)

More info

Find out about events to commemorate the strike in your area (and beyond!) on the General Strike 100 website

Acknowledgements

Working Class History – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Working Class History – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Patreon67

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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Other99+

Patreon67

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