In this episode of The Socialist Program, the focus is on the bankruptcy of the pharmacy giant Wright Aid, driven by lawsuits related to its role in the opioid crisis. Professor Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the consequences of this corporate collapse and the broader issues related to capitalism and monopolization. They highlight how capitalism's pursuit of profits can lead to the loss of human lives, as seen in the opioid crisis. The episode also emphasizes the trend toward monopoly capitalism in various industries and how it sets the stage for public ownership of key sectors. The episode ends by highlighting the impact on the 51,000 workers at Wright Aid and the need for alternatives to protect jobs and serve the public's interests.

Professor Richard D. Wolff joins Robinson's podcast in a conversation that delves into various aspects of socialism, Marxism, and critical perspectives. They address common misconceptions about socialism, emphasizing its diverse interpretations, from social democracy to the Soviet Union and China.

Prof. Wolff joins the Dr. Economy Show, where he delves into the critical issues of economic inequality and the paradox of vacant homes alongside homelessness. The conversation explores the stark contrast between immense wealth and poverty and highlights the urgent need for profound economic reform. Tune in to gain valuable insights on reshaping our economic systems for a more equitable future.

Professor Richard Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the historic strike of 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers. They highlight the workers' concerns over staffing levels and pay, shedding light on issues within the capitalist healthcare system. This strike is part of a wider labor resurgence, with workers pushing back against being shortchanged. The episode emphasizes how the U.S. healthcare system differs from other capitalist countries, treating healthcare as a commercial product rather than a public good. It delves into the historical context of how the right-wing labels opposing ideas as socialist or communist and how a new generation is increasingly open to socialist ideas. Support for The Socialist Program is encouraged to provide quality news, analysis, and history for those seeking change.

Professor Wolff discusses the impact of sanctions, focusing on recent ones against Russia, and emphasizing the complexity of sanctions, their varying outcomes, and the challenges of enforcement and monitoring. Sanctions on Russia haven't achieved their goals but have unintentionally harmed the European economy by raising energy prices. These sanctions have strengthened the BRICS alliance and signaled the decline of the G7's dominance in the global economy.

Prof. Wolff and Brian Becker discuss the resumption of student loan repayments in the United States and its broader implications for the economy and society. They analyze how the student debt crisis has evolved over time and how it reflects deeper issues within the capitalist system. Prof. Wolff emphasizes the importance of education as a public good and contrasts the US approach to higher education with that of other countries where it is considered a fundamental right. They also critique the Supreme Court's role in overturning policies aimed at student debt relief, highlighting the influence of wealthy interests. The conversation underscores the need for systemic reforms to address the burden of student debt and ensure fair access to education.

In their discussion, Prof. Wolff and Lee Camp address the significant disparity between officially reported low unemployment rates and the fact that housing costs have become evident as unaffordable for the majority of Americans. The need for an immediate boost in wages and a reduction in housing costs is clear. They delve into the concept of workplace democracy, highlighting that corporations are undemocratic in nature and that there's a growing demand for employee empowerment and participation. Additionally, they point out the paradox of tech companies advocating internal collaboration while aggressively patenting their innovations externally, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and democratic economic system that values worker input and nurtures creativity. Their conversation revolves around the urgency for change in workplaces and raises questions about the sustainability of the current economic model.

Prof. Wolff joins Dialogue Works, delving into the UN's functionality and the obstacles it faces in bringing together superpowers. He highlights the concept of "uneven development" from Karl Marx, explaining how capitalism perpetuates global inequality. The impediments to international treaties and agreements stem from the conflicting interests of unequal nations. Emphasis falls the emergence of China's Belt and Road Initiative as a means for countries to assert economic autonomy and reduce dependence on Western decision-making. Lastly, the significance of this initiative, particularly in Greece, is underscored as it offers nations greater agency in shaping their economic futures.

Prof. Wolff joins Dialogue Works to discuss the evolving landscape of global reserve currencies, highlighting the historical context and how countries like China, India, Brazil, and others aim to gain recognition for their currencies worldwide as the relative dominance of the United States wanes. The conversation explores lending, international trade, and the potential emergence of a new multinational currency among the BRICS countries, all while considering the impact on global politics and ideologies.

Prof. Wolff joins the KPFA Evening News program to address the impending federal government shutdown, emphasizing the necessity of raising taxes on the wealthy to tackle the growing national debt and criticizing both political parties for their reluctance to consider this solution. The discussion also covers the United Auto Workers' strike against major U.S. car manufacturers, where workers demand improved wages and retirement benefits amidst record industry profits.