By this time many know about the hyper-exploitative business models of companies like Uber or TaskRabbit. Or about how AirBnB has heavily reduced housing stocks in cities worldwide. But in his new book, Keith A. Spencer goes further than just picking on a few high profile companies. He lays out an argument for why Silicon Valley, at its core, is a highly exploitative and problematic industry. With a look at the tech world from the vantage point of the marginalized and oppressed—those who have not benefited from the incredible wealth bubbling up in the valley—”A People’s History of Silicon Valley: how the tech industry exploits workers, erodes privacy, and undermines democracy” presents a damning thesis for why this new world of addictive gadgets and union-busting is increasingly undemocratic and dangerous.

The book is published by Eyewear Publishing.

Upstream producer Robert R. Raymond spoke with Keith A. Spencer at the offices of Salon in San Francisco, where Spencer is an editor.

Intermission music is by The California Honeydrops.

Upstream is an interview and documentary series that invites you to unlearn everything you thought you knew about economics. Weaving together interviews, field-recordings, rich sound-design, and great music, each episode of Upstream will take you on a journey exploring a theme or story within the broad world of economics. So tune in, because the revolution will be podcasted. 

The post Upstream Podcast: A People’s History of Silicon Valley appeared first on P2P Foundation.

The world is undergoing a radical social, ecological, and economic crisis. This radical crisis demands radical solutions.

What are the dominant worldviews and stories that underpin the field of economics? Where are the most effective places to intervene in order to address the suffering and harm caused by global economies that put profit before the well-being of people and the planet? How can we build economies that reflect, as writer Charles Eisenstein says, “the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible?” In this evening talk, we will journey together upstream from the political, economic, and social crises of our time to understand the root causes and their possible systemic interventions.

Della Z Duncan is interested in returning the field of economics to the realm of moral philosophy. She co-produces the Upstream Podcast, which tells stories about the economic challenges of our time through diverse voices and a rich soundscape. Della also facilitates and convenes courses on Economics for Transition, Buddhist Economics, and Gross National Happiness at Schumacher College in Devon, England. Outside of the classroom, she serves as a 21st-century economics mentor and consultant for individuals, local governments, and organizations working to untangle themselves from the stranglehold of capitalism and work to co-create more beautiful, sustainable, and just alternatives.

£5 Suggested Donation (get your tickets here)

• Friday, Nov 10th
• 7pm
• 42 Acres Shoreditch, London
• 66 Leonard St, London EC2A 4LW

All are welcome!

More about the Social Change series at 42 acres:

“At 42 Acres we believe we can change the world, from the inside out and through our work to change the system. We are constantly being shaped by our environment and influencing reality with our thoughts. We are in the midst of a crisis in consciousness, whereby the economic crisis is a moral and ethical crisis more than a physical crisis — we have more than enough resources to feed everyone, and not just that, but to distribute evenly  – and through this we could create more social cohesion and stability.   Our new range of programs, Social Change from the Inside Out, explores that conjunction between science and spirituality, between contemplation and innovation. From grassroots activist to leading thinkers we want to spark conversation and be a space to prototype the beautiful alternatives. Why don’t you join us?”

Made possible with support by the Bertha Foundation.

The post EVENT: Reclaiming our Economy with Della Z Duncan in London, 11/20 appeared first on P2P Foundation.

A project team called Economics for Transition has just launched UPSTREAM, a podcast of radio documentaries and interviews highlighting cutting-edge stories of global leaders and initiatives challenging and transforming our dominant economic system.

So far, the show has generated an exceptional response, it made it to the “new and noteworthy” section of Itunes within the first week and has generated over 1000 downloads and listens. Additionally, Steve Fraser, author of The Age of Acquiescence called it a “richly detailed, informative, and entertaining podcast helps to unmask the masquerade.”

In their pilot episode, The Sharing Economy? they look at how companies like Airbnb and Uber have influenced an entire generation and entirely shifted the economic landscape of major cities like San Francisco. Through candid conversations with journalists and industry insiders, they uncover the dark side of these giant companies and investigate how this phenomenon arose and what dramatic implications are in store. The conclusion they arrive at, which is in direct alignment with the work of the P2P Foundation, is a call for a true sharing economy, one based on shared profit and economic democracy.

To be able to continue to challenge mainstream media’s portrayal of “the economy” and celebrate new economic initiatives, they are asking for your support and participation, here’s how you can help:

• LISTEN to the first episode, a critique of the Sharing Economy, and the first interviews with global economic leaders
• CONTRIBUTE to the crowd funding campaign so that she can produce and share more material. You can give as an individual or as a sponsor organization.
• SHARE this project and the campaign with your networks and friends: www.economicsfortransition.org and http://tinyurl.com/upstreamsupport
• FOLLOW the project on social media Facebook, twitter, instagram, Itunes

Thank you!

The post Announcing UPSTREAM- Launch of a Podcast about Economics for Transition appeared first on P2P Foundation.