One of our favorite Phone A Friend conversations was with renowned academic and podcast host Ben Burgis. Ben is an influential figure in the leftist media landscape, known for his rigorous yet accessible approach to philosophy and political discourse. As a columnist for Jacobin and an adjunct philosophy professor at Rutgers University, Burgis uses his platform to advocate for socialist principles, confront neoliberalism, and engage with the ideas that shape modern leftist thought.
As a Jacobin columnist, Burgis has written extensively on topics ranging from the failures of capitalist systems to critiques of prominent public intellectuals. One of his most frequent subjects is the tension between democracy and economic power, where he argues for a more democratized economy, emphasizing worker ownership and the dismantling of corporate hegemony. In addition to the Jacobin, Burgis’ work has appeared in numerous left-wing publications, including The Nation, Current Affairs, and The Guardian.
Burgis has contributed to a number of books and is the author of Canceling Comedians While the World Burns: A Critique Of The Contemporary Left. His most recent work, Christopher Hitchens: What He Got Right, How He Went Wrong, and Why He Still Matters, is an exploration of the late polemicist Christopher Hitchens, a figure once aligned with left-wing causes who later moved toward neoconservative positions. Burgis’ book evaluates Hitchens' intellectual journey and what it reflects about broader shifts in political discourse. Burgis approaches Hitchens with respect but does not shy away from pointing out where he believes Hitchens deviated from important leftist values, particularly in the wake of 9/11, when Hitchens supported U.S. interventionist policies.
Though he’s been a staple in leftist media for several years, including as a contributor to the Michael Brooks Show, we first became aware of Burgis through his YouTube show and podcast, Give Them An Argument (GTAA). GTAA has become a vital platform for leftist discourse. On the show, he regularly debates prominent figures from across the political spectrum, hosts discussions with leftist intellectuals, and offers in-depth analyses of contemporary issues. His show is characterized by a commitment to clear, reasoned debate, where even those who disagree with Burgis are given the opportunity to present their views. This openness to dialogue sets GTAA apart in a media landscape often dominated by ideological echo chambers.
One of Burgis' central missions is to push the left to embrace more rigorous, argumentative discourse. He believes that leftists must be prepared to engage not just with their ideological counterparts but also with the internal complexities and debates within the left itself. This commitment to intellectual honesty and critical analysis has earned Burgis both respect and criticism, as he does not shy away from challenging dogmas within left-wing circles.
The combination of academic rigor, media presence, and commitment to socialist principles gives his work an air of gravitas while his ubiquitous smile and thoughtful approach make him accessible. He can be incredibly disarming, even while dismantling a foe’s argument. It’s this casual and kind delivery that somehow allows him to bridge the complex world of philosophy to the most pressing political issues of the day. Not an easy feat by any stretch. His insistence on the power of argumentation in advancing socialist ideas helps distinguish him from other progressive commentators who focus more on emotional or rhetorical appeals.
Image Sources
- Give Them An Argument logo via YouTube. Changes were made.
Image Description: The logo for Give Them An Argument with Ben Burgis alongside a photo of Ben giving an interview.
Rashed Mian
