Ridhiman Balaji is an economist and activist who has worked with the Anarcho-Syndicalist Review. He also is a serious student of Marxist economics. He comes on to discuss the misunderstanding between Marxists and anarchists. Curious about the complex dynamics between Anarchists and Marxists? Eager to understand the nuances of critical ideologies that shaped the course of history? Then join us on Varmblog, where we'll peel back the layers of these intricate philosophical landscapes. We cover a wi...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 211
Can philosophy ever be more than just armchair theorising? Join us as we unearth the insightful world of Catholic philosopher, Alasdair McIntyre, with intellectual aficionado, Julian Ossolay Ossolay. We embark on a stimulating journey through McIntyre's philosophical evolution, tracing his footsteps from his early Marxist days to his conversion to Catholicism and his later works. We examine why McIntyre’s philosophy resonates with Catholics who lend towards philosophy, his critiques of rigid phi...
Oct 02, 2023•2 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 210
Jules Delisle, human behavioral ecologist and nurse, joins us on this fascinating journey through the complex world of anthropology and its implications on modern society. She is an associate and organizer of the Mimbres School . Together, we dissect the limitations of social and behavioral sciences, questioning common assumptions about modern liberalism and challenging the over-reliance on quantified data in qualitative research. We also delve into the power of arbitrary designations and their ...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 209
Are you prepared to have your understanding of the political right stretched and reshaped? That's precisely what our conversation with Mac Manus, a lecturer at the University of Michigan and author of The Emergence of Post-Modernity, promises to deliver. The episode explores the influence of key figures such as Nietzsche, Jordan Peterson, and Ludwig von Miesse on right-wing thought, unraveling the complexities of political ideologies. Mac’s unique insights from his forthcoming book, The Politica...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 208
In this Strange Matters/Varn Vlog collaboration, we discuss Mira Lazine's account of organizing the McUnion in Strange Matters Issue 2. What if we told you that the friendly face behind your fast food order is grappling with challenges you'd never even imagined? We're inviting you into a raw, deep, and humanizing conversation with Mira Lazine, who has been on the front lines of unionizing in the fast food industry. They shed light on the high turnover rates, the harsh quest for better employment...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 207
While the introduction music is that of Varn Vlog on this podcaster, this series will be simultaneously released on both the Varn Vlog podcast feed and the Regrettable Century podcast feed . This is a long-running series we are doing on understanding social technologies, relationships of production, and how we get here: i.e. what is the social and class history of the past. In this episode, begin discussing sections of "Class Conflict and the Crisis of Feudalism: Essays in Medieval Social Histor...
Sep 18, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 206
In an exhilarating journey through economic history, we welcome renowned author Steve Paxton to our podcast. His works "Unlearning Marx" (Zer0 Books 2021) and "The End of Capitalism" (Zer0 Book 2023) serve as the compass, guiding our exploration. With Steve's insights, we unravel the transformation of societies from feudalism to capitalism and ponder on what might succeed capitalism. His perspective on Marxist theory offers invaluable insights into the possible future economic systems. Together ...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 206
Prepare to embark on a historical voyage through the intricate and fascinating relationship between money, law, and the Bank of Canada – all brought to life by our distinguished guest, Harvard SJD candidate, Dan Rohde. Dare yourself to venture beyond the borders of typical understanding as we dissect the complexities of monetary issuance during Canada's colonial era, the transition to the gold standard, and the implementation of the Canadian Currency Act. More than just a history lesson, this ex...
Sep 11, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 205
Are machines truly the future of our societal structure, or could they prove to be a catalyst for complexity and class struggle? Join me and Nico Villarreal as we challenge the conventional narrative and shed light on the intersections of Artificial Intelligence, universal machines, and capitalism, inspired by Nico's incisive article, "Artificial Intelligence, Universal Machines, and the Killing of Bourgeois Dreams." and Against the Bulterian Jihad We scrutinize the oft-touted apocalyptic predic...
Sep 04, 2023•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 204
Ever wondered why modern monetary theorists have been alarmingly silent on the debt ceiling controversy? Or why Democrats, who traditionally champion labor causes, seem to have neglected critical issues like the Supreme Court and the potential for a Federal Reserve Bank-induced recession? These are the pressing questions we tackle in our riveting discussion with the insightful Steve Grumbine, founder of Real Progressives and host of Macro and Cheese. This episode is nothing short of a deep dive ...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 203
In this lively conversation with Malu Castro, we embark on an intriguing exploration of land organization and sustainability, with a primary focus on Hawaii. Castro's fascinating transformation from an orchestrator of professional revolutionaries to an investigator of land and indigenous rights offers a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and paradoxical situations that have arisen as a result of historical policies. We delve into the complexity of Native Hawaiian identity, the impact of ...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 54 min•Season 1Ep. 202
James of Prolekult films, Luke of the Prolekult Podcast, and I talk about the paradoxes of British Trotskyism, the British left in general, and more. What if I told you that the history of British Trotskyism could illuminate your understanding of American leftism? Come join us for a captivating exploration with James and Luke of Prolekult as we unearth the roots of British Trotskyism, tracing it back to the Revolutionary Communist Party in 1939. We'll navigate the stormy political landscape of t...
Aug 21, 2023•2 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 201
Chris and Jason form Regrettable Century join for this discussion. Ready for a journey into the labyrinth of American Trotskyism? Buckle up and join us as we take a deep dive into the complex history and dynamics of this ideology. From its inception in 1928 to its splintering evolution, we dissect the intricate facets of bureaucratic collectivism, state capitalism, and the role of the Socialist Workers' Party in the wider Marxist-Leninist movement. We also discuss the pivotal yet controversial i...
Aug 17, 2023•2 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 200
Let's embark on a journey through the labyrinth of Trotskyism and its complex world of factions and ideologies with the Regrettable Century's Jason and Chris and The Measure's Taken's Stephen Hammel. Even after the disappearance of questions that made Trotskyism unique, it managed to survive well past 1992. Have you ever wondered why? We are here to unravel the mystery. In our conversation, we dissect the strange survival of Trotskyism in America and the myriad of splits it birthed. We'll explor...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Season 1Ep. 199
Get ready to challenge your perspective as we embark on a journey through the intriguing world of economics, Marxism, and the nuances of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). We're joined by none other than Jonathan Kadmon from Real Progressives, a progressive change advocate with a unique take on socialism, commodities, and state-based insurance initiatives. Jonathan shares his insight into these complex topics, weaving in fascinating perspectives on Marxism, MMT, and the inspiring work of esteemed res...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 198
While the introduction music is that of Varn Vlog on this podcaster, this series will be simultaneously released on both the Varn Vlog podcast feed and the Regrettable Century podcast feed . This is a long-running series we are doing on understanding social technologies, relationships of production, and how we get here: i.e. what is the social and class history of the past. In this episode, we finish our discussion of Evgeny Morozov's "Critique of Techno-Feudal Reason." .Ever wondered how the st...
Aug 07, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Doug Greene is an independent communist historian from the Boston area. He has written biographies of the communist insurgent Louis Auguste Blanqui and DSA founder Michael Harrington. Stalinism has left a complex and controversial legacy throughout history. How have interpretations of Stalinism been shaped by debates between anti-communists, Soviet defensists, and various figures of Western Marxism? Join us for an in-depth conversation with our guest, Doug Green, as we navigate the tangled histo...
Aug 03, 2023•2 hr•Season 1Ep. 196
Ben Lewis is the author of "Oswald Spengler and the Politics of Decline" and the primary translator at Marxism Translated ). We discuss his recent book on Spengler and Spengler's complicated legacy. Are you ready to unlock the enigmatic mind of Oswald Spengler and his intriguing theories that have influenced modern discourse? Our esteemed guest, Ben Lewis of Marxism Translated, guides us through the intellectual labyrinth of Spengler's ideas, his surprising relevance in the 21st century, and his...
Jul 31, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 195
Can you imagine a city without a police presence? A world where activists face terrorism charges for simply voicing their opinions? This is the reality we explored with our guest, Ryan Zickgraf, as we delved into Georgia's local and state politics, examining the seemingly inconceivable "cop city" scenario and the unsuccessful attempt to make the no-cop city movement the next Standing Rock. The conversation unfolds into a wider discussion on city politics' complexities, affordable housing issues,...
Jul 27, 2023•2 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 194
In this episode of Excavations--a show that I and Jordan Dubin do primarily for the youtube channel and the patron's podcast-- we pull back the curtain on the genius of Ingmar Bergman, one of cinema’s most acclaimed filmmakers, with the insightful Shalon Van Tine and Jordan Dubin. Shalon Van Tine, a cultural history PhD candidate, helps us unravel the man who mastered the art of creating cinematic masterpieces on a tight budget, his profound devotion to theatre, and his collaborations with some ...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Season 1Ep. 193
What do artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the future of politics have in common? Join us for an insightful discussion with Nightmare Masterclass's Dave, as we explore these fascinating topics. We're breaking down complex ideas to redefine intelligence, examine the intricate world of AI and machine learning, and ponder the implications of artificial labor and scarcity in society. We don't shy away from the challenges of the digital age, as we delve into media literacy, neoliberalism, an...
Jul 20, 2023•2 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 192
What impact did the first revisionism controversy within the Second International have on the socialist movement? Join me and James from Prolekult Films as we untangle the complexities of this historical debate and uncover the lasting consequences it had on the socialist movement. We'll explore the origins of the controversy, the social and political conditions in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the positions of key figures like Bernstein and Kautsky. Together, we'll n...
Jul 17, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Season 1Ep. 191
What happens when we reframe our understanding of community and technology? Join us in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Erica Robles-Anderson, associate professor at NYU in Media, Culture, and Communication, as we explore this complex relationship and challenge our perspectives on cybernetics, Marxist theories, and the impact of historical and technological transformation. In this thought-provoking episode, we discuss the financial crisis of 2008-2012, its effects on the publishing industry, ...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 49 min•Season 1Ep. 190
What if the key to understanding contemporary politics, society, and culture were hidden in our collective psyche? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore Christopher Lasch's influential book "The Minimal Self" and its implications for our modern world. Join us as we delve into the fascinating concept of narcissism, the intriguing idea of the "parties of the psyche," and the relevance of Freudian and neo-Freudian theories to politics and society today. Our conversation takes us through the...
Jul 06, 2023•2 hr 57 min•Season 1Ep. 189
What does the dual legacy of Christopher Lasch mean for the left tradition? Join us in this fascinating conversation with young scholar Elijah Emery as we explore Lash's ambivalence towards the left and how his work influences contemporary political discourse. We delve into Lasch's struggle with communitarianism, his views on religion, populism, and American history, and the complexities of his changing perspectives over time. In this episode, we discuss Lasch's myth-making effort to create a un...
Jul 03, 2023•2 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 188
What if we told you that the political economy of Silicon Valley, the European Union's impact on big tech platforms, and Apple's recent victory against Epic Games are just the tip of the iceberg of a rapidly changing global economy? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with our guest, Rob Larson, professor of Economics and author of books such as "Capitalism vs. Freedom" and "Bit Tire and Subpolitical Economy of Silicon Valley." We dive into topics like crypto bubbles, NFTs, and unexpected...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 187
What happens when we merge the worlds of horror cinema and psychoanalysis? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Freudian cinephile and podcaster, Mary Wild , as we unravel the synergy between these two powerful forces. Delve into the realm of horror films and their connections to psychoanalytic theory. As we explore the depths of horror cinema, we also confront the controversial subject of free speech and fandom culture within the film industry. Uncover our thoughts on the growing trend...
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 186
What does it mean to explore the depths of Western Marxism and uncover the complexities of capitalism's mutations? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with musicologist and host of The Measures Taken, Stephan Hammel, as we take a deep dive into the ABCs of Communism and the importance of a maximum program for a just and prosperous future. Capitalism may have ended a decade ago, but its implications continue to reverberate through the global economy. We discuss the role of Modern Monetar...
Jun 23, 2023•2 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 185
While the introduction music is that of Varn Vlog on this podcaster, this series will be simultaneously released on both the Varn Vlog podcast feed and the Regrettable Century podcast feed . This is a long-running series we are doing on understanding social technologies, relationships of production, and how we get here: i.e. what is the social and class history of the past. In this episode, we discuss Evgeny Morozov's "Critique of Techno-Feudal Reason." We specifically focus on the revisions to ...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 184
Please support our patreon. For early and ad-free episodes, members-only content, and more. What if the key to addressing climate change lies at the intersection of labor and environmentalism? In this thought-provoking episode, we're joined by Matt Huber, author of "Climate Change's Class War: Building Socialism on a Warring Planet," to explore this relationship and how climate change is a class phenomenon. We challenge the mainstream analysis that focuses on consumption and lifestyle choices wh...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 183
