Curious about how the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) fits into today's leftist strategy debates? Join us as Dutch socialist Foppe De Haan takes us through his personal journey within the Dutch Socialist Party, his discontent with its approach to identity politics, and the transformative influence of Bernie Sanders' campaign. Fapa offers a critical perspective on integrating identity politics into leftist strategies, a topic that is both contentious and crucial in today's political climate. ...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 269
Can local journalism survive in an age dominated by tech giants and algorithm-driven content? Join us as Joe Payne of Political Payne returns to Varn Vlog after a three-year hiatus to share his firsthand experiences and insights into the evolving landscape of journalism. From his humble beginnings at a community alt-weekly to his academic pursuits in history, Joe offers a compelling narrative on the critical role of local journalism and the challenges posed by corporate consolidation and elitist...
Jul 01, 2024•2 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 268
Ever wondered why smaller Marxist groups are financially stable while larger organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America struggle? Our guest, Amogh Sahu, brings clarity to this and other enigmas within leftist movements by pulling back the curtain on the role of wealthy individuals and funding transparency in these organizations. Explore the ethical considerations of independently wealthy leaders in Marxist organizations and the impact this has on their credibility and operations. Sh...
Jun 24, 2024•2 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 267
Chirs and Jason of the regrettable century return. Is revolutionary optimism just delusional wishful thinking? Join us as we dissect the tension between revolutionary optimism and pessimism within Marxist theory. We scrutinize Maoist and anarchist influences on American leftist thought, revealing the struggle between human agency and material conditions. Reflecting on the 20th century, we challenge the idea of historical inevitability in Marxism and consider Marx’s nuanced perspectives on societ...
Jun 18, 2024•2 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 266
This audio episode is available on the youtube channel and was made available to patrons a month ago. Embark on an intellectual voyage with Jules Taylor, the esteemed podcast host and producer, as we dissect the enigmatic ideologies shaping our world. From the radical traditionalism of Alexander Dugin to the complexities of red-brown alliances, we navigate through the murky waters of political thought and their palpable effects on global affairs. With Jules's keen insights, we peel back the laye...
Jun 13, 2024•3 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 265
Discover the fate of the global working class through the expert lens of communist geographer Field Neal, as we dissect the seismic transformations rippling through shrinking industrial sectors and spiking productivity. This episode traverses the historical legacies of industrial powers, such as the United States and Britain, to unpack the challenges faced by nations charting their developmental courses in today's economically concentrated landscape. Neal's insights provide a critical understand...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 264
Uncover the surprising consequences of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions with Warren Mosler, a leading economist and the insightful voice behind Modern Monetary Theory. As we navigate the bewildering relationship between monetary policy and economic growth, Mosler debunks the expected slowdown narrative, revealing instead how higher interest rates and increased government spending have inadvertently bolstered the economy. This episode peels back the layers of fiscal strategy that hav...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 263
Embark on a journey to the heart of labor's battleground with Kellen Gildersleeve and Nurse John, as they unpack the electrifying atmosphere of the 2024 Labor Notes Conference. From the rousing victory of the United Auto Workers in the South to the diverse experiences of unionists across the country, this episode captures the pulse of a movement on the rise. Feel the energy as Kellen recounts their inaugural conference experience, and draw on Nurse John's seasoned insights to deepen your underst...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 262
Join the intellectual odyssey with our guest, Justin Clark, public historian and director of digital initiatives at the Indiana Historical Bureau, as we weave through a labyrinth of political ideologies, historical narratives, and the evolution of secular humanism. Unlock the mysteries of midwestern republicanism, dissect the transformation of political legacies from Robert Ingersoll to the Clintons, and explore the intricate dance of ideas across the spectra of socialism and atheism. With an ea...
May 27, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Season 1Ep. 261
Embark on an intellectual exploration with Ridhiamn Balaji, whose insights into the welfare state and socialism challenge the status quo. This episode traverses the European origins of welfare policies, the cautionary stances of Marxists towards state intervention, and the contentious use of the term 'welfare state' in American politics. Balaji, an economist with a deep understanding of Marxology, invites us to reconsider the implications of welfare systems from Bismarck's Germany to FDR's New D...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Embark on an intellectual odyssey with us and our esteemed guest, Amogh Sahu, a formidable doctoral candidate at Columbia University, as we traverse a decade's worth of leftist thought and its profound transformations. Reflecting on our shared history of dialogue and discovery, we delve into the nuances of leftist influence on culture and politics, challenging the myths surrounding their impact. Through a blend of nostalgia and critique, we revisit our interviews, particularly the poignant conve...
May 16, 2024•2 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 260
Uncover the hidden narratives of the Euromaidan massacre with Dr.Ivan Katchanovski, a political scientist who dares to challenge the accepted story of the 2014 protests in Ukraine. Through a meticulous examination of evidence, Dr. Katchanovski proposes a controversial new perspective: the shots that rang out in Maidan Square may not have come from government forces, but from within insurgent-held areas such as Hotel Ukraina. This episode peels back layers of geopolitical intrigue and media hesit...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 259
Embark on a captivating journey with Ralf Ruckus, esteemed author and co-founder of the Gong Chao Collective, as we dissect the complex tapestry of the Chinese Left and its evolution. Ralf's insights challenge conventional perceptions, revealing a shift from revolutionary fervor to a capitalist present, and the intricate dance between grassroots activism and state politics. We navigate through the seismic ripples of the Cultural Revolution, the post-Tiananmen birth of the 'New Left', and the nua...
May 06, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 258
Join the profound journey into the heart of eco-socialism with Dr. John Bellamy Foster, a guiding voice in the discourse on the environment and socioeconomic systems. Our thought-provoking conversation peels back the layers of the metabolic rift, a concept that reveals the tension between capitalism's exploitation of nature and the delicate ecological balance we must preserve. Dr. Foster, a luminary in the field, articulates the vision of Marx in a contemporary light, offering listeners a powerf...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 257
As we wade through the turbulent waters of political advocacy, our latest episode brings to the forefront the passionate voices Clarissa Cunningham, Dr. Elektra Kosopoulou, and Maryam Syed. These dynamic women, whose lives are steeped in academia and activism, share their powerful narratives surrounding the Uncommitted Campaign and its crusade for Palestinian solidarity. Grappling with the profound complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, our conversation unearths the potential of grassroo...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 256
Do you ever wonder what binds our society together in the pursuit of something greater than ourselves? Elijah Emery joins me on an intellectual expedition to dissect the layers of political philosophy, scrutinizing the enigmatic notion of the common good through the critical lens of Michael J. Sandel. Together, we venture into the historical intricacies of democracy, expertise, and the challenges that arise when professional politicians and a growing bureaucracy claim to represent our collective...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 255
Prepare to have your views on meritocracy and society's fairness fundamentally challenged as Elijah Emery and I dissect Michael Sandel's "The Tyranny of Merit." We don't just skim the surface; we penetrate deep into the cultural and political implications of a system that rewards credentials over genuine talent. Our discourse ranges from the cultural weaving of meritocracy in different societies to the pointed issues of elite education and nepotism. By questioning the foundations of opportunity ...
Apr 18, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 254
Embark on a historical odyssey with us as we host Michael Baysa, postdoctoral history scholar from Washington University in St. Louis, who meticulously peels back the layers of early American print culture. His compelling narratives bring to light the selective democratization of print and the hidden struggles of figures like Santiago de Puglia in disseminating progressive ideas. Together, we uncover the complex interplay of language, identity, and power that defined the nation's earliest days a...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 253
Embark on a journey through the complex landscape where climate economics meets indigenous sovereignty with our esteemed guest, K. Malulani Castro. This episode peels back the layers of carbon markets and environmental pricing, revealing the critical role of Indigenous stewardship and the clash with global economic frameworks. As K. Malulani Castro shares her scholarly insights, we uncover the challenges of land trusts, the nuances of property rights, and the future of tribal lands amidst the te...
Apr 08, 2024•2 hr 33 min•Season 1Ep. 252
Journey with us as we sit down with Kevin from the Regrettable Century podcast to dissect the fabric of leftist politics and the Democratic Socialists of America's energetic surge post-Bernie Sanders. Our conversation with Kevin peels back the layers on generational political engagement, providing perspective on the importance of seizing the moment and learning from the organizational shifts that continue to shape the DSA. As we reflect on Bernie's unwavering international policies, we also pay ...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 251
Embark on a historical gallop with Joy of Zoognosis with Joy and Mimbres School , as she guides us through the monumental impact of horses on the formation of our societies. From the plains of ancient empires to the controversies of modern statues, our episode reveals the deep imprints left by these noble creatures. Expect to uncover how their roles extended beyond agriculture and warfare, touching on darker chapters of human history like the slave trade, and how their symbolism has evolved in t...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Season 1Ep. 250
Embark on an intellectual exploration of the radical left with our scholar, Dr. Wayne Price, as we untangle the intricate tapestry of modern leftist ideology. From the resurgence of Marxist-Leninism to the adaptive strategies of the Democratic Socialists of America, this episode promises a comprehensive dissection of the ideologies that are shaping the future of socialism. We scrutinize the historical echoes in today's political tumult, ponder the delicate balance between revolutionary change an...
Mar 18, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 249
Embark on an intellectual expedition as we welcome Julian Assele to the podcast, guiding us through the labyrinth of Christian personalism's surprising harmony with leftist ideologies. Transitioning from conservative Catholicism to Marxism, Julian breaks the mold, challenging the conventional political and religious dichotomies. He offers rich anecdotes from his own evolution, broadening our understanding of figures like István Mészáros and Cardinal Ratzinger, while simultaneously drawing connec...
Mar 14, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 248
Do you ever feel like ecological thinking is being misunderstood, or worse, misrepresented? Join me and the insightful Jules Delisle, from the member school for the humanities, as we dismantle these misconceptions and explore the nuanced interplay between humanity and our environment. We tackle the thorny issues of quantifiability versus validity in statistics, deconstruct the myth that ecological consciousness is a regression to primitivism, and celebrate the unrecognized intelligence and adapt...
Mar 11, 2024•2 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 247
Discover the forces behind the economic curtain as Nicolas D Villarreal and I tackle the pressing issues of class politics and economic policies in a riveting conversation. From the surprising bipartisan strategies spanning Trump to Biden's administrations to the intricacies of labor market shifts, we dissect how these elements interplay with the tech sector, antitrust actions, and the subtle AI resistance in today's job market. The episode takes you on a journey through the undercurrents of our...
Mar 04, 2024•2 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 246
Embark on a historical journey with Shiloh Logan, a PhD student with a keen eye for the interwoven threads of religion and politics. This conversation pulls back the curtain on Ezra Taft Benson's formidable legacy within the LDS Church and American conservatism. As we navigate the corridors of the past, Shiloh illuminates the philosophies that fueled the controversial Cliven and Amon Bundy, and how Benson's teachings continue to resonate within the LDS community and beyond, challenging modern pe...
Feb 29, 2024•2 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 245
Discover the inner workings of American democracy as we traverse its complex relationship with capital regulation in today's global economy with Benjamin Studebaker, author of "The Chronic Crisis of American Democracy." Venture into our spirited conversation that unmasks the incongruity of a bustling political scene plagued by inefficacy, and the convoluted fiscal realities at both federal and state levels. This episode peels back the layers of economic indicators versus the stark daily realitie...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 56 min•Season 1Ep. 244
Join the conversation as we honor the extraordinary Michael Brooks, with guest Dr. Matthew McManus, whose latest work "How to Guide to Cosmopolitan Socialism" celebrates Michael’s legacy and his unifying vision for a globally inclusive left. Delve into the heart of Michael's approach to politics, one that wove together the threads of diverse ideologies into a tapestry of progressive thought and action. We reminisce about his contributions, reflecting on the need for unity in contemporary leftist...
Feb 19, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 243
Prepare to have your views on environmental management within socialist regimes challenged as Dr. Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro, a seasoned geography professor and respected author, joins us to dismantle long-held myths and scrutinize Western misconceptions. Our conversation with Dr. Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro navigates the intricate landscape of environmental policies, contrasting the exaggerated narratives of ecological disasters in the USSR and PRC with the success stories often overshadowed by bias...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 242
Discover the intricate intersections of race, privilege, and class politics through the lens of Dr. Jared K Clemons from Temple University, who joins us for a profound exploration that goes beyond the surface level of today's racial discourse. We dissect the labels of 'racist' or 'anti-racist,' and delve into the political economy's role in shaping these conversations. This episode promises to shed light on the subtle complexities of systemic racism and the paradox of diversity in higher educati...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 55 min•Season 1Ep. 242
