Can copyright laws coexist with digital lending in libraries? Join us as librarians Jay and Justin offer their expert insights into the controversies surrounding the Internet Archive and its bold approach to controlled digital lending. The episode unravels the chilling effects of legal challenges on library innovation and casts a critical eye on the self-presentation of Brewster Kahle, the Internet Archive's founder, as a hero battling publishing giants. We engage with the complexities of copyri...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 295
Is capitalism the true culprit behind our environmental crises?" Join us for a thought-provoking episode featuring James from ProCult Films as we unravel the intricate connections between industrial capitalism, societal evolution, and ecological degradation. We challenge the conventional narrative that blames humanity at large for climate change and mass extinction, spotlighting instead the pivotal role of capitalistic dynamics. Our conversation takes you through the historical emergence of capi...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 54 min•Season 1Ep. 294
Philosopher Daniel Tutt is with us, offering a unique lens through which to view the crossroads of psychoanalytic theory and Marxism. Ever wondered how intellectuals can navigate a depoliticized public sphere? We promise you'll leave this episode armed with strategies to engage meaningfully on compromised platforms and foster a vibrant counterpublic sphere. Join us as we explore the insightful works of Étienne Balibar and Hal Draper, dissecting their contributions to Marxist discourse amidst the...
Jan 06, 2025•2 hr 31 min•Season 1Ep. 293
Charles Dashings joins us for a fascinating exploration of the enduring relevance of Søren Kierkegaard. A teenage discovery of Kierkegaard's existential musings on anxiety and self-meaning sparked Charles's profound appreciation for this complex thinker. Despite his initial skepticism of Christian theology, Charles found that Kierkegaard's unique approach to individualism resonates with the broader questions of political ethics and community building. Together, we unravel how Kierkegaard's journ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 54 min•Season 1Ep. 293
Join us for a thought-provoking journey as we welcome the insightful Jonathan Korman to explore the evolving landscape of political ideologies. As a noted radical liberal, Jonathan brings a unique perspective on the tensions within liberalism and socialism, diving into how leftist circles are appropriating right-wing rhetoric to critique identity politics. We delve into the concept of "liberal socialism" and the left's role as a "loyal opposition" to modernity, all while reflecting on the works ...
Dec 23, 2024•4 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 292
Join us for a thought-provoking exploration into the intricate world of French philosophy and its significant impact on leftist thought, featuring insights from our esteemed guest, Jon Repetti of the Five Good Hours Substack and a PhD candidate at Princeton. What hidden influences shaped Althusser's theories, and how did Lacan's medieval Catholic roots contribute to his work? This episode promises to unravel these complexities, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of how French intel...
Dec 16, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Season 1Ep. 291
Benjamin Studebaker joins us to dissect the paradox of American politics, where the stakes are monumental, yet policy differences between parties have narrowed. We explore how this shift aligns with recent UK elections and the transition from detailed policy debates to a focus on signaling and messaging. The episode uncovers how figures like Kamala Harris position themselves as change candidates despite their ties to past administrations, and why the Democrats are steering clear of traditional r...
Dec 09, 2024•2 hr 46 min•Season 1Ep. 290
Are modern political ideologies simply a remix of old ideas, or are we witnessing a seismic shift in belief systems? Join us as we, along with my longtime interlocutor Alex Strekal, embark on a riveting exploration of alternative politics spanning the last twenty years. This episode unravels the journeys of influential figures like Ron Paul, Bernie Sanders, and Donald Trump, uncovering how their impact has rippled through the political landscape, creating unexpected intersections and new allianc...
Dec 02, 2024•2 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 289
Eco-Leninism, degrowth, and sustainability solutions all come under the spotlight as we welcome the insightful Nicolas D Villareal to Varn Vlog. What if just cutting down on capitalist consumption isn’t enough to save our planet? Nico challenges some common misconceptions about degrowth theories, especially those linking human labor to material throughput. We investigate the intricate dynamics of the service sector and its impact on living standards, questioning whether reducing work hours can t...
Nov 25, 2024•2 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 290
Curious about the moral underpinnings of leftist politics? Join us as we sit down with Devin Gouré and Charles Dashings from the Moral Minority Podcast to navigate the often-neglected realm of meta-ethics within Marxist traditions. We challenge the pervasive moral skepticism and cynicism that could derail emancipatory politics, emphasizing the need for coherent moral frameworks that go beyond mere emotional reactions. This episode is not just about ideological discussions but also a call to acti...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 290
Can art and design reshape the future of our economic systems? Join us for a compelling conversation with Eric Meier, formerly Greta, co-founder of the International Network for Democratic and Economic Planning , as we explore the unexpected marriage of aesthetics and economic ideologies. As we move beyond the cold, impersonal visuals of Soviet-era command economies, discover how new representations of democratic economic planning are emerging, particularly in recent German publications. Eric sh...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 288
What if the very framework meant to safeguard democracy is actually undermining it? Lucas de Hart and Luke Pickerel join us from t he Democratic Constitution blog and podcast , who offer a bold critique of America's constitutional framework. As members of the Marxist Unity Group, Lucas and Luke draw on the ideas of influential thinkers like Vladimir Lenin and critiques from Charles A. Beard and Robert Dahl. They urge us to reconsider the Senate's malapportionment, the presidency's expansive powe...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 289
Note: This was recorded in September during the early parts of the Harris campaign, some characterizations now I don't agree with. Get ready to unpack the complexities of progressive politics in Nevada with grassroots organizer Zee Cohen-Sanchez. As we navigate this battleground state's unique blend of libertarian and progressive influences, Z shares insights on the challenges faced by working families and the pivotal role of organized labor, particularly the culinary union, in supporting progre...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 287
What if modern society is hurtling towards decadence just like the Roman Empire, yet we remain blissfully unaware of it? Join us as we embark on a journey with the Regrettable Brothers, Chris and Jason, to explore this possibility and unravel the complexities of societal progress through a Marxist lens. We bring you an insightful discussion that contrasts the lack of unifying structures in today’s capitalist excess, with the historical context of the Roman era's Catholic Church. With references ...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Season 1Ep. 286
Ridhiman Balaji offers a profound examination of sweatshops and labor exploitation, challenging us to rethink everything we know about these complex global issues. From the historical roots in the Industrial Revolution to the alarming similarities with today's gig economy, Ridh unravels how labor practices have evolved yet remain fundamentally exploitative. Is the gig economy just a modern-day sweatshop in disguise? Listen as we dissect these parallels and explore the intricate web of labor righ...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 285
Could the millennial left's political failures be traced back to a misalignment with historical Marxist frameworks? Join us on VarmVlog as we unpack this and more in an eye-opening conversation with Alex Hochuli, author of Omelets with Eggshells: On the Failure of the Millennial Left and co-host of Aufbungabunga Podcast . We dive into the heart of millennial left politics, pulling apart the complexity of its evolution and examining the personal experiences and organizational challenges faced by ...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Season 1Ep. 284
Can Marx help us navigate the climate crisis, or is de-growth socialism the answer? Join us for an in-depth discussion with Lee Phillips and Matt Huber as we unravel Kohei Saito's controversial interpretations of Marx's writings on natural limits and the metabolic rift which they began this piece for Jacobin . We challenge Saito's redefinitions of crisis theory and dissect whether Marx truly advocated for de-growth, or simply acknowledged environmental concerns within his broader economic theori...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Season 1Ep. 283
Have you ever wondered how the concept of privilege has evolved from the French Revolution to modern times? Join us as we sit down with Stephan Bertram-Lee, a PhD student who has just completed a groundbreaking dissertation on the history and limitations of the concept of privilege. We trace its origins, revisit Peggy McIntosh's influential work on white privilege from the late 1980s, and explore how these ideas have seeped into UK parliamentary debates, particularly concerning education. In our...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 282
What does the 2024 U.S. presidential election mean for the future of American politics? Join us as Elijah Emery unpack the unpopularity of both major candidates and the labyrinthine electoral system that confounds even seasoned pundits. We probe Kamala Harris's evolving political strategies on critical issues such as student loan forgiveness and public healthcare, scrutinizing her alignment with Biden's policies and how her tax proposals might impact small business owners and new homeowners. Fro...
Sep 26, 2024•2 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 281
Ever wondered if the state really just serves capitalist interests? Zoe Baker, a libertarian socialist philosopher, joins us to sift through the logical arguments and historical contexts behind anarchist positions. From Brexit to Kropotkin’s nuanced view of state factions, we dissect the complexities of state power and its role in class oppression. This episode promises to challenge your preconceptions and illuminate the intellectual rigor of anarchist theory. We dive into the tension between so...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 280
What do Hegel, Marx, and esoteric traditions have in common? Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. Justin Sledge from the Esoterica channel as we explore this fascinating intersection. Dr. Sledge shares his insights into the influence of figures like Hegel and Marx on political theology and esoteric traditions, while also addressing Adorno's critique and the resurgence of conspiracies about Marxism. We'll uncover Dr. Sledge's motivations for his unique content on esoteric Marxism and...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 279
Is modern socialism merely a revenge fantasy against historical colonizers? Join Elijah Emery and C. Derick Varn as we critically examine Sam Gindin's "Socialism for Realists," tracing our journey from initial excitement to ultimate disillusionment. We argue that Gindin's vision lacks the aspiration for a classless society and falls short of traditional socialist ideals. Reflecting on the Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn movements, we discuss how their promise has fizzled, leading the left to ei...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 278
What if our apocalyptic narratives are actually masking the true dystopia we live in today? Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom in our latest episode, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Bram Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline, Living in a World with no Future." Bram shares his insights into how these narratives shape our understanding of current global crises, influenced by thinkers like John Gray and Slavoj Žižek. Together, we unpack the complexities of addressing clim...
Sep 02, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 277
Can neoliberalism be truly understood without examining its Southern roots? In this episode, Marxist writer and thinker Connor Harney joins us to unpack the complex history and dynamics behind the rise and persistence of neoliberalism. We trace its origins back to the 1970s, focusing on the American Southeast, dissecting how anti-war sentiments, financial crises, and the defeat of unions have shaped this ideology. Through a critical examination of labor-intensive industries, racial segregation, ...
Aug 26, 2024•2 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 276
Step into the complex world of geopolitics as we engage in a provocative dialogue with Donald Parkinson from the Marxist Unity Group and Cosmonaut Magazine. Ever wondered how Aleksandr Dugin's perspectives on Vladimir Putin shift when viewed from Russia's internal lens? Discover the nuances of his book "Putin vs. Putin: Vladimir Putin Viewed from the Right," and how it provides clarity on Dugin's ideological leanings compared to his more globally recognized "Fourth Political Theory." We unpack t...
Aug 19, 2024•2 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 275
E.P. Thompson versus Louis Althusser—what if their debate reshaped our understanding of Marxist theory forever? Join Nicolas D. Villareal as we unpack Thompson's contentious critiques of Althusser, revealing the misunderstandings and secondary sources that fueled their intellectual clash. We'll dissect Althusser's argument against historicism, his endeavor to preserve Marxism's scientific core, and how his ideas have often been misinterpreted or simplified, especially by followers like Foucault....
Aug 12, 2024•2 hr 44 min•Season 1Ep. 274
What complexities lie beneath the recent shifts in the U.S. left? Join us on Varn Vlog as we sit down with Jules Taylor of the "No Easy Answers" podcast to dissect the nuanced landscape of leftist politics in America. From the financial woes of the DSA to the growing support for Palestinians in Gaza, we break down the major events and miscalculations that have shaped the modern millennial left. We even touch on the resurfacing of figures like Lyndon LaRouche and the state's escalating tactics ag...
Aug 05, 2024•2 hr 45 min•Season 1Ep. 273
What if the apocalypse is already here, but we're too busy imagining zombies and nuclear winters to notice? On this episode, Bram E. Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline: Living in a World with No Future," unpacks the eerie realization that our present might be the dystopia we've been fearing. We explore how apocalyptic narratives can distract us from the grim realities we currently face, drawing on insights from all sorts of fields of study. The discussion confronts the uncomfortable truth t...
Jul 29, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 272
What if the horizon of the workers' movement has truly ended? On this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Ross Wolfe to dissect the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of Loren Goldner a monumental figure in left communism. We delve into Goldner’s solitary stance amid post-structuralism, his fierce critiques of post-colonialism, and his eye-opening reviews, such as his take on Max Elbaum's "Revolutions in the Air." Walsh offers a rare glimpse into Goldner’s mentorship of writers and the...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 53 min•Season 1Ep. 271
Is the millennial left crumbling under its own weight, or is it poised for a groundbreaking resurgence? Join us on VarmVlog as we dissect the intricate evolution and fragmentation of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. With insights from Alex Gendler, we reflect on the legacies of Mark Fisher, David Graeber, and Michael Brooks, and how their contributions continue to shape contemporary leftist politics. We compare the vibrant political ecosystems of New York and California, exploring how th...
Jul 15, 2024•2 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 270
