Folgen
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The domestication of plants and animals represents one of the most profound transformations in our species' history—yet few of us understand how dramatically it has reshaped not just the organisms involved, but our entire planet's ecology. In this fascinating conversation with Joy of Zoognosis and Mimbres School, we unpack the complex biological and social dimensions of domestication that have created the world we inhabit today.
Did you know that domesticated livestock and humans together comprise 97% of all mammalian biomass on Earth, leaving just 3% for all wild mammals combined? Beyond these staggering numbers lies an even more surprising revelation: many of our assumptions about why humans began domesticating animals are likely incorrect. Archaeological evidence suggests dogs weren't initially tamed to help with hunting but were incorporated into human social groups for emotional and ritualistic purposes long before agriculture developed.
We explore the "domestication syndrome"—the collection of physical and behavioral changes that appear across domesticated species, from floppy ears in dogs to white patches in cows—and how these changes occur through selection for tameness and juvenile characteristics. Most provocatively, we examine the evidence that humans ourselves show many markers of domestication, potentially having "self-domesticated" by selecting against extreme aggression in our own species.
The conversation takes unexpected turns through the political dimensions of domestication and wildness, examining how both far-right and primitivist ideologies fetishize a return to wilderness based on misunderstandings of ecological history. We conclude by confronting the harsh realities of our industrial food system and considering how we might reimagine our relationship with domesticated species for a more sustainable future.
Whether you're fascinated by evolutionary biology, concerned about our food systems, or simply curious about why your cat behaves the way it does, this deep dive into the science and philosophy of domestication will transform how you see your place in the living world.Send us a text
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Professor Matthew McManus joins us to explore liberal socialism, the right's evolution, and the shifting global political landscape.
• Carlo Rossellini's work articulates a socialism that confronts both Marxist determinism and fascism
• Rossellini criticized Italian leftists for failing to understand fascism's emotional appeal
• Liberal socialism aims to make the promise of freedom true for everyone, especially the working poor
• Mouffe and Laclau's influential work acknowledges the importance of recognizing political enemies
• Axel Honneth introduces "social freedom" as a third dimension beyond negative and positive liberty
• Trump's presidency reveals the collapse of centrist neoliberalism and democrats' failure to offer alternatives
• European powers and Canada now defying American leadership shows declining US global dominance
• The left needs to focus on building coalitions rather than demanding ideological purity
Find Matthew's writing in Jacobin, Christian Socialism, Current Affairs, and Commonwealth, or reach him directly at [email protected].Send us a text
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Capitalism's crisis theories reveal more about leftist political failures than economic reality, as deterministic approaches miss the cultural dimensions of decay while simultaneously failing to deliver the promised revolutionary outcomes.
• Examining Aufheben's' "Decadence, the Theory of Decline or Decline of Theory" as a framework for understanding how leftists conceptualize capitalism's decay
• Crisis theories traditionally mark WWI as capitalism's turning point toward decline, though interpretations vary widely among Marxist traditions
• Neoliberalism is fundamentally misunderstood by leftists who equate it with laissez-faire policies rather than recognizing its public-private partnership model
• Conservative decadence theories correctly identify cultural symptoms but propose solutions that accelerate the problems they diagnose
• Contemporary manifestations of decadence include declining literacy, rising obesity, and political systems that increasingly cannot function according to their own principles
• The business cycle's reassertion after periods of apparent stability challenges deterministic theories of capitalism's inevitable collapse
• Multipolarity's emergence in global politics creates new instabilities but also potential openings for changeSend us a text
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Flamenco's haunting rhythms carry centuries of suppressed memories—the echoes of Spain's Jewish and Muslim communities, expelled and erased through centuries of ethnic cleansing. Yet somehow, these cultural memories persist through sound and verse, creating what poet Ben Meyerson calls "diasporic memory."
In this conversation that spans continents and centuries, Meyerson takes us deep into the inspiration behind his collection "Seguirías," named after a flamenco form known for its mournful depth. "I was using it as a shorthand for diasporic memory," he explains, "for the recording of diasporic memory or itinerant memory in various ways." Through his poetry, Meyerson creates a powerful bridge between the experiences of Spain's persecuted minorities and his own Jewish identity in North America.
The discussion moves effortlessly between practical craft considerations—like how to adapt flamenco's complex 12-beat rhythms into English verse—to profound questions about poetic subjectivity. Drawing from his academic work on medieval troubadour poetry, Meyerson offers a fascinating perspective: that subjectivity itself might be a formal choice rather than an authentic expression. "Choosing to be a subject in a poem is a choice," he argues, "it's not just something that we automatically do."
We also explore the limitations of contemporary workshop culture, where poems focused on personal trauma can sometimes create a flattened social interior where readers are only invited to validate rather than engage. Throughout, Meyerson demonstrates how poetry can be both intellectually rigorous and emotionally affecting—challenging readers while still offering them a way into the experience.
Whether you're fascinated by poetry's relationship to music, interested in cultural memory, or simply looking for fresh perspectives on the craft of writing, this conversation will leave you with new ways to think about how poetry preserves what history tries to erase. Discover how form becomes memory and memory becomes form in Ben Meyerson's remarkable work.Send us a text
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The foundations of modern liberal democracy weren't forged in the ideals of freedom and equality alone, but in the disciplined halls of Prussian military academies. In this wide-ranging conversation, Nicolas Villarreal reveals how the professional military education system that emerged in 19th century Germany created the bureaucratic apparatus that would spread across the world and enable liberal democratic capitalism to function.
What emerges is a fascinating dialectic that shapes our current political crisis: the tension between the "universal class" of professionals (bureaucrats, educators, administrators) who manage society through expertise, and Bonapartist strongmen who consolidate power within smaller cliques. Neither offers genuine democratic participation or addresses fundamental contradictions.
This historical analysis exposes blind spots in Marxist theory that continue to hamper left analysis today. Marx, focused primarily on England and France, missed crucial developments in Germany that would shape state formation globally. This oversight left Marxism without coherent theories of military power and bureaucracy—a gap that remains unfilled.
Our current economic crisis differs from previous eras. Rather than a straightforward decline in profitability, we face Soviet-style problems where increasing investments yield diminishing returns across education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology. Professional bureaucracy grows more expensive while delivering less value, creating conditions for reactionary backlash.
The conversation ultimately points toward the need for developing an anti-professional politics that doesn't simply tail one bourgeois faction or another. As the educated professional class fractures along partisan lines, neither defending institutions that perpetuate oligarchy nor embracing reactionary populism offers a path forward. Can we envision social organization beyond the professional/Bonapartist dialectic before the increasing contradictions of capitalism lead to further crisis?Send us a text
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America's hidden Marxist history reveals a country where radical ideas took root in ways we've deliberately forgotten. Dr. Andrew Hartman takes us on a journey through this erased past, uncovering how deeply Marx's ideas penetrated American society from the Civil War through today.
Marx himself was surprisingly connected to America, writing hundreds of articles for the New York Tribune—the world's most-read newspaper in the 1850s—and developing key theories about labor and freedom through his analysis of American slavery. These writings would profoundly shape his masterwork, Capital, yet few Americans know this historical connection exists.
The real revelation comes when we discover how widely Marx's ideas spread across America's heartland. Oklahoma socialists outnumbered Republicans for a decade. Mining towns in Montana and Colorado witnessed class warfare that rivals any European struggle. Jack London wasn't just writing adventure tales but promoting Marxism through passionate speeches and novels like The Iron Heel. These weren't fringe movements but significant political forces shaping American life.
What makes American Marxism distinct is its remarkable hybridization—merging with evangelical Christianity in the South, populism in the Midwest, and civil rights activism in Black communities. Far from a rigid foreign ideology, Marxist thought provided analytical tools that diverse Americans adapted to understand their specific struggles against exploitation.
Through economic crashes, war, and cultural upheaval, Marxist ideas have resurged repeatedly in American life—most recently since the 2008 financial crisis. By recovering this deliberately obscured history, we gain insight not just into our past but into the persistent appeal of radical critiques when capitalism fails to deliver on its promises of freedom and prosperity for all.Send us a text
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What happens when we trace the unexpected influences between seemingly unrelated poetic traditions? In this exploration of German poetry's impact on American counterculture, we discover the fascinating connections between renowned German-language poets Rainer Maria Rilke and Paul Salon with Cleveland's underground literary icon DA Levy.
Levy, a Cleveland poet and publisher active in the 1960s who faced obscenity trials and ultimately committed suicide, created work that resonates with Rilke's mystical poetics in surprising ways. Both poets use angels not as mere symbols but as modes of address to readers – inviting us into a space where beauty and terror coexist, where mortality is acknowledged as the very thing that gives life its meaning.
As we examine Rilke's "Requiem for a Friend" alongside his more famous Duino Elegies, we see how his approach to mythology established patterns that would later emerge in Levy's work, despite their vastly different cultural contexts. The conversation expands to include translation theory, with insights from contemporary translators Pierre Joris and Johannes Göransson who understand translation not as equivalence but as transformation – every act of writing being itself a translation of experience into language.
We also examine how Levy's Buddhist influences connect him more meaningfully to Gary Snyder than to the Beat poets with whom he's often categorized, revealing the complexity of his literary lineage. From Federico García Lorca's concept of duende to the rich ethnic diversity of Cleveland's literary scene, this discussion illuminates how poetry transcends borders while remaining deeply rooted in specific geographies and experiences.
Have you discovered DA Levy yet? His work, much of it being republished through Between the Highway Press, offers a portal into a uniquely American poetic vision that draws from international traditions while speaking directly to readers with urgent, transformative power.
Links mentioned in the video:
https://periodicityjournal.blogspot.com/2025/01/alexander-hammond-benedict-from.html?m=1
https://rilkepoetry.com/duino-elegies/first-duino-elegy/
http://homestar.org/bryannan/duino.html
https://herhalfofhistory.com/2023/07/13/requiem-for-paula-modersohn-becker-by-rainer-maria-rilke/
https://abovegroundpress.blogspot.com/2024/10/new-from-aboveground-press-fragments-of.html
https://betweenthehighway.org/Send us a text
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What if I told you one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century wasn't just a Nazi sympathizer, but that fascism was fundamental to his entire philosophical project? In this profound conversation with Colin Bodayle, doctoral student in philosophy at Villanova University, we peel back the sanitized layers of Martin Heidegger's legacy to reveal the uncomfortable truth behind his continued influence.
The mystification around Heidegger's Nazism represents one of academia's most persistent blind spots. While other Nazi intellectuals like Carl Schmitt are acknowledged for what they were, Heidegger enjoys special treatment. Colin reveals how Heidegger's manuscripts were likely edited to remove explicitly fascist content, creating a historical deception that continues to this day.
Most importantly, we explore how Heidegger's core philosophical concepts—authenticity, Dasein, and his critique of technology—directly support his fascist worldview. His concept of authenticity isn't about individual self-creation but about embracing one's heritage and historical destiny as part of a "folk." His subjective idealism dissolves the possibility of objective truth in favor of interpretation, creating a philosophical framework perfectly aligned with fascist thought.
The conversation takes fascinating detours through German idealism, Nietzsche's reactionary politics, and the strange appropriation of Heideggerian concepts by both the contemporary left and far-right figures like Alexander Dugin. We also discuss how continental philosophy's language games often obscure the political implications embedded in philosophical concepts.
Rather than suggesting we abandon these thinkers entirely, this conversation invites critical engagement. As Colin notes, "Heidegger can teach you things about being human—he wasn't wrong about everything." But we must approach his work with our eyes wide open to its political foundations.
If you've ever grappled with continental philosophy, critical theory, or the political dimensions of abstract thought, this episode offers a masterclass in intellectual clarity and honest critique.Send us a text
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As normie conservatives casually throw around terms like "Bonapartist" to describe Trump's new administration, we've entered a peculiar moment where Marxist terminology has infiltrated mainstream political discourse—often without its theoretical underpinnings. This wide-ranging conversation explores the historical parallels between today's political landscape and 19th century France, when General Boulanger's right-wing populist movement tempted certain leftists into dangerous alliances. Donald Parkinson of Marxist Unity Group and Cosmonaut Magazine helps us clarify.
We dissect the contradictory coalition behind Trump's second administration: an unlikely alliance between traditional middle American constituencies and Silicon Valley tech oligarchs that has fundamentally altered the movement's character. This creates a uniquely modern version of Bonapartism, where executive power operates independently from other ruling class factions, but with enthusiastic backing from tech billionaires rather than reluctant acceptance from established elites.
The historical debate between Engels and Paul Lafargue proves remarkably relevant today. Engels vehemently opposed leftist alliances with Boulanger, insisting socialists must maintain political independence while defending democratic institutions against right-wing authoritarianism. Today's versions of this debate—from "MAGA communism" to various post-left tendencies—echo Lafargue's failed argument that riding right-wing populism would ultimately benefit socialism.
As liberal institutions prove remarkably fragile against authoritarianism and traditional left strategies seem inadequate, we face fundamental questions about political strategy. How can socialists build independent politics without becoming either appendages to liberalism or useful idiots for the right? What does defending democratic rights look like when the constitutional order itself is crumbling? And how do we understand class politics when traditional definitions no longer map neatly onto social reality?
This conversation offers essential historical context and strategic clarity for navigating our deteriorating political landscape—a moment when understanding the mistakes of the past might help us avoid repeating them.Send us a text
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Dr. Vanessa Wills takes us on an intellectual journey through the heart of Marx's ethical vision – perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of his revolutionary philosophy. As we trace her path from anti-war activism to Marxist scholarship, Dr. Wills demolishes the persistent myth that Marx had no ethics or moral framework. Instead, she reveals how his entire project was fundamentally concerned with human flourishing, dignity, and liberation.
The conversation cuts through decades of academic confusion to show how Marx's dialectical method allows us to understand apparent contradictions in his thought. Yes, he rejected abstract moralizing, but simultaneously offered a profound critique of capitalism rooted in human needs and capacities. This isn't inconsistency – it's the recognition that ethics emerge from material conditions while simultaneously guiding our transformation of those conditions.
We explore how Marx's understanding of human nature as dynamic and social challenges both liberal individualism and crude collectivism. The false opposition between individual and society dissolves when we recognize that genuine individuality can only flourish through rich social relations. Capitalism's claim to champion the individual rings hollow when we see how it systematically destroys actual human beings while claiming to celebrate abstract individualism.
Perhaps most urgently, Dr. Wills explains how Marx's ethical vision speaks to our current crises of ecological destruction, social alienation, and political fragmentation. From the commodification of identity in social media to the resurgence of rigid gender roles, modern phenomena reflect the contradictions Marx identified. His materialist approach doesn't abandon ethics but grounds them in the real conditions and potentials of human existence.
This conversation invites us to rediscover Marx not as a cold determinist, but as a thinker whose commitment to human flourishing offers a framework for addressing our most pressing ethical questions. By understanding exploitation, alienation, and commodification as barriers to our collective survival and development, we gain new tools for imagining and creating a world where human dignity isn't just proclaimed but materially possible.Send us a text
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America's constitutional foundation is buckling under the weight of executive fiat, with a president governing almost exclusively through executive orders while Congress passes fewer bills than at any point in history. Elijah Emery comes back to discuss the following:
• Executive power has been expanding since WWII, but the current administration represents an acceleration of this trend with open defiance of court orders
• Legal analysis shows virtually everything the administration has implemented falls outside statutory authority, representing unprecedented lawlessness
• The administration's tariff policies violate tax and spending powers constitutionally reserved for Congress, using emergency declarations without actual emergencies
• Courts have been ruling against the administration, but many orders are being ignored or circumvented through administrative workarounds
• The Alien Enemies Act is being misused to justify deportations without due process, with Supreme Court rulings being openly defied
• Civil society, including universities, law firms, and business leaders, is beginning to organize legal resistance as economic impacts spread to Republican states
• Traditional institutional checks are failing, but declining approval ratings and business community opposition suggest limits to how far this can go
If you're concerned about these issues, follow reputable legal analysis sources and support organizations defending constitutional governance. Register to vote and stay engaged with your local representatives.Send us a text
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Behind the celebrated image of Jimmy Carter as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian lies a presidential legacy that demands closer examination. This revealing conversation with historian Robert Buzzanco challenges the sanitized narrative of Carter's presidency, exposing how he functioned as a crucial transitional figure between postwar liberalism and the full flowering of neoliberalism under Reagan.
Buzzanco methodically dismantles popular misconceptions, documenting how Carter accelerated Cold War tensions rather than reducing them. While Nixon had pursued détente with both China and the Soviet Union, Carter reversed course, supporting the genocidal Khmer Rouge, working with apartheid South Africa against liberation movements in Angola, and initiating support for the Mujahideen fighters who would later evolve into Al-Qaeda. These military interventions reveal a hawkish president whose actions directly contradict his later humanitarian image.
On the domestic front, Carter's presidency marks the beginning of neoliberal economic policies that would reshape American society. His administration aggressively pursued deregulation across multiple industries, appointed inflation hawk Paul Volcker to the Federal Reserve, sidelined labor unions, and rejected government intervention when factories closed in the Rust Belt. These policies accelerated the decline of working-class living standards and laid the groundwork for Reagan's more explicit dismantling of the New Deal consensus.
Perhaps most strikingly, Carter's political transformation after leaving office represents one of the most remarkable second acts in American political history. The same man who collaborated with China to punish Vietnam later won the Nobel Peace Prize and wrote "Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid." Understanding this contradiction helps illuminate broader patterns in American politics, where Democratic administrations have repeatedly embraced corporate-friendly policies while facing pressure to move rightward after electoral defeats.
Have we been too quick to sanitize Carter's legacy because of his admirable humanitarian work? What does this selective memory tell us about our political culture? Listen now to this thought-provoking deconstruction of a presidential legacy that continues to shape our world today.
You can find Robert Buzzanco's work:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2023/03/02/jimmy-carter-is-a-liberal-saint-now-was-a-war-criminal-then/
https://afflictthecomfortable.org/
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/dashboard/episodesSend us a text
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The episode explores Hegel's complex understanding of freedom as self-determination and its historical evolution through time, juxtaposed with Kant and Rousseau's perspectives. It emphasizes that freedom is a relational and collective struggle that necessitates recognition and social action, questioning the practical implications of Hegel's thought in contemporary movements for change.
- Examining Hegel's definition of freedom as self-determination
- Historical context: freedom's evolution through societies
- The importance of temporality in understanding freedom
- Comparing Hegel with Kant and Rousseau on freedom
- Duns Scotus' radical contingency vs. Hegel's causal necessity
- Practical implications: social struggles for freedom today
- Connecting Hegelian philosophy to contemporary movementsSend us a text
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Is U.S. foreign policy under President Biden really different from Trump's approach? Join us as we welcome Daniel Bessner from the American Prestige podcast to unravel this and other pressing questions, with a bold examination of leftist perspectives on international relations. We scrutinize the position of Palestine within American leftist discourse and consider whether shifts in younger generations' opinions might eventually sway U.S. foreign policy. Student protests and divestment movements are powerful in their own right but how much can they truly influence the political machinery?
Our exploration doesn't stop at foreign policy. We delve deep into the political climate of today, dissecting the peculiarities of the right-wing dynamics and the enduring shadow of Cold War liberalism. What do political promises from the late 2000s tell us about the current state of political engagement and identity? We discuss how social media has crafted new narratives and ask if the retreat from active political involvement signifies a broader societal disillusionment. Join us as we question whether the decline in religiosity and the popularity of socialism among youth signal a major ideological shift or just fleeting trends.
Finally, we tackle the pressing issue of AI's impact on labor, considering how white-collar jobs could face the same fate as blue-collar roles did with automation. The role of AI in reshaping the future of work is undeniable, but what are the implications for both labor and capital? We close our discussion by reflecting on the decline of humanities in universities and the shifting global power dynamics, contemplating the end of the 20th-century academic ideal and the rising influence of regional powers. Don't miss our comprehensive analysis as we navigate these complex topics with insights from our esteemed guest, Danny Bessner.Send us a text
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Sudip Bhattacharya joins us to unravel the post-Trump landscape of socialist strategy, wading through the murky waters of political transitions and internal leftist tensions. How can we nurture class consciousness and fight against anti-DEI rhetoric that threatens to strip away essential rights? Together, Sudip and I confront these urgent questions, examining the evolution of the Republican Party towards Western chauvinism and the unsettling alliance between tech oligarchs and Trump's agenda. As we navigate this complex terrain, we provide insights into the dissatisfaction among socialists with elite discourses on identity politics and misleading media narratives about the working class.
Our conversation also dives into the challenges of maintaining unity within diverse organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Drawing on personal experiences in union organizing, we emphasize the importance of staying focused on core objectives like job protection and workplace diversity, even when faced with ideological divides. Sudip shares anecdotes from a DSA town hall event, offering a firsthand look at the debates surrounding strategy and the need for both domestic and international perspectives within the movement. This dialogue highlights the importance of thoughtful public discourse and effective collaboration to strengthen class unity.
Finally, we explore the broader implications of American foreign policy and the potential for global solidarity in challenging U.S. hegemony. By engaging with international perspectives, we uncover the impact of American political actions on global relations and the potential shifts in alliances. From understanding the complexities of radicalization to critiquing rhetoric-driven strategies, we underscore the necessity of addressing tangible issues that people care about. Join us for a compelling episode that navigates the intricate dynamics of socialist strategy and outreach in today's volatile political climate.
Sudip Bhattacharya is a former journalist and will be focused on exploring race in the United States at Rutgers University. He has written articles for CNN, the Washington City Paper, Lancaster Newspapers, The Daily Gazette, and The Jersey Journal. He also graduated from Rutgers as an undergrad and earned a Master's in Journalism from Georgetown University. He is a member of the Red Star caucus in the DSA, and has recently written an article for From the Academy to the Streets: Notes from a Working Class Think Tank edited by Colin Jenkins (Iskra Books 2025).Send us a text
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What if the concept of decadence holds the key to understanding our societal and political structures today? This episode challenges traditional narratives by dissecting Samir Amin's unfinished work on revolution and decadence through a Marxist lens. We navigate through Afibung's critique of decadence theory, contrasting Marxist views with more coherent conservative critiques of current institutions. Furthermore, we tackle the pressing issues in the education systems of the U.S. and Britain and ponder how the normalization of capitalist problems by the left may hinder societal progress. Our dialogue draws on insights from Christopher Lasch's "Culture of Narcissism" to suggest that the root of societal issues may go deeper than mere narcissism.
Join us on a journey through historical socio-political frameworks as we question Eurocentric grand narratives and explore the tributary mode of production. With a critical eye, we scrutinize the tendency of Marxist scholars to generalize historical categories and contrast this with the nuanced perspectives of civilizations like the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman empires. This discussion probes the coherence of these generalizations and their role in understanding the evolution of productive forces and state structures, challenging the utility of broad historical categorizations.
Imperialism and socialism's past and present dynamics take center stage as we analyze the challenges of forming anti-imperialist alliances in today's fragmented world. Reflecting on historical parallels, from the Roman Empire to modern Western capitalism, we examine the enduring divisions of labor and the pressures facing nations like China and Cuba. Through the lens of global socialist states, we explore Hugo Chavez's vision for a Fifth International and the ongoing struggles of socialism in the context of economic development and class struggle. This episode invites listeners to reconsider the nature of revolutions and the implications of bourgeois ideologies in shaping new modes of production.
Check out Revolution or Decadence by Samir Amin.Send us a text
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon -
Exploring the intersection of fandom culture and political engagement reveals a new landscape of activism and ideology. Our discussion with Joshua Citarella of Doomscroll emphasizes how passionate fandoms are shaping today's political climate, shifting the nature of activism beyond traditional frameworks and leading to a more dynamized political identity among the youth.
• The merging of fandom and political culture
• Young activists leveraging fandoms for change
• Challenges of superficial engagement in fandoms
• Emphasizing unity while honoring diverse experiences
• The need for substantive real-world connections
Listen to our episode for an insightful exploration into how fandoms are becoming vital players in political movements, fostering new narratives and diverse community engagement in the process.Send us a text
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon -
Katherine Dee, the writer behind the "Default Blog" on Substack, joins us to explore the unexpected legacy of Art Bell and how his non-political, free-form radio style contrasts with today's charged conspiracy culture. Discover the intriguing intersections between Bell's approach and modern figures like Joe Rogan and Alex Jones, and how these dynamics have shaped contemporary internet culture. We reflect on the transition from Bell's open dialogue to a more politically saturated landscape, offering insights into how these shifts impact cultural narratives.
Our conversation navigates the evolving world of internet fame, where politics and media collide, shaping a new breed of celebrity akin to fan communities. Katherine provides a fresh perspective on the younger right-wing culture, drawing parallels between political affiliations and fandoms that drive emotional engagement in today's discourse. We discuss the transformative role of social media platforms like X in molding public opinion, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these platforms reveal the ever-changing American zeitgeist.
From gender dynamics to parenting challenges, we tackle a wide array of social phenomena affecting our cultural landscape. We probe into the shifting perceptions of "wokeness," the complexities of dating culture, and the commodification of mental health. We also delve into the unique dynamics within religious communities, the contrasting experiences of different generations, and the unexpected resistance to traditional political spaces. Whether it's examining the aspirational aspects of therapy culture or the rise of unconventional cultural trends, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the ever-evolving interplay between politics, media, and society.Send us a text
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon -
We begin a NEW season here at Varn Vlog after 4 years of recording. The episode explores the complexities of liberal socialism, emphasizing its potential to bridge the ideals of liberalism and socialism through mutual values like equality and freedom with Dr. Matt McManus. The discussion engages with historical perspectives, critiques from Marxists, and contemporary applicability, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of the past and future of these interconnected ideologies through a discussion's of McManus's recent book on liberal socialism
• Examination of the definitions of liberalism and socialism
• Discussion on skepticism surrounding liberal socialism
• Core principles of moral equality, liberty, and solidarity
• Historical influences of John Stuart Mill on socialist thought
• Critiques of Marx on the limitations of liberalism
• Global perspectives on capitalism and socialism
• Future potential of liberal socialism in modern discourseSend us a text
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon -
The episode dives into the complex duality of Noam Chomsky as a linguist and an activist, revealing the schism between his scientific work and political beliefs. Through insights from Dr. Chris Knight, listeners explore how Chomsky's theories, while revolutionary, risk disconnecting from social context and the critical implications this has for understanding human communication. Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Chris Knight, author of "Decoding Chomsky," as we explore the fascinating duality of Noam Chomsky's life as both a groundbreaking linguist and an unwavering political activist
• Exploration of Chomsky's linguistic theories versus his political activism
• Discussion on the military influence in Chomsky's academic career
• Components of Chomsky’s work that neglect social interaction
• Analysis of the implications of universal grammar
• Importance of gender dynamics in linguistic discourse
• Reflection on the separation of language as a tool versus a social construct
• Relevance of Chomsky's legacy in contemporary sociopolitical contextsSend us a text
Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon - Mehr anzeigen
