Acid Horizon
Acid Horizon
Emerging from affinities with post-structuralism, abolitionism, biopolitics, communism, critical metaphysics, critical mysticism, and ontological anarchy, Acid Horizon is a philosophy and theory podcast committed to thought in motion and political struggle. While these are our grounding currents, each episode opens out onto a wider constellation: ethics, politics, phenomenology, decolonial thought, queer theory, post-psychoanalysis, disability/crip theory, anarchism, Marxism, feminism, and analyses of the emergence of the new right.Comprised of a decentralized collective of friends and comrades, Acid Horizon cultivates a terrain of militant inquiry. From readings that span 20th-century French communism to new perspectives on German idealism, the collective has also undertaken forays into aesthetic experimentation, philosophical heresy, and the history of revolt. We seek the concepts and intensities that gesture toward new forms of life.Acid Horizon pushes theory beyond the academy through live engagements, collaborative reading groups, and collective interventions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Anarchist Imaginary: Nicolas de Warren on Glissant, Levinas, and a New Radical Ethics
Nicolas de Warren, a Penn State University professor, delves into the anarchist imaginary and its ethical implications. He explores how anarchism operates beyond politics, focusing on community engagement and the importance of otherness and mutual aid. The discussion critiques conventional views of anarchism, advocating for multilingualism and innovative reading practices. De Warren emphasizes the role of hospitality and generosity in fostering ethical relationships while reimagining institutions in the digital age. His insights provoke thought on creating a more interconnected and inclusive future.
53 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 13min
AI: The New Aesthetics of Fascism with Gareth Watkins
Gareth Watkins, a contributor to Death Sentence Podcast and New Socialist, joins to discuss the dark marriage between AI and far-right ideologies. He examines how AI serves as a tool for domination rather than innovation, spotlighting examples like Tommy Robinson's fake narratives. The conversation unfolds the aesthetics of fascism in the context of modern art and political deception, while grappling with the challenges of countering right-wing misinformation in today's discourse. Watkins also critiques the impact of AI on creativity, emphasizing its troubling degradation of artistic standards.
64 snips
Mar 16, 2025 • 1h 17min
Peter Thiel Unmasked: From Lapsed Libertarian to Architect of the New Right
Dr. Gregory Sadler, an academic and philosopher known for his work on stoicism, joins the discussion on Peter Thiel's transformative journey from libertarian idealist to a key player in the new right. They dissect Thiel's 2009 essay, which reveals tensions in libertarian thought and his shift towards state-corporate alliances. The conversation explores the growing anger within political discourse, the failures of symbolic politics, and the disconnects of the billionaire class, shedding light on the need for collective action to address contemporary issues.
25 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Bataille, Eroticism, and the Future of Porn with Vex Ashley (aka @vextape)
Vex Ashley, an erotic artist and groundbreaking pornographic filmmaker from Four Chambers, joins the discussion on the rich interplay between eroticism and theory, especially through the lens of Georges Bataille. They dive into how digital platforms are reshaping intimacy and censorship while challenging traditional narratives around sex and power. Vex reflects on the resurgence of the 'mommy' archetype and shares her personal experiences as a cam girl, all while critiquing societal perceptions of motherhood and sexuality.
Feb 25, 2025 • 22min
PATREON PREVIEW: Jung, Freud, and Deleuze, & Guattari: Rethinking Libido and Desiring-Production with Dr. Bob Langan
Dr. Bob Langan, a psychoanalytic studies expert focusing on Jung and Spinoza, dives deep into the fascinating world of libido. He contrasts Jung's nuanced view of psychic energy with Freud's more limited sexual interpretation. The conversation ventures into how Jung’s ideas laid the groundwork for Deleuze and Guattari's dynamic concept of desire. Langan also critiques contemporary misrepresentations of Jung, exploring his connections to myth and archetypes, and his evolving thoughts on synchronicity. A vibrant discussion that redefines desire!
Feb 22, 2025 • 51min
The Cybernetic Arcana: Hexen 2.0 & 5.0 Tarot with Suzanne Treister
Suzanne Treister, an artist and researcher known for her Hexen tarot decks, dives into the intriguing intersections of cybernetics, conspiracy, and counterculture. She discusses how feedback loops from cybernetics influence both the Hexen 2.0 and upcoming Hexen 5.0 decks, merging art and science. The conversation explores tarot’s role in activism, the potential of the 'Interplanetary Internet', and critiques of technology's impact on society. Treister also highlights the historical roots of these themes, encouraging a collective reinterpretation of our modern challenges.
28 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 35min
The Male Loneliness Epidemic and Hegemonic Masculinity with Chuck LeBlanc
Chuck LeBlanc, a licensed clinical therapist and host of the Couch to Couch podcast, discusses the epidemic of male loneliness and modern masculinity. He shares insights on how societal pressures and toxic role models like Andrew Tate impact emotional health. The conversation uncovers the challenges of vulnerability among men and the importance of authentic connections. Additionally, Chuck introduces therapeutic techniques like active imagination, emphasizing their role in navigating emotions and fostering community in today's disconnected world.
63 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 15min
Disaster Nationalism: The Collapse of Liberalism and Why the Far Right is Winning with Richard Seymour
Richard Seymour, author of 'Disaster Nationalism' and expert on the rise of the far right, unpacks the alarming trend of disaster nationalism. He discusses how social media fuels the spread of fascist ideologies, linking it to societal despair and isolation. The conversation dives deep into the psychological effects of far-right rhetoric, emphasizing the role of digital platforms in radicalizing disenchanted individuals. Seymour warns that modern political struggles are intertwined with personal crises, demanding urgent collective action against this perilous tide.
10 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why Does Everyone Want To Be A Fascist? Guattari's Micropolitics of Desire
Delve into the entangled relationship between desire and micro-fascisms in contemporary life. The discussion critiques traditional frameworks of understanding fascism, emphasizing the need for both individual and collective resistance. Unpack the complexity of revolutionary movements and how they sometimes slip into fascist tendencies. Explore the significance of coalition-building across diverse groups in social justice struggles, and uncover the subtle yet pervasive micro-fascist behaviors in everyday interactions.
11 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 5min
A Reading of "Against Knowingness" from Adorno & Horkheimer's 'Dialectic of Enlightenment'
Delve into the nuances of Adorno and Horkheimer's philosophical ideas. Discover why cleverness falters when confronted with the harsh realities of fascism. The discussion critiques the limits of rational discourse in fighting oppression, shedding light on the complex power dynamics of the Hitler era. This examination reveals the paradoxes within bourgeois reasoning and urges listeners to reconsider their understanding of intelligence in the face of authoritarianism.
