Acid Horizon

Emily Herring, a writer and philosopher known for 'Herald of a Restless World,' delves into the thought-provoking themes from 'Black Mirror.' She questions whether the series still serves as speculative fiction or merely mirrors our reality. Herring discusses platform capitalism, cognitive exploitation, and the enigmatic concept of enshittification. Drawing on Henri Bergson's insights, she explores how technology impacts our autonomy, creativity, and memory, arguing that qualitative aspects of consciousness struggle to survive in a tech-driven world.

In this engaging dialogue, Taylor Adkins, a translator and theorist known for his work on Deleuze and Guattari, delves into the complexities of Lacan's 'Position of the Unconscious.' He examines Lacan's fraught legacy and his impact on psychoanalysis, highlighting the philosophical rift with Guattari. Adkins shares insights on the transformations of subjectivity and desire, along with his experiences translating French philosophy and collaborating on the 'Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour' podcast, making it a thought-provoking discussion for philosophy enthusiasts.

Join writer and theorist Billie Cashmore, known for her insights on the political character of queerness, alongside Mattie Colquhoun, also known as Xenogothic, who offers a unique perspective on transness. They dive into the philosophical underpinnings of queerness, examining its relation to identity and societal constructs. They tackle complex topics like trans rights, the intersection of orphanhood and trans identity, and the unrepresentable nature of queer experiences. Expect a thoughtful exploration of gender fluidity and the need for radical inclusivity.

In this discussion with Alexander Stoffel, author of Eros and Empire, they dive into the intricate links between queer liberation and Marxist theory. Stoffel reveals how desire can serve as a tool against imperialism and capitalism, exploring the rich histories of LGBTQ activism, from Stonewall to Black lesbian feminism. He argues for solidarity beyond nationalistic boundaries, and how capitalism distorts personal aspirations. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for queer and trans liberation and emphasizes the importance of an anti-capitalist perspective.

Richard Gilman-Opalsky, an author and philosopher from the University of Illinois at Springfield, delves into the power of utopian thinking and the intersections of Marxism and anarchism. He argues that communism is not a distant goal but is reflected in everyday acts of resistance and care. The conversation critiques the failures of liberal capitalism, emphasizes the significance of imagination in envisioning alternatives, and highlights the revolutionary potential of small, transformative actions in the face of modern challenges.

Jasper Bernes, author of 'The Future of Revolution', dives into revolutionary history and theory, linking the Paris Commune to the George Floyd protests. He explores how workers' councils could shape future movements and the complexities of achieving true revolution. Bernes discusses revolutionary strategies, critiquing contemporary reformist approaches and emphasizing community engagement in areas like healthcare. He also highlights the dangers of misusing constituent power in revolutionary movements, pushing for a deeper understanding of systemic challenges.

Follow Vintagia now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acidhorizon/vintagia-i-ching-oracle-for-psychogeographers-and-creativesWhat if capitalism isn’t just an economic system—but a transcendental structure that configures our very experience? In this episode, philosopher Henry Somers-Hall helps us unravel Deleuze and Guattari’s enigmatic claim that capitalism is an axiomatic system. Drawing from Kant, set theory, and the metaphysics of representation, we explore how capital binds and rebinds flows—subjects, territories, even revolt itself. Together we ask: what becomes of revolution when even resistance can be axiomatized?Henry's paper: https://henrysomershall.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/somers-hall-binding-and-axiomatics.pdfSupport the showSupport the podcast:Current classes at Acid Horizon Research Commons (AHRC): https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/ahrc-mainWebsite: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizonAcid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/ Join The Schizoanalysis Project: https://discord.gg/4WtaXG3QxnSubscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438Merch: http://www.crit-drip.comSubscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1512615438 LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHANDHappy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com​Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/​Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/

Craig offers an enticing peek into upcoming projects, including the innovative Vintagia, which fuses creativity with intuitive practice. Exciting live events are on the horizon, featuring artist residencies and experimental seminars. A new reading group focused on philosophical friendship is set to launch soon. Additionally, the return to Durations Festival promises thrilling collaborations, ensuring a vibrant community engagement that listeners won't want to miss.

In this episode, Will reads Maurice Blanchot’s essay Friendship, a haunting reflection on the impersonal and ineffable nature of true friendship. Blanchot challenges the idea of friendship as mutual understanding, revealing instead a relation marked by silence, distance, and exposure. This reading anticipates our upcoming "Philosophers and the Friend" reading group beginning May 18, featuring works by Blanchot, Foucault, Derrida, and more.Reading group syllabus: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VF7IZDocnkoK-vgwFNRFEXCOseBvNQJA/viewSupport the showSupport the podcast:Current classes at Acid Horizon Research Commons (AHRC): https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/ahrc-mainWebsite: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizonAcid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/ Join The Schizoanalysis Project: https://discord.gg/4WtaXG3QxnSubscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438Merch: http://www.crit-drip.comSubscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1512615438 LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHANDHappy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com​Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/​Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/

Follow Vintagia: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acidhorizon/vintagia-i-ching-oracle-for-psychogeographers-and-creativesIn this special crossover episode of LEPHT HAND and Acid Horizon, we explore the radical mysticism of François Laruelle through his essay Vision-in-One or Unlearned Knowing. Laruelle proposes a mysticism stripped of transcendence and doctrine—one grounded in solitude, immanence, and the irreducibility of lived experience. Our guest, translator Jeremy R. Smith, helps unpack Laruelle’s challenge to Neoplatonism, dialectics, and the pedagogical authority of philosophy. Along the way, we consider how this "unlearned knowing" might offer tools for thinking mysticism on the left, beyond both theology and theory.Vision-in-One or Unlearned Knowing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n-i7-kfCt_ykSxrMrUIeNxLwLKcCzcl3LbSJCR_etVQ/edit?tab=t.0 Support the showSupport the podcast:Current classes at Acid Horizon Research Commons (AHRC): https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/ahrc-mainWebsite: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/Linktree: https://linktr.ee/acidhorizonAcid Horizon on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/acidhorizonpodcast Boycott Watkins Media: https://xenogothic.com/2025/03/17/boycott-watkins-statement/ Join The Schizoanalysis Project: https://discord.gg/4WtaXG3QxnSubscribe to us on your favorite podcast: https://pod.link/1512615438Merch: http://www.crit-drip.comSubscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform: https://pod.link/1512615438 LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHANDHappy Hour at Hippel's (Adam’s blog): https://happyhourathippels.wordpress.com​Split Infinities (Craig’s Substack): https://splitinfinities.substack.com/​Music: https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/ and https://thecominginsurrection.bandcamp.com/