Varn Vlog

What happens when artistic rebellion becomes just another commodity? In this thought-provoking conversation, Adam Turl unpacks his book "Gothic Capitalism: Art Evicted from Heaven and Earth," taking us on a journey through the ruins of revolutionary movements and avant-garde dreams.The discussion begins with an unexpected Soviet connection—Alexandra Kollontai's gothic novella that serves as a metaphor for revolutionary ideals crumbling under bureaucratization. This sets the stage for exploring what Turrell calls the "gothic dialectic" within capitalism: how class struggles win partial victories only to see them rolled back, creating spaces of loss and nostalgia that haunt our cultural landscape.Turl brilliantly analyzes Boris Groys' concept of the "weak avant-garde"—how once-revolutionary artistic gestures that sought to democratize art have become institutionalized without the social transformation they once promised. The white cube gallery, intended to elevate art, now often serves as an unwitting accomplice to gentrification. When art galleries moved into Boyle Heights, the conceptual art that once seemed democratizing became, in practice, a force of displacement.The conversation takes fascinating turns through digital space, AI-generated art, and the false promises of Silicon Valley utopianism. Turl argues that just as cities once offered liberatory potential before becoming commodified "hellscapes," the internet has followed a similar trajectory of enclosure. Meanwhile, AI art burns massive resources to create derivative works—a bizarre form of wasteful consumption that prioritizes replacing human creativity over efficiency.Throughout, Turl emphasizes that art's meaning emerges not just from the object itself but from its "social performance" in the world. He calls for reconnecting artistic practices to community organizing and mutual aid—not to make all art explicitly political, but to restore meaning in an increasingly alienated world. As both technological and ecological crises deepen, can we create spaces where art serves community rather than capital? Join us for this urgent conversation about finding beauty and solidarity amid the ruins.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic

Money isn't just about personal comfort—it's the foundation of sustainable social change. In this compelling conversation, attorney and business coach Courtney Teasley challenges conventional thinking about the relationship between financial power and justice work.Teasley introduces her concept of the "DAM community" (Disproportionately Affected Marginalized Minority), explaining how these communities face three critical knowledge gaps: criminal justice literacy, civics, and financial literacy. Without understanding these systems, meaningful change remains elusive. The consequences are devastating—marginalized individuals caught in the criminal justice system face impossible choices between unaffordable legal representation or accepting pleas that permanently damage their economic prospects.Traditional social justice approaches often fall short because they rely on external funding sources who may not understand community needs or may withdraw support when communities fight in ways donors disapprove of. As Teasley powerfully argues, "If we want to make change on a larger scale, we definitely need money in our pockets to do so." This reality demands new approaches to wealth-building beyond traditional homeownership, which remains inaccessible to most Americans under 50.The conversation explores practical pathways forward—monetizing expertise through business ownership, strategic investing with newly accessible platforms, and creating multiple income streams. Teasley emphasizes that business ownership allows marginalized individuals to create both profit and impact, similar to socially-conscious companies like Ben & Jerry's or TOMS. By charging their value while incorporating sliding scales and payment plans, business owners can serve their communities without sacrificing sustainability.For those skeptical of capitalism or concerned about ethical investing, Teasley offers pragmatic wisdom: "Not that we agree with how it is, but this is what it is. We must adapt and create in ways that feel authentic to ourselves." This balance of practical action and principled vision opens possibilities for lasting change that doesn't depend on external control.Ready to explore how financial power can transform social justice work? Follow Courtney Teasley on YouTube at Black Law Girl, LinkedIn, or Instagram @thecourtneyteasley to learn more about creating sustainable paths to both personal wealth and community empowerment.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic

Tom Pepper, author of 'The Faithful Buddhist' and 'Indispensable Goods', critiques Western Buddhism’s ties to capitalist structures and romantic ideology. He argues that emotional pursuits in Buddhism can mask disconnection from societal issues. Expounding on how contemporary interpretations often dilute core teachings, Pepper explores the commercialization of Buddhist practices. He emphasizes the need for political engagement in Buddhism to genuinely address suffering, challenging listeners to rethink emotional responses in the context of societal change.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Professor Alexander Herbert, a historian and the mind behind 'Lenin in 45 Volumes', dives into the complex and often misunderstood world of Lenin's ideas. He argues for the importance of reading Lenin's works chronologically and contextually to uncover his pragmatic evolution. From electoral participation to debates on national autonomy, Herbert reveals Lenin's nuanced approach to socialism and highlights his ability to maintain relationships with ideological rivals. This deep dive into Lenin's legacy challenges common perceptions and encourages richer discussions about revolutionary thought.

Nicolas D. Villarreal, the author of "A Soul of a New Type," shares insights on the intersection of semiotics and AI. He challenges conventional views on human versus artificial intelligence, emphasizing that AI absorbs patterns without personal context. The discussion delves into the complexities of language, narrative, and the socio-political impact of culture on AI's development. Villarreal critiques rationalism and reflects on the implications of AI understanding as it relates to ideology and communication, all while painting a vivid picture of thought in a digital age.

What if our bitter political divisions aren't just about policy differences but reflect ancient biological drives hardwired into our DNA? Dr. Melvyn Lurie, Harvard-trained psychiatrist with expertise in genetics, presents a groundbreaking framework for understanding America's current crisis through evolutionary biology.Drawing from his observation of nesting species and historical civilizations, Dr. Lurie identifies two fundamental drives shaping human societies: survival drives (focused on resource acquisition and protection) and reproductive drives (centered on nurturing the vulnerable). When a civilization becomes successful, it naturally shifts from survival orientation toward reproductive concerns – a transition Dr. Lurie believes marks America's current precarious position.This biological perspective illuminates why our politics feels so intractable. Those facing economic uncertainty naturally prioritize survival needs, while those with greater security gravitate toward care for the vulnerable. Neither side recognizes these as biological imperatives requiring balance, leading to wild oscillations between administrations rather than healthy equilibrium.Rome provides a sobering parallel – a civilization that could once mobilize massive armies against Hannibal couldn't defend itself against barbarians centuries later as its survival orientation diminished. Dr. Lurie sees America approaching a similar tipping point as we reach the 200-250 year mark that typically signals civilizational decline.Yet hope remains if we can recognize these drives for what they are. By developing a new vocabulary that acknowledges both orientations as legitimate and necessary, we might escape the tribal "Red Sox versus Yankees" mentality currently gripping our discourse. As Dr. Lurie explains, "Once people understand what's really going on, things go right."Join us for this fascinating exploration of the biology behind our political moment and discover how evolutionary science might hold the key to preserving American democracy for generations to come.You can visit his website here: https://melvynlurie.com/Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic

We explore how American politics has increasingly embraced Bonapartist and Caudillo elements, transforming the executive branch from its original constitutional role into an imperial presidency with vast unchecked powers.• Caesarism and Bonapartism as models for understanding the imperial presidency that has evolved since FDR and Eisenhower• Congress's gradual abdication of its constitutional powers to the executive branch and administrative agencies• The Southern cultural influence on American politics and its similarities to Latin American Caudillo politics• Trump's appeal to Latino voters through recognizable strongman leadership aesthetics• How political polarization and crisis governance have accelerated the concentration of power• The pattern of presidents campaigning against executive overreach then embracing and expanding those same powers once elected• Economic consequences of Caudillo-style leadership, including market instability and loss of international confidenceFor those concerned about the future of American democracy, understanding these historical patterns and cross-cultural parallels is essential for recognizing and responding to the challenges we face.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic

What does a truly democratic American future require? The Marxist Unity Group believes nothing short of revolution will deliver it. In this compelling conversation, MUG members Cliff Connolly, Amy Wilhelm, Jean Allen, and Aliyah Van Pelt outline their vision for transforming both the Democratic Socialists of America and American politics through programmatic unity and revolutionary change.At the core of MUG's approach is their draft program - a minimum-maximum framework that clearly articulates both immediate demands and ultimate goals. Unlike other leftist tendencies, MUG places democracy as both the means and end of socialist struggle, while boldly identifying the United States Constitution as the final obstacle to achieving genuine democratic socialism in America.The discussion navigates the current political landscape with remarkable clarity. As workerism and identitarian politics fade from prominence, MUG positions itself on the DSA's left wing with a program-centered approach that rejects both personality cults and reformist illusions. Their analysis of the Zoran Mondani mayoral campaign reveals a principled yet practical stance: supporting fellow DSA members while maintaining clear-eyed criticism about the limitations of taking executive office without majority support.Perhaps most refreshing is their approach to building a broader movement. Rather than chasing demographics through tailored messaging, MUG advocates presenting a coherent vision that addresses fundamental issues. As one member puts it, people across the spectrum are drawn to movements that acknowledge their suffering while offering genuine solutions.For anyone seeking to understand where the American left might be heading, this conversation offers invaluable insights from a tendency that's increasingly shaping DSA's direction. Whether you're already involved in socialist organizing or simply curious about alternatives to our current system, MUG's perspective challenges conventional thinking while offering a path forward based on democratic principles and revolutionary hope.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic

What happens when the world's reserve currency faces a crisis of confidence, yet alternatives remain elusive? Emmanuel Daniel, author of "The Great Transition: The Personalization of Finance," offers a fascinating perspective on this paradox that defines our current global economic moment.The dollar's remarkable resilience stems from an unexpected source – American indifference. "The US doesn't care. And that's how the dollar became global," Daniel explains. With approximately 70% of dollars circulating outside American borders and about 130 countries maintaining trade surpluses with the US, the dollar has become the de facto medium of exchange worldwide. Despite numerous attempts to challenge this hegemony – from the euro to China's renminbi to BRICS initiatives – no viable alternative has emerged. The fundamental obstacle? Trust. Even BRICS nations don't sufficiently trust each other's treasuries to establish a shared currency.We're witnessing a profound economic transformation that extends beyond currency matters. Daniel describes our transition from a markets economy (defined by buyer-seller transactions) to a networked economy where value derives from function and participation. This shift helps explain phenomena like cryptocurrencies, which puzzle traditional investors precisely because they operate on network principles rather than market principles.Most fascinating is how digital innovation, particularly stablecoins, is actually extending rather than undermining dollar dominance. These predominantly dollar-based digital assets, backed by US Treasury bonds, create new channels for global dollar use. As traditional financial systems face digitization, the personalization of finance accelerates – putting more control in the hands of individuals rather than institutions.This great transition presents both challenges and opportunities. Countries embracing technological change can leapfrog development stages, while education systems emphasizing learning discipline over specific content better prepare students for an AI-driven future. Despite internal challenges, the US maintains its economic edge through innovation and adaptability.Ready to understand the forces reshaping our financial future? Subscribe now to explore how the personalization of finance is transforming our world in ways we're only beginning to comprehend.Send us a text Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic

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 Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic