Varn Vlog

What if blockchain technology could emancipate us rather than just enrich speculators? In this wide-ranging conversation with Victor Vernissage, researcher, economist, and founder of Humanode.io, we explore how emerging technologies might transform our economic systems if deployed with democratic values rather than purely capitalist structures."Crypto is mostly about speculation. It's the main use case right now," Victor explains, cutting through the hype to address fundamental issues with current blockchain implementations. He argues that most systems remain "purely plutocratic, oligarchic, capitalistic structures where the more money you have, the more power you have," despite revolutionary potential for something entirely different. The discussion challenges widespread economic illiteracy underlying many blockchain projects, with Victor boldly stating that "neoclassical economics is complete bullshit" that fails to model real-world complexity.We venture into fascinating territory when discussing how blockchain and AI technologies intersect. Victor outlines four major possibilities: decentralized AI computation keeping conversations private rather than corporate-controlled; autonomous AI agents that can trade independently; governance systems for artificial intelligence; and new economic structures for a world where AI displaces human workers. Humanode specifically focuses on creating "one human, one vote" governance systems using biometrics to verify unique identities without compromising privacy.Perhaps most revolutionary is the potential for wealth redistribution through technology. Victor describes how AI agents conducting transactions generate fees, which typically flow to wealthy validators. However, with systems like Humanode, these fees could instead be distributed equally among participants, creating "not money for nothing, but money for something" – a new economic model beyond traditional UBI concepts.The conversation ultimately reveals that our technological future isn't predetermined. While current implementations often reinforce existing power structures, these technologies could create more democratic, equitable systems if implemented differently. The question isn't whether technology will transform society, but whether we'll allow that transformation to serve humanity or exploit it.Ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about economics and technology? Listen now, then join the conversation about building a more democratic digital future.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 grief becomes inheritance? When poet Miller Oberman became a father himself, he suddenly understood something that had shaped his entire life: he had been parented by someone traumatized by the loss of a child. This revelation sparked an extraordinary poetic journey, driving him toward his father's unfinished memoir about the drowning death of his two-year-old son Joshua in 1972."Impossible Things," Oberman's second collection, emerges from this intersection of personal and inherited trauma. Through his meticulous craft, Oberman transforms fragments of his father's prose into erasure poems, creating a dialogue between father and son that transcends death. The collection explores how tragedy ripples through generations, manifesting in unexpected ways—like the single small shoe belonging to Joshua that his father kept among his own shoes, a haunting presence throughout Oberman's childhood.Formal constraints become crucial tools for approaching unbearable subjects. Oberman employs "the beautiful outlaw," a form that systematically omits letters, making it impossible to directly name what's being described. This technique brilliantly mirrors the experience of absence itself, forcing creative circumlocution that often leads to more profound expressions than straightforward language could achieve. As Oberman notes, "I go to therapy to write poems, not the other way around"—a reminder that while poetry may heal, its purpose extends beyond therapeutic release.Readers familiar with loss will find recognition in these pages, while those intimidated by poetry will discover accessible entry points through the collection's clear narrative framework. Oberman's mission echoes his father's original intention in writing his memoir: to tell others experiencing profound grief that they are not alone. Through exquisite craft and unflinching honesty, "Impossible Things" accomplishes something remarkable—it makes the unspeakable not only speakable but beautiful.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

From theoretical battles to publishing controversies, this episode dives deep into the fault lines dividing today's left through the lens of "Flowers for Marx," a new collection exploring Marxist humanism and scientism. Contributors Daniel Tutt and Matt McManus share the book's tumultuous journey—rejected by its original publisher because contributors appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast and wrote for Compact Magazine, revealing how cancel culture operates even within leftist publishing.At the heart of our conversation lies a crucial question: can Marxists ground their politics in universal ethical principles, or should they focus solely on structural critique and historical analysis? This isn't merely academic—it shapes how leftists communicate, strategize, and build coalitions. While McManus approaches this through analytical philosophy (Cohen and Rawls), Tutt draws on Lukácsian traditions emphasizing class struggle as the source of moral orientation.The discussion takes unexpected turns as we explore how American puritanical tendencies have infected leftist discourse, creating what Irving Howe identified as a moralistic withdrawal from strategic engagement. Both guests argue passionately that the left must overcome its tendency toward fragmentation and internal policing if it hopes to address today's urgent crises. Against emerging anti-freedom tendencies on parts of the left, they advocate for maintaining solidarity across theoretical divides while engaging in "comradely debate" that avoids personalizing disagreements.Whether you're navigating factional disputes in your own organizing or trying to understand why the left seems perpetually divided, this episode offers both theoretical depth and practical wisdom. As ecological collapse accelerates and far-right movements gain strength, can the left move beyond purity politics toward a more strategic unity? The answer may determine whether socialism remains a viable alternative to our current predicament.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 makes a book of Marxist theory so controversial that publishers back out after initially accepting it? The answer takes us deep into the heart of leftist intellectual debates that have shaped revolutionary movements for generations."Flowers for Marx" brings together contrasting perspectives on fundamental questions that have divided Marxists since the 19th century. The conversation opens by exploring how platform appearances on shows like Joe Rogan became grounds for publisher rejection, raising crucial questions about whether the left should prioritize ideological purity or audience expansion.At the core of this discussion lies the tension between humanism and scientific approaches to Marxism. Conrad Hamilton defends Althusser's critique of humanism as potentially undermining revolutionary politics, while pointing to the achievements of actually existing socialist states often overlooked in Western discourse. Ben Burgis pushes back, arguing that core historical materialist insights suggest underdeveloped societies face inherent limitations in building socialism without first developing productive forces.The global dimension becomes clear when Ernesto Vargas begins examining Mexico's experience, where dependency on international financial institutions undermined development despite significant land redistribution initiatives. These different national contexts reveal how abstract theoretical debates manifest in concrete historical situations, challenging Eurocentric assumptions about revolutionary strategy.What emerges is a recognition that while these debates recur cyclically, they're not merely academic exercises. They reflect genuine dilemmas revolutionaries face in different contexts, which explains why theories considered settled often resurface with new urgency. Whether discussing the moral dimensions of Marxism or the viability of different development paths, these conversations remain vital precisely because the challenges they address persist.Tune in to our follow-up panel featuring Matt McManus and Daniel Tutt for additional perspectives on these enduring questions that continue to shape leftist thought and practice worldwide.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

In a captivating discussion, William "Bill" Welser, founder of LOTIC and innovative technologist, explains how personal narratives shape our identities and the AI systems we develop. He argues that storytelling is the richest source of data about ourselves, offering a counterpoint to traditional data views. Welser delves into the limitations of AI in understanding human judgment and the necessity of personal oversight in technological fields. He also critiques the performative nature of modern media, advocating for a return to authentic storytelling amidst digital pressures.

In this engaging conversation, Adam Turl, the author of "Gothic Capitalism: Art Evicted from Heaven and Earth," explores the troubling intersection of art, capitalism, and social movements. He examines how artistic rebellion has become commodified, reflecting on the nostalgia for lost revolutionary ideals. Turl critiques the concept of the "weak avant-garde" and the impact of gentrification on community art. The discussion further dives into digital art, AI's role in the cultural landscape, and the necessity of grassroots organizing in striving for genuine social change.

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.