Varn Vlog

Borna Radnik, PhD, a philosopher and Marxist, dives deep into Hegel's intricate ideas on freedom and its evolution through history. He contrasts Hegel's views with those of Kant and Rousseau, highlighting freedom as a collective struggle rather than an individualistic pursuit. Borna emphasizes the importance of temporality in understanding freedom and critiques contemporary movements against utopian ideals. He connects Hegelian thought to modern social movements, illustrating its relevance to ongoing struggles for justice and recognition.

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 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

Sudip Bhattacharya, a former journalist and Rutgers scholar, dives into the shifting landscape of socialist strategy after Trump. He tackles the complex interplay between class consciousness and anti-DEI rhetoric. Bhattacharya explores the Republican Party's evolving ideology and stresses the need for unity within the Democratic Socialists of America. Their conversation highlights the importance of grassroots activism and the delicate balance between identity politics and working-class narratives. Personal anecdotes and discussions on global solidarity add depth to this critical dialogue.

What if decadence reveals the truths about our societal structures? The hosts dissect Samir Amin's unfinished work, examining the intersection of Marxism and critiques of decadence theory. They tackle alarming literacy rates in elite education, reflecting on broader societal decay. The discussion pivots to cultural narcissism and the complexities of historical narratives across empires. From anti-imperialist ideologies to modern warfare in North Korea, they navigate through political intricacies and challenge traditional frameworks that shape our understanding of history and society.

In this insightful discussion, Joshua Citarella, an author and creator focused on political ideologies, dives deep into how fandom culture is reshaping political activism. He emphasizes the rise of young activists leveraging their passions for social change and the challenges they face with superficial engagement. The conversation highlights the need for genuine connections in activism, the impact of digital narratives on political identities, and the intricate link between fandoms and contemporary ideologies. It's a fascinating exploration of how culture and politics intertwine in today's digital landscape.

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 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

In this discussion, scholar Matt McManus dives into the fascinating intersection of liberalism and socialism. He examines the nuanced principles like moral equality and solidarity that bridge these ideologies, challenging traditional skepticism. McManus also highlights historical influences, notably John Stuart Mill's impact on socialism, and critiques Marxist views on liberalism's limitations. With a fresh perspective, he explores the future potential of liberal socialism in today's political landscape, advocating for a cooperative economic model centered on worker ownership.

Dr. Chris Knight, author of "Decoding Chomsky," delves into the intriguing duality of Noam Chomsky as both a pioneering linguist and a committed activist. He uncovers the tensions between Chomsky's revolutionary theories and their social implications. The discussion explores the ethical dilemmas of applying linguistic models in military contexts, critiques modern interpretations of equality, and highlights the influence of gender dynamics in linguistic discourse. Knight's insights provide a captivating lens through which to view Chomsky's legacy and its relevance today.

Join law student Elijah Emery, who dives deep into the constitutional implications of Trump's presidency. He discusses controversial topics like the attempts to remove birthright citizenship and the challenges of executive power over civil rights. The conversation highlights the judiciary’s critical role and the potential for a constitutional crisis. Emery underscores the importance of civic engagement and accountability in preserving democracy, drawing parallels to America's historical political crises while emphasizing the risks posed by executive orders.

This episode navigates the intricate relationship between poetry and politics, featuring insights from poet Bianca Stone. We discuss the nuances of non-didactic poetry, the historical implications of literary voices, and how poetry serves as a vessel for personal and collective experiences. Bianca Stone is a Vermont-based poet. Stone’s newest book is What is Otherwise Infinite, (Tim House 2022). She is the host of Ode and Psyche podcast. Stone’s poems, art, book reviews, and essays have appeared in a variety of magazines including The New Yorker, Poetry Magazine, American Poetry Review, The Brooklyn Rail, and many others. She returned to Vermont in 2016. Bianca houses the Ode & Psyche Podcast.• Examining the tension between political and poetic expression• The impact of didacticism on modern poetry• The philosophical discourse surrounding poetry through Plato's lens• Individual voices in poetry reflecting collective narratives • Analyzing Larry Levis's poem on Lorca• The importance of ambiguity and interpretation in poetry Explore this thought-provoking dive into the complex world of poetic expression and its implications for understanding our human experience.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