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Varn Vlog

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Sep 21, 2023 • 1h 7min

Behind the Counter: Unmasking the Truth of Unionizing in the Fast Food Industry with Mira Lazine

Send us a textIn this Strange Matters/Varn Vlog collaboration, we discuss Mira Lazine's account of organizing the McUnion in Strange Matters Issue 2. What if we told you that the friendly face behind your fast food order is grappling with challenges you'd never even imagined? We're inviting you into a raw, deep, and humanizing conversation with Mira Lazine, who has been on the front lines of unionizing in the fast food industry. They shed light on the high turnover rates, the harsh quest for better employment conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on an already precarious unionization effort. They also debunk the misconceptions regarding who constitutes the fast food workforce, revealing a broad spectrum of individuals from all walks of life.Our adventure begins with the inspirational and challenging journey of Luzin, who was radicalized by the Bernie Sanders campaign in 2016 and has held on to his anarchist beliefs despite skepticism from coworkers. Luzin helps us understand the two major union models, the IWW model of solidarity unionization and the bureaucratic union model. Taking us step-by-step through the process, they shed light on the complexities of reaching out to workers on different shifts, building trust, and leveraging power mapping in unionizing. But let's not forget the digital age we live in. We dive into the power of technology and its impact on our behavior, especially the dangers of over-reliance on social media and the dopamine feedback loop it creates. Mira and Luzin share stories of surprising allies and betrayals that surface during the process of unionizing, highlighting trust as an ongoing theme. This episode isn't just about the complexities of organizing within the fast food industry; it's about human resilience and strength, and a testament to the people behind your fast food order. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that you won't want to miss. 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
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Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 31min

No Royal Road: Getting Medieval With Rodney Hilton, Part 1

Send us a textWhile the introduction music is that of Varn Vlog on this podcaster, this series will be simultaneously released on both the Varn Vlog podcast feed and the Regrettable Century podcast feed.   This is a long-running series we are doing on understanding social technologies, relationships of production, and how we get here:  i.e. what is the social and class history of the past.   In this episode, begin discussing sections of "Class Conflict and the Crisis of Feudalism: Essays in Medieval Social History" by Rodney Hilton.Wondering why British Marxists are often overlooked? Or perhaps you're curious about the fiery debates over the existence of feudalism that once captivated French and British historians? Step aboard as we embark on a fascinating journey through the world of Rodney Hilton, a significant figure in the British Marxist tradition. Fasten your seatbelts, it's time to dive headfirst into the complex world of feudalism and minoralism. During our discussion, we'll be using Rodney Hilton's contributions as a guide, comparing the perspectives of the British Academy and the French Academy. From the origins of feudalism to Marx's views on it, we'll leave no stone unturned when it comes to these historically significant systems. We'll also discuss the complexities of class formation, and the tension between feudalism and capitalism.We'll also offer insight into the revolutionary pessimism versus misanthropy debate, utilizing Neil Davidson's book, "How Revolutionary Were the Bush War Revolutions", as a springboard. Join us as we dissect the concept of revolution, investigating its application in different societies and its significance in shaping social order. Offering a rich and engaging discussion, this is an episode you won't want to miss. It doesn't matter if you're an academic, an enthusiast, or just intrigued by history and politics - there's something here for everyone. Let's embark on this intellectual journey together. 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
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Sep 14, 2023 • 1h 25min

Capitalism's Resilience and Its Eventual End: A Discussion with Steve Paxton

Send us a textIn an exhilarating journey through economic history, we welcome renowned author Steve Paxton to our podcast. His works "Unlearning Marx" (Zer0 Books 2021) and "The End of Capitalism" (Zer0 Book  2023) serve as the compass, guiding our exploration. With Steve's insights, we unravel the transformation of societies from feudalism to capitalism and ponder on what might succeed capitalism. His perspective on Marxist theory offers invaluable insights into the possible future economic systems.Together we trace the evolution of capitalism, from its humble origins in Tudor Enclosure in England to its contemporary form. We find ourselves engrossed in a discussion about capitalism's resilience, its failure to meet the needs of those who cannot enrich the system, and the role of financialization in widening the gap of inequality. As we delve deeper, we also question capitalism's future and the inevitability of its end. Going beyond capitalism, Steve presents an interesting comparison between his approach and the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). He suggests the idea of the state as an 'employer of best practice.' But what does that mean? Could this be the key to moving past capitalism and creating a more equitable society? We also analyze the impact of AI on future employment and its potential to disrupt the current state of capitalism. This episode promises a riveting discussion on the past, present, and future of capitalism, ending with Steve sharing his thoughts on the implications of AI on capitalism and jobs. Join us for this enlightening conversation! 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
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Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 26min

Journey through Money, Law, and the Evolution of the Bank of Canada with Dan Rohde

Send us a textPrepare to embark on a historical voyage through the intricate and fascinating relationship between money, law, and the Bank of Canada – all brought to life by our distinguished guest, Harvard SJD candidate, Dan Rohde. Dare yourself to venture beyond the borders of typical understanding as we dissect the complexities of monetary issuance during Canada's colonial era, the transition to the gold standard, and the implementation of the Canadian Currency Act. More than just a history lesson, this exploration will challenge your perceptions, highlighting the conservative stability of the Canadian banking system, and questioning the potential risks of unregulated, smaller banks.The saga doesn't end there. A keen comparison between the early 20th-century banking systems of Canada and the USA will reveal the stark differences and intriguing similarities. We’ll guide you through the American monetary stability evolution, unveiling the underlying conflicts between the federal government and state banks, and the ripple effects these had on the American economy. Our discussion also reveals compelling insights into Dan Rohde's research on the People's Bank and its historical significance.Finally, brace yourself as we dissect the role law plays in ensuring monetary stability, drawing parallels between the Canadian and American banking systems. Discover how a simple thing like money can help trigger historical change, through the intriguing perspective of law. We don’t stop there, but dive deeper into the autonomy of law, its societal impact, and the evolution of the Bank of Canada. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores theories of money, the legal dimension of monetary policies, and the profound influences of class and power dynamics in policy formulation. This is not your ordinary finance podcast, but a journey to the heart of Canada's financial history and institutions. Don't just listen, come, learn and engage.We refer to these articles:https://moneyontheleft.org/2023/04/05/bank-of-the-people-history-for-moneys-future/https://lpeproject.org/blog/six-reactions-to-the-silicon-valley-bank-debacle/https://justmoney.org/central-bank-independence-commercial-bank-independence-are-we-asking-the-right-questions/ 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
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Sep 4, 2023 • 1h 43min

Probing the Ethical and Economic Implications of LLMs with Nico Villareal

Send us a textAre machines truly the future of our societal structure, or could they prove to be a catalyst for complexity and class struggle? Join me and Nico Villarreal as we challenge the conventional narrative and shed light on the intersections of Artificial Intelligence, universal machines, and capitalism, inspired by Nico's incisive article, "Artificial Intelligence, Universal Machines, and the Killing of Bourgeois Dreams." and Against the Bulterian JihadWe scrutinize the oft-touted apocalyptic predictions spun by industry insiders, questioning whether this fear-mongering is merely a self-aggrandizing tactic. From there, we pivot to delve into the intricacies of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their potential impact on value creation and the capitalist production process. Our dialogue doesn't stop at the economic implications of AI; we also explore the ethical terrain of creating artificial subjects and speculate on their treatment under capitalism.Together, Nico and I delve further into the complexities of transitioning from physical to electronic mediums, the role of cultural evolution in human experience, and how AI could transform social dynamics. We go beyond the rhetoric to bring you an enlightening exploration of the impact of AI on technology, economy, and ethics. So buckle up and join us on this thought-provoking journey as we decode the enigma that is AI and its potential influence on our world.The two other articles mentioned:Ian Wright's "Why Machines Don't Create Value" Simon McNeil's "Toward the Butlerian Jihad"  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
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Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 24min

Politics, Power, and Economics: A Deep Dive with Steve Grumbine

Send us a textEver wondered why modern monetary theorists have been alarmingly silent on the debt ceiling controversy? Or why Democrats, who traditionally champion labor causes, seem to have neglected critical issues like the Supreme Court and the potential for a Federal Reserve Bank-induced recession? These are the pressing questions we tackle in our riveting discussion with the insightful Steve Grumbine, founder of Real Progressives and host of Macro and Cheese.This episode is nothing short of a deep dive into the complex interplay of politics, power, and economics. We scrutinize the disturbing trend of weaponizing issues like student debt relief and Roe v. Wade for political gain, instead of providing substantial solutions. With Grumbine, we unravel the implications of attempting to implement systems like Medicare for All at a state level, without monetary sovereignty. We dissect Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), taxation and state credit, and debate the efficacies of building power outside the electoral process.In the latter part of our discussion, we navigate towards the international implications of monetary sovereignty, the national debt, and the role of money. Grumbine helps us dissect the power dynamics of government procurement and the economic systems at play. As we round up, we explore the potential of building power outside the electoral process, the dangers of reformism, and debate on the need for political alliances and collaborations. This episode is a must-listen if you're keen on understanding the intricate dynamics between politics, power, and economics. Join us as we pull back the curtain on these compelling issues. 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
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Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 54min

K. Malulani Castro On Organizing and Indigeneity

Send us a textIn this lively conversation with Malu Castro, we embark on an intriguing exploration of land organization and sustainability, with a primary focus on Hawaii. Castro's fascinating transformation from an orchestrator of professional revolutionaries to an investigator of land and indigenous rights offers a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and paradoxical situations that have arisen as a result of historical policies. We delve into the complexity of Native Hawaiian identity, the impact of the Dawes Act of 1887, and the profound implications of colonial power on economic and land relations.As we broaden our discussion, we confront Marx's contradictions and the intersection of politics, identity, and land. We grapple with the historical effects of colonialism on land relations, and how these have facilitated the displacement and elimination of indigenous populations. The conversation further extends to the significant need to incorporate local and indigenous politics into our overall political comprehension, thereby bridging the divide between settler and indigenous conceptions. In the final part of our discussion, we reflect on the enlightening journey we've taken with Castro. We probe into the intricate connection between politics, land, and identity, and the harsh realities of colonial policies that indigenous populations face. In conclusion, we ponder on the far-reaching impacts of industrial production on environments and the potential of subsistence as a more sustainable method of supporting people. Join us for a deep dive into an enlightening discussion that is bound to challenge your perspectives and enhance your understanding.K. Malulani "Malu" Castro is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability.  He is also a former union organizer.  We talk about how we may need to change our ideas about organizing to allow for different land relationships with socialism.  We also talk about the work of Dr. Glen Coulthard, particularly "Red Skins, White Masks."  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
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Aug 21, 2023 • 2h 28min

The Impact of British Trotskyism on Left-Wing Politics in the United States with Prolekult Films

Send us a textJames of Prolekult films, Luke of the Prolekult Podcast, and I talk about the paradoxes of British Trotskyism, the British left in general, and more. What if I told you that the history of British Trotskyism could illuminate your understanding of American leftism? Come join us for a captivating exploration with James and Luke of Prolekult as we unearth the roots of British Trotskyism, tracing it back to the Revolutionary Communist Party in 1939. We'll navigate the stormy political landscape of the time, with the unraveling of colonialism and the rise of anti-imperialism that set the stage for the blossoming of Trotskyism in the 60s.In the second act of our conversation, we'll probe the intricate dance between the SWP and Islamism, highlighting the enigmatic politics of the Respect Coalition led by George Galloway post-Iraq war. We'll examine the delicate cultural perceptions between the British and the Yanks and how the internet has become a catalyst for left-wing radicalization. Brace yourself for our exploration of the unexpected surge of 'Patriarch Socialism' in Britain and the curious existence of esoteric Stalinism-Hitlerism.As we wrap up our discussion, we'll shine a spotlight on the influence of British Trotskyism on the American left, specifically focusing on the survival skills of the international Marxist tendency. We'll dissect the downfall of Corbinism, the dwindling influence of the Stop the War Coalition, and the Labour Party's branding strategy involving the Black Lives Matter movement. Join us as we peel back the layers of the rich and complex history of Trotskyism in Britain and its impact on the American left. It's a saga of political maneuvering and ideological struggle you won't want to miss! 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
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Aug 17, 2023 • 2h 20min

(Episode 200!) Exploring the Complex World of Trotskyism, Part 2: Factionalism and Entryism

Chris and Jason from Regrettable Century join the podcast to explore the complex world of Trotskyism. They discuss the origins and factionalism of Trotskyism, the role of major figures like Churchill and Stalin during World War II, and the decline of Trotskyism in the United States. They also delve into the influence of key organizations and individuals on American Trotskyism, such as the International Socialist League and Leon Trotsky himself. The podcast covers topics like bureaucratic collectivism, entryism, and the four key doctrinal pillars of Trotskyism. They explore the decline of Trotskyism in the US, discussing the impact of corporate publishing and the lack of worker's parties. Additionally, they challenge notions that fractures within Trotskyism are a result of low stakes in Marxist movements.
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Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 55min

Exploring the Complex World of Trotskyism, Part 1: Rise and Decline

Send us a textLet's embark on a journey through the labyrinth of Trotskyism and its complex world of factions and ideologies with the Regrettable Century's Jason and Chris and The Measure's Taken's Stephen Hammel.  Even after the disappearance of questions that made Trotskyism unique, it managed to survive well past 1992. Have you ever wondered why? We are here to unravel the mystery. In our conversation, we dissect the strange survival of Trotskyism in America and the myriad of splits it birthed. We'll explore the historical swings and shifts of Trotskyist organizations like the ISO and their transition from Shackmanites and Draperites to Cliffites and Grantites characters.Do you know the role of the Socialist Party of the USA, the Kasama Project, and the Platypus Affiliated Society in shaping post-Trotskyist tendencies in the United States? We'll discuss this and more, including the ripple effects of the post-Stalinist era that led to a rift between Trotskyism and Maoism. It's a deep dive into Trotskyist theory's core, including the theory of permanent revolution's evolution. When it comes to the decline of Trotskyism in America, we're not just observers. We investigate its re-emergence within DSA caucuses, the rise of Salt, the International Marxist Tendency's debut, and the factors contributing to Trotskyism's resurgence in the US.With us, you'll be a fly on the wall of history as we recount the various influences and impacts of Trotskyism on the American left and the evolution of communism. You'll travel back to 1992, witnessing the active Trotskyist organizations and their ideologies at the time. We'll also journey through the UK SWP's ties to conservative Islamic politics, the Arab Spring-induced splits, and the role of punk music in Trotskyism's resurgence. Lastly, we'll contemplate the lasting legacy of Trotskyism and the impact of its decline on the American left. This journey promises not just information, but thought-provoking insights on one of the critical aspects of leftist history and thought. 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

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