Varn Vlog

Are we reliving the 60s crisis of liberalism? Unfurl the complexities of this era and contrast it with today's political climate in our latest episode of VarmVlog. We glance back at the rise of the administrative state, and how it sparked political controversy, then cast an eye on the right wing response and its profound impact on the current crisis of liberalism.The 90s saw a fragmented left, a mishmash of personal interests and identarian politics - but what held them together without a collective narrative? We wade through the dynamics of the left movement and the challenges it faced, from the culture of narcissism to the fall of the Soviet Union. As we delve into this, we also discuss the attempts to control the Democratic Party and the emergence of Atari Democrats, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of leftist politics. Fast forward to the present, the Republican Party is not what it once was. We explore how the party's evolution, the changing immigration policies of the 80s, and the fragmentation of Baby Boomer culture have shaped today's crisis of liberalism. As we conclude our journey through time, we shine a light on the contemporary debates within the left and the impacts of the revival of the People's Party. Get ready for an enlightening journey through political history that you won't want to miss.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

Ready for a deep look into history through the lens of Christopher Lasch's writings? Join us as we shift through the various eras of American radicalism, dissect the myth of the New Deal, and delve into Lasch's disquiet with 1980s conservatism. This episode has it all - history, politics, and an insightful analysis into Lasch's work.We're not stopping there. Our conversation carries us through the post-Civil War period to the New Left of the 1960s, highlighting Lasch's fascination with feminism and the American Left. We're breaking down the impact of the Cultural Cold War, Black Power, and the divide between cultural and political radicalism. Prepare to be amazed by the influence the New Left has had on today's Left.But what about the present era? We've got that covered. We compare today's political landscape to that of the late 60s and early 70s, drawing parallels and noting differences. We also explore the changes in monetary policy, political shifts, the fragmentation of American identity, generational wealth, and the influence of political parties in southern states. Whether you're a history buff, a political enthusiast, or just love a stimulating conversation, this episode has something for you. Join us for an enlightening journey through time and thought, all from the comfort of your headphones.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

Join us for a thought-provoking exploration with our esteemed guest, Spencer Leonard, as we dissect the intricate connections between Bonapartism and Imperialism, using the French Revolution as the backdrop. We navigate through the complexities of the Bonaparte dynasty and Marx’s interpretations of this political era, drawing exciting parallels to modern politics. We also delve into the paradoxes of the old Tory gentry advocating for peace and commerce, while simultaneously analyzing the influential role of the press in the parliamentary showdown over the Chinese War.As we journey through the 19th century, we shift our lens to Asia, examining Marx and Engels' perspectives on the tumultuous events of this period, such as the Anglo-Persian War and the Second Opium War. We also venture into the emergence of modern politics in Asia, the contradictory policies of Lord Palmerston, and how these historical events continue to shape our current political landscape. We promise, you will leave this discussion with a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of international politics!In the concluding part of our discussion, we look at the current state of socialism and left politics, with a particular focus on the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their resurgence in New York’s political machine. We explore the challenges facing millennials and the critical need for reflection on their own history. We also tackle the difficult conversations around the failures of the left, the ruin of socialism, and the possibilities for utopian ideals within the disintegration of capitalism. This is a discourse you won't want to miss! So, join us and Spencer Leonard in this enlightening exploration of Marx's theories and their implications in our world today.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

Are you ready to journey back in time, traversing the landscapes of class conflict and crisis within the realms of feudal France and England? We promise an engaging tour that illuminates the contrasts between feudalism and signorism, explores the adoption of Cointel Pro tactics, and ponders gravely on the role of debt and hard currency in medieval societies. From examining the victories of rural communes to weighing the bearing of Lordship on peasant holdings, we delve deeply into how the surplus of the peasant economy was manipulated.As the discussion unfolds, we traverse through the intricacies of regional diversity within France and England, connecting these to the broader concept of nation states. We'll dissect the influence of Marxism and liberalism on our comprehension of nation states and cultural unification, and ruminate the implications of the evolving formation of nation states. The intricacies of power structures, shaped by geography and material conditions, are also brought to the fore, along with an analysis of the evolution of court power in England and the influence of the feudal aristocracy.In our step leg of this historical journey, we invite you to engage in a captivating comparison of feudal systems and land ownership in England and France during the Middle Ages. We weigh the interplay between lords and subjects, and the transition from serfdom to villainage. Our trip concludes with an intriguing exploration of cultural appropriation, with a focus on its impacts on music in Mexico and South Texas. All this and more in our detailed discourse designed to spark your curiosity and deepen your understanding of these historical phenomena. Strap in, history buffs! It's going to be a riveting ride through time.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

Dive into the depths of the murky waters of Marxist value theory with Colin Drumm, the founder of Mimbres School, for an enlightening exploration. We examine the labyrinth of different interpretations, their birth in a politically charged context, and the reflections of Marx's idealistic concept of a liberal economy, sans state, in his work. We unwrap Petty's theories of surplus value, shedding light on the enigma that Marx's understanding of value theory often is, and challenging your preconceived notions.Our journey extends through economic theory development and the repercussions of capitalized value and taxation. William Petty’s contribution to the transformation of surveying and his impact on the valuation of seized land is a highlight we delve into with gusto. We further explore the debates on tax proportioning post the civil war and its influence on our current comprehension of value. The discussion on Smith's theories - their influence on our perception of economic security and military strength, the Ricardo-Malthus debate on managing large permanent debt, and the birth of Keynesian theory, promises to be a riveting exploration.Lastly, we dissect and critique Marxist and MMT Economic Theories. Colin’s analysis of Marx's labor theory of value, the intricacies, and its implications on government authority and money, presents a compelling narrative. We debate the problems with our intellectual history beyond Marxism and its influence on our present understanding of economics. We conclude our conversation by questioning economic growth, its implications, power dynamics, and distribution, urging you to reassess traditional economic theories and explore alternate perspectives. Join this intellectual voyage for a fresh perspective on economics and its theories.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

Have you ever wondered about the complexity and depth of J.R.R. Tolkien's works? Our guest, Alexander Prashauser, an artist and mathematician from Austria, reveals how his childhood fascination with Tolkien's books led him to a profound understanding of literature, politics, and human nature. Journey with us through the mythical worlds of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, as we explore the social, political, and psychological interpretations of Tolkien's masterpieces.Debunking the notion that Tolkien's work should only be enjoyed by conservatives, Alexander passionately argues for the universality of the author's appeal. Together, we unpack Tolkien's views on authorship, the freedom of the reader, and the concept of applicability. From the misreading of Tolkien's world as a mythical middle age to the exploration of the author’s views on human progress, we weave a tapestry of thought that challenges the conventional understanding of his work.In the latter part of our conversation, we turn our attention towards the realms of literature and human psychology. Uncovering themes of alienation, self-improvement, original sin, and the tragic nature of human systems in Tolkien’s works, Alexander Prahauser shares fascinating insights that illuminate the significance of these elements in our lives. Finally, we ponder over the moral obligations to life, the concept of Estelle, and the role of technology in shaping our worldview. Don't miss out on our enlightening conversation about the lasting impact of Tolkien's work.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

Ever wondered how the complexity of Language Modeling (LLMs) and cybernetics can revolutionize the way we communicate and interact? Are you curious about the sociopolitical implications of such advancements? Join us in an enlightening discussion with the well-versed Mark Rainey, as we dissect these technologies and their potential impact on our society.Our journey begins with an exploration of LLMs, their potential, and inherent limitations. We discuss the nuanced logic of human language, Boolean operators, and their influence on the design of these systems. We then shift gears to delve into the intriguing world of cybernetics, viable systems, and the behavioralist and cognitivist wars. We scrutinize the implications of these advancements and the tests used to measure intelligence, all the while contemplating the potential and pitfalls of Stafford Beer's Viable System Model. As we navigate further, we probe into the relationship between technology and Marxism, questioning the teleological feedback loop of capital and its effects on the proletariat. We also explore the exciting realm of cybernetic planning and the potential role of LLMs in such systems. Finally, we reflect on the concepts of agency, alienation, class dynamics, and the implications of capitalism on social reproduction. This rich and riveting conversation with Mark Rainey is not to be missed!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

Robert J. Myles  is Senior Lecturer in New Testament at Wollaston Theological College in Perth, Western Australia and the University of Divinity. He lives in Perth, Australia.  He is the co-author of Jesus: A Life in Class Conflict and the editor of Class Conflict in the New Testament.  Strap yourself in for an enlightening journey into the fascinating crossroads of Marxism and Christianity, where faith meets philosophy. We've got Dr. Robert J. Miles joining us on this captivating voyage into the historical Jesus studies in the context of the Enlightenment era and its ideologies, including Marxism. Unpacking the complexities of the earliest Jesus movement, we'll uncover how it evolved from an intra-Jewish mission into an all-embracing movement of Jews and non-Jews. Together, we'll delve into Jesus' socio-economic backdrop, his teachings, and the potential influences on them. We'll then shift our attention to the gender dynamics within this early movement, examining how traditional gender concepts were both reinforced and challenged. As we understand the dynamics of the movement, we'll explore the contradictions within it and the implications of an influx of non-Jewish members.As the enlightening conversation with Dr. Robert J. Miles concludes, we'll examine the symbolism of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan and its implications for the Jewish power league. We'll also ponder the potential pitfalls of placing modern liberal values onto Jesus' teachings. Finally, we'll explore how a Marxist approach to Jesus' teachings offers a refreshingly different and more nuanced perspective. So, join us on this remarkable exploration of the intersection of religion, history, and politics. This isn't just an episode—it's a journey! So, let's get started!For a more introductory interview, see This Revolution's Interview with Dr. Myles.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

Ridhiman Balaji is an economist and activist who has worked with the Anarcho-Syndicalist Review. He also is a serious student of Marxist economics.  He comes on to discuss the misunderstanding between Marxists and anarchists.  Curious about the complex dynamics between Anarchists and Marxists? Eager to understand the nuances of critical ideologies that shaped the course of history? Then join us on Varmblog, where we'll peel back the layers of these intricate philosophical landscapes. We cover a wide range of topics, from Saffrian and non-Saffrian interpretations of Marx to the misunderstood transformation problem issue. Along the way, we'll clarify the differences between various Marxist factions like council communists and Maoists, and dissect both the valid and misinformed critiques of Marx.Our journey continues as we delve into the cogent critique of Marx by renowned economist Steve Keen, as well as the collaborative stance of anti-Marxist economists. We'll probe into the debates surrounding the single-system interpretation and temporal single-system interpretation, discussing the far-reaching implications of Soviet and Maoist economics. We'll also provide insights on pivotal historic events such as the Spanish Civil War and their profound impact on Anarchist-Marxist relations. Finally, we'll grapple with the contentious topic of nationalism within the realms of anarchism and Marxism. We'll unpack the paradox of inventing national identities within the Soviet Union and the history of nationalism in Korea. We'll wrap up our discussion by looking at the early Bolshevik leadership's pursuit of equality among the Soviet Union's diverse polities. So, gear up for an enlightening exploration that promises to deepen your understanding of these influential ideologies. Tune into Varmblog and let the learning begin!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

Can philosophy ever be more than just armchair theorising? Join us as we unearth the insightful world of Catholic philosopher, Alasdair McIntyre, with intellectual aficionado, Julian Ossolay Ossolay. We embark on a stimulating journey through McIntyre's philosophical evolution, tracing his footsteps from his early Marxist days to his conversion to Catholicism and his later works. We examine why McIntyre’s philosophy resonates with Catholics who lend towards philosophy, his critiques of rigid philosophical modes, and the enigma that is his political ideology. We also unpack McIntyre's critique of Enlightenment rationalism and his intriguing Aristotle-inspired insights. Get ready to question the Enlightenment's morality reduction to singular rules, and to consider McIntyre's contrasting view of morality as a technique. We delve into his perspectives on ethics, politics, human flourishing, and his critique of Marx and the modern society. Explore with us McIntyre's reflections on human subjugation, the fragmentation of man, and the vital role of community and language in forming an individual's identity. Our deep dive into McIntyre's philosophical world concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the implications of his theories on modernity and human fragmentation. We explore his rejection of communitarian ideas, his challenging concept of biological teleology, and the essence of human flourishing. Join us as we conclude with an analysis of McIntyre's views on social sciences, his take on language games, and his critique of Marx's views on non-European societies. This episode is not merely for the philosophy enthusiast but for anyone ready to look at the world through a different lens.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