Varn Vlog

Mar 24 2025 325 ep. 109 mins 749
Varn Vlog Podcast artwork

Abandon all hope ye who subscribe here. Varn Vlog is the pod of C. Derick Varn. We combine the conversation on philosophy, political economy, art, history, culture, anthropology, and geopolitics from a left-wing and culturally informed perspective. We approach the world from a historical lens with an eye for hard truths and structural analysis.

 

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Cultural Shifts in the Age of Social Media from Art Bell to TikTok with Katherine Dee

Mar 24 2025 97 mins  
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 inter

Liberalism Meets Socialism: Unpacking Their Surprising Connections with Matt McManus

Mar 17 2025 60 mins  
We begin a NEW season here at Varn Vlog after 4 years of recording. The episode explores the complexities of liberal socialism, emphasizing its potential to bridge the ideals of liberalism and socialism through mutual values like equality and freedom with Dr. Matt McManus. The discussion engages with historical perspectives, critiques from Marxists, and contemporary applicability,

The Paradoxical Paths of Noam Chomsky with Dr. Chris Knight

Mar 10 2025 94 mins  
The episode dives into the complex duality of Noam Chomsky as a linguist and an activist, revealing the schism between his scientific work and political beliefs. Through insights from Dr. Chris Knight, listeners explore how Chomsky's theories, while revolutionary, risk disconnecting from social context and the critical implications this has for understanding human communication. Jo

Constitutional Crossroads: Examining Trump's Impact on American Democracy with Elijah Emery

Mar 06 2025 85 mins  
What if the very pillars of American democracy are being shaken right before our eyes? Join me and our insightful guest, Elijah Emery, a law student with a keen eye for constitutional intricacies, as we explore the Trump administration's contentious policy decisions that challenge the core principles of U.S. constitutional law. We start with the audacious attempt to eliminate birth

(New Season) Navigating the Complexities of Poetry: Politics, Language, and Cultural Impact with Bianca Stone

Mar 03 2025 158 mins  
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, (

(300th Episode) Hungry Ghosts in the Capitalist Machine: Unraveling Consumerism, Politics, and Activism with Mike Watson

Feb 24 2025 104 mins  
The episode dives deep into the connection between capitalism and our digital identities, exploring themes of addiction, anxiety, and the pursuit of validation in the online realm. Mike Watson articulates the detrimental effects of social media on mental health while highlighting the need for authentic community engagement beyond mere digital expressions. Mike Watson is an editor a

From Dawn To Decadence, part 2: Samir Amin's Decadence Theory

Feb 17 2025 107 mins  
What if the revolutions that shaped our world were never meant to begin in the most advanced nations? Join VarnVlog and Regrettable Century as we unravel the intricate tapestry of revolutionary decadence and world systems theory, exploring the profound insights of Samir Amin, Giovanni Arrighi, and Emmanuel Wallerstein. We embark on a journey through Amin's critical examination of E

Unraveling Legitimacy: Political Narratives and Ideological Shifts with Benjamin Studebaker

Feb 10 2025 134 mins  
Benjamin Studebaker unpacks the complexities of legitimacy and ideology in liberal democracies, revealing how these narratives shape our understanding of political engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for constructive alternatives within political discourse and challenges listeners to confront the narratives they adopt and the implications of their political apathy. •

Fragments of Unity: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Leftist Politics with Alex Strekal

Feb 03 2025 100 mins  
The episode explores the fragmentation of the left in America following the Bernie Sanders phenomenon. It examines the dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party, the struggle of third parties like the Green Party, and the rise of alternative political ideologies among disillusioned leftists. • Reflection on Bernie Sanders' impact and legacy • Analysis of the fragmentation withi

The Death Left?: From Millennial Waves to Modern Challenges in Politics

Feb 02 2025 163 mins  
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Chris Catron as we dissect the evolving dynamics of leftist movements, from the millennial wave to the emerging Zoomer left. We're making the bold statement that the recent Leninist turn intertwined with neo-Kautskyism is reshaping contemporary leftist politics. Exploring the rise of neo-Stalinist and Trotskyist tendencies, we also