Varn Vlog

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.

Podcasting since 2021 • 439 episodes

Varn Vlog

Latest Episodes

Peronism Explained with Brandon Lightly

In this installment of the National Fronts series on VarnVlog, C. Derick Varn is joined by writing partner Brandon Lightly to deliver a comprehensive historical and materialist deconstruction of Peronism (Justicialism) in Argentina.Varn...

November 12, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 116 • 1:51:48

Wired For Authoritarianism with Charles Derber

In this episode of VarnVlog, C. Derick Varn is joined by veteran sociologist, author, and activist Dr. Charles Derber (Boston College) to discuss his book Wired for Authoritarianism: American Oligarchies and How to Rewire America for the People...

November 09, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 116 • 1:42:52

Anti-Politics Still Explains Politics with Tad Tietze

In this episode of VarnVlog, C. Derick Varn is joined by psychiatrist, writer, and political commentator Dr. Tad Tietze (co-author of Left Flank) to unpack the evolving dynamics of anti-politics and hyperpolitics across the Western world.

November 05, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 115 • 1:34:17

How Conservative Media Moved From Magazines To Platforms with Howard Polskins

In this episode of VarnVlog, C. Derick Varn is joined by Howard Polskin, veteran media analyst, journalist, and founder/chief curator of The Righting.Polskin details his daily work monitoring, curating, and analyzing the headlines, narr...

November 02, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 114 • 1:06:25

Liberal Socialism Explained with Matt McManus

In this episode of VarnVlog, C. Derick Varn is joined by political scientist and author Dr. Matt McManus (Spelman College) to discuss his books What Is Liberal Socialism? (Repeater Books) and Analytical Marxism and Democratic Socialism in the 2...

October 29, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 113 • 1:28:18

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Fan Mail

As an old-school Varn head (have been listening since the Diet Soap days), I have to say that your recent conversation with Adam Turl ranks as one of my favorite episodes thus far. Can't (yet) put my finger on extactly why that is. But overall, as it relates to our present state of affairs, I think everything covered in that episode is as spot-on as spot-on can be. Salient, relevant, and maybe even prescient. Subtley profound and practically insightful. To me, listening to this episode is like walking along a fruitful path of inquiry, analysis, critique, and exploration, and then arriving at genuine understanding. I know, I know - I'm really pouring it on! Just trying to express/point out how much of a stand out episode it is (for me at least). Hopefully you see where I'm coming from! Take Care, - J.

R API D City, South Dakota