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 • 320 episodes

Varn Vlog

Latest Episodes

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

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...

February 24, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 300 • 1:44:52

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

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 ...

February 17, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 299 • 1:47:42

Unraveling Legitimacy: Political Narratives and Ideological Shifts with Benjamin Studebaker

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 w...

February 10, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 298 • 2:14:59

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

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 po...

February 03, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 297 • 1:40:07

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

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 intertw...

February 02, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 296 • 2:43:03

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Fan Mail

Hey there human-I-assume-is-on-the-other-side-of-this, I'm listening in from West Virginia and while I get a good doompilling when I listen in about the wider world, I'm wondering if there's a focus on the periphery i.e. in the rural areas or the rust belt specifically especially regarding farming in any past or upcoming episode. Passing references have been made to a "rural strategy" that should be adopted by either a movement or current political entity so it isn't left to rot like it currently is. Anything in the works that shines a light on my little corner of the world?

Wheeling, West Virginia