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.
Episodes
331 episodes
The Dark Side of Jimmy Carter with Robert Buzzanco
Behind the celebrated image of Jimmy Carter as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian lies a presidential legacy that demands closer examination. This revealing conversation with historian Robert Buzzanco challenges the sanitized narrative of...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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1:00:49
The Journey of Freedom: Unpacking Hegel's Philosophy with Borna Radnik
The episode explores Hegel's complex understanding of freedom as self-determination and its historical evolution through time, juxtaposed with Kant and Rousseau's perspectives. It emphasizes that freedom is a relational and collective struggle ...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:31:01
From Cold War Legacies to Modern Political Challenges with Daniel Bessner
Is U.S. foreign policy under President Biden really different from Trump's approach? Join us as we welcome Daniel Bessner from the American Prestige podcast to unravel this and other pressing questions, with a bold examination of leftist perspe...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:10:18
Navigating Socialist Strategy and Tensions in the Post-Trump Era with Sudip Bhattacharya
Sudip Bhattacharya joins us to unravel the post-Trump landscape of socialist strategy, wading through the murky waters of political transitions and internal leftist tensions. How can we nurture class consciousness and fight against anti-DEI rhe...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:22:52
From Dawn to Decadence, Part 3: Is Samir Amin's Challenge to Eurocentric Narratives About Decadence?
What if the concept of decadence holds the key to understanding our societal and political structures today? This episode challenges traditional narratives by dissecting Samir Amin's unfinished work on revolution and decadence through a Marxist...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:52:35
Doomscolling Through Fandom to Politics: Unraveling the Digital Influence on Ideologies with Joshua Citarella
Exploring the intersection of fandom culture and political engagement reveals a new landscape of activism and ideology. Our discussion with Joshua Citarella of Doomscroll emphasizes how passionate fandoms are shaping today's political cli...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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3:01:01
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Cultural Shifts in the Age of Social Media from Art Bell to TikTok with Katherine Dee
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 i...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:37:29
Liberalism Meets Socialism: Unpacking Their Surprising Connections with Matt McManus
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 f...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:00:38
The Paradoxical Paths of Noam Chomsky with Dr. Chris Knight
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, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:34:10
Constitutional Crossroads: Examining Trump's Impact on American Democracy with Elijah Emery
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 conten...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:25:07
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(New Season) Navigating the Complexities of Poetry: Politics, Language, and Cultural Impact with Bianca Stone
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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2:38:16
(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...
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Season 1
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Episode 300
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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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 299
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 298
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 297
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 296
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2:43:03
Unpacking Alternative Media, Middle Eastern Politics, and the Complexities of Anti-Imperial Discourse with Djene Bajalan
Dr. Djene Bajalan joins us to unpack the intricate dynamics of alternative media and its influence on Middle Eastern politics. Ever wondered how alternative media might mirror the biases of its mainstream counterpart? Our conversation explores ...
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Season 1
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Episode 297
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2:28:16
Digital Lending and Copyright Controversies: Navigating the Future of Libraries with LibraryPunk
Can copyright laws coexist with digital lending in libraries? Join us as librarians Jay and Justin offer their expert insights into the controversies surrounding the Internet Archive and its bold approach to controlled digital lending. The epis...
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Season 1
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Episode 295
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1:10:32
Prolekult Films on Capitalism or Extinction
Is capitalism the true culprit behind our environmental crises?" Join us for a thought-provoking episode featuring James from ProCult Films as we unravel the intricate connections between industrial capitalism, societal evolution, and ecologica...
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Season 1
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Episode 294
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1:53:52
From Draper to Balibar: Daniel Tutt on the Dictatorship of the Proletariat
Philosopher Daniel Tutt is with us, offering a unique lens through which to view the crossroads of psychoanalytic theory and Marxism. Ever wondered how intellectuals can navigate a depoliticized public sphere? We promise you'll leave this episo...
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Season 1
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Episode 293
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2:30:43
Exploring Kierkegaard: Individuality, Existentialism, and Political Ethics with Charles Dashings
Charles Dashings joins us for a fascinating exploration of the enduring relevance of Søren Kierkegaard. A teenage discovery of Kierkegaard's existential musings on anxiety and self-meaning sparked Charles's profound appreciation for this comple...
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Season 1
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Episode 293
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1:53:41
Navigating the Crossroads: The Tensions Between Radical Liberalism and Marxism with Jonathan Korman
Join us for a thought-provoking journey as we welcome the insightful Jonathan Korman to explore the evolving landscape of political ideologies. As a noted radical liberal, Jonathan brings a unique perspective on the tensions within liberalism a...
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Season 1
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Episode 292
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4:20:54
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Unraveling French Philosophy: Influences and Challenges with Jon Repetti
Join us for a thought-provoking exploration into the intricate world of French philosophy and its significant impact on leftist thought, featuring insights from our esteemed guest, Jon Repetti of the
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Season 1
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Episode 291
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2:32:23
The Paradox of American Politics: Navigating The Current Malaise with Benjamin Studebaker
Benjamin Studebaker joins us to dissect the paradox of American politics, where the stakes are monumental, yet policy differences between parties have narrowed. We explore how this shift aligns with recent UK elections and the transition from d...
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Season 1
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Episode 290
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2:45:44
The Spectre of Alternative Politics: Libertarian Dreams to Modern Alliances with Alex Strekal
Are modern political ideologies simply a remix of old ideas, or are we witnessing a seismic shift in belief systems? Join us as we, along with my longtime interlocutor Alex Strekal, embark on a riveting exploration of alternative politics spann...
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Season 1
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Episode 289
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2:05:56
