Varn Vlog C. Derick Varn

Discover the fate of the global working class through the expert lens of communist geographer Field Neal, as we dissect the seismic transformations rippling through shrinking industrial sectors and spiking productivity. This episode traverses the historical legacies of industrial powers, such as the United States and Britain, to unpack the challenges faced by nations charting their developmental courses in today's economically concentrated landscape. Neal's insights provide a critical underst...

Uncover the surprising consequences of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions with Warren Mosler, a leading economist and the insightful voice behind Modern Monetary Theory. As we navigate the bewildering relationship between monetary policy and economic growth, Mosler debunks the expected slowdown narrative, revealing instead how higher interest rates and increased government spending have inadvertently bolstered the economy. This episode peels back the layers of fiscal strategy that ...

Embark on a journey to the heart of labor's battleground with Kellen Gildersleeve and Nurse John, as they unpack the electrifying atmosphere of the 2024 Labor Notes Conference. From the rousing victory of the United Auto Workers in the South to the diverse experiences of unionists across the country, this episode captures the pulse of a movement on the rise. Feel the energy as Kellen recounts their inaugural conference experience, and draw on Nurse John's seasoned insights to deepen your unde...

Join the intellectual odyssey with our guest, Justin Clark, public historian and director of digital initiatives at the Indiana Historical Bureau, as we weave through a labyrinth of political ideologies, historical narratives, and the evolution of secular humanism. Unlock the mysteries of midwestern republicanism, dissect the transformation of political legacies from Robert Ingersoll to the Clintons, and explore the intricate dance of ideas across the spectra of socialism and atheism. With an...

Embark on an intellectual exploration with Ridhiamn Balaji, whose insights into the welfare state and socialism challenge the status quo. This episode traverses the European origins of welfare policies, the cautionary stances of Marxists towards state intervention, and the contentious use of the term 'welfare state' in American politics. Balaji, an economist with a deep understanding of Marxology, invites us to reconsider the implications of welfare systems from Bismarck's Germany to FDR's Ne...

Embark on an intellectual odyssey with us and our esteemed guest, Amogh Sahu, a formidable doctoral candidate at Columbia University, as we traverse a decade's worth of leftist thought and its profound transformations. Reflecting on our shared history of dialogue and discovery, we delve into the nuances of leftist influence on culture and politics, challenging the myths surrounding their impact. Through a blend of nostalgia and critique, we revisit our interviews, particularly the poignant co...