Varn Vlog C. Derick Varn

Are you prepared to have your understanding of the political right stretched and reshaped? That's precisely what our conversation with Mac Manus, a lecturer at the University of Michigan and author of The Emergence of Post-Modernity, promises to deliver. The episode explores the influence of key figures such as Nietzsche, Jordan Peterson, and Ludwig von Miesse on right-wing thought, unraveling the complexities of political ideologies. Mac’s unique insights from his forthcoming book, The Political Right and Inequality, form the foundation of our discussion as we traverse the realms of political overlaps, libertarianism, socialism, and the rise of populism.

In our deep dive into the ideological world of right-wing intellectual thought, we explore the allure of authoritarian figures, the emergence of post-modernity, and the role of conservative intellectuals in U.S. politics. We venture into the anti-abolitionist movement in the U.S., the shaping influence of the billionaire class on libertarianism, and the nuanced relationship between libertarianism and socialism. We also tackle the controversial critique of Christianity by Nietzsche, shedding light on his views about truth, power, and status. Our conversation aims to challenge preconceptions and provoke thought.

We wrap up our enlightening exchange by examining the appeal of hyper-conservative theories, the contemporary influence of right-wing intellectuals, and the impact of figures like Dugin and Adrian Vimule on the political right. We discuss the potential consequences of unchecked populism and the necessity of fostering dialogue between the Left and Right. We shed light on the legacy of conservative thinkers like TS Eliot, Dostoyevsky, Nietzsche, and Burke as we advocate for a considered response to figures more serious than Ben Shapiro, Mark Levin, and James Lindsay. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nuances of political thought and the ideological landscape that shapes our world.
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

In this Strange Matters/Varn Vlog collaboration, we discuss Mira Lazine's account of organizing the McUnion in Strange Matters Issue 2. What if we told you that the friendly face behind your fast food order is grappling with challenges you'd never even imagined? We're inviting you into a raw, deep, and humanizing conversation with Mira Lazine, who has been on the front lines of unionizing in the fast food industry. They shed light on the high turnover rates, the harsh quest for better employment conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on an already precarious unionization effort. They also debunk the misconceptions regarding who constitutes the fast food workforce, revealing a broad spectrum of individuals from all walks of life.

Our adventure begins with the inspirational and challenging journey of Luzin, who was radicalized by the Bernie Sanders campaign in 2016 and has held on to his anarchist beliefs despite skepticism from coworkers. Luzin helps us understand the two major union models, the IWW model of solidarity unionization and the bureaucratic union model. Taking us step-by-step through the process, they shed light on the complexities of reaching out to workers on different shifts, building trust, and leveraging power mapping in unionizing. 

But let's not forget the digital age we live in. We dive into the power of technology and its impact on our behavior, especially the dangers of over-reliance on social media and the dopamine feedback loop it creates. Mira and Luzin share stories of surprising allies and betrayals that surface during the process of unionizing, highlighting trust as an ongoing theme. This episode isn't just about the complexities of organizing within the fast food industry; it's about human resilience and strength, and a testament to the people behind your fast food order. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that you won't want to miss.
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

While the introduction music is that of Varn Vlog on this podcaster, this series will be simultaneously released on both the Varn Vlog podcast feed and the Regrettable Century podcast feed.   This is a long-running series we are doing on understanding social technologies, relationships of production, and how we get here:  i.e. what is the social and class history of the past.   

In this episode, begin discussing sections of "Class Conflict and the Crisis of Feudalism: Essays in Medieval Social History" by Rodney Hilton.Wondering why British Marxists are often overlooked? Or perhaps you're curious about the fiery debates over the existence of feudalism that once captivated French and British historians? Step aboard as we embark on a fascinating journey through the world of Rodney Hilton, a significant figure in the British Marxist tradition. 

Fasten your seatbelts, it's time to dive headfirst into the complex world of feudalism and minoralism. During our discussion, we'll be using Rodney Hilton's contributions as a guide, comparing the perspectives of the British Academy and the French Academy. From the origins of feudalism to Marx's views on it, we'll leave no stone unturned when it comes to these historically significant systems. We'll also discuss the complexities of class formation, and the tension between feudalism and capitalism.

We'll also offer insight into the revolutionary pessimism versus misanthropy debate, utilizing Neil Davidson's book, "How Revolutionary Were the Bush War Revolutions", as a springboard. Join us as we dissect the concept of revolution, investigating its application in different societies and its significance in shaping social order. Offering a rich and engaging discussion, this is an episode you won't want to miss. It doesn't matter if you're an academic, an enthusiast, or just intrigued by history and politics - there's something here for everyone. Let's embark on this intellectual journey together.
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

In an exhilarating journey through economic history, we welcome renowned author Steve Paxton to our podcast. His works "Unlearning Marx" (Zer0 Books 2021) and "The End of Capitalism" (Zer0 Book  2023) serve as the compass, guiding our exploration. With Steve's insights, we unravel the transformation of societies from feudalism to capitalism and ponder on what might succeed capitalism. His perspective on Marxist theory offers invaluable insights into the possible future economic systems.

Together we trace the evolution of capitalism, from its humble origins in Tudor Enclosure in England to its contemporary form. We find ourselves engrossed in a discussion about capitalism's resilience, its failure to meet the needs of those who cannot enrich the system, and the role of financialization in widening the gap of inequality. As we delve deeper, we also question capitalism's future and the inevitability of its end. 

Going beyond capitalism, Steve presents an interesting comparison between his approach and the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). He suggests the idea of the state as an 'employer of best practice.' But what does that mean? Could this be the key to moving past capitalism and creating a more equitable society? We also analyze the impact of AI on future employment and its potential to disrupt the current state of capitalism. This episode promises a riveting discussion on the past, present, and future of capitalism, ending with Steve sharing his thoughts on the implications of AI on capitalism and jobs. Join us for this enlightening conversation!
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Prepare to embark on a historical voyage through the intricate and fascinating relationship between money, law, and the Bank of Canada – all brought to life by our distinguished guest, Harvard SJD candidate, Dan Rohde. Dare yourself to venture beyond the borders of typical understanding as we dissect the complexities of monetary issuance during Canada's colonial era, the transition to the gold standard, and the implementation of the Canadian Currency Act. More than just a history lesson, this exploration will challenge your perceptions, highlighting the conservative stability of the Canadian banking system, and questioning the potential risks of unregulated, smaller banks.

The saga doesn't end there. A keen comparison between the early 20th-century banking systems of Canada and the USA will reveal the stark differences and intriguing similarities. We’ll guide you through the American monetary stability evolution, unveiling the underlying conflicts between the federal government and state banks, and the ripple effects these had on the American economy. Our discussion also reveals compelling insights into Dan Rohde's research on the People's Bank and its historical significance.

Finally, brace yourself as we dissect the role law plays in ensuring monetary stability, drawing parallels between the Canadian and American banking systems. Discover how a simple thing like money can help trigger historical change, through the intriguing perspective of law. We don’t stop there, but dive deeper into the autonomy of law, its societal impact, and the evolution of the Bank of Canada. Join us for an enlightening conversation that explores theories of money, the legal dimension of monetary policies, and the profound influences of class and power dynamics in policy formulation. This is not your ordinary finance podcast, but a journey to the heart of Canada's financial history and institutions. Don't just listen, come, learn and engage.

We refer to these articles:
https://moneyontheleft.org/2023/04/05/bank-of-the-people-history-for-moneys-future/

https://lpeproject.org/blog/six-reactions-to-the-silicon-valley-bank-debacle/

https://justmoney.org/central-bank-independence-commercial-bank-independence-are-we-asking-the-right-questions/



Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Are machines truly the future of our societal structure, or could they prove to be a catalyst for complexity and class struggle? Join me and Nico Villarreal as we challenge the conventional narrative and shed light on the intersections of Artificial Intelligence, universal machines, and capitalism, inspired by Nico's incisive article, "Artificial Intelligence, Universal Machines, and the Killing of Bourgeois Dreams." and Against the Bulterian Jihad

We scrutinize the oft-touted apocalyptic predictions spun by industry insiders, questioning whether this fear-mongering is merely a self-aggrandizing tactic. From there, we pivot to delve into the intricacies of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their potential impact on value creation and the capitalist production process. Our dialogue doesn't stop at the economic implications of AI; we also explore the ethical terrain of creating artificial subjects and speculate on their treatment under capitalism.

Together, Nico and I delve further into the complexities of transitioning from physical to electronic mediums, the role of cultural evolution in human experience, and how AI could transform social dynamics. We go beyond the rhetoric to bring you an enlightening exploration of the impact of AI on technology, economy, and ethics. So buckle up and join us on this thought-provoking journey as we decode the enigma that is AI and its potential influence on our world.


The two other articles mentioned:
Ian Wright's "Why Machines Don't Create Value"

Simon McNeil's "Toward the Butlerian Jihad" 
Support the show
Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @skepoet
You can find the additional streams on Youtube