E.P. Thompson versus Louis Althusser—what if their debate reshaped our understanding of Marxist theory forever? Join Nicolas D. Villareal as we unpack Thompson's contentious critiques of Althusser, revealing the misunderstandings and secondary sources that fueled their intellectual clash. We'll dissect Althusser's argument against historicism, his …

What complexities lie beneath the recent shifts in the U.S. left? Join us on Varn Vlog as we sit down with Jules Taylor of the "No Easy Answers" podcast to dissect the nuanced landscape of leftist politics in America. From the financial woes of the DSA to the growing support for Palestinians in Gaza, we break down the major events and miscalculatio…

What if the apocalypse is already here, but we're too busy imagining zombies and nuclear winters to notice? On this episode, Bram E. Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline: Living in a World with No Future," unpacks the eerie realization that our present might be the dystopia we've been fearing. We explore how apocalyptic narratives can distract u…

What if the horizon of the workers' movement has truly ended? On this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Ross Wolfe to dissect the enduring legacy and contemporary relevance of Loren Goldner a monumental figure in left communism. We delve into Goldner’s solitary stance amid post-structuralism, his fierce critiques of post-colonialism, and his ey…

Is the millennial left crumbling under its own weight, or is it poised for a groundbreaking resurgence? Join us on VarmVlog as we dissect the intricate evolution and fragmentation of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. With insights from Alex Gendler, we reflect on the legacies of Mark Fisher, David Graeber, and Michael Brooks, and how their c…

Curious about how the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) fits into today's leftist strategy debates? Join us as Dutch socialist Foppe De Haan takes us through his personal journey within the Dutch Socialist Party, his discontent with its approach to identity politics, and the transformative influence of Bernie Sanders' campaign. Fapa offers a crit…

Can local journalism survive in an age dominated by tech giants and algorithm-driven content? Join us as Joe Payne of Political Payne returns to Varn Vlog after a three-year hiatus to share his firsthand experiences and insights into the evolving landscape of journalism. From his humble beginnings at a community alt-weekly to his academic pursuits …

Ever wondered why smaller Marxist groups are financially stable while larger organizations like the Democratic Socialists of America struggle? Our guest, Amogh Sahu, brings clarity to this and other enigmas within leftist movements by pulling back the curtain on the role of wealthy individuals and funding transparency in these organizations. Explor…

Chirs and Jason of the regrettable century return. Is revolutionary optimism just delusional wishful thinking? Join us as we dissect the tension between revolutionary optimism and pessimism within Marxist theory. We scrutinize Maoist and anarchist influences on American leftist thought, revealing the struggle between human agency and material condi…

This audio episode is available on the youtube channel and was made available to patrons a month ago. Embark on an intellectual voyage with Jules Taylor, the esteemed podcast host and producer, as we dissect the enigmatic ideologies shaping our world. From the radical traditionalism of Alexander Dugin to the complexities of red-brown alliances, we …

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 challeng…

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 int…

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…

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 poli…

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…

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,…

Uncover the hidden narratives of the Euromaidan massacre with Dr.Ivan Katchanovski, a political scientist who dares to challenge the accepted story of the 2014 protests in Ukraine. Through a meticulous examination of evidence, Dr. Katchanovski proposes a controversial new perspective: the shots that rang out in Maidan Square may not have come from …

Embark on a captivating journey with Ralf Ruckus, esteemed author and co-founder of the Gong Chao Collective, as we dissect the complex tapestry of the Chinese Left and its evolution. Ralf's insights challenge conventional perceptions, revealing a shift from revolutionary fervor to a capitalist present, and the intricate dance between grassroots ac…

Join the profound journey into the heart of eco-socialism with Dr. John Bellamy Foster, a guiding voice in the discourse on the environment and socioeconomic systems. Our thought-provoking conversation peels back the layers of the metabolic rift, a concept that reveals the tension between capitalism's exploitation of nature and the delicate ecologi…

As we wade through the turbulent waters of political advocacy, our latest episode brings to the forefront the passionate voices Clarissa Cunningham, Dr. Elektra Kosopoulou, and Maryam Syed. These dynamic women, whose lives are steeped in academia and activism, share their powerful narratives surrounding the Uncommitted Campaign and its crusade for …

Do you ever wonder what binds our society together in the pursuit of something greater than ourselves? Elijah Emery joins me on an intellectual expedition to dissect the layers of political philosophy, scrutinizing the enigmatic notion of the common good through the critical lens of Michael J. Sandel. Together, we venture into the historical intric…

Prepare to have your views on meritocracy and society's fairness fundamentally challenged as Elijah Emery and I dissect Michael Sandel's "The Tyranny of Merit." We don't just skim the surface; we penetrate deep into the cultural and political implications of a system that rewards credentials over genuine talent. Our discourse ranges from the cultur…

Embark on a historical odyssey with us as we host Michael Baysa, postdoctoral history scholar from Washington University in St. Louis, who meticulously peels back the layers of early American print culture. His compelling narratives bring to light the selective democratization of print and the hidden struggles of figures like Santiago de Puglia in …

In this bonus episode, Rich talks to his co-host Lisa B. Thompson, award-winning playwright and Black cultural studies scholar about her new show, “The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body.” They are joined by Nadine Mozon, an associate professor, actor, writer, poet and dramatist who will star in Lisa’s show. Lisa and Nadine talk about the show,…

Embark on a journey through the complex landscape where climate economics meets indigenous sovereignty with our esteemed guest, K. Malulani Castro. This episode peels back the layers of carbon markets and environmental pricing, revealing the critical role of Indigenous stewardship and the clash with global economic frameworks. As K. Malulani Castro…

Journey with us as we sit down with Kevin from the Regrettable Century podcast to dissect the fabric of leftist politics and the Democratic Socialists of America's energetic surge post-Bernie Sanders. Our conversation with Kevin peels back the layers on generational political engagement, providing perspective on the importance of seizing the moment…

Embark on a historical gallop with Joy of Zoognosis with Joy and Mimbres School, as she guides us through the monumental impact of horses on the formation of our societies. From the plains of ancient empires to the controversies of modern statues, our episode reveals the deep imprints left by these noble creatures. Expect to uncover how their roles…

Embark on an intellectual exploration of the radical left with our scholar, Dr. Wayne Price, as we untangle the intricate tapestry of modern leftist ideology. From the resurgence of Marxist-Leninism to the adaptive strategies of the Democratic Socialists of America, this episode promises a comprehensive dissection of the ideologies that are shaping…

Embark on an intellectual expedition as we welcome Julian Assele to the podcast, guiding us through the labyrinth of Christian personalism's surprising harmony with leftist ideologies. Transitioning from conservative Catholicism to Marxism, Julian breaks the mold, challenging the conventional political and religious dichotomies. He offers rich anec…

Do you ever feel like ecological thinking is being misunderstood, or worse, misrepresented? Join me and the insightful Jules Delisle, from the member school for the humanities, as we dismantle these misconceptions and explore the nuanced interplay between humanity and our environment. We tackle the thorny issues of quantifiability versus validity i…

Discover the forces behind the economic curtain as Nicolas D Villarreal and I tackle the pressing issues of class politics and economic policies in a riveting conversation. From the surprising bipartisan strategies spanning Trump to Biden's administrations to the intricacies of labor market shifts, we dissect how these elements interplay with the t…

Embark on a historical journey with Shiloh Logan, a PhD student with a keen eye for the interwoven threads of religion and politics. This conversation pulls back the curtain on Ezra Taft Benson's formidable legacy within the LDS Church and American conservatism. As we navigate the corridors of the past, Shiloh illuminates the philosophies that fuel…

Discover the inner workings of American democracy as we traverse its complex relationship with capital regulation in today's global economy with Benjamin Studebaker, author of "The Chronic Crisis of American Democracy." Venture into our spirited conversation that unmasks the incongruity of a bustling political scene plagued by inefficacy, and the c…

Join the conversation as we honor the extraordinary Michael Brooks, with guest Dr. Matthew McManus, whose latest work "How to Guide to Cosmopolitan Socialism" celebrates Michael’s legacy and his unifying vision for a globally inclusive left. Delve into the heart of Michael's approach to politics, one that wove together the threads of diverse ideolo…

Prepare to have your views on environmental management within socialist regimes challenged as Dr. Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro, a seasoned geography professor and respected author, joins us to dismantle long-held myths and scrutinize Western misconceptions. Our conversation with Dr. Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro navigates the intricate landscape of environm…

Discover the intricate intersections of race, privilege, and class politics through the lens of Dr. Jared K Clemons from Temple University, who joins us for a profound exploration that goes beyond the surface level of today's racial discourse. We dissect the labels of 'racist' or 'anti-racist,' and delve into the political economy's role in shaping…

Navigate the fragmented yet fervent world of eco-socialism with us and our returning guest, Matt Huber. Together, we peel back the layers of this movement's evolution, discussing key junctures, figures, and the diverse ideologies from bright green optimism to de-growth and capital-as-power theorists. We'll take you on a journey through the historic…

Embark with John Michael Colon and I on a journey through the intricate world of heterodox economics as we unravel the legacy of Frederick S. Lee, a titan in the field whose ideas stand in stark opposition to the mainstream. Prepare to have your understanding of economic dynamics challenged and expanded as we dissect the limitations of neoclassical…

Unlock a deeper understanding of the interplay between personal struggles and societal pressures as therapist and podcast co-host Kiki Altre joins us to dissect the influential ideas of Mark Fisher and David Smail. Fisher's poignant "Good for Nothing" article serves as a springboard for our conversation, blending personal anecdotes with academic cr…

Uncover the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with me and esteemed guest Mason Herson-Hord, director of the Institute for Social Ecology. Together, we'll navigate the often misunderstood narratives and ideologies that have shaped this historical struggle. From the deep-seated roots of Zionism to the rise of grassroots resistance move…

Reflect on the pages of history with us as we unravel the complexities of the Soviet Union's past alongside the insightful minds from Cosmonaut Magazine—Donald , Christian, and Connor . Our engaging discussion takes us through the ideological and economic tensions of the Russian Revolution, shining a light on the nuances of the New Economic Policy …

Embark on a journey into the chilling depths of Michael Shea's weird fiction with the insightful Danny Anderson as our guide. As we unravel Shea's unique spin on cosmic horror, you'll discover how this master of the macabre carved out a space that's both hauntingly familiar and alarmingly otherworldly. Together, we illuminate the dark corners of cl…

What do the Australian political landscape and the struggle for social justice look like under the microscope? Join us on a journey that traverses the fascinating contours of Australian politics, history, and culture, guided by our esteemed guest, Farron. A thorough exploration awaits, from the complexities of maintaining ethnic identity in Austral…

Ever wondered how the political landscape of Ireland shapes its global presence? Get ready to unravel the complexities of Irish politics with our guest, Professor Nicholas Kiersey, an acclaimed expert on the matter. We kick off our conversation with a fresh perspective on the recent events in Ireland, the seismic shift in public consciousness durin…

Ready to peel back the layers of the complex world of Marxism? Brace yourselves for a spirited exploration of the 'warm' and 'cold' streams of Marxism, as Chris N, Jason N, and I traverse the arcane terrain of political determinism, volunteerism, and the revolutionary ideas that underpin Ernst Bloch's theory. We'll grapple with the works of Alvin G…

Prepare yourself for a mind-expanding conversation with Matt and Alex from the Long 70s podcast. We're rewinding time, unlocking the secrets of an era that stretched from 1968 to 1984/85 and has left far-reaching impacts on our world today. From the emergence of new left politics to the influence of the cultural Cold War, we unravel the dynamics th…

Think you know everything about immigration policies under the Biden administration? Buckle up, because we're about to challenge your beliefs with our guest Dan Melo, as we explore the often turbid waters of these policies. We’re pulling back the curtain on the striking similarities to the Trump era and how political distractions have overshadowed …

Daniel of "What is Politics" returns. Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of left-right political realignments, or the paradoxes of Maoism? Do you find the dynamics of power and authority in political systems as intriguing as we do? Then you're in the right place. Joined by the creator of the "What is Politics?" YouTube channel, we navigat…

Are we so entranced by the vision of an egalitarian society that we overlook who truly stands to benefit from social justice movements? Today, we're lifting the lid on the influence of elites in these movements with Fredrik deBoer, author of the intriguing book, "How Elites Ate the Social Justice Movement”. Together, we examine the glaring disparit…

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 c…