What do Hegel, Marx, and esoteric traditions have in common? Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. Justin Sledge from the Esoterica channel as we explore this fascinating intersection. Dr. Sledge shares his insights into the influence of figures like Hegel and Marx on political theology and esoteric traditions, while also addressing Adorno's critique and the resurgence of conspiracies about Marxism. We'll uncover Dr. Sledge's motivations for his unique content on esoteric Marxism and Hegelianism, and discuss the intriguing influence of Hermeticism on Hegel, alongside Marx’s reluctance to speculate about the future.

From graduate school struggles to dissertation triumphs, we delve into the unresolved tensions in Marxist metaethics and their catastrophic implications for later Marxist implementations. Hear about my personal experiences grappling with the complexities of Marx’s moral theory and how Victorian virtue ethics played a significant role in shaping his thoughts. We'll also challenge the tendency to impose rigid orthodoxies on thinkers like Marx, illustrating the flexibility and adaptability of Marxist theory through historical examples.

In our final segments, we broaden the scope to examine class analysis, early Christianity, and the profound impact of esotericism on modernity. By applying class analysis to historical figures and movements, we gain fresh perspectives on events and ideologies. Dr. Sledge’s unique qualifications provide an unparalleled view into the overlooked dimensions of mystical experiences on rationalist philosophy, urging a more nuanced understanding of philosophical development and historical materialism. Don't miss out on this comprehensive exploration of history, philosophy, and socio-economic contexts!

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

Is modern socialism merely a revenge fantasy against historical colonizers? Join Elijah Emery and C. Derick Varn as we critically examine Sam Gindin's "Socialism for Realists," tracing our journey from initial excitement to ultimate disillusionment. We argue that Gindin's vision lacks the aspiration for a classless society and falls short of traditional socialist ideals. Reflecting on the Bernie Sanders and Jeremy Corbyn movements, we discuss how their promise has fizzled, leading the left to either concede too much to mainstream parties or drift towards third-worldism.

Explore the intricate challenges of socialist politics in the UK and US with us. From Jeremy Corbyn's struggle with party divisions over Brexit to Bernie Sanders' Medicare for All proposal, we dissect why these attempts at left-wing politics haven't lived up to their potential. Touching on left populist movements like Syriza and the contributions of figures like Giannis Varoufakis, we highlight the practical impediments to implementing socialism, including constitutional barriers and legislative hurdles.

We then delve into the intricacies of socialist economic systems, questioning the role of markets within a socialist framework and the feasibility of central planning. From environmental standards to the historical context of Technocracy Inc, we examine the balance between centralization and decentralization in a socialist society. Finally, we tackle the contemporary landscape of socialism, critiquing its current pitfalls and stressing the need for realistic, sustainable structures that engage people from all walks of life. Join us for a comprehensive critique and a call for a pragmatic approach to building a socialist future.

Support the show

Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

What if our apocalyptic narratives are actually masking the true dystopia we live in today? Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom in our latest episode, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Bram Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline, Living in a World with no Future." Bram shares his insights into how these narratives shape our understanding of current global crises, influenced by thinkers like John Gray and Slavoj Žižek. Together, we unpack the complexities of addressing climate change and the subjective nature of apocalyptic experiences, offering a fresh perspective on the notion of linear progress.

Next, we turn our focus to the pressing issue of water scarcity and climate collapse in the United States. Journalist Josh Ellis provides a sobering look at how historical decisions around state boundaries and water distribution have left places like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City on the brink of ecological disaster. Through Ellis's detailed examples, the fragile nature of our human infrastructure becomes evident, reminding us of the precarious balance between progress and environmental stability. This segment amplifies the conversation around skepticism about progress and the vulnerabilities in our current systems.

We also take a critical lens to the resurgence of transhumanism and its cultural ramifications. From the initial optimism of Ray Kurzweil to the contemporary skepticism fueled by AI fears and tech billionaire narratives, we explore the self-aggrandizing tendencies of tech leaders and the risks of digital escapism. As our dialogue unfolds, we examine the intricate dance between digital colonization, censorship, and the evolution of social media interactions. We conclude with a deep dive into the fragmented legacy of influential thinkers like Mark Fisher, reflecting on how their work continues to resonate and challenge our understanding of mental health, capitalism, and societal structures. Don't miss this episode packed with thought-provoking discussions at the intersections of technology, society, and philosophy.

Support the show

Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube