Varn Vlog

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 cultural weaving of meritocracy in different societies to the pointed issues of elite education and nepotism. By questioning the foundations of opportunity and success, this conversation promises a fresh perspective on the ideals we've long held as self-evident.

As the world grapples with the...

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 disseminating progressive ideas. Together, we uncover the complex interplay of language, identity, and power that defined the nation's earliest days and echoes into our modern era.

Revelations abound in this episode, as we traverse the influence of religious establishments and linguistic diversity in...

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 shares her scholarly insights, we uncover the challenges of land trusts, the nuances of property rights, and the future of tribal lands amidst the tension with fossil fuel interests. This conversation is not just about the numbers; it's an examination of the very fabric that intertwines culture, nature...

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 and learning from the organizational shifts that continue to shape the DSA. As we reflect on Bernie's unwavering international policies, we also pay homage to influential thinkers like Michael Brooks, whose insights remain crucial in effectively maneuvering through the political terrain.

Stepping into the intricate...

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 extended beyond agriculture and warfare, touching on darker chapters of human history like the slave trade, and how their symbolism has evolved in today's competitive sports arenas and contentious public memorials. 

Tune in for a riveting discussion on t...

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 the future of socialism. We scrutinize the historical echoes in today's political tumult, ponder the delicate balance between revolutionary change and electoral engagement, and question how the rise of Marxism influences the anarchist discourse.

As we navigate the ideological currents within leftist movements, Dr. Price...

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 anecdotes from his own evolution, broadening our understanding of figures like István Mészáros and Cardinal Ratzinger, while simultaneously drawing connections between Marxist humanism and Eastern Orthodox views on anthropology. Our conversation serves as a beacon for those adrift in the sea of complex ideologies, promising insights that interweave theology, philosophy, and...

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 in statistics, deconstruct the myth that ecological consciousness is a regression to primitivism, and celebrate the unrecognized intelligence and adaptability of hunter-gatherer societies. Our conversation takes you through the importance of dynamic ecosystems, the fragility of our technologically driven world, and the vital role of biodiversity in the...

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 tech sector, antitrust actions, and the subtle AI resistance in today's job market. The episode takes you on a journey through the undercurrents of our economic landscape, shining a light on the surprising continuity of policies and their profound impact on entry-level wages and labor dynamics.
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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 fueled the controversial Cliven and Amon Bundy, and how Benson's teachings continue to resonate within the LDS community and beyond, challenging modern perceptions of government and individual liberties.

The episode traverses the complex terrain of the LDS Church's engagement with American culture...