Abandon all hope ye who subscribe here. Varn Vlog is the pod of C. Derick Varn. We combine the conversation on philosophy, political economy, art, history, culture, anthropology, and geopolitics from a left-wing and culturally informed perspective. We approach the world from a historical lens with an eye for hard truths and structural analysis.
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episode 220: The Politics of Paranoia: Tom Forcade and the politics of the 70s
Have you ever wondered how drugs and publishing might intersect in a world of counterculture? Journey with us and guest Sean Howe as we explore the shadowy life of Thomas Forcade, a paradoxical figure of the 60s and 70s counterculture. We shed light on the radical politics of the era and delve into the tension between the counterculture 'heads' and the politicos 'fists.' Together, we unpack how the cocaine trade started to overtake marijuana in 1978, changing the game for everyone involved.
As we navigate the labyrinth of Forcade's story, we touch on the paranoia of the time, fueled by the FBI's involvement and the political shifts that marked the late 70s. Marvel Comics' influence on the reconciliation of art and commerce is brought to the forefront, hinting at similarities with today's climate. Moreover, we delve into the intriguing comparison between the drug culture of the psychedelic period and the opioid crisis that followed, offering a fresh perspective on how these historical events shaped the path for future generations.
Join us and Sean Howe for a captivating conversation that weaves together history, culture, and politics, offering a unique understanding of a largely unknown figure and his influence on the world as we know it today.
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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
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