Unraveling Christopher Lasch's Minimal Self with Elijah Emery

What does the dual legacy of Christopher Lasch mean for the left tradition? Join us in this fascinating conversation with young scholar Elijah Emery as we explore Lash's ambivalence towards the left and how his work influences contemporary political discourse. We delve into Lasch's struggle with communitarianism, his views on religion, populism, and American history, and the complexities of his changing perspectives over time.In this episode, we discuss Lasch's myth-making effort to create a unified history of populism and his critiques of the social democratic left. We uncover his seemingly contradictory opinions on racism within populism while also examining his views on law, politics, and neoliberalism. Elijah Emory expertly guides us through Lash's intellectual legacy, shedding light on the challenges and limitations of engaging with his work.Lastly, we explore the various interpretations of Lash's writings, from the New Right and Post-Liberal elements to the Front Porch Republic and the Populist Left. Our conversation touches on his impact on contemporary political thought and how the left is engaging with his intellectual legacy. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that demystifies the life and work of Christopher Lasch!Crew:Host: C. Derick VarnAudio Producer: Paul Channel Strip  ( @aufhebenkultur )Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @skepoetFacebookYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeSend us Fan Mail Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to BitterlakeSupport the showCrew:Host: C. Derick VarnIntro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.Intro Video Design: Jason MylesArt Design: Corn and C. Derick VarnLinks and Social Media:twitter: @varnvlogblue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.socialYou can find the additional streams on YoutubeCurrent Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon, Buddy Roark, Daniel Petrovic,Julian, Drea, Free Beer