In this episode, I speak with author, artist, and freelance creative director Steven Vogel. Steven is the creator of Black Lodges – an add-free online zine offering Marxist commentary about politics, music, culture, and art. I was thrilled to discover that this project has come to include a communist drinking club! According to Steven, this club is “absolutely necessary for maintaining your sanity” in this capitalist hellscape.
Years as a marketing specialist, designer, and idea person for major brands lead Steven to some fundamental realizations about capitalism. Watching as the fruits of his labor were stolen and converted into corporate profit, he discovered that he owned too little to ever become a capitalist. Endless work deprived Steven of happiness and health, leading to his hospitalization for two whole years. These experiences compelled him to leave the corporate world to focus entirely on Black Lodges.
Black Lodges is a communist newsletter project that shields itself from the corrupting influence of capital. It is entirely written, illustrated, designed and produced by Steven Vogel. Listeners can join the newsletter for free, but please consider supporting this anti-capitalist work by signing up for a paid subscription.
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/blacklodgesvibe
Black Lodges newsletter: https://blacklodges.substack.com
Merch: https://blacklodges.bigcartel.com/
Twitter: @blacklodges
Episode Cocktail:
The Red Scare (a negroni)
1 oz gin
1 oz Campari
1 oz vermouth
Garnish: orange peel
Stir all ingredients with ice until chilled, strain into a rocks glass with ice, add garnish, and enjoy!