Episode 39 - Empty America w/ Ashley Colby and Jason Snyder

Transition Engineering with Susan Krumdieck and Josh Susan Krumdieck (PhD, mechanical engineering) is a Professor at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and is the foremost global proponent of the emergent discipline of Transition Engineering. Susan figured out “Doomer Optimism” before it was a thing and asked herself, “What can I do as an engineer?” The answer was to elaborate a novel approach to tackling wicked challenges, dismantling the unsustainable systems that modernity depends on, and replacing them with systems that can serve people and ecosystems for the long term. She formed the Global Association for Transition Engineering to work at the grassroots and with academics, businesses, municipalities, and regional governments to advance Transition Engineering projects. Her seminal textbook on Transition Engineering can be downloaded for free from the publisher.

25 Apr 1h 51min

Ashley and Robert bounce through a wide range of topics — everything from the tug-of-war between natural law and man-made law to how postmodernism has shaped (and maybe warped) the way we see truth and art. They look at how Western values were shaped, especially through Christianity, and wonder what gets lost when those foundations are ignored. There’s also a back-and-forth on the psychological strain of modern life — what some might call derangement syndrome — and how media and politics often feed into that.In another part of the conversation, they get into how media companies profit off fear, and how political discourse has become almost theatrical. There's talk about how people treat politicians like celebrities or even religious figures, and how social media makes that worse. They also unpack how stories and myths, old and new, shape our ideas about the world.They shift gears again to explore environmental issues, the changing role of art (video games come up as a new kind of art form), and how we use — and misuse — stats and data in the name of truth or democracy. There’s some reflection on good and evil, and how people navigate identity and meaning through different subcultures. Robert shares his thoughts on moving from strict rationalism toward something more faith-based, especially with AI and tech changing things so fast.Later, they get personal, talking about what makes relationships work, how to live with purpose, and how success often comes down to practicing small virtues every day. There's even a bit about what Christian ethics might say about becoming a multi-planetary species. They touch on regenerative farming, sacrifice, family, and what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in love and respect, especially in how we talk about gender and power.

15 Apr 1h 53min

Casey Spinks joins Mayor James Decker to discuss Texas's complex political and cultural landscape, focusing on the tensions between urban, suburban, and rural areas.The discussion highlights the historical shifts in Texas politics, the influence of suburbanites, the rise of weekend ranches, and the ecological changes resulting from privatization and the introduction of exotic species. The speakers also address the implications of these trends for public access to land and the historical context of Western development. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the literary contributions of John Graves, a Texas author known for his profound reflections on rural life and nature. They discuss his notable works, particularly 'Goodbye to a River,' and how his writing resonates with contemporary issues in Texas. The dialogue explores themes of ecological awareness, the legacy of rural life, and the ongoing relevance of Graves' insights in today's rapidly changing environment. The speakers also reflect on the hope and despair present in modern Texas, emphasizing the importance of community and individual efforts in preserving the land and culture.

8 Apr 45min

Understanding Risk in a Modern SocietyAshley interviews Olek Pisera, a recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering. They discuss various topics, including the importance of independent thinking in science, the complexities of public health recommendations, and the societal implications of risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Olek shares insights from his research on sunscreen and car seats, highlighting the contradictions in public health messaging and the challenges of scientific consensus. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of group behavior and the erosion of public trust in health authorities. In this conversation, Ashley and Olek Pisera explore the complexities surrounding vaccines, personal health decisions, and the implications of IVF and genetic editing. They discuss the erosion of trust in the medical establishment, the balance between safetyism and living a fulfilling life, and the ethical considerations of emerging biotechnologies. The dialogue emphasizes the need for open discussions about these topics and the potential societal impacts of advancements in biomedical engineering.

1 Apr 1h 19min

James Pogue interviews John Lechner, a journalist and author who has extensively covered the Wagner Group and its influence in Africa, particularly in the Central African Republic. They discuss John's unique path to journalism through language learning, the historical context of the Central African Republic, ethnic divisions within the country, the civil war, and the role of external powers. John's new book is called Death is Our Business, the shocking inside story of how the Wagner Group made private military companies inextricable from Russia's anti-Western foreign strategy.The podcast also touches on military entrepreneurship and the ongoing situation in Eastern Congo, emphasizing the complex interplay of these regions' politics, identity, and resources. This conversation delves into the complex historical and political dynamics of the Central African Republic and the influence of the Wagner Group. It explores the historical context of the Tutsis in Congo, the political landscape shaped by various armed groups, and the role of Russia in Africa, particularly through the Wagner Group. The discussion highlights the interplay of local politics, foreign influence, and the region's ongoing struggles for power and resources. In this conversation, James Pogue and John Lechner delve into the complexities of power dynamics, the operations of the Wagner Group, and the challenges faced in the Sahel region. They explore the future of private military companies (PMCs) in American foreign policy, discussing the implications of influence trading and the evolving nature of warfare. The dialogue highlights the difficulties in navigating geopolitical landscapes and the potential for PMCs to play a significant role in future conflicts.

25 Mar 1h 49min

Roxanne Ahern and Katherine Pakalak, join Ashley to discuss the pressing issue of declining birth rates and the cultural implications of antinatalism. They explore the grim trends in population decline, the societal and technological factors influencing family dynamics, and the potential future of family structures. The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural shift to support larger families and the importance of articulating the desirability of children in modern society. Roxanne, Katherine, and Ashley explore the intricate relationship between technology and human weaknesses, the critique of hyper-tech optimism, the paradox of women's happiness in the context of modern societal expectations, the complexity of childbearing choices, and the joy of parenthood. They discuss how technology can alleviate and exacerbate human challenges, the societal pressures on women regarding family and career, and the personal choices that lead to varying family dynamics. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of family planning, the risks associated with delaying parenthood, and the role of faith in shaping attitudes toward children. They emphasize the importance of intentionality in family planning and challenge societal norms prioritizing career over family. The discussion also highlights the value of children as blessings and the need for a supportive community in navigating family life.

18 Mar 1h 16min

Where do we go from here?Antitrust lawyer Basel Musharbash joins Ashley and Nate to explore anti-monopoly advocacy's historical and contemporary landscape. They discuss the evolution of antitrust laws, the impact of the Reagan administration, and the resurgence of antitrust efforts under Lina Khan. They discuss the intersection of populism and antitrust, the role of government in regulating corporate power, and the future of antitrust enforcement in the Biden administration. Musharbash emphasizes the importance of restoring competition and curbing the influence of billionaires in politics.

11 Mar 1h 8min

Enchantment, Magic, & Supernatural Technologies w/ Historian Dr. Francis Young"Is magic real? Does magic work?""It's a question that is worth asking.""The world is full of spirits."Enchantment is fast entering the mainstream conversation. More people doubt mechanical materialism; there is something out there. Scholars, however, have hesitated. Stories of flying friars and encounters with spirits are considered as more than a cultural myth but as testimonies to reality. What is the history of enchantment? What about magic and religion? How might scholars view history with new eyes? Charles sits down with Dr. Francis Young, historian and author, to reflect on these questions and others.

4 Mar 57min