Behind the Bastards Part Two: Dire Wolves, Dr. George Church & The De-Extinction Grift
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Jun 5, 2025 
Langston Kerman, a comedian and writer, dives into the bizarre realm of genetic technologies and de-extinction with a humorous twist. They discuss Dr. George Church's controversial eugenics-related projects and the ethical quandaries surrounding cloning extinct species. The conversation touches on a creepy genetic dating app that leverages personal data, raising serious privacy concerns. Kerman and the hosts also critique the financial motives behind de-extinction initiatives, questioning their true impact on conservation and highlighting the irony of prioritizing profit over genuine ethical responsibility.
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Church’s De-extinction Ambitions
- George Church pushed the idea of de-extinction around 2014-2015, making it a serious scientific and business topic.
- His writings included controversial claims like bringing back Neanderthals using adventurous surrogate women.
Church Ignores Ethical Questions
- Church focuses on what is technologically feasible, not on whether cloning Neanderthals should be done ethically.
- He views societal consensus as the determinant for desirability, which is problematic for ethical decision-making.
De-extinction as Eugenics Blueprint
- Church's real interest seems to be adding extinct species' genes into other animals, not full de-extinction.
- This leads to the creation of genetically modified designer babies for profit, a form of eugenics.
