Team Human You're Not Crazy: Reality Has Grown Absurd
16 snips
Jan 7, 2026 Douglas Rushkoff examines the bizarre state of our world, arguing that recognizing systemic absurdities often makes us sound like conspiracy theorists. He shares his experiences discussing billionaire-funded projects, like California Forever and Neom, revealing how these ventures reflect disaster capitalism. Rushkoff highlights how the ultra-wealthy isolate themselves in gated communities while depleting public resources. Ultimately, he reassures listeners that understanding these constructs is a sign of clarity, not madness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Vodcast Visit About Billionaire Bunkers
- Douglas Rushkoff recounts being a guest on a companion vodcast for the Hulu series Paradise and the host asking if billionaires really plan bunkers.
- He describes the show's premise and how it aligned with themes from his book Survival of the Richest.
Real Utopian Cities Cited As Examples
- Rushkoff tells how he explained California Forever and Neom as real-world examples of billionaire-built utopian cities.
- The interviewer reacted with disbelief and unfamiliarity, making Rushkoff feel dismissed as paranoid.
Wealthy Preparing For A Privatized Collapse
- Rushkoff argues the wealthy are preparing private refuges because they expect resource scarcity and societal collapse.
- He links this behavior to disaster capitalism and coordinated asset acquisition during crises.
