Confronting Reality w/ Yasha Levine

Guest Yasha Levine and Host Joshua Turek discuss the complexities of California's agricultural landscape, the impact of media and technology on society, and the challenges of political engagement in a world overwhelmed by information, pseudo events and how they shape our understanding of reality, the struggle for meaningful engagement in a distracted world. They also get into literature that reflects dark themes and humor, discussing how these narratives resonate with the realities of contemporary life, the intersection of technology and society, emphasizing the paranoia and control that stem from historical events. Turek and Levine go on to explore the intricate history of California's water infrastructure, the myth of the rugged individual in American history, the centralization of power through technology, and the challenges of genuine political engagement in today's society. They discuss the influence of billionaires on public parks like Central Park, the dark side of philanthropy, and the ongoing legacy of genocide against Native Americans. The dialogue explores the myths shaping settler colonialism and how it influences contemporary society and its denial.

San Francisco! For tickets Nov 1 to see Yasha's new documentary at Roxie Theater with live Q&A hosted by Joshua Turek here

For Josh's poetry books and his weekend Zoom workshop on Nov 8 & 9 visit his site

Books Talked About Include

Society of the Spectacle - Guy Debord

Surveillance Valley - Yasha Levine

The Image - Daniel Boorstijn

Neil Postman - Amusing ourselves to death

Raven Rock

Dead Cities - Mike Davis

Moderan - David Bunch

Shadow of the torture - Gene Wolf

The Dying Earth Series - Jack Vance sci fi

Cadillac Desert

The American Genocide

The End of th Myth

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