Interview with Brian Brushwood; What's The Word: Catacoustics; News Items: AI Mind Reading, 10,000 steps per day, 30 Years of the Web, When Will Aliens Contact Us; Who's That Noisy; Your Questions and E-mails: Carnivore Diet; Science or Fiction

Brian Brushwood, a renowned podcaster celebrated for his captivating tales of scams, elaborates on the making of his show, The World's Greatest Con. He unveils the fascinating story of Project Alpha, where two teenagers pulled off an elaborate hoax to question the scientific rigor of paranormal research. The conversation dives into the cultural fascination with the supernatural, the rivalry between psychic Uri Geller and skeptic James Randi, and how magic intersects with science, all while stressing the importance of critical thinking.

What do military research boondoogles on astral projection, psychic boon-bending children, and extensive bouts of policy antics all have in common? Confirmation bias.  Brian Brushwood and Justin Robert Young join the show to discuss confirmation bias vis a vis their hit podcast, "World's Greatest Con" World's Greatest Con: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worlds-greatest-con/id1572307941

Brian Brushwood, a magician known for his viral videos and work with Modern Rogue, dives into the complex themes of ethics and rehabilitation in 'A Clockwork Orange.' The conversation explores the moral dilemmas of behavior modification and societal responsibility. They navigate the unique linguistic style of the book, debate its provocative themes, and dissect the controversial Ludovico treatment. With humor and insight, Brushwood and Heaton tackle weighty questions about freedom, consciousness, and the fine line between punishment and rehabilitation.

Brian Brushwood, the creative host of World's Greatest Con, shares his innovative use of AI models in both personal and professional realms. He discusses strategies to leverage large language models for music production and communication. The conversation also covers a groundbreaking medical device for continuous potassium monitoring, highlighting its importance for those with chronic kidney disease. Lastly, they share exciting holiday tech gift ideas, blending humor and insights for tech enthusiasts.

Brian Brushwood (@shwood) has spent the last 20 years entertaining and teaching people how to harness the deceptive (and self-deceptive) skills of scientists, spies, criminals, and con artists. He is the author of Scam School: Your Guide to Scoring Free Drinks, Doing Magic, and Becoming the Life of the Party. [Note: This is a previously broadcast episode from the vault that we felt deserved a fresh pass through your earholes!] What We Discuss with Brian Brushwood: Why being interesting isn’t a gift — it’s a practice. How fixed action patterns help us get others to do what we want them to do. (Important note: for good — not evil!) How to control a conversation by asking the right questions. The best way to convince someone to help us? By making it their idea. Why we’re all susceptible to being duped in spite of our highly developed human brains — and how practicing magic can train us to be more resistant to the fraudulent. And so much more… Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/722 Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course! Miss our two-parter with former Westboro Baptist Church spokesperson Megan Phelps-Roper? Make sure to catch up starting with episode 302: Megan Phelps-Roper | Unfollowing Westboro Baptist Church Part One here! Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

Brian Brushwood, a world-renowned con artist and gaming enthusiast, joins Michael and Adam for a deep dive into Starcraft 2. They explore the intricate strategies and nostalgic memories tied to the game, likening its gameplay to a high-stakes poker match. The conversation touches on the evolution of real-time strategy games and their impact on esports. Brushwood shares insights on game design, balance, and the beloved character Kerrigan, all while reminiscing about the community and excitement surrounding competitive play.

Brian Brushwood, a science fiction aficionado, joins Andrew Heaton to dissect the themes of 'A Canticle for Leibowitz.' They explore the intersection of post-apocalyptic narratives with Catholicism and the absurdities of preserving knowledge after a nuclear disaster. The conversation delves into ethical dilemmas, anti-intellectualism, and the cyclical nature of sin, highlighting the struggles of characters in a dystopian world. Brushwood's insights provoke thought about humanity's moral compass amidst chaos, questioning the essence of existence and resurrection.

Brian Brushwood, an expert in magic and illusion, discusses how an average American's life is more comfortable and affluent compared to historical figures like kings and pharaohs. Topics include advancements in technology, food availability, business strategies, and appreciating the advantages of living in the modern era.

Neil Stephenson, author of Snowcrash, and Brian Brushwood discuss the impact and concepts explored in the book, including the metaverse, corporate dominance, and a neuro virus conspiracy. They also compare Snowcrash to the author's other works and share their thoughts on Krypton Amakon. The episode promotes the significance of science fiction and invites support for the podcast.