
Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta
Subversive is a podcast by Alex Kaschuta about ideas that may not fit neatly into the Overton window and could use a nudge, or a sledgehammer. Alex chats to thinkers across the spectrum from iconoclast philosophers, rogue scientists, *real* journalists, and our true intellectual elite, Twitter anons.
If you want to support the show or my work in general, head to my Substack: www.alexkaschuta.com
or Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
Latest episodes

9 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Steve Hsu - AI Arms Race: China & US
Steve Hsu, a physicist and founder of Genomic Prediction, delves into the contrasting AI landscapes of the US and China. He explores how cultural perspectives shape ethical discussions in AI, highlighting the more pragmatic Chinese approach. The conversation shifts to quantum computing's future, the international competitive landscape, and how children are engaging with technology differently today. Hsu also touches on innovations in AI and genomics that are reshaping healthcare while addressing modern parenting challenges in the digital age.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 13min
Prester John Andrews - Between Bugmen and Theorycels
If you like my work and would like access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, all my writing and the Subversive Community, please consider signing up on my Substack or Patreon:https://www.alexkaschuta.com/https://www.patreon.com/aksubversiveIn today's conversation, I sit down with Prester John Andrews, whose journey from professional kitchens to the digital frontier offers a rare lens into America's shifting cultural landscape. A writer of remarkable clarity, Prester traverses the territory between theoretical abstractions and lived experience, having inhabited both leftist organizing spaces and traditional institutions. His work excavates the paradoxes of modern masculinity and examines the subtle tyranny of online political discourse. What emerges is a meditation on finding authentic meaning in an age where digital rage threatens to eclipse tangible action and where the path between radical theory and practical wisdom grows increasingly narrow.Prester John Andrews is a writer, commentator, and podcast host on Substack. Dispatches From The Golden HordeChapters00:00 Exploring Modern Masculinity and the Bug Man Meme04:39 Navigating Online Spaces and Tribalism10:20 Political Awakening and Ideological Shifts16:27 The Impact of Technology on Global Politics21:42 Cultural Influence of American Ideology27:07 The Future of Political Change and Ideological Framing37:02 Navigating a Multipolar World39:56 The Shifting Ideological Landscape44:34 Cultural Aspirations and American Influence51:10 Masculinity in Modern Society01:01:32 Engagement Beyond Ideology

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
Jonathan Anomaly - Enlightened Tribalism
Jonathan Anomaly, an academic and author of "Creating Future People," joins to discuss the concept of "enlightened tribalism," advocating for a more community-focused approach in response to declining social cohesion. He critiques liberal ideologies and their impact on identity and societal sustainability. Anomaly also explores how reproductive technology could influence family structures amidst low birth rates, emphasizing the importance of fostering pro-natalist cultures and cultural autonomy in the face of global liberalism.

Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 8min
Hunter Ash - Evolution Eats Everything
Hunter Ash, a writer and X poster known for his insights on reactionary thought, dives deep into the influences of thinkers like Nick Land. The discussion unravels the complexities of evolving personal beliefs, shifting from progressivism to a reactionary stance. They explore the implications of free speech in today's digital landscape and critically assess immigration policies like H1B visas. The conversation also critiques traditional charity, arguing it can hinder economic empowerment, and touches on the unique political dynamics currently shaping Romania.

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 8min
Mark Nelson - The Nuclear Option
The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.
For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.
This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!
Please subscribe at:
https://www.alexkaschuta.com/
https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
We chat about the legitimate criticisms of nuclear energy: non-issues, real problems that can be seen as positives, and genuine challenges that cannot be quickly resolved.
We also discuss the public perception of nuclear energy, particularly the influence of memes and cultural narratives, and the complexities and challenges of building nuclear power plants, highlighting the potential benefits despite the hurdles.
Mark Nelson is the founder of radiantenergygroup.com, an energy consultancy providing leaders with the data-driven insights and roadmaps they need to bring about a low-carbon, high-energy future.
You can also find him on X.com at @energybants
Chapters
00:00 Critiquing Nuclear Energy: A Balanced Perspective
11:26 The Meme of Nuclear Energy: Perception vs. Reality
27:39 Building Nuclear Power: Challenges and Opportunities
32:46 Financing Nuclear Energy Projects
34:11 The Viability of Nuclear Energy
35:36 Nuclear vs. Renewable Energy
39:09 Challenges of Solar Energy in Europe
39:59 Political Implications of Energy Policy
42:37 Hydro Energy and Its Role
44:39 Left-Wing Perspectives on Nuclear Energy
50:21 Cynicism in Anti-Nuclear Sentiments
54:05 Underrated Thinkers

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 27min
JayMan - Reflections on over a decade of HBD
The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!Please subscribe at:https://www.alexkaschuta.com/https://www.patreon.com/aksubversiveOur chat explores the evolution of Human Biodiversity (HBD) discourse and the challenges of understanding complex data related to cognitive stratification and social mobility. We also discuss the impact of genetic technologies on future societal structures and the cultural perspectives surrounding fertility technologies, particularly in Eastern Europe. We also discuss the complexities of the economic viability of modern society, the challenges of immigration and integration, the rise of woke culture, the fragility of liberalism, the dynamics of gender, financial status, and relationships, particularly in the context of the baby boom and modern dating challenges. Our conversation also touches on parenting, emphasizing the limited impact of parenting styles on child development and the importance of understanding the realities of modern relationships.
JayMan is a pseudonymous blogger: unz.com/author/jayman/ and can be found on X.com @JayMan471
Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Human Biodiversity Discourse
04:00 The Impact of HBD on Society
08:01 Understanding Averages and Cognitive Stratification
09:50 Social Mobility and Assortative Mating
13:58 The Future of Genetic Technologies
17:51 Cultural Perspectives on Fertility Technologies
21:54 The Role of Scientific Discovery in Progress
29:02 The Economic Viability of Society
30:42 Immigration and Integration Challenges
32:52 Experiencing Dystopia: A Personal Account
36:43 The Rise of Woke Culture and Backlash
40:20 The Right's Response to Woke Culture
44:57 The Future of Immigration Policy
49:50 Global Voices and Cultural Shifts

Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 11min
CHH (@CartoonsHateHer) - Village Wanted, Villagers Not Included
The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.
For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.
This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!
Please subscribe at:
https://www.alexkaschuta.com/
https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
In this chat, we explore the complexities of modern parenting, the longing for a supportive village, the difficulties of navigating parenting norms, and the importance of creativity and play in child development. We also talk about the rise of online experts, the grift in wellness and parenting advice, the allure of biohacking, the romanticization of traditional values, and the challenges of navigating dating advice in a crowded space.
Cartoons Hate Her is a mom, writer, very online commentator, comedienne, and Trump impersonator. You can find her on X at https://x.com/CartoonsHateHer, and you can find all her excellent work here: www.cartoonshateher.com
Chapters
00:00 The Need for Community in Parenting
05:10 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges
09:48 Creativity and Play in Child Development
14:57 The Impact of Parenting Norms on Family Life
19:56 The Evolution of Childhood Experiences
24:57 The Role of Validation in Parenting
29:50 Finding Balance in Parenting
36:09 Navigating New Experiences Alone
36:33 The Rise of Online Experts
37:31 The Grift in Wellness and Parenting
39:28 The Illusion of Hormone Specialists
40:43 Diet as a Path to Purity
41:50 The Cycle of Self-Improvement
42:54 Biohacking and Modern Rituals
44:00 The Aesthetic of Home and Work
46:28 The Challenge of Political Engagement
48:03 Navigating the Crowded Dating Advice Space
49:56 The Search for Validation in Modern Life
01:01:17 Romanticizing the Past vs. Modern Luxuries
01:02:30 Recommendations for Underrated Thinkers

Nov 23, 2024 • 1h 11min
Dmitry - Cthulhu Keeps Swimming Left
The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.
For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.
This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!
Please subscribe at:
https://www.alexkaschuta.com/
https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
We discuss biofoundationalism, exploring how biological traits influence political beliefs and behaviors. We chat about the dynamics of self-interest in political stances, the equilibrium of societal structures, and the implications of the fact that people have better things to do than have kids. We also speak about Elon Musk, examining how his understanding of power transcends language, his communication style, government efficiency, the politics of redistribution, the role of moral foundations in policy-making, the dynamics of globalization and economic growth, and much more.
Dmitry is a writer and a founder in the DeFi space, currently building Salutary. He’s on Twitter & Telegram: @BackTheBunny, and on Substack at the essence of a thing: https://backthebunny.substack.com/
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Bio Foundationalism
10:33 The Nature of Principles and Self-Interest
17:20 The Fertility Crisis and Its Implications
26:20 Elon Musk: A Study in Power and Influence
33:03 Assessing Elon Musk's Communication Style
39:42 The Politics of Redistribution and Entitlements
45:05 The Role of Moral Foundations in Policy Making
51:58 Globalization and Economic Growth Dynamics
01:03:28 Influential Thinkers and Personal Recommendations

Nov 8, 2024 • 56min
Apple Pie - notes from a professional father
The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.
For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.
This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!
Please subscribe at:
https://www.alexkaschuta.com/
https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
In this chat, we delve into the complexities of fatherhood, parenting, and the impact of modern technology on family dynamics. We explore the motivations behind having a large family, the challenges of parenting in a rapidly changing society, and the struggle to maintain meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. The discussion also touches on generational differences, particularly regarding Gen Z's mental health and technology's role in shaping their experiences. We also explore the themes of cultural reflections, artistic output, and the impact of globalism on local cultures. We discuss the evolution of cultural centers, perceptions of time and modernity, and the influences that shape our thoughts. We also touch on the complexities of antinatalism and the future of cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
In our conversation, I referred to a book at the end but misremembered the title. It is The Conspiracy Against the Human Race: A Contrivance of Horror by Thomas Ligotti.
Apple Pie is a pseudonymous author, a father of a large brood, and a physicist.
He writes at Things to Read
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Fatherhood and Family Dynamics
06:08 The Challenges of Parenting in Modern Society
11:47 Navigating Technology and Its Impact on Relationships
17:58 Cultural Reflections and Generational Differences
30:09 Cultural Reflections and Artistic Output
34:42 The Evolution of Cultural Centers
39:35 Globalism and Historical Context
40:44 Perceptions of Time and Modernity
46:50 Influences and Recommendations in Thought

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 2min
Aria Babu - What really drives the birth rate
The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.
For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.
This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!
Please subscribe at:
https://www.alexkaschuta.com/
https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
Our conversation delves into the critical issue of declining birth rates, exploring its historical context, cultural narratives, and the multifaceted factors contributing to this trend. We also discuss societal expectations, economic conditions, and personal choices shaping family dynamics and parenting styles, the implications of these trends on future generations, and the potential for cultural shifts to influence birth rates positively. We explore the nostalgia for past family structures, the cultural shifts that have led to a decline in the perceived value of children, and the impact of governmental policies on fertility rates. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly in terms of demographic changes and gender relations, with a focus on India.
Aria Babu is a writer and tech policy analyst. You can find her at @Aria_Babu on X.
Aria Babu Thoughts from Aria Babu
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Birth Rates
03:12 Cultural Narratives and Birth Decline
05:51 Factors Influencing Birth Rates
09:12 Parenting Styles and Their Impact
12:01 The Role of Community and Support
14:49 Economic Factors and Birth Rates
17:46 Cultural Influences on Family Size
20:59 The Aspirational Nature of Family Dynamics
24:09 The Intersection of Wealth and Motherhood
27:04 Social Conservatism and Birth Rates
33:09 Nostalgia for the Past: Child-Rearing and Values
36:49 Cultural Shifts: The Value of Children Today
39:52 Historical Policies and Their Impact on Birth Rates
42:41 Kin Selection vs. Group Selection in Societal Development
48:41 Demographic Challenges in Developing Countries
50:39 Gender Relations and Societal Upheaval in India
54:35 The Future of Gender Politics and Birth Rates