Dystopia Now

In a thought-provoking discussion, hosts dive into the role of tech billionaires in modern imperialism. They tackle crisis fatigue and the absurdity of political actions, especially concerning Trump's ambitions in Greenland. The implications of AI data centers on the environment are critiqued, along with the nefarious ties between tech elites and political power. Libertarian ideals are scrutinized for fostering oligarchy, while a controversial 'freedom city' proposal for Venezuela sparks fierce debate about U.S. intervention and resource exploitation.

Are we really on the brink of AGI? Explore the latest on the questionable AI bubble and how much climate activism has changed. The hosts dissect bold predictions for 2025, from AI coding to space mining, and the hype surrounding anti-aging breakthroughs. They address why climate activism fizzled and the ramifications of tech on social connections. Tune in for amusing tech predictions that missed the mark and a critique of the shifting public sentiment towards billionaires like Elon Musk.

Join Keira Havens, director of Citizens' Impeachment and former scientist, as she delves into Jeffrey Epstein's troubling eugenicist and transhumanist beliefs. She discusses how Epstein’s financial influence shaped scientific research and exposed hierarchy's role in exploitation. The conversation touches on Epstein's bizarre reproductive fantasies and his connections to transhumanist groups. Havens highlights the scientific community's complicity and advocates for greater accountability in politics and funding.

In a 2-part series on Jeffery Epstein, we'll explore Epstein's ties to the TESCREAL ideologies. This week though, we're talking about his ties to one of our intellectual heroes who really let us down. Further reading: Émile's article "Noam Chomsky is a Scumbag": https://www.realtimetechpocalypse.com/p/noam-chomsky-is-a-scumbag Jeffrey Epstein Met With Harvard Professor Martin Nowak and Noam Chomsky in 2015 in Harvard Office: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2023/5/3/epstein-nowak-chomsky-meeting-2015/ Lawrence Krauss and Epstein: https://slate.com/technology/2019/08/jeffrey-epstein-science-eugenics-sexual-abuse-researchers.html

Explore Émile's journey from his involvement with Effective Altruism to his eventual critique of longtermism. Discover Palantir CEO Alex Karp's political evolution and the contrast between his progressive claims and the company's surveillance contracts. Dive into the cult-like dynamics of the EA community, as Émile reveals its troubling aspects, including obsession with hypothetical extinction scenarios. The discussion examines how such ideologies might risk justifying extreme moral actions for perceived greater goods.

Join Adam Aleksic, a.k.a. Etymology Nerd and author of Algospeak, as he unpacks the evolving landscape of language shaped by social media. He explores concepts like algospeak and how algorithms influence our vocabulary, from the rise of 'slop' content to the impact of TikTok memes on communication. Adam dives into how technology blurs linguistic precision, creating vibes over formality. He also discusses the future of slang, predicting vibrant contributions from diverse communities. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the intersection of language and tech!

Dive into the unsettling world of Eliezer Yudkowsky, where fan fiction collides with existential dread. Discover his grandiose claims, alarming views on morality, and philosophical contradictions. The hosts discuss his influence on AI culture, his bizarre online persona, and the unsettling moral calculations he champions. Yudkowsky advocates for extreme measures against AGI, all while shaping the industry’s future and warning against the very technology he helped ignite. A controversial figure, his story is both captivating and chilling.

Eoin Higgins, investigative journalist and author of "Owned," dives into the intricate world of tech billionaires manipulating media narratives. The conversation highlights how figures like Thiel and Musk have poured cash into platforms, influencing journalists like Greenwald and Taibbi. Eoin examines the aftermath of Russiagate on these writers, their ideological shifts, and the motivations behind their departures from traditional media. He also discusses the blend of money and genuine beliefs driving this trend, particularly in response to crises like COVID.

In this episode, we explore the Shrimp Welfare Project, featured on the Daily Show several months ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNbIKtGMoaA&t. Comedian Josh Gondelman -- a former writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver -- joins us for laughs and some serious reflection on which types of beings should be included within our circles of moral concern. Info on the Shrimp Welfare Project can be found here: https://www.shrimpwelfareproject.org/ A critique of Effective Altruism (written by Émile Torres) is here: https://www.truthdig.com/articles/effective-altruism-is-a-welter-of-fraud-lies-exploitation-and-eugenic-fantasies/ Find Josh's special Positive Reinforcement on YouTube and his newsletter at https://www.thatsmarvelousnewsletter.com/.

The hosts delve into Peter Thiel's fascination with the Antichrist, exploring whether his rhetoric is theological or political. They analyze the surprising audience mix and protests surrounding his lectures. The concept of dispensationalism and its influence on modern U.S. politics is dissected, revealing how apocalyptic narratives mobilize support. The conversation also connects tech eschatology with religious end-time beliefs, questioning Thiel's targets and the alignment of right-wing factions. Humorously critical, they unmask Thiel's anti-regulation hypocrisy.