Context with Brad Harris

History is full of phantom worlds—alternative technological paradigms that could have made everything turn out radically differently. Airships instead of airplanes. Rail instead of cars. Direct current instead of alternating current. Telegraphs instead of telephones. Each path once seemed inevitable, until another won out and reshaped civilization. In this episode of Context, we explore these turning points and what they reveal about our own moment, when autonomous vehicles and immersive virtual reality are racing forward in parallel. Will the future be built on radical mobility, or radical simulation? Or both? Most of all, we ask: what kind of lives do we want our grandchildren to live, and how will the choices we make now determine the answer? To support the show and access *supporter-only bonus episodes, join me on Patreon or subscribe directly through Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Explore the hidden engine rooms of modern life, such as the fascinating Haber-Bosch process that feeds billions. Discover how this technological marvel highlights our reliance on complex systems that few understand. Delve into the history of agricultural practices and how cultural shifts have distanced us from our food sources. The discussion reveals the fragility of essential infrastructures like power grids, urging a cultural change to foster appreciation and resilience against potential crises.

The modern world is defined by acceleration. But what if the most stable—and perhaps most human—version of ourselves existed long before civilization? In this episode, we explore the world of the Cro-Magnon: anatomically modern humans who thrived in Ice Age Europe. For hundreds of generations, their way of life remained remarkably unchanged. What was it like to live in near-perfect evolutionary harmony with the environment? Civilization ultimately emerged as a hedge against danger, especially for those with children to protect. But in exchange for safety and surplus, we surrendered something more elemental and spiritually sustaining. This is the story of that trade-off—and of what we lost in the bargain. This is the story of a time before history began, when we were most human.   If you’d like to support the show and access over a dozen supporter-only bonus episodes, you can join me on Patreon or subscribe through Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Explore the evolution of our beliefs about the future, starting with 19th-century optimism in progress. Discover how literature, from Edward Bellamy's visions to H.G. Wells' cautionary tales, shaped societal outlooks. Delve into the rise of techno-utopianism and the subsequent fear of dystopia brought on by war and technology. The podcast highlights the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence, using iconic films like Blade Runner and The Matrix to illustrate humanity’s struggle to align technology with our values.

The discussion delves into how war, despite its horrors, historically fostered social cohesion and meaning. It questions what society loses in prolonged peace, highlighting a psychological void and the effects on masculinity. Drawing from philosophical insights, it examines how modern life struggles with anxiety and purposelessness without the unifying force of conflict. The conversation pivots to space exploration, proposing it as a new avenue for collective purpose, and reflects on the moral challenges of this frontier.

Discover the provocative ideas of Oswald Spengler, who predicted that Western civilization is in its winter phase due to cultural exhaustion rather than catastrophe. Explore the parallels between ancient Rome and today, and the tension between technological progress and cultural vitality. Delve into the significance of memory and myth for potential renewal, and ponder whether a rebirth is on the horizon. This thought-provoking discussion raises questions about the trajectory of great civilizations and their inevitable cycles of decline and transformation.

We often think global power is all about armies and technology. But what if the most decisive battles are fought through stories? In this episode of Context, we explore the concept of narrative warfare—the battle over how nations interpret their past, define their identity, and imagine their future. From Manifest Destiny to the 1619 Project, from China’s “Century of Humiliation” to Russia’s myth of the “Third Rome,” we examine how national stories shape the world order—and what happens when a superpower like America stops believing in its own. Support the show and access supporter-only episodes: patreon.com/bradcoleharris

This is a short preview of a supporter-only bonus episode. In this episode, I explore the psychological and philosophical reasons we keep projecting something human into our machines. From ancient automata to Boston Dynamics, from Descartes to modern AI, we’ve been building mechanical reflections of ourselves for centuries. But why? What does it say about us that we want our machines to seem alive—even when we know they aren’t? 🎧 To hear the full episode, head to: https://patreon.com/bradcoleharris

Boredom used to be a vital aspect of human experience, fueling creativity and introspection. Today, it's almost vanished in our stimulation-saturated lives. The podcast explores how ancient thinkers valued boredom as a path to personal growth. It highlights the dangers of constant noise and stimulation, which can harm mental health. Embracing solitude and boredom may be essential for genuine connections in our hyper-connected world. Rediscovering this lost virtue could enrich our humanity and creativity.

The podcast dives into the controversial role of the SEC, questioning whether it prioritizes investor protection or favors established players. It highlights the tension between innovation and bureaucratic overreach, particularly with crypto companies like Ripple Labs and Coinbase. Discussions include the dangers of regulatory capture and how it stifles American ingenuity. The dialogue urges a reevaluation of bureaucracies to revive the spirit of innovation and tackle the challenges posed by entrenched financial regulations.