Context with Brad Harris

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.

The discussion delves into Friedrich Hayek’s warnings about the dangers of centralized planning. It reveals how tyranny can creep in under the guise of progress, threatening individual freedoms. The conversation stresses the importance of free markets as a bulwark against oppression. There's a compelling examination of the gradual decline of liberties in favor of collectivism, urging listeners to reclaim true freedom through personal responsibility and growth. Hayek's insights prove alarmingly relevant in today's socio-political landscape.

If you like this stuff and you'd like to hear more, please support my work on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bradcoleharris

There’s a lot that’s dividing Americans right now - lots of divisive narratives that have captivated lots of people. One of those narratives features the apparent widening political divide between urban and rural culture. But, the truth is that the evolution of America’s urban and rural communities has always been symbiotic. One of the best historical case studies of that symbiosis highlights the city of Chicago and the rural American west, documented by William Cronon in his award-winning book, Nature’s Metropolis: Chicago and the Great West, published in 1991. In this episode, we reconsider the relationship between urban and rural in light of that history. To help support Context and access bonus content, join me on Patreon. Learn more on my website.

The podcast explores George Orwell's 'Notes on Nationalism', discussing the impact of tribalism on democracy, the pathology of tribalism including obsession and indifference to reality, the influence of tribalism in media and intellectual circles, and the complexity of tribalism and the moral compass.

This podcast explores the threats facing universities, such as rising costs and bureaucratic bloat. It also discusses excessive spending on diversity and inclusion, and the trend of self-criticism within academia. The origins and development of medieval universities are also explored, highlighting the limited education during the Dark Ages and the role of printing press in establishing university libraries.

Philosopher and author Stephen Hicks discusses the origins and influence of postmodernism, the shift from modernism, and its impact on politics, academia, and education. Emphasizes the importance of liberal democracy, preserving historical sanity, and liberal arts education in fostering independent thinking. Also mentions Hicks' upcoming book on liberalism and his work on philosophies of education.