QAA Podcast

Cory Doctorow, a philosopher, journalist, and a Professor-at-large at Cornell University, dives into the murky waters of 'enshitification'—the decline of quality in tech due to profit motives. He humorously critiques Facebook's evolution and discusses the challenges posed by giants like Amazon on independent publishing. Doctorow also examines how conspiracy theories distract from systemic societal issues, emphasizing the need for collective awareness in the gig economy. The conversation highlights AI's impact on creativity and the pivotal role of the Electronic Frontier Foundation in defending digital rights.

Marc-André Argentino, an author and researcher at Public Safety Canada, dives deep into QAnon in this engaging discussion. He describes QAnon as a 'hyper-real religion,' revealing how it evolved through distinct phases and the psychological factors attracting followers. The conversation explores the movement's impact on politics and media, as well as its interplay with digital culture and community dynamics. They also discuss the unsettling transition from harmless fun to extremism within online conspiracy circles and the biblical rhetoric entwined with QAnon beliefs.

Dive into the chaos of right-wing summer spats, where drama, betrayal, and insults abound! With Liv Agar back, the banter bounces from nostalgic hairstyles like frosted tips to boxing match-up imaginings involving notable figures. The humorous dissection of Laura Loomer reveals her strange influence, leaving the hosts incredulous. Casual conversations blend appreciation with playful skepticism, while promoting a wealth of exclusive podcast content. It’s messy, it's hilarious, and definitely not to be missed!

In this riveting discussion, journalist Seth Harp, author of 'The Fort Bragg Cartel,' uncovers the dark realities of military life, revealing connections between Fort Bragg soldiers and drug trafficking. He highlights the troubling evolution of Delta Force and JSOC, showcasing their covert operations and the psychological toll on operatives. The conversation delves into ethical dilemmas of modern warfare, exploring the impact on foreign populations and the normalization of military violence. Harp's insights illuminate the harrowing consequences of military engagements.

An ominous interstellar object, possibly an alien harbinger, speeds towards Earth this November. The hosts humorously navigate the absurdity of doomsday prophecies and ponder extraterrestrial life. They compare their favorite alien invasion films, from classic titles to recent adaptations. The eerie journey of Three-Eye Atlas adds a chilling layer to their discussion, blending humor with existential musings. Buckle up for a wild ride through alien theories and cinematic nostalgia!

The hosts dive into the absurdity surrounding Candace Owens' conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron, hilariously unpacking the bizarre claims and their origins. They explore the complex dynamics of age-gap relationships, particularly highlighting Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron's unconventional past. A discussion on the implications of misinformation and the societal fascination with conspiracy theories adds depth. The episode critiques the sensationalism in media and politics while reflecting on the cultural impact of these narratives.

This episode dives into Travis’ candid views on a variety of intriguing topics. Jake dishes out his current interests, from hilarious Ghostbusters fan films to gripping Airsoft stories. They reminisce about personal experiences in paintball, even competing against Navy SEALs. Plus, Travis shares his thoughts on the ambitious plans for a $200 million ballroom at the White House. The episode is filled with laughter, nostalgic reflections, and a clear celebration of their community!

Olivier Jutel, a communication studies lecturer at the University of Otago, dives into the complex world of disinformation. He critiques the framing of online conflicts as 'information warfare' and explores how this narrative distracts from deeper political issues. Olivier addresses the influence of tech firms and military interests on public perception, the historical context of disinformation campaigns, and the challenges posed by modern misinformation. He advocates for a shift towards true democratic governance in addressing these pressing issues.

This week, the hosts delight in high-quality cinema experiences while poking fun at poor recordings. They explore Ari Aster's 'Eddington', a chaotic satire on youth navigating pandemic life and social media. The conversation reflects on character archetypes in modern films and critiques the somber portrayal of America. The team dives deep into the challenges of representing trauma in art and how it resonates with contemporary audiences. Join them for a humorous yet insightful journey through film appreciation.

The hosts dive into the tangled relationships between Trump and Epstein, highlighting absurd political responses and bizarre birthday notes. They humorously critique the hypocrisy of wealthy figures embroiled in scandal, examining Trump's peculiar affinity for Epstein. The conversation also touches on the chaos within Congress regarding Epstein's files, revealing a disconnect between political figures and their constituents. A mix of humor and sharp analysis illuminates the strange dynamics and absurdities surrounding this complex topic.