Robinson's Podcast

Carl Hart, Mamie Phipps Clark Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, dives into the complex world of psychoactive drugs. He explores addiction's misconceptions, revealing that most users don't struggle with it. Hart critiques traditional drug education and the opioid crisis, emphasizing informed choices over fear-based tactics. The discussion touches on drugs' impact on creativity and social dynamics, while advocating for a science-based approach to drug policy that acknowledges the societal contexts of drug use.

Tim Maudlin, a Professor of Philosophy at NYU and founder of the John Bell Institute, engages in a fascinating discussion about the philosophy of time. He tackles misconceptions surrounding simultaneity and explores the relativity of duration. The conversation delves into whether time is fundamental, its behavior at quantum scales, and the philosophical implications of time travel and black holes. With humor and depth, Maudlin and Robinson challenge traditional views, inviting listeners to rethink their understanding of this elusive dimension.

Michael Hudson, Distinguished Research Professor of Economics, delves into fascinating historical insights connecting the Crusades to modern economic systems. He discusses how the Church shaped financial structures and explores the implications of AI on labor and social security. Hudson critiques the U.S. debt cycle and contrasts American and Chinese economic strategies, revealing a complex interplay between finance and political power. His latest work, 'Temples of Enterprise,' underpins how history influences today's economic challenges, urging a reevaluation of entrenched financial narratives.

Richard Wolff, a Marxist economist, critiques modern capitalism and its inherent challenges, while Yannis Varoufakis delves into Europe's strategic role amid US-China tensions. Yascha Mounk discusses the ideological battles shaping global perceptions of democracy versus authoritarianism. Daniel Mattingly analyzes the rise of China and its impact on international politics. With insights from Robin Visser and Pei Wang on cultural dynamics, the conversation weaves a rich tapestry of economic, political, and philosophical themes in understanding the evolving US-China relationship.

Peter Zeihan, a savvy geopolitical analyst and best-selling author, dives into the shifting global landscape. He discusses how China’s declining birth rate threatens its economic stability and the implications for global power dynamics. Zeihan also highlights the necessity for U.S. immigration reform to bolster economic growth. The conversation touches on the rise of AI, the limitations of traditional military tech like the F-35, and the fragility of globalization. With Trump’s tariffs at the forefront, Zeihan predicts deepening tensions around the world.

David Kipping, a Professor of Astronomy at Columbia University and head of Cool Worlds Lab, explores the depths of extraterrestrial life. He shares insights on the Kardashev Scale, discussing how civilizations can be categorized by their energy consumption. The conversation dives into UFO phenomena and the fascinating idea of artificial intelligence's impact on humanity. Kipping also unravels the mysteries of Oumuamua and speculates about ancient alien civilizations, all while highlighting the importance of scientific integrity in understanding the cosmos.

Eliezer Yudkowsky, a decision theorist and co-founder of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute, dives into the grave implications of artificial intelligence. He discusses the alignment problem, stressing the importance of ensuring AI reflects human values to prevent potential catastrophe. The conversation touches on superintelligent AI's unpredictable behavior and the necessity for rigorous ethical considerations. Topics like cyborgs, gradient descent, and the risks of indifferent AI make clear the urgency of addressing these challenges as humanity navigates this precarious frontier.

Norman Finkelstein, a political scientist and expert on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shares his insights on current events and dissent in academia. He dives into the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, critiques U.S. foreign policy, and discusses the complexities surrounding ceasefires. Finkelstein also tackles issues of free speech, identity politics, and antisemitism, illuminating how political narratives shape these debates. The conversation is not just informative but challenges listeners to think critically about contentious topics in today's climate.

Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize–winning author and journalist who was a foreign correspondent for fifteen years for The New York Times. He has covered numerous wars across the decades, written many books—including America: The Farewell Tour and American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America—and has been involved in work for prisoner advocacy. In this episode, Robinson and Chris discuss Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the rise of American fascism. More particularly, they address comparisons between Trump and Hitler, DOGE, the new crisis for the Democratic Party, Israel and Palestine, the Christian far right, Marxism, and more. Chris’s latest book is A Genocide Foretold (Penguin Random House, 2025). Chris’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@chrishedgeschannel?si=XIMAFyQFmWGoYyuOThe Chris Hedges Report Substack: https://chrishedges.substack.comA Genocide Foretold: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/786808/a-genocide-foretold-by-chris-hedges/OUTLINE00:00:00 Introduction00:00:59 PTSD and Weightlifting00:06:49 The Decline of the American Empire00:11:10 The Strongest Dimension of Trump’s Presidency00:17:20 Was Hitler a Better Speaker than Trump?00:19:54 How the Democratic Party Sold Out the Working Class00:22:21 Elon Musk and the Oligarchic Takeover of America00:28:26 Is Elon Musk Wrong About the Efficiency of Government?00:31:02 What Is the Deep State?00:42:46 Is Donald Trump at War with the Deep State?00:49:23 Infiltrating the Far Right Christian Community00:54:04 Becoming a Minister00:57:27 The Christian Right and the Fascist State01:06:26 The Problem of Evil01:10:31 On Sadism and the Decline of Empires01:17:35 Why the Christian Right Supports Israel01:20:20 How Does Trump Think of Israel?01:27:38 On How the CIA Attempted to Recruit Him01:31:06 Is Israel Still Committing Genocide in Gaza?01:40:25 Chris’s New Book01:46:24 On His Time with Hamas01:55:01 Journalism vs Academia01:58:28 Is Zionism Anti-Semitism?02:04:52 How to Read the Bible02:12:01 Where Does Integrity Come From?02:22:26 Dehumanization in Palestine02:26:15 On Marxism and Elon Musk02:31:16 The Farewell Tour02:35:34 On Trump’s Love of TV02:37:50 On Reporting the Middle East02:39:56 Russia and Ukraine02:42:59 Growing Wealth Disparities in the United States02:46:56 Fascist Attacks on Education02:51:39 The Dark Future of the Press02:57:30 Could the American Empire Be Revived?Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.comRobinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University.

Richard Wolff, a renowned Professor Emeritus of Economics, dives into provocative comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler, analyzing their impacts on American society. He explores the failures of economic policies, including tariffs and sanctions, and critiques how these decisions have led to global repercussions. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in politics, particularly TikTok, and examines the historical context of capitalism's evolution. Wolff's insights on Marxism's relevance today provide a thought-provoking lens on current events.