
The Jim Rutt Show
Crisp conversations with critical thinkers at the leading edge of science, technology, politics, and social systems.
Latest episodes

41 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 18min
EP 310 Samo Burja on Anduril’s Plan to Modernize the US Military
Samo Burja, president and founder of Bismarck Analysis, dives into Anduril's ambitious plans to modernize the U.S. military. He discusses the critical need for AI adoption and innovative technologies to stay competitive against nations like China. The conversation explores the Lattice software platform's role in revolutionizing battlefield communications and the significance of drone warfare in reshaping military strategies. Burja also critiques traditional defense contractors and highlights the evolving landscape of military partnerships amid rising global tensions.

95 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 0sec
EP 309 Richard David Hames on the Final Performance of Western Civilization?
Richard David Hames, a philosopher and activist, discusses the decline of Western civilization and the crisis in governance. He critiques the retreat from truth in politics and the impact of postmodernism on rational discourse. The conversation dives into wealth inequality, climate change denial, and the failures of modern warfare. Hames highlights women's liberation as a key achievement of our time and warns against the character erosion in leadership. He also explores the implications of AI and the necessity for societal values to adapt amidst rapid changes.

27 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 0sec
EP 308 David Chapman on Rethinking Nobility
David Chapman, a writer and speaker focused on meaning and culture, dives deep into the concept of nobility, advocating for its redefinition in modern society. He critiques elite education and explores the idea of 'fluid nobility' as a choice based on intention. Their conversation touches on the lessons from historical texts like 'The Battle of Maldon,' the implications of meritocracy, and the ethical responsibilities of tech leaders. By connecting Vajrayana Buddhism and meta-rationality, Chapman envisions a future rich in creativity and community.

32 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
EP 307 Thomas Schindler on Heliogenic Civilization
Thomas Schindler, co-founder of delodi.net, dives into the transformative concept of heliogenic civilization, advocating for regenerative practices and equitable resource distribution. He discusses innovative construction techniques using earth blocks, alternative financial investments prioritizing sustainability, and the role of biological computing in shaping our future. Schindler emphasizes community resilience through knowledge sharing and explores the implications of emerging technologies, aiming for a harmonious balance between humanity and nature.

24 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 26min
EP 306 Anders Indset on The Singularity Paradox
Join business philosopher Anders Indset, a Thinkers50-recognized mind in tech and leadership, as he delves into his book, *The Singularity Paradox*. He tackles the 'final narcissistic injury' of humankind amidst AI evolution, contrasting machine with human consciousness. Indset raises ethical concerns surrounding AGI and the importance of preserving human qualities in tech progress. The conversation also explores game theory in a tech-driven world and the vital role of anticipatory leadership for navigating future complexities.

63 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 22min
EP 305 J. Doyne Farmer on Complexity Economics
J. Doyne Farmer, a leading figure in complexity economics and professor at the University of Oxford, dives into the intricate relationship between chaos theory and economics. He explains how chaotic systems challenge traditional economic models and emphasizes the importance of agent-based modeling. Farmer discusses the historical implications of bounded rationality and how it influenced the 2008 financial crisis. He also explores the concept of the economy as a living organism and advocates for innovative approaches to address climate change and energy investments.

64 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 22min
EP 304 Samuel Arbesman on The Magic of Code
Samuel Arbesman, a scientist at Lux Capital and author of "The Magic of Code," dives into the enchanting world of coding. He shares his journey from skepticism about computers to embracing their creative potential. Topics include the transformative impact of AI on programming, the historical layers of abstraction in coding, and the mystical parallels between coding and magic. Arbesman also explores the challenges of copyright in the digital landscape and the fascinating implications of simulation theory in understanding reality.

25 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 58min
EP 303 Mark Stahlman on Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church’s Missionary Turn
Mark Stahlman, a biologist and tech strategist, dives into the emergence of Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church’s missionary shift. They explore Pope's name significance, contrasting current and past leadership styles. The conversation touches on the Church's role in modern financial systems, the impact of digital currency, and global trade dynamics. They also discuss the challenges of solidarity in a multipolar world, along with the influence of Catholic social teachings amid technological advancements. Stahlman highlights how the Church may evolve to address a younger generation's challenges.

61 snips
May 30, 2025 • 54min
EP 302 Daniel Mezick on Games and Governance
Daniel Mezick, an Agile coach and consultant, dives into the connection between games and governance. They discuss Jane McGonigal's ideas on game properties, contrasting formal and informal authority structures. Mezick critiques the two-party system and examines the U.S. Constitution through a game theory lens, advocating for innovative governance ideas like 'blue money' to boost political equity. The conversation also highlights how rules shape human behavior and the potential for constitutional reforms to foster more effective governance.

95 snips
May 27, 2025 • 0sec
EP 301 Zak Stein on K-12 Education in the AI Era
In this engaging discussion, Zak Stein, Co-Founder of the Civilization Research Institute, digs deep into the impact of AI on K-12 education and human development. He explores the dangers of technology overshadowing genuine teacher-student relationships and the risks of cognitive diminishment from over-reliance on AI. Stein raises concerns about emotional attachments to AI, questioning its role in parenting and education. The conversation touches on the need for ethical AI design and the importance of cultural frameworks to safeguard meaningful human connections.