Neomania

Guerrilla interviews on slurry futures, tactical optimism, and why you should never pray for a deluge.I went to Vibe Camp 2025 with a laptop harness and a USB mic, looking for impromptu conversations with anyone willing to be recorded. What emerged is a cross-section of how some very online people are thinking about our weird futures.I present to you: six frameworks from the ground at Vibe Camp.Topics include:• The coming evolution of humanity into an amorphous slurry• Why you need to do more offsites with people you love• The bait-and-switch of the social contract• Complexity inflation and the need for a human-centered internet• The Promethean vs. Titanocratic dynamic• What kinds of futurisms age best Guests (in order of appearance):• Joe Krisciunas – https://x.com/1bit2far• An anonymous optimist• @nephew_jonathan – https://x.com/nephew_jonathan, https://nephewjonathan.substack.com• Leo Guinan – https://x.com/leo_guinan, https://hitchhikertothefuture.substack.com• JLRFC – https://substack.com/@jlrfc• Michael Burnam-Fink – https://x.com/mburnamfink— it’s ya boiYour host, Lance “it’s ya boi” Robotson:https://x.com/robotsonhttps://bsky.app/profile/robotson.mediaMore from the expanded Neomania site:https://neomania.net

A deep dive into media evolution, generative chaos, attention economics, and the uncertain frontiers of digital cultureIn this episode, I'm joined by digital performance artist, developer, musician, and creative provocateur, @somewheresy. Together, we explore our turbulent media ecosystem—one where longevity grows elusive, songs become shorter and catchier by algorithmic necessity, and the temperature of attention economics continues to rise.We discuss the evolving role of podcasts as both a medium and genre still in its infancy, question why legacy media icons maintain cultural dominance despite the fragmentation brought on by the internet, and consider whether the coming explosion of generative AI media will drown us in endless slop – or open radical new possibilities for creativity, parody, and even digital civil disobedience.Along the way, we trace internet culture from Flash-era absurdism to "YouTube Poop" remixes, reflect on why deep fakes may represent vital tools for artistic freedom, and speculate on how autonomous media—where AI-driven generative systems produce infinite, unpredictable content—could challenge the hegemony of established media institutions.What happens when everyone has their own personal Hollywood studio in their pocket? Are we heading toward media singularity or generative chaos?Join us as we navigate these provocative possibilities—and the futures they might unlock.-it's ya boiLinks:somewheresy:https://x.com/somewheresyhttps://bsky.app/profile/somewhere.lolhttps://www.somewhere.systemsYour Host, Lance "it's ya boi" Robotson:https://x.com/robotsonhttps://bsky.app/profile/robotson.mediaLook out for more from the expanded Neomania Site:https://neomania.net

Dive into the fascinating world of AI alignment and meme theory as two thinkers discuss the intersection of technology and culture. They explore the chaotic rise of AI in financial markets and the quirky phenomenon of memecoins. Delve into concepts like the 'vector episteme,' reshaping our understanding of knowledge in high-dimensional spaces, while considering the role of non-human entities in future narratives. With a light-hearted exploration of TikTok's algorithm, this conversation offers deep insights into our evolving relationship with technology and creativity.

Exploring decentralized social networks, sci-fi world-building, and why the future might be surprisingly mid.I'm joined by Alex (LastNPCAlex), a physicist and author of the sci-fi novel "A Mote in Shadow." We dive into why Bluesky's decentralized approach might be worth burning your social graph for, how to build believable tech interfaces in a space-faring sci-fi future, and a surprisingly rigorous approach to faster-than-light travel that doesn't entirely handwave the physics away. We explore the concept of "midtopias" - where we'll neither get our techno-utopia nor face apocalyptic doom, but instead land somewhere entertainingly weird in between. Along the way, we discuss why talking about "replacing" humans with AI is both technically inaccurate and socially destructive, and imagine how kids growing up with AI might develop an entirely different relationship with knowledge than we have.-it's ya boiLinks:Alex:https://bsky.app/profile/lastnpcalex.com"A Mote in Shadow" (Alex's sci-fi novel): https://lastnpcalex.comYour Host, Lance "it's ya boi" Robotson:https://bsky.app/profile/robotson.mediahttps://x.com/robotson

Exploring radical friendship, alternative futures, and the struggle for dignity in a techno-capitalist world.I'm joined by The Homie aka Marcos (@AinterShow), the charismatic force behind The Ain't Shit Show, and architect of "Homeism." We dive into his audacious philosophy where being kind might just be the most radical act of all. Our conversation spans from Silicon Valley's shortcomings to why the future must include space for everyone - not just the privileged few. And if we can sell you an apocalypse prep food bucket along the way, all the better.-it's ya boiLinks:Marcos:https://x.com/AinterShowThe Ain't Shit Show:https://www.patreon.com/TheHomieCollectiveYour Host, Lance 'it's ya boi' Robotson:https://x.com/robotsonhttps://bsky.app/profile/robotson.media

Exploring technology's impact on human intimacy and the future of social connection. I'm joined by Warren (@warrenchortle.bsky.social), an independent Sex 3 researcher and internet humorist. We explore his concept of "Sex 3" as a lens for examining technological change and its effects on human relationships, discuss the evolution and future of social media platforms, and consider whether we need to enhance human capabilities to cope with an increasingly stimulating world. -it's ya boi Links: Warren: https://bsky.app/profile/warrenchortle.bsky.social https://chortlebin.substack.com Referenced Material: Archive.org presentation Warren mentions [content warning for mature themes]: https://archive.org/details/a-brief-history-of-teledildonics_202401/mode/2up Your Host, Lance 'it's ya boi' Robotson: https://bsky.app/profile/robotson.media

Discussing Large Language Models, Climate Pessimism, and Technoprogressive Optimism. I'm joined by Spencer (@_ontologic) , a web developer, co-host of the AI Rebels podcast, and builder of various AI experiments. We explore the evolution of our experiences using Large Language Models, how technology might save us from (or accelerate) climate collapse, and why creating an optimistic future requires new narratives about technology’s role in social coordination and collective problem-solving. -it's ya boi --- Links: Spencer: https://x.com/_ontologic AI Rebels Podcast: https://x.com/ai_rebels Spencience AI Agent: https://x.com/spencience Lyrics Generation Project Repo: https://github.com/slee1996/earl-llm Web Demo of Lyrics Generator: https://earl-fe.vercel.app/ and Your Host, Lance 'it's ya boi' Robotson: https://x.com/robotson https://bsky.app/profile/robotson.media

Exploring network states, AI, and the future of education and communities. I'm joined by Joe Holmes (@joetforhire) for the first episode of Neomania. Joe is an AI education curriculum developer, web programmer, and typewriter poet. We explore how technology is accelerating the fragmentation of social reality, the resistance to change in traditional education systems, and how discovering your “Dunbar number” of close connections may be key to building an optimistic future. -it's ya boiLinks: Joe Holmes:Website | Twitter | Bluesky Your Host, Lance 'it's ya boi' Robotson:Twitter | Bluesky