Team Human

In this episode, Heather Dewey-Hagborg, a transdisciplinary artist and biohacker, shares her latest work on future pigs and hybrids. They discuss genetic engineering, the history of pigs, forensics, art, capitalism, morality, hope, technology, and the role of technology in health and climate crises. Heather expresses concerns about the future of technology and advocates for unity and openness towards the Earth and all its beings.

Rebecca Bray, artist and interaction designer, and Rachel Gita Karp, Program Director of The Center for Artistic Activism, discuss the power of artistic activism, finding joy and connecting with self to solve problems, and the importance of incorporating creativity and joy in activism. They also emphasize the significance of embracing ambiguity, provide resources and support for artistic activism, and share examples of their work in South Africa and with disenfranchisement in Texas.

Douglas Rushkoff discusses what he's learning from Covid about the Internet and synthetic experiences. They explore the confusion between real and synthetic in textiles and the neurophysiological basis of human connection. They discuss the limitations of online interactions, the loss of grounding in the digital world, and the impact of technology on society and our connection to each other.

Douglas Rushkoff discusses being a presentist, sticky websites, and the importance of collaboration in the digital future. He explores the origins of capitalism, the concept of existence within a simulation, and the process of writing a book. He also examines the impact of America's lack of presence and advocates for actively shaping the future.

Topics discussed include: Japanese culture and rituals, implementing UBI and citizen councils for decision-making, the intersection of politics, UBI, and self-care, seeking the monolith and the Sabbath, boundaries for effective currency circulation, and appreciation for the podcast's listeners.

Carne Ross, a former diplomat and founder of Independent Diplomat, discusses his anarchist vision of economic well-being, the intertwined relationship between government and capitalism, the externalities of land and the debate around global commons, anarchy as mutual aid, local governance, and the need for bottom-up democracy. The chapter also highlights the importance of taking action in creating a new system and building exemplars.

Media Studies Professor Katherine G. Fry discusses the influence of media environment on our understanding of stories. They explore the impact of social media on events like January 6th, hidden agendas in popular culture, and the intersection of data journalism and activism. They emphasize the importance of media literacy and understanding power dynamics in communication.

The podcast discusses the eccentric behaviors and actions of today's tech billionaires, comparing them to historical figures. It also explores propaganda, corporate interests, and individual influence in shaping public opinion. The changing nature of philanthropy and the lack of consideration for sustainability and community impact by tech billionaires are also highlighted.

Topics discussed include the evolving dating scene, effects of social media, lateral support and prey animal behavior, ethics and limitations of social media, the evolution of Twitter, changing theology to poetics, nonviolent resistance, fostering inquiry, and the partnership between humans and mushrooms.

Jem Bendell, former Professor of Sustainability Leadership and author of Breaking Together: A Freedom-Loving Response To Collapse, discusses prioritizing caring for each other, skepticism towards green solutions, tough conversations about the climate crisis, indigenous harmony with nature, regenerative agriculture, the influence of the gut biome, accelerationism, and the guest's book Breaking Together.