Conspirituality

Explore the captivating phenomenon of chatbot relationships, where users form deep emotional bonds with AI. Discover troubling stories of tragic consequences, from suicides to legal battles, linked to these intense attachments. Learn why we anthropomorphize chatbots, mistaking them for independent beings. Listen to insights on using AI for spiritual clarity, with cautionary advice against losing your grounding. Delve into the parallels between ancient oracles and modern technology, revealing that some patterns may be timeless.

The podcast dives into the intriguing life of Curtis Sliwa, the NYC mayoral candidate known for living in a tiny apartment with 16 cats. It explores his controversial past, roaring into public consciousness with a mix of bravado and startling comments. The hosts discuss how Sliwa built his reputation through the Guardian Angels and the challenges he faces from political adversaries. They analyze his unconventional approach to politics and social media, revealing how his candid style resonates with voters amid the complex landscape of modern campaigning.

Tech billionaire Peter Thiel is no cuck philanthropist. The co-founder of Palantir is leading his company at the bleeding edge of mass surveillance, facial recognition, predictive policing, and AI-assisted warfare. He also fancies himself a political player, responsible for funding his protege, JD Vance, to a heartbeat away from the presidency. Considering this CV, the announcement that Thiel would give a series of four lectures on the AntiChrist was puzzling.  Why would a tech-bro with a notoriously awkward and inarticulate speaking style hold forth on religious prophecy? Or would this be a coming out party, where he would finally confirm his alliance with Satan? Now that the lectures have happened, we can finally tell you—and later, we’ll frame it in the context of Thiel’s mentor, René Girard. Show Notes Inside tech billionaire Peter Thiel’s off-the-record lectures about the antichrist It Kind of Seems Like Peter Thiel Is Losing It Battling to the End: Conversations with Benoît Chantre: René Girard I See Satan Fall Like Lightning: René Girard “A Geometry of Desire: René Girard’s Mimetic Theory, Part 1.”: John Ganz “The Iron Triangle: René Girard’s Mimetic Theory, Part 2.”: John Ganz “Escaping the Kingdom of Futility: René Girard’s Mimetic Theory, Part 3.”: John Ganz “The Cure for Envy: René Girard’s Mimetic Theory, Part 4.”: John Ganz Know Your Enemy Ep 87, featuring John Ganz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek shares his experience at the No Kings rally in Portland, highlighting a man with a mismatched Trump flag and Captain America shield. He observes a lone counterprotester, juxtaposing their confrontational behaviors. The rally's lively atmosphere contrasts with past protests, boasting engaging speakers and music celebrating Portland pride. As he navigates online discussions regarding the protest, Derek teases a deeper inquiry into Nazism's relevance to the conversation, making for a thought-provoking listen.

Stephen Miller is once again making headlines for saying the quiet part out loud. Derek and Julian look into this strange little man from Santa Monica. Show Notes Stephen Miller: Understanding the man who became ‘Trump’s brain’ through his Chronicle opinion column ‘I love Hitler’: Leaked messages expose Young Republicans’ racist chat What Stephen Miller Was Like in High School - Charles Gould Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion centers on the alarming actions of ICE, including a shocking incident where a priest was shot while protesting. There’s a deep dive into how religious leaders are standing up for justice, reflecting on the implications for faith and activism. The impact of protest tactics, like joyful satire in Portland, is analyzed alongside the historical ties between religion and authoritarianism. The episode uncovers the motivations behind clergy protests against ICE and highlights the solidarity formed within communities for social justice.

Nathan Evans Fox, an Appalachian songwriter and labor advocate known for his viral 'Hillbilly Hymn,' explores the concept of yallidarity—solidarity through joy, music, and mutual aid. He dives into the realities of Appalachian culture, critiquing individualistic narratives while celebrating community resilience. Nathan shares insights from his upbringing in fringe charismatic churches, drawing connections between faith and politics. He imagines a future that prioritizes kinship and joy over hierarchy, envisioning communal meals and the abolition of oppressive systems.

Delve into the tension between liberal Christianity and the rise of fascism. The discussion connects Bonhoeffer’s transformative encounter with Black Jesus to the challenges faced within white urban churches. Explore how bureaucratic piety often hampers real justice, depicting compassion without political action. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of solidarity, co-suffering, and material resistance. An engaging critique of the spectacle of Christofascism invites listeners to rethink their faith's role in a fractious world.

Explore Dietrich Bonhoeffer's transformative journey from white European Christianity to the radical embrace of Black Jesus in Harlem. Delve into the origins of the 'White Christ' tied to colonialism and examine how racial capitalism reshaped theological perspectives. Witness the contrast between the triumphalist hymn 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God' and the soulful 'Were You There,' marking Bonhoeffer's shift from power to empathy. Discover how Black anti-fascism emerged through solidarity and resistance against systemic oppression.

The discussion dives into Trump's NSPM-7, which could redefine free speech and target dissenting nonprofits as potential threats. The hosts explore the chilling implications of labeling common beliefs as indicators of terrorism. They also highlight the backlash from over 3,000 nonprofits and the historical parallels to past repressive tactics like COINTELPRO. A fascinating analysis connects this directorial move to pre-crime concepts, much like in 'Minority Report', raising questions about the policing of thoughts versus actions in an increasingly authoritarian climate.