Team Futurism

In this episode, Peter and Devon discuss Russell Brand, Trump, and the culture of grift that is currently thriving--particularly on the political right. This conversation was inspired by Brand's recent announcement that he's selling a "magical amulet" to protect people from "evil energies." Which honestly seems more interesting than Trump shoes or Trump crypto.The conversation takes a few turns till we eventually talk ourselves into needing the magical amulet. We have a few ideas for improving the tech and making it legit. It may even be something that could change the world.Become a paid subscriber today to help us make it happen!* Watch on YouTube* Listen to the podcast on Spotify or AppleThanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

There's a popular theory online that Elon Musk is supporting Trump in order to run the government as a shadow president through JD Vance. The Atlantic even ran a piece embracing this "Trojan horse" view. In this episode, Peter and Devon discuss this theory and other possible reasons tech billionaires might be so enthusiastic about supporting Donald Trump.* Watch on YouTube* Listen to the podcast on Spotify or AppleThanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

In this discussion, Elon Musk, renowned for his groundbreaking work in electric vehicles and space exploration, shares his exhilarating experience riding in a Waymo. He highlights the stark contrast between autonomous taxis and traditional rideshare services like Uber. The conversation shifts to the buzz surrounding Tesla's newly announced Cybercab, tackling public skepticism and the challenge of trust in self-driving tech. Musk also reflects on the societal impact of AI and automation, advocating for the future of domestic production while exploring the complexities of free speech in the tech world.

In this episode, we discuss Devon's recent trip to Nashville, whether Nashville is still a cool place to move, and the future of the city as a hub for music and culture. Peter argues that the whole country scene is one gigantic LARP, but maybe that's OK, and maybe all scenes are a kind of LARP. We also discuss the phenomenon of bands no longer having the same cultural power they once had. Instead, solo acts (like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé) now make all the hit songs. Will this trend continue or will bands come back?* Watch on YouTube* Listen to the podcast on Spotify or AppleThanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

The last bellwether county in the country (the county that has gone for the winning president since the 1980s) is Clallam County in Washington State. As a native to Port Angeles in Clallam County, Peter predicts how he thinks the county will vote in November 2024. According to polling, the county is currently split pretty evenly between Trump and Harris.* Watch on YouTube* Listen to the podcast on Spotify or AppleThanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

Ann K Sterzinger is a journalist and a novelist currently living in Paris. This conversation covers life in Paris, European weed, immigration, the current state of literature, problems with the mental health field, and other topics. We also talk about several of Ann’s novels, including her most popular novel NVSQVAM. Follow Ann on Twitter @VraieSterzinger. Ann and Peter are both part of a new podcast called MELTDOWN HOUR with Rachel Haywire. * Watch on YouTube* Listen to the podcast on Spotify or AppleOutro song: "Breath" by Pere UbuThanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

Peter and Devon discuss the recent story of the guy charged with allegedly creating fake bands and monetizing them with AI bots. They then get into reviewing Trump's epic debate loss to Kamala Harris. Peter also discusses his growing frustration with Matt Taibbi, Michael Shellenberger, Elon Musk, and others who went from being "on the left" to suddenly becoming—not skeptical centrists, but—full blown conspiracy-brained Trump apologists.* Watch on YouTube* Listen to the podcast on Spotify or AppleThanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

Katherine Dee, an internet culture reporter and online personality known as Default Friend, dives into the shifting landscape of digital relationships. She discusses the loneliness epidemic and how social media impacts our personal connections. Katherine explores the nuances of AI companionship and the rise of fictosexuality, highlighting emotional ties that aren't always physical. Additionally, she addresses the ethical dilemmas of influencer culture and pro-Russian propaganda, reflecting on the complexities of navigating life in an increasingly digital world.

Can anyone be a bioengineer? What goes on inside a community biolab? Can small labs create dangerous viruses or bioweapons? On this episode, Peter Clarke and Devon Carsen visit Cellsius, a community biolab in San Francisco that was recently founded by Elliot Roth. Elliot reveals what is needed to start a biolab and explains why learning bioengineering skills is just as important today as learning computer engineering skills. Elliot has a degree in biomedical engineering and has previously started seven companies and two nonprofits. In addition to his work at Cellsius, he currently serves as Head of Strategic Partnerships at Deep Science Ventures.Watch the latest episode on YouTube or listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple.Thanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com

Alan Rhode is a former journalist and lawyer from Milan who founded a successful tax and legal consultancy in London. Alan is the author of the new political novel, The Eagle and Cockerel, which envisions a near future where France and German consider joining to become a new superpower called Charlemagny. In this conversation, Peter Clarke and Alan Rhode discuss the power of literature, the current state of Europe and the future of the EU, how Europeans view Donald Trump, and other topics.Follow Alan on X @AlanRhode.Watch the latest episode on YouTube or listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple.Thanks for reading Team Futurism! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit teamfuturism.substack.com