A Conversation With Carl

What happens when the faith you were raised in no longer aligns with your inner moral compass?

In this powerful episode, Sia Mensah joins the podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation about deconstruction, identity, and the cost of speaking out. Growing up in a devout Muslim household, Sia embarked on a profound personal journey—from questioning religious texts and confronting misogyny to exploring her sexuality and navigating LGBTQ activism within conservative spaces.

We dive deep into the complexities of walking away from religion, developing an "inner morality," and the fallout that often follows. Sia also opens up about her evolving worldviews, offering nuanced perspectives on gender ideology, societal expectations, and her shift in perspective regarding Zionism following the October 2023 attacks.

Whether you are navigating your own faith transition, re-evaluating long-held beliefs, or curious about the intersections of religion, identity, and culture, this episode offers a rare and candid perspective.

01:00 - Questioning & Leaving Islam
11:00 - Navigating Identity & Coming Out
18:40 - Critiquing Modern Gender Activism
22:20 - Solidarity, Zionism, & October 7th
29:10 - Finding Human Connection Across Divides

Did something in this episode resonate with your own journey? Carl regularly engages with the community to keep these vital, nuanced conversations going.

Follow The Conversation: @aconversationwithcarl

#religion #Islam #Judaism #Christianity #zionism #Israel #Palestine #lgbtq

If modern society collapsed tomorrow, almost none of us would survive

To test human survival from ground zero, Andy George  @htme  spent 6 months and $1,500 just to make a single chicken sandwich—growing the wheat, evaporating ocean water for salt, and milking a cow.

In this episode, Andy exposes the terrifying, fragile miracle that keeps the modern world alive—and reveals why making a basic cotton shirt from scratch is harder than smelting raw metal into steel.

If you’ve ever worn clothes, used electricity, or eaten a meal without thinking twice, this conversation will permanently break the illusion of everyday life.

What’s Inside:

🔥 THE $1,500 SANDWICH

→ 6 months. Raw ocean salt. Hand-threshed wheat. One single bite that proves modern lunch is a logistical miracle.

⚔️ THE HARDEST OBJECT ON EARTH

→ Forget smelting iron. Try turning stubborn field weeds into a wearable shirt—the brutal, endless labor that quietly dominated human history.

🧠 THE MODERN DELUSION

→ We think our ancestors were primitive. The reality? They were running masterclasses in wilderness chemistry and metallurgy while we panic when the Wi-Fi blinks out.

🌋 THE RESET SCENARIO

→ 100 modern humans dropped into the wilderness. Textbooks won’t save you when nobody knows how to identify iron ore or build a fire that hits 2,000°F.

⚡ INVISIBLE LABOR

→ Turn the tap. Flip the switch. Take a bite. The terrifying realization that modern life is an illusion of ease hiding millions of invisible workers.


00:60 - Hardest Everyday Item to Make From Scratch
02:0 - Starting "How To Make Everything" & The $1,500 Sandwich
05:16- What Happens If All Technology Disappears?
06:17 - Simple Everyday Objects We Take For Granted
11:27 - Supply Chains & Modern Disconnect
12:53 - How Ancient Humans Lived & Hierarchy of Needs
14:18 - Perspective Changes on Food & Grocery Stores
17:51- Bringing One Modern Invention to Early Humans
18:26 - Making Simple Things from Scratch at Home

🔗 CONNECT WITH ANDY GEORGE

Want to see the wild experiments, the failures, and the finished builds?

• YouTube:  @htme 

• Website: https://makeeverything.tv

• Instagram: @howtomakeeverything

🎙️ ABOUT A CONVERSATION WITH CARL

Hosted by veteran broadcast journalist Carl Leibowitz, A Conversation With Carl dives behind the curtain with thinkers, creators, and experts of influence to make sense of the world's most complex questions.

• Subscribe on YouTube: @aconversationwithcarl

• Read & Listen on Substack: https://aconversationwithcarl.substack.com

• Listen on Apple & Spotify

💬 Question for you: What everyday item do you think would be the hardest to make if society reset? Drop your answer in the comments below!

#Survival #HowItsMade #Engineering #PrimitiveTechnology #Craftsmanship #HowToMakeEverything #Bushcraft #MindBlowing #History #DIY

What if everything you thought you knew about science... was only half the story? 🌌

In this mind-bending episode, world-renowned science communicator @TraceDominguez breaks down the ultimate secrets of the cosmos—from the baffling mysteries of dark matter and dark energy to the reality of extraterrestrial life and antimatter.

If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what’s really out there, or why scientists love being wrong, this conversation will completely shift your perspective on reality.

🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL DISCOVER: The Cosmic Unknown: Why 95% of the universe is missing—and what dark energy actually is.

The Power of Scientific Uncertainty: Why admitting "we don't know" is the single greatest catalyst for human breakthrough.

Explaining the Impossible: How to break down mind-melting concepts like antimatter without losing your head.

The Evolving Truth: Why scientific "facts" change over time—and why that’s actually a good thing.

Unlocking Unlimited Curiosity: How asking better questions can transform your daily life and personal growth.

🚀 WHY YOU NEED TO SUBSCRIBE NOW:

We bring you deep, unfiltered conversations with the world's brightest minds to help you make sense of the cosmos, human nature, and the future. Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on notifications 🔔 so you never miss an episode that expands your mind!

👇 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:

What is the ONE scientific mystery that keeps you up at night? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—Trace and the team are reading!

#Science #Universe #TraceDominguez #Astrophysics #DarkEnergy #Space #Curiosity #SciencePodcast #Antimatter #Podcast

05:02 The unpredictability of weather and scientific modeling

07:07 The benefits and dangers of public access to scientific data

09:13 The question of extraterrestrial life and its implications

14:17 The most frightening scientific discoveries and the unknown

16:19 The real-time nature of scientific discovery during a pandemic

20:21 Sending messages to the future and the hope for solving global warming

24:13 The future of our sun and the end of Earth

26:49 The impact of confinement on astronauts and space travelers

27:41 The biggest surprises science might bring in our lifetime

Did humans create God, or did God create humans?

In this mind-bending episode, Derek Lambert  @MythVisionPodcast  breaks down the hidden origins of religious texts, exposing how ancient Mesopotamian myths shaped Noah’s Ark, why Genesis contains contradicting creation stories, and how the concept of God shifted from the Canaanite deity El to Yahweh over centuries.

👇 In this episode, we cover:

00:00 Introduction to the guest and episode focus
01:25 Common misconceptions about the Bible
02:07 The Bible as a collection of diverse stories
03:01 Contradictions within Genesis and other texts
06:52 Flood myths and their Mesopotamian origins
16:46 Xenophanes' critique of anthropomorphic gods
17:12 The guest's personal religious background and journey
20:55 The human tendency to see agency in natural phenomena
23:06 The parallels between Jesus and other divine figures
26:30 Why religion co-evolved with human culture
28:21 Views on life after death and the nature of consciousness
31:29 The importance of ritual and human experience
33:13 The role of doubt and questioning in faith

🔥 Key Quote: "What if we're wrong about the gods and divine men?"

💬 JOIN THE DISCUSSION: What’s one religious text or story you started viewing differently after looking into its history? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

📌 Subscribe & hit the notification bell for more deep dives into history, philosophy, and myth!

If you’ve ever questioned traditional beliefs, wondered who actually wrote the Bible, or wanted to understand the human roots of modern religion—this conversation is a must-watch.


• Follow Justin Lambert  @MythVisionPodcast 
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@aconversationwithcarl

#Religion #BibleHistory #Mythology #DerekLambert #AncientHistory #CriticalThinking #Spirituality

🔥 Did Newton’s secret alchemy experiments hold the real key to modern science?

In this mind-bending episode, scholar of Western esotericism with Dr. Justin Sledge from  @TheEsotericaChannel . We discuss the hidden, forgotten history where magic, science, and the neurobiology of the unknown intersect.

From the secrets of Jewish mysticism and angelic communication to the empirical chemistry hidden inside ancient alchemical experiments, we pull back the veil on the occult traditions that shaped our world—and explore how modern technology, AI, and brain science are redefining mystical experiences today.

#Esotericism #Magic #Alchemy #Mysticism #Occult #HistoryOfScience #Neuroscience #Philosophy #Spirituality #Podcast

You can listen to more of Dr. Sledge here... https://open.spotify.com/show/48T9m6EtSeCWyN9uZ0ob5O?si=b661c161bf7a4d96

Chapters:
02:35 – When Magic and Science Separated
05:15– Spiritual Risks and Paranormal Experiences
02:56– The Neurobiology of Rituals and Altered States
18:38– Linguistic Magic in Jewish Mysticism
28:03– Artificial Intelligence and Esotericism
31:02– Guidance for Beginners & Historical Time Travel
36:17 – Conclusion: The Occult and the Modern World


• Follow Dr. Justin Sledge:  @TheEsotericaChannel 
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@aconversationwithcarl

Let me know what you think. Put your thoughts in the comments section. Subscribe.

🔥 WHAT IF GOD ISN'T WHO YOU WERE TOLD?

From top-charting Christian music icon to burning it all down in search of the truth. In this raw, unfiltered interview  @gungormusic  opens up about his radical spiritual evolution—from deconstructing mainstream religion and embracing doubt to finding God in Eastern philosophy, mystery, and pure love.

If you’ve ever questioned your faith, felt out-of-place in organized religion, or wondered what lies on the other side of spiritual burnout... this episode is your permission slip to embrace the messiness.

02:12 Journey through doubt and existential crisis
04:05 Community, belonging, and the pain of questioning beliefs
05:33 The fear and courage in changing beliefs
10:03 Redefining God as mystery and love
20:39 Parenting, co-parenting, and love in family life
21:08 Advice to younger self and embracing vulnerability
22:19 Michael Gungor's current spiritual view and the shape of reality

• Follow Michael Gungor:  @gungormusic 
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@aconversationwithcarl

#religion #faith #faithoverfear #truth #podcast #family

Is knee or joint pain holding you back? Before you schedule an MRI or book a surgery, watch this.

In this episode, top orthopedic surgeon  @HowardLuksMD  reveals the truth about aging joints, physical therapy, and why so many common surgeries are completely unnecessary. Plus, we dive into how AI is changing medicine and how you can use smart lifestyle shifts to stay active, mobile, and strong well into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

Let me know what you think. Subscribe.

01:36 - Approaching Surgery & Managing Patient Fears. Why surgery is rarely the starting option and how MRIs often reveal non-causal issues that generate unnecessary fear.
06:54 - The Role of AI in Modern Medicine. How artificial intelligence can assist with pattern recognition and complex queries, along with its limitations in clinical decisions.
18:01 - Debunking Longevity Trends & Fitness Over 40. Why heavy lifting, real movement, and social connections outperform quick-fix supplements, and how to adjust training rules as you age.

• Follow Dr. Howard Luks: https://www.howardluksmd.com/
-- https://howardluksmd.substack.com/
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@aconversationwithcarl

#podcast #MRI #Doctor #Medical #longevity #aging #fitness

This is not a medical podcast. The host, Carl Leibowitz, is not a medical doctor. We conduct conversations with people who are top professionals in their fields and although Dr. Luks is a medical doctor and a top professional in his field, the views expressed are his own opinion. A Conversation with Carl or Giant Apple Media, LLC does not endorse a specific type of treatment or testing timeline for any medical condition. You should always consult your own doctor(s) before making medical decisions about your own or someone's else's health.

Are social media algorithms controlling what you believe about climate change?

In this episode, host Carl Leibowitz sits down with climate scientist and science communicator Dr.  @SimonClark  to expose how misinformation spreads online, why standard individual actions aren't enough, and what actually moves the needle on global emissions.

From the hidden impact of food waste and coal burning to the real leverage points in policy and technology, Dr. Clark breaks down how to spot fake scientific claims and focus on the solutions that matter.

Let me know what you think. Subscribe.

01:41 - Importance of Accessible Science**
04:11 - Discerning Scientific Fact from Misinformation**
09:57 - Free Speech vs. Regulation of Misinformation**
19:57 - Improving Science Education in Schools**
26:35 - How Climate Science Evolves Over Time**
27:52 - Human Activities Driving Climate Change**
29:03 - Reasons for Optimism: The Clean Energy Shift**
35:44 - Actionable Steps to Improve Climate Literacy**


• Follow Dr. Simon Clark: https://www.youtube.com/@SimonClark
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@aconversationwithcarl

How do you film a 9-month adventure across 4 continents without letting a camera ruin the actual experience?

In this episode, travel filmmaker and YouTuber Carl Watson breaks down his full creative process—from navigating remote expeditions in Antarctica and Central Asia to mastering solo travel, editing, and keeping the passion alive without burning out.

#TravelDocumentary #SoloTravel #TravelVlog #KarlWatson #Travel

00:00 – 00:52: Highlights and preview of the episode's key moments.
08:15 – 09:24: Dealing with self-doubt during trips and managing unused footage.
09:25 – 11:49: Planning itineraries versus remaining open to spontaneous experiences.
11:50 – 13:27: The value of speaking with locals for travel advice and taking time off during trips.
14:21 – 15:17: Reflections on traveling to Antarctica.
17:42 – 18:43: The place that surprised him the most
19:49 – 20:28: Advice for anyone wanting to start traveling.
27:52 – 28:27: Memorable safari experiences in the Serengeti.
28:28 – 28:51: Previewing his upcoming group tour to Central Asia.

CONNECT WITH KARL WATSON
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@karlwatsondocs
🌐 https://www.karlwatson.net/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlwatsondocs

CONNECT WITH A CONVERSATION WITH CARL PODCAST
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@aconversationwithcarl/

🔥 Comedian  @stevehofstetter  sits down with Carl to pull back the curtain on stand-up comedy, viral fame, and handling hecklers in the digital age. From getting millions of views for obliterating hecklers live on stage to navigating the harsh realities of the entertainment industry without compromising your values—this interview goes deep.

In this episode, Steve breaks down:
• How he turns hostile hecklers into viral moments
• Why digital media completely changed the game for independent comedians
• Standing by your personal values when the industry tells you to shut up
• What most people get WRONG about the reality of modern comedy

👇 DROP A COMMENT: What’s the worst heckler moment you’ve ever seen live at a comedy club? Subscribe

⏰ TIMESTAMPS:

01:15 - 03:15: Discussion on how Steve got started posting viral videos and handling heckler comebacks.
03:15 - 05:28: Steve breaks down the behind-the-scenes context of Michael Richards' infamous stand-up incident.
11:35 - 13:43: Steve talks about his favorite baseball team, the Mets, and throwing out ceremonial first pitches.
16:02 - 19:12: Steve details his decision to leave his talent agency (33 and West) in 2024 after they signed Kanye West.
19:12 - 22:14: Advice for up-and-coming artists on taking risks and standing by their core values.
22:14 - 23:46: How to determine if a joke works by testing it in front of a room full of strangers.

#SteveHofstetter #StandUpComedy #HecklerOwned #ComedyInterview #Podcast