Welcome to another mind-bending episode of "Saviors of the Metaverse," where today, our co-host Jared embarks on a whimsical journey through the realms of skepticism, sensitivity, and storytelling, with his trusty new iPad Pro leading the charge (and occasionally leading him astray).

The Story:

In a world oversaturated with TikTok facts and the constant clamor of opinions—of which, we're told, we should have fewer—Jared finds himself pondering the art of questioning everything without falling into the abyss of cynicism. His quest is simple yet profound: to navigate the tumultuous waters of modern discourse, where everyone seems to be perpetually offended, and to rediscover the joy of writing fiction.

Jared's journey begins with a curious Facebook prompt, igniting a spark of inspiration. He sets out, iPad Pro in hand, to explore the themes that bind our society: from Nikki Haley's latest political maneuvers and the fervor of voting in primaries, to the historical tales of Presidents Grover Cleveland and William McKinley, whose life was cut short by an assassination in Buffalo—home of the Pan American Games and a football team coached by a figure as scrutinized as any politician.

As Jared delves into these narratives, he encounters the paradox of our times: a culture caught between the duels of the past and the victimhood of the present, where conversations falter because no one truly listens. He muses on the evolution of entertainment, noting how actors now covet roles in television (streaming, to be precise), and reflects on the scandals rocking platforms like BetterHelp.org.

But it's not all doom and gloom. Amid the cacophony, Jared finds solace in "The Humans" by Matt Haig and the wisdom of figures like Condoleezza Rice. He considers the expectations placed on us by society, the surprisingly high average age of politicians, and the looming specter of Trump vs. Biden 2026.

Through it all, the iPad Pro proves to be both a catalyst for trouble and a beacon of salvation. It leads Jared into the heart of the debate over whether to dwell in victimhood or embrace the challenges head-on. It challenges him to stay curious amidst the narratives of the past and present, from living in the old days to the speculative futures of presidential elections.

In a climactic twist, Jared's foray into writing fiction on his iPad becomes a metaphor for the episode's core themes: the importance of questioning everything without succumbing to cynicism, the art of navigating a world where offense is all too common, and the transformative power of storytelling.

As the episode concludes, Jared reflects on his journey, realizing that while the world may be fraught with challenges, there is always a path forward for those willing to question, listen, and create. And sometimes, all it takes is a new iPad Pro to set the adventure in motion.

Join us for this episode of "Saviors of the Metaverse," where reality and fiction blur, opinions are plentiful (though we're trying to have fewer), and the quest for understanding is the greatest adventure of all.

And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

• Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | content production
• Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | leverage your future
• Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

Credits:

• This episode: "Are You Not Offended?" was produced by the team at KazCM
• Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
• Follow this podcast on Spotify