Beyond Binary Thinking

Pat's political observations are as passionate as they are astute. He voted for Trump the first time, but was disillusioned as yet another President failed to exact any real change. Chris, Paul (Southern Podcast Authority) and Brent (Snow White Zombie Apocalypse) joined him for a debate on Centrist Vs. Left Wing politics. We were all surprised by how much we had in common. Four people from different political perspectives agreeing on the problems of the current political system, instructs us all about the need for Beyond Binary discussions. Check out the following links for more: https://brentonlengel.com/

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/united-states-of-conspiracy/

We debate the merits and pitfalls of democracy and abolishing monarchies with Jacob from BigYellowPraxis and Underrated/ Overhated https://www.youtube.com/user/inaholeinthegound/featured

Some say the left have no unity! Yet Toby and Chris had the pleasure of discussing the nuance in the differences between Marxist and Anarchist thought from Comrades: Brenton Lengal (Snow White Zombie Apocalypse, & Buenaventura Durruti), and Duncan Moore and Ryan Aldred (National Committee of the Socialist Party). We managed to avoid it descending into a confrontation, and an inspiring discussion was had.

Last time we talked China, we discussed the silk and belt road initiative and how china is buying up debt world wide. It seemed like they had a 100 year plan, and the west was falling apart. Now it seems like everyone is struggling, and we're all in it together. We talk to two Americans (including Connor from the Prove Me Wrong, Please podcast) who have lived in China for several years. Initially to discuss whether China will rule the world better now the US is fading as a superpower. The discussion was impressively nuanced, and took a few fascinating turns.

Peter Kris has built several successful startups in the block chain, and has a no nonsense, plain speaking approach to demystifying what is often an unnecessarily jargon filled space. What's overhyped? Where are the risks for retail investors? Why does it use so much energy? And what are some practical applications for blockchain technology that will actually help transform the internet of money from an investment bubble to a practical tool? Find out more about Peter's work at: https://mangata.finance/

The OG crew get weird and discuss traditional moral dilemmas such as the trolley problem, whether you should speak up at a wedding if you don't think the couple should marry. If our moral revulsion to certain acts is evolved, when is that instinct helpful, and when is it not?

German Political Analyst and Strategist Marc Saxer bring his experience in Asia and a unique perspective on how to transform Western politics.

If Neo-Liberalism is dying, why has the Left failed to capitalize on it? How can climate change activism become more effective?

We get into Identity Politics, the Culture Wars, and why polarized activism gets cancelled out by its tribal polar opposite. How can we break out of our political gridlock, and change the things that need fixing?

We discuss the need to avoid religious dogma on the path to enlightenment and Nirvana. A fascinating exploration of Buddhism from two perspectives often presented as conflicting opposites. What does Buddhism have to teach us about history, philosophy, our reality, history, and ourselves.

Hear more from Brenton here:

https://linktr.ee/BrentonLengel

Feminists often assume you're either with them, or you're wrong, and IMHO this is a a big reason why many fail to be persuasive.

However, Becs, my favorite and most charming Feminist friend was willing to come on for another round, and persuade me otherwise.

At the halfway point, we get into INCELs, and true and false claims of sexual harassment, and violence.

A history of and a future for misogyny and misandry.

So this conversation is not for the faint of heart, but needs to be had more often.

From the Fermi Paradox to Dyson swarms, the gang talks gravity assists, solar sails, recent developments in astrophysics, and the final frontier. What's the chance of life on other planets? How easy would it be to communicate with them, and would we want to?

Music from Art-X & Sumac Dub (free download at odgprod.com)