Our guest this episode is Dan Schaefer—a progressive political leader, engineer, and former candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives (District 97). His grassroots campaign focused on restoring reproductive rights, defending public education, and protecting the voice of working people.

Looking ahead to 2026, Dan plans to run again—either for State House District 97 or State Senate District 22. Known as a bold advocate for democratic principles, he has consistently spoken out against authoritarian overreach in state politics and efforts to undermine voter-driven initiatives.

Dan brings a rare blend of practical wisdom, policy expertise, and unwavering commitment to people over power. Whether he’s discussing union rights, economic justice, or civil liberties, he speaks with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

He is also the creator of Frontline Progressive, a newsletter spotlighting threats to democracy and uplifting grassroots action. With over 200 interviews from his past podcasting work, Dan continues to bring substance, energy, and insight to every conversation.

This interview was recorded on August 27, 2025.

You can find more about Dan on his website https://www.dan4mo.com/
Dan’s Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dan4mo  

You can find Billy Dees links here https://linktr.ee/BillyDees

This conversation explores emerging technologies that blur the line between human experience and artificial intelligence. On one hand, there’s excitement about innovations like Google’s emotional AI, smart skin, and AR memory glasses, which could transform healthcare, education, therapy, and even human connection. Similarly, advances such as Samsung’s dream monitoring and Meta’s mind-reading interface hold promise for diagnosing mental health conditions, restoring communication for the paralyzed, and deepening our understanding of the brain. Tools like Microsoft’s holographic teleportation and training robots such as Kaiwa’s pregnancy simulator also highlight the potential of technology to expand learning and accessibility.  

At the same time, the discussion raises deep ethical and societal concerns. Emotional AI and smart skin introduce risks of manipulation, surveillance, and commodification of intimacy. Technologies like AR glasses and dream monitoring threaten privacy at its most personal levels, while mind-reading interfaces raise questions about cognitive freedom. Even seemingly helpful innovations like pregnancy robots risk desensitization or erasing lived experiences.

Finally, the rise of sexualized robots and generative AI poses challenges around consent, objectification, addiction, and bias. Altogether, the conversation weighes the incredible opportunities of these tools against their potential to exploit, manipulate, or undermine core aspects of human dignity and trust. 

This program was produced live Saturday August 23, 2025, at 8:00pm EST.

You can find Cynthia Elliott on X https://x.com/shamanisis

Soul Tech Foundation https://soultechfoundation.org/ai-literacy-training

Billy Dees Online https://linktr.ee/BillyDees

Alan Katz has lived the wild ride of Hollywood—writing and producing films and shows like HBO’s legendary Tales From The Crypt. His career has taken him to the highest highs and darkest lows of showbiz, and he’s ready to spill every twisted story along the way.

Entertainment Weekly named the debut season of his How NOT To Make A Movie Podcast the “Best Film Podcast of 2022.” That’s when Alan realized he’d finally become what he always wanted to be when he grew up: a podcaster.

You can find Alan's podcast here: https://thedonorpodcast.com/

When reality wasn’t enough, J.F. Monroe built her own universe. In her Legacy of the Four trilogy, ancient powers walk among us, destinies shift, and courage rewrites fate.

Drawing inspiration from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and even Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending plots, Monroe blends epic adventure with deeply personal journeys.

At the core of her stories is one truth: the greatest magic comes from human connection. 

Website https://www.jfmonroebookshelf.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jf.monroe/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jf.monroe?_t=ZP-8sbcQQzxU5u&_r=1

You can follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees

Zafra Lerman has spent her life proving that science—infused with compassion and creativity—can bridge even the deepest divides. From her childhood in Israel to advising U.S. leaders at the White House, and from classrooms to conflict zones, she has brought together scientists from opposing nations, pioneered teaching chemistry through the arts, and championed science education as a basic human right. 

In her memoir, Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey, she shares the setbacks, triumphs, and inspiring moments that shaped her belief in science as a tool for peacebuilding—and offers lessons in courage, hope, and collaboration that the world urgently needs.

Zafra M. Lerman, Ph.D., FRSC
President, Malta Conferences Foundation
Distinguished Professor of Science and Public Policy (Emerita)
Columbia College Chicago  

Human Rights and Peace: A Personal Odyssey https://www.amazon.com/dp/9815129724?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_TASNR2KYK5G2EK9P25DG&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_TASNR2KYK5G2EK9P25DG&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_TASNR2KYK5G2EK9P25DG&bestFormat=true&csmig=1

MaltaConferencesFoundation.org https://www.maltaconferencesfoundation.org/

Zafra Lerman Website https://zafralerman.com/

Buckle up, because this episode goes completely off the rails—in the best way possible.

First up, we dive into the media’s favorite pastime: wildly speculating about suspects while the situation is still unfolding. (What could possibly go wrong?)

Then, things get tight—literally—as we unpack the bizarre internet uproar over Sydney Sweeney’s jeans. Are they just denim, or a coded message from the fashion-industrial complex? We explore the wild theories, questionable genetics talk, and somehow end up in a conversation no one saw coming.

Finally, we wrap things up with a look at NPR’s identity crisis and Tulsi Gabbard’s dramatic unveiling of “Operation Mockingbird.” Spoiler: it’s not a new Netflix thriller—yet. It’s smart, it’s snarky, and it might just be plain weird.

You can Follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees

And Cynthia Elliott on X https://x.com/shamanisis

🎙️ AI, Epstein, Colbert... and Hunter Biden?! LIVE with Billy Dees

Hold onto your neural networks—this episode is a wild ride. Billy Dees goes live to break down the latest chatter about artificial intelligence and whether the robots are planning our downfall or just trying to take our jobs one spreadsheet at a time.

We also check back in on the Epstein saga, because apparently that story never takes a vacation. And yes, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert—was it politics, ratings, or just bad punchlines?

Oh, and Hunter Biden’s back in the headlines with quotes that make you wonder if satire is even possible anymore.

📅 Broadcasted LIVE: Friday, July 25, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST

📱 Follow Billy on X: @BillyDees — because even AI knows he's worth the follow. https://x.com/BillyDees 

Hot Takes and Heated Topics!

In this lively episode, we dive into some of the most buzz-worthy stories in the media world. First up: a mysterious birthday letter allegedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaces—just in time to stir up controversy. Is it coincidence, or calculated distraction?

Next, we react to the surprise cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. What happened to the golden age of late-night laughs? We explore how these shows have shifted from light-hearted comedy to full-on political theater.

And finally, we take a hard look at NPR—once a trusted voice for public service journalism, now seen by many as another outlet for partisan commentary. What changed?

Don't miss this fast-paced episode packed with insight, humor, and sharp commentary.

Follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees

If you're a fan of old-school radio, you'll find Bill Thompson’s story especially compelling. A true veteran of the airwaves, Bill spent over 30 years behind the mic, interviewing some of the most fascinating figures of our time—leaders, inventors, entertainers, athletes, astronauts, and more. By the time he retired from radio in 2018, he'd recorded an astonishing archive of over 10,000 interviews.

Today, Bill brings those unforgettable moments back to life through his podcast, Now I've Heard Everything—a treasure trove of wit, wisdom, humor, and history.

But that’s not all.

Bill is also embracing the future by diving into the world of artificial intelligence. Through a new YouTube series, he’s helping adults over 40—especially those less tech-savvy—learn how to use AI in everyday, practical ways. He’s gathering real stories and questions from his audience to guide the series: What have you tried? What confused you? What do you want to learn?

Whether you're reminiscing about radio’s golden era or curious about AI’s modern magic, Bill Thompson is here to share, teach, and inspire.

You can find Bill Thompson here https://heardeverything.com/

On TikTok @heardeverything https://www.tiktok.com/@heardeverything?lang=en

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You can find Billy Dees on X @BillyDees https://x.com/BillyDees

From Author Kristy Mickelsen

A Short Read Memoir – “Sweet Inspiration”

“But later, when my high from the dope I had snorted early that morning wore off, I cried again for most of the night but not out of anger. This time it was out of fear. Fear of what was happening to me. Fear of what I had become. Fear of what was going to happen to my marriage, and the fear of losing my family – all to my addiction of the street drug, crystal meth.” 

In this episode, Kristy Mickelsen shares the inspiration behind her memoir and the personal journey that shaped her path as an advocate, author, and podcast host. From overcoming challenges to finding her voice, Kristy offers a powerful and uplifting story that’s sure to resonate with listeners.

You can find Kristy on X @KristyBooks https://x.com/KristyBooks

and more Kristy Mickelsen links are here https://linktr.ee/Kristymickelsen

You can find Billy Dees on X @BillyDees https://x.com/BillyDees