Phil and Ted's Sexy Boomer Show

Zayd Ayers Dohrn, son of Weather Underground leaders Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, grew up as a toddler on the lam, dodging the FBI while his parents traded protest signs for pipe bombs. Then a West Village townhouse blew sky high and took three of their own with it. The kids got the bill: arrests, exile, and scars that never healed. So what happens when people give up on democracy and start building bombs? Zayd knows. He was raised in the fallout.

Takeaways:

• The Weather Underground moved from peaceful protest to planning violent bombings after key killings and frustrations.
• The West Village townhouse explosion was a catastrophic turning point that killed comrades and halted lethal plans.
• Parents used payphones, code words, and secret networks to evade the FBI while underground for years.
• Parents faced a moral dilemma: balancing child safety with commitment to revolutionary struggle and social change.
• The damaging effects on children who experienced instability, separation, and abandonment due to radical actions and arrests.
• FBI overreach, COINTELPRO abuses, and how illegal actions by authorities led to dropped charges against fugitives.
• Historical parallels and warnings that prolonged democratic failure can drive some toward radical and violent methods.
• The Weather Underground's campaign avoided civilian casualties after the explosion, yet its legacy remains morally and politically fraught.
• Read Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young—an inside look at a fugitive childhood and a searing account of a revolutionary era.
• Zayd’s own podcast, Mother Country Radicals, offers even more untold stories from the underground.

Season 7 blasts off with a mind-expanding conversation with bestselling author D.W. Pasulka, whose new book The Others: UFOs, AI, and the Secret Forces Guiding Human Destiny has everybody from Silicon Valley to the Vatican talking.

Pasulka pulls back the curtain on how faith traditions, Catholicism especially, saw this coming: a seismic shift in human consciousness now being accelerated by AI and emerging tech.

Behold apocalyptic dread in Silicon Valley boardrooms, the rise of "grief tech" and AI resurrections of the dead, ancient biblical mysteries getting a 21st-century reboot, and why the smartest people in tech are suddenly reaching for scripture to make sense of what they've built.

Pasulka connects the dots from visionaries like Teilhard de Chardin and Marshall McLuhan straight through to today's AI arms race, and asks the question none of us can quite look away from: as the synthetic starts to feel sacred, how do we know what — or who — to believe?

Plus, Phil has a cigar with media prophet Marshall McLuhan, and Ted gets a personal transmission from Arthur C. Clarke in Saudi Arabia.

History, science, and spirituality collide at warp speed. Season 7 is officially airborne!

Topics include:

How technology and AI are reshaping human consciousness and perception at scale.

How social media amplifies mimetic desire and enables collective scapegoating that harms communities.

Grief tech and AI-based resurrections can hinder healthy grieving and distort relationships with the dead.

Religion provides the most adaptive framework to interpret nonhuman intelligence and potential disclosure responsibly.

Historical examples show that anomalous aerial phenomena have long been mediated through religious language and ritual interpretation.

The urgent need to protect children's interior life and cognitive development from early and constant screen exposure.

Advances in sensor and military technology transformed UAP study from anecdote into verifiable data requiring national security attention.

Links referenced in this episode:

• D.W. Pasulka
• Hereticon
• SexyBoomershow.com

Everyone dreams of dropping out and building a better world. Almost nobody plans for the compost schedule, the group meetings, or the guy who thinks he's the Messiah. Phil and Ted head deep into California's utopian fringe — one stop in a Klamath Mountains commune, the other out in the high desert, scanning the sky for something that isn't from here.

Guest Jonathan Berman, professor emeritus of film at Cal State San Marcos, made Commune (2006), the first real reexamination of 1960s communal life, centered on Black Bear Ranch — the Northern California commune that promised "free land for free people" and delivered a crash course in how exhausting paradise actually is.

He also directed Calling All Earthlings, a look at desert UFO culture from the 1950s through the '70s, when believers, contactees, and at least one full-blown cult decided the Mojave was humanity's launchpad — building the Integratron to rejuvenate the body and, sure, maybe unlock the next stage of evolution while they were at it.

Two very different roads out of the mainstream, same destination: total commitment to an idea nobody could prove. A commune. A saucer. A new kind of human.

Trip out with Phil and Ted as they pursue higher spiritual consciousness, California style.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sexyboomershow.com
• Commune Documentary
• Calling All Earthlings
• The Integratron

Takeaways:

• Black Bear Ranch was created as an alternative refuge from 1960s political unrest and the draft.
• How free love and communal practices produced both intimacy and deep conflict among ranch residents.
• The arrival of children shifted social dynamics and led many families to leave for conventional life.
• The dangerous influence of the Shivalila cult episode that separated families and caused real harm to children.
• George Van Tassel built the Integratron from alien instructions as a device intended to extend human lifespans.
• The Integratron and Van Tassel attracted countercultural followers, government scrutiny, and persistent conspiracy concerns.
• Archival preservation at the Huntington secures Van Tassel materials and aids public study of this history.
• Many countercultural experiments were sincere and influential, and their ideas later became commodified by mainstream culture.

How can you hate me when you don't know me?

Daryl Davis walks into rooms most people would run from. A musician, actor, and author, Davis has spent decades doing something that sounds almost too simple to work: sitting down with Klan leaders and just talking. The result? Over 200 Klansmen have hung up their hoods for good—and more than two dozen have handed Davis their robes as proof. He keeps them, not as trophies, but as evidence of what honest conversation can actually do. Daryl breaks down the psychology of hate, gets real about the tightrope America is walking right now, and makes the case—hard-won and unsentimental—for why he still believes people can change.

Takeaways:

• Daryl Davis, a black man, owns numerous KKK robes as a result of his unique approach to confronting racism.
• Through his efforts, more than 200 individuals have renounced their affiliation with the KKK after engaging in dialogue with him.
• Daryl's childhood experiences abroad fostered a worldview that was initially oblivious to racism, shaping his later pursuits.
• The central question driving Daryl's activism is: How can individuals harbor hate for someone they do not know?
• Daryl emphasizes the importance of finding common ground with those who hold opposing views, facilitating understanding and dialogue.
• His work illustrates that addressing racism requires a cultural shift, rather than merely changing individual minds.

Links referenced in this episode:

• darrelldavis.com
• sexyboomershow.com
• Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• TED
• The Wire
• YouTube
• Accidental Courtesy
• Daryl Davis, Race and America
• Southern Poverty Law Group
• Mark Potok
• Ku Klux Klan
• Oath Keepers
• Proud Boys
• Simon Wiesenthal Center
• D.C. Stevenson

Who was the woman talking to a log on primetime TV — and why can't anyone forget her? Phil and Ted sit down with filmmaker, actor, and singer Richard Green, whose documentary "I Know Catherine, the Log Lady," chronicles the life of Catherine Coulson, Twin Peaks' most unforgettable oddball.

Green was Coulson's friend for decades, and he brings real stories: what it was like on David Lynch's iconic sets, how Coulson built a legacy from one strange, indelible role, and what it takes to survive — and thrive — in independent film. From Twin Peaks trivia to the scrappy realities of crowdfunding a passion project, Green lays out how filmmakers today are ditching the old studio gatekeepers and building direct, obsessive fan communities instead.

Equal parts backstage tour and indie-filmmaking masterclass, this one's for anyone who's ever loved a show enough to wonder about the person behind the weirdest character in it.

Takeaways:

• The podcast features a detailed discussion on the life and career of Catherine Coulson, famously known as the Log Lady from Twin Peaks, highlighting her significant contributions to film and theater.
• Richard Green, the director and producer, shares insights into the challenges of raising funds for the documentary through Kickstarter, emphasizing the strong support from the Twin Peaks fan community.
• The episode explores the intricate relationship between reality and performance, particularly in the context of acting and how life experiences influence artistic expression.
• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the themes of mortality and living fully, as discussed in the documentary, which poignantly captures the last moments of Catherine's life and her enduring legacy.

Links referenced in this episode:

• iknowcatherine.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Twin Peaks
• David Lynch
• Mark Frost
• Hill Street Blues
• Eraserhead
• Kickstarter
• Star Trek
• American Film Institute
• Laemmle Theaters

Is America's system of checks and balances already broken, or just badly bent? Phil and Ted sit down with Professor Michael Genovese — presidential scholar, author of 50 books on the office, and, improbably, a stand-up comedian — to take stock of a presidency that's tested every boundary it could find, and cashed in along the way.

Genovese walks through Trump's "runaway presidency": the monetizing of the Oval Office, the abuse of presidential power for personal enrichment — his own and his inner circle's — the erosion of legal and ethical norms, and a Congress too gridlocked or too compromised to push back. They dig into the money-in-politics problem fueling it all, the hollowing out of the middle class left in its wake, and how authoritarianism spreads — both here and abroad — when nobody's minding the guardrails, and the guardrails are busy enriching themselves.

Can political humor still puncture a bubble this dense? Is democracy on the ropes, or just down a few rounds? Join Phil and Ted for a candid, occasionally irreverent look at power, corruption, and whether the center can still hold.

Award-winning professor Michael Genevese is the Director of the Loyola Marymount University's Institute for Leadership Studies and president of the Global Policy Institute, where he teaches “The American Presidency” and “Political Leadership.”

Takeaways:

• The podcast features a conversation with Professor Michael Genovese, an authority on the presidency, exploring the current state of American democracy.
• In discussing the legal limits of presidential power, the speakers emphasize the alarming trend towards a runaway presidency that disregards constitutional boundaries.
• Professor Genovese critiques the lack of checks and balances in contemporary governance, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's approach to power.
• The discussion touches on the implications of political intimidation and the erosion of democratic norms under the current administration.
• The speakers express concern over the rise of populism and its potential to undermine democratic institutions globally, drawing parallels to historical trends.
• A significant theme explored is the pervasive impact of societal division and the challenge of restoring a unified democratic ethos in America.

Comedy legend Paul Willson returns to The Sexy Boomer Show for an engaging and often hilarious conversation spanning improv’s golden age, reflections from decades in show business, and the changing landscape of comedy and Hollywood.

Paul shares stories about working on “Cheers” and rubbing elbows with icons like Robin Williams and Garry Shandling, and discusses the ripple effects of political satire, corporate media, and the decline of traditional entertainment spaces. This episode dives deep into the art and business of making people laugh.

Takeaways:

• Paul Wilson, an exceptional comedian and improviser, shares insights from his extensive career in comedy and television, notably his time on 'Cheers'.
• The discussion highlights the evolution of comedy improv and its significance in today's entertainment landscape amidst political and social challenges.
• We delve into the personal anecdotes of Paul Wilson, illustrating the camaraderie and competitive spirit among comedians throughout their journeys.
• The conversation addresses the current state of the entertainment industry, noting significant shifts towards digital platforms and the impact on traditional media.
• Through the lens of humor, we explore the latent fears and societal issues that comedians navigate while performing in contemporary times.
• The episode culminates in reflections on the role of comedy as a means of coping with societal absurdities, emphasizing its enduring importance.

Links referenced in this episode:

• SexyBoomershow.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Cheers
• Larry Sanders
• Frank Sinatra
• Hulu
• Disney
• Sinclair Station Group
• Fox News
• ABC
• Katie Porter
• Dick Clark Productions
• Descartes Productions
• Garry Shandling
• Robin Williams
• Tom Petty
• Alfred Jerry
• Steve Allen
• Woody Allen
• Tom Posten
• Fred Allen

Your phone isn't just a phone anymore. It's a checkpoint. Phil and Ted dig into the quiet, relentless buildout of America's surveillance state — the one where government agencies and private data brokers have quietly merged into something neither the Constitution nor most Americans ever signed up for.

Nicole Bennett, PhD candidate and assistant director at Indiana University's Center for Refugee Studies, breaks down how we got here: the long history of U.S. government surveillance, the explosive rise of data brokers like Palantir, and the invisible algorithms now scoring your life without your knowledge or consent. Undocumented immigrants are living it first — but everyday citizens aren't far behind.

Is there any privacy left, or did we already trade it away one terms-of-service click at a time? Phil and Ted go deep on the dangers, the chilling effects on speech and civic life, and — because it's not all doom — the real tools of resistance and reasons for hope in a hyper-surveilled world.

Takeaways:

• The pervasive nature of surveillance capitalism has transformed how individuals engage with technology and social media, often leading to unintended consequences regarding privacy.
• Historically, the United States has experienced various forms of surveillance, which have escalated with advancements in technology and the introduction of policies post-9/11.
• The privatization of data collection has raised concerns regarding the accountability and transparency of governmental surveillance practices, particularly in relation to immigration enforcement.
• Individuals are increasingly being monitored through their digital footprints, with social media platforms acting as potential checkpoints that can affect their legal status.
• The chilling effect of surveillance on free speech is a significant concern, as people may self-censor their online expressions due to fears of government scrutiny.
• Innovative technologies used for resistance can counteract surveillance efforts, demonstrating that technology can serve both oppressive and liberating purposes.

UPDATE: Former Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown offered a welcome clarification about our discussion concerning a roving, unmarked SUV in Santa Monica, CA, that is monitoring a wide spectrum of electronic transmissions around it, like your phone. He wrote, "Technological advances in criminal monitoring and data gathering created a big issue for me when I was on the City Council. The value of providing law enforcement with new tools was hard to deny. What we did, and I believe still do, is put protective walls around the data gathered. Our policy is not to retain data for more than 90 days, and never to share it with other law enforcement agencies or extra-legal entities like ICE. This was never a perfect compromise. But (Santa Monica) is not hoovering up data to contribute to a surveillance state. Or at least we never were until the time I retired five years ago. Now I’m just a sexy boomer." Thank you, Kevin!

Learn more: Tech Oligarchs Are Helping DHS Set Up an Authoritarian Surveillance State.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• National Security Agency
• Department of Homeland Security
• CIA
• FBI
• Defense Intelligence Agency
• LexisNexis
• Clear
• Lockheed
• Doge
• Palantir
• Facebook
• Google Plus
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• Tumblr
• Instagram
• VK
• Flickr
• MySpace
• X
• TikTok
• Reddit
• WhatsApp
• YouTube
• Indiana University

Takeaways:

• The significance of the 1964-65 and 1939 World's Fairs, highlighting their cultural impact and technological showcases.
• Robert Moses played a pivotal role in shaping the 1964 World's Fair, emphasizing his complex legacy as a master builder and controversial figure.
• The 1939 Fair introduced groundbreaking technological concepts, while the 1964 Fair faced societal challenges amid the Civil Rights Movement.
• Attendees of the 1964 World's Fair experienced a juxtaposition of optimism for the future against a backdrop of political unrest and social change.

Links referenced in this episode:

• billcotter.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• New York Telephone
• IHOP
• Coca Cola
• Texas Instruments
• Ford
• General Electric
• Sinclair Oil
• IBM
• Disney
• Pepsi

Five years after January 6th, Phil and Ted ask the question nobody wants to say out loud: is the Constitution actually built to survive this, or are we finding out the hard way that it's mostly an honor system? Turns out the document holding democracy together runs less on ironclad law than on the character of whoever's in charge — and that should worry you.

Guest Brian Kalt is a constitutional law scholar and author of Constitutional Cliffhangers, a book that predicted this mess before it happened. He, Phil, and Ted dig into the 25th Amendment, presidential immunity, the actual limits (or lack thereof) on the pardon power, and what really stops a profiteering president who won't leave after two terms. Spoiler: less than you'd hope.

Is the Constitution strong enough to hold, or is America just the latest stop on the world tour of democracies backsliding into autocracy? Buckle up for a deep, occasionally unnerving dive into the rules — and the loopholes — that run the highest office in the land, and what's actually left standing between here and there.

Takeaways:

• The podcast comprehensively explores the implications of the 25th Amendment in the context of presidential incapacity and succession.
• We discuss the intricate relationship between constitutional provisions and the evolving political landscape of contemporary America.
• The episode highlights the potential for a former president to attempt a third term, challenging the legal frameworks designed to limit such occurrences.
• We delve into the ambiguity of presidential immunities, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court decisions impacting legal precedents.
• Our conversation addresses the historical context of the two-term limit and its implications for future presidencies.
• We reflect on the need for clear protocols regarding presidential succession to prevent constitutional crises.

Links referenced in this episode:

• SexyBoomer Show.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Trump
• Paul Krugman
• Michigan State University
• Yale Law School
• Honduran
• George Wallace
• Lurleen Wallace