Rationalish

Ukraine is being invaded by Russia under Vladimir Putin's dictatorship. We invited Dr. Allyson Edwards, Teaching Fellow at Warwick University, to discuss Putin's rise to power, the formation of Russian democracy in the 1990s, it's dissolution under Putin, and the historic myth-making of Russia's military that led to this moment. We cover the resilience of the Ukrainian people and mention several important voices to follow who are reporting on this war.

The Guardian's reporting on Ukraine was cited in the episode: Ukraine crisis live

Consider following these people on Twitter:

@DrJMankoff

@ksvarnon

@CreativeCorazon

@NKuhrt

@jgmaber

@jeff_hawn

@irgarner

@ntrickett16

@DrJadeMcGlynn

@IAPonomarenko

@terrelljstarr

In 2008, British playwright Martin McDonagh released his first feature-length film ... and the world was never the same. Or, at least, Morgan and Eddie's world was never the same. Listen to an episode where they recount their favorite movie, one that chronicles the time two hitmen spent a Christmas weekend hiding out in Bruges, Belgium, waiting for the wrath of their boss and the atonement for their crimes. 

What's the Enneagram, you ask? Well, it's a method for interpreting human personality. And it tracks (in my opinion, Eddie speaking here). In this episode, we give the rundown of the nine Enneagram "types" and the attributes of each, while doing a deep dive on Types 3, 4, and 5. Maybe you have that weird uncle who always starts conflicts and no one knows why and you just think he's crazy. Or maybe he's an unhealthy Type 8 and gets energy from conflict. Listen to learn more....

Here are some Enneagram resources we reference in the episode:

Your Enneagram Coach

Enneagram Institute

Enneagram Wikipedia 

In this episode, Dr. Niko Switek joins us to discuss the transition of power Germany is currently experiencing. After 16 years of Angela Merkel as German Chancellor, there's a new sheriff in town, Olaf Scholz, with a new coalition government. Dr. Switek is an expert in Germany's green party and gives us some background on what this election means for the future of Germany. 

So grab your nearest Schnitzel or Bratwurst or Käsespätzle and settle in for a scholarly discussion.

In this episode, Morgan and Eddie discuss Facebook's rebrand as "Meta" a company that is seeking to create the next iteration of the internet, which they call the "metaverse." If you're as scared about Mark Zuckerberg being on the frontlines of the next wave of tech innovation, then you're in good company. We discuss the implications of what this means for society and for technology. We read and referenced the following article, which gives a good recap of what Meta is and what this could portend:

NY Times - The Metaverse is Mark Zuckerberg's Escape Hatch

Is drinking heavily an American phenomenon? No. Is drinking alone an American phenomenon? Perhaps. Morgan and Eddie discuss The Atlantic article titled "America Has a Drinking Problem", an essay that walks us through the historical use of alcohol as a socialization tool. They also discuss the 2020 Academy Award-nominated Danish film "Another Round", a movie with a fascinating premise where four middle-aged friends test out a Norwegian philosopher's theory that mankind was born with a BAC that is too low.

Here are the links to the sources we discuss:

The Atlantic - America Has a Drinking Problem

Another Round - Trailer

Musician and composer Jonny Pickett joins the podcast to tell the story behind his new album "Made in China." During the episode he tells the story behind the last song on the album, "John Rabe", named for a Nazi living in China during WWII who saved approximately 200,000 lives during a massacre by the Japanese army. 

Listen to the song here: John Rabe

You can support Jonny's music here: Patreon

Morgan and Eddie speak with special guest and Portland resident/aficionado Tyler Green about gentrification and its impact on parks, businesses, and the local community. 

Morgan and Eddie reflect on Trumpism and political activism and the implications this holds for American democracy moving forward.