Disclaimer: I am a tree, and diligently research as well as possible, and these are my opinions based on that.

In this second episode of our series on Data, we're shunting forth into data privacy:

• What it actually means,
• How it's routinely compromised,
• Why "I've got nothing to hide" is a dangerously flawed mindset.

We explore how surveillance capitalism and state laws work together to extract, analyse, and exploit your personal data; from search history to biometric records. We'll:

• Cover the UK's Investigatory Powers Act and Online Safety Act,
• Discuss tools used by criminals vs everyday users
• Break down why mass data collection rarely catches "bad guys", but always targets you.

In the Thought Trap, we break down the "begging the question" fallacy with real-world examples from systemic racism, climate discourse, COVID policies, and hate speech.

DISCLAIMER: I am a tree

In this episode, we dig deep into the world of data; what it is, where it came from, and why it matters more than ever. From cave paintings and clay tablets to surveillance capitalism and predictive AI, this is your essential briefing on how data defines, drives, and dominates modern life.

A Brief History of Data

From Mesopotamian tax records to Newton’s logs; how humans have always used data to predict, control, and survive.

• How Data Shapes You

  Every search, swipe, scroll, and step; tracked and turned into behavioural models used to influence what you see, buy, think, and feel.

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  The Business and Politics of Data

  Who wants your data and why. How it powers logistics, surveillance, advertising, and state control.

Mass Surveillance and Snowden

PRISM, XKeyscore, the Five Eyes, and the third-party doctrine; why your privacy rights mean less than you think.

Sources: https://pastebin.com/uJuU1zuc

In this episode of The Reyt Good Program, Zak dives headfirst into the kaleidoscopic world of psilocybin mushrooms. From ancient rituals and questionable Christmas myths to modern clinical research and neuroscience, we unpack the strange, potent, and often misunderstood power of psychedelics. We also explore red herrings in public discourse during this week's Thought Trap.

Main Topics:

• Historical use of psilocybin mushrooms by Mesoamerican cultures
  Guzmán, G. (2008). Hallucinogenic Mushrooms in Mexico.

  
  

• Santa Claus and the Amanita muscaria theory
  Ruck, C.A.P., Bigwood, J. (1979). Entheogens and the Development of Culture.
  Debunking: Høeg, P. (2021). Mythbusting Amanita muscaria-Santa folklore.

  
  

• Clinical effects of psilocybin on the brain
  Carhart-Harris, R.L. et al. (2012). Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin. PNAS.

  
  

• Psilocybin in modern medicine for depression & PTSD
  Davis, A.K. et al. (2021). Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry.
  Griffiths, R.R. et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer. Journal of Psychopharmacology.

  
  

• Neuroplasticity and BDNF connection

  Ly, C. et al. (2018). Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity. Cell Reports.

  
  

• Addiction therapy potential
  Johnson, M.W. et al. (2014). Pilot study of psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction. Journal of Psychopharmacology.
  Bogenschutz, M.P. et al. (2022). Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder. JAMA Psychiatry.

Well, it could be Reyt good, but it also may not be.