On Episode 155 of The TLB Podcast, James welcomes Dan Pheo and Eric Hecker for an exploration of the history, creativity, and underground legacy of Long Island skateboarding culture.

Dan shares his journey from local skateboarder to influential artist and designer, discussing the evolution of skateboard customization, how technology is shaping modern skating, and how community-driven creativity helped define generations of riders. They also cover the creation of Coffee Guy, the overlap between skateboarding and meme culture, and how skateboarding continues to reinvent itself through new creative voices.

The episode also examines the fall of Bethpage Skate Park, which was ultimately shut down due to toxic waste contamination. Dan recounts documenting the park’s closure and the lasting impact it had on the local skating community, while James and Eric expand the discussion into broader environmental concerns tied to Superfund sites on Long Island, corporate negligence, and the hidden industrial history beneath public spaces.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Dan Pheo
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lazyassdestroyer
Coffee Guy Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/coffeeguy1201
Hazel Skate Boards Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/hazelskateboards
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@pheosskatbordermen
Hazel House YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@hazel_house
Bethpage Skatepark Video → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFfG_Lom3ws
Website → https://www.pheosskateshop.com

Connect with Eric Hecker
Website → https://www.deciphering.tv
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@decipheringmyexperience9191
X → https://www.x.com/@decipheringTV

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
03:09 - Evolution of Skate Culture
06:02 - Rogue Days of Skateboarding
09:07 - The Art of Skateboard Design
11:59 - Coffee Guy
14:49 - Memes and Skateboarding
29:23 - Collecting Skateboards
31:35 - Documenting Long Island Skate Culture
34:14 - Local Skate Spots and Community
38:12 - Evolution of Skate Videos
47:56 - The State of Long Island Skate Parks
56:41 - Skate Park Toxic Waste Discovery
01:00:18 - Buried Barrels and Environmental Concerns
01:06:00 - Corporate Negligence and Community Impact
01:10:06 - Mysteries Beneath the Surface
01:14:53 - Evolution of Long Island's Skate Parks
01:22:17 - Designing the Ideal Skate Park
01:25:21 - Art, Business, and Personal Reflections
01:29:18 - Environmental Concerns and Community Impact

#Skateboarding #SkateCulture #LongIsland #DanPheo #EricHecker #CoffeeGuy #SkateboardArt #Skateparks #EnvironmentalIssues #ToxicWaste #SuperfundSites #CommunityImpact #NewYorkSkateboarding #SkateDesign #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 154 of The TLB Podcast, James welcomes back author and researcher Ronnie Pontiac to discuss his two new books, The Rosicrucian Counterculture and The Unobstructed Way.

Through The Rosicrucian Counterculture, they explore the origins of the Rosicrucian movement, its early manifestos, common misinterpretations, the evolution of Rosicrucian thought from the Scientific Revolution through modern countercultural movements, its influence on European intellectual history, mysticism, alchemy, liberty, and individuality — and how these ideas continue to echo today.

Through The Unobstructed Way, James and Ronnie examine the remarkable love story of Stewart and Betty White, their exploration of mediumship, and the spiritual philosophy of the “unobstructed universe.” Ronnie shares his personal journey of loss following the passing of his wife and co-author Tamra Lucid, and reflects on how Tamra is continuing their work, and the work of the White’s, through spiritual communication.

This episode moves from esoteric history to intimate spiritual reflection, exploring grief, transformation, love, and the possibility that consciousness extends beyond physical limitation.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Ronnie Pontiac
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/theronniepontiac
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@ronniepontiac
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@theronniepontiac
Medium → https://ronniepontiac.medium.com/
Substack → https://ronniepontiac.substack.com/

Referenced Books
“The Rosicrucian Counterculture” → https://a.co/d/0c9M3fJM
“The Unobstructed Way” → https://a.co/d/04hmdBoK

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
06:32 - Rosicrucians and the Scientific Revolution
12:04 - Rudolf II and Prague
17:18 - Rise of Rosicrucianism in Europe
24:11 - The Confusion Surrounding Rosicrucian Ideals
30:50 - Rosicrucianism in Modern Culture
43:06 - Frederick V
49:42 - John Winthrop the Younger: A Rosicrucian in America
55:43 - Winthrop’s Legacy
01:01:17 - Liberty and Individuality
01:22:15 - The Extraordinary Love Story of Stuart and Betty White
01:30:46 - Exploring the Unobstructed Universe
01:47:50 - Transformation and Spiritual Connection
02:02:24 - Messages from Beyond
02:12:56 - Love and Loss
02:20:31 - Grief and the Unobstructed Self
02:30:21 - Connection and Transformation

#Rosicrucianism #Mysticism #Alchemy #Counterculture #Spirituality #Metaphysics #ScientificRevolution #Mediumship #Consciousness #LoveAndLoss #Freedom #Individuality #SpiritualCommunication #EsotericHistory #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 153 of The TLB Podcast, James welcomes back researcher Doireann Herold for Part Two of their deep dive into the mysteries of the Voynich manuscript, and the challenges of translating one of history’s most enigmatic texts.

They discuss the cartographic foldouts and potential connections to historical geography, maritime trade routes, phonetic structures, Celtic alphabet and symbolism, and the flora and fauna referenced throughout the pages — while also addressing the cultural exchange networks that may have shaped the manuscript’s creation.

They also get into the cult-like dynamics within niche research communities, the importance of open collaboration, and how expanding public engagement may unlock new interpretive pathways - furthering the search for meaning within one of the world’s most puzzling historical artifacts.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Doireann Herold
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@blesst_butt
Substack → https://blesstbutt.substack.com/
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@blesst_butt

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
03:10 - Linguistic Breakthroughs and Challenges
05:53 - Collaboration and Community Engagement
08:58 - New Insights
11:55 - Flora and Fauna: Translating Botanical References
14:28 - Eels and Hagfish Slime
16:58 - Cartography and Rope Making
22:23 - The “Latin” Inscriptions & Cliffs of Moher Theory
25:24 - The Final Page Translation: Rope, Kern & Instructional Text
28:30 - Hagfish Slime: Medieval Fiber Technology?
33:54 - Medieval Rope-Making & Rotary Mechanisms
36:52 - The Fold-Out “Cartography Map” Explained
54:04 - Maritime Trade Route: Athens to Ireland
01:05:05 - Lugano, Celtic Alphabets & The Geographic Center
01:17:46 - Maritime Trade, Scola & Knowledge Exchange
01:24:02 - Phonetics and Celtic Symbolism
01:27:13 - Celtic Crosses and Their Meanings
01:32:52 - The Manuscript's Purpose and Historical Context
01:38:04 - Cultural Exchange and Historical Communes
01:49:44 - The Future of Research and Knowledge Sharing

#VoynichManuscript #Linguistics #Translation #IrishLanguage #HistoricalResearch #Cartography #AncientTexts #CelticSymbolism #MedievalHistory #MaritimeTrade #LinguisticAnalysis #HistoricalMysteries #ResearchCommunity #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 152 of The TLB Podcast, James is joined by Preston Van Loon to explore how the precedent set by The Tornado Cash verdict isn’t just about crypto — it’s about whether privacy itself is still legal..

They break down the fundamental principles of blockchain technology, the importance of decentralization, and the growing tension between open-source development and government regulation. Preston shares his firsthand experience suing the United States Department of the Treasury, testifying in the Tornado Cash trial, and how the verdict could reshape developer liability, privacy rights, and financial freedom online.

The conversation also explores financial privacy, the role of zero-knowledge technology, and why privacy-preserving tools are essential to free expression and autonomy in the digital age.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Preston Van Loon
X → http://www.x.com/prestonvanloon.eth

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
02:51 - Understanding Blockchain Basics
06:01 - Preston's Journey into Crypto
08:59 - Financial Privacy
11:58 - Tornado Cash
15:09 - Government Response to Tornado Cash
20:54 - Winning the Lawsuit Against the Treasury
44:03 - Navigating Open Source Liability
45:27 - The Tornado Cash Trial
47:16 - Testifying in Court
51:12 - Jury's Verdict and Its Implications
01:02:08 - Impact of Developer Convictions
01:05:46 - Erosion of Privacy and Freedom
01:24:53 - Future of Privacy

#Blockchain #Cryptocurrency #TornadoCash #DigitalPrivacy #Ethereum #CryptoTrial #FinancialFreedom #GovernmentRegulation #OpenSource #ZeroKnowledge #FreeSpeech #Surveillance #PrestonVanLoon #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 151 of The TLB Podcast, James welcomes back Erik Henkelman for a look into the dark history — and uncertain future — of sports betting and game fixing.

They get into the mafia’s historical involvement in sports gambling, early examples of point shaving and league manipulation, the infamous Tim Donaghy scandal that exposed vulnerabilities at the highest level of professional basketball, and the current NBA betting controversy surrounding Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Klutch Sports Group.

The conversation also covers the global sports betting ecosystem, the role of offshore markets, how corruption can quietly move through leagues, players, referees, and executives alike, the blurred line between entertainment and integrity, and what this ongoing investigation could mean for the future of professional sports.

This episode is a sobering examination of power, money, and accountability, and why transparency is increasingly critical in an industry built on public trust.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Erik Henkelman
Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/strokefacekillah

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
03:04 - Sports Betting
06:07 - Historical Context of Sports Fixing
08:49 - Betting Scandals
14:59 - Mafia in Sports
18:01 - The Global Sports Betting Ecosystem
21:03 - Michael Jordan's Gambling Controversies
23:55 - Current Scandal in the NBA
26:54 - The Future of Sports Betting and Crime
40:03 - Chauncey Billups
44:02 - LeBron James and the Vegas NBA Team
48:03 - The FBI's Role in Sports Corruption
01:12:40 - Corruption in Major League Baseball
01:25:18 - Power and Corruption in Sports Organizations
01:29:55 - Politics and Sports
01:34:27 - The Future of Sports Integrity

#Mafia #SportsBetting #TimDonaghy #ChaunceyBillups #MichaelJordan #SportsFixing #NBAScandals #Gambling #Corruption #SportsHistory #FBIInvestigations #GameFixing #CollegeSports #NCAA #ErikHenkelman #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 150 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with Israeli-American filmmaker Michael Moshe Dahan for a thoughtful, nuanced conversation about filmmaking, identity, and using art to address deep conflict. The discussion centers on Michael’s film Yes, Repeat, No, which examines the life, legacy, and contradictions of Juliano Mer-Khamis.

They explore the creative process behind politically and emotionally charged art, the challenges of telling stories that resist simple narratives, and why nuance is increasingly difficult — yet more necessary than ever — in a polarized, outrage-driven culture, producing independent films in a fast-moving social media landscape, the responsibility of artists when engaging with historical trauma, and how art can function as a safe space for dialogue rather than division.

The conversation also touches on collaboration, editing, the psychological intensity of long-form filmmaking, and the emerging role of AI as a creative tool, all while emphasizing the importance of slowing down, listening, and allowing complexity to exist without immediate judgment.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Michael Moshe Dahan
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/napkinhead
Website → https://www.yesrepeatnofilm.com

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:08 - Michael's Journey in Filmmaking
04:05 - The Hybrid Filmmaker's Approach
06:58 - Creative Problem Solving in Film Production
13:10 - Juliano Mer-Khamis
19:56 - Yes, Repeat, No
26:57 - The Meta Nature of the Film
33:55 - Subject Matter Nuance and Complexity
39:59 - Reception and Impact
53:32 - Social Media and Information Overload
56:04 - The Role of Art in Addressing Conflict
01:01:58 - Finding Small Solutions in a Complex World
01:08:03 - The Editing Process
01:15:06 - Moving Forward from the Past
01:20:32 - AI and The Future of Filmmaking

#filmmaking #MichaelMosheDahan #YesRepeatNo #creativeprocess #identity #Palestine #Israel #filmproduction #artandpolitics #independentfilm #socialmedia #art #film #collaboration #editing process #AI #communityengagement #nuance #dialogue #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 149 of The TLB Podcast, James welcomes back Michael Pridmore for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of ultrasound technology in modern medicine. Together, they explore how ultrasound works at a fundamental physics level, its expanding diagnostic and therapeutic applications, and why it remains one of the most accessible and versatile tools in healthcare today.

The conversation spans elastography, targeted drug delivery using microbubbles, ablation techniques, and emerging uses of sound and vibration in medicine. They also examine historical ideas around resonance and healing, how interdisciplinary research is pushing ultrasound forward, and what these innovations could mean for the future of patient care and medical treatment.

This episode blends physics, medicine, and forward-looking science to reveal how sound is reshaping healthcare — from imaging to intervention.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Michael Pridmore
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelpridmost

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and MRI Safety Incident
06:17 - What is Ultrasound 
12:23 - The Technology of Ultrasound
28:11 - The Future of Ultrasound in Medicine
50:01 - Advancements in Ultrasound Imaging
51:33 - Innovative Ultrasound Applications
54:13 - Elastography and Tissue Analysis
55:39 - Targeted Drug Delivery
01:00:20 - Ablation Techniques in Medicine
01:06:51 - Historical Perspectives on Resonance and Healing
01:17:36 - Neuromodulation
01:29:39 - Sound in Medicine

#ultrasound #medicaltechnology #neuromodulation #soundtherapy #ultrasoundimaging #healthcaretechnology #medicaleducation #drug delivery #elastography #healthcareinnovations #medicalphysics #MichaelPridmore #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 148 of The TLB Podcast, James is joined once again by author, historian, and educator, Chris Verga, for a sober, unfiltered examination of terrorism, extremism, radicalization, and political violence in America. They examine how terrorism functions as symbolic communication, how the internet, social media, and conspiracy culture have dramatically accelerated extremist organizing, and the dangerous feedback loop created when violence is amplified or legitimized by media attention or political power.

The conversation tackles difficult but necessary questions around free speech vs public safety, and the psychology of radicalization, exploring how identity loss, social isolation, grievance narratives, and validation mechanisms act as powerful recruitment tools.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Chris Verga
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/chrisv1081
X → https://www.x.com/chrisv1081
Nazi’s of Long Island (Chris’ Latest Book) → https://a.co/d/9uDLZWq

Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:14 – The KKK on Long Island & Early Replacement Theory
04:09 – American Nazis, The Bund & Fascist Movements
05:33 – Militias, Anti-Government Groups & the Second Amendment
08:09 – Domestic Terrorism in the 80s & 90s
11:01 – The Psychology of Terrorists & Identity Loss
12:51 – Incels, Radicalization & Lone-Wolf Terrorism
14:16 – Middle East Terrorism: From Far-Left to Far-Right
19:26 – Internet Radicalization, 4chan & QAnon
25:45 – Free Speech vs Extremism
32:42 – Terrorism, Power & Weaponizing Fear
36:27 – Could Average Citizens Be Labeled Terrorists?
43:45 – Biggest Modern Terror Threat
48:22 – Can Terrorists Be De-Radicalized?
55:13 – Confederate Symbols, Civil War Legacy & Extremism
01:03:08 – How Extremism Spreads & How It Can Be Stopped

#chrisverga #terrorism #domesticterrorism #extremism #radicalization #politicalviolence #rightwingextremism #antigovernment #accelerations #incels #onlineradicalization #conspiracytheories #freespeech #criminology #historypodcast #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 147 of The TLB Podcast, James is joined by MJ Dorian, creator of the Creative Codex Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, consciousness, symbolism, and the unconscious mind.

They explore where creative ideas truly originate, the psychology of artists, and Jungian concepts such as archetypes, synchronicity, and shadow work, ancient schools of thought — from alchemy and mystery traditions to symbolism and ritual — and question whether these older frameworks understood science and the human psyche more deeply than modern culture often acknowledges.

This episode bridges art, psychology, and esotericism, offering a grounded yet expansive look at the inner forces that shape creativity itself.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with MJ Dorian
Creative Codex Podcast → https://www.plinkhq.com/i/1430850607?to=page
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@creativecodex
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/mjdorian
X → https://www.x.com/mjdorian
Website → https://www.mjdorian.com

Chapters
00:00 – Intro
02:10 – Creative Codex
04:15 – Cobain, Hendrix, Dalí
08:27 – Dalí & Drugs
10:34 – Creativity, Dreams, and the Unconscious
12:43 – “Channeling” vs Skill
15:45 – Symbols, Ritual, and Meaning
17:27 – Mystery Schools
22:07 – Psychology vs Practical Alchemy
27:08 – Synchronicity
31:25 – Jungian Therapy: Dream Analysis & Shadow Work
38:28 – Grief, Purpose, and Midlife Transformation
53:25 – Spagyric Alchemy
01:02:01 – Moon Phases and Ritual Timing
01:11:23 – Quantum Ideas, Intent, and Reality
01:15:27 – Vagus Nerve and Esoteric Practices
01:20:50 – Awareness Practices
01:25:54 – Lessons from Van Gogh
01:29:57 – Jung, Archetypes, Hilma af Klint

#creativity #psychology #alchemy #esoterictraditions #creativegenius #Jungiananalysis #CarlJung #symbolism #synchronicity #growth #art #MJDorian #TheTLBPod

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On Episode 146 of The TLB Podcast, James is joined by researcher of ancient cultures Peter Goodgame for a wide-ranging exploration of Sumerian and Egyptian history, mythology, and their possible connections to modern power structures and UFO narratives.

The conversation traces the origins of civilization, the cyclical rise and collapse of empires, and the expansion of the Uruk Empire, examining mythic figures such as Inanna and Dumuzi, and how these stories may reflect real historical dynamics. They also cover the bloodlines of rulers, the rise of the Horus tribe, the significance of Narmer the Fisherman King, and why modern military and intelligence institutions remain deeply interested in ancient myths, artifacts, and symbolic history.

Blending ancient texts, comparative mythology, and contemporary geopolitics, this episode asks whether the distant past still shapes the present — and what that means for humanity’s future.

Support the Show
Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se
Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s

Connect with Peter Goodgame
Peter’s Substack → https://pdgoodgame.substack.com/
X → https://www.x.com/PDGoodgame

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
02:54 - The Origins of Civilization
05:18 - The Antichrist Theory
08:45 - UFOs and Ancient Civilizations
12:05 - Power Structures and Historical Narratives
17:15 - The Fragility of Empires and Historical Cycles
24:36 - Ancient Sumer
29:53 - The Uruk Expansion
34:07 - Cycles of Collapse
40:04 - The Collapse of Uruk
49:30 - Inanna and Dumuzi
01:01:20 - The Dynastic Race Theory
01:17:20 - Sumerian and Egyptian Bloodlines
01:26:09 - The Rise of Egyptian Dynasties
01:30:10 - Cycle of Wars and Human Nature
01:32:42 - UAPs in Modern Society
01:35:33 - Historical Significance of Uruk and Egypt
01:46:27 - Mythology and History
01:49:07 - Connections to Modernity

#AncientHistory #Sumer #Egypt #Civilization #UFOs #UAPs #Mythology #Uruk #Inanna #Dumuzi #Bloodlines #Narmer #Horus #Empires #Spirituality #AncientMyths #MilitaryIndustrialComplex #History #TheTLBPod

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