Best Robbie Yang Podcasts (2025)

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603. The History of Sword & Sorcery (with Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King) 1:30:58

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16h ago1:30:58

1:30:58

Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King, creators of The Spine of Night, join us to discuss the book Flame and Crimson: A History of Sword and Sorcery by Brian Murphy. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Dr. Sabine Hazan: How Microbes Shape Memory, Mood, and the Mind 58:35

1d ago58:35

58:35

What if the secret to unlocking the mysteries of our minds, our health, and even our happiness is hiding in the most unexpected place—our own gut? Could the answers to our most stubborn health mysteries—and maybe even the secret to a longer, happier life—be found in the microbes we’ve spent a lifetime trying to avoid? How does our microbiome affect…

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David Page of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on Eating Nose-To-Tail 55:18

14d ago55:18

55:18

What’s the secret to shedding fat as a foodie who refuses to sacrifice joy or flavor? This week’s guest changed the way we think about food and mom and pop businesses in America. He’s a legend in journalism and beloved in the food world, saving countless independent restaurants from certain destruction. As the creator of the beloved TV series Diner…

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602. The Best of Larry Niven Part 2 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:41:44

16d ago1:41:44

1:41:44

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss nine more stories from the book The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: “Inconstant Moon” (1:34), “Rammer” (18:42), “Cloak of Anarchy” (27:42), “The Fourth Profession” (38:22), “Flash Crowd” (47:59), “The Defenseless Dead” (59:37), “Flight of the Horse” (1:15:55), “The Hole Man”…

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Dr. Scott Sherr: Methylene Blue for Energy and Mitochondrial Optimization 1:09:28

30d ago1:09:28

1:09:28

You’ve probably heard the buzz around the mythical and sketchy-sounding synthetic compound known as methylene blue. How is it that methylene blue went from a 19th-century textile dye to a futuristic, cutting-edge mitochondrial-enhancing compound that turns your tongue blue? After surviving freak bouts of carbon monoxide poisoning, black mold exposu…

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601. Fantastic Fiction at KGB (with Matthew Kressel) 1:43:10

30d ago1:43:10

1:43:10

Matthew Kressel joins us to discuss Fantastic Fiction at KGB, a monthly science fiction reading series in New York City. Support the Fantastic Fiction at KGB fundraiser over at www.gofundme.com/f/fantastic-fiction-reading-series-at-the-kgb-bar. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad…

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Ben Greenfield: Stem Cells, Botox, and Biohacking Blunders 1:01:35

1M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

What if the key to an extraordinary life is becoming radically, unapologetically yourself? Today, we’re here with the one-and-only Ben Greenfield, a man who has been pushing the boundaries of human performance for decades. In the ever-evolving world of biohacking, he’s tried just about everything so that you don’t have to. But we’ve known each othe…

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600. Steph Grossman, co-host of The Basement Girls 1:38:30

1M ago1:38:30

1:38:30

In this special 600th episode David Barr Kirtley interviews his wife Steph Grossman, short story writer and co-host of the Basement Girls horror podcast. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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599. The Clarion Writers' Workshop (with Tom Gerencer) 1:30:11

2M ago1:30:11

1:30:11

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book Storyteller: Writing Lessons and More from 27 Years of the Clarion Writers’ Workshop by Kate Wilhelm. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Jay Yang: You Can Just Do Things 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

What if success isn’t just about working hard, but about creating your own opportunities? Today we’re here with teen phenom and author of the new book, You Can Just Do Things, Jay Yang. I met Jay last year through our friend and past guest of the show, Noah Kagan. At 17, Jay sent Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, a 19-page pitch deck breaking down ga…

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598. The Story of Elden Ring (with Matt London) 1:29:14

2M ago1:29:14

1:29:14

Matt London joins us to discuss narrative design, George R. R. Martin, and the new book Grace Given: The Mythology of Elden Ring by George Truscott. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Dr. Ryan Lazarus: How to Survive a Near-Death Experience 58:45

2M ago58:45

58:45

Have you ever had a near death experience? I sincerely hope not. But as long-time listeners know, I’ve had a couple of close calls. A simple twist of fate or freak accident can alter the course of your life. But if you let them, tragedies can set us on a new path that can change us for the better. The reason I disappeared for the past few months is…

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597. Matthew Kressel, author of Histories Within Us and Space Trucker Jess 1:28:40

3M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

Matthew Kressel joins us to discuss his short story collection Histories Within Us and his new novel Space Trucker Jess. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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596. God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert Review 1:46:26

3M ago1:46:26

1:46:26

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert, the fourth book in the Dune series. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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595. The Business of Science Fiction (with Tom Gerencer) 1:10:47

4M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Business of Science Fiction by Mike Resnick and Barry N. Malzberg. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Will Henshall: Transform Distraction into Peak Focus with Functional Music 1:03:33

4M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Do you find yourself more distracted than ever? You’re not alone. In the rapid-fire, hyper-connected, dopamine-driven modern world, harnessing true focus is a rare superpower… But understanding the subtle mechanics of human attention might just be the most valuable skill in our increasingly distracted world. Today, we're exploring the extraordinary…

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594. Andor Season 2 Review (with Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, Matt London) 1:26:36

4M ago1:26:36

1:26:36

Andrea Kail, Erin Lindsey, and Matt London join us to discuss Season 2 of the Disney+ series Andor, a prequel to the movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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James Swanwick: How to Break Free from Alcohol 1:06:06

4M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Do you ever feel like you’re losing your edge? Today we’re here with my friend James Swanwick, creator of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, a movement guiding high-achievers like you to sidestep the sauce. In this episode, we’re exploring James’s journey from rock-bottom, hungover in the hallowed halls of IHOP, where dreams go to drown in corn syrup and regr…

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593. Roger Zelazny's Writing Advice (with Warren Lapine) 1:08:55

4M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Warren Lapine joins us to discuss editing the book On Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy by Roger Zelazny. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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Ben Azadi: How Toxins Like Glyphosate Sabotage Your Metabolism 58:38

4M ago58:38

58:38

What if being overweight isn’t the problem, but actually a symptom of deeper dysfunction? The body doesn't lose weight to get healthy; it gets healthy to lose weight. And reclaiming your metabolic freedom may just save your life. Our guest this week, Ben Azadi is a living testament to the power of focusing on lifestyle factors like real food and fi…

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592. The Best of Greg Egan Part 1 Review (with Anthony Ha) 2:24:07

5M ago2:24:07

2:24:07

Anthony Ha joins us to discuss the first eight stories in the book The Best of Greg Egan, part of the SF Masterworks series of science fiction classics. Stories discussed: "Learning to Be Me" (20:42), "Axiomatic" (44:03), "Appropriate Love" (50:10), "Into Darkness" (1:00:30), "Unstable Orbits in the Space of Lies" (1:14:47), "Closer" (1:26:42), "Ch…

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John Wang: Overcoming Burnout, Imposter Syndrome & Perfectionism 1:02:58

5M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

Have you ever struggled with burnout or imposter syndrome? No matter how much you accomplish, does it somehow feel like it's never quite enough? Today, we’re here with my friend John Wang, an author, speaker, and global traveler on a mission to help high-achievers overcome maladaptive patterns and break free from the invisible scripts and cultural …

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591. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 3 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 2:39:59

5M ago2:39:59

2:39:59

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the book The Top of the Volcano: The Award-Winning Stories of Harlan Ellison, which contains 11 stories not included in Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits. Stories discussed: "A Boy and His Dog" (1:39), "The Region Between" (37:12), "Basilisk" (48:29), "Adrift Just Off the Islets of Langerhans: Latitude 38° 54' N, Longi…

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Dan Faggella: The Radical Future of Human-AI Interaction 1:09:50

5M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

In a world where machines can outperform humans in nearly every conceivable domain, where exactly does that leave us? When artificial intelligence can fulfill our deepest drives and reward pathways more reliably than any human relationship, what happens to human connection, meaning, and purpose? Today, we’re exploring the world of artificial intell…

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590. The Best of Larry Niven Part 1 Review (with Mercurio D. Rivera) 1:48:40

6M ago1:48:40

1:48:40

Mercurio D. Rivera joins us to discuss the first nine stories in the book The Best of Larry Niven, edited by Jonathan Strahan. Stories discussed: "Becalmed in Hell" (5:10), "Bordered in Black" (17:54), "Neutron Star" (26:35), "The Soft Weapon" (38:16), "The Jigsaw Man" (56:27), "The Deadlier Weapon" (1:02:55), "All the Myriad Ways" (1:08:16), "Not …

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Joshua Weissman: Cooking is an Act of Rebellion 1:15:02

6M ago1:15:02

1:15:02

Today, we have a special in-person episode going back in time with our friend Joshua Weissman. This episode was actually recorded many moons ago, but after one of my computers died the files sadly went missing. Now years later, I was able to retrieve most of our conversation and finally edit this show together. Since the original recording of this …

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589. Dune Prophecy Season 1 Review (with Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, Rajan Khanna) 1:37:16

6M ago1:37:16

1:37:16

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Rajan Khanna join us to discuss Season 1 of the HBO series Dune: Prophecy, a prequel set 10,000 years before the events of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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588. The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:27:33

7M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Urth of the New Sun, a sequel to The Book of the New Sun. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Mark Sisson: Why Walking Beats Running for Longevity 1:03:21

7M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

What’s better for longevity—running or walking? It’s a bit of a trick question. But if there is one answer, it’s definitely walking. If you want to be fit and live for a long time, you don’t need to subject yourself to suffer fests and slog through long runs. In fact, when you combine daily walks with the habit of sprinting just about once a week, …

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Tristan Scott: Hidden Dangers of EMFs and Artificial Blue Light 1:05:09

7M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

Have you ever had a concussion? Anyone who’s ever had their bell rung knows recovery can be brutal. But with enough time and the right treatment, our bodies also have the remarkable ability to heal. Today we’re going hard in the paint on brain health, electromagnetic fields and decentralization in tech, food and finance with our friend Tristan Scot…

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587. Movie Review: Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, Alphaville 1:51:20

7M ago1:51:20

1:51:20

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the science fiction noir movies Dark City, Strange Days, The Thirteenth Floor, Looker, and Alphaville. Time stamps: Dark City (3:25), Strange Days (28:55), The Thirteenth Floor (48:19), Looker (1:00:43), Alphaville (1:16:19). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over…

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John Lee Dumas: How to Quit the Rat Race and Move to Paradise 50:20

8M ago50:20

50:20

Have you ever dreamed of dropping out of the rat race and moving to a tropical paradise? This week’s guest actually did it. If you’ve ever struggled through an 80 hour workweek, you know it can be incredibly profitable… but at what cost to your health, happiness and family life? How do you know when enough is enough? Today we’re here with fellow OG…

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586. Harlan Ellison's Greatest Hits Part 2 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:58:04

8M ago1:58:04

1:58:04

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the second half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "On the Downhill Side" (2:34), "Paladin of the Lost Hour" (12:00), "The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World" (30:08), "I'm Looking for Kadak" (39:10), "How Interesting:…

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Paul Chek: How to Optimize Performance and Longevity (without Biohacks) 1:59:16

8M ago1:59:16

1:59:16

Are you tired of the never-ending hacks, shortcuts, protocols and gimmicks that some call biohacking? 19-year-olds are juicing up with exogenous hormones and getting implants just to keep up with the Joneses on Instagram. The materialistic worldview pushed by those with something to sell in the world of health can lead to an unhealthy obsession wit…

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Bo Eason: How to Become the Best in the World at What You Do 1:28:32

9M ago1:28:32

1:28:32

What would happen if you trained like the best athlete in the world? How about the best actor or artist? Today we have the incredible honor of speaking with Bo Eason—a former star safety in the NFL, as well as an acclaimed playwright, author, and coach. After competing with all-time greats like Jerry Rice and Walter Payton in the NFL, Bo changed hi…

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585. Philip Gelatt, writer of The Europa Report and The Spine of Night 1:05:22

9M ago1:05:22

1:05:22

Philip Gelatt joins us to discuss writing the hard science fiction film The Europa Report and the animated sword & sorcery film The Spine of Night. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy David Barr Kirtley

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584. The Making of Secret Level (with J.T. Petty) 58:45

9M ago58:45

58:45

J.T. Petty joins us to discuss serving as executive producer on the new Amazon series Secret Level, a collection of animated shorts set in the worlds of popular video games. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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From Illness to Ironman with Brett and Harry of the Meat Mafia 55:56

9M ago55:56

55:56

If you could save $400,000 a year in medical costs by making a radical change to your diet, would you do it? Today we’re here with Brett Ender and Harry Gray, fellow Austinites, former college athletes turned entrepreneurs and hosts of the Meat Mafia podcast. From fitness to faith, we cover a lot of ground in this one and I hope you enjoy. In this …

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583. Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits Part 1 Review (with Tom Gerencer) 1:57:08

10M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

Tom Gerencer joins us to discuss the first half of the new short story collection Harlan Ellison’s Greatest Hits, edited by J. Michael Straczynski. Stories discussed: "'Repent Harlequin,' Said the Ticktockman" (13:08), "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" (26:00), "The Deathbird" (37:17), "Chatting with Anubis" (47:39), "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs…

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Suzanne Santo: How to Reinvent a Broken Music Industry 48:51

10M ago48:51

48:51

Why do so many famous, seemingly successful musicians wind up completely broke? In this bonus series, I’m interviewing incredibly talented musicians who are using cutting-edge podcasting technology to reinvent the music industry. Today we’re here with Suzanne Santo, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. A tireless creator, her sound has be…

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Stacey McCann: Why “Getting Fired” Needs to Go On Your To-Do List 1:07:10

10M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

How much do musicians actually make streaming and performing live? The truth is gnarlier than you think! But we’re working hard to change that. This is the third episode in our bonus series, where you’re hearing rapid fire interviews with musicians who are reinventing the music industry by using cutting-edge “Value 4 Value” technology. This is all …

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Johnny Elrod: What Real Musicians Think of AI-Generated Music 52:42

10M ago52:42

52:42

What do real musicians think of AI-Generated music? In this 4-part bonus series, you’ll hear rapid fire interviews with musicians who are using cutting-edge podcasting 2.0 tech to reinvent the music industry. This is all leading up to the first-ever “Sats By SW” Independent Music Summit and our live music performance at Antone’s hosted by the inven…

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Ainsley Costello: How Bitcoin is Disrupting the Music Industry 1:06:33

10M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

Technology is disrupting the music industry once again. In this week's special 4-part bonus series, you’ll hear rapid fire interviews with incredible musicians who are using cutting edge podcasting tech to reinvent the music industry. We’re kicking off this bonus series with one of the top artists in the world of value-for-value music, Ainsley Cost…

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Israa Nasir: Why Hyper-Optimization Protocols Do More Harm Than Good 50:39

10M ago50:39

50:39

Do you feel a constant pressure to optimize every aspect of your life? What if hyper-optimization protocols actually do more harm than good? The glorification of hustle culture has given many of us the nagging feeling that no matter how much we do or accomplish, it's never quite enough. Living in a cloud of frantic, urgent, reactive energy can even…

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582. The Fifth Head of Cerberus by Gene Wolfe Review (with James Wynn, Craig Brewer) 1:32:12

10M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

James Wynn and Craig Brewer, hosts of the ReReading Wolfe podcast, join us to discuss Gene Wolfe’s classic novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus, about two planets that may or may not be inhabited by shapeshifting aliens. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/geeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…

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Anna Vocino: Say “NO” to Big Food and Build Your Own Business Instead 1:00:18

10M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

Have you ever wondered why almost every single packaged food contains industrial seed oils, anti-caking agents, preservatives, petrochemical flavorings and other non-foods? And why do so many growing companies that started as a healthier real food alternative ultimately sell their souls to Big Food? We're back this week with our dear friend, Anna V…

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581. Andrew Niccol Movies: Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, Anon 1:56:51

10M ago1:56:51

1:56:51

Andrea Kail, Matthew Kressel, and Tom Gerencer join us to discuss the movies Gattaca, The Truman Show, Simone, In Time, and Anon, all of which were written by Andrew Niccol. Time stamps: Gattaca (11:57), The Truman Show (45:09), Simone (1:03:13), In Time (1:18:08), Anon (1:25:59). Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreo…

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Chef James Barry: Why Eating at Fancy Restaurants is Terrible for Your Health 59:12

11M ago59:12

59:12

Why do fancy restaurants fill their meals with junk oils, sugars, chemical preservatives, and worse? With rampant food inflation and razor thin margins, even the fanciest, most exclusive and expensive restaurants can’t resist the tendency to cut corners on ingredient quality. That means that no matter how much you spend on eating out - with few exc…

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580. New Mexico Science Fiction Writers (with Melinda M. Snodgrass) 1:23:59

11M ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Melinda M. Snodgrass joins us to discuss the New Mexico Mafia, a tight-knit community of fantasy & science fiction writers that formed in New Mexico in the 1970s and 1980s, a group that included George R. R. Martin, Roger Zelazny, Stephen R. Donaldson, and Fred Saberhagen. Ad-free episodes are available to our paid supporters over at patreon.com/ge…

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Matt Beaudreau: How to Nurture Genius and Courage in a Habitually Compliant Population 1:15:18

11M ago1:15:18

1:15:18

What’s the difference between education and indoctrination? Is our education system broken, or is it operating as intended? The public school conveyor belt is a relic of the Prussian military model, designed to produce compliant workers for factories rather than sovereign thinkers with upward mobility. We’re left with a blindly obedient population …