KMO Talks with Peter Clarke, author of the The Decadence Project Substack and The Singularity Survival Guide: How to Get on the Good Side of Your Future Robot Overlords.

Topics include transhumanism, DIY biotechnology, cultural polarization, and the unexpected accessibility of genetic experimentation. They delve into mRNA vaccine developments, the "dissident right" movement, and metamodernism's blend of irony and sincerity. The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining intellectual honesty in today's media landscape, the politicization of scientific advancements, and the oscillation between forward-looking futurism and nostalgic primitivism.

KMO talks with data scientist and neuro-philosopher, Tommy Blanchard and the current moment in artificial intelligence. They dive into a nuanced discussion about the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on society and the job market.

Tommy offers a measured perspective on AI, arguing that while it will change many industries, mass unemployment is not inevitable. He draws parallels to past technological revolutions and suggests society will adapt. KMO provides some historical context, questioning whether past transitions were as smooth as often portrayed.

The conversation touches on topics like the automation of tasks versus entire jobs, the potential need for universal basic income, and the challenges of retraining displaced workers. They also explore the development of humanoid robots and autonomous weapons systems.

Throughout the discussion, KMO and Tommy grapple with balancing optimism about technological progress with concerns about societal disruption and inequality. While they don't always agree, their exchange highlights the complexity of predicting and preparing for an AI-driven future. The episode offers listeners a thoughtful exploration of AI's potential impacts, avoiding both hype and doom-mongering.

I've been comparing notes with Douglas Rushkoff about technology, memes, drugs and walking on the weird side for about 30 years. Not surprisingly, I remember the details better than he does. He talks to a LOT of people.

This episode includes a recording of the first 6 chapters of my novella, Last Train to Mordor. It is a prelude to my novel Fear and Loathing in the Kuiper Belt: Gen X Science Fiction.

If you like the story and want to hear more, you can find the next chapter here.

KMO reads of his recent Substack posts on what happens when discarded consumer electronics with embedded AI start to pile up. Who will find a use for that idle intelligence. Later, Jim from the Attack Ads! podcast shows up to discuss the points raised in the essays.

Two weeks ago, I published an hour-long explanation as to why I have no interest in joining the cultural struggle over the COVID-19 pandemic or delve into the details of why some people refuse to take the mRNA vaccines. This week, I respond to another email from a long-time listener. This time the listener asked for support in denouncing "science denialism," a phrase I hate. I don't subscribe to any of the anti-authoritarian narratives around COVID, but the smug sanctimony of PMC Democrats who claim to trust "the science" irritates me more than the loopiest of anti-elite fever dreams. In this episode, I explain why.

In short, don't try to recruit me to your side in an ideological or cultural struggle. I poke holes in everybody's story. Including my own. That's just how I roll.