Living in the Darkest Timeline: A Conversation with Bram Gieben

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What if our apocalyptic narratives are actually masking the true dystopia we live in today? Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom in our latest episode, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Bram Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline, Living in a World with no Future." Bram shares his insights into how these narratives shape our understanding of current global crises, influenced by thinkers like John Gray and Slavoj Žižek. Together, we unpack the complexities of addressing climate change and the subjective nature of apocalyptic experiences, offering a fresh perspective on the notion of linear progress.
Next, we turn our focus to the pressing issue of water scarcity and climate collapse in the United States. Journalist Josh Ellis provides a sobering look at how historical decisions around state boundaries and water distribution have left places like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City on the brink of ecological disaster. Through Ellis's detailed examples, the fragile nature of our human infrastructure becomes evident, reminding us of the precarious balance between progress and environmental stability. This segment amplifies the conversation around skepticism about progress and the vulnerabilities in our current systems.
We also take a critical lens to the resurgence of transhumanism and its cultural ramifications. From the initial optimism of Ray Kurzweil to the contemporary skepticism fueled by AI fears and tech billionaire narratives, we explore the self-aggrandizing tendencies of tech leaders and the risks of digital escapism. As our dialogue unfolds, we examine the intricate dance between digital colonization, censorship, and the evolution of social media interactions. We conclude with a deep dive into the fragmented legacy of influential thinkers like Mark Fisher, reflecting on how their work continues to resonate and challenge our understanding of mental health, capitalism, and societal structures. Don't miss this episode packed with thought-provoking discussions at the intersections of technology, society, and philosophy.

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon

Bab

1. Living in the Darkest Timeline: A Conversation with Bram Gieben (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Apocalyptic Narratives in Dystopian Present (00:01:35)

3. Water Scarcity and Climate Collapse (00:11:28)

4. Critiquing Transhumanism and Technological Progress (00:23:37)

5. Navigating Digital Colonization and Censorship (00:28:11)

6. Mediated Performance in Online Politics (00:36:20)

7. Legacy of Defeat in Activist Movements (00:43:41)

8. Revisiting Political Activism and Betrayal (00:51:53)

9. Elite Overproduction and Lack of Vision (01:06:50)

10. Rethinking Predictive Systems in History (01:12:52)

11. Deconstructing Mark Fisher's Influence (01:26:01)

12. Navigating Mark Fisher's Complex Legacy (01:40:37)

13. Navigating Psychology and Political Discourse (01:47:51)

14. Navigating Intellectual Biographies (02:02:04)