Podcast
Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta
Hosted by Alexandra Kaschuta · EN
Subversive is a podcast by Alex Kaschuta about ideas that may not fit neatly into the Overton window and could use a nudge, or a sledgehammer. Alex chats to thinkers across the spectrum from iconoclast philosophers, rogue scientists, *real* journalists, and our true intellectual elite, Twitter anons.
If you want to support the show or my work in general, head to my Substack: www.alexkaschuta.com
or Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Steve Hsu - AI Arms Race: China & US
Feb 25, 202501:07:12Tap to summarizeIf you like my work and would like access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, all my writing, and the Subversive Community, please consider signing up on my Substack or Patreon:https://www.alexkaschuta.com/https://www.patreon.com/aksubversiveThe story about AI in the West is escalating —breakthrough after breakthrough, each more hyped than the last. But across the globe, China works in parallel, under different politics, with different intentions. Today, I'm speaking with Steve Hsu about this mysterious counterpart in the AI race. How real is America's technological edge? Is China's authoritarian approach hampering innovation or accelerating it? As Western researchers obsess over the AGI apocalypse, are their Chinese counterparts free from such existential handwringing?Steve Hsu is a physicist, an academic serial deep tech founder - Genomic Prediction, Othram, and SuperFocus - and a 21st-century Rennaisance man. You can find him on X @hsu_steve and Substack: https://stevehsu.substack.com/Chapters00:00 The State of AI in China vs. the West04:52 Cultural Perspectives on AI Ethics07:48 The Nature of AI and Superintelligence11:28 Collaboration and Competition in AI Research19:15 The Future of Quantum Computing and AI24:57 The Potential for Global AI Hegemony30:02 Human Adaptation to AI Technology34:33 Navigating the Trough of Technology and Mental Health35:44 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Parenting39:52 AI Innovations in Child Development43:01 Fertility Crisis: Global Implications and Trends47:56 Cultural Shifts and Modern Relationships51:46 Parenting in a Changing World59:03 Underrated Thinkers and Their Impact
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Prester John Andrews - Between Bugmen and Theorycels
Feb 18, 202501:13:20Tap to summarizeIf you like my work and would like access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, all my writing and the Subversive Community, please consider signing up on my Substack or Patreon:https://www.alexkaschuta.com/https://www.patreon.com/aksubversiveIn today's conversation, I sit down with Prester John Andrews, whose journey from professional kitchens to the digital frontier offers a rare lens into America's shifting cultural landscape. A writer of remarkable clarity, Prester traverses the territory between theoretical abstractions and lived experience, having inhabited both leftist organizing spaces and traditional institutions. His work excavates the paradoxes of modern masculinity and examines the subtle tyranny of online political discourse. What emerges is a meditation on finding authentic meaning in an age where digital rage threatens to eclipse tangible action and where the path between radical theory and practical wisdom grows increasingly narrow.Prester John Andrews is a writer, commentator, and podcast host on Substack. Dispatches From The Golden HordeChapters00:00 Exploring Modern Masculinity and the Bug Man Meme04:39 Navigating Online Spaces and Tribalism10:20 Political Awakening and Ideological Shifts16:27 The Impact of Technology on Global Politics21:42 Cultural Influence of American Ideology27:07 The Future of Political Change and Ideological Framing37:02 Navigating a Multipolar World39:56 The Shifting Ideological Landscape44:34 Cultural Aspirations and American Influence51:10 Masculinity in Modern Society01:01:32 Engagement Beyond Ideology
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Jonathan Anomaly - Enlightened Tribalism
Feb 12, 202501:03:17Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!Please subscribe at:https://www.alexkaschuta.com/https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive/While our liberal elites keep preaching about "global citizenship" and "universal values," the West's foundations are crumbling beneath our feet. Low birth rates, eroded social cohesion, and a loss of cultural confidence – these seem to be the fruits of radical individualism and unthinking cosmopolitanism.Today, I'm joined by Jonathan Anomaly to explore a compelling alternative: enlightened tribalism. We'll discuss why the conservative instinct to preserve distinct cultures and communities isn't just natural – it might be essential for civilization's survival. Jonathan brings both philosophical rigor and entrepreneurial insight to explain why some form of tribalism isn't just inevitable, it's desirable.From the failures of liberal democracy to the promise of reproductive technology, we cover the uncomfortable truths that mainstream discourse refuses to acknowledge. This is a conversation about saving Western civilization by embracing, rather than denying, human nature.Jonathan Anomaly is an academic, a writer, and author of Creating Future People: The Ethics of Genetic Enhancement. He is also a partner in a yet-to-be-disclosed venture in the reproductive technology space, which will undoubtedly be interesting to observe once it becomes public.The papers we reference are:Enlightened TribalismandCan Liberalism Last?Chapters00:00Understanding Enlightened Tribalism06:00Defining Tribalism and Its Implications11:56The Layers of Enlightenment in Tribalism15:58Democracy and Enlightened Tribalism24:04The Future of Tribalism in a Fragmented World26:45Reproductive Technology and the Future of Liberalism34:24Prolonging Fertility and Family Dynamics37:00The Role of Tribalism in Society40:20The Impact of Western Influence on Developing Countries43:34Cultural Aspirations and Economic Dependencies46:19Navigating Liberalism and Tribalism51:11Reflections on Western Civilization and Future Directions55:06Recommended Thinkers and Closing Thoughts
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Hunter Ash - Evolution Eats Everything
Jan 10, 202501:07:49Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive/ We chat about the complexities of reactionary thought, the influence of Nick Land, and the evolution of personal beliefs from progressivism to a more reactionary stance. We explore the implications of free speech in the digital age, group identity versus universalism dynamics, and the challenges surrounding immigration policies, particularly H1B visas. We also talk about the evolutionary case against charity and the bizarre political situation Romania is currently facing. Hunter Ash is a writer and X poster. You can find his work on his X profile at @ArtemisConsort. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Reactionary Thought and Nick Land's Influence 06:35 The Evolutionary Lens: Understanding Society and Culture 12:36 The Impact of Free Speech and Information Variance 18:25 Navigating Group Identity and Universalism 24:55 H1B Visas: Balancing Immigration and American Interests 34:42 Cultural Perspectives on Immigration 40:11 Charity and Its Implications 48:36 The Role of Local Solutions in Charity 56:07 Political Dynamics in Romania
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Mark Nelson - The Nuclear Option
Dec 30, 202401:07:31Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive We chat about the legitimate criticisms of nuclear energy: non-issues, real problems that can be seen as positives, and genuine challenges that cannot be quickly resolved. We also discuss the public perception of nuclear energy, particularly the influence of memes and cultural narratives, and the complexities and challenges of building nuclear power plants, highlighting the potential benefits despite the hurdles. Mark Nelson is the founder of radiantenergygroup.com, an energy consultancy providing leaders with the data-driven insights and roadmaps they need to bring about a low-carbon, high-energy future. You can also find him on X.com at @energybants Chapters 00:00 Critiquing Nuclear Energy: A Balanced Perspective 11:26 The Meme of Nuclear Energy: Perception vs. Reality 27:39 Building Nuclear Power: Challenges and Opportunities 32:46 Financing Nuclear Energy Projects 34:11 The Viability of Nuclear Energy 35:36 Nuclear vs. Renewable Energy 39:09 Challenges of Solar Energy in Europe 39:59 Political Implications of Energy Policy 42:37 Hydro Energy and Its Role 44:39 Left-Wing Perspectives on Nuclear Energy 50:21 Cynicism in Anti-Nuclear Sentiments 54:05 Underrated Thinkers
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JayMan - Reflections on over a decade of HBD
Dec 30, 202401:27:17Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!Please subscribe at:https://www.alexkaschuta.com/https://www.patreon.com/aksubversiveOur chat explores the evolution of Human Biodiversity (HBD) discourse and the challenges of understanding complex data related to cognitive stratification and social mobility. We also discuss the impact of genetic technologies on future societal structures and the cultural perspectives surrounding fertility technologies, particularly in Eastern Europe. We also discuss the complexities of the economic viability of modern society, the challenges of immigration and integration, the rise of woke culture, the fragility of liberalism, the dynamics of gender, financial status, and relationships, particularly in the context of the baby boom and modern dating challenges. Our conversation also touches on parenting, emphasizing the limited impact of parenting styles on child development and the importance of understanding the realities of modern relationships. JayMan is a pseudonymous blogger: unz.com/author/jayman/ and can be found on X.com @JayMan471 Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Human Biodiversity Discourse 04:00 The Impact of HBD on Society 08:01 Understanding Averages and Cognitive Stratification 09:50 Social Mobility and Assortative Mating 13:58 The Future of Genetic Technologies 17:51 Cultural Perspectives on Fertility Technologies 21:54 The Role of Scientific Discovery in Progress 29:02 The Economic Viability of Society 30:42 Immigration and Integration Challenges 32:52 Experiencing Dystopia: A Personal Account 36:43 The Rise of Woke Culture and Backlash 40:20 The Right's Response to Woke Culture 44:57 The Future of Immigration Policy 49:50 Global Voices and Cultural Shifts
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CHH (@CartoonsHateHer) - Village Wanted, Villagers Not Included
Dec 13, 202401:10:34Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive In this chat, we explore the complexities of modern parenting, the longing for a supportive village, the difficulties of navigating parenting norms, and the importance of creativity and play in child development. We also talk about the rise of online experts, the grift in wellness and parenting advice, the allure of biohacking, the romanticization of traditional values, and the challenges of navigating dating advice in a crowded space. Cartoons Hate Her is a mom, writer, very online commentator, comedienne, and Trump impersonator. You can find her on X at https://x.com/CartoonsHateHer, and you can find all her excellent work here: www.cartoonshateher.com Chapters 00:00 The Need for Community in Parenting 05:10 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges 09:48 Creativity and Play in Child Development 14:57 The Impact of Parenting Norms on Family Life 19:56 The Evolution of Childhood Experiences 24:57 The Role of Validation in Parenting 29:50 Finding Balance in Parenting 36:09 Navigating New Experiences Alone 36:33 The Rise of Online Experts 37:31 The Grift in Wellness and Parenting 39:28 The Illusion of Hormone Specialists 40:43 Diet as a Path to Purity 41:50 The Cycle of Self-Improvement 42:54 Biohacking and Modern Rituals 44:00 The Aesthetic of Home and Work 46:28 The Challenge of Political Engagement 48:03 Navigating the Crowded Dating Advice Space 49:56 The Search for Validation in Modern Life 01:01:17 Romanticizing the Past vs. Modern Luxuries 01:02:30 Recommendations for Underrated Thinkers
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Dmitry - Cthulhu Keeps Swimming Left
Nov 23, 202401:10:38Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive We discuss biofoundationalism, exploring how biological traits influence political beliefs and behaviors. We chat about the dynamics of self-interest in political stances, the equilibrium of societal structures, and the implications of the fact that people have better things to do than have kids. We also speak about Elon Musk, examining how his understanding of power transcends language, his communication style, government efficiency, the politics of redistribution, the role of moral foundations in policy-making, the dynamics of globalization and economic growth, and much more. Dmitry is a writer and a founder in the DeFi space, currently building Salutary. He’s on Twitter & Telegram: @BackTheBunny, and on Substack at the essence of a thing: https://backthebunny.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Bio Foundationalism 10:33 The Nature of Principles and Self-Interest 17:20 The Fertility Crisis and Its Implications 26:20 Elon Musk: A Study in Power and Influence 33:03 Assessing Elon Musk's Communication Style 39:42 The Politics of Redistribution and Entitlements 45:05 The Role of Moral Foundations in Policy Making 51:58 Globalization and Economic Growth Dynamics 01:03:28 Influential Thinkers and Personal Recommendations
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Apple Pie - notes from a professional father
Nov 8, 202400:56:19Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive In this chat, we delve into the complexities of fatherhood, parenting, and the impact of modern technology on family dynamics. We explore the motivations behind having a large family, the challenges of parenting in a rapidly changing society, and the struggle to maintain meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. The discussion also touches on generational differences, particularly regarding Gen Z's mental health and technology's role in shaping their experiences. We also explore the themes of cultural reflections, artistic output, and the impact of globalism on local cultures. We discuss the evolution of cultural centers, perceptions of time and modernity, and the influences that shape our thoughts. We also touch on the complexities of antinatalism and the future of cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. In our conversation, I referred to a book at the end but misremembered the title. It is The Conspiracy Against the Human Race: A Contrivance of Horror by Thomas Ligotti. Apple Pie is a pseudonymous author, a father of a large brood, and a physicist. He writes at Things to Read Chapters 00:00 Exploring Fatherhood and Family Dynamics 06:08 The Challenges of Parenting in Modern Society 11:47 Navigating Technology and Its Impact on Relationships 17:58 Cultural Reflections and Generational Differences 30:09 Cultural Reflections and Artistic Output 34:42 The Evolution of Cultural Centers 39:35 Globalism and Historical Context 40:44 Perceptions of Time and Modernity 46:50 Influences and Recommendations in Thought
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Aria Babu - What really drives the birth rate
Oct 25, 202401:02:27Tap to summarizeThe complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive Our conversation delves into the critical issue of declining birth rates, exploring its historical context, cultural narratives, and the multifaceted factors contributing to this trend. We also discuss societal expectations, economic conditions, and personal choices shaping family dynamics and parenting styles, the implications of these trends on future generations, and the potential for cultural shifts to influence birth rates positively. We explore the nostalgia for past family structures, the cultural shifts that have led to a decline in the perceived value of children, and the impact of governmental policies on fertility rates. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly in terms of demographic changes and gender relations, with a focus on India. Aria Babu is a writer and tech policy analyst. You can find her at @Aria_Babu on X. Aria Babu Thoughts from Aria Babu Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Birth Rates 03:12 Cultural Narratives and Birth Decline 05:51 Factors Influencing Birth Rates 09:12 Parenting Styles and Their Impact 12:01 The Role of Community and Support 14:49 Economic Factors and Birth Rates 17:46 Cultural Influences on Family Size 20:59 The Aspirational Nature of Family Dynamics 24:09 The Intersection of Wealth and Motherhood 27:04 Social Conservatism and Birth Rates 33:09 Nostalgia for the Past: Child-Rearing and Values 36:49 Cultural Shifts: The Value of Children Today 39:52 Historical Policies and Their Impact on Birth Rates 42:41 Kin Selection vs. Group Selection in Societal Development 48:41 Demographic Challenges in Developing Countries 50:39 Gender Relations and Societal Upheaval in India 54:35 The Future of Gender Politics and Birth Rates
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