Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta
Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta

Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta

Alexandra Kaschuta

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Episodes

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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

Recent Episodes

Steve Hsu - AI Arms Race: China & US
FEB 25, 2025
Steve Hsu - AI Arms Race: China & US
If 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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67 MIN
Prester John Andrews - Between Bugmen and Theorycels
FEB 18, 2025
Prester John Andrews - Between Bugmen and Theorycels
If 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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73 MIN
Jonathan Anomaly - Enlightened Tribalism
FEB 12, 2025
Jonathan Anomaly - Enlightened Tribalism
The 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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63 MIN
Mark Nelson - The Nuclear Option
DEC 30, 2024
Mark Nelson - The Nuclear Option
The 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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67 MIN