Living in Today’s Dystopia: Unpacking Apocalyptic Realities, Water Security, and Transhumanism

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What if the apocalypse is already here, but we're too busy imagining zombies and nuclear winters to notice? On this episode, Bram E. Gieben, author of "The Darkest Timeline: Living in a World with No Future," unpacks the eerie realization that our present might be the dystopia we've been fearing. We explore how apocalyptic narratives can distract us from the grim realities we currently face, drawing on insights from all sorts of fields of study. The discussion confronts the uncomfortable truth that our solutions to technological and climate crises might be more fantasy than feasible reality.
Next, we plunge into the murky waters of environmental water security in the United States, specifically the contentious issue of water rights. Using real-life examples like the endangered mussel in Florida, we highlight the complex interplay between ecological preservation and urban necessities. Inspired by John Gray's "Straw Dogs," we ponder what it means to live a good life in a world on the brink of ecological collapse, reflecting on the millennial left's responses to these daunting scenarios post-Bush administration.
We also tackle the intriguing developments in transhumanism and the metaverse, dissecting how early optimism has given way to skepticism and critique. From the grandiose claims of tech billionaires to the limitations of AI, our conversation traverses the performative nature of modern political activism and the disillusionment faced by progressive youth movements. We wrap up with an examination of Mark Fisher's lasting influence and the complex legacy he left behind, urging listeners to confront today's realities with intellectual rigor and nuanced understanding. Tune in for a journey through the intricate narratives shaping our world.

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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
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You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon

Chapters

1. Living in Today’s Dystopia: Unpacking Apocalyptic Realities, Water Security, and Transhumanism (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Dystopia and Apocalyptic Narratives (00:01:35)

3. Environmental Water Security and Future Predictions (00:15:38)

4. Exploring Transhumanism and the Metaverse (00:23:58)

5. Navigating Mediated Political Performances (00:37:03)

6. Navigating Defeats and Activist Atomization (00:45:21)

7. Exploring Political Disillusionment and Activism (00:51:53)

8. Navigating Reality and Metaphors (01:00:34)

9. Elite Overproduction and Society Decline (01:09:14)

10. Analyzing Mark Fisher's Influence and Legacy (01:24:17)

11. Analyzing Mark Fisher's Legacy and Influence (01:37:57)

12. Building Hope in a Dystopian World (01:52:39)

13. Navigating Complexity and Contradictions (02:02:04)