The Singularity Discussion Series - FBL29 - Douglas Rushkoff: Digital Culture, Socio-Economics, and the Importance of Local Impact

FBL29 - Douglas Rushkoff: Digital Culture, Socio-Economics, and the Importance of Local Impact

Explicit content warning

10/04/21 • 55 min

The Singularity Discussion Series

This week we have our first-ever return guest, Douglas Rushkoff, who was one of our first guests on the show. If you missed that episode or you’re not familiar with Douglas, then let me tell you--you’re in for quite the treat. Douglas is a no-bullshit media theorist who is undeniably one of the most influential thinkers who has been steering digital culture.

We touch on many topics in this episode, but without a doubt the biggest focus throughout is how capitalism and digital culture are negatively impacting the ways in which we interact with one another and how we build our communities. We also briefly touch on topics like basic income, NFTs, cryptocurrency, and climate change.

Find Douglas' wonderful podcast at www.teamhuman.fm

Apply to join our Nov 7th - 11th Executive Program @ go.su.org/ep2021

Host: Steven Parton - LinkedIn / Twitter

Music by: Amine el Filali

Find Douglas' wonderful podcast at www.teamhuman.fm

Apply to join our Nov 7th - 11th Executive Program @ go.su.org/ep2021

Host: Steven Parton - LinkedIn / Twitter

Music by: Amine el Filali

Previous Episode

FBL28 - Josiah Zayner: Garage Biohackers & Gene Editing

This week our guest is Josiah Zayner, who just might be the most prominent and controversial biohacker out there right now. He’s done numerous experiments that have drawn both positive and negative attention, such as transplanting the microbiome of another person into his body, attempting to genetically alter the color of his skin, and injecting CRISPR modifications into his body to enhance his muscles.

As radical as these things may sound, he does have a PhD in biosphysics and previously worked for NASA genetically modifying organisms for mars, so he’s not exactly an amateur.

In this episode we explore Josiah’s journey from traditional scientist to biohacker, and along the way discuss the possibilities of gene editing, the dangers, and how we should regulate and navigate this future inevitability.

You can access Josiah's company at the-odin.com and follow him personally at twitter.com/4lovofscience

Apply to join our Nov 7th - 11th Executive Program @ go.su.org/ep2021

Host: Steven Parton - LinkedIn / Twitter

Music by: Amine el Filali

Next Episode

FBL30 - David Pearce: Engineering Happiness & the End of Suffering

This week our guest is British transhumanist David Pearce, who was one of the co-founders of the World Transhumanist Association, which has since been rebranded as Humanity+. In addition to being on the front lines of the early transhumanist movement, David is also well known for his active work on what he calls the “Hedonistic Imperative,” which seeks to use genetic engineering and nanotechnology to abolish suffering in all sentient life.

Obviously this is a very bold agenda, and through this conversation I try to push David on the many nuances and challenges inherent in this goal. Along the way we explore the fundamental questions of transhumanism, whether we’ll ever upload our consciousness into machines, the dangers of giving humans (who are known for their tendency towards addiction) control over their own neurotransmitters, questions around regulation, whether suffering is necessary for appreciating life, and so much more.

You can find more about David’s work at www.hedweb.com/

Apply to join our Nov 7th - 11th Executive Program @ go.su.org/ep2021

Host: Steven Parton - LinkedIn / Twitter

Music by: Amine el Filali