The Conservative CANNIBAL: Austin Harrouff | Matthew Brockmeyer | #188 HR TRUE CRIME
My friend Matthew Brockmeyer discusses the case of Austin Harrouff, a man who in 2016 claimed to be a werewolf and murdered two people in Florida. We explore the myth of werewolves and its potential influence on real-life criminal behavior. We also discuss the issue of class and privilege in the United States, as Harrouff was a student in physical education and came from a privileged background. We also discuss the case of John R. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, who were convicted of murdering five women and two children in a home in 1984. Douglas, who claimed to be a werewolf, believed that he had been cursed to kill children to protect them from evil. The hosts discuss the implications of dangerous mental illnesses and the use of shock therapy as a form of treatment.
The Soil Food Web | Dr. Elaine Ingham | Agriculture & Biology | #187 HR
My friend Dr. Elaine Ingham explains the concept of the soil food web and emphasizes the importance of nurturing a healthy soil ecosystem for plant growth. The soil food web consists of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods, all of which play a crucial role in providing nutrients to plants. By reintroducing these organisms into the soil, plants can communicate their nutrient needs and receive the necessary minerals. Dr. Ingham also discusses the functions of the soil food web, including nutrient cycling, building soil structure, promoting plant health, and preventing the growth of disease-causing organisms. She highlights the detrimental effects of toxic chemicals and pesticides on soil microbes and encourages the use of compost, cover crops, and organic methods to rebuild soil structure and promote a balanced ecosystem. The video also covers topics such as the effects of different organisms on soil health, the importance of avoiding harmful nematodes, the risks of introducing different biomes into compost, and the impact of smoking and cannabis cultivation on soil contamination. Dr. Ingham concludes by recommending experimentation and observation of local conditions to understand and enhance soil biodiversity.
A Conversation With Adam Hochschild | Imperialism | American Author & Historian | #186 HR
My friend Adam Hochschild, an American author and historian, discusses his journey as a writer and activist, as well as the themes explored in his books. He talks about his fascination with history and his commitment to social justice. Hochschild delves into specific historical events such as the atrocities committed in the Congo by the Belgians and the senselessness of World War I. He also touches on the grassroots movement that led to the abolition of slavery in Britain and the Spanish Civil War. Additionally, he discusses his thoughts on Stalin’s legacy in Russia. The conversation concludes with a thank you to Hochschild for his insights and a mention of his various books. Overall, Hochschild’s work reveals untold stories from the past and sheds light on the impact of imperialism and social movements on society.
What Led to the COUP in MALI? | Martin A. Klein | Professor of History | #185 HR
My friend Professor Martin A. Klein discusses the factors that led to the coup in Mali. The coup was prompted by the soldiers’ frustration with their losses on the field and their perception that the civilians weren’t providing adequate support. This, combined with corruption, the fall of Gaddafi in Libya, the emergence of radical groups, and racist ideologies held by some groups, created instability in the country. The professor also highlights the involvement of Western powers and the challenges faced by civilian governments in providing support to the military. The coup in Mali is not an isolated incident, as there have been several coups or attempted coups in the country over the years due to various factors such as religious issues, nationalism, and soldiers’ grievances.
A Conversation with The Metermaids | Strange Famous Records | #184 HR
My friends The Metermaids discuss their experiences touring and their favorite towns to perform in, mentioning cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Providence. They reflect on the highs and lows of touring, equating it to high school where some people have the best time of their lives while others find it challenging. They also recount memorable shows and crazy experiences, including freestyling for only three people, chaos at a woman’s place, witnessing a riot, and opening for Tyga. They talk about their early shows and experiences with merchandising, their connection with Strange Famous Records, and their admiration for Buck 65. The conversation also touches on their return to music after a hiatus, the challenges of fatherhood, the importance of their friendship, and their love for sampling. They express gratitude for working with Strange Famous Records and the positive and passionate community they have become a part of. They also express admiration for Sage Francis and his skills as an MC.
What The F#@K are Microplastics? | Dr. Danielle Green | #183 HR
My friend Dr. Danielle Green, an associate professor at Anglia Ruskin University, talks about her background and what drove her to ecology. She explains how she fell in love with marine life and the ocean as a child and decided to study marine life to conserve and help save the ecosystem. The conversation then shifts to microplastics pollution in the Falklands, and Dr. Green explains that her research has shown that microplastics pollution in the Falklands is as high as in the UK. She talks about her trip to the Falklands in 2015, where she sampled different parts of the East Island, including some remote little islands off the Falklands, and found high concentrations of microplastics. Dr. Green also talks about the implications of microplastics pollution on wildlife, including seabirds and fish, and how microplastics can affect their feeding and reproductive rights.
Laytonville Murder Mystery: Who Killed Les Crane? | Matthew Brockmeyer | #183 HR TRUE CRIME
My friend Matthew Brockmeyer discusses the murder of Les Crane, a medical marijuana dispensary owner, who was killed in his home in Laytonville, California in November 2005. Les was known for his generosity and community involvement, often giving back to the food banks and opening a community center for kids. He operated his dispensary within the legal gray area of those times and had some trouble with law enforcement, including having money confiscated from him. The video explores various theories and suspicious events surrounding the murder, including rumors of a large sum of money, the sudden resignation of Sheriff Tony Craver, the death of District Attorney Norm Roman, and the potential involvement of the police or outlaw culture in Northern California.
The World’s Most Dangerous Marxist | John Bellamy Foster | #182 HR
My friend John Bellamy Foster, a professor emeritus of Sociology, discusses his journey towards Marxism and his interest in environmental issues. He explains how his involvement in the anti-Vietnam War movement led him to philosophical readings, and how subsequent events like the coup in Chile and economic crises reignited his passion for activism. Foster explains Marx’s ecological critique of capitalism and how the concept of “metabolic rift” highlights the alienation between humans and nature caused by capitalism’s focus on profit over sustainability. He also discusses the evolution of Marxist theory, the rise of financialization and its relationship to economic stagnation, the changes in the global labor market, and the rise of China. Foster touches on his book “Trump in the White House,” which explores the relationship between Trump and neo-fascism. He also highlights the need for a fundamental transformation of society to achieve ecological sustainability, emphasizing the importance of degrowth and planning, and the need to shift towards zero net investment in rich countries. Foster concludes by emphasizing the urgency of investing in saving the planet and promoting sustainable human development, democracy, and equality.
A Conversation with ALXNDRBRWN | Strange Famous Records | #181 HR
My friend ALXNDRBRWN discusses how he got in contact with Sage Francis and signed to Strange Famous Records. He talks about his early inspiration from artists like Sage and Atmosphere and how sending a beat to Sage eventually led to their collaboration on the track “Grace.” After facing discouragement due to tinnitus, sending his project to Sage it reignited his passion for music. They decided to release it through Strange Famous Records, and he started creating more beats. He also talks about his first music setup, his time working in LA, and his desire to live in a cabin in the woods. ALXNDRBRWN also mentions his upcoming projects and his appreciation for jazz samples. Great conversation with an amazing hip hop music producer!
The Truth About Anti-Depressants | Robert Whitaker | Mad in America | #180 HR
My friend journalist Robert Whitaker discusses the truth about anti-depressants and the need to bridge the gap between the public perception of mental health and the evidence-based reality. He uncovers the historical perspective on psychiatric treatments and how the long-term studies in the 1960s and 1970s revealed the questionable efficacy of these drugs. Whitaker emphasizes the importance of making the scientific literature known to the public, as studies have shown that individuals who were stabilized off psychiatric medications had better outcomes compared to those who regularly took their medications. He also discusses the ironic truth about antidepressants, highlighting that they do not fix the “low serotonin” in depressed individuals but instead disrupt normal serotonin function and can lead to relapses and dependence. Whitaker argues for a more comprehensive understanding of mental health conditions and the consideration of alternative approaches to treatment.