Chris Jeffries

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

My friend MOPES discusses various aspects of his journey in hip-hop. He talks about how his relationship with Sage Francis started and how he got into the genre. MOPES also shares his experiences with performing on stage, touring, and encountering unexpected situations in different venues. The conversation delves into his latest record, "Ham and Eggers," which is a collaboration with Trademarc, as well as his approach to producing beats and sampling vinyl records. Additionally, MOPES expresses his appreciation for certain eras of music for sampling purposes, particularly between 1968 and 1976. The discussion concludes with a mention of upcoming projects for MOPES and his record label, Strange Famous Records.

My friend Matthew Brockmeyer discusses the Manson Family and their crimes, focusing on Leslie Van Houten's involvement and eventual release from prison. It explores the brutality of the LaBianca murders, Susan Atkins' confession, and the role of other members within the cult. The implications of Van Houten's marriage to a man allegedly planning her escape are discussed, as well as connections between the Manson Family and the CIA's MKULTRA program. The video also touches on the influence of psychedelic drugs.

My Friend Professor Jodi Dean explores various aspects of communism, comradeship, capitalism, and neo-feudalism. She emphasizes the importance of comradeship in the communist tradition, highlighting the sacrifices and commitment involved. She also discusses how capitalism undermines the sense of community and collectiveness that communism aims to foster. Professor Dean argues for the compatibility of empathy with communism and addresses concerns about the biological ability to empathize. She further explores the impact of communicative capitalism on democracy, highlighting the erosion of shared meaning and truth. The conversation delves into regulating misinformation on social media platforms, the concept of neo-feudalism, and the issue of arbitration agreements stripping workers of their rights. Professor Dean concludes by discussing the importance of organizing and the challenges faced by the left in the struggle for communism.

My Friend Clive D. L. Wynne discusses his research on marsupial mammals in Australia, highlighting the cognitive abilities of species like quokkas and fat-tailed dunnarts that are often considered unintelligent. He also emphasizes the importance of early life experiences and socialization in shaping a dog's behavior and ability to form relationships with humans and other animals. Wynne talks about the motivation and trainability of dogs, debunking the misconception that all dogs are primarily motivated by food rewards. He also explores the fascinating ability of dogs to understand human pointing gestures and shares a study that shows how quickly dogs can learn this skill. Additionally, Wynne underscores the need for responsible dog ownership and advocates for adopting from shelters or reputable sources rather than supporting puppy mills. He discusses the history of the dog-human relationship and the origins of domestication, as well as the role of dogs in the lives of historical figures. Overall, Wynne provides insights into the minds of dogs and challenges common misconceptions surrounding their intelligence and behavior.

My Friend Matthew Brockmeyer discusses the case of Lori Vallow, a woman involved in a series of disturbing events. He explores her unconventional beliefs, her relationships with Chad Daybell and Charles Valo, and the disappearance of her children. Matthew raises suspicions about Lori's brother, Alex Cox, being involved in the murders and expresses his disgust towards both him and Lori. He also delves into the question of whether Lori's religious beliefs should be considered as a factor in her actions.