Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta

Alexandra Kaschuta
Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta

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

  1. CHH (@CartoonsHateHer) - Village Wanted, Villagers Not Included

    DEC 13

    CHH (@CartoonsHateHer) - Village Wanted, Villagers Not Included

    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 In this chat, we explore the complexities of modern parenting, the longing for a supportive village, the difficulties of navigating parenting norms, and the importance of creativity and play in child development. We also talk about the rise of online experts, the grift in wellness and parenting advice, the allure of biohacking, the romanticization of traditional values, and the challenges of navigating dating advice in a crowded space. Cartoons Hate Her is a mom, writer, very online commentator, comedienne, and Trump impersonator. You can find her on X at https://x.com/CartoonsHateHer, and you can find all her excellent work here: www.cartoonshateher.com Chapters 00:00 The Need for Community in Parenting 05:10 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges 09:48 Creativity and Play in Child Development 14:57 The Impact of Parenting Norms on Family Life 19:56 The Evolution of Childhood Experiences 24:57 The Role of Validation in Parenting 29:50 Finding Balance in Parenting 36:09 Navigating New Experiences Alone 36:33 The Rise of Online Experts 37:31 The Grift in Wellness and Parenting 39:28 The Illusion of Hormone Specialists 40:43 Diet as a Path to Purity 41:50 The Cycle of Self-Improvement 42:54 Biohacking and Modern Rituals 44:00 The Aesthetic of Home and Work 46:28 The Challenge of Political Engagement 48:03 Navigating the Crowded Dating Advice Space 49:56 The Search for Validation in Modern Life 01:01:17 Romanticizing the Past vs. Modern Luxuries 01:02:30 Recommendations for Underrated Thinkers

    1h 11m
  2. Dmitry - Cthulhu Keeps Swimming Left

    NOV 23

    Dmitry - Cthulhu Keeps Swimming Left

    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 discuss biofoundationalism, exploring how biological traits influence political beliefs and behaviors. We chat about the dynamics of self-interest in political stances, the equilibrium of societal structures, and the implications of the fact that people have better things to do than have kids. We also speak about Elon Musk, examining how his understanding of power transcends language, his communication style, government efficiency, the politics of redistribution, the role of moral foundations in policy-making, the dynamics of globalization and economic growth, and much more. Dmitry is a writer and a founder in the DeFi space, currently building Salutary. He’s on Twitter & Telegram: @BackTheBunny, and on Substack at the essence of a thing: https://backthebunny.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Bio Foundationalism 10:33 The Nature of Principles and Self-Interest 17:20 The Fertility Crisis and Its Implications 26:20 Elon Musk: A Study in Power and Influence 33:03 Assessing Elon Musk's Communication Style 39:42 The Politics of Redistribution and Entitlements 45:05 The Role of Moral Foundations in Policy Making 51:58 Globalization and Economic Growth Dynamics 01:03:28 Influential Thinkers and Personal Recommendations

    1h 11m
  3. Apple Pie - notes from a professional father

    NOV 8

    Apple Pie - notes from a professional father

    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 In this chat, we delve into the complexities of fatherhood, parenting, and the impact of modern technology on family dynamics. We explore the motivations behind having a large family, the challenges of parenting in a rapidly changing society, and the struggle to maintain meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. The discussion also touches on generational differences, particularly regarding Gen Z's mental health and technology's role in shaping their experiences. We also explore the themes of cultural reflections, artistic output, and the impact of globalism on local cultures. We discuss the evolution of cultural centers, perceptions of time and modernity, and the influences that shape our thoughts. We also touch on the complexities of antinatalism and the future of cultural identity in a rapidly changing world. In our conversation, I referred to a book at the end but misremembered the title. It is The Conspiracy Against the Human Race: A Contrivance of Horror by Thomas Ligotti. Apple Pie is a pseudonymous author, a father of a large brood, and a physicist. He writes at Things to Read Chapters 00:00 Exploring Fatherhood and Family Dynamics 06:08 The Challenges of Parenting in Modern Society 11:47 Navigating Technology and Its Impact on Relationships 17:58 Cultural Reflections and Generational Differences 30:09 Cultural Reflections and Artistic Output 34:42 The Evolution of Cultural Centers 39:35 Globalism and Historical Context 40:44 Perceptions of Time and Modernity 46:50 Influences and Recommendations in Thought

    56 min
  4. Aria Babu - What really drives the birth rate

    OCT 25

    Aria Babu - What really drives the birth rate

    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 Our conversation delves into the critical issue of declining birth rates, exploring its historical context, cultural narratives, and the multifaceted factors contributing to this trend. We also discuss societal expectations, economic conditions, and personal choices shaping family dynamics and parenting styles, the implications of these trends on future generations, and the potential for cultural shifts to influence birth rates positively. We explore the nostalgia for past family structures, the cultural shifts that have led to a decline in the perceived value of children, and the impact of governmental policies on fertility rates. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly in terms of demographic changes and gender relations, with a focus on India. Aria Babu is a writer and tech policy analyst. You can find her at @Aria_Babu on X. Aria Babu Thoughts from Aria Babu Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Birth Rates 03:12 Cultural Narratives and Birth Decline 05:51 Factors Influencing Birth Rates 09:12 Parenting Styles and Their Impact 12:01 The Role of Community and Support 14:49 Economic Factors and Birth Rates 17:46 Cultural Influences on Family Size 20:59 The Aspirational Nature of Family Dynamics 24:09 The Intersection of Wealth and Motherhood 27:04 Social Conservatism and Birth Rates 33:09 Nostalgia for the Past: Child-Rearing and Values 36:49 Cultural Shifts: The Value of Children Today 39:52 Historical Policies and Their Impact on Birth Rates 42:41 Kin Selection vs. Group Selection in Societal Development 48:41 Demographic Challenges in Developing Countries 50:39 Gender Relations and Societal Upheaval in India 54:35 The Future of Gender Politics and Birth Rates

    1h 2m
  5. Garett Jones - IQ and the wealth of individuals

    OCT 18

    Garett Jones - IQ and the wealth of individuals

    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 In this conversation, we explore the significance of national IQ over individual IQ, the impact of cultural externalities on immigration, and the disparities in income across countries. We also discuss the implications of population decline, fiscal responsibility, and the role of the US in global economics. The conversation also delves into the concept of smart fractions in innovation, the effects of cultural transplants on immigration policy, and the challenges facing democracy in the West. Garett Jones is an economist, a professor at George Mason University, and an author. His research covers areas from macroeconomics, monetary policy, and IQ in relation to productivity, short-term business cycles, and economic development. His most recent book is The Culture Transplant: How Migrants Make the Economies They Move To a Lot Like the Ones They Left. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of National IQ 02:46 Cultural Externalities and Immigration 06:00 Cross-Country Income Disparities 08:45 Population Decline and Economic Implications 12:06 Fiscal Sustainability and Government Spending 14:49 US Hegemony and Global Economics 18:11 Smart Fractions and Innovation 21:10 The Role of Elites in Democracy 23:59 Cultural Transplants and Immigration Policy 27:11 Democracy and Ethnic Diversity 29:57 The Influence of the EU on Eastern Europe 32:46 Leadership and Collaboration 35:56 The Future of Democracy 39:03 Recommended Thinkers and Closing Thoughts

    1h 9m
  6. Nina Power - Loyalty, Friendship, Truth

    OCT 4

    Nina Power - Loyalty, Friendship, Truth

    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! 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 delve into the complexities of loyalty, friendship, and the impact of online culture on personal relationships. We explore the fragility of online interactions, the nature of cancellation, and the spiritual dimensions of identity in a digital age. The discussion also touches on the dangers of safetyism, the search for meaning in a materialistic world, and the challenges of navigating ideological friction. The chat emphasizes the importance of curiosity, open dialogue, and the need for a deeper understanding of status and hidden knowledge in contemporary society. Nina Power is a writer and philosopher, former senior editor for Compact Magazine, and the author of “What Do Men Want? and “One Dimensional Woman.” She also writes on Substack: ⁠Nina Power The Sun Is God: New Writing by Nina Power⁠ Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Literary Scene of the 90s 03:04 The Nature of Loyalty and Friendship 06:08 The Fragility of Online Relationships 09:10 Navigating Online Discourse and Mental Health 11:57 The Impact of Cancellation on Identity 14:49 The Spiritual Dimension of Cancellation 18:13 The Role of Status in Modern Society 21:03 The Dangers of Safetyism 23:58 The Search for Meaning in a Materialistic World 27:03 The Dynamics of Ideological Friction 30:08 The Challenge of Experience in Modern Life 32:57 The Role of Family and Tradition 36:02 The Quest for Authenticity 39:02 The Nature of Truth in the Digital Age 41:50 The Future of Ideological Movements 45:14 The Importance of Curiosity and Open Dialogue 48:05 The Influence of Hidden Knowledge 50:58 The Concept of Neo-Iconoclasm 53:50 Conclusion and Reflections on the Future

    1h 12m
  7. NonZionism - Radicalization is just the first step

    SEP 26

    NonZionism - Radicalization is just the first step

    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! 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 Our conversation explores the journey of radicalization within dissident thought, focusing on the evolution of anti-Semitism, the complexities of ideology, and the personal beliefs that shape one's identity. We reflect on our experiences and the broader implications of these ideologies in modern society. We also explore themes of spiritual independence, racial awareness, the impact of liberal ideology, personal health transformations, the dangers of low IQ societies, the role of eugenics, the complexities of anti-Semitism, and the importance of the smart fraction versus average IQ in society. משכיל בינה is the author of NonZionism, where he’s written insightful essays on Israel, Britain, and a wide range of themes that poke at both the left and right. Chapters 00:00 Journey Through Radicalization 06:31 The Process of Deradicalization 12:32 Ideological Reflections and Political Realities 18:02 The Nature of Political Power 22:30 Living Independently in a Regime 28:29 The Balance of Radicalization and Personal Growth 34:51 The Dangers of the Dissident Right 40:40 Understanding Anti-Semitism: A Historical Perspective 48:43 The Evolution of Anti-Semitic Ideologies 56:38 Radicalization and the Role of the Internet 01:04:40 The Holocaust: A Central Narrative in Modern Ideology 01:12:25 Race Realism and Its Implications 01:20:38 The Future of Society: Eugenics and Intelligence

    1h 36m
4.6
out of 5
257 Ratings

About

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

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