Solutions From The Multiverse

Adam Braus & Scot Maupin
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Professor Adam Braus (Elton University) and comedian Scot Maupin (@scotmaupin) meet up each week where Adam brings a new idea to help the world and Scot picks and prods at it with jokes and questions. The result is an informative and entertaining podcast that always gets you thinking.

  1. 1d ago

    A Test for Female Psychopaths?

    Psychopaths, Gender, and Why a Female Test Might MatterAdam Braus and Scot Maupin explore the idea of a gender-specific psychopathy test. Adam argues that because the classic Hare-based test was developed from male prison populations, it may not capture how psychopathic traits could present differently in women. They also discuss the challenges of distinguishing those traits from other conditions, and whether some traits may be rewarded in high-pressure roles. Timestamps00:00 - Show intro and the episode’s premise 04:04 - Why the current psychopathy test may be male-centered 05:02 - ADHD and autism as examples of differences in presentation 07:41 - The possibility that some forms of psychopathy go underrecognized 09:09 - Traits a future test might examine 10:37 - Psychopathic traits and high-pressure professions 12:09 - Utilitarian thinking and emotional distance 13:01 - Psychopathy as a spectrum 14:10 - The proposed test as a public-awareness tool 15:52 - Where research could begin 17:11 - Possible changes to the test’s criteria 18:59 - Social awareness and masking 20:04 - Debating whether separate tests are needed 21:20 - The challenge of distinguishing psychopathy from borderline personality disorder 24:44 - What identification might be used for 25:04 - How narcissism entered everyday conversation 27:11 - Questions about women in business and leadership 29:57 - Nonviolent expressions of extreme traits 31:55 - Reviewing examples of psychopathy criteria 34:17 - Psychopathy versus narcissism 35:35 - Public figures as debated examples 37:53 - Beauty pageants and other possible research questions 39:28 - Prevalence estimates and the challenge of setting a cutoff 40:42 - Treatment, coping, and awareness 43:48 - Recognizing traits and choosing environments 45:43 - Recapping the episode’s main idea 47:11 - Possible book titles and a debate about a provocative clip 50:09 - Closing remarks

  2. Oct 8

    Can Sex Parties Save the World? with Misha Bonaventura

    Connect with our Guest: https://mishabonaventura.com/ https://www.soulplay.co/ This episode is a lively, idea-driven conversation about how consent-focused sex parties could function as more than entertainment and instead become a tool for education, connection, and cultural change. Adam Braus and Scot Maupin are joined by sex and relationship coach and consent culture pioneer Misha Bonaventura, who argues that these spaces can help people practice consent, reduce loneliness, and unlearn shame around pleasure. We discuss what a consent-forward sex party actually looks like, why Misha sees it as a response to toxic sex culture, and how smaller entry points like cuddle parties and PG-13 events can help more people participate safely. The conversation also touches on jealousy, non-monogamy, community norms, and why learning how to say yes and no clearly matters far beyond sex. Misha Bonaventura (mishabonaventura.com) is a sex & relationship coach (bonaventura-coaching.shinepages.com), consent culture pioneer and producer of transformational play spaces. She's been a leader in the sex positive scene of the Bay Area for over a decade. Now leading SoulPlay Festival (soulplay.co) as Executive Producer, she is deeply passionate about helping people and communities build a pleasure based life through deeper understandings of consent, trusting that conflict is a path to intimacy, and leading the way to pleasure based living. She brings years of experience producing sexy parties, Somatica Coaching, Co-Active Coaching, Light Dark Institute, and Nonviolent Communication to helping you love, connect and repair with more courage and less armor. Timestamps 00:00 — Misha’s big idea: sex parties could save the world 01:10 — What a consent-forward space looks like 02:27 — Why toxic sex culture makes this conversation necessary 04:59 — Consent as explicit, collaborative communication 06:08 — Curation, boundaries, and who attends 08:30 — Bodies, beauty, and why anonymity isn’t the point 09:26 — Community-based relating at Bonobo Network 11:01 — Festivals and colleges as spaces with unspoken sexual dynamics 12:31 — Relationship styles and who attends 14:27 — From small gatherings to 200-person parties 15:03 — PG-13 parties as a more accessible entry point 20:04 — Cuddle parties, Soul Play Festival, and consent education 22:18 — Consent, choice, and resisting authoritarian habits 23:48 — How safer spaces can support sexual expression 24:46 — Why “don’t be creepy” needs clearer guidance 26:18 — A consent scene from The Night of the Iguana 27:55 — The Invite and the ethics of group sexual dynamics 29:40 — What happens at a PG-13 party 31:37 — Foucault, sexual repression, and cultural norms 33:29 — Jealousy, admiration, and connection 36:48 — De-escalation and staying in community after breakups 38:47 — A compatibility framework: fantasy, chemistry, availability, and core expression 40:35 — Designing accessible entry points—and acknowledging potential downsides 43:45 — Balancing security, freedom, and novelty in relationships 46:49 — Where to find Misha Thanks to Jonah Burns for the SFM music.

  3. Oct 5 ·  Bonus

    Solutions FM x The Perfect Show - Gradient Puzzle Summer - Special Presentation

    This week Adam Braus is away, so we are sharing 'Gradient Puzzle Summer,' a cross-publication of Scot's solo podcast - The Perfect Show. We will return on 10/8 with the next regular episode of Solutions From the Multiverse. ----- Webpage with Transcript, Pictures, Videos, and more: https://perfectshowpodcast.com/23-gradient-puzzle-summer/ ----- TPS023 Gradient Puzzle Summer NOTES Is there a type of jigsaw puzzle you’ve never heard of but might be really into? This episode Scot talks all about his love for and fascination with gradient jigsaw puzzles, a thing new to many people. He goes into his love of puzzling, and where it probably originated, as well as connecting with other puzzlers through Assemble Puzzlery and their events. Scot searches for another puzzler who will have the same experience with gradient puzzles that he had, and manages to stir up a little drama with inadvertently picking the worst gradient puzzles there are at a crucial point. So grab a puzzle, pour yourself a drink, and sit back for a story told, piece by piece. Assemble Puzzlery: AssemblePuzzlery.com Thank you to Jen Thompson, Erica Elms, Vicki Davis, Brian Earle, Sarah Busing, Norah Molina, Vera, Stephanie, Ben Reburn, Peggy Lervold, Lois Lervold, and Amelia Maupin for helping me with this quest.  ---- Chapter Timestamps: (00:00) Solutions From the Multiverse Intro (02:00) Pre-Introduction (02:27) Introduction (02:58) History with Puzzles (04:54) First Gradient Puzzle (08:35) My Wrong Prediction (13:15) The Episode Quest (14:55) Jen and Erica (20:19) Assemble Puzzlery Event (21:57) Sarah (24:02) Brian (26:57) Who is Karen Puzzles? (32:35) My Big Mistake (37:24) Brian - Blue Kazoo (39:52) Vicki - Ravensburger Krypt (42:48) Vicki - MasterPieces (48:36) Puzzling All Summer Long (56:38) Lois and Peggy - Kansas (1:04:26) Sandra Maupin Tribute (1:05:25) Perfectorium Entry (1:06:08) Pictures (1:07:20) Thank Yous (1:08:20) Solutions From the Multiverse (1:09:40) Ending

  4. Sep 24

    Solving Parking: Rethinking Driveway Curb Cuts- Owen Raisch | s04 e07

    You can reach Owen Raisch on X (nee Twitter) here: https://twitter.com/owenraisch Right to Park: Reclaiming unused curb cuts for public parking Adam Braus and guest Owen Raisch discuss a San Francisco specific urbanist proposal that would charge homeowners to reserve driveway curb cuts for car access, while returning unused driveway frontage to the public as street parking. The idea is framed as a practical way to add parking, reduce congestion, and reset how cities think about public right of way.They also dig into the broader implications for density, transit funding, bike infrastructure, and how self-driving cars may change the parking equation over time. Email: solutionsfromthemultiverse@gmail.com (mailto:solutionsfromthemultiverse@gmail.com) Adam: @ajbraus (https://twitter.com/ajbraus) - braus@hey.com (mailto:braus@hey.com) Scot: @scotmaupin (https://www.twitter.com/@scotmaupin) adambraus.com (https://www.adambraus.com) (Link to Adam's projects and books) The Perfect Show (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-perfect-show/id1579838291) (Scot's solo podcast) The Numey (https://www.paywithnumey.com) (inflation-free currency) Thanks to Jonah Burns for the SFM music. Key topics In this episode, Adam Braus presents a “right to park” proposal for San Francisco: if a homeowner wants their driveway curb cut protected for car access, they pay an annual fee.Owen Raisch helps test the idea from an urbanist angle, emphasizing how the built environment shapes quality of life and transportation choices.Adam argues the policy would convert unused curb cuts into public street parking, potentially adding about 90,000 spaces in San Francisco.The discussion centers on the idea that the default should be public access to the curb unless someone pays for the private exemption.Adam says the proposal is less about raising revenue and more about efficiency, since many curb cuts are unused much of the time.Timestamps 00:00 - Intro and Owen’s return as guest 03:05 - The core idea: pay to protect a driveway curb cut 04:23 - How much parking this could add 05:09 - The parking problem this solves 06:18 - Why curb cuts are effectively private use of public space 07:11 - What homeowners already pay versus what the curb cut would cost 11:17 - Comparing the fee to existing street and commercial parking costs 12:39 - Why this creates car-on-car incentives, not just anti-car politics 13:31 - The stat about cars circulating while looking for parking 15:22 - The real yearly cost of car ownership 17:01 - What else that money could be used for instead 18:10 - Why this is not anti-car, but pro-efficiency 19:38 - Where the revenue could go 20:20 - Why San Francisco already considered a similar idea 22:08 - Existing red curb protections and how this could scale them 24:13 - Self-driving cars and whether they change the parking calculus 26:11 - How car ownership changes how people think about transportation 28:00 - This is a driveway tax, not a car tax 29:08 - Why the proposal matches the city that actually exists today 31:24 - Why San Francisco is different from other cities 34:52 - How more parking could unlock more housing density 39:24 - The bike highway idea and removing some parking for protected corridors 41:33 - Why car drivers may benefit from fewer cars overall 44:41 - Bikes, danger, and the asymmetry with cars 46:23 - Naming the proposal “Right to Park” 48:52 - Why the reform is a paradigm shift, not a total fix 51:34 - Wrap-up and closing

  5. Sep 18

    Solving Alternative Facts with 'Begs the Question' | s04 e06

    Video of episode: https://youtu.be/nDhTnWu7RGo Begs the Question: Bring Back the Real Meaning Adam Braus and Scot Maupin unpack one of the most misused phrases in modern argument, explaining what “begs the question” actually means and why getting it right matters. This episode is a lively defense of logic, careful language, and evidence-based thinking, with plenty of examples from politics, culture, parenting, and current tech hype. In this episode, Adam and Scot focus on restoring “begs the question” to its original meaning: circular reasoning. They also trace how the phrase gets misused as “invites the question,” and why that confusion weakens everyday arguments. Key topics Adam defines “begs the question” as circular reasoning, not “raises a question” Examples of the fallacy from stealing, religion, politics, and everyday speech Why logical fallacies are ways of sounding reasonable while actually being irrational The difference between saying something is “circular” versus simply “invites the question” How people misuse the phrase constantly, often without realizing it Why clearer logic terms can help identify weak arguments and bad beliefs faster How circular reasoning shows up in anti-vaccine claims, flat-earth reasoning, and nationalism Timestamps (00:00) - Opening banter and the setup for today’s solution (00:49) - Adam introduces the case for restoring “begs the question” (02:12) - The actual definition: a logical fallacy and circular reasoning (03:58) - Ad hominem as an example of a logical fallacy (04:36) - Straw man arguments and why distortion replaces real rebuttal (05:06) - Slippery slope reasoning and exaggerated consequences (05:22) - “Begs the question” explained as circular proof (06:18) - Familiar examples: stealing, the Bible, and self-justifying beliefs (06:55) - More circular examples, including free speech and trustworthiness (07:40) - Defining a word with itself and why that fails as reasoning (08:00) - Why people keep using the phrase wrong (09:29) - The modern misuse: “invites the question” (10:35) - How to correctly use the phrase in conversation (11:25) - Flat-earth reasoning as a circular argument (12:19) - “America is the greatest” and other self-referential claims (13:11) - Why calling out a fallacy can instantly lower trust in a claim (14:03) - “Invites the question” versus “begs the question” (15:35) - Alternative facts and why Adam sees circular reasoning underneath them (16:33) - Real facts versus claims that collapse into self-reference (17:17) - Scot’s point about evidence-based thinking versus vibes (18:01) - Feelings are valid, but false objectivity is the problem (19:17) - Why people should be more honest about discomfort and bias (19:40) - Crypto, Bitcoin, and other bubble logic (22:21) - AI hype, apocalyptic claims, and circular reasoning around innovation (25:26) - The “if we don’t do it, China will” argument (28:29) - Parenting, sleep deprivation, and a brief equipment detour (31:02) - How to insert the phrase into pop culture and social media (33:50) - Teaching logic in school and saving people time and frustration (35:06) - Bringing “begs the question” back as a cultural correction (36:15) - Technically correct people and the idea of an “International Begs the Question Day” (37:12) - White supremacy as a circular argument (39:20) - Left-wing examples: rent, housing scarcity, and vague explanations (40:33) - Final tech check and wrap-up

  6. Sep 10

    Solving Socialism's Reputation: Market Socialism | s04 e05

    Send us Fan Mail Video of our full episode: https://youtu.be/lXcLIrSqddY In this episode, Adam Braus and Scot Maupin explore the concept of market socialism, its misconceptions, and how it can be a practical and appealing alternative to traditional socialism and capitalism. They discuss how branding, policy, and public perception can shape the future of socialist ideas. keywordsmarket socialism, socialism, capitalism, public policy, branding, economic reform, social safety nets, free markets, Scandinavian countries, political strategy key topics * The difference between socialism and market socialism * Why branding matters in political ideology * How Scandinavian countries implement market socialism * The role of regulation in a socialist economy * The misconception of central planning in socialism * The impact of poverty and homelessness on society * The importance of safety nets and social programs * The potential for market socialism to enhance freedom and innovation Chapters (00:00) Introduction to the episode (00:22) The need to rebrand socialism as market socialism (01:09) Differences between democratic socialism and market socialism (02:43) The misconception of central planning in socialism (04:17) Modern socialists and their beliefs in free markets (06:29) Branding and political strategy in socialism (08:34) The role of regulation and competition in market socialism (12:07) The impact of inheritance and billionaires in capitalism (15:23) The importance of safety nets and social safety programs (19:17) Examples from Scandinavian countries (23:23) Barriers to starting businesses in Scandinavian countries (28:32) The concept of sewer socialism and its benefits (33:23) The Peter tax and taxing the wealthy fairly (36:36) The evolution of socialist ideas post-Cold War (40:33) The moral and fiscal benefits of eliminating poverty (44:09) The rise of market socialism and its acceptance (49:29) How to promote market socialism effectively (50:54) Closing remarks and call to action Support the show Help these new solutions spread by ... Subscribing wherever you listen to podcastsLeaving a 5-star review Sharing your favorite solution with your friends and network (this makes a BIG difference)Comments? Feedback? Questions? Solutions? Message us! We will do a mailbag episode. Email: solutionsfromthemultiverse@gmail.com Adam: @ajbraus - braus@hey.com Scot: @scotmaupin adambraus.com (Link to Adam's projects and books) The Perfect Show (Scot's solo podcast) Thanks to Jonah Burns for the SFM music.

  7. Sep 3

    Solving AI Psychosis: Lithium in the Water Supply!?- with Mo Hafez | s04 e04

    Send us Fan Mail Video Version of the Episode: https://youtu.be/JBoJCCl8W18 In this episode, Adam Braus, Scot Maupin, and guest Mo Hafez explore the provocative idea of adding lithium to the water supply. They discuss potential health benefits, risks, public opinion, and the societal implications of such a bold public health measure. In this episode, Scot Maupin, Mo Hafez, and Adam Braus explore the potential of lithium in water to improve mental health, the implications of social media lawsuits, and the future of AI and societal safety measures. They discuss innovative ideas, dystopian scenarios, and the importance of democratizing technology. Keywords lithium, water supply, public health, mental health, dementia, Alzheimer's, AI psychosis, societal impact, neuroprotection, mental health treatment Lithium water, social media lawsuit, AI future, mental health, dystopian society, public safety, technology ethics Key Topics Potential health benefits of lithium in water, including reduction in dementia, Alzheimer's, suicidality, and violent crimeRisks and public opinion challenges of adding lithium to the water supplyThe science behind lithium's neuroprotective effects and safety at microdose levelsSocietal implications, conspiracy theories, and ethical considerations of water fluoridation and lithiumThe logistics of sourcing, distributing, and regulating lithium for public health use. Potential of lithium in water to improve mental healthLegal and societal implications of social media lawsuitsFuture scenarios of AI development and regulationDystopian vs utopian visions of technologyThe importance of democratizing AI and technologyGuest Name: Mo Hafez: Mo's Socials: YouTube - BeyondtheBytePodcast Instagram - beyond.the.byte X - bytewisepodcast LinkedIn - bytewise-ai Sound Bites "Small amounts of lithium can protect against dementia.""Lithium in water could lower suicide rates by 58 percent.""Lithium in water reduces depression, suicidality, and violent crime."Chapters (00:00) Introduction to the Lithium Water Idea (03:01) Historical Context of Art and Madness (03:59) Scientific Evidence Linking Lithium to Reduced Dementia and Crime (06:00) Public Opinion and Ethical Concerns of Water Additives (06:59) The Role of Technology in Van Gogh's Life (08:03) AI Psychosis and the Role of Lithium in Society (09:56) Risks, Dosing, and Safety of Lithium in Water (11:53) Feasibility, Sourcing, and Public Acceptance (12:11) Social Media Lawsuit and Its Implications (14:05) Potential Societal and Conspiracy Theories (15:59) Practical Steps and Future Research (17:02) Potential Benefits of Lithium Water for Public Health (18:05) Cultural and Historical Perspectives on Water Additives (20:00) Conclusion: Balancing Benefits and Risks (21:59) Dystopian Scenarios: Equilibrium and Control (27:00) Future Regulations on Social Media Usage (31:59) The Ethics of Water Additives and Public Safety (37:00) The Future of AI: Risks and Opportunities (41:59) Power Dynamics in AI Development (47:03) Innovative Ideas and Closing Remarks Support the show Help these new solutions spread by ... Subscribing wherever you listen to podcastsLeaving a 5-star review Sharing your favorite solution with your friends and network (this makes a BIG difference)Comments? Feedback? Questions? Solutions? Message us! We will do a mailbag episode. Email: solutionsfromthemultiverse@gmail.com Adam: @ajbraus - braus@hey.com Scot: @scotmaupin adambraus.com (Link to Adam's projects and books) The Perfect Show (Scot's solo podcast) Thanks to Jonah Burns for the SFM music.

  8. Aug 27

    Solving the Left: Lift To Lead | s04 e03

    Send us Fan Mail Voters love to say “I only care about policy,” but our brains do a faster scan first: does this person look healthy, capable, and worth following? We take on a provocative claim with real-world implications for elections and messaging: the left should lift weights, not as vanity, but as a simple, controllable advantage that changes how candidates are received on camera, at the podium, and in everyday encounters. We dig into why physical presence functions like a shortcut for trust, including the long-noted pattern that taller candidates often win and the “silverback” instinct people pretend they do not have. From there we talk about modern gym culture as an identity, especially for young men, and why saying “yeah, I lift” can create immediate rapport. We also draw a line between looking robust and looking unrelatable, because there is a point where extreme shredded aesthetics starts to signal something off. A big part of the conversation is a timely case study: Abdul Al-Sayed in Michigan, a physician pushing Medicare for All, unions, and a “less money for foreign wars, more money in your pocket” message, while also leaning into strength training as part of his public image. We compare that to broader examples like Michelle Obama’s public displays of fitness and the way visibly fit public figures gain attention online. Then we get practical: how to start strength training safely, why a trainer can prevent injuries, and how protein, calories, and rest actually drive results. If you’ve ever wondered whether politics is judged on substance or vibes, this one gets uncomfortably honest. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, then tell us: should politicians treat fitness as part of the job? Support the show Help these new solutions spread by ... Subscribing wherever you listen to podcastsLeaving a 5-star review Sharing your favorite solution with your friends and network (this makes a BIG difference)Comments? Feedback? Questions? Solutions? Message us! We will do a mailbag episode. Email: solutionsfromthemultiverse@gmail.com Adam: @ajbraus - braus@hey.com Scot: @scotmaupin adambraus.com (Link to Adam's projects and books) The Perfect Show (Scot's solo podcast) Thanks to Jonah Burns for the SFM music.

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About

Professor Adam Braus (Elton University) and comedian Scot Maupin (@scotmaupin) meet up each week where Adam brings a new idea to help the world and Scot picks and prods at it with jokes and questions. The result is an informative and entertaining podcast that always gets you thinking.

Information

  • Creator
    Adam Braus & Scot Maupin
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Adam Braus & Scot Maupin
  • Show Website
    Solutions From The Multiverse