The Totally Legitimate Business Podcast

James Oliva
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Arts
  • Updated Weekly

The TLB Podcast – Deep Dives into Art & Creativity, Conspiracies, and CultureThe TLB Podcast, hosted by James Oliva, invites listeners on unconventional explorations through obscure history, emergent technology, conspiracy narratives, art & creativity, esoteric traditions, and plenty of ethically charged existential dilemmas. From the inner workings of secretive agencies and speculative science to alternative healing and societal myths, each weekly episode blends thoughtful curiosity with diverse perspectives and a golf ball sized understanding of reality.Subscribe to unravel hidden threads, question narratives, and blend critical inquiry with imaginative discovery.

  1. 6d ago

    Social Engineering, Internet Psychosis & the Battle for Truth | Adam Roesner | Episode 173

    The internet was supposed to give everyone access to information. Instead, we may have created a system where nobody can agree on what's real. On Episode 173 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with Adam Roesner of Influence Engineering for a conversation about social media, psychological manipulation, and the increasingly difficult task of figuring out what is actually true anymore on the internet. They get into the psychology behind social engineering, frame control, identity, and influence, including how techniques that were once the domain of advertising, propaganda, and psychological operations have become part of the everyday machinery of the internet. Adam breaks down some of the tactics people encounter online and how recognizing them can help us become slightly less willing participants in our own manipulation. The conversation also explores internet psychosis, information overload, misinformation, and the collapse of shared reality — what happens when everyone has access to unlimited information, everyone can become a broadcaster, and algorithms increasingly determine which version of reality lands in front of us. We also get existential with a bit of spirituality, good and evil, and whether the battle for human attention might have implications beyond selling us things and keeping us scrolling. Basically: social engineering, algorithms, psychological manipulation, spiritual warfare... and the increasingly reasonable desire to occasionally turn your phone off and go outside. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Adam Roesner & Influence Engineering Influence Engineering’s TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@influenceengineering Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Adam Roesner 01:12 – Social Media and the Influence Landscape 01:34 – Adam's Journey into Content Creation 04:16 – The Psychology Behind Influence 07:36 – Internet Psychosis and Information Overload 09:56 – Searching for Truth in the Misinformation Age 12:25 – The Rise of Digital Influence 14:07 – Authenticity and Getting Back to Nature 16:15 – The Explosion of Content Creators 20:23 – Social Engineering as a Tool for Influence 24:27 – Frame Control and Identity 26:25 – Manipulation and Binary Framing 29:00 – The Spiritual and Esoteric Battle for Influence 37:26 – Good, Evil, and Spiritual Warfare 43:59 – The Collapse of Objective Reality 50:51 – Have We Reached the Point of No Return? 01:05:23 – Digital Detox and Mental Clarity 01:08:24 – Final Thoughts #SocialEngineering #SocialMedia #InternetPsychosis #Psychology #Misinformation #InformationWarfare #DigitalInfluence #Manipulation #AdamRoesner #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  2. Aug 16

    What Actually Makes a Great Recording? | Jay & Ian Pellicci | Episode 172

    With more recording technology available than ever before, why does making a great record still come down to knowing when to leave it alone? On Episode 172 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with brothers Jay and Ian Pellicci of Brothers (Chinese) Recording for a conversation about making records, building studios, the strange combination of technical knowledge, and knowing when not to use it. They trace their story from making music and recording themselves in high school to becoming part of the early-2000s Oakland and San Francisco music scene, including their time with Dilute and the making of Grape Blueprints Pour Spinach Olive Grape. Along the way, they get into the DIY recording culture that shaped them, opening Brothers (Chinese) Recording, and what decades behind the console have taught them about capturing a performance. They also wander into the eternal analog vs. digital argument — tape, modern recording technology, happy accidents, endless editing possibilities, and whether having more tools actually results in better records. But underneath all of the gear talk is a much simpler philosophy: the engineer works for the song, not the other way around. They discuss ego, authenticity, collaboration, and why sometimes the most important production decision you can make is to stop screwing with something that already sounds good. Basically: recording music, weird Bay Area music, studio life... and two brothers who've spent decades figuring out how to use a ridiculous amount of technology without letting it get in the way of making music. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Jay & Ian Website → https://www.brotherschineserecording.com/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/brotherschineserecording Jay’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jaypellicci/ Ian’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/ianpellicci/ Dilute: Grape Blueprints Pour Spinach Olive Grape → https://obsoletemediaobjects.bandcamp.com/album/grape-blueprints-pour-spinach-olive-grape Chapters 00:00 – The Pellicci Brothers and Their Scene 01:59 – Early Musical Influences and Starting Out 04:00 – First Recordings and the DIY Setup 07:01 – The Oakland and San Francisco Music Scene 09:58 – Dilute and Grape Blueprints Pour Spinach Olive Grape 19:53 – Recording Philosophy: Analog vs. Digital 30:03 – Happy Accidents and the Creative Process 40:06 – Building and Running a Recording Studio 49:57 – Advice for Musicians and Producers 53:53 – Analog Tape vs. Digital Recording 01:04:41 – Capturing Performances and Using Technology 01:15:20 – Serving the Artist and the Joy of Recording 01:22:02 – Ego, Authenticity, and the Music Industry 01:33:03 – Apparently, the Apocalypse 01:38:36 – Advice for Aspiring Engineers and Musicians 01:44:46 – Closing Thoughts #MusicProduction #AudioEngineering #AnalogRecording #DigitalRecording #RecordingStudio #Dilute #BayAreaMusic #JayPellicci #IanPellicci #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  3. Aug 9

    Songwriting, Music Production & UFO Disclosure | These Nights | Episode 171

    What have “These Nights” been up to since their last appearance? On Episode 171 of The TLB Podcast, James welcomes back Daniel Oglesby and Dave Gashaw of These Nights for a conversation about songwriting, remote collaboration, music production, and the surprisingly natural detour into UFOs, disclosure, and the future of humanity. They break down the creative process behind their latest single "Open Letter," including how they produced its puppet-driven music video remotely, and the happy accidents that shaped the song, exploring the songwriting, production techniques, mixing, and the realities of creating music when your band isn't always in the same room. Things eventually go off the rails in the best possible way, as discussion shifts into UFO disclosure, government secrecy, consciousness, and humanity's future, exploring why conversations around extraterrestrial life have become increasingly mainstream and how those ideas intersect with creativity, curiosity, and culture. Basically: songwriting, music production, UFOs, remote collaboration... and the kind of conversation that starts with synthesizers and somehow ends with aliens. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with These Nights YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@thesenightsCO Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thesenightsco/ LinkTree → https://linktr.ee/thesenightsCO Dave’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/devastatin_dave/ Daniel’s Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/danie10513581/ Chapters 00:00 – Daniel Oglesby & Dave Gashaw Return 01:20 – Behind the "Open Letter" Music Video 03:30 – Making a Puppet Music Video Remotely 06:36 – Writing "Open Letter" 09:08 – Musical Influences and Production Style 12:00 – Happy Accidents in Songwriting 15:22 – Songwriting Workflow 18:40 – Mixing and Editing Techniques 22:30 – Video Editing vs Audio Production 23:34 – Watching the Finished Music Video 27:42 – Future Creative Projects 28:50 – Production Details and Synth Layering 37:31 – Remote Collaboration in Modern Music 41:26 – UFO Disclosure Discussion 50:17 – Government Secrecy and Corporate Negligence 01:00:11 – Consciousness and Humanity's Future 01:14:20 – Hope, Creativity, and What's Next 01:15:55 – Closing Thoughts #TheseNights #MusicProduction #Songwriting #MusicVideo #RemoteCollaboration #UFODisclosure #Creativity #IndependentMusic #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  4. Aug 2

    Neuroscience, AI & the Future of Human Consciousness | Dr. James Giordano | Episode 170

    What happens when we can not only understand the brain—but begin to engineer it? On Episode 170 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with Dr. James Giordano, one of the world's leading experts in neuroscience and neuroethics, for a wide-ranging discussion about the future of brain science, artificial intelligence, and the ethical challenges posed by emerging neurotechnologies. The conversation explores the evolution of neuroscience, the enduring mystery of consciousness, and why understanding the brain remains one of humanity's greatest scientific challenges. Dr. Giordano explains how advances in brain imaging, neural interfaces, AI, and big data are reshaping both medicine and our understanding of what it means to be human. They also examine the history of mind control research, Neuralink, brain-computer interfaces, and the possibility that technologies once confined to science fiction are rapidly becoming scientific reality. From the future of cognitive enhancement to questions of privacy, autonomy, and the commercialization of the human mind, this episode looks at one of the fastest-moving frontiers in science. Basically: neuroscience, AI, consciousness, brain-computer interfaces, neuroethics, and the future of humanity. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Dr. James Giordano “The Brain is the Battlefield of the Future → https://youtu.be/N02SK9yd60s?si=JHyJUwUf6CMIbqbx Georgetown Bio → https://www.clinicalbioethics.georgetown.edu/jgiordano/ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Neuroethics and Brain Science 03:01 – The Evolution of Neuroscience 05:49 – The Hard Problem of Consciousness 09:00 – AI Meets Neuroscience 11:57 – Dr. Giordano's Journey into Brain Science 14:47 – The Cold War and Mind Control Research 18:08 – Tools and Theories in Neuroscience 20:57 – Big Data, AI, and the Brain 24:00 – Technology, Consciousness, and Human Evolution 27:10 – Consciousness Beyond Humans 30:07 – Major Milestones in Neuroscience 33:20 – Brain Imaging and Mapping Technologies 35:01 – Interventional Neurotechnology 37:31 – The Future of Mind Reading and Brain Control 39:11 – Ethics in Brain Science 41:30 – The Double-Edged Sword of Technology 43:41 – The Internet and Human Flourishing 46:00 – The Technological Imperative 51:01 – Technology and Human Cognition 55:03 – Philosophy's Role in Neuroscience 01:05:10 – Understanding Neuroethics 01:05:50 – Emerging Brain Technologies 01:08:03 – The Commodification of Medicine 01:11:10 – Neuralink and Brain-Computer Interfaces 01:14:57 – Science Fiction Becoming Reality 01:20:00 – Global Perspectives on Neuroethics 01:24:53 – Cosmopolitan Ethics for Emerging Technology 01:29:54 – The Neuro Panopticon and Humanity's Future #Neuroscience #Neuroethics #ArtificialIntelligence #Consciousness #BrainTechnology #Neuralink #BrainComputerInterface #JamesGiordano #AI #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  5. Jul 26

    UFOs, Psychic Abilities & Human Consciousness | Andrew Radziewicz | Episode 169

    What if the strangest part of the UFO phenomenon isn't what's in the sky—but what it reveals about the human mind? On Episode 169 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with Andrew Radziewicz, better known as The Psychic Firefighter, to discuss his unusual path from serving as a New York City firefighter and Coast Guard member to exploring psychic experiences, UFO encounters, meditation, and altered states of consciousness. Andrew shares how a series of life-changing experiences led him to question conventional ideas about reality, eventually leading him into practices centered on meditation, intuition, and consciousness, and why these subjects continue to challenge both science and mainstream culture. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, this conversation explores one of the more unusual intersections of consciousness, spirituality, and the modern UFO discussion. Basically: UFOs, psychic experiences, meditation, consciousness, military secrecy, and the possibility that reality is stranger than we assume. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Andrew Radziewicz YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@psychicfirefighter Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/psychicfirefighter/ Website → https://www.psychicfirefighter.com/ Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:17 – From Firefighter to Psychic 03:14 – Awakening Psychic Abilities 05:16 – Near-Death Experiences and the Afterlife 12:05 – Meditation and Discovering Psychic Gifts 18:05 – Family History and Mystical Traditions 20:43 – Different Cultures, Different Beliefs 24:30 – UFO Sightings and Military Connections 31:07 – Communicating with Extraterrestrials 40:50 – Living with Unconventional Beliefs 42:40 – The Night of the Fire 53:14 – Strange Phenomena During Interviews 55:41 – Searching for Scientific Explanations 01:01:10 – DNA, Ethics, and Psychic Potential 01:05:32 – Military Interest in Human Abilities 01:15:18 – Personal UFO Encounters 01:20:55 – Coast Guard Encounters with the Unexplained 01:24:22 – Mysterious Objects and Retrieval Stories 01:29:01 – Skepticism and Whistleblowers 01:41:03 – Hope, Meditation, and Final Thoughts #UFO #Consciousness #Psychic #Meditation #Disclosure #Extraterrestrial #Paranormal #CE5 #AndrewRadziewicz #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  6. Jul 19

    Inside LAPD Internal Affairs | Marlon Marrache | Episode 168

    What actually happens when the police investigate... the police? On Episode 168 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with former LAPD Internal Affairs Sergeant Marlon Marrache for an inside look at police accountability, internal investigations, and what really happens behind the scenes of one of America's largest law enforcement agencies. They explore how Internal Affairs investigations actually work, why they're often misunderstood, and the constant balance between transparency, institutional trust, and public accountability. Marlon shares firsthand insight into the realities of policing, the challenges of investigating fellow officers, and the human side of a profession that's often viewed only through headlines. The conversation also dives into some of the most well-known cases in LAPD history, including the Rampart Scandal, the Grim Sleeper investigation, advances in forensic science, and the evolution of civilian oversight. Throughout, they examine how public perception, media coverage, and internal culture shape the way law enforcement is viewed—and how those perceptions don't always match reality. Basically: internal affairs investigations, accountability, and what really happens when the system investigates itself. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Marlon Marrache The Marrache Show → https://www.youtube.com/@themarracheshow The Marlon Report → https://www.youtube.com/@TheMarlonReport Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/themarracheshow/ Website → https://www.marracheconsulting.com/ Chapters 00:00 – Intro 01:08 – Marlon Marrache's Career in Law Enforcement 02:42 – The Role of Internal Affairs 05:46 – Transparency and Accountability 07:09 – Institutional Reputation 09:24 – Why Join Internal Affairs? 17:53 – Checks and Balances in Policing 22:10 – Human Fallibility in Law Enforcement 27:02 – Internal Affairs Investigations Explained 27:30 – Civilian Oversight and Reform 31:02 – Public Perception vs Reality 38:45 – The Rampart Scandal 49:38 – Public Scrutiny and Police Investigations 01:01:01 – The Grim Sleeper Case 01:08:21 – Advances in Forensic Science 01:17:19 – Chasing Criminals 01:20:33 – Reflections on Policing and Purpose #LAPD #InternalAffairs #PoliceAccountability #TrueCrime #LawEnforcement #ForensicScience #PoliceCorruption #CriminalJustice #MarlonMarrache #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  7. Jul 12

    Music Rights, AI & the Business of Being an Artist | Amani Roberts | Episode 167

    Most artists spend years learning how to make music. Almost nobody teaches them how to survive the business. On Episode 167 of The TLB Podcast, James speaks with Amani Roberts for a conversation about the modern music industry, music rights, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable career as an independent artist. They explore the growing importance of understanding the business of music, from publishing and record deals to ownership and recoupment. The conversation examines why today's artists have access to more information than ever before — and why many still struggle to navigate the industry effectively. They also get into social media, audience building, and the challenge of maintaining authenticity in a landscape increasingly driven by algorithms and attention. From there, the discussion expands into AI, emerging technology, and how artists can adapt without losing the human element that makes creative work meaningful. Basically: music rights, artist development, AI, social media, and the realities of turning creativity into a sustainable career. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Amani Roberts YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@amaniexperience Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/amaniexperience TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@amaniexperience Website → https://www.amaniexperience.com Book a Consultation → https://www.amaniexperience.com/call Chapters 00:00 – Amani Roberts and the Business of Music 02:06 – Journey into Music and Business 05:51 – Treating Art as a Business 11:15 – The Shift in Artist Awareness and Knowledge 14:20 – Understanding Music Publishing 21:01 – The Reality of Record Labels 25:03 – Recoupment in the Music Industry 27:54 – Building Your Artist Ecosystem 32:46 – Social Media for Artists 39:00 – Authentic Audience Engagement 42:56 – Investing in Yourself as an Artist 46:11 – Free Resources for Growth 50:46 – Learning from Industry Legends 58:30 – Artists and Ownership 59:55 – The Gilded Cage of Fame 01:01:31 – AI in Music 01:04:47 – Adapting to Creative Change 01:09:15 – Marketing Strategies for Artists 01:15:11 – Final Advice for Creators #MusicIndustry #ArtistManagement #MusicBusiness #MusicPublishing #IndependentArtists #AIinMusic #SocialMediaMarketing #MusicRights #ArtistDevelopment #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

  8. May 24

    AI Sentience, Digital Immortality & the Future of Humanity | Dr. Peter Solomon | Episode 166

    What happens when artificial intelligence stops being a tool… and starts becoming something else? On Episode 166 of The TLB Podcast, James sits down with physicist and author Dr. Peter Solomon for a conversation about artificial intelligence, existential risk, and the increasingly strange future humanity may be walking into. They get into the rapid evolution of AI — from simple automation tools to systems that may eventually rival or surpass human intelligence — along with the ethical and philosophical questions that come with it. The discussion explores AI sentience, digital immortality, autonomous systems, and the possibility that some technologies may already exist far beyond what the public is aware of. They also talk about the role of companies like Palantir and Neuralink, military applications of AI, and the growing relationship between technology, surveillance, and human identity. From there, the conversation expands into deeper territory: consciousness, the Ship of Theseus, after-death AI avatars, and whether humanity is actually prepared for the systems it’s creating. Basically: AI, consciousness, extinction risks, brain interfaces… and the possibility that humanity may be approaching a technological turning point it can’t reverse. Support the Show Early access on Patreon → https://tinyurl.com/mva2z9se Audio-only on Spotify → https://tinyurl.com/ytfnwx6s Connect with Dr. Peter Solomon YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@100YearsToExtinction-1 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/100yearstoextinction X → https://www.x.com/100Extinction TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/100YearstoExtinction Website → https://www.100yearstoextinction.com/ Chapters 00:00 - Intro to Peter Solomon 07:53 - Background and Career Journey 12:41 - Technological Threats and Predictions of Extinction 20:36 - AI and Its Dangers 25:50 - Doomsday Scenarios and AI in Fiction 35:40 - AI in Creative Processes and Collaboration 43:09 - AI and Music Production 46:15 - AI Sentience and Human Interaction 49:16 - AI and Human Employment 55:33 - Creating Harmonious AI Relationships 01:00:01 - The Earthling Tribe 01:02:19 - The Weaponization of AI 01:05:27 - After-Death Avatars 01:11:25 - The Ship of Theseus 01:17:33 - The Future of Humanity and AI #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIsentience #DigitalImmortality #ExistentialRisk #Neuralink #Palantir #FutureTechnology #Consciousness #AIethics #TheTLBPod Support the show Patreon Tiktok Instagram YouTube

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The TLB Podcast – Deep Dives into Art & Creativity, Conspiracies, and CultureThe TLB Podcast, hosted by James Oliva, invites listeners on unconventional explorations through obscure history, emergent technology, conspiracy narratives, art & creativity, esoteric traditions, and plenty of ethically charged existential dilemmas. From the inner workings of secretive agencies and speculative science to alternative healing and societal myths, each weekly episode blends thoughtful curiosity with diverse perspectives and a golf ball sized understanding of reality.Subscribe to unravel hidden threads, question narratives, and blend critical inquiry with imaginative discovery.

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