The Culture Codex Podcast

Devin Farkas, Patrick Lendon

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GOVERNMENT

Decoding the minds shaping our future.

JAN 25

Aaron Parnas on Media Collapse, ICE Raids, & America’s Legal Crisis | The Culture Codex Podcast #011

In Episode #011 of The Culture Codex, we sit down with journalist and legal analyst Aaron Parnas, one of the most trusted independent voices covering American politics, for a wide-ranging and unfiltered conversation about power, institutions, and the slow erosion of democratic guardrails in the United States. Together, we explore how authoritarianism doesn’t arrive overnight, but through legal mechanisms, institutional capture, and normalized abuse of power. Parnas breaks down what’s changed in Trump’s second term, why the Supreme Court has become the most consequential battlefield, and how overwhelming the public with chaos is an intentional political strategy. We also examine media “sane-washing,” the failure of major institutions to hold the line, and why courts alone cannot be relied upon to save democracy.

35 min
JAN 6

Don Leonard on ICE Raids, Dark Money, & Why Democracy Is at Risk | The Culture Codex Podcast #010

In Episode #010 of The Culture Codex, we sit down with Don Leonard, Ohio State University professor, father, and Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, for a candid conversation about democracy, power, and what it means to actually fight back in this moment. Together, we explore what pushed Leonard from academia into electoral politics, the growing threat of legalized corruption, and how dark money, gerrymandering, and billionaire influence have hollowed out American democracy. Leonard breaks down why overturning Citizens United is essential, how money distorts political accountability, and why credibility, not fundraising totals, will decide the future of the Democratic Party. This episode also confronts the reality of ICE raids in Ohio. Leonard shares what he’s hearing directly from communities on the ground, why these actions represent a dangerous federal overreach, and how fear is being weaponized against immigrants, refugees, and even U.S. citizens. We discuss due process, civil vs. criminal law, and what state and local leaders can, and must do to protect their residents.

54 min
12/29/2025

Allison Russo on Gerrymandering, Power, & Why Ohio Feels Broken | The Culture Codex Podcast #009

In Episode #009 of The Culture Codex, we sit down with Ohio State Representative and Secretary of State candidate Allison Russo for a wide-ranging conversation on democracy, power, and the systems shaping Ohio’s political future. Together, we explore Russo’s journey from growing up in rural Mississippi to flipping a Republican district in Ohio, what it means to govern in a supermajority environment, and how politicians can still fight for constituents inside a rigged system. We dig into gerrymandering, redistricting failures, voter suppression tactics, and why trust in elections is being intentionally eroded. This episode also tackles the less-discussed role of the Secretary of State, from protecting voting access and election transparency to supporting small businesses, workers, and civic participation across Ohio. A candid, grounded discussion about leadership, accountability, and what it really takes to defend democracy at the state level.

54 min
12/10/2025

Jesse Smith on Ink Master, AI’s Future in Art, & Small Business | The Culture Codex Podcast #008

In Episode #008 of The Culture Codex, we sit down with world-renowned tattoo artist Jesse Smith, known for his surreal creatures, vibrant worlds, and unforgettable run on Ink Master. Together we explore how graffiti shaped his early style, how reality TV changed his approach to art, and how AI is reshaping the creative landscape. Jesse opens up about the real economics of running a tattoo shop, the challenges facing small businesses, and the pressures artists feel in an increasingly algorithm-driven world. This episode dives deep into artistry, autonomy, politics, and the future of creative work through the lens of someone who’s been at the top of the industry for decades.

37 min
11/24/2025

Michael Huemer on Political Myths, Biases, and Democratic Threats | The Culture Codex Podcast #007

"Thinking" is under attack, and philosopher Michael Huemer breaks down what’s real, what’s myth, and what’s dangerously misunderstood in American politics. In Episode #007, Patrick and Devin sit down with Huemer to unpack: • How bias, emotion, and misinformation warp our political judgment • Why so much “science” fails to replicate — and how bad research misleads the public • The truth about implicit bias, stereotype threat, and the limits of social psychology • How regulation, licensing, and housing policy actually work behind the scenes • Why Trump’s fake elector scheme was a historic threat to democracy • What rational discourse looks like in an era of extremism and disinformation As left-leaning people, we ask Huemer where it counts — especially on economics, regulation, and the "narratives" that shape American political divides. But we also believe real progress requires honest, difficult conversations… even when they push us outside our comfort zone. If we want a healthier political culture, one grounded in facts, reason, and democratic norms, it starts with talking to people across ideological lines without compromising our values.

54 min
10/28/2025

Amy Acton on Housing, Healthcare, Polarization, & Hope for Ohio | The Culture Codex Podcast #006

Ohio’s future is on the ballot, and Dr. Amy Acton lays out how to fix what’s broken. In Episode #006, Devin and Patrick sit down with Amy to unpack: - How we combat political violence & rebuild trust - What’s driving the housing and healthcare affordability crisis - Why smarter public health systems save lives - The role compassion must play in modern politics If we want a state, and country, where every family can thrive, it starts with leadership rooted in service, not power. Follow The Culture Codex: https://instagram.com/theculturecodex https://tiktok.com/@theculturecodex https://theculturecodexpodcast.com

44 min
10/03/2025

Elgin Charles (“Emperor of Hair”) on Hollywood, Legacy & Authenticity | The Culture Codex #005

From building one of Hollywood’s most groundbreaking styling empires to sharing his journey in his memoir, Elgin opens up about breaking barriers in the beauty industry, shaping celebrity culture, and embracing authenticity in an era that wasn’t always accepting. We dive into: How Elgin turned artistry into legacyBreaking through barriers as a Black, bisexual creative in HollywoodThe rise of celebrity hair culture and its impact on fameLessons today’s artists and entrepreneurs can take from his story

33 min
09/15/2025

Allan Lichtman on Fighting Authoritarianism and Saving Institutions | The Culture Codex Podcast #004

In Episode #004 of The Culture Codex Podcast, we sit down with historian and political analyst Professor Allan Lichtman, author of Conservative at the Core. Known for his accurate election predictions and deep analysis of American politics, Lichtman unpacks the history of the conservative movement, the GOP’s authoritarian drift, and the challenges facing U.S. institutions today. We also dive into how universities are handling political polarization, what young people can do to stay grounded during rising authoritarianism, and practical steps you can take to defend democracy. If you’ve ever wondered how we got here, what’s next for the United States, and how ordinary citizens can push back, this conversation is a must-watch.

30 min
09/04/2025

Jeff Steitzer (Voice of Halo) on Gaming, Politics & AI Voice Clones | The Culture Codex Podcast #003

Jeff Steitzer, the iconic “Voice of God” from Halo Multiplayer, joins us in Episode #003 to talk about his journey as a voice actor, the rise of AI voice cloning, gaming culture, and why he still chooses optimism in today’s political climate. We dive into: Jeff’s backstory and how he became the legendary Halo announcerThe challenges and risks of AI voice cloning in the entertainment industryGaming’s cultural impact and what it means for future generationsHow to stay hopeful and optimistic in turbulent political timesWhether you’re a Halo fan, a gamer, or just curious about the crossroads of politics, AI, and creativity, this episode delivers.

45 min
08/05/2025

Trae Crowder on Comedy, MAGA, and the Breaking Point in the South | The Culture Codex Podcast #002

Trae Crowder joins us in Episode 002 to talk comedy, culture wars, and the slow-motion collapse of the rural South. We dig into: Trae’s current stand-up tour and crowd reactions The impact of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto How the Manosphere and "Rogansphere" radicalize young voters The political influence of comedians (both good and bad) Why branding, not policy, keeps Democrats losing ground 📍 Episode 2 of The Culture Codex Podcast 🎧 Full audio available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere else 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every month Follow The Culture Codex: https://instagram.com/theculturecodex https://x.com/theculturecodex https://www.linkedin.com/company/theculturecodexpodcast https://theculturecodexpodcast.com Follow Trae Crowder: https://traecrowder.com https://instagram.com/officialtraecrowder https://x.com/traecrowder

40 min
07/13/2025

Tim Ryan on Mindfulness, Climate, AI, Crypto & the Democratic Party | The Culture Codex Podcast #001

In our free inaugural episode of The Culture Codex, we sit down with former Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the Democratic Party, the role of mindfulness in leadership, the climate crisis, the rise of A.I. and regulating cryptocurrency. Tim opens up about the current state of American politics, how Democrats can reconnect with working-class voters, and why emotional intelligence is more important than ever in public service. We also dive into the risks and potential of emerging tech, and why 2026 may be one of the most pivotal elections in U.S. history. Whether you’re politically engaged, curious about wellness in leadership, or just trying to make sense of the chaos, we’ve got you covered. Join us below Follow The Culture Codex: https://theculturecodexpodcast.com/ https://instagram.com/theculturecodex https://x.com/theculturecodex Your Key to The Vault: https://theculturecodexpodcast.com/thevault Follow Tim Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/timryanoh https://x.com/timryan

38 min

11 Episodes

Decoding the minds shaping our future.

Creator

Devin Farkas, Patrick Lendon
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

11
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 The Culture Codex Podcast
Show Website

The Culture Codex Podcast