Critical Culture

Travis Retzlaff

The Critical Culture show is produced by a pair of middle-aged midwestern dads. We are both gamers, technology enthusiasts, and dads. We'll cover technology, current events, and other topics we find interesting.

  1. Feb 10

    A look at Project2029.me and their efforts to help plan for a way forward

    The concept of responding to the implementation of Project 2025 with Project 2029 is widely discussed. From social media to local organizing, people understand we need a comprehensive response.  Project2029.me is a grassroots, citizen-led effort to reclaim our democracy. They are not affiliated with or supported by any political party or political action group (PAC). Their organizers are unpaid. They do this work because of their civic and moral values, and hope for America. In today's episode, we discuss the project with founder Jake Orlowitz and communications director Susan Swords. We hear about what the project means to them, how they work, and how you can get involved. . You can find out more at project2029.me

    46 min

  2. 12/17/2025

    Marijuana: The Risks of High Potency and Rewards of Research and Regulation

    Personal experience meets policy in this deep dive into both the good and the bad of my family's lived experience. From managing bipolar disorder and ADHD with low-dose THC to a harrowing family crisis involving Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), this episode explores the real-world consequences of unregulated marijuana and its rising THC potency. We discuss the history of marijuana strength, the medical realities of CHS, and why federal reclassification and rigorous research are essential to ensuring safety for both recreational and medicinal users.

    11 min

  3. 12/11/2025

    The Spiritual War in American Politics: Faith, Hypocrisy, and Leading with Love

    In this episode, I discuss my personal journey of drifting away from Christianity due to corrupt televangelists and science-ignoring fundamentalists, and how I eventually returned to faith through a metaphorical lens. By understanding that religions can be true without being literal—a concept informed by teachers like Joseph Campbell—we can find the meaning behind the metaphor. We are currently facing a spiritual war in America and the world that is expressed through our politics. This video critiques the "prosperity gospel" pushed by figures like Paula White, which suggests wealth is a sign of God's favor, and exposes the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to be good Christians while cutting aid to the sick and hungry. Key Topics Covered: A Crisis of Morality: How we are facing a spiritual crisis defined by how we treat our fellow humans, from dehumanizing rhetoric to the lack of due process. The Facade of Religiosity: Discussing how preference is given to protecting specific faiths for political control while others are looked down upon. The Power of Story: Why simple facts often fail to persuade compared to religion's story-based approach, and how to use spiritual language to counter hypocrisy. The Solution: Why the first step to being part of the solution is simply leading with love and taking care of our neighbors in a crowded, interconnected world. Recommended Reading:  If you are looking for a resource to help speak to Christians on their own terms, I highly recommend Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang. Conclusion: The world needs positive spiritual messages right now. Whatever your faith or moral philosophy, do not shy away from being a visible example of love for one another in both word and action.

    6 min

  4. 12/01/2025

    Project 2029 Prequel - Push Hard Left in 2026

    Setting the stage for Project 2029 starts today. In this episode of Critical Culture, we dive into "Operation 2026"—the prequel to Project 2029. With the midterm elections less than a year away, we have a unique opportunity to shift the political tide. Historically, midterms are a disaster for the party in power, and with the current economic climate and the Trump administration's agenda, the door is open for a massive progressive wave. But winning isn't enough; we need to win with the right candidates. We discuss why it's time to push hard left in the primaries, the "Fight Club" strategy being used by Senators like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and why every single seat should face opposition. If you are tired of the establishment playing it safe while the center shifts right, this is your blueprint for taking action. Learn how to run for office, support bold progressives, and frame the narrative around policies that actually help people. Resources Mentioned: Run for Something Adulting.media   Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Operation 2026 & The Opportunity 01:03 - Why We Will Win Big (Midterm Trends) 01:58 - "Power in the Streets": The Revolutionary Mindset 02:29 - The Primary System is Our Opening 03:32 - The Senate "Fight Club" Strategy 04:36 - Lessons from the GOP's 2010 Success 05:22 - Advice for Progressive Candidates (Messaging Matters) 06:04 - Call to Action: Run For Something   #Progressives #Operation2026 #Project2029 #Midterms2026 #Politics

    7 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Project 2029 Kickoff and a Bold Declaration of Interdependence

    In this episode of Critical Culture, we are kicking off a series about Project 2029. It will cover who is working on it, what it should include, and how to implement it. This episode also covers the need for a longer-term vision to help steer us for generations to come. A Declaration of Interdependence—a vision for rebuilding cooperation, ensuring collective success, and aligning our government with the needs of all people. Learn who's working on this essential roadmap and it's components and why this non-partisan, long-term vision is critical for our future. 🎥 Welcome to my Channel! Please support my work: 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe 💦 Stay Hydrated: I drink LMNT on the daily, check it out. http://elementallabs.refr.cc/travisretzlaff 📰 Subscribe to my growing Substack site https://adulting.media 🤝I have limited spots available for personal mentoring, apply here https://coach.tretzlaff.com 📙I have a bunch of books and board games for sale on whatnot https://www.whatnot.com/user/travisretzlaff Thanks for your support!

    7 min

  6. 11/10/2025

    How to Get Ready for the Future of Work!

    Are you part of the 70% of people who don't feel prepared for the future of work? This video provides actionable advice and insight, moving beyond the fear to explore what you need to do to thrive in the the next 5 years of the Age of AI.   Please support my work:  👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe   💦 Stay Hydrated: I drink LMNT on the daily, check it out. http://elementallabs.refr.cc/travisretzlaff 📰 Subscribe to my growing Substack site https://adulting.media 🤝I have limited spots available for personal mentoring, apply here https://coach.tretzlaff.com 📙I have a bunch of books and board games for sale on whatnot https://www.whatnot.com/user/travisretzlaff

    24 min

  7. 10/27/2025

    Is AI our friend or foe? How can we choose the future that we want?

    If you like this podcast please comment, like and subscribe. You should also check out my YouTube show 21st Century Adulting  Thanks for listening. --- On this episode of Critical Culture, I'm tackling a subject that has a lot of smart people scared: superintelligence (AGI). I recently saw a story about Nobel laureates and celebrities calling for a complete prohibition on its development. The risks are real. The idea of an effective ban on AGI is not. Technology is undefeated over the long haul. Instead of trying to fight an inevitable force, I argue we need to "steer the ship" from within. If we can't stop progress on AGI, we should instead focus on shaping its future direction and uses. We have to deal with the world as it is, not as we wish it would be. That doesn't mean we do nothing legislatively. In the second half of the episode, I explain why I'm for "smart legislation" and break down the types of laws I believe are worth considering right now. Some are aspects already being addressed, and others are areas we can better align AI and society. Podcast music courtesy Moby via: mobygratis.com

    15 min

  8. 10/11/2025

    TRUMP'S INSURRECTION TAKE 2 - ICE, National Guard, and Antifa : No Kings and Non Violence Will Win

    Welcome to Critical Culture. Our response to what we are calling Trump's Manufactured Crisis—focusing on ICE, the National Guard, and the narrative around Antifa—is critical and will define a generation. In this episode, we deconstruct the actions of this administration, from the use of military-style raids and Black Hawk helicopters by ICE, to the unacceptable practice of not identifying officers. We discuss how these tactics are sweeping up thousands of people, 70% of whom have no criminal record, and the push to militarize the streets of America through the Insurrection Act.  We stress the importance of a coordinated, 100% committed nonviolent response to this escalation. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for American democracy. ACTION ITEMS & RESOURCES: 🙏Show Up @ No King's Day on October 18th) Make a plan to take meaningful action, and be committed to nonviolence. 📺 Check out the work of Robert Reich. This is the video I referred to www.instagram.com/reel/DPkK9Gukpmw/ 🤯Learn Nonviolence: Literature from the Albert Einstein Institute on nonviolent action. 🔗www.aeinstein.org/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action  Global Nonviolent Action Database 🔗nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/ 🦺Safety: Links and resources about safety while protesting. ACLU Protesters' Rights 🔗www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights Activists Handbook 🔗activisthandbook.org/ HRC - Tips for Preparedness, Peaceful Protesting, and Safety 🔗www.hrc.org/resources/tips-for-preparedness-peaceful-protesting-and-safety

    21 min
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About

The Critical Culture show is produced by a pair of middle-aged midwestern dads. We are both gamers, technology enthusiasts, and dads. We'll cover technology, current events, and other topics we find interesting.

Information

  • Creator
    Travis Retzlaff
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Travis Retzlaff
  • Show Website
    Critical Culture