Best Random Topics With Jack Podcasts (2025)

1
"Curry Chronicles: From India's Spices to Global Flavors" 19:34

6d ago19:34

19:34

Welcome to another episode of Random Topics with Jack! Today, we embark on a flavorful journey as we dive into the fascinating story of curry, a dish with a global heritage that surprises at every turn. We begin this culinary expedition in India, the birthplace of curry, where we explore the intricate history of spice blends used for thousands of y…

1
Crazy Town Classics - Lord of the Swans: The Tragedy of the Enclosure of the Commons 57:02

4d ago57:02

57:02

The “tragedy of the commons” is an idea that has so thoroughly seeped into culture and law that it seems normal for people and corporations to own land, water, and even whole ecosystems. But there’s a BIG problem: the “tragedy” part of it has been debunked – it really should be the triumph of the commons. Learn the origin story of privatization and…

1
Will Trump's Tariffs Fuel or Foil the Degrowth Movement? 47:52

18d ago47:52

47:52

As Trump’s tariffs kick in, the Republican party is suddenly spouting anti-consumerist rhetoric that would make the Lorax smile. Should we cheer on this accidental experiment in economic shrinkage, or will this ham-fisted set of trade policies cause a backlash against the proponents of degrowth? As political confusion reigns, we offer eco-localism …

1
Military Minds and Battle Breakthroughs: Sun Tzu to Cyber Wars 23:49

22d ago23:49

23:49

In this captivating episode of "Random Topics with Jack," we delve into the thrilling world of military history, exploring the significant impact of past conflicts on modern warfare. Join Jack as he guides us through a historical journey from ancient battles to the latest military technologies. We kick off with Sun Tzu's legendary work, "The Art of…

1
Blinded by the Light - Facing Reality with Renewable Energy 56:39

1M ago56:39

56:39

Solar panels and other modern energy technologies can be really useful, but the belief that we can technologize our way to a bigger and better society powered by clean energy is tragically flawed. Asher, Rob, and Jason dig into the up-and-down story of the Ivanpah concentrated solar power plant, review the Harry Potteresque thinking behind complex,…

1
Unlocking the Quantum Universe: From Schrödinger's Cat to Quantum Tunneling 11:14

1M ago11:14

11:14

Welcome to episode 14 of "Random Topics with Jack" as we embark on a captivating journey into the mysterious realm of quantum physics. This episode diverges from our previous discussion on anime, aiming to break down the bizarre and captivating concepts within the quantum world in a way that's engaging and accessible, without diving into complex ma…

1
Who Can Fix the Housing Crisis - NYT Pundits, German Shepherds, or Bilbo Baggins? 51:46

2M ago51:46

51:46

Jason, Rob, and Asher are taking out a huge, unaffordable mortgage on the housing crisis. What’s behind the shortage in housing? Why is it that no one, except canine Tik Tok influencers with billion-dollar bank accounts, can afford to own a home? While mainstream pundits press for an energy-blind buildout of desert sprawl and gleaming towers of gla…

1
Dive into the World of Anime: From Shonen to Studio Ghibli 17:22

2M ago17:22

17:22

Welcome to this electrifying episode of Random Topics with Jack, where we embark on a vibrant exploration of the world of anime. Swapping our pajamas for something more dynamic, we dive into the rich tapestry of anime, a cultural powerhouse that has influenced fashion, music, and storytelling globally. Join us as we explore popular anime genres, st…

1
Bunkers, Bazookas, and Bespoke Moats: How to Be Safe in an Unsafe World 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

The world has gone bunking mad. The bespoke security industry is burying bunkers stocked with arsenals of automatic rifles and surrounded by flaming moats. Is there a better way to prepare for the polycrisis, the zombie apocalypse, or whatever hard times are on the horizon? Jason, Rob, and Asher have some fun at the expense of the bunker builders b…

1
Unlock the Secrets of Sleep: Circadian Rhythms, Chronotypes, and Disorders 18:04

2M ago18:04

18:04

In this episode of 'Random Topics with Jack,' host Jack takes listeners on an enlightening journey into the world of sleep. Shifting gears from our previous episode's cosmic adventures, we delve into the fundamental and equally fascinating topic of sleep. This episode is packed with insights and expert tips aimed at optimizing your rest and rejuven…

1
It Was Never Your Democracy Anyway: Thomas Linzey on Rethinking the Constitution 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

Democracy and environmental protection have two things in common: (1) they’re both supposed to be enshrined in the laws of the United States and (2) they’re both under severe attack right now. Asher speaks with Thomas Linzey of the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights to uncover how the source code of the U.S. Constitution and the body of…

1
Exploring the Mind-Bending Alcubierre Drive: The Future of Faster-than-Light Travel 22:39

3M ago22:39

22:39

Welcome to episode 11 of Random Topics with Jack, where we unravel the captivating and sometimes controversial concepts that influence our grasp of the universe. In this episode, we dive into the mesmerizing concept of the Alcubierre Drive, a speculative idea proposed by Mexican physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994, which suggests a framework for ac…

1
Going #2: The Dueling Rules of Nature That Every Good Earthling Needs to Know 50:31

3M ago50:31

50:31

Happy Earth Day! There are two concepts that every person should understand to be a better Earthling: entropy and self-organization. It seems like a paradox, but systems on Earth are simultaneously breaking down into disorder and arranging themselves into complex superorganisms. Everything on Earth (well, really in the whole universe) is subject to…

1
Even AI Chatbots Hate Us: The Rise of the New Luddites, with Brian Merchant 1:09:46

4M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

Who knew that the breakthrough moment of AI sentience would come from interacting with an annoying neo-Luddite? After failing to raise a single dollar for PCI’s newest initiative — the $350 billion Transdisciplinary Institute for Phalse Prophet Studies and Education (TIPPSE) — Jason, Rob, and Asher devise the only profitable pitch for raising capit…

1
The Mathematical Symphony: Unveiling the Hidden Patterns in Music 14:30

4M ago14:30

14:30

Welcome to Episode 10 of "Random Topics with Jack," where we dive into the intriguing concepts that shape our understanding of the world. In this episode, we delve into the captivating topic of the mathematics behind music. This isn't about the straightforward algebra or geometry you might expect; instead, we explore the secret language of sound, d…

1
A Temporary Techno Stunt: Tom Murphy on Falling out of Love with Modernity 54:21

4M ago54:21

54:21

Recovering technology booster Tom Murphy visits Crazy Town to discuss his journey from shooting lasers at the moon, to trying to "solve" the energy predicament, to falling out of love with modernity itself. Asher, Jason, Rob, and Tom discuss the roots and short-lived nature of modernity, which has not only shaped the world we inhabit but conquered …

1
Eating the Future: The NY Times Goes Full Ecomodernist on Food and Farming 47:00

5M ago47:00

47:00

How will we feed people living in the megacities of the 21st century, especially while confronting climate chaos and the depletion of fossil fuels and fossil water? According to the mainstream media: ecomodernism! Massive deployment of technology on factory farms and an extreme ramp-up of industrialization will save the day – right? RIGHT?!? If you…

1
Chocolate Chronicles: From Mesoamerican Currency to Modern Delicacy 20:04

5M ago20:04

20:04

Welcome to episode 9 of "Random Topics with Jack," where we delve into the fascinating world of chocolate. Join your host, Jack, as he takes you on a journey from the ancient Mesoamericans, who first cultivated cacao, to the modern-day chocolate delights we indulge in today. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of chocolate's rich history, b…

1
Bargaining With Collapse: A Superabundance of Lab Grown Meat and Dryer Balls 37:32

5M ago37:32

37:32

Do you contemplate topics like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the risk of civilizational collapse? If so, then you probably understand something about bargaining – a psychological defense mechanism that’s one of the five stages of grief. With just a wee bit of embarrassment, Asher, Jason, and Rob reveal damning episodes of bargaining from t…

1
The House Is Quite Literally on Fire: Peter Kalmus on the Climate Emergency Hitting Home 53:48

6M ago53:48

53:48

Peter Kalmus, climate scientist and returning friend of Crazy Town, used to live in Altadena, California, where one of the disastrous Los Angeles wildfires struck on January 7th. Having learned that his former house had burned, Peter penned an emotional article for the New York Times about his family's decision to leave LA two years prior, out of s…

1
Unlocking the Mysteries of Final Fantasy: From Crystals to Chocobos 3:33:15

6M ago3:33:15

3:33:15

Welcome to Episode 8 of Random Topics with Jack, where we take a closer look at the captivating universe of Final Fantasy. As a cornerstone of the gaming industry, this iconic franchise has captivated players for decades with its enchanting worlds, unforgettable characters, and epic narratives. In this episode, your host Jack guides you through the…

1
The Frequent Flyer Tree: Losing the Last Bit of Sense in the Climate Emergency 30:28

6M ago30:28

30:28

In the world of college sports, money talks and the volleyball team walks, er, flies 33,000 miles to play games. The NCAA, like almost everyone else, is playing games with Mother Nature. What do we expect student-athletes to gain from ignoring the climate emergency (not to mention putting their health at risk)? Who cares, as long as we can wring a …

1
Operating Systems Uncovered: The Backbone of Digital Experience 24:43

7M ago24:43

24:43

Welcome back to Random Topics with Jack! In this episode, we continue our exploration of the essential software that powers our digital lives—operating systems. Building on our previous discussion on PC hardware evolution, we dive into the history and development of operating systems, the critical software that manages computer hardware and softwar…

1
Shotgunning Hedwig: The Dilemma of Invasives and the Bizarre Decision to Slaughter Barred Owls 33:36

7M ago33:36

33:36

The US Fish and Wildlife Service decided to "manage" barred owls by shooting half a million of them over the next three decades. Jason, Rob, and Asher (along with the postal workers at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry) are upset about this plan for addressing the predicament of invasive species. Surely there's a finer tool than a doub…

1
The Evolution of PC Hardware: From Vacuum Tubes to Quantum Computing 27:02

8M ago27:02

27:02

In Episode 6 of "Random Topics with Jack," we embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of personal computer hardware. Join host Jack as he delves into the transformative advancements that have shaped PCs from the early days of vacuum tubes to the cutting-edge technologies of today. This episode explores key milestones, including the tr…

1
Breaking News: Crazy Town Joins the Newly Formed Department of Entropy 45:08

8M ago45:08

45:08

Rob, Jason, and Asher talk about joining the new Trump Administration, at least until Elon Musk eradicates it. They explore the implications of Trump 2.0 through three reality-bending lenses – shifting baselines, entropy, and the upside of down – and three ways of responding: resistance, resilience, and regeneration. They decided they couldn’t stom…

1
The Spirited Journey: Exploring the World of Alcohol 39:26

9M ago39:26

39:26

Welcome to Episode 5 of "Random Topics with Jack," where host Jack delves into the captivating history and science of alcoholic beverages. From ancient stone jugs to modern cocktails, this episode uncovers the evolution of wine, whisky, and drinking culture, revealing how alcohol has become a significant part of societies worldwide. Embark on a his…

1
The Evolution of Automobiles: From Benz to EVs 31:03

10M ago31:03

31:03

Welcome to episode 4 of "Random Topics with Jack"! In this episode, Jack takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of automobiles, from the inception of the Benz Patent Motor Wagon to the modern era of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Discover key innovations, significant milestones, and the cultural impact that cars have had …

1
The Evolution of Video Games: From Pixels to Virtual Reality 30:44

10M ago30:44

30:44

Welcome to episode 3 of "Random Topics with Jack," where we delve into the captivating history of video games and their evolution over the decades. Hosted by Jack, this episode takes you on a journey from the earliest pixelated games like "Tennis for Two" and "Spacewar!" to the modern, immersive experiences we enjoy today. Discover the milestones t…

1
Unveiling the Cosmos: Ancient Astronomy to Modern Space Exploration 42:42

10M ago42:42

42:42

Welcome to episode 2 of "Random Topics with Jack," where we dive into the captivating history of space travel. Join host Jack as we journey from ancient astronomical observations to the monumental achievements of the Space Race and beyond. Explore how early civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonians, and Chinese laid the foundations for …

1
Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Psychology: Stanford, Milgram, and Little Albert 23:26

10M ago23:26

23:26

Welcome to episode 1 of Random Topics with Jack, where we explore the intriguing and sometimes controversial topics that shape our understanding of the world. I'm your host, Jack, and today we're diving into a critical aspect of psychological research: Ethics. Throughout history, psychology has revealed profound insights into human behavior but it'…

1
Journey Through Randomness: Exploring Science, Tech, History & More 2:35

10M ago2:35

2:35

Welcome to Random Topics with Jack, a podcast where lifelong learner and host Jack takes you on an exciting journey through a wide range of subjects. With a passion for STEM, history, and art, Jack dives into the fascinating world of science, technology, and more. Each episode covers diverse topics from the quirky and bizarre to the thought-provoki…

1
Bonus: Human Nature Odyssey 40:11

12M ago40:11

40:11

Sometimes you just wanna hear from someone else. In this bonus episode, Alex Leff enters Crazy Town to introduce his podcast, Human Nature Odyssey. Before playing the first episode of the podcast, Jason, Rob, and Asher find lots of laughs with Alex as they contemplate environmental destruction, gorilla suits, the fate of civilization, tandem bike r…

1
Escaping Escapism: What a Bizarre Rodent Ritual Can Teach Us About Navigating a World We Can't Really Escape 1:06:03

1y ago1:06:03

1:06:03

After a full season of trying to escape more than a dozen evil -isms (fun things like capitalism, industrialism, extremism, and otherism), Rob, Jason, and Asher come to one conclusion: there is no true escape -- at least not for those of us who want to help their communities collapse and re-emerge gracefully. Join the boys as they explore what the …

1
Escaping Otherism: Why Dr. Seuss Could Never Find a Rhyme for Genocide 1:18:34

1y ago1:18:34

1:18:34

The drive to belong to an in-group and the tendency to observe differences in others are core parts of the human condition. But differentiating can (and often does) turn deadly when it morphs into othering. Jason, Rob, and Asher try not to other one another as they explore the roots and consequences of othering, and the ins and outs of belonging as…

1
Escaping Extremism: Slap Fighting Our Way to a More Civil Society 1:06:33

1y ago1:06:33

1:06:33

The forces of media, technology, and even the wiring of our own brains seem aligned to draw people toward extremism. But never fear: Asher, Jason, and Rob unpack why we're so susceptible to wackadoodle viewpoints and offer ways to tamp down extremist thinking and behavior in ourselves, our communities, and across society. Along the way, they tour t…

1
Escaping Humanocentrism: Why a Slime Mold Will Be President in 2028 1:10:15

1y ago1:10:15

1:10:15

The myth of human dominion and exceptionalism is as old as the Bible and as unquestioned as gravity, at least in "modern" society. Rob, Asher, and Jason explore the ways that humanocentrism has come to dominate the planet and our minds, while pointing to ancient and newly emerging ways that the more-than-human world is respected and protected, even…

1
Escaping Individualism: Why Rickey Don't Like It When Rickey Feels Lonely 1:11:22

1y ago1:11:22

1:11:22

The epidemic of loneliness isn't just a product of technology or even capitalism -- it has its roots in the same fertile ground as the founding of the United States. And it may just be the most important "ism" of all to escape as we enter the Great Unraveling of social and environmental systems. Warning: This podcast occasionally uses spicy languag…

1
Escaping Imperialism: Where Does Darth Vader Get His Lithium? 1:12:54

1y ago1:12:54

1:12:54

Perhaps no community has undergone more versions of imperialism than the tiny island nation of Nauru, which has morphed from being "Pleasant Island" to the mined-out home of offshore banks, discarded refugees, and deep sea mining interests. Jason, Rob, and Asher take a bad trip to wrap their heads around Nauru, the topic of "psychedelic imperialism…

1
Escaping Capitalism: How to Replace the "Logic" of Psychopaths, Pharma Bros, and Private Prisons 1:10:54

1y ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Capitalism ruins SO many things, from key sectors like college sports all the way down to novelties like people's health and the environment. Jason, Rob, and Asher rely on their keen insight and otherworldly investigative talents to somehow unearth a few flaws of capitalism. But rather than wallow in the world of profiteering and privatization, the…

1
Escaping Growthism: Wendigo Economics, Mystery Houses, and Becoming the Bear 1:03:22

1y ago1:03:22

1:03:22

Grow or die. It's the governing principle of companies, investment portfolios, national economies, and even philanthropic foundations. Oh, and cancer. Asher, Jason, and Rob lay bare the stats on everything from human population, energy consumption, global GDP, greenhouse gas emissions, and the size of cars and cruise ships, before concluding that t…

1
Escaping Globalism: Rebuilding the Local Economy One Pig Thyroid at a Time 1:08:09

1y ago1:08:09

1:08:09

From the top of a skyscraper in Dubai, Jason, Rob, and Asher chug margaritas made from the purest Greenland glacier ice as they cover the "merits" of globalism. International trade brings so many things, like murder hornets, piles of plastic tchotchkes, and deadly supply chain disruptions. The opposite of globalism is localism -- learn how to build…

1
Escaping Technologyism: Dreams of AI Sheep and the Deadliest Word in Film History 1:06:47

1+ y ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Modern humans have a Stockholm Syndrome relationship to technology, which has kidnapped us while convincing us it has our best interests in mind. But when one looks back at the history of plastics or the current frenzy around AI, it isn't hard to see the insanity of doubling down on new technology to save us from previous technology. Find out what …

1
Escaping Speedism: How to Slow Down and Enjoy the Collapse 1:09:13

1+ y ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Consult your inner tortoise to find novel ways of slowing down and living the good life. In a world haunted by just-in-time delivery, hyperactive business, accelerating environmental calamities, and metric tons of stress, Jason, Rob, and Asher work at a fast and furious pace to savor the moments, because there aren't many left. Warning: This podcas…

1
Escaping Urbanism: Green Acres, Climate Migration, and the End of the Megacity 1:18:43

1+ y ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Did a whimsical 1960s TV sitcom presage climate migration and a reversal of urban growth? We're not calling for a Godzilla-esque teardown of cities, but climate change is forcing a serious urban rethink. Jason, Rob, and Asher offer visions of better infrastructure, policies, and culture that you can embrace, even if your home is in the city. Warnin…

1
Escaping Consumerism: Why Crocheted Codpieces Are the Perfect Antidote to Fast Fashion 1:03:27

1+ y ago1:03:27

1:03:27

If American consumers ever come up for air under the pile of crap in their storage units, they find themselves face to face with a materialistic hellscape of megastores, McMansions, endless fleets of delivery trucks, and evil hordes of targeted ads. But help is on the way. Jason, Rob, and Asher present ideas for shaping up a world beyond consumeris…

1
Escaping Industrialism: How to Avoid Pancakes on a Stick and Other "Miracles" of the Industrial Age 57:29

1+ y ago57:29

57:29

Jason, Rob, and Asher take a tour of New Caledonia, California's Central Valley, Bhutan, and Cuba to uncover the ins and outs of industrialism, especially as it has been applied to agriculture. Along the way they riff on how the hell we can escape from an -ism that completely engulfs us. Warning: This podcast occasionally uses spicy language. Sourc…

1
Escape Routes: Let's Get the F**k out of Crazy Town 51:02

1+ y ago51:02

51:02

Escape Routes! That's the theme of the sixth season of Crazy Town. We're exploring how to escape industrialism, consumerism, globalism, capitalism, and all the other -isms that are causing a polycrisis of environmental and social breakdown. Most of all, Jason, Rob, and Asher are looking to maintain their sense of humor while escaping fatalism and f…

1
Crazy Town Season 6 Trailer 1:16

1+ y ago1:16

1:16

Join us on March 13, 2024 for the launch of our sixth season, in which Jason, Rob, and Asher explore escape routes from industrialism, capitalism, consumerism, and a bunch of other "-isms" that are causing the polycrisis of environmental and social breakdown. Support the showBy Post Carbon Institute: Sustainability, Climate, Collapse, and Dark Humor

1
Bonus: Grief and Making Connections with LaUra Schmidt 47:49

1+ y ago47:49

47:49

LaUra Schmidt visits Crazy Town to discuss her work with the Good Grief Network and her book, How to Live in a Chaotic Climate: 10 Steps to Reconnect with Ourselves, Our Communities, and Our Planet. Along the way, she shares wisdom and insights on courage, taking meaningful action, terror management theory, and practices for processing the strong e…

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