Yahoo! Throw your straw hats up in the air because we are celebrating. This episode marks the 100th episode of Doug's Front Porch. For such an event, I felt obliged to turn the interview table around and instead of asking the questions, I would answer them. A special thanks goes out to Kevin Shock for interviewing me and Dustin Shirk for asking me …

Support Vintagia: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acidhorizon/vintagia-i-ching-oracle-for-psychogeographers-and-creatives In this monologue, we reflect on Georges Bataille’s essay “Are We Here to Play or Be Serious?”—recorded off-grid during a spring power outage! The discussion explores Bataille’s critique of work, the concept of sovereignty,…

This month I continue the tradition of sitting down with some of my graduating seniors. This year I welcome Avah Rafter, Michael Britten, Victoria Guthrie, and Ricky Fantaski onto the Front Porch. They discuss what they did in high school, what they are feeling as they prepare to graduate, what they are afraid of, what they are proud of, and what t…

Follow Vintagia: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acidhorizon/vintagia-i-ching-oracle-for-psychogeographers-and-creatives In this special crossover episode of LEPHT HAND and Acid Horizon, we explore the radical mysticism of François Laruelle through his essay Vision-in-One or Unlearned Knowing. Laruelle proposes a mysticism stripped of transcen…

Brandon Liu is an open source developer and creator of the Protomaps basemap project. We talk about how static maps help developers build sites that last, the PMTiles file format, the role of OpenStreetMap, and his experience funding and running an open source project full time. Protomaps Protomaps PMTiles (File format used by Protomaps) Self-hoste…

Sereptie's recent blog piece: https://splitinfinities.substack.com/p/crossing-the-line-the-repeater-books In this episode of LEPHT HAND, Sereptie is joined by Christian McMillan from the University of Essex to explore Wolfgang Giegerich’s provocative essay Why Jung?. Together, they investigate the image of soul as a conceptual battleground in post-…

In this episode I welcome Lara Thomas on to the Front Porch. We discuss Lara's childhood, being the daughter of two educators and a mother who instilled a love of genealogy in her. We also discuss Lara's work with the Berks County Association for Graveyard Preservation. Lara tells us about the great things that they do and what she has learned and …

In this LEPHT HAND interview, I am joined by Devin Gouré of Moral Minority for a deep descent into the world of Daniel Paul Schreber's Memoirs of My Nervous Illness. Together, they explore Schreber’s cosmic visions, divine persecution, and the "unmanning" at the heart of his psychosis—not merely as symptoms of mental illness, but as portals into th…

Sereptie is joined by Keegan Kjeldsen of The Nietzsche Podcast to explore the exile of Dionysus in the modern world. They discuss the Dionysian as a force of ecstasy, self-forgetting, and excess, tracing its decline from ancient Greek rituals to the rationalized, surveilled, and moralized structures of today. Touching on Nietzsche, Bataille, and Or…

In this episode we welcome Dr. Francis (Frank) Redmon on to the Front Porch. Frank is currently the superintendent of schools for the Keystone Central School District in Mill Hall, PA...and my boss. We discuss his childhood growing up the son of a Marine father and all of the many places that he moved to and lived in. We also discuss his path to be…

Hong Minhee is an open source developer and the creator of the Fedify ActivityPub server framework. We talk about how applications like Mastodon and Misskey communicate with one another using ActivityPub. This includes discussions on built-in activites, extending the specification in a backwards compatible way, difficulties implementing JSON-LD, th…

In this monologue, we explore the many faces of Dionysus, from mythology to depth psychology and continental philosophy. Drawing on Dionysus in Exile, the discussion highlights his paradoxical nature—not just a god of excess but also of stillness and transformation. Nietzsche and Deleuze provide insight into Dionysian becoming, especially through A…

Kacper "prefetcher" Staroń created the PinkSea oekaki BBS on top of the AT Protocol. He also made the online multiplayer game MicroWorks with Noam "noam 2000" Rubin. He's currently studying Computer Science at the Lublin University of Technology. We discuss the appeal of oekaki BBSs, why and how PinkSea was created, web design o…

Tom MacWright is a prolific contributor in the geospatial open source community. He made geojson.io, Mapbox Studio, and was the lead developer on the OpenStreetMap editor. He's currently on the team at Val Town. In 2021 he bootstrapped a solo business and created the Placemark mapping application. He acquired customers and found steady growth but a…

In this episode I welcome Scott Reagan onto the Front Porch. We discuss his childhood that was immersed in all kinds of music, his undergrad work in German and his graduate work in ethnomusicology. We also discuss his current work at Martin Guitar and writing and performing traditional and original PA Dutch language folk music. We close the intervi…

Contact Raul and discover his work here: https://www.raulmoncayophd.com/ Buy the book: https://www.routledge.com/Lacan-and-Chan-Buddhist-Thought-Reflections-on-Buddhism-in-Lacans-Seminar-X-and-Beyond/Moncayo-Yu/p/book/9781032056975?srsltid=AfmBOooucogAZl7Z8szfzd1l8OhR8pTYQ0_F3vnxUL2G6Qw1TezclrYa In this episode we explore the intersection of Lacani…

In this installment of LEPHT HAND, we delve into the James Hillman Uniform Edition on On Melancholy and Depression, exploring his archetypal approach to melancholy as a cosmic force and its critique of modern life under capitalism. Drawing connections to Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, we examine how longing and melancholy transcend individual experience…

Paul Frazee is the CTO of Bluesky. He previously worked on the Beaker browser and the peer-to-peer social media protocol Secure Scuttlebutt. Paul discusses how Bluesky and ATProto got started, scaling up a social media site, what makes ATProto decentralized, lessons ATProto learned from previous peer-to-peer projects, and the challenges of content …

In this episode we welcome 2025 in by taking a short journey through my trusty Baer's Agricultural Almanac. We take a look at long range forecasts for the year, major anniversaries happening, and some humorous stories as well. Get your own copy of Baer's Almanac! Get your Front Porch Merch! Become a Patron! Support the show…

Support LEPHT HAND in 2025: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND In this episode, Taylor joins Sereptie to discuss Freud’s Metapsychology, exploring the conceptual underpinnings of psychoanalysis. From the topographical model of the mind to the dynamics of repression, we unpack the key essays that form Freud’s theory of psychic structures and drives. …

Jung and Spinoza: Passage Through the Blessed Self: https://www.routledge.com/Jung-and-Spinoza-Passage-Through-The-Blessed-Self/Langan/p/book/9781032851853 In this episode of LEPHT HAND, host Serpetie aka Craig is joined by Dr. Robert Langan, author of Jung and Spinoza: Passage Through the Blessed Self, to explore the intersections between Carl Jun…

In this episode I welcome Eve Allen on to the front porch. Eve is the program director for the Northeast Bioregion at the Ecological Health Network. We discuss her work on improving the supply of native seeds and plants to support ecological restoration, her travels, and the importance of the human connection to our ecosystem. To learn more: Ecolog…

Help fund the Kickstarter campaign now: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acephalous/acephalous-the-erotic-tarot-of-georges-bataille Tom's Substack: https://substack.com/@tomcheetham2 In this episode of LEPHT HAND, we sit down with Tom Cheetham, author and expert on the intersections of imagination, spirituality, and psychology, to explore the c…

The Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acephalous/acephalous-the-erotic-tarot-of-georges-bataille In this interview, I am joined by c_o_L_L_a_g_e, a friend and colleague from our research community at Acid Horizon. Together, we explore the intersection of Deleuze's philosophy and the role of symbols within the hermetic tradition…

We go international this month as we welcome my good friend, Norman Jung, from Steinbach am Glan, Germany, on to the Front Porch. We discuss the wisdom and life lessons instilled in Norman by his grandparents, his study abroad in Arizona, and his work with the Pennsylvania Dutch culture from his side of the Atlantic. We end with our classic 10 quic…

Support the Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acephalous/acephalous-the-erotic-tarot-of-georges-bataille Biopolitics as a System of Thought: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/biopolitics-as-a-system-of-thought-9781350412095/ In this LEPHT HAND interview, we explore the themes of destituent power and political imagination in Serene Richa…

The Kickstarter campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acephalous/acephalous-the-erotic-tarot-of-georges-bataille In this episode, Adam C. Jones of Acid Horizon joins a recent livestream with Sereptie to dive into Georges Bataille’s complex relationship with war, exploring his shift from insurrectionary fervor to an uneasy advocacy for peac…

In this episode I invite award winning chef, Jeremy Nolen onto the front porch. We discuss his lifelong affair with food and his particular love of German cuisine. We also discuss his newest endeavor of offering tours to germanic Europe that are all food and drink focused. He also offers some advice for all of you foodies and home cooks out there! …

Support LEPHT HAND: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND 🔮 Introducing 'Acéphalous: The Erotic Tarot of Georges Bataille' 🔮 - Uncover the raw, provocative fusion of Bataille's philosophy and tarot in this daring new deck. Pre-launch is live—discover more and join us in this journey: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/acephalous/acephalous-the-erotic…

Join the Patreon for early access to all new releases: https://www.patreon.com/LEPHTHAND In this LEPHT HAND interview, Sereptie speaks with philosopher and researcher Kenny Novis about the complex and often contentious ideas of Simone Weil. The conversation explores the controversies surrounding Weil's life and work, while Kenny offers valuable ins…

In this episode I welcome Tyler Barth, Principal of Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, on to the front porch. We discuss his childhood that was heavily influenced by both his parents and his grandparents. We also discuss why he went into education, his transition from the classroom to the principal's office, and how he builds and maintains a…

In this monologue, Sereptie explores the fascinating intersections of alchemy, psychoanalysis, and poststructuralist philosophy. The discussion centers around the concept of alchemical salt, its significance in Renaissance alchemical traditions, and its appropriation in 20th-century psychological theories. This episode connects these ideas with the…

Sub on your favorite podcast platform and listen to Part 1: https://pod.link/1758435793/episode/20f284ad4b81353d1d7db2a171e6196f In the follow up to the very first episode of LEPHT HAND, we continue to delve into Georges Bataille's seminal essay, "The Psychological Structure of Fascism." We explore Bataille's analysis of the social and psychologica…

In this first interview featured on LEPHT HAND, Sereptie dives into a thought-provoking discussion with Devin Gouré, co-host of the Moral Minority podcast and author of the Substack blog Methods of Madness. This conversation explores the intersection of Nietzsche's philosophy and Bataille's theory of fascism, focusing on the challenging question of…

In this episode I welcome friend and colleague, Len Rutecki, onto the front porch. Len is the autism teacher at my school and we discuss all things autism from what it is to how he works with his students. We also discuss how Len uses his gifts and abilities to raise money and awareness for autism outside of school. Throughout his life he has learn…

In this inaugural episode of LEPHT HAND, we delve into Georges Bataille's seminal essay, "The Psychological Structure of Fascism." We explore Bataille's analysis of the social and psychological dynamics underpinning fascist regimes. Key concepts discussed include: Marxism, anarchism, anthropology, political economy. Support LEPHT HAND: Join the Pat…

In this episode I welcome fellow PA Dutch instructor and friend, Ethan Rode, up on the front porch. We discuss his childhood growing up on a farm, his move to Canada to study linguistics and his recent work as an online instructor of the PA Dutch language. Get your Front Porch Merch! Become a Patron! Support the show…

In this episode I continue the tradition of talking with some of my graduating seniors. This year I welcome Griffin Redmon, Sofia Dressler, Elise Cygan, and Emily Shetler onto the Front Porch. We discuss their time in high school, their accomplishments, their fears, and what they are most proud of. We close our discussion with our usual 10 quick qu…

In this episode I welcome Tara Mondock up on the front porch. We discuss her childhood in Florida, her sojourn to college in western North Carolina, and her work with the Extension Office at the Pennsylvania State University. We then turn our discussion to her experience as an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star and their main charity: t…

In this episode I welcome Dr. William Donner onto the front porch. Bill is currently the Freyberger Professor of Pennsylvania German Studies at Kutztown University and is also the chair of the Anthropology and Sociology Department. We discuss his time living on a small Polynesian island in the pacific to his work studying and researching the Pennsy…

In this episode I welcome Lew Bryson up on to the front porch. We discuss his journey from rural Lancaster county to his love of food and drink including his various publications about beer and whiskey. We close our discussion talking about his current podcast, Seen Through A Glass, and discuss the value and importance of eating and drinking locall…

In this episode I welcome Richard Mammana on to the front porch. We discuss his multi-ethnic childhood growing up in Easton, PA. We also discuss his acamdemic journey of studying greek, latin, and church history. We close our conversation with a discussion about his current work of documenting colonial-era Pennsylvania Dutch tombstones and what wal…

In this episode we welcome 2024 in by taking a short journey through my trusty Baer's Agricultural Almanac. We take a look at long range forecasts for the year, major anniversaries happening, and some humorous stories as well. Get your own Baer's Almanac! Get your Front Porch Swag! Support the showBy Doug Madenford

In this episode I welcome Katy Bodenhorn Barnes up onto the front porch. We discuss her childhood in north Texas and her journey to college at BYU. We talk a lot about her current role as the Director of Genealogical Services at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We close our conversation with some deep questions about the power of genealogy a…

Mayra Navarro is an organizer of WNB.rb and Ruby Perú. Mayra shares how the Ruby community helped her get to RubyConf, going from project manager to developer, and the different ways people learn and communicate. This is the final interview recorded at RubyConf 2023 in San Diego. -- Mayra's Github Peruvian Digital Platform Codeable bootcamp Groups …

Mike Perham is the creator of Sidekiq, a background job processor for Ruby. He's also the creator of Faktory a similar product for multiple language environments. We talk about the RubyConf keynote and Ruby's limitations, supporting products as a solo developer, and some ideas for funding open source like a public utility. Recorded at RubyConf 2023…

Sara is a team lead at thoughtbot. She talks about her experience as a professor at Kanazawa Technical College, giant LAN parties in Rochester, transitioning from Java to Ruby, shining a light on maintainers, and her closing thoughts on RubyConf. Recorded at RubyConf 2023 in San Diego. -- A few topics covered: Being an Assistant Arofessor in Kanaza…

David was the chief software architect and director of engineering at Stitch Fix. He's also the author of a number of books including Sustainable Web Development with Ruby on Rails and most recently Ruby on Rails Background Jobs with Sidekiq. He talks about how he made decisions while working with a medium sized team (~200 developers) at Stitch Fix…

Episode Notes Rachael Wright-Munn (ChaelCodes) talks about her love of programming games (games with programming elements in them, not how to make games!), starting her streaming career with regex crosswords, and how streaming games and open source every week led her to a voice acting role in one of her favorite programming games. Recorded at RubyC…

In this episode I welcome Brian Aynardi, a dear friend and distant cousin, up on the front porch. We talk about his childhood in Wyomissing, PA, and his journey to Penn State to pursue degrees in Turf Management. We spend the rest of our conversation talking about his addiction to alcohol and his successful road to recovery. Learn more about Alcoho…