If you like my work and would like access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, all my writing, and the Subversive Community, please consider signing up on my Substack or Patreon:

⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/⁠⁠ [https://www.alexkaschuta.com/]

⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive]

The story about AI in the West is escalating —breakthrough after breakthrough, each more hyped than the last. But across the globe, China works in parallel, under different politics, with different intentions. Today, I'm speaking with Steve Hsu about this mysterious counterpart in the AI race. How real is America's technological edge? Is China's authoritarian approach hampering innovation or accelerating it? As Western researchers obsess over the AGI apocalypse, are their Chinese counterparts free from such existential handwringing?

Steve Hsu [https://open.substack.com/users/87294167-steve-hsu?utm_source=mentions] is a physicist, an academic serial deep tech founder - Genomic Prediction, Othram, and SuperFocus - and a 21st-century Rennaisance man. You can find him on X @hsu_steve and Substack: https://stevehsu.substack.com/

Chapters

00:00 The State of AI in China vs. the West

04:52 Cultural Perspectives on AI Ethics

07:48 The Nature of AI and Superintelligence

11:28 Collaboration and Competition in AI Research

19:15 The Future of Quantum Computing and AI

24:57 The Potential for Global AI Hegemony

30:02 Human Adaptation to AI Technology

34:33 Navigating the Trough of Technology and Mental Health

35:44 Generational Perspectives on Technology and Parenting

39:52 AI Innovations in Child Development

43:01 Fertility Crisis: Global Implications and Trends

47:56 Cultural Shifts and Modern Relationships

51:46 Parenting in a Changing World

59:03 Underrated Thinkers and Their Impact





Steve Hsu - AI Arms Race: China & US

If you like my work and would like access to bonus episodes, early access to episodes, all my writing and the Subversive Community, please consider signing up on my Substack or Patreon:

⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/⁠ [https://www.alexkaschuta.com/]

⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive]

In today's conversation, I sit down with Prester John Andrews, whose journey from professional kitchens to the digital frontier offers a rare lens into America's shifting cultural landscape. A writer of remarkable clarity, Prester traverses the territory between theoretical abstractions and lived experience, having inhabited both leftist organizing spaces and traditional institutions. His work excavates the paradoxes of modern masculinity and examines the subtle tyranny of online political discourse. What emerges is a meditation on finding authentic meaning in an age where digital rage threatens to eclipse tangible action and where the path between radical theory and practical wisdom grows increasingly narrow.

⁠Prester John Andrews⁠ is a writer, commentator, and podcast host on Substack. ⁠Dispatches From The Golden Horde⁠ [https://presterjohnsrevenge.substack.com?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=publication_embed&utm_medium=web]

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Modern Masculinity and the Bug Man Meme

04:39 Navigating Online Spaces and Tribalism

10:20 Political Awakening and Ideological Shifts

16:27 The Impact of Technology on Global Politics

21:42 Cultural Influence of American Ideology

27:07 The Future of Political Change and Ideological Framing

37:02 Navigating a Multipolar World

39:56 The Shifting Ideological Landscape

44:34 Cultural Aspirations and American Influence

51:10 Masculinity in Modern Society

01:01:32 Engagement Beyond Ideology



Prester John Andrews - Between Bugmen and Theorycels 

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!Please subscribe at:⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠/


While our liberal elites keep preaching about "global citizenship" and "universal values," the West's foundations are crumbling beneath our feet. Low birth rates, eroded social cohesion, and a loss of cultural confidence – these seem to be the fruits of radical individualism and unthinking cosmopolitanism.

Today, I'm joined by Jonathan Anomaly to explore a compelling alternative: enlightened tribalism. We'll discuss why the conservative instinct to preserve distinct cultures and communities isn't just natural – it might be essential for civilization's survival. Jonathan brings both philosophical rigor and entrepreneurial insight to explain why some form of tribalism isn't just inevitable, it's desirable.

From the failures of liberal democracy to the promise of reproductive technology, we cover the uncomfortable truths that mainstream discourse refuses to acknowledge. This is a conversation about saving Western civilization by embracing, rather than denying, human nature.

Jonathan Anomaly [https://jonathan-anomaly.com/] is an academic, a writer, and author ofCreating Future People: The Ethics of Genetic Enhancement [https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Future-People-Jonathan-Anomaly/dp/036720312X]. He is also a partner in a yet-to-be-disclosed venture in the reproductive technology space, which will undoubtedly be interesting to observe once it becomes public.

The papers we reference are:Enlightened Tribalism [https://philpapers.org/go.pl?aid=ANOETA]andCan Liberalism Last? [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/social-philosophy-and-policy/article/can-liberalism-last-demographic-demise-and-the-future-of-liberalism/F84BB0AD9192D6E9EE4E6E39F415D3B4]



Chapters

00:00Understanding Enlightened Tribalism

06:00Defining Tribalism and Its Implications

11:56The Layers of Enlightenment in Tribalism

15:58Democracy and Enlightened Tribalism

24:04The Future of Tribalism in a Fragmented World

26:45Reproductive Technology and the Future of Liberalism

34:24Prolonging Fertility and Family Dynamics

37:00The Role of Tribalism in Society

40:20The Impact of Western Influence on Developing Countries

43:34Cultural Aspirations and Economic Dependencies

46:19Navigating Liberalism and Tribalism

51:11Reflections on Western Civilization and Future Directions

55:06Recommended Thinkers and Closing Thoughts



Jonathan Anomaly - Enlightened Tribalism

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: ⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠/

We chat about the complexities of reactionary thought, the influence of Nick Land, and the evolution of personal beliefs from progressivism to a more reactionary stance. We explore the implications of free speech in the digital age, group identity versus universalism dynamics, and the challenges surrounding immigration policies, particularly H1B visas. We also talk about the evolutionary case against charity and the bizarre political situation Romania is currently facing.

Hunter Ash is a writer and X poster. You can find his work on his X profile at @ArtemisConsort.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Reactionary Thought and Nick Land's Influence

06:35 The Evolutionary Lens: Understanding Society and Culture

12:36 The Impact of Free Speech and Information Variance

18:25 Navigating Group Identity and Universalism

24:55 H1B Visas: Balancing Immigration and American Interests

34:42 Cultural Perspectives on Immigration

40:11 Charity and Its Implications

48:36 The Role of Local Solutions in Charity

56:07 Political Dynamics in Romania





Hunter Ash - Evolution Eats Everything 

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: ⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠



We chat about the legitimate criticisms of nuclear energy: non-issues, real problems that can be seen as positives, and genuine challenges that cannot be quickly resolved.

We also discuss the public perception of nuclear energy, particularly the influence of memes and cultural narratives, and the complexities and challenges of building nuclear power plants, highlighting the potential benefits despite the hurdles.



Mark Nelson⁠ is the founder of ⁠radiantenergygroup.com⁠ [http://radiantenergygroup.com], an energy consultancy providing leaders with the data-driven insights and roadmaps they need to bring about a low-carbon, high-energy future.

You can also find him on X.com at @energybants



Chapters

00:00 Critiquing Nuclear Energy: A Balanced Perspective

11:26 The Meme of Nuclear Energy: Perception vs. Reality

27:39 Building Nuclear Power: Challenges and Opportunities

32:46 Financing Nuclear Energy Projects

34:11 The Viability of Nuclear Energy

35:36 Nuclear vs. Renewable Energy

39:09 Challenges of Solar Energy in Europe

39:59 Political Implications of Energy Policy

42:37 Hydro Energy and Its Role

44:39 Left-Wing Perspectives on Nuclear Energy

50:21 Cynicism in Anti-Nuclear Sentiments

54:05 Underrated Thinkers



Mark Nelson - The Nuclear Option

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon. This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!Please subscribe at:⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠Our chat explores the evolution of Human Biodiversity (HBD) discourse and the challenges of understanding complex data related to cognitive stratification and social mobility. We also discuss the impact of genetic technologies on future societal structures and the cultural perspectives surrounding fertility technologies, particularly in Eastern Europe. We also discuss the complexities of the economic viability of modern society, the challenges of immigration and integration, the rise of woke culture, the fragility of liberalism, the dynamics of gender, financial status, and relationships, particularly in the context of the baby boom and modern dating challenges. Our conversation also touches on parenting, emphasizing the limited impact of parenting styles on child development and the importance of understanding the realities of modern relationships. JayMan is a pseudonymous blogger: unz.com/author/jayman/ and can be found on X.com @JayMan471 Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Human Biodiversity Discourse 04:00 The Impact of HBD on Society 08:01 Understanding Averages and Cognitive Stratification 09:50 Social Mobility and Assortative Mating 13:58 The Future of Genetic Technologies 17:51 Cultural Perspectives on Fertility Technologies 21:54 The Role of Scientific Discovery in Progress 29:02 The Economic Viability of Society 30:42 Immigration and Integration Challenges 32:52 Experiencing Dystopia: A Personal Account 36:43 The Rise of Woke Culture and Backlash 40:20 The Right's Response to Woke Culture 44:57 The Future of Immigration Policy 49:50 Global Voices and Cultural Shifts


JayMan - Reflections on over a decade of HBD

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: ⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠



In this chat, we explore the complexities of modern parenting, the longing for a supportive village, the difficulties of navigating parenting norms, and the importance of creativity and play in child development. We also talk about the rise of online experts, the grift in wellness and parenting advice, the allure of biohacking, the romanticization of traditional values, and the challenges of navigating dating advice in a crowded space.



Cartoons Hate Her is a mom, writer, very online commentator, comedienne, and Trump impersonator. You can find her on X at https://x.com/CartoonsHateHer, and you can find all her excellent work here: www.cartoonshateher.com

Chapters

00:00 The Need for Community in Parenting

05:10 Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges

09:48 Creativity and Play in Child Development

14:57 The Impact of Parenting Norms on Family Life

19:56 The Evolution of Childhood Experiences

24:57 The Role of Validation in Parenting

29:50 Finding Balance in Parenting

36:09 Navigating New Experiences Alone

36:33 The Rise of Online Experts

37:31 The Grift in Wellness and Parenting

39:28 The Illusion of Hormone Specialists

40:43 Diet as a Path to Purity

41:50 The Cycle of Self-Improvement

42:54 Biohacking and Modern Rituals

44:00 The Aesthetic of Home and Work

46:28 The Challenge of Political Engagement

48:03 Navigating the Crowded Dating Advice Space

49:56 The Search for Validation in Modern Life

01:01:17 Romanticizing the Past vs. Modern Luxuries

01:02:30 Recommendations for Underrated Thinkers



CHH (@CartoonsHateHer) - Village Wanted, Villagers Not Included

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack. For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution! Please subscribe at: ⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠

We discuss biofoundationalism, exploring how biological traits influence political beliefs and behaviors. We chat about the dynamics of self-interest in political stances, the equilibrium of societal structures, and the implications of the fact that people have better things to do than have kids. We also speak about Elon Musk, examining how his understanding of power transcends language, his communication style, government efficiency, the politics of redistribution, the role of moral foundations in policy-making, the dynamics of globalization and economic growth, and much more. Dmitry is a writer and a founder in the DeFi space, currently building Salutary. He’s on Twitter & Telegram: @BackTheBunny, and on Substack at the essence of a thing: https://backthebunny.substack.com/ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Bio Foundationalism 10:33 The Nature of Principles and Self-Interest 17:20 The Fertility Crisis and Its Implications 26:20 Elon Musk: A Study in Power and Influence 33:03 Assessing Elon Musk's Communication Style 39:42 The Politics of Redistribution and Entitlements 45:05 The Role of Moral Foundations in Policy Making 51:58 Globalization and Economic Growth Dynamics 01:03:28 Influential Thinkers and Personal Recommendations

Dmitry - Cthulhu Keeps Swimming Left

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.

For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!

Please subscribe at:

⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠

In this chat, we delve into the complexities of fatherhood, parenting, and the impact of modern technology on family dynamics. We explore the motivations behind having a large family, the challenges of parenting in a rapidly changing society, and the struggle to maintain meaningful connections in an increasingly digital world. The discussion also touches on generational differences, particularly regarding Gen Z's mental health and technology's role in shaping their experiences. We also explore the themes of cultural reflections, artistic output, and the impact of globalism on local cultures. We discuss the evolution of cultural centers, perceptions of time and modernity, and the influences that shape our thoughts. We also touch on the complexities of antinatalism and the future of cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.

In our conversation, I referred to a book at the end but misremembered the title. It is The Conspiracy Against the Human Race: A Contrivance of Horror by Thomas Ligotti.

Apple Pie is a pseudonymous author, a father of a large brood, and a physicist.

He writes at Things to Read [https://thingstoread.substack.com?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=publication_embed&utm_medium=web]



Chapters

00:00 Exploring Fatherhood and Family Dynamics

06:08 The Challenges of Parenting in Modern Society

11:47 Navigating Technology and Its Impact on Relationships

17:58 Cultural Reflections and Generational Differences

30:09 Cultural Reflections and Artistic Output

34:42 The Evolution of Cultural Centers

39:35 Globalism and Historical Context

40:44 Perceptions of Time and Modernity

46:50 Influences and Recommendations in Thought

Apple Pie - notes from a professional father

The complete archive of Subversive episodes, including exclusive episodes and my writing, is available on Substack.

For a bit less, you can also subscribe to the podcast sans writing on Patreon.

This is how the show is financed and grows, so I appreciate every contribution!

Please subscribe at:

⁠⁠https://www.alexkaschuta.com/

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive⁠

Our conversation delves into the critical issue of declining birth rates, exploring its historical context, cultural narratives, and the multifaceted factors contributing to this trend. We also discuss societal expectations, economic conditions, and personal choices shaping family dynamics and parenting styles, the implications of these trends on future generations, and the potential for cultural shifts to influence birth rates positively. We explore the nostalgia for past family structures, the cultural shifts that have led to a decline in the perceived value of children, and the impact of governmental policies on fertility rates. The discussion also delves into the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly in terms of demographic changes and gender relations, with a focus on India.

Aria Babu is a writer and tech policy analyst. You can find her at @Aria_Babu on X.

Aria Babu Thoughts from Aria Babu [https://www.ariababu.co.uk?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=publication_embed&utm_medium=web]



Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Birth Rates

03:12 Cultural Narratives and Birth Decline

05:51 Factors Influencing Birth Rates

09:12 Parenting Styles and Their Impact

12:01 The Role of Community and Support

14:49 Economic Factors and Birth Rates

17:46 Cultural Influences on Family Size

20:59 The Aspirational Nature of Family Dynamics

24:09 The Intersection of Wealth and Motherhood

27:04 Social Conservatism and Birth Rates

33:09 Nostalgia for the Past: Child-Rearing and Values

36:49 Cultural Shifts: The Value of Children Today

39:52 Historical Policies and Their Impact on Birth Rates

42:41 Kin Selection vs. Group Selection in Societal Development

48:41 Demographic Challenges in Developing Countries

50:39 Gender Relations and Societal Upheaval in India

54:35 The Future of Gender Politics and Birth Rates

Aria Babu - What really drives the birth rate

Alexandra Kaschuta (@akaschuta) · Zencastr

Alexandra Kaschuta (@akaschuta)

Subversive is a podcast by Alex Kaschuta about ideas that may not fit neatly into the Overton window and could use a nudge, or a sledgehammer. Alex chats to thinkers across the spectrum from iconoclast philosophers, rogue scientists, *real* journalists, and our true intellectual elite, Twitter anons. If you want to support the show or my work in general, head to my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aksubversive

Subversive w/Alex Kaschuta