In Defence of Humanity

Author, Web Developer, and Instructional Designer, Dr. Chris Richardson, speaks with the hosts about his latest book called Batman and the Joker: Contested Sexuality in Popular Culture. The conversation covers film theory and comic books. It even gets personal when Chris jokes that Astheris disappointed him with his choice of film.

Khalid and Astheris speak with Army Transportation Officer Lt. Matthew Waddell around the topic of the military-industrial complex.

Spoilers Ahead! Leila Sonora joins the boys in a discussion about the Amazon Prime hit series "The Boys." This episode contains sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.

Khalid and Astheris have a light conversation about politics, human rights, and racism.

Khalid and Astheris are joined by writer and natural rights advocate, Cetvies, to speak about topics ranging from the critique of higher education to human trafficking. We have chosen not to elaborate the episode contents in detail in these show notes, but we provide a trigger warning in theintro. Resources: Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.TALK ) National Domestic Violence Hotline (1.800.799.SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.HOPE) (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network - RAINN) National Parent Helpline (1.855.4A.PARENT) National Human Trafficking Hotline (1.888.373.7888) Alcoholism Recovery https://www.aa.org/

College Administrator, Jackie Lewis-Burton drops a bomb on workplace tokenism and respectability politics. Have a listen.

Khalid and Astheris are joined by WSL Leadership Founder, Iggy Perillo. The hosts speak with Iggy about developing unit cohesion through team-building exercises, reconciliation, and dissolution in some cases. Iggy has a degree in philosophy, which provided nuance as the conversation included talk of bigotry and systemic commodification.

English-Italian Professional footballer, Paco Gigi Craig, returns to the podcast to discuss the problems the pandemic has caused in the world and in personal interactions. Gigi was candid in the interview and took us on an exploration of politics in a dichotomous society.

Positive psychology advocate and HR Influencer, Jeff Harry, joins the podcast to speak with Khalid and Astheris about the idea of using play to overcome challenging organizational issues. Jeff addresses several aspects of the notion including: dealing with toxicity in the workplace and beyond, rediscovering one's flow, or play, and fighting against the capitalist-curated desire to envy others in the pursuit of things.

Anti-multilevel marketing enthusiast and financial planner, Cassidy Evans, joins the hosts to discuss the pervasive and predatory nature of multilevel marketing networks. The chat covers the potential illegality of the framework and how nepotism plays a large role in their organization. Khalid and Astheris even share personal accounts of their histories with MLMs.

Introducing an original true crime show from Tsuga Productions. The show premieres 24 February 2021. https://spoti.fi/3adML8Z

Khalid and Astheris are joined by Vin Singh of the organization Free Lunch Coffee to discuss how the framework of what it means to be a charitable company has evolved in the last decade. Vin speaks on his travels and the decision to resign from his corporate job to start Free Lunch Coffee. Free Lunch Coffee is an organization that prioritizes the eradication of child hunger and increased educational opportunities through a strategic model: one bag of coffee purchased equals ten meals through the Lunchbox Fund. The company has committed to given a minimum of 50% of proceeds to the mission of ending child hunger. Use the code: Humanity at check out to get 10% off your order at Freelunchcoffee.com

Khalid and Astheris revisit the concept of Pan-Africanism with a conversation on Afrofuturism and what the idea represents in media, technology, and culture. the hosts delve into the sociopolitical underpinnings of the term, as well as, the potential for its actualization through systemic change. The hosts also announce the seasonal hiatus to prepare for an energetic and inciteful fourth season, debuting 8 February 2021.

Khalid and Astheris speak broadly about the idea of Pan-Africanism. The discussion spans the historical framework that drives the notions associated with it, the present intersectional representation, and the future of Pan-Africanism as a whole. Additionally, the hosts speak on the perpetuation of false colonial narratives in opposition to movements for minority unity.  The conversation was quite expansive and an additional episode covering Afrofuturism and the future of globalization will continue it.

Land activist and Scientist, Elsie DuBray -- Oóhenuŋpa Lakȟóta, Nueta, Hidatsa, joins the podcast to discuss her research on the influence American Buffalo can have on the health of indigenous peoples. Elsie also clarifies a few misconceptions associated with Native and Aboriginal populations of the Americas, including individuals who are continuing the fight for Native recognition and the Land Back movement. Elsie is an undergraduate researcher at Standford University, and she has conducted studies to ameliorate the issues associated with poor nutritional options available to marginalized communities. Elsie resides on her home reservation in South Dakota where her family stewards a small herd of buffalo.

Christian Dasher is a concert saxophonist and farmer, and he is currently completing a degree in concert performance. Christian revisits In Defense of Humanity to share what life is like as a farmer and the difficulties that come with maintaining small-scale cultivation. Specifically, Christian talks about the most heavily restricted food crop in Georgia, the Vidalia onion, which his farm grows among other crops. Khalid and Astheris also ask Christian about the unsustainability of contemporary row crop production and its accompanying government subsidization. The contradictory association of conservative values to farmers who require government assistance to make a living is also explored in this episode.

Trey LaPine speaks with the hosts about an egalitarian model of resource allocation and the problem with an increasingly ideological regime. LaPine shares a historical perspective and its analogous relation to a contemporary context; he concisely teaches the audience how to spot fascist "tendencies," and he exclaims his hopes for the future of humankind.

Musician and producer, XKYLAR, joins the podcast to discuss her decision to leap headfirst into the creative world despite her background in the sciences. XKYLAR takes the hosts on an exhilarating journey through the experiences that have cemented her as a true icon trendsetter in both music and creative design. The conversation continues on In Defence of Time.

Actor, model, and martial artist, Avaah Blackwell, joins the podcast to discuss her life, career, and what it takes to be successful today. Avaah is best known for her role as Osnullus in the second season of Star Trek: Discovery but her career spans more than a decade including runway modeling, behind-the-scenes work in film production, theatre performance, and stunt work. 

Footballer and grad student, Lailah Muscat joins the podcast to speak on topics ranging from cuisine to Brexit. Lailah holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Young Harris College, and she is pursuing postgraduate education at Cardiff University in Wales, UK. Lailah also plays for the club team Cardiff City Ladies FC. 

Chastity Duffey joins Astheris on a raw and edited episode to speak about the reopening of Florida and how she plans to remain free of SARS-CoV 2 reinfection during these unprecedented times.

Musician and man of letters, Jackson Van Horn brings a deep level of understanding to this episode, tackling topics from music theory to spirituality. The intricacies of the discussion is matched only by the nuance expressed in each subject matter. Jackson is a multi-genre artist with a Bachelor of Science in Music industry studies from Appalachian State University and more than a decade of musical experience.

Khalid Johnson speaks with Oz regarding the state of affairs in the world. The conversation covers, the mass violations in the migrant holding facilities, the history of forcible sterilizations, QAnon, and the forest fires that plague the American west.  Resources:  Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.TALK ) National Domestic Violence Hotline (1.800.799.SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.HOPE) (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network - RAINN) National Parent Helpline (1.855.4A.PARENT) National Human Trafficking Hotline (1.888.373.7888) Alcoholism Recovery https://www.aa.org/

Medical student and preventative medicine advocate, Sam Flagg, discusses his personal battle with chronic nerve pain. Sam addresses the history, rarity, and diagnostic procedures associated with chronic illness as a whole. The conversation expounds upon the fears and worries that are intrinsic to the human experience. Sam provides his contact information at the end of the episode for anyone who wishes to discuss the topics expressed in the podcast in more detail.  Resources:  Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.TALK ) National Domestic Violence Hotline (1.800.799.SAFE) National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.HOPE) (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network - RAINN) National Parent Helpline (1.855.4A.PARENT) National Human Trafficking Hotline (1.888.373.7888) Alcoholism Recovery https://www.aa.org/

Nehemiah “Nemo” Johnson reprises his role as the cohost of In Defense of Humanity for the first episode of the third season. In this episode, we speak with Leila Sonora about the systemic marginalization of those who choose to navigate the streets on bikes. We also delve into sociopolitical injustices and the current civil unrest in the US and abroad through a critical lens. Leila is a community organizer and advocate who works to provide resources to alleviate socioeconomic inequities.

Scholar and activist, Munia O., explores the current social climate in the world on this episode as tensions rise band fear resonates through the media.

Literary scholar and all-around positive thinker, Xavier Jacobs joins the show to explore the intricacies of literary studies and it's unbreakable tie to reality.

Khalid Johnson joins the podcast for a hard-hitting talk on the current sociopolitical climate in North America, and we tackle the global protests that have been sparked like embers to a forest.

Poet and Scholar, Frank Easterlin, guides us on a voyage through the fascinating world of poetry and its interpretation. Astheris and Frank introspect to uncover what makes us want to write and read poetry. Find out if they've discovered the secret to everlasting intrigue.

Christian Dasher takes us down memory lane, and looks forward to the future of musical and theatrical performance because of the SARS CoV-2 pandemic. And, Christian discusses the qualms of growing a controlled breed of onion.

Chastity Duffey returns to the podcast with Alejandro Lemus-Gomez to continue our dive into Floridian culture. As is expected of an IDOH episode, we start in the South and end somewhere around hallucinogens used without coordinating rites. Chastity Duffey is an Elocutionist and Alejandro is a scholar at Cambridge University.

In this episode in a two part discussion, elocutionist and Floridian, Chastity Duffey, brings a thought-provoking query to IDOH. The subject matter so enthralling that we will continue the discussion with another Florida native, Alejandro Lemus-Gomez. Click your seat belts and hope no one runs onto the track, because this is the IDOH 500!

Professor of Religion and activist, Joy Spann, leads us down a road of marvelous accounts. The discourse spans from postcolonial thought to morality, racism to Southern honorifics, and reality television to true crime. This is definitely an episode you don't want to miss.

Student biologist and philosopher, Trey LaPine, joins the podcast to discuss the interwoven nature of YouTube viewing habits and forum indoctrination. Trey takes us through the pipeline that leads benign viewing to the far reaches of the political spectrum. Trey LaPine is pursuing a PhD in Biology to become a professor. Trey takes us on a journey through politics, philosophy, media and bigotry. Trey hosts a podcast called Saturday Morning Anime Podcast.

The topics of this insightful episode are curated by Philosopher and Professor of Religion, Dr. Nathan Eric Dickman. Eric ferries Astheris down the river of reason from the origin of Biblical Epistemology to the ascent of critical thought as a mainstay of Western Philosophy. Eric obtained a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from the University of Iowa. Eric has taught philosophy and religion at several institutions over the last decade, most recently at the Young Harris College and University of the Ozarks.

Wilderness explorer and philosopher, Harrison Perusek, takes the podcast to the great outdoors in this episode. We dive into the environmental ethical frameworks and the systems that permit humans to make decisions about it. Harrison Perusek is a senior Outdoor Leadership major and an Appalachian Studies minor; he brings a new and refreshing layer of analysis to the podcast and we're certain you'll enjoy it.

Yogi and IT recruiter, Sam Choi, joins the podcast to discuss a form of yoga that is very close to him. Sam leads the episode down a thrilling investigation of spirituality, land acquisition, environmentalism and the future of human exploration. Sam Choi has a BBA in Marketing from the Georgia Southern University.

Historic preservationist and film theorist, Logan Garrison, tackles complex topics of cinema and television as mediums of love throughout several genres and series. Logan holds a degree in History from Appalachian State University.

Economic theorist and all around suave, Manacé Balegamire, joins the podcast to pin down the sociopolitical impetus to heavily binge watch series. We tackle how streaming platforms enable this behaviour and if we can free ourselves from the temptations of it. Manacé holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Accounting. The critical thinkers and theorist discussed in this podcast are as follows: Harold Garfinkel, Homi Bhabha, Irving Goffman, Søren Kierkegaard, Adam Grant, Nick Bostrom and Frantz Fanon.

Feminist philosopher and expert dog walker, Elizah Huff, joins the podcast to discuss the nuances of the marginalized encompassed by the intersectionality movement. Elizah Huff holds an undergraduate degree in Gender Studies and Marketing from Young Harris College, and she has conducted in-depth research on intersectionality and feminism. The critical thinkers and theorist discussed in this podcast are as follows: Ayn Rand, Frantz Fanon, Friedrich Nietzsche, Gayatri Spivak, Harold Garfinkel, Homi Bhabha, Irving Goffman, Isaac Asimov, Jean Paul Sartre, Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Jonathan Dancy, Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, Kurt Vonnegut, Luce Irigaray, Michel Foucault, Peter Singer and Simone de Beauvoir.

This episode is impromptu and on the verge of being nonsensical. Tyler Vickers ponders many philosophical questions with Oz on this episode of the podcast; The quandaries are at times superficial without any definite answers, but the team had a good time once Vickers suggested the topic. Tyler Vickers is a Psychology major and History minor from Young Harris College, specializing in modern historiography circa 1400 CE.

This is the second part of the critically acclaimed episode exploring the mass cultural appeal of global music. Astheris talks with Nate Sirmans, a musician in the band Open (@_._open_._), and Christian Dasher, a collegiate saxophonist, about music across the world and the interwoven nature of our melodic existences; the conversation went so in depth that it has been split into two halves. Also, many apologies for the title because it is going to be far longer than eighty minutes. On the bright side, we left a list of all the musical references associated with the episode as well as corrections to mistakes throughout the show. Enjoy! Playlist on Spotify Genres mentioned in the episode: American Pop, Austronesian, Bachata, Baroque, Bounce, Brazilian funk, Carnatic, Cinema/Television Scores, Classical, Click Song Number 1, Country, Disco, Fado, Folk, Guilty of Being White, Halo, Hip-Hop, Lo-Fi, Motown, North American Funk, Pata Pata, Punjab, Punk, R & B, Rap, Reggae, Reggaetón, Rock,  Rumba, Samba, Screamo, Ska, Ska-Punk, Soca, Somali Funk, Southern Appalachian, Spirituals, The Banned (Spotify Playlist), Vaporwave, Zef, and Zouk. Artists and Composer: Alicia Keys, Ana Moura, Antwon Stanley, Ariana Grande, Benjamin Clementine, Beyoncé, Big Freedia, Billy Holiday, Bob Marley, Carminho, Childish Gambino, Chris Potter, Concha Buika, D'Angelo, Death, Death Grips, Destiny's Child, Die Antwoord, “Earth, Wind and Fire,” Edith Piaf, Florida Georgia Line, Frank Sinatra, Fugees, Gary Clark Jr, Hans Zimmer, Ice Cube, Ice T, Immortal Technique, Jay Chattaway, Jimi Hendrix, Jocelyne Béroard, John Coltrane, Jordan Sparks, Kane Brown, Katia Guerreiro, Kayna Samet, Kelly Rowland, Kendrick Lamar, KRS One, Leona Lewis, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty, Louis Armstrong, Lycinaïs Jean, Madeline Peyroux, Mariah Carey, Maître Gims, Marilyn Manson, MC Bella, MC Kekel, MC Kevinho, MC Livinho, MC Pedrinho, Michael Bublé, Mika, Miles Davis, Miriam Makeba, Ms. Lauren Hill, N.W.A., Niccolò Paganini, Nicki Minaj, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Notorious BIG, Open, Otis Redding, PEKKA, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Rage Against the Machine, Ray Charles, Run-D.M.C., Sia, Skinny Fabulous, Smokey Robinson, Soggy Bottom Boys, Solange, Stromae, The Hu, The Who, Trippie Red, Tupac Shakur, Victor O, Vulfpeck, and Ween. There was a bit of confusion in this episode around the 30:00 mark about Jeffree Star, and I would like to state that I tragically confused Jeffree with a Mandela Effect of sorts; please disregard the comments and conversation surrounding it if you would like, but we will leave it in the episode to demonstrate that we can all make significant mistakes.

This episode marks a critical time in the evolution of the podcast. Oz talks with Nate Sirmans, a musician in the band Open (@_._open_._), and Christian Dasher, a collegiate saxophonist, about music across the world and the interwoven nature of our melodic existences; the conversation went so in depth that it has been split into two halves. Also, many apologies for the title because it is going to be far longer than eighty minutes. On the bright side, we left a list of all the musical references associated with the episode as well as corrections to mistakes throughout the show. Enjoy!   https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FLpJsYYlvoy1uDQUOrXJj?si=v0yqdgjSRdarDndqDaz6Sw (Episode Spotify Playlist) Genres mentioned in the episode: American Pop, Austronesian, Bachata, Baroque, Bounce, Brazilian funk, Carnatic, Cinema/Television Scores, Classical, Click Song Number 1, Country, Disco, Fado, Folk, Guilty of Being White, Halo, Hip-Hop, Lo-Fi, Motown, North American Funk, Pata Pata, Punjab, Punk, R & B, Rap, Reggae, Reggaetón, Rock,  Rumba, Samba, Screamo, Ska, Ska-Punk, Soca, Somali Funk, Southern Appalachian, Spirituals, The Banned (Spotify Playlist), Vaporwave, Zef, and Zouk. Artists and Composer: Alicia Keys, Ana Moura, Antwon Stanley, Ariana Grande, Benjamin Clementine, Beyoncé, Big Freedia, Billy Holiday, Bob Marley, Carminho, Childish Gambino, Chris Potter, Concha Buika, D'Angelo, Death, Death Grips, Destiny's Child, Die Antwoord, “Earth, Wind and Fire,” Edith Piaf, Florida Georgia Line, Frank Sinatra, Fugees, Gary Clark Jr, Hans Zimmer, Ice Cube, Ice T, Immortal Technique, Jay Chattaway, Jimi Hendrix, Jocelyne Béroard, John Coltrane, Jordan Sparks, Kane Brown, Katia Guerreiro, Kayna Samet, Kelly Rowland, Kendrick Lamar, KRS One, Leona Lewis, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty, Louis Armstrong, Lycinaïs Jean, Madeline Peyroux, Mariah Carey, Maître Gims, Marilyn Manson, MC Bella, MC Kekel, MC Kevinho, MC Livinho, MC Pedrinho, Michael Bublé, Mika, Miles Davis, Miriam Makeba, Ms. Lauren Hill, N.W.A., Niccolò Paganini, Nicki Minaj, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Notorious BIG, Open, Otis Redding, PEKKA, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Rage Against the Machine, Ray Charles, Run-D.M.C., Sia, Skinny Fabulous, Smokey Robinson, Soggy Bottom Boys, Solange, Stromae, The Hu, The Who, Trippie Red, Tupac Shakur, Victor O, and Vulfpeck

Nemo rejoins the podcast to speak on the routine applications of masks (face work) in society. They cover subjects from acting in the game called life to the destruction of one's mask to become an actualized individual.

Gigi Craig and Samuel Pham speak on the concept of anxiety in this episode of the podcast. Gigi Craig plays football for Louisville FC as a defender and he holds a degree in psychology. Samuel Pham returns to the show with newfound knowledge and a keen eye for critical analysis.

Artist and activist Khalid Johnson joins the podcast to speak on code-switching and potential problems that arise from existing in a multilingual society. As with other episodes, we cover far more than the main topic and drift into a whirlwind of controversies.

Literary scholar Alejandro Lemus-Gomez joins the podcast for an in depth analysis of the inception and propagation of #Woke. Lemus-Gomez is a poet, writer and philosopher studying at Cambridge University after his recent graduation from Young Harris College.

Astheris is joined by a very special guest, Samuel Pham, to review the role of paradigmatic power of race relations in the US. Samuel Pham is a senior Media and Cultural Studies at Young Harris College and a long time friend of the hosts. Pham delves into topics from linguistic terrorism to the concept of reverse racism.

Nemo and Oz examine the implications of climate change denial and its correlation with the division of science and religion. The hosts are joined by ichthyologist Dr. Johnathan Davis for this episode. Johnathan is a professor of biology and the program coordinator of environmental science at Young Harris College, where he passionately engages students with the environment while leading ecological restoration initiatives. There is a short outtake at the end of the talk in which Johnathan expounds on his research with the Sicklefin Redhorse.

Nemo and Oz improvise on the societal implications of Hypermasculinity and the future of interpersonal relationships.

Astheris is joined by Kyle DeBell to speak on Net Neutrality and totalitarian regimes. DeBell offers some historiographical insights for the future. Kyle DeBell is an educational librarian at Young Harris College with a Master of Library Science and a Bachelor's of Art in History; he truly brought a new layer to the analyses in this episode.