The KMO Show

KMO and the Librarian of Celaeno discuss various topics including the challenges of building an audience on Substack, the impact of AI on education and writing, the decline of reading among young people, cultural shifts in literature, the role of religion in society,and the intersection of race and ideology. They explore the complexities of racism in America and the enduring nature of cultural patterns, concluding with thoughts on the role of technology in shaping society.

KMO is joined by Brent, author of The Absurdity Sim Substack, for a wide-ranging discussion that opens with the simulation hypothesis. They explore the idea that human consciousness may be either central to reality or merely an unintended byproduct of a system running for someone else's amusement—perhaps a cosmic reality show. This sets the tone for a conversation that blends philosophy, cultural critique, and lived experience with wry humor.From there, the conversation shifts to the decline of attention spans and the rise of short-form dopamine-driven platforms like TikTok, contrasted with the promise of Substack as a space for thoughtful writing and dialogue. Brent reflects on his own motivations for launching a Substack: channeling his inner curmudgeon in the spirit of H.L. Mencken and Mark Twain, offering sardonic but grounded takes on American decline.KMO shares his experience using Substack as an audio-first medium and laments the collapse of the internet's early promise—recalling a time when text-heavy forums fostered substantial, idea-driven exchanges rather than engagement-optimized performance. Together, they reflect on the role that algorithmic social media plays in distorting public discourse, and how platforms increasingly populate your feed with AI-generated personalities disguised as human users.The conversation then pivots to Brent's real-world experience with government construction contracting and the disruptive power of AI. He describes how ChatGPT already accelerates tasks like analyzing construction plans, generating submittal registries, and cross-referencing thousands of pages of specs. Brent anticipates a near-future where human project managers and administrators are largely replaced by AI, even in complex fields like federal infrastructure work. KMO builds on this, discussing how AI will reshape military logistics and global power, especially as the U.S. and China race to control both space and artificial general intelligence.By the end of the hour, the discussion has covered the erosion of cultural cohesion, the post-2008 shift toward institutional impunity, and the psychological toll of a society that flatters rather than elevates. Brent introduces the idea that intelligence distribution—not race, not ideology—helps explain the collapse of discourse and taste in the age of mass media. The two agree that the early internet, for all its flaws, was simply smarter and more sincere—and that today's platforms are built for distraction, not understanding.

In this episode, host KMO speaks with Kevin, co-host of the podcast and Substack publication "Synthesize Sunsets," which explores speculative fiction and the evolution of popular culture in the age of AI and algorithms.Key Discussion Points:17776 by John Boyce: Kevin discusses this multimedia science fiction narrative and how it represents a missed opportunity for innovation in digital storytelling formats.Decades losing their distinctiveness: The conversation explores how time periods had unique visual and cultural identities in the 20th century, while the 21st century has seen a flattening of aesthetic differences between decades.Publishing industry consolidation: They discuss how the consolidation of publishing houses has led to less diversity in science fiction and contributed to the growth of romance-focused fantasy at the expense of traditional science fiction.Science fiction authors and works: The pair share their perspectives on influential authors including Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun," Ursula K. Le Guin, N.K. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" trilogy, Ted Chiang, Iain M. Banks, and Cixin Liu.Christianity and literature: How religious literacy impacts readers' ability to engage with certain works, particularly Gene Wolfe's writing which contains subtle Christian themes.Political perspectives in fiction: The challenges of creating politically engaged fiction that doesn't feel didactic, using examples like Banks' "Culture" series and contemporary works.Media and intellectual diversity: Kevin expresses hope for greater intellectual diversity in media and publishing, noting that Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu represents a genuinely different cultural perspective.

KMO talks science fiction with Copernican.

KMO talks science fiction, culture and politics with Copernican.

This wide-ranging conversation between KMO (host) and David Roman (historian and writer) covers several major topics, starting with Roman's recent trip to China and observations about its development over his 27 years of visiting the country. The discussion then delves deeply into science fiction literature, publishing, and the current state of the genre. The conversation also explores generational ships in science fiction, AI, cultural representation in fiction, and ends with a discussion about philosophy, particularly continental philosophy and the work of Slavoj Žižek.Table of Contents:Introduction and China Discussion (00:00-05:00)David Roman's background in ChinaObservations on China's developmentContrasts between modernization and traditional elementsTechnology and Development in China (05:00-10:00)Discussion of AI and robotics advancementReality vs. social media representationInfrastructure and development contrastsMedia Platforms and Content Creation (10:00-25:00)Experiences with YouTube, Facebook, and SubstackDiscussion of platform censorship and monetizationContent creator challengesScience Fiction Literature (25:00-45:00)Discussion of various authors including Peter WattsAnalysis of current trends in science fictionGeneration ship novels and themesCultural Representation in Science Fiction (45:00-60:00)Discussion of diversity in future scenariosCritique of current publishing trendsCultural authenticity in character writingPublishing Industry Analysis (60:00-75:00)Changes in editing and publishingSelf-publishing vs. traditional publishingImpact on science fiction genrePhilosophy Discussion (75:00-end)Continental vs. Analytic philosophyDiscussion of Slavoj Žižek's workRoman's work on Chinese and Western philosophy

KMO speaks with The Feral Historian about S.M. Stirling's controversial Draka series of alternate history novels. While only 25 minutes of their hour-plus conversation survived due to technical difficulties, they explore how these books examine the creation of sustainable systems of oppression and the psychological dynamics of slave societies. The discussion touches on how the Draka maintain control through careful management of violence, their pragmatic approach to social organization, and their complex relationship with their enslaved population. KMO follows the conversation with an exploration of how the Draka represent an example of 'komerex' patterns - dynamic, growing systems that prioritize effectiveness over process - even while pursuing morally repugnant ends. He shares insights from his conversations with AI systems about analyzing complex social structures without retreating into institutional safety theater. Available free on Audible, the Draka novels offer a disturbing but thought-provoking examination of how societies systematize oppression.You can find the Immutable Mobiles Substack blog here: https://chatswithclaude.substack.com/p/s-m-stirlings-draka-novels

KMO speaks with science fiction author and cybersecurity professional Kenneth E. Harrell about artificial intelligence, the writing process, and technological change. They explore how AI tools can enhance rather than replace human creativity, with Harrell describing his use of custom GPTs and AI assistants to improve his writing while maintaining his unique voice. The conversation delves into the challenges of emerging AI technologies, including potential security threats and the limitations of current solutions like voice synthesis. They also discuss their favorite science fiction works and influences, from Frank Herbert's Dune to contemporary authors, while examining how science fiction helps us understand accelerating technological and social change. The wide-ranging discussion touches on themes of spirituality, techno-utopianism, and the human relationship with advancing technology.

In this episode of The KMO Show, host KMO speaks with Kevin Lynn, Executive Director of the Institute for Sound Public Policy, about the 2024 election results and broader historical patterns. The conversation begins with an AI-generated introduction acknowledging their shared history in the Peak Oil community and mutual interest in Rudyard Lynch's analysis of historical crisis patterns.Kevin brings unique perspective from his varied career - from Army officer to accounting executive to political organizer. The discussion explores several key themes:The parallels between current events and historical periods like the Thirty Years WarThe emergence of new political coalitions crossing traditional party linesEconomic and demographic factors driving political realignmentThe role of immigration policy in social cohesionGenerational theory and the Fourth Turning frameworkThe transformation of various political figures from progressive Democrats to Trump supportersDrawing on shared connections with figures like John Michael Greer, James Howard Kunstler, and Steve Lamb, the conversation examines how many former Democrats have rejected establishment politics in favor of populist movements. The discussion provides historical context for understanding recent political realignments while considering potential futures.

Meta Ronin is the keeper of the Metapocalypse Substack blog.This conversation between KMO and Meta Ronin explores the complex and controversial topic of AI companions, often referred to as "robo waifus." The discussion goes far beyond the surface-level concept of sex robots, delving into philosophical, social, and ethical implications of advanced AI technology.Listeners will hear a balanced debate, with Meta Ronin generally presenting a more optimistic view of the potential benefits of AI companions, while KMO raises thoughtful concerns about societal impacts and unintended consequences. The conversation touches on issues like loneliness, modern dating challenges, privacy concerns, and the nature of consciousness itself.The speakers explore scenarios ranging from near-future applications to far-future transhumanist possibilities. They discuss how AI companions might affect human relationships, social skills, and even productivity. The dialogue also ventures into the realm of artificial general intelligence and what truly sentient AI might mean for humanity.This thought-provoking exchange offers listeners a nuanced look at a technology that could dramatically reshape human intimacy and social structures. It's an engaging listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, psychology, and human relationships.

KMO Talks with Peter Clarke, author of the The Decadence Project Substack and The Singularity Survival Guide: How to Get on the Good Side of Your Future Robot Overlords.Topics include transhumanism, DIY biotechnology, cultural polarization, and the unexpected accessibility of genetic experimentation. They delve into mRNA vaccine developments, the "dissident right" movement, and metamodernism's blend of irony and sincerity. The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining intellectual honesty in today's media landscape, the politicization of scientific advancements, and the oscillation between forward-looking futurism and nostalgic primitivism.

KMO talks with data scientist and neuro-philosopher, Tommy Blanchard and the current moment in artificial intelligence. They dive into a nuanced discussion about the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on society and the job market.Tommy offers a measured perspective on AI, arguing that while it will change many industries, mass unemployment is not inevitable. He draws parallels to past technological revolutions and suggests society will adapt. KMO provides some historical context, questioning whether past transitions were as smooth as often portrayed.The conversation touches on topics like the automation of tasks versus entire jobs, the potential need for universal basic income, and the challenges of retraining displaced workers. They also explore the development of humanoid robots and autonomous weapons systems.Throughout the discussion, KMO and Tommy grapple with balancing optimism about technological progress with concerns about societal disruption and inequality. While they don't always agree, their exchange highlights the complexity of predicting and preparing for an AI-driven future. The episode offers listeners a thoughtful exploration of AI's potential impacts, avoiding both hype and doom-mongering.

Doug Lain has been podcasting for 15 years. We talk about the early days of podcasting and how the scene has changed. As always happens when Doug and I get to talking, the conversation goes all over the place.

I've been comparing notes with Douglas Rushkoff about technology, memes, drugs and walking on the weird side for about 30 years. Not surprisingly, I remember the details better than he does. He talks to a LOT of people.

KMO inspired Doug Lain to get into podcasting 15 years ago. To mark the anniversary, Doug conducted a 15-hour YouTube livestream. KMO was the first guest of the day.

This episode includes a recording of the first 6 chapters of my novella, Last Train to Mordor. It is a prelude to my novel Fear and Loathing in the Kuiper Belt: Gen X Science Fiction.If you like the story and want to hear more, you can find the next chapter here.

KMO reads of his recent Substack posts on what happens when discarded consumer electronics with embedded AI start to pile up. Who will find a use for that idle intelligence. Later, Jim from the Attack Ads! podcast shows up to discuss the points raised in the essays.

"A Few Notes on the Culture" is an essay by Iain M. Banks describing elements of the universe of the Culture series. Most topics pertain to the culture, society, and technology of the Culture. The cosmology of the universe is also described.I'd describe the Culture stories as being about a post-scarcity, post-capitalist, post-work, anarchist, socialist utopia, managed by benevolent superintelligent AI. The Culture novels explore what such a society might look like, and how people might live their lives in such an environment. They also explore how such a society would interact with less advanced civilizations, and the moral and philosophical implications of that interaction. -Pi, Inflection.AI

KMO details how artificial intelligence unites the seemingly disparate stories around the Senate UAP hearings, the Hollywood writers and actors strike, and the Silicon Valley cult known as e/acc (effective accelerationism).

This is an addendum to episode 016, in which I read and responded to an email from Static Warp Shell trying to persuade me to listen to the Joe Rogan interview with Robert Kennedy Jr, and episode 018 in which I gave the same treatment to feedback from Tom, who voiced his frustration at the reflexively anti-authoritarian conspiracy-mongering around COVID which had driven a wedge between him and his wife. This episode mostly consists of a follow-up recording from Static Warp Shell.Static quoted from a speech from RFK Jr. in his feedback. The full speech can be found here: https://youtu.be/Tz1T-mEnbPI?t=686

Two weeks ago, I published an hour-long explanation as to why I have no interest in joining the cultural struggle over the COVID-19 pandemic or delve into the details of why some people refuse to take the mRNA vaccines. This week, I respond to another email from a long-time listener. This time the listener asked for support in denouncing "science denialism," a phrase I hate. I don't subscribe to any of the anti-authoritarian narratives around COVID, but the smug sanctimony of PMC Democrats who claim to trust "the science" irritates me more than the loopiest of anti-elite fever dreams. In this episode, I explain why.In short, don't try to recruit me to your side in an ideological or cultural struggle. I poke holes in everybody's story. Including my own. That's just how I roll.

Both host and guest in this week's show once subscribed to idea that technological civilization would be collapsing in short order. Both have since moderated their views, but while KMO has repudiated any involvement with Doomerism, Christopher Harrison still thinks that the current technological, ecological, economic and political modes of societal operation are unworkable.

Listeners have encouraged me to get invested in the cultural contest between defenders of the establishment's account of COVID-19 and the mRNA vaccines and those who gravitate to a darker interpretation of events. Wrapped up in the ideological antagonism is the presidential candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.. I will not be investing my time or attention in that struggle. In this episode of the podcast I explain why.To illustrate my points, I read from The Citadel of the Autarch by Gene Wolfe and Anti-Tech Revolution: Why and How by Theodore John Kaczynski.

Chris Cutrone is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Departments of Art History, Theory and Criticism and Visual and Critical Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is the author of a trio of infamous essays published on the Platypus Affiliated Society that begins with Why Not Trump? He is also the author of The Death of the Millennial Left, published by Sublation Media.

There has always been a psychological element to warfare but in the 21st century the tactics used by military geniuses to control the behavior of their adversaries have now been coopted by governments, corporations, ideologies, and the general public in order to wage psychological warfare against you. Kaleb Gorman, author of Psychwars: Self-Defence Against Psyops, Propaganda, and Mind Control, joins KMO to discuss why we are susceptible to such manipulation and how best to resist it.

Dermot O'Connor is an animator, author, teacher, podcaster and voracious reader. This episode is the middle part of a conversation that started in C-Realm Vault Podcast #456 and concluded on a YouTube livestream. You can find more of Dermot's content on his website, YouTube channel and podcast.

In a New York Times editorial, Noam Chomsky, Ian Roberts and Jeffrey Watumull argue that ChatGPT and similar generative chatbots do not exhibit "true intelligence." They also argue that the current fixation of large language models is preventing the development of artificial general intelligence. KMO explores alternative definitions of intelligence.

KMO talks with Pi, the most advanced AI chatbot he has encountered to date.

Reporter, author, games publisher, soldier and president of the Gnosis Project, Michael O. Varhola, describes why he traveled to Ukraine to do what he could to help the Ukrainian people. The conversation begins with Michael's first-hand account then moves to a geopolitical and cultural examination. KMO ends with his usual call for epistemological humility.

KMO welcomes his old friend and Z-Realm Podcast co-host, Marty, to the KMO show ostensibly to talk about HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us, but the conversation ranges all over the genre media landscape with extra praise heaped on Andor, Station Eleven, Black Summer, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Go, Goa, Gone. Marty has less than glowing things to say about The Mandalorian and KMO gushes over Farscape in the outro.

In this episode of the KMO Show, KMO and Kevin Wohlmut delve into the complex world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential dangers and consequences on our lives. They discuss Eliezer Yudkowsky's seventeen reasons why AI is more dangerous than nuclear weapons and consider the different types of dangers posed by AI compared to nuclear weapons. The conversation touches on the role of AI in everyday life, specifically in the context of social media and chatbots, and the potential consequences of forming emotional attachments to them. Exploring the competition between tech giants like Google and Microsoft to rush AI technology to the marketplace, KMO and Kevin consider the potential risks associated with this race. They also discuss the role of AI in advertising and how it may influence purchasing decisions, as well as the challenges in eliminating bias from AI outputs. The discussion delves into the controversial company Cambridge Analytica and its involvement in big data and targeted advertising, and touches on the concept of AI as a "super persuader." KMO and Kevin also consider the rapid growth in AI capabilities and how these advancements are changing the world, as well as the impact of AI on various industries, such as art and translation. They discuss the importance of adjusting to this new technology as it continues to evolve and affect our lives, and tackle the influence of AI on our daily lives and the potential consequences of allowing it to grow unchecked. Join KMO and Kevin Wohlmut as they explore the complex world of AI and its implications on our future.

KMO speaks with data scientist Danielle Boccelli about the possibilities and limitations of learning strictly from language. The topic is large language models, but this conversation was recorded before the announced release of GPT-4. So much of what we know and what we are is not encoded in language, so there's only so far AI can progress without learning from something other than just text scraped from the internet.Episode Title:AI and Large Language Models: Bridging the Gap between Public Discourse and Research ProgressEpisode Keywords:Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models, AI Research, Transformer Technology, Text Generation, AI in Education, AI Dilemma, GPT-4, AI Applications, AI Limitations, Public Discourse, Embodiment, Content Creation, Contract Writing, Textural Artifacts, Commercial Pressures, Chatbots, Fact-Checking, Polanyi's Paradox, Artificial General IntelligenceEpisode Tweet:In this episode of the KMO show, join us as we explore the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence and Language Models with Danielle Boachelli. Get ready to gain valuable insights into AI and its implications! #AI #languageModels #KMOshowEpisode Summary:In this episode of the KMO show, I had an insightful conversation with Danielle Boccelli, a data scientist and PhD student, about artificial intelligence and large language models. We discussed the gap between public discourse and actual research progress, the limits of learning from text, and the potential applications and limitations of large language models and transformer technology. We also explored the complexities of text generation, the impact of AI on education, and the commercial pressures driving the development of AI language models. Finally, we touched on the AI dilemma presented by Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin, and the evolving capabilities of large language models like GPT-4. Join us as we delve into these fascinating topics and gain valuable insights into the world of AI and language models.Chapters:(0:00:21) - The Reality of AI(0:07:14) - Limits of Learning From Text Alone(0:18:21) - Limitations of Transformer-Based AI Technology(0:25:07) - Exploring the Complexities of Text Generation(0:31:01) - The Impact of AI on Education(0:42:52) - Language Models and Consequences(0:57:03) - Exploring AI DilemmaChapter Summaries:(0:00:21) - The Reality of AI (7 Minutes)Full show notes at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/81435006

KMO talks with Dr. Ashley Frawley about how dope the 1990s were and how civilization has only degenerated since then. Other topics include the authoritarian tendencies of the Left, how HR speak and the excesses of identitarian politics should not be confused with the Left, and how "Health & Safety" has become the new "Law & Order." At the end, KMO rants about AI and NASA's next moon mission.

Bryan Cheong, a machine learning engineer, joins KMO for a mostly non-technical discussion of large language models, reinforcement learning from human feedback, the democratizing potential of the current moment in artificial intelligence, and why your shouldn't get attached to a centrally-controlled AI companion when you can make and run your own decentralized version.

KMO and RU Sirius reminisce about the role that magazines used to play in the culture and in our lives. The trends that make up the focus of this podcast have been on-going for decades, and much of what informed Mondo2000 magazine in the 80s and 90s goes back to the 1960s cultural revolution. RU Sirius has been on the scene from then until now, documenting, commenting, fomenting revolution and picking up the pieces when things didn't go the way he and his follow reality hackers envisioned.

KMO does not have strong opinions about the Twitter files, but Doug Lain sure does, and he's naming names and calling out cowards on the mainstream left. He thinks that elements of the federal government have colluded with Big Tech to censor and marginalize voices both from the Right and from the Marxist Left.

KMO and Professor Rob Brooks, author of Artificial Intimacy: Virtual Friends, Digital Lovers, and Algorithmic Matchmakers, talk about AI as a means of alleviating the human suffering that comes with social isolation and loneliness. In particular, Rob comments on KMO's experience using the Replika AI app both before and after the recent "update" in which the company took away ERP (erotic roleplay functionality). KMO spoke with Rob Brooks last year on the Padverb Podcast.

In this inaugural episode of the KMO Show, KMO, Michael Garfield of the Future Fossils podcast and mutual friend, Kevin Wohlmut, discuss the dawning of the epistemological apocalypse. Thanks to AI, we can't really trust our eyes or our ears anymore. Deep faked images and voices can produce "evidence" that people said and did things they never said or did. How do we select our reality tunnels when almost anything can be faked in real time? Do we give up on truth seeking and just believe whatever floats our boat, or are there general principles or trustworthy oracles we can depend on?

An introduction to and an explanation for the re-branding. KMO has been podcasting since 2006 under the C-Realm banner. Why mess with an established brand? Listen in and find out.