Best Rational Optimism Podcasts (2025)

1
The Dark Enlightenment (Nick Land and Curtis Yarvin) 1:01:58

2d ago1:01:58

1:01:58

Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DystopiaNow This week we discussed Nick Land's series of essays "The Dark Enlightenment," considered a foundational document for right accelerationists (r/acc) and neoreactionary ideologies (NrX). Plus the Cybernetic Culture Research Unit, Mark Zuckerberg's AI friends, Bryan Johnson's penis de-aging, and AI sp…

1
Mechanical Ventilation for Severe Asthma 1:15:00

3d ago1:15:00

1:15:00

In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti focuses on the nuances of mechanical ventilation in patients with severe asthma. Previously, he explored the medical management of acute asthma exacerbations. Today, he takes a deeper dive into ventilatory strategies tailored to this high-risk population. He's joined by Dr. Emily Damuth, a dual-trained emergency …

1
UNLOCKED: Nuke Mars (Bezos vs. Musk) 49:17

6d ago49:17

49:17

If you'd like to become a subscriber to hear more bonus episodes you can do it here: https://www.patreon.com/c/DystopiaNow his Patreon bonus episode with Kenice Mobley about Bezos vs. Musk on space was so fun we decided to unlock it. Bezos wants us to live in cylinders, Musk wants us to nuke Mars, but both of them want a future where we're all digi…

1
Ep. 151: “You Should Feel Empowered” – Holistic Facility Solutions with Chief Facilities Officers at the 2025 Annual Conference for the Virginia Chapter of APPA 28:28

8d ago28:28

28:28

Mike Petrusky hosted a Chief Facilities Officer panel discussion at the 2025 Annual Conference for the Virginia Chapter of APPA where the theme was “Holistic Facility Solutions: Balancing Operational Efficiency with Health and Wellness Priorities”. The panelists were Ken Copeland, Vice President for Business Affairs and Finance at Hampden-Sydney Co…

1
COPAGANDA with Alec Karakatsanis 1:18:32

10d ago1:18:32

1:18:32

Please join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DystopiaNow For the first half of the episode, we talked about the Semafor reveal of Silicon Valley groupchats and Marc Andreessen’s posting addiction + Èmile’s article on End Times Eschatology. We covered Yudkowsky’s “Fun Theory,” cryogenically freezing your head, and the connection between tran…

1
Dr Marcellus Baz BEM – Building relationships and making a difference 29:00

12d ago29:00

29:00

Episode 66 Dr Marcellus Baz BEM – Building relationships and making a difference SUMMARY Dr Marcellus Baz BEM had his early years shaped by hardship, violence and run-ins with the police. But he emerged to become a respected community leader – founding two boxing gyms and a social enterprise that provides education and mentoring for scores of young…

1
PADIS Guidelines Update 46:16

17d ago46:16

46:16

In this episode, Dr. Zanotti discussed the Society of Critical Care Medicine “Focused Update on the Clinical Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Anxiety. Agitation/Sedation. Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients in the ICU." This is also known as the PADIS Guidelines. He is joined by Joanna L. Stollings, Pha…

1
Q & A Part 1 -- Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality 40:40

17d ago40:40

40:40

This week we answered some questions from our Patreon supporters. It's like a mini episode on a bunch of different topics, including the worst book I've ever heard of. We covered Èmile's journey out of longtermism, Yudkowsky's Harry Potter fan fic, end-times narratives, and how we will one day beat the tech bros by withholding our labor. If you'd l…

1
Sam Altman Part 2: Doomsday Prepping and Simulation Hypothesis 1:15:55

23d ago1:15:55

1:15:55

Please consider becoming a subscriber on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/dystopianow/membership This episode we began with a discussion of Peter Singer and eugenics ideas in the Effective Altruism community. And more Sam Altman-- his firing at Open AI, his doomsday prepping and his version of utopia. Sam Altman & OpenAI Moore’s Law for Everythin…

1
Dr Anino Emuwa – Why women leaders face unconscious bias 28:43

26d ago28:43

28:43

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast Episode 65 Dr Anino Emuwa – Why women leaders face unconscious bias SUMMARY Dr Anino Emuwa is an entrepreneur, academic and thought leader. She is also a passionate advocate for women in leadership. In Episode 65 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast, Dr Anino talks to V…

1
Ep. 150: “Understand What Could Be” – Facilities Management Innovation and Optimization with Darrell Rounds FMA, C.E.M. of Stellantis 18:39

29d ago18:39

18:39

Darrell Rounds FMA, C.E.M. is Director of Facilities Management for North America Manufacturing Operations at Stellantis where he is passionate about leveraging global cross functional collaboration, lean implementation, project management, problem solving, and data analysis. Mike Petrusky asks Darrell to share about his current role and perspectiv…

1
Sam Altman Part 1: Building God, Scanning Eyeballs 52:33

1M ago52:33

52:33

Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DystopiaNow This week, we begin to explore the mystery that is Sam Altman of Open AI. We cover the AI Doomer coup, Sam's Worldcoin metal orb that scans your retinas, his friendship with Peter Thiel, and his views on restructuring our government with AItopia. We also talked about the weirdo tech …

1
TEE in Cardiac Arrest 1:01:20

1M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

In this episode, Dr. Sergion Zanotti discusses TEE in cardiac arrest and shock. Critical care clinicians commonly utilize transthoracic echocardiography in the ICU as part of their point-of-care-ultrasonography (POCUS) toolkit. However, there is a growing push to train intensivists in using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for cardiac arrest …

1
Curtis Yarvin 1:03:10

1M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

To become a Patreon subscriber and hear our bonus eps: https://www.patreon.com/c/DystopiaNow This week we talked about Curtis Yarvin and his vision of CEO/Monarchies, Network States for Tech Bros-- in the US. And Ezra Klein's more minor tech backed reforms. How much democracy should we have?

1
Anton Roe – How the best companies grow their own future leaders 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast Episode 64 Anton Roe – How the best companies grow their own future leaders SUMMARY Anton Roe first joined the fledgling MHR payroll software company as an apprentice, on a £27-a-week Youth Training Scheme. More than 30 years later, Anton is now the company’s CEO – and MHR software pays the sal…

1
Ep. 149: “Start Somewhere” – Enhancing Data Management across the Facility Asset Lifecycle with Susan Clarke of Autodesk & Erik Zink of Eptura 24:04

1M ago24:04

24:04

Susan Clarke is Senior Manager of Building Operations Strategy at Autodesk and Erik Zink is VP of Worktech Consultancy & Corporate Development at Eptura where they work to serve the marketplace with a strong alliance between the two companies. Mike Petrusky asks Susan and Erik to share the latest trends and challenges in asset management, the oppor…

1
The Effective Altruists and the "Abundance" Movement 1:08:44

1M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

This week we talked about the "Abundance Agenda" and it's roots in the Effective Altruism movement. A network of think tanks, Silicon Valley billionaires, and centrist pundits are getting all riled up about zoning ordinances, and possibly trying to take over the Democratic Party? Oh boy. We explore the dark side of Effective Altruism, men's rights …

1
AI in Critical Care 1:01:00

1M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti explores one of medicine's fastest-evolving frontiers: artificial intelligence (AI). From predictive analytics to decision-support tools, AI is beginning to influence how we deliver critical care — but what does that actually mean for frontline clinicians? Dr. Zanotti is joined by Dr. Sharad Patel, a critical car…

1
Peter Thiel Part 1 59:56

2M ago59:56

59:56

In this episode, we explore Peter Thiel's villain origin story. From his budding commitment to being an edgelord at Stanford to developing the theory that girls ruined everything by voting. Seasteading, blood transfusions, the weird incel parties he throws with Curtis Yarvin. We've got it all. Next week we'll cover the NeoReactionary movement in de…

1
Rob Barker – The importance of rational optimism 36:19

2M ago36:19

36:19

Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast Episode 63 SUMMARY Rob Barker – The importance of rational optimism Rob Barker is an entrepreneur, adviser and investor in the international fitness industry. He started his career as a sales rep with Precor – one of the world’s largest suppliers of gym equipment – rising to the rank of Preside…

1
Ep. 148: “Rationalize the Data” – Digital Transformation Initiatives in Asset Management with Kelly Kinghorn of ReVisionz, Inc. 21:41

2M ago21:41

21:41

Kelly Kinghorn is Senior Partner and Digital Technology Practice Lead at ReVisionz, Inc. where he is passionate about guiding clients through their journey with expertise in digital transformation of physical assets. Mike Petrusky asks Kelly about his perspectives on asset management, the challenges of managing data and the role of new technologies…

1
Challenging dogma in the ICU (Part II) 54:28

2M ago54:28

54:28

In a previous episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti explored the importance of challenging dogma, particularly when the supporting evidence is weak or absent. Today, he continues that discussion by examining critical care practices that persist despite a lack of strong scientific validation. He's joined by Dr. Mervyn Singer, an internationally recognized lea…

1
Pessimism of the Intellect, Optimism of the Will 1:09:39

2M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

This week we are joined by Paris Marx, host of the podcast Tech Won't Save Us and a tech critic, journalist, author, and international speaker. We talked about Silicon Valley's changing influence in politics, climate policy, and about reasons for optimism as we think about how to confront Musk and Co. in the political arena. This is somewhat of a s…

1
Patreon Preview: Nuke Mars (Bezos vs. Musk) 5:05

2M ago5:05

5:05

To hear the rest of this episode, become one of our Patreon supporters at https://www.patreon.com/DystopiaNow For this bonus episode we were joined by comedian Kenice Mobley to talk about the different space futures Bezos and Musk have in mind. Bezos wants us to live in cylinders, Musk wants us to nuke Mars, but both of them want a future where we'…

1
The Tech Right with Jacob Silverman 37:15

2M ago37:15

37:15

This week our guest is Jacob Silverman, and independent journalist who has written for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Slate, The New Yorker & The New Republic. He's the co-author of "Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud." We talked about the growing right wing movement in the tech i…

1
Sarah Ellis – Making ‘squiggly careers’ better for everyone 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

Episode 62 Sarah Ellis – Making ‘squiggly careers’ better for everyone SUMMARY Sarah Ellis is co-founder of the pioneering Amazing If company that is revolutionising the way in which people view their careers. She and her business partner Helen Tupper have written two Sunday Times best-selling books about their innovative Squiggly Careers theory. T…

1
Adult congenital disease in the ICU 1:07:54

2M ago1:07:54

1:07:54

Due to advancements in medical and surgical care, the survival of patients with congenital conditions into adulthood has dramatically increased. However, as these individuals transition to adulthood, their unique physiology, chronic complications, and evolving care needs create significant challenges for their management when they are admitted to a…

1
Surveillance Capitalism with Albert Fox Cahn 47:30

2M ago47:30

47:30

This week we welcomed special guest Albert Fox Cahn who is the Executive Director of S.T.O.P. (the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project). We talked about how AI is impacting policing and pricing. We also returned to the subject of Elon's ketamine addiction. Special thanks to Deon Wolf who has been helping with our short videos on instagram and…

1
Ep. 147: “Consequential Questions” – AI Agents and the Promise of a Better Built Environment with Paul Doherty, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow of The Digit Group, Inc. 23:49

3M ago23:49

23:49

Paul Doherty, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow is an Award-winning Architect and President and CEO at The Digit Group, Inc. (TDG), a leading Smart Cities design, build, operate and solutions company, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Mike Petrusky asks Paul to explain the practical applications and implications of AI in facilities and asset manage…

1
Salma Tuqan – Cultural leadership at Nottingham Contemporary 22:41

3M ago22:41

22:41

Episode 61 Salma Tuqan – Cultural leadership at Nottingham Contemporary SUMMARY Salma Tuqan is Director of Nottingham Contemporary – one of Britain’s most prestigious galleries outside of London. She has worked with arts organistions all over the world, and for eight years was inaugural Curator of Middle Eastern Art at London’s Victoria and Albert …

1
Elon Part 2: Doomers vs. Accelerationists 37:39

3M ago37:39

37:39

This week, Kate and Emile dive deeper into Elon Musk's ideology and explore the debate between two Silicon Valley camps, the AI Doomers and the AI Accelerationists. We explore the effective accelerationism or e/acc movement, a guy named Beff Jezos? Marc Andreessen's Techno Optimist Manifesto, and what Google founder Larry Page really believes. We a…

1
The Nerd Reich with Gil Duran 38:30

3M ago38:30

38:30

Why is Elon trying so hard to dismantle the administrative state? This may be an answer you haven't heard yet. This week, Emile and Kate host journalist Gil Duran (New Republic, The Nerd Reich) for a discussion about Network States, aka libertarian post democracy colonies that have become a popular idea among tech billionaires. From seasteading to …

1
Lessons from the wrong side of the heart 51:57

3M ago51:57

51:57

February 7-14 marks the observance of Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. In this podcast episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti provides a unique perspective on adult congenital heart disease, drawing from his journey as a lifelong patient. He offers reflections shaped by his own experiences with complex adult congenital heart disease, including insight…

1
Marvin Cooke OBE – From apprentice engineer to European Vice President in the car industry 33:33

3M ago33:33

33:33

SUMMARY Marvin Cooke OBE – From apprentice engineer to European Vice President in the car industry Marvin Cooke OBE was Vice President of Manufacturing for Toyota Europe – responsible for more than 20,000 staff and the production of 800,000 cars, at factories in Britain, France, Poland, Turkey and the Czech Republic. He started out as an apprentice…

1
Elon Musk Part 1 53:10

3M ago53:10

53:10

In our first episode we explore the question on everyone's mind: what the hell is Elon Musk doing? Well, the answer may be, trying (or pretending to try), winning a robot battle 10 billion years in the future when humanity is replaced with digital beings. Tune in to learn about the ideologies of longtermism and transhumanism and how they may be inf…

1
Ep. 146: “Put Yourself First” – FM Leadership, Personal Growth and Inspiration for 2025 with David Suter of CBSI 22:29

3M ago22:29

22:29

David Suter, CCM, CFM is President at CBSI in San Diego where he is a servant leader in construction, facilities, and move management. Mike Petrusky asks David about his journey in the world of facilities and construction management, his leadership philosophy and the value of his connections in the IFMA community. David believes in emphasizing the …

1
Optimizing renal replacement therapy in the ICU 1:12:15

3M ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of critical illness, and a subgroup of these patients will require renal replacement therapy. In this episode. Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses optimizing renal replacement therapy in the ICU. He is joined by Dr. Michael J. Connor, Jr., a practicing intensivist and nephrologist. He is a professor and senio…

1
David Edwards – Leadership and luxury in the watchmaking industry 27:58

4M ago27:58

27:58

Episode 59 SUMMARY David Edwards – Leadership and luxury in the watchmaking industry David Edwards is Managing Director of Seiko UK. He has been a senior leader in the British watchmaking industry for more than a quarter of a century, with brands including Seiko, TechnoMarine, Swatch and luxury Swiss timepieces Richard Mille. In Episode 59 of the N…

1
Ep. 145: “Serving a Purpose” – Facilities Maintenance, Restoration and Training with Lisa Lavender of Lever360 20:01

4M ago20:01

20:01

Lisa Lavender is CEO at Lever360 where she is a passionate restoration professional, educator and trainer providing industry software tools and learning for job management and operational success. Mike Petrusky asks Lisa about connecting people to the purpose of their work in the facilities and restoration industry by inspiring them to create a cle…

1
Rational Fluid Therapy 59:38

4M ago59:38

59:38

In this episode, Dr. Sergio Zanotti discusses rational fluid therapy. He is joined by Dr. Adrian Wong, a practicing intensive care medicine and anesthesia physician. Dr. Wong is a consultant and clinical lead at King’s College Hospital, London. He also serves as a committee member for the Intensive Care Society FUSIC, examiner for the European Dipl…

1
Dan Maher - Leadership in the construction industry, where public and private sectors meet 28:48

4M ago28:48

28:48

Episode 58 SUMMARY Dan Maher – Leadership in the construction industry, where public and private sectors meet Dan Maher has spent more than four decades in and around the construction industry. He is now MD of both Via East Midlands and Arc Partnership, two companies providing services for Nottinghamshire County Council. But he started his career a…

1
2024 Year in Review 53:46

5M ago53:46

53:46

This episode of Critical Matters will close 2024 with a year in review. Dr. Sergio Zanotti is going solo and will discuss a couple of relevant clinical guidelines and review five clinical trials. To close, he'll share some of his favorite books for 2024.Additional Resources:Critical Care Management of Patients Post Cardiac Arrest (AHA/NCS): Hirsch …

1
Ep. 144: “Be Strategic” – A Systems Approach to Asset Management with Jonathan C. Thomas, PE, CEM, CRL of Building Maintenance Optimization Consultants, Inc. 21:15

5M ago21:15

21:15

Jonathan C. Thomas, PE, CEM, CRL is President at Building Maintenance Optimization Consultants, Inc. (BMOC) where he is passionate about supporting FM organizations that manage portfolios of buildings for their full life cycles. Mike Petrusky asks Jon how organizations can use a systems approach that leads to better data-driven decision making in t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rational Optimism Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen