The Great Ungaslighting Tue, 26 May 2026 23:22:31 -0400 https://www.podcast.ungaslighting.com en-us © 2026 The Great Ungaslighting yes 2db8a793-4552-5bb7-b489-c83771c5f37a craig@ungaslighting.com Craig Boreth episodic false We've all been conned into accepting a human culture that's out of sync with human nature, but it's time to fight back and put the kind back into humankind.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Craig Boreth craig@ungaslighting.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/3ugz4r101q2k0yahdssd89lv8f2k?.jpg The Great Ungaslighting Ep54 -- Intrinsic Accounting Ep54 -- Intrinsic Accounting Finding ways to accentuate the positive, and figuring out what those "Anti-Elon Tesla Club" stickers are really saying.

]]> Finding ways to accentuate the positive, and figuring out what those "Anti-Elon Tesla Club" stickers are really saying.

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-18367852 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0800 1450 full false Ep53 -- The Paths Not Taken Ep53 -- The Paths Not Taken The power and promise of imagining alternate realities: Remembering a pre-enshittified internet; revealing a less awful form of capitalism; and, considering a different type of Zionism. 


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

CSA: The Confederate States of America (YouTube)

Jeff Tiedrich: Everyone Is Entitled to My Opinion (Substack)

Daily Links from Cory Doctorow (Pluralistic.net)

Good Thing/Bad Thing Graph (Google)

Measuring the Income Gap from 1975 to 2023 (Rand)

Ahad Ha'am: Nationalist with a Difference (Commentary)

The Long Anti-Zionist History of the American Jewish Left (Commentary)

Einstein Opposed Zionist Colonization (Canadian Dimension)

Hannah Arendt on Political Zionism (Arab Studies Quarterly)

Ben-Gurion: Letter to His Son (Jewish Voices for Peace)

A Zionist State at Any Cost (Jacobin)

The Iron Wall (Jabotinsky Institute)


]]> The power and promise of imagining alternate realities: Remembering a pre-enshittified internet; revealing a less awful form of capitalism; and, considering a different type of Zionism. 


MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

CSA: The Confederate States of America (YouTube)

Jeff Tiedrich: Everyone Is Entitled to My Opinion (Substack)

Daily Links from Cory Doctorow (Pluralistic.net)

Good Thing/Bad Thing Graph (Google)

Measuring the Income Gap from 1975 to 2023 (Rand)

Ahad Ha'am: Nationalist with a Difference (Commentary)

The Long Anti-Zionist History of the American Jewish Left (Commentary)

Einstein Opposed Zionist Colonization (Canadian Dimension)

Hannah Arendt on Political Zionism (Arab Studies Quarterly)

Ben-Gurion: Letter to His Son (Jewish Voices for Peace)

A Zionist State at Any Cost (Jacobin)

The Iron Wall (Jabotinsky Institute)


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-18140757 Thu, 06 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0800 2318 full false Ep52 -- The Extreme Center Ep52 -- The Extreme Center If playing to the center has brought us to this, shouldn't moderate Democrats more accurately be called Extreme Centrists?

-------------------------------------------


Lennar Lobbies for Endless Profits -- Substack

Lennar Launches e-Marketplace -- The Lever


]]> If playing to the center has brought us to this, shouldn't moderate Democrats more accurately be called Extreme Centrists?

-------------------------------------------


Lennar Lobbies for Endless Profits -- Substack

Lennar Launches e-Marketplace -- The Lever


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-17901620 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700 1517 full false Ep51 -- Believing Is Seeing Ep51 -- Believing Is Seeing Our views and experiences impact how we see the world.  One man's take on a 19th-century anti-monopoly law changed the world entirely.

Mentioned This Week:


]]> Our views and experiences impact how we see the world.  One man's take on a 19th-century anti-monopoly law changed the world entirely.

Mentioned This Week:


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-17549562 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0700 1628 full false Ep50 -- Excuses, Excuses Ep50 -- Excuses, Excuses This episode explores how we so often believe in something -- from who is the NBA GOAT, to the legitimacy of one's economic status -- and then work backward to figure out why it's true.  


Mentioned this week:

CNBC: Banks Keep Credit Card Rates High

Doctorow: The Meritocracy to Eugenics Pipeline

Forbes: Under-30 List

Psychology Today: Your Brain on Power

NYT: The Techno-Futurist Philosophy Behind Musk's Mania

]]> This episode explores how we so often believe in something -- from who is the NBA GOAT, to the legitimacy of one's economic status -- and then work backward to figure out why it's true.  


Mentioned this week:

CNBC: Banks Keep Credit Card Rates High

Doctorow: The Meritocracy to Eugenics Pipeline

Forbes: Under-30 List

Psychology Today: Your Brain on Power

NYT: The Techno-Futurist Philosophy Behind Musk's Mania

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-17282540 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0700 1371 full false Ep49 -- Learning the Wrong Lesson Ep49 -- Learning the Wrong Lesson They say that experience is the best teacher, but what if you're not a particularly great student and you learn the wrong lesson?  I share a wrong-lesson experience from my childhood that stayed with me for decades, and nominate the Greatest Wrong Lesson Learner of all time.

Mentioned this week:

William Deresiewicz’s book, EXCELLENT SHEEP

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

Stellantis Announces Dividend

The History of Monopoly!


]]> They say that experience is the best teacher, but what if you're not a particularly great student and you learn the wrong lesson?  I share a wrong-lesson experience from my childhood that stayed with me for decades, and nominate the Greatest Wrong Lesson Learner of all time.

Mentioned this week:

William Deresiewicz’s book, EXCELLENT SHEEP

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset

Stellantis Announces Dividend

The History of Monopoly!


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-17112839 Wed, 07 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700 1056 full false Ep48 -- Blame the Burrito Ep48 -- Blame the Burrito Next time you inhale a burrito and slip into a food coma, don't blame yourself, because the very nature of the burrito requires that it be eaten too quickly to maintain consciousness thereafter.  On this episode of The Great Ungaslighting, we explore ways that we misdirect blame, and how that can lead us to pursue the exact wrong remedy.

Mentioned this week:

The BIG Newsletter: Why a Corporate Deal You Haven't Heard of Should Scare You

New Yorker Cartoon:  Neanderthal's in Charge

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine: The Connection Prescription

Cut List Optimizer

ShopShop App

Brooklyn Bar Menu Generator

]]> Next time you inhale a burrito and slip into a food coma, don't blame yourself, because the very nature of the burrito requires that it be eaten too quickly to maintain consciousness thereafter.  On this episode of The Great Ungaslighting, we explore ways that we misdirect blame, and how that can lead us to pursue the exact wrong remedy.

Mentioned this week:

The BIG Newsletter: Why a Corporate Deal You Haven't Heard of Should Scare You

New Yorker Cartoon:  Neanderthal's in Charge

American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine: The Connection Prescription

Cut List Optimizer

ShopShop App

Brooklyn Bar Menu Generator

]]> Buzzsprout-16895560 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700 1026 full false Ep47 -- The Finger Butt Fallacy Ep47 -- The Finger Butt Fallacy This week I discover how a NSFW photo trick -- that makes it appear as if a naked butt is above your head -- helps explain what's wrong with everything from our understanding of high egg prices to the Chicago School's "rational markets" argument.

MENTIONED THIS WEEK:

YouTube: Paul Rudd explains the finger-butt technique

YouTube: The Kids in the Hall "Crush Your Head" sketch

The BIG Newsletter: "Hatching a Conspiracy"

Pluraslistic.net: Yanis Varoufakis's "Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism?"

Counterpunch: "Can Freedom and Capitalism Co-exist?"

]]> This week I discover how a NSFW photo trick -- that makes it appear as if a naked butt is above your head -- helps explain what's wrong with everything from our understanding of high egg prices to the Chicago School's "rational markets" argument.

MENTIONED THIS WEEK:

YouTube: Paul Rudd explains the finger-butt technique

YouTube: The Kids in the Hall "Crush Your Head" sketch

The BIG Newsletter: "Hatching a Conspiracy"

Pluraslistic.net: Yanis Varoufakis's "Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism?"

Counterpunch: "Can Freedom and Capitalism Co-exist?"

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16816829 Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0700 1086 full false Ep46 -- The Upside of Falling Down Ep46 -- The Upside of Falling Down This week, an unsightly discovery while cleaning my house leads to some deep thinking about just how much truth about America I can handle.  With a little help from Van Halen, Pee-Wee Herman, and Woody Allen, I come to terms with the fact that there have always been tyrannical Americans.  And while it may just be wishful thinking, I manage to use that realization to try and figure out what it'll take to get back on track.

Mentioned this week:

A ridiculous review of AI features in appliances (Forbes Magazine)

Humanity's first encounter with AI hasn't gone well (New York Times)

Anand Giridharadas on why we're falling on our faces (The Ink)

Thomas Piketty's theory on how market capitalism leads to oligarchy (Pluralistic)

]]> This week, an unsightly discovery while cleaning my house leads to some deep thinking about just how much truth about America I can handle.  With a little help from Van Halen, Pee-Wee Herman, and Woody Allen, I come to terms with the fact that there have always been tyrannical Americans.  And while it may just be wishful thinking, I manage to use that realization to try and figure out what it'll take to get back on track.

Mentioned this week:

A ridiculous review of AI features in appliances (Forbes Magazine)

Humanity's first encounter with AI hasn't gone well (New York Times)

Anand Giridharadas on why we're falling on our faces (The Ink)

Thomas Piketty's theory on how market capitalism leads to oligarchy (Pluralistic)

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16695011 Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800 1117 full false Ep45 -- Unhealthy Assumptions Ep45 -- Unhealthy Assumptions We've known for decades that our healthcare system is deeply flawed, so maybe the key to fixing it is figuring out what we actually want it to accomplish.

Mentioned this week:

The Lever: Health Insurer Stock Buybacks

The Prospect: How AARP Shills for UnitedHealth

The Hartmann Report: White Supremacy and Healthcare

NYT: UnitedHealth Group CEO on Fixing Our Healthcare System

NYT: Dr. Aaron Carroll on Fixing Our System

]]> We've known for decades that our healthcare system is deeply flawed, so maybe the key to fixing it is figuring out what we actually want it to accomplish.

Mentioned this week:

The Lever: Health Insurer Stock Buybacks

The Prospect: How AARP Shills for UnitedHealth

The Hartmann Report: White Supremacy and Healthcare

NYT: UnitedHealth Group CEO on Fixing Our Healthcare System

NYT: Dr. Aaron Carroll on Fixing Our System

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16296794 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0800 968 45 full false Ep44 -- Of Mind Sounds Ep44 -- Of Mind Sounds There's been a line from a movie stuck in my head since election day, and it has forced me to re-examine everything my previous reaction to and understanding of so many things that led to the outcome of November 5, 2024.  And I think it provides a path forward for the political party that came up short on that fateful day.

Referenced in this episode:

The Guardian: Rupert Murdoch and Artists Aligning in AI Fight

Bluesky: Daniel Kibblesmith on Abominable AI Payoff Offer

The Guardian:  HarperCollins Allows Tech Firm to Use Its Books to Train AI Models



]]> There's been a line from a movie stuck in my head since election day, and it has forced me to re-examine everything my previous reaction to and understanding of so many things that led to the outcome of November 5, 2024.  And I think it provides a path forward for the political party that came up short on that fateful day.

Referenced in this episode:

The Guardian: Rupert Murdoch and Artists Aligning in AI Fight

Bluesky: Daniel Kibblesmith on Abominable AI Payoff Offer

The Guardian:  HarperCollins Allows Tech Firm to Use Its Books to Train AI Models



]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16212519 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1205 full false Ep43 -- Breathtaking Failures Ep43 -- Breathtaking Failures The people of Libby, Montana have been left barely able to breathe by industrial pollution, and the company that Medicare contracted to provide breathing machines has been screwing them over for decades.  Why should they believe any politicians' promises to fight for regular people?  And can you really blame them for wanting to blow up the whole system?

Mentioned this week:

ProPublica: "How Lincare Became a Multibillion-Dollar Medicare Scofflaw"

]]> The people of Libby, Montana have been left barely able to breathe by industrial pollution, and the company that Medicare contracted to provide breathing machines has been screwing them over for decades.  Why should they believe any politicians' promises to fight for regular people?  And can you really blame them for wanting to blow up the whole system?

Mentioned this week:

ProPublica: "How Lincare Became a Multibillion-Dollar Medicare Scofflaw"

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16132207 Tue, 19 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0800 998 full false Ep42 -- A Kindness Reminder Ep42 -- A Kindness Reminder On this election day, to remind everyone that most people are mostly decent, I'm re-playing the poem that inspired this podcast: "Small Kindnesses" by Danusha Laméris.

]]> On this election day, to remind everyone that most people are mostly decent, I'm re-playing the poem that inspired this podcast: "Small Kindnesses" by Danusha Laméris.

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16053521 Tue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0800 176 full false Ep41 -- Not-So-Great Expectations Ep41 -- Not-So-Great Expectations This week, I'm reminding everyone that our brains don't just record reality, but interpret it based on prompts and expectations.  This is especially relevant given we're near the end of an election cycle where candidates seem to be inhabiting totally different realities.

Mentioned this week:

Instagram for my tattoo artist, Alex

Prop 34 Analysis from LAist

Prop 33 Analysis from LAist

Heather Cox Richardson's "Letter from an American" 10/28/24

]]> This week, I'm reminding everyone that our brains don't just record reality, but interpret it based on prompts and expectations.  This is especially relevant given we're near the end of an election cycle where candidates seem to be inhabiting totally different realities.

Mentioned this week:

Instagram for my tattoo artist, Alex

Prop 34 Analysis from LAist

Prop 33 Analysis from LAist

Heather Cox Richardson's "Letter from an American" 10/28/24

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-16019906 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0700 752 full false Ep40 -- Elf Delusions Ep40 -- Elf Delusions This week, we explore how one writer's habit of imagining that magical elves are making her morning yogurt just for her pleasure can help us all find a little more security and comfort in the dangerous, scary outside world.

Mentioned this week:

MIT Study Shows Tailgating Causes Phantom Traffic Jams

On "Friends," Chandler Tries to Quit the Gym

Inadvertent Subscription Payments Increase Seller Revenue 14-200%

Jenny Slate's Graduation Speech About Yogurt-Making Elves

"The American Bystander" Humor Magazine

]]> This week, we explore how one writer's habit of imagining that magical elves are making her morning yogurt just for her pleasure can help us all find a little more security and comfort in the dangerous, scary outside world.

Mentioned this week:

MIT Study Shows Tailgating Causes Phantom Traffic Jams

On "Friends," Chandler Tries to Quit the Gym

Inadvertent Subscription Payments Increase Seller Revenue 14-200%

Jenny Slate's Graduation Speech About Yogurt-Making Elves

"The American Bystander" Humor Magazine

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15965359 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700 854 full false Ep39 -- Time Band-Aids Ep39 -- Time Band-Aids This week, we look at how we use our understanding of the variability of time to take some control over how we experience time, and use that sense of control to build up our resistance to the gaslighters of the world.

Mentioned this week:

The Guardian: The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli

The American Prospect: Epic Dystopia

Pluralistic: Epic Systems, a Lethal Health Record Monopolist

Office of The HHS Inspector General: Trend Toward More Expensive Inpatient Hospital Stays

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology: The Emotional Roots of Conspiratorial Perceptions...


]]> This week, we look at how we use our understanding of the variability of time to take some control over how we experience time, and use that sense of control to build up our resistance to the gaslighters of the world.

Mentioned this week:

The Guardian: The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli

The American Prospect: Epic Dystopia

Pluralistic: Epic Systems, a Lethal Health Record Monopolist

Office of The HHS Inspector General: Trend Toward More Expensive Inpatient Hospital Stays

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology: The Emotional Roots of Conspiratorial Perceptions...


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15928228 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0700 986 full false Ep38 -- Alien Evasion Ep38 -- Alien Evasion This week, we take a quick look at immigration, taking a moment to acknowledge the actual real human beings involved, and to push back on the anti-immigrant arguments that hold sway these days.

Mentioned this week:

Wikipedia: What is Dividend Recapitalization?

The BIG Newsletter: Safelite is a PBM

The Atlantic: The Truth About Immigration and the American Worker

Northwestern Now:  Immigrants Less Likely to Commit Crimes

MIT News:  Immigrants More Likely to Start Businesses

]]> This week, we take a quick look at immigration, taking a moment to acknowledge the actual real human beings involved, and to push back on the anti-immigrant arguments that hold sway these days.

Mentioned this week:

Wikipedia: What is Dividend Recapitalization?

The BIG Newsletter: Safelite is a PBM

The Atlantic: The Truth About Immigration and the American Worker

Northwestern Now:  Immigrants Less Likely to Commit Crimes

MIT News:  Immigrants More Likely to Start Businesses

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15892471 Tue, 08 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0700 937 full false Ep37 -- The Messenger Is the Message Ep37 -- The Messenger Is the Message This week, we're reminded to heed Maya Angelou's warning, especially when it comes to politicians: "When people show you who they are, believe them."

Mentioned this week:

The Guardian:  The Housing Crisis That Thatcher Built

The BIG Newsletter:  Rental Inflation Due to Price Fixing

Bureau of Labor Statistics: August 2024 Consumer Price Index

Cory Doctorow: Wall Street's Internet of Shit Landlords

Housing Is a Human Right: Ken Rosen Deceiving CA Voters




]]> This week, we're reminded to heed Maya Angelou's warning, especially when it comes to politicians: "When people show you who they are, believe them."

Mentioned this week:

The Guardian:  The Housing Crisis That Thatcher Built

The BIG Newsletter:  Rental Inflation Due to Price Fixing

Bureau of Labor Statistics: August 2024 Consumer Price Index

Cory Doctorow: Wall Street's Internet of Shit Landlords

Housing Is a Human Right: Ken Rosen Deceiving CA Voters




]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15853260 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:00:00 -0700 1110 full false Ep36 -- The Education of a Good Value Ep36 -- The Education of a Good Value There are lots of things in life that we only notice when things go wrong.  This week, we'll look at some public institutions that fit that description and remind ourselves not to take them for granted when things are boringly normal.

Mentioned in this episode:

Matt Stoller's BIG Newsletter: Monopoly Round-Up

Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic.net: What the F%&$ are PBMs?

HuffPost: Keep Your Goddam Government Hands Off My Medicare!

]]> There are lots of things in life that we only notice when things go wrong.  This week, we'll look at some public institutions that fit that description and remind ourselves not to take them for granted when things are boringly normal.

Mentioned in this episode:

Matt Stoller's BIG Newsletter: Monopoly Round-Up

Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic.net: What the F%&$ are PBMs?

HuffPost: Keep Your Goddam Government Hands Off My Medicare!

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15808062 Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0700 891 full false Ep35 -- The Meanings of Success Ep35 -- The Meanings of Success Are humans the most successful species in the history of the world, or is it too soon to tell?  After all, we've only been around for 300,000 years or so, and our long-term prospects aren't looking too great.  This week, I look at how we define success and the benefits of looking at that definition differently.

Mentioned this week:

The American Prospect: "U.S. Steel Threatens to Go Rogue"

NYT: "Born This Way?  Born Which Way" by Lydia Polgreen

]]> Are humans the most successful species in the history of the world, or is it too soon to tell?  After all, we've only been around for 300,000 years or so, and our long-term prospects aren't looking too great.  This week, I look at how we define success and the benefits of looking at that definition differently.

Mentioned this week:

The American Prospect: "U.S. Steel Threatens to Go Rogue"

NYT: "Born This Way?  Born Which Way" by Lydia Polgreen

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15767768 Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0700 772 full false Ep34 -- No More Pizzaburgers! Ep34 -- No More Pizzaburgers! This week, I share a few of my very minor, totally reasonable pet peeves, including one that I've recently come to discover occurs more because of other people's ignorance rather than they're trying to piss me off.  And that got me thinking about how we all should test our beliefs and assumptions and make sure they're well founded, and also closely interrogate the politicians we support for the same reasons.  And when I did that, I found that for my entire life, Democratic politicians have mostly been trying to convince us to accept "pizzaburgers," which they think will satisfy everyone just enough, but instead saticycleisfy nobody at all.

Its time for Democratic voters to finally stand up and demand, "NO MORE PIZZABURGERS!" 

Mentioned this week:

Institute for Policy Studies: Executive Excess 2024

Charlie Pierce: Why Stock Buybacks Used to Be Illegal

Carnegie Endowment: Political Engagement = MORE Misperception

Pluralistic by Cory Doctorow: Pizzaburgers

Steven Kinzer: All the Shah's Men (NYT Review)

Tricycle: Rebecca Solnit on Changing the Climate Change Story

]]> This week, I share a few of my very minor, totally reasonable pet peeves, including one that I've recently come to discover occurs more because of other people's ignorance rather than they're trying to piss me off.  And that got me thinking about how we all should test our beliefs and assumptions and make sure they're well founded, and also closely interrogate the politicians we support for the same reasons.  And when I did that, I found that for my entire life, Democratic politicians have mostly been trying to convince us to accept "pizzaburgers," which they think will satisfy everyone just enough, but instead saticycleisfy nobody at all.

Its time for Democratic voters to finally stand up and demand, "NO MORE PIZZABURGERS!" 

Mentioned this week:

Institute for Policy Studies: Executive Excess 2024

Charlie Pierce: Why Stock Buybacks Used to Be Illegal

Carnegie Endowment: Political Engagement = MORE Misperception

Pluralistic by Cory Doctorow: Pizzaburgers

Steven Kinzer: All the Shah's Men (NYT Review)

Tricycle: Rebecca Solnit on Changing the Climate Change Story

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15725823 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1428 full false Ep33 -- Laudable Reliability Ep33 -- Laudable Reliability This week, I look at how the key to healthy, happy relationships could be something as simple as reliably showing up. 

Mentioned in this episode:

The CA Chamber of Commerce's Deceptive Poll

The Marginalian on Donald Winnicott

]]> This week, I look at how the key to healthy, happy relationships could be something as simple as reliably showing up. 

Mentioned in this episode:

The CA Chamber of Commerce's Deceptive Poll

The Marginalian on Donald Winnicott

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15683944 Tue, 03 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0700 844 full false Ep 32 -- Your Patriotic Duty to Get Screwed Ep 32 -- Your Patriotic Duty to Get Screwed This week, I consider why it's so difficult to get Americans to fight back against getting screwed at airports, movie theaters, ballparks, etc. Since it feels almost un-American to push back against corporate gouging, does that mean it's our patriotic duty to get screwed?

Mentioned this week:

Popular Information:  Major Corporations Sponsor "Anti-Woke" Event

Calvin Coolidge's Address to the American Society of Newspaper Editors

Jimmy Carter's Crisis of Confidence Speech

The Intercept: The Devil's Chessboard by David Talbot

The Guardian on Lina Khan's FTC

]]> This week, I consider why it's so difficult to get Americans to fight back against getting screwed at airports, movie theaters, ballparks, etc. Since it feels almost un-American to push back against corporate gouging, does that mean it's our patriotic duty to get screwed?

Mentioned this week:

Popular Information:  Major Corporations Sponsor "Anti-Woke" Event

Calvin Coolidge's Address to the American Society of Newspaper Editors

Jimmy Carter's Crisis of Confidence Speech

The Intercept: The Devil's Chessboard by David Talbot

The Guardian on Lina Khan's FTC

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15647111 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1050 full false Ep31 -- The Implication of A-holes Ep31 -- The Implication of A-holes This week, I try to figure out what the originators of neoliberal economics were thinking at the time, as well as the mindsets of those who ascribe and benefit from that thinking today, and ask, does their behavior tell us anything about humanity in general?

]]> This week, I try to figure out what the originators of neoliberal economics were thinking at the time, as well as the mindsets of those who ascribe and benefit from that thinking today, and ask, does their behavior tell us anything about humanity in general?

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15599102 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700 951 full true Ep30 -- What's It All About? Ep30 -- What's It All About? This week, I explore some strategies for noticing the completely normal, usually invisible part of your reality, and asking yourself, as Walt Whitman suggested:  Does it insult your soul?

]]> This week, I explore some strategies for noticing the completely normal, usually invisible part of your reality, and asking yourself, as Walt Whitman suggested:  Does it insult your soul?

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15573462 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1047 full false Ep29 -- Electile Dysfunction Ep29 -- Electile Dysfunction This week, I look at how the zeitgeist seems to be shifting just a little bit against our beloved tech-billionaire heroes, and suggest what the presidential campaign that I support could do to make me REALLY excited to vote for them.

Mentioned this week:

Citation Needed: Coinbase appears to have violated campaign finance laws

Citation Needed: How the crypto industry is lining up behind Trump

Forbes: Silicon Valley billionaires support Trump

New York Times: Clarence Thomas took more undisclosed trips

]]> This week, I look at how the zeitgeist seems to be shifting just a little bit against our beloved tech-billionaire heroes, and suggest what the presidential campaign that I support could do to make me REALLY excited to vote for them.

Mentioned this week:

Citation Needed: Coinbase appears to have violated campaign finance laws

Citation Needed: How the crypto industry is lining up behind Trump

Forbes: Silicon Valley billionaires support Trump

New York Times: Clarence Thomas took more undisclosed trips

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15540348 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:00:00 -0700 893 full false Ep28 -- The Great Econ Con Ep28 -- The Great Econ Con This week I explore the conflict that seems to be at the core of so much tension in modern America: The relationship between equality and freedom.  For the past 50 years, there has been a concerted effort --initially begun as an economic movement -- to place freedom above equality.  Milton Friedman said that putting equality before freedom leads to a society with neither, while putting freedom before equality leads to a society with a high degree of both.  That kind of thinking led to the neoliberal movement that has dominated American economic and political society for almost 50 years, and it seems to be demonstrably false.  Without fundamental equality, true freedom is only available to a subset of the population.  And we're seeing the results of that in the potentially existential threats to democracy that we're currently experiencing.

]]> This week I explore the conflict that seems to be at the core of so much tension in modern America: The relationship between equality and freedom.  For the past 50 years, there has been a concerted effort --initially begun as an economic movement -- to place freedom above equality.  Milton Friedman said that putting equality before freedom leads to a society with neither, while putting freedom before equality leads to a society with a high degree of both.  That kind of thinking led to the neoliberal movement that has dominated American economic and political society for almost 50 years, and it seems to be demonstrably false.  Without fundamental equality, true freedom is only available to a subset of the population.  And we're seeing the results of that in the potentially existential threats to democracy that we're currently experiencing.

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15498215 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1627 full false Ep27 -- The Freedom Ruckus Ep27 -- The Freedom Ruckus This episode delves into the concept of freedom in America, contrasting its philosophical underpinnings with modern consumerism, exemplified by Amazon's Prime Day. I criticize how consumerism is often mistaken for freedom and explore differing societal views on government and market power. I discuss the recent Microsoft Crowdswift outage, illustrating corporate irresponsibility and the lack of regulatory oversight. The episode also examines the balance between individual freedom and societal responsibilities, arguing that true freedom should consider collective well-being rather than individualistic desires.

]]> This episode delves into the concept of freedom in America, contrasting its philosophical underpinnings with modern consumerism, exemplified by Amazon's Prime Day. I criticize how consumerism is often mistaken for freedom and explore differing societal views on government and market power. I discuss the recent Microsoft Crowdswift outage, illustrating corporate irresponsibility and the lack of regulatory oversight. The episode also examines the balance between individual freedom and societal responsibilities, arguing that true freedom should consider collective well-being rather than individualistic desires.

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15459223 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700 891 full false Ep26 -- Get Outta the Water Ep26 -- Get Outta the Water This week, I re-visit David Foster Wallace's famous graduation speech, "This is Water," and try to dig a little bit deeper into the nature and composition of our "water," that is, the culture that we swim in without even noticing it. 

Beyond just recognizing that our culture isn't governed by natural laws, and is in reality a very human construction, I recommend that the best way to truly understand our particular "water" is to get out of it and dive into another culture's.

Mentioned this week:

SLATE: "How Adobe Canceled Itself"

THE NEW YORK TIMES: "The Key to Longevity Is Boring"

THE NEW YORK TIMES:  "The Supreme Court Is Gaslighting Us All"


]]> This week, I re-visit David Foster Wallace's famous graduation speech, "This is Water," and try to dig a little bit deeper into the nature and composition of our "water," that is, the culture that we swim in without even noticing it. 

Beyond just recognizing that our culture isn't governed by natural laws, and is in reality a very human construction, I recommend that the best way to truly understand our particular "water" is to get out of it and dive into another culture's.

Mentioned this week:

SLATE: "How Adobe Canceled Itself"

THE NEW YORK TIMES: "The Key to Longevity Is Boring"

THE NEW YORK TIMES:  "The Supreme Court Is Gaslighting Us All"


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15420861 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700 970 full false Ep25 -- It's All In Your Mindset Ep25 -- It's All In Your Mindset This week, find out what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jeremy Clarkson, and Ratso Rizzo can teach us about the ungaslighting power of controlling the way we interpret our own realities.  From how we define success and how drivers think about pedestrians (and vice versa), to our understanding of corporate hierarchies, taxes, and even the value of money, it's really all up to us how we decide to think about things. 

Mentioned this week:

The New York Times: How Big Is Taylor Swift

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Should Biden Quit & SCOTUS Wants Trump Elected

Futurism: NASA Says That the Beoing "Astronauts Are Not Stranded" While the Astronauts Remain Stranded

Futurism: NASA Praises Boeing's Stranded Starliner for Managing to Not Explode While Docked to Space Station

Vox: How Marginal Tax Rates Actually Work

Barnes & Noble: The Mountain in the Sea


]]> This week, find out what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jeremy Clarkson, and Ratso Rizzo can teach us about the ungaslighting power of controlling the way we interpret our own realities.  From how we define success and how drivers think about pedestrians (and vice versa), to our understanding of corporate hierarchies, taxes, and even the value of money, it's really all up to us how we decide to think about things. 

Mentioned this week:

The New York Times: How Big Is Taylor Swift

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Should Biden Quit & SCOTUS Wants Trump Elected

Futurism: NASA Says That the Beoing "Astronauts Are Not Stranded" While the Astronauts Remain Stranded

Futurism: NASA Praises Boeing's Stranded Starliner for Managing to Not Explode While Docked to Space Station

Vox: How Marginal Tax Rates Actually Work

Barnes & Noble: The Mountain in the Sea


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15382091 Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700 970 full false Ep24 -- Tunnel Visions Ep24 -- Tunnel Visions This week I look at how the U-shaped curve of happiness -- how our happiness tends to decline into middle age and then increase again into old age -- is partly explained by our inability to fully understand how our future selves will view our lives.  We see our future selves through a sort-of tunnel vision that only considers how part of us will change, and we miss the complete picture.

The same is true for how we imagine our connection to the past.  Originalist thinkers make the same kind of mistake, creating a tunnel though which to view whichever issue they seek to bring from the past, while ignoring all of the other changes in culture and technology that should influence our current understanding of laws conceived long ago.

Mentioned this week:

The Economist: "The U-Bend of Life"

The Conversation: A Critique of the U-Shaped Curve of Happiness

Big by Matt Stoller: "The Harvey Weinstein of Antitrust"

Scientific American: "Population Decline Will Change the World for the Better"


]]> This week I look at how the U-shaped curve of happiness -- how our happiness tends to decline into middle age and then increase again into old age -- is partly explained by our inability to fully understand how our future selves will view our lives.  We see our future selves through a sort-of tunnel vision that only considers how part of us will change, and we miss the complete picture.

The same is true for how we imagine our connection to the past.  Originalist thinkers make the same kind of mistake, creating a tunnel though which to view whichever issue they seek to bring from the past, while ignoring all of the other changes in culture and technology that should influence our current understanding of laws conceived long ago.

Mentioned this week:

The Economist: "The U-Bend of Life"

The Conversation: A Critique of the U-Shaped Curve of Happiness

Big by Matt Stoller: "The Harvey Weinstein of Antitrust"

Scientific American: "Population Decline Will Change the World for the Better"


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15346430 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0700 905 full false Ep23 -- Caste Aspersions Ep23 -- Caste Aspersions This week, recount my personal experience during the eve of Y2K, purchasing our first home, and navigating through the American caste system as a new landlord.  I look at the tax policies and systemic inequalities that favor property owners, using my journey to shed light on broader societal issues.

Non-Sponsor: This week's episode is not sponsored by RealPage, a company under FBI investigation for its landlord price-fixing software.

Remember to share this episode with anyone who might benefit from a critical examination of our economics and society.

Mentioned this week:

The American Prospect: How an 'Algorithm' Turned Apartment Pools Green

ProPublica: Rent Going Up?  One Companies Algorithm Could Be Why

Cory Doctorow on Capitalism's Comfortable Sociopathy

]]> This week, recount my personal experience during the eve of Y2K, purchasing our first home, and navigating through the American caste system as a new landlord.  I look at the tax policies and systemic inequalities that favor property owners, using my journey to shed light on broader societal issues.

Non-Sponsor: This week's episode is not sponsored by RealPage, a company under FBI investigation for its landlord price-fixing software.

Remember to share this episode with anyone who might benefit from a critical examination of our economics and society.

Mentioned this week:

The American Prospect: How an 'Algorithm' Turned Apartment Pools Green

ProPublica: Rent Going Up?  One Companies Algorithm Could Be Why

Cory Doctorow on Capitalism's Comfortable Sociopathy

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15286878 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700 896 full false Ep22 -- The Ungaslighting Power of Asking "Why?" Ep22 -- The Ungaslighting Power of Asking "Why?" This week, I explore the power of asking 'Why?' to challenge assumptions, beliefs, and societal norms.  Demanding explanations of why our politicians, thought leaders, and ourselves believe what we believe can lead to deeper understanding and meaningful change.

Mentioned this week:

This American Life: Come Retribution

Popular Information: Publix Versus the Public

Hannah Ritchie's Sustainability by Numbers

]]> This week, I explore the power of asking 'Why?' to challenge assumptions, beliefs, and societal norms.  Demanding explanations of why our politicians, thought leaders, and ourselves believe what we believe can lead to deeper understanding and meaningful change.

Mentioned this week:

This American Life: Come Retribution

Popular Information: Publix Versus the Public

Hannah Ritchie's Sustainability by Numbers

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15264734 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700 826 full false Ep21 -- Our Crystal Ball Sucks! Ep21 -- Our Crystal Ball Sucks! This week I try to rationalize my idiotic decision to not invest in Amazon's IPO by showing just how terrible we all are at making predictions, novices and professionals alike.  But, more and more these days, lazy non-journalists are relying on clickbait-y predictions to attract more eyeballs and make more money (which last I checked were not the main jobs of journalists).

So, basically, if your main source for what you think is news makes a lot of predictions, and poses a lot of questions, you may want to look for a legitimate source for your news.

Mentioned this week:

ArsTechnical: Oral-B Bricks their Guide Toothbrush

Emma Explains: Beware Prediction Journalism

ProPublica

Politico

Popular Information

Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic.net

The Big Newsletter by Matt Stoller

The Ink from Anand Giridharadas

]]> This week I try to rationalize my idiotic decision to not invest in Amazon's IPO by showing just how terrible we all are at making predictions, novices and professionals alike.  But, more and more these days, lazy non-journalists are relying on clickbait-y predictions to attract more eyeballs and make more money (which last I checked were not the main jobs of journalists).

So, basically, if your main source for what you think is news makes a lot of predictions, and poses a lot of questions, you may want to look for a legitimate source for your news.

Mentioned this week:

ArsTechnical: Oral-B Bricks their Guide Toothbrush

Emma Explains: Beware Prediction Journalism

ProPublica

Politico

Popular Information

Cory Doctorow's Pluralistic.net

The Big Newsletter by Matt Stoller

The Ink from Anand Giridharadas

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15222417 Tue, 11 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700 835 full false Ep20 -- Get Beyond Us vs. Them Ep20 -- Get Beyond Us vs. Them It's hard enough to move to another city when you're 12 years old.  But when you're a die-hard Philly fan and you move to Boston, the trauma can last a lifetime. 

This week I look at how Us vs. Them thinking exists throughout our lives, in some innocuous ways and in some ways that have serious repercussions.

The key is to remember that we all contain multitudes and that there's no single Us and no single Them that should keep us from finding common ground wherever possible.

Believe it or not, I use the abortion debate as a launching off point for finding that common ground.

Mentioned this week:

404 Media: Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows

Vice: How Sony, Microsoft, and Other Gadget Makers Violate Federal Warranty Law

The New Yorker: Culture War Cartoon

The Onion: You Will Suffer Humiliation When The Sports Team From My Area Defeats The Sports Team From Your Area

]]> It's hard enough to move to another city when you're 12 years old.  But when you're a die-hard Philly fan and you move to Boston, the trauma can last a lifetime. 

This week I look at how Us vs. Them thinking exists throughout our lives, in some innocuous ways and in some ways that have serious repercussions.

The key is to remember that we all contain multitudes and that there's no single Us and no single Them that should keep us from finding common ground wherever possible.

Believe it or not, I use the abortion debate as a launching off point for finding that common ground.

Mentioned this week:

404 Media: Samsung Requires Independent Repair Shops to Share Customer Data, Snitch on People Who Use Aftermarket Parts, Leaked Contract Shows

Vice: How Sony, Microsoft, and Other Gadget Makers Violate Federal Warranty Law

The New Yorker: Culture War Cartoon

The Onion: You Will Suffer Humiliation When The Sports Team From My Area Defeats The Sports Team From Your Area

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15187524 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1058 full false Ep19 -- The Kids Aren't Alright Ep19 -- The Kids Aren't Alright In this episode of The Great Ungaslighting, I revisit the famous Stanford marshmallow test and its implications for delayed gratification and life success, delving into subsequent studies that revealed economic and cultural biases in the original findings. 

I explore the broader context of adult expectations versus children's natural behaviors, particularly in light of current societal upheavals like campus protests over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Along the way, I critique how society values productivity via GDP, discuss the insights from 'The Extended Mind' by Annie Murphy Paul, and examine the real story behind Red Lobster’s bankruptcy.  Finally, I urge a re-evaluation of entrenched beliefs and a more creative and flexible view of societal norms.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Wikipedia -- The Stanford Marshmallow Test

Scientific American -- How Culture Affects The Marshmallow Test

The American Prospect -- The Raiding of Red Lobster

The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul

Robert F. Kennedy SENIOR on the GDP (March 18, 1968)

The Ink -- Anand Giridharadas on the Campus Protests








]]> In this episode of The Great Ungaslighting, I revisit the famous Stanford marshmallow test and its implications for delayed gratification and life success, delving into subsequent studies that revealed economic and cultural biases in the original findings. 

I explore the broader context of adult expectations versus children's natural behaviors, particularly in light of current societal upheavals like campus protests over the Israel-Palestine conflict. Along the way, I critique how society values productivity via GDP, discuss the insights from 'The Extended Mind' by Annie Murphy Paul, and examine the real story behind Red Lobster’s bankruptcy.  Finally, I urge a re-evaluation of entrenched beliefs and a more creative and flexible view of societal norms.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Wikipedia -- The Stanford Marshmallow Test

Scientific American -- How Culture Affects The Marshmallow Test

The American Prospect -- The Raiding of Red Lobster

The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul

Robert F. Kennedy SENIOR on the GDP (March 18, 1968)

The Ink -- Anand Giridharadas on the Campus Protests








]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15149795 Tue, 28 May 2024 07:00:00 -0700 851 full false Ep18 -- We All Contain Multitudes Ep18 -- We All Contain Multitudes In this episode of 'The Great Ungaslighting', I'm reminded of a scary night from my college days in West Philly and I delve into how our perceptions of fear and our reactions to it can be surprisingly calm in the face of perceived imminent danger. This anecdote serves as a springboard to explore the broader theme of the situational dependence of our behaviors and emotions, challenging the notion of a singular, consistent personality.

I critique the 'effective altruism' movement and its implications, particularly critiquing GiveWell and the rationality-driven yet detached approach to philanthropy championed by its adherents.

The episode juxtaposes this critical analysis with a discussion on the societal tendency to judge behaviors without understanding individual contexts, drawing on Dr. Devon Price's work 'Laziness Does Not Exist' to argue for a more compassionate and empathetic approach to understanding human behavior. I encourages listeners to embrace the complexity of their own and others' personalities, urging for more compassion and less judgment in assessing actions and motives, ultimately advocating for a recognition of our shared humanity and the complex interplay of factors that influence our behaviors.

Mentioned in this episode:

"The Deaths of Effective Altruism," WIRED, May 27, 2024

"Laziness Does Not Exist" by Devon Price

"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman

]]> In this episode of 'The Great Ungaslighting', I'm reminded of a scary night from my college days in West Philly and I delve into how our perceptions of fear and our reactions to it can be surprisingly calm in the face of perceived imminent danger. This anecdote serves as a springboard to explore the broader theme of the situational dependence of our behaviors and emotions, challenging the notion of a singular, consistent personality.

I critique the 'effective altruism' movement and its implications, particularly critiquing GiveWell and the rationality-driven yet detached approach to philanthropy championed by its adherents.

The episode juxtaposes this critical analysis with a discussion on the societal tendency to judge behaviors without understanding individual contexts, drawing on Dr. Devon Price's work 'Laziness Does Not Exist' to argue for a more compassionate and empathetic approach to understanding human behavior. I encourages listeners to embrace the complexity of their own and others' personalities, urging for more compassion and less judgment in assessing actions and motives, ultimately advocating for a recognition of our shared humanity and the complex interplay of factors that influence our behaviors.

Mentioned in this episode:

"The Deaths of Effective Altruism," WIRED, May 27, 2024

"Laziness Does Not Exist" by Devon Price

"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15104331 Mon, 20 May 2024 14:00:00 -0700 830 full false Ep17 -- Mind Control Ep17 -- Mind Control This week's episode delves into the nostalgic world of the Johnson Smith catalog, a treasure trove of novelty items, to springboard into a broader discussion on the concept of mind control. However, the focus here is not on fringe or malicious forms of mental manipulation but on empowering practices for self-discipline and awareness. After touching on the impact of inequality on societal structures, including the controversial practices of Alden Global Capital, the episode transitions to exploring practical strategies for mental self-governance. Drawing from Shirzad Chamin's work on identifying and overcoming mental saboteurs, and the simple yet profound practice of mindfulness meditation,  listeners are encouraged to cultivate a disciplined mind to improve personal well-being and compassion towards others. The episode is packed with insights on introspection, mental health, and societal critique, offering listeners both deep reflections on internal and external dynamics of control.

Mentioned this week:

1979 Johnson Smith Catalog

Tax Lien Investing: An Infuriating Introduction

Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence

Meditation Changes Your Brain

]]> This week's episode delves into the nostalgic world of the Johnson Smith catalog, a treasure trove of novelty items, to springboard into a broader discussion on the concept of mind control. However, the focus here is not on fringe or malicious forms of mental manipulation but on empowering practices for self-discipline and awareness. After touching on the impact of inequality on societal structures, including the controversial practices of Alden Global Capital, the episode transitions to exploring practical strategies for mental self-governance. Drawing from Shirzad Chamin's work on identifying and overcoming mental saboteurs, and the simple yet profound practice of mindfulness meditation,  listeners are encouraged to cultivate a disciplined mind to improve personal well-being and compassion towards others. The episode is packed with insights on introspection, mental health, and societal critique, offering listeners both deep reflections on internal and external dynamics of control.

Mentioned this week:

1979 Johnson Smith Catalog

Tax Lien Investing: An Infuriating Introduction

Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence

Meditation Changes Your Brain

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15050044 Tue, 14 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700 760 full false Ep16 -- Human Strong Ep16 -- Human Strong This episode  uses the metaphor of a lobster's color change when cooked to explore how human nature is often revealed through external pressures. We'll discuss how tragedies and disasters bring out the inherent compassion in people, challenging the complacency and inward focus of everyday life. Then we'll delve into societal issues like poverty, the housing crisis, and the concept of collective sacrifice and support for the betterment of all, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness and the potential to embrace our true compassionate nature without waiting for extreme circumstances.

This week's episode is NOT sponsored by Red Lobster, whose Endless Shrimp and Endless Lobster promotions don't quite mean what the company thinks it means.

Mentioned in this episode:

Why Do Lobsters Turn Red When Cooked?

Red Lobster's Disclaimer-Riddled Press Release

Matthew Desmond on How America Manufactures Poverty

How a Homeownership Perk Drives Inequality

Diana Butler Bass on Gratitude and the 'Table of Hospitality'

]]> This episode  uses the metaphor of a lobster's color change when cooked to explore how human nature is often revealed through external pressures. We'll discuss how tragedies and disasters bring out the inherent compassion in people, challenging the complacency and inward focus of everyday life. Then we'll delve into societal issues like poverty, the housing crisis, and the concept of collective sacrifice and support for the betterment of all, emphasizing the importance of recognizing our interconnectedness and the potential to embrace our true compassionate nature without waiting for extreme circumstances.

This week's episode is NOT sponsored by Red Lobster, whose Endless Shrimp and Endless Lobster promotions don't quite mean what the company thinks it means.

Mentioned in this episode:

Why Do Lobsters Turn Red When Cooked?

Red Lobster's Disclaimer-Riddled Press Release

Matthew Desmond on How America Manufactures Poverty

How a Homeownership Perk Drives Inequality

Diana Butler Bass on Gratitude and the 'Table of Hospitality'

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-15019949 Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700 790 full false Ep15 -- Fair Warning Ep15 -- Fair Warning This episode explores the effects on the ground (and in the air) of extreme inequality.  It turns out, addressing extreme inequality can improve life satisfaction for everyone, even those currently at the top.  And while we've been told over and over again that we're living in a society with historical levels of inequality, what does that actually mean and how does it impact our daily lives?

This episode is NOT sponsored by Nestlé, which only adds sugar to its best-selling baby formula and cereal in select markets.  See if you can guess which ones.

00:00 The Myth of Fitzgerald and Hemingway: Unpacking a Literary Legend

02:15 The Real Impact of Wealth Inequality

03:25 Nestle's Controversial Sugar Practices in Developing Countries

06:17 Air Rage: A Symptom of Societal Inequality

10:59 Personal Reflections on Inequality and Social Cohesion

13:56 Concluding Thoughts on Fairness and Society

]]> This episode explores the effects on the ground (and in the air) of extreme inequality.  It turns out, addressing extreme inequality can improve life satisfaction for everyone, even those currently at the top.  And while we've been told over and over again that we're living in a society with historical levels of inequality, what does that actually mean and how does it impact our daily lives?

This episode is NOT sponsored by Nestlé, which only adds sugar to its best-selling baby formula and cereal in select markets.  See if you can guess which ones.

00:00 The Myth of Fitzgerald and Hemingway: Unpacking a Literary Legend

02:15 The Real Impact of Wealth Inequality

03:25 Nestle's Controversial Sugar Practices in Developing Countries

06:17 Air Rage: A Symptom of Societal Inequality

10:59 Personal Reflections on Inequality and Social Cohesion

13:56 Concluding Thoughts on Fairness and Society

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14979315 Tue, 30 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700 969 full false Ep14 -- There Will Be Consequences Ep14 -- There Will Be Consequences This week we look into how our individual actions, no matter how small, are interconnected and influence the larger societal ecosystem. We'll draw on inspiration from anthropologist Gregory Bateson's views on the mismatch between natural systems and human thinking to highlight the importance of understanding our place in the ecosystem. Using the examples of how credit card rewards programs redistribute wealth from the poor to the rich, and the significant impact of housing affordability on homelessness rates, we'll emphasize the need for a shift in attitude and behavior to foster a more compassionate and equitable society, advocating for small, thoughtful changes in everyday actions to create broader positive effects.


Mentioned This Week
=================

"Why Gregory Bateson Matters" by Ted Gioia

ProPublica: FTC Orders Makers of TurboTax to Cease 'Deceptive' Advertising

NYT: "The Dirty Little Secret of Credit Card Rewards Programs"

Thom Hartmann:  "Why Homelessness Stalks America Like the Grim Reaper



]]> This week we look into how our individual actions, no matter how small, are interconnected and influence the larger societal ecosystem. We'll draw on inspiration from anthropologist Gregory Bateson's views on the mismatch between natural systems and human thinking to highlight the importance of understanding our place in the ecosystem. Using the examples of how credit card rewards programs redistribute wealth from the poor to the rich, and the significant impact of housing affordability on homelessness rates, we'll emphasize the need for a shift in attitude and behavior to foster a more compassionate and equitable society, advocating for small, thoughtful changes in everyday actions to create broader positive effects.


Mentioned This Week
=================

"Why Gregory Bateson Matters" by Ted Gioia

ProPublica: FTC Orders Makers of TurboTax to Cease 'Deceptive' Advertising

NYT: "The Dirty Little Secret of Credit Card Rewards Programs"

Thom Hartmann:  "Why Homelessness Stalks America Like the Grim Reaper



]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14937110 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700 888 full false Ep13 -- Our Toilets, Ourselves Ep13 -- Our Toilets, Ourselves This week we'll explore how discovering other cultures can help us better understand our own, featuring an interview with Jonathan Blank, writer and director of the documentary "Sex, Drugs, and Bicycles".

Mentioned this week:

Paul Fussell on the Lost Art of Travel

The Strange Design of American Toilets

Study: Cycling and the Common Good

Watch "Sex, Drugs, and Bicycles" HERE, HERE, or HERE


]]> This week we'll explore how discovering other cultures can help us better understand our own, featuring an interview with Jonathan Blank, writer and director of the documentary "Sex, Drugs, and Bicycles".

Mentioned this week:

Paul Fussell on the Lost Art of Travel

The Strange Design of American Toilets

Study: Cycling and the Common Good

Watch "Sex, Drugs, and Bicycles" HERE, HERE, or HERE


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14895105 Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1512 full false Ep12 -- The New Abnormal Ep12 -- The New Abnormal This week, we take a closer look at the normal, everyday world we live in, and realize that in some important ways it's anything but normal.  We explore how important it is to put our normal, everyday world in context, to better understand how we got here, and to figure out how we might move forward for the better.

Mentioned this week:

Mick Stevens' New Yorker cartoon

NPR: How Big Oil Misled the Public Into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled

Brookings: Rising Inequality:  A Major Issue of Our Time

NYT: The Rich Really Do Pay Lower Taxes Than You

RAND:  Income Trends from 1975 to 2018

Bloomberg:  The Mortgage Interest Deduction Has Got to Go

]]> This week, we take a closer look at the normal, everyday world we live in, and realize that in some important ways it's anything but normal.  We explore how important it is to put our normal, everyday world in context, to better understand how we got here, and to figure out how we might move forward for the better.

Mentioned this week:

Mick Stevens' New Yorker cartoon

NPR: How Big Oil Misled the Public Into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled

Brookings: Rising Inequality:  A Major Issue of Our Time

NYT: The Rich Really Do Pay Lower Taxes Than You

RAND:  Income Trends from 1975 to 2018

Bloomberg:  The Mortgage Interest Deduction Has Got to Go

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14854364 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1120 full false Ep11 -- You Can't Have Too Much F'ing Perspective Ep11 -- You Can't Have Too Much F'ing Perspective We're always scolded not to think that we're the center of the universe, but David Foster Wallace reminded us that we actually kinda are.    Every experience we have unfolds with us at the center of it, but we get into trouble when we forget that EVERYONE ELSE is also at the center of their own universes.

This week, we look at how improper perspective-taking can get us into trouble, and learn a few techniques to help us find a more balanced, inclusive perspective that's not only good for the rest of the world, but ultimately good for us, too.

Mentioned this week:

"Your Brain Has Tricked You Into Thinking Everything Is Worse"

"This Is Water" by David Foster Wallace

Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie

"Sustainability by Numbers" by Hannah Ritchie

Cook's Illustrated Revolutionary Recipes

]]> We're always scolded not to think that we're the center of the universe, but David Foster Wallace reminded us that we actually kinda are.    Every experience we have unfolds with us at the center of it, but we get into trouble when we forget that EVERYONE ELSE is also at the center of their own universes.

This week, we look at how improper perspective-taking can get us into trouble, and learn a few techniques to help us find a more balanced, inclusive perspective that's not only good for the rest of the world, but ultimately good for us, too.

Mentioned this week:

"Your Brain Has Tricked You Into Thinking Everything Is Worse"

"This Is Water" by David Foster Wallace

Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie

"Sustainability by Numbers" by Hannah Ritchie

Cook's Illustrated Revolutionary Recipes

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14809441 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1015 full false Ep10 -- When to NOT Believe Your Own Eyes Ep10 -- When to NOT Believe Your Own Eyes The most famous gaslighter's line is, "Who you gonna believe, me or your own eyes?"  While you should NEVER believe a gaslighter, sometimes you shouldn't believe your own eyes, either. 

This week, we look at moments when you might not want to believe everything you see, or think.

Mentioned this week:

Watch the Marx Brothers' classic, Duck Soup on Vimeo

Study showing Next Door use leads to inaccurate crime perception

MIT study showing that false stories spread faster than true ones

"The Rich Really Do Pay Lower Taxes Than You"

Ted Gioia on René Girard


]]> The most famous gaslighter's line is, "Who you gonna believe, me or your own eyes?"  While you should NEVER believe a gaslighter, sometimes you shouldn't believe your own eyes, either. 

This week, we look at moments when you might not want to believe everything you see, or think.

Mentioned this week:

Watch the Marx Brothers' classic, Duck Soup on Vimeo

Study showing Next Door use leads to inaccurate crime perception

MIT study showing that false stories spread faster than true ones

"The Rich Really Do Pay Lower Taxes Than You"

Ted Gioia on René Girard


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14767281 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1754 10 full false Ep9 -- Are You the Customer...Or the Product? Ep9 -- Are You the Customer...Or the Product? If you get something of value for free online, then odds are you're not the customer, you're the PRODUCT!  You attention is harvested and sold off to the actual customers of that platform.  This week, we look at the consequences of misunderstanding who or what we actually are.

Mentioned in this week's episode:

Subscribe to Cory Doctorow's excellent blog:  Pluralistic.net

More great stuff from Cory Doctorow HERE.

Check out Oliver Burkeman's book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals


]]> If you get something of value for free online, then odds are you're not the customer, you're the PRODUCT!  You attention is harvested and sold off to the actual customers of that platform.  This week, we look at the consequences of misunderstanding who or what we actually are.

Mentioned in this week's episode:

Subscribe to Cory Doctorow's excellent blog:  Pluralistic.net

More great stuff from Cory Doctorow HERE.

Check out Oliver Burkeman's book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals


]]> Buzzsprout-14714310 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700 1095 9 full false Ep8 -- (You Can Get Some) Satisfaction Ep8 -- (You Can Get Some) Satisfaction This week, we explore why true contentment is so hard to attain, no matter how much stuff you have, and how once you recognize the most common source for your desires, it's much easier to figure out what's really important in your life.

Mentioned this week:

J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

René Girard & Mimetic Theory

"The Deepest Breath" on Netflix

Wanting by Luke Burgis

]]> This week, we explore why true contentment is so hard to attain, no matter how much stuff you have, and how once you recognize the most common source for your desires, it's much easier to figure out what's really important in your life.

Mentioned this week:

J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study

René Girard & Mimetic Theory

"The Deepest Breath" on Netflix

Wanting by Luke Burgis

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14672377 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0700 1255 8 full false Ep7 -- How to Kind Ep7 -- How to Kind In this episode, we'll transform "kindness" from a noun to a verb, and unleash an army of kind-doers on the world.  Plus, in just two short sentences, poet Danusha Laméris will transform the way you think about those tiny, kind interactions you have with your fellow humans all the time.

You can find Danusha's books at Bookshop Santa Cruz!


Mentioned this week:

"Offloading for Mrs. Schwartz" by George Saunders

"Kindness Can Have Unexpectedly Positive Consequences," Scientific American

The Pay-It-Forward Effect of Kindness

Bookshop Santa Cruz

]]> In this episode, we'll transform "kindness" from a noun to a verb, and unleash an army of kind-doers on the world.  Plus, in just two short sentences, poet Danusha Laméris will transform the way you think about those tiny, kind interactions you have with your fellow humans all the time.

You can find Danusha's books at Bookshop Santa Cruz!


Mentioned this week:

"Offloading for Mrs. Schwartz" by George Saunders

"Kindness Can Have Unexpectedly Positive Consequences," Scientific American

The Pay-It-Forward Effect of Kindness

Bookshop Santa Cruz

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14627447 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1772 full false Ep6 -- Beyond the Myth of Male Supremacy Ep6 -- Beyond the Myth of Male Supremacy We are not humanity, as Daniel Quinn revealed in The Story of B, just one particularly successful and destructive culture that has devoured almost all other cultures and may not last all that long in evolutionary terms.  The good news is, we can change.  But we have to recognize the most destructive parts of that culture before we can change them.

This week, I start with potentially THE most destructive element of our culture: Male Supremacy, first exposing it for the fraud that it is, and then suggesting how we might move beyond it, for EVERYBODY's good.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Story of B by Daniel Quinn

Women After All by Melvin Konner

"Move Over, Men: Women Were Hunters, Too" by Katrina Miller, The New York Times

"We’ve studied gender and STEM for 25 years. The science doesn’t support the Google memo" by  Rosalind C. Barnett and Caryl Rivers, Vox

"In Praise of Heroic Masculinity" by Caitlina Flanagan, The Atlantic

]]> We are not humanity, as Daniel Quinn revealed in The Story of B, just one particularly successful and destructive culture that has devoured almost all other cultures and may not last all that long in evolutionary terms.  The good news is, we can change.  But we have to recognize the most destructive parts of that culture before we can change them.

This week, I start with potentially THE most destructive element of our culture: Male Supremacy, first exposing it for the fraud that it is, and then suggesting how we might move beyond it, for EVERYBODY's good.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Story of B by Daniel Quinn

Women After All by Melvin Konner

"Move Over, Men: Women Were Hunters, Too" by Katrina Miller, The New York Times

"We’ve studied gender and STEM for 25 years. The science doesn’t support the Google memo" by  Rosalind C. Barnett and Caryl Rivers, Vox

"In Praise of Heroic Masculinity" by Caitlina Flanagan, The Atlantic

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14582200 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1573 6 full false Ep5 -- Driving Ourselves Back to Sanity Ep5 -- Driving Ourselves Back to Sanity This week's episode includes our initial introduction to the inspirational text of this podcast:  Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.  This wonderful philosophical novel attempts to reveal all the myths that our human culture takes as natural facts, and the consequences of our misunderstanding of our own reality.    Most importantly, we learn how powerful it can be to examine and question our reality and realize that it's changeable. 

And the specific reality we re-examine is one that occupies so much of our time and causes so much distress:  Driving!

In addition to learning a few techniques to bring a bit more civility to the roads, we also discuss the outsize influence that PARKING has on our world with Tony Jordan, president of The Parking Reform Network.


Mentioned this Week:

For more on all things Ishmael, check out The Friends of Ishmael Society

Check out Henry Grabar's book Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World

Learn more about (and support if you can) The Parking Reform Network

Here's that ridiculous Chumash Casino ad




]]> This week's episode includes our initial introduction to the inspirational text of this podcast:  Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.  This wonderful philosophical novel attempts to reveal all the myths that our human culture takes as natural facts, and the consequences of our misunderstanding of our own reality.    Most importantly, we learn how powerful it can be to examine and question our reality and realize that it's changeable. 

And the specific reality we re-examine is one that occupies so much of our time and causes so much distress:  Driving!

In addition to learning a few techniques to bring a bit more civility to the roads, we also discuss the outsize influence that PARKING has on our world with Tony Jordan, president of The Parking Reform Network.


Mentioned this Week:

For more on all things Ishmael, check out The Friends of Ishmael Society

Check out Henry Grabar's book Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World

Learn more about (and support if you can) The Parking Reform Network

Here's that ridiculous Chumash Casino ad




]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14534097 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1505 5 full false Ep4 -- How to Fight the Consumerist Force Ep4 -- How to Fight the Consumerist Force This week we'll explore a mysterious, invisible force that affects all of us all the time.   Like gravity, it's ubiquitous and invisible, and we only really notice it when we can extract ourselves from its rapacious grasp.  But unlike gravity, the Consumerist Force is completely man-made, and with a little mindfulness, we can begin to release ourselves from its bonds.


Mentioned in this episode:

David Foster Wallace's Kenyon College Graduation Speech

Buy David Foster Wallace's This Is Water at BetterWorldBooks

Jocoto Foundation

Osa Conservation


]]> This week we'll explore a mysterious, invisible force that affects all of us all the time.   Like gravity, it's ubiquitous and invisible, and we only really notice it when we can extract ourselves from its rapacious grasp.  But unlike gravity, the Consumerist Force is completely man-made, and with a little mindfulness, we can begin to release ourselves from its bonds.


Mentioned in this episode:

David Foster Wallace's Kenyon College Graduation Speech

Buy David Foster Wallace's This Is Water at BetterWorldBooks

Jocoto Foundation

Osa Conservation


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14491304 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1230 full false Ep3 -- The Ungaslighting Power of Looking Ep3 -- The Ungaslighting Power of Looking Our minds miss so much of what's all around us, and while we'd go nuts taking it all in, filling in some of the gaps with intention and compassion can keep the gaslighters out.  In this episode, we explore the power of looking at what you often don't see, and even take on the challenge of looking at what you can't see.

Mentioned in this episode:

Saccadic Masking
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccadic_masking

The Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab
https://dogcognition.weebly.com/

Book Culture (Buy Alexandra's Books Here!)
https://www.bookculture.com/search/site/alexandra%20horowitz

David Foster Wallace's Graduation Speech (Kenyon College, 2005)
https://bulletin.kenyon.edu/article/from-the-archives-everlasting-speech/

]]> Our minds miss so much of what's all around us, and while we'd go nuts taking it all in, filling in some of the gaps with intention and compassion can keep the gaslighters out.  In this episode, we explore the power of looking at what you often don't see, and even take on the challenge of looking at what you can't see.

Mentioned in this episode:

Saccadic Masking
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccadic_masking

The Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab
https://dogcognition.weebly.com/

Book Culture (Buy Alexandra's Books Here!)
https://www.bookculture.com/search/site/alexandra%20horowitz

David Foster Wallace's Graduation Speech (Kenyon College, 2005)
https://bulletin.kenyon.edu/article/from-the-archives-everlasting-speech/

]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14446015 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1487 3 full true Ep2 -- The Rampant Asshole Fallacy Ep2 -- The Rampant Asshole Fallacy The world is just overrun with assholes, right?  Well, what if I told you there weren't nearly as many assholes in the world as you might think, and I could prove it?

In this episode of The Great Ungaslighting, I explain "The Rampant Asshole Fallacy,"  which states that we overestimate the number of assholes there are in the world, and, because we still get really pissed off at assholes, that proves we as a species are generally NOT assholes.  After all, if we were all a bunch of jerks, then we'd hardly notice people behaving like assholes.  It'd just be normal behavior.

Give it a listen, and let me know what you think.  E-mail me at craig@ungaslighting.com or go to www.ungaslighting.com and leave me a voicemail.

Thanks!!


]]> The world is just overrun with assholes, right?  Well, what if I told you there weren't nearly as many assholes in the world as you might think, and I could prove it?

In this episode of The Great Ungaslighting, I explain "The Rampant Asshole Fallacy,"  which states that we overestimate the number of assholes there are in the world, and, because we still get really pissed off at assholes, that proves we as a species are generally NOT assholes.  After all, if we were all a bunch of jerks, then we'd hardly notice people behaving like assholes.  It'd just be normal behavior.

Give it a listen, and let me know what you think.  E-mail me at craig@ungaslighting.com or go to www.ungaslighting.com and leave me a voicemail.

Thanks!!


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14401848 Tue, 30 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800 1394 full true Ep1 -- The Greatest Gaslighter Ever! Ep1 -- The Greatest Gaslighter Ever! For the inaugural episode of The Great Ungalisghting, I'll reveal THE GREATEST GASLIGHTER OF ALL TIME!

My journey to this discovery began many years ago with the help of Robin Williams, David Cassidy, and a guy called Dr. Laser.  Find out  how it all happened, plus get your first assignment to start changing the world.

Check out...

Holographic Studios, Home of Dr. Laser

"Why Aren't We Awesomer"  TedTalk by Michael Neill

Robin Williams' "Reality...What a Concept"



]]> For the inaugural episode of The Great Ungalisghting, I'll reveal THE GREATEST GASLIGHTER OF ALL TIME!

My journey to this discovery began many years ago with the help of Robin Williams, David Cassidy, and a guy called Dr. Laser.  Find out  how it all happened, plus get your first assignment to start changing the world.

Check out...

Holographic Studios, Home of Dr. Laser

"Why Aren't We Awesomer"  TedTalk by Michael Neill

Robin Williams' "Reality...What a Concept"



]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14354364 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800 792 1 full false Premiering in January '24! Premiering in January '24! Humankind has been mind-f****ed long enough.  It's time to put the 'kind' back in humankind.

Please subscribe to this podcast and stay tuned for new episodes starting in mid-January, 2024.

Follow The Great Ungaslighting on INSTAGRAM (@ungaslighting) and FACEBOOK.

Thanks!


]]> Humankind has been mind-f****ed long enough.  It's time to put the 'kind' back in humankind.

Please subscribe to this podcast and stay tuned for new episodes starting in mid-January, 2024.

Follow The Great Ungaslighting on INSTAGRAM (@ungaslighting) and FACEBOOK.

Thanks!


]]> Craig Boreth Buzzsprout-14210003 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0800 103 0 full false