In this episode, we dive into an engaging conversation with author Dani Morrison. Known online as Blerd Girl Romance, Dani discusses the intersections of cultural identityand genre fiction. We explore the impact of social media on literary conversations and the complexities of empathy in our evolving political landscape.

On this episode of Phantom Astronaut we're thrilled to feature Aaron Ross Powell. Known for his insights into political culture, Powell has been critically analyzing the transformations in political societal norms since his time at Cato Institute's Libertarianism.org, and continuing with his current writing and the Reimagining Liberty podcast. Together we assess the impacts of political tribalism and the changing attitudes towards sensitive subjects, all while re-emphasizing the importance of unbiased political progress.

We demonstrate how controversial rhetoric from political figures like Donald Trump has shaped societal norms and public discourse. We share our personal experiences of cultural polarization and delve into the societal implications of engaging individuals with varying levels of expertise in social media debates.

We analyze how intellectuals stray into areas beyond their expertise, leading to the promotion of conspiracy theories and misinformation and conclude the episode by highlighting the direct link between knowledge overestimation and the consequent culture of commentary and tribalism.

Don't miss this look into the world of political social media. Visit us at phantomastronaut.com for more content and to support our platform.

In this episode of Phantom Astronaut, we're joined by author and music journalist, Tim Riley. We're navigate the multifaceted world of rock & roll, from the Beatles and Madonna to the current global music industry landscape.

Discussing music, digital journalism, and cultural criticism, we evaluate the impact of The Beatles and their lasting influence on the media landscape. Through the lens of recent controversies and enduring cultural potency of music, we explore the critical role of music in shaping our society.

We also delve into the rapidly changing media landscape, pondering the future of music criticism and journalism in an increasingly fractured landscape. Despite looming challenges of the digital we remain hopeful.

We reflect on over-commercialization's potential impact on revered bands' legacies and the emerging trend of holographic simulations & AI in concerts / recording.

Author William Deresiewicz discusses the economic challenges faced by artists in the current digital ecosystem. We tackle the financial realities of the art market but also offer pivotal strategies to navigate the complex web of modern creative industries.

Take a pragmatic look at the industry's struggles, explore the lack of financial literacy in art schools and the financial pressures imposed by market titans. Are the devastating layoffs in various creative companies like PlayStation, Netflix, Pitchfork, and Vice a sign of the end? Can artists be empowered by new tools to manage the economics of their artistic journey amidst such complexities?

Reflecting keen insights, William Deresiewicz draws on his experience writing books like The Death of the Artist, to reveal the precarious dichotomy of social media platforms in the economic life of creators.

We also discuss the inevitable need for commercial work by artists and why it needs to be destigmatized. All this and more on Phantom Astronaut

Join us for an enlightening journey on Phantom Astronaut as we unravel the ties between art and technology with our guest Emily Lawhead, a respected curator at the Utah Museum of Fine Art and one of the editors of the International Journal for Digital Art History. Delve into the power of technology as an influence and tool in modern and contemporary art practices, its role in social justice movements, politics, and its impact on our perception and definition of art in the digital age.

Explore the intriguing subtleties between modern and contemporary art in a visually evocative journey. Gain insight into the transition markers between art periods, the massive shift in art perspectives, and the influential roles of various artists like Marcel Duchamp. Discover how contemporary art reflects societal changes from technological advancements to economic shifts. We also discuss the unique challenge of art preservation in the ephemerality of digital medium.

This podcast episode opens a detailed conversation around the intricacies of art, including an exploration of the Gates installation in Central Park by Christo and Jean-Claude. Our hosts ponder over the true artist behind such an installation, the importance of documentation for the preservation of art, and the concept of art’s 'lifespan' using examples like Sol LeWitt's eternally redrawn drawings and the infamous banana taped to a wall.

We also navigate the art ecosystem from the perspective of budding artists. Gain insights from curators on how to discover talented artists and the importance of establishing relationships within art communities. The episode concludes with an exploration of art as a critique and reflection of the present world, emphasizing art's role in framing social consciousness and its intrinsic value as a record of our times. Join us for this enriching conversation.

In this episode I speak with oncology nurse, death doula, and shamanic practitioner Ashley Oppon. Make sure to find her mythology podcast Dine with the Divine and learn more about her at https://www.sankofahealingsanctuary.com