James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the “culture of fear” that many scientists are saying has developed around gender medicine research (1:32).  The guys also react to the rap beef involving Drake, Kendrick Lamar and other heavyweights that recently exploded and consider why it seems we do not see high profile rap beefs like in the past (31:51). ‘This isn’t how good scientific debate happens’: academics on culture of fear in gender medicine research (The Guardian) Anti-Trans Bills Disregard the Science on Sex and Gender (The Progressive Magazine) American College of Pediatricians ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at Florida’s recent law which, among other things, operates to ban kids under 14 from social media, and in light of the dangers posed by social media, react to the criticism that has called the ban unconstitutional and/or hypocritical (1:16). The guys also weigh in on President Biden’s issuance of a statement recognizing Trans Visibility Day, which generated a lot of controversy because the day fell on Easter this year (33:12).   Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill that bans children under 14 from having social media accounts (NBC News) DeSantis ..read more

Following the recent antitrust lawsuit filed against Apple in the US, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the ongoing efforts in the US and in Europe to attack several of Apple’s business practices in in today’s view of the historical context of antitrust enforcement (1:21).  The guys also explain why it is a good thing that some of the findings from the new James Webb Space Telescope are knocking holes many of our current theories on how the universe works (40:41).   Apple sued by Biden administration over alleged iPhone 'monopoly power' (NBC News)   Green bubbles, Apple Pay ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the extent to which the various reactions of people to the release of the manipulated Kate Middleton photo demonstrates what it may look like to live in a world where reality and synthetic realities may be impossible to distinguish (1:24).  The guys also discuss the evolution of dating apps in light of the recently filed lawsuit that contends that dating apps are now designed more to keep people coming back, not help people connect (37:35).   Kate Middleton and the End of Shared Reality (The Atlantic)   Countering Truth Decay (RAND Corporat ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look the potential ban of TikTok that is working through the US Congress and consider whether this is more about data privacy and algorithmic manipulation or playing on American’s fear of China (1:07).  The guys also discuss the controversy over Sheryl Swoopes comments about Caitlin Clark and also Swoopes’ thoughts about whether she could be being racist (33:36).   TikTok is a "national security issue," Sens. Mark Warner and Marco Rubio say (CBS News)   Is the new push to ban TikTok for real? (Vox)   Federal judge blocks Montana's TikTok ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss some key takeaways from the U.S Supreme Court’s decision to forbid states from taking Donald Trump, or any other “oathbreaking insurrectionist,” off the ballot under the disqualification clause of the 14th amendment (1:08). The guys also consider the idea that human brains are wired to avoid exercise and what can be done to overcome this (44:04).   Trump v Anderson (pdf)(supremecourt.gov)   Supreme Court says Trump can appear on 2024 ballot, overturning Colorado ruling (CBS News)   The Supreme Court’s “Unanimous” Trump Ballot Ruling Is Actua ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider the extent to which America’s extreme and increasingly sticky concentration of wealth in its billionaire class may put its market economy and representative democracy in peril (1:23).  The guys also discuss the concept of freedom of speech in the US in light of the tragic story of Alexei Navalny in Russia (42:04). Where do billionaires come from? Mom and Dad. (Vox) The Estate Tax is Irrelevant to More Than 99 Percent of Americans (ITEP.org) What is the national deficit? (Treasury.gov) What is the national debt? (Treasury.gov) Putin foe Alexei Navalny ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider whether Russia’s goals in dividing and undermining the US have been achieved in light of what appears to be an increasing one way love affair with Russia coming out of at least a part of America’s political right (1:19).  The guys also take a look at whether society tends to overemphasize messages of victimhood to Black Americans in a way that is detrimental to Black Americans (45:59). Russia’s objective in the U.S. has already largely been achieved (WaPo) Putin has made clear Russia is our civilizational enemy (NY Post) Tuberville: Putin open to pea ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at Raoul Peck’s 2016 documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which features the commentary and work of one of America’s intellectual giants, James Baldwin (1:24).  The guys also discuss how stay at home parenting is devalued by America’s institutions even though many often suggesting it is good for society (44:39). I Am Not Your Negro (PBS) I Am Not Your Negro (YouTube) The Paradox of Stay-at-Home Parents (The Atlantic) (Apple News Link ..read more

James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider what the suggestion that Taylor Swift and her relationship with NFL star Travis Kelce is a psyop really says about our political and media culture (1:17).  The guys also discuss hobbies and why science thinks they are good for us (43:02). Taylor Swift Conspiracy Theorists Get Psyops All Wrong (Wired) Psychological operations (United States) (Wikipedia) Trump Allies Pledge ‘Holy War’ Against Taylor Swift (Rolling Stone) Hannity: Taylor Swift should ‘think twice’ about Biden endorsement (The Hill) The Psychology of Conspiracy Theorists: More Than Just ..read more