Project2029.me is a grassroots, citizen-led effort to reclaim our democracy. They are not affiliated with or supported by any political party or political action group (PAC). Their organizers are unpaid. They do this work because of their civic and moral values, and hope for America.

In today's episode, we discuss the project with founder Jake Orlowitz and communications director Susan Swords. We hear about what the project means to them, how they work, and how you can get involved.

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You can find out more at project2029.me

There are three things AI needs, compute, energy and data. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the acquisition of data used to train AI. Why some people take everything they can get, some are looking to protect their livelihood, and some are charting a better way to feed the beast. 

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This episode also covers the need for a longer-term vision to help steer us for generations to come. A Declaration of Interdependence—a vision for rebuilding cooperation, ensuring collective success, and aligning our government with the needs of all people.

Learn who's working on this essential roadmap and it's components and why this non-partisan, long-term vision is critical for our future.

🎥 Welcome to my Channel! Please support my work:

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe

💦 Stay Hydrated: I drink LMNT on the daily, check it out. http://elementallabs.refr.cc/travisretzlaff

📰 Subscribe to my growing Substack site

https://adulting.media

🤝I have limited spots available for personal mentoring, apply here https://coach.tretzlaff.com

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Thanks for your support! 

🎯 Critical Culture EP05 | Technology and Its Impact on the Future of War

In this episode of Critical Culture, we dive deep into the evolving relationship between technology and modern warfare—and how emerging innovations are reshaping the global battlefield.

From AI in military strategy to autonomous weapons, cyber warfare, and drones, we're unpacking the critical questions:

🔹 How is technology transforming the nature of conflict?

🔹 What ethical dilemmas are emerging with these advancements?

🔹 Who holds power in a tech-driven warzone?

 Join us as we explore how today's innovations are crafting the wars of tomorrow—and what that means for humanity, geopolitics, and peace.

Subscribe for more deep dives into the forces shaping our culture and society.

In Episode 4 of Critical Culture, we dive deep into humanity's return to the Moon with NASA's Artemis program and explore what it means for the future of space exploration. From lunar bases to Mars ambitions, this episode unpacks the science, politics, and cultural impact behind the Artemis missions.

🎙️ Topics we cover:

The Artemis program: what it is and why it matters

Lunar exploration past vs. present

Space policy, international cooperation, and private sector involvement

The cultural and philosophical questions around returning to the Moon

What's next: Mars, sustainability in space, and beyond

Whether you're a space nerd, a curious mind, or just love thoughtful discussions, this episode has something for you.

🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss future episodes of Critical Culture!

 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — we love hearing from you!

In this episode, we discuss the return of humanity to the moon. The United States landed on the moon decades ago. After a long time with no human presence on the moo,n we are on the cusp of returning. This time to stay. Our discussion centers around the planned Artemis missions, NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, and the overarching Moon to Mars Strategy and Objectives Development.

You should also check out my YouTube show 21st Century Adulting 

Thanks for listening.

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On this episode of Critical Culture, I'm tackling a subject that has a lot of smart people scared: superintelligence (AGI).

I recently saw a story about Nobel laureates and celebrities calling for a complete prohibition on its development. The risks are real. The idea of an effective ban on AGI is not. Technology is undefeated over the long haul.

Instead of trying to fight an inevitable force, I argue we need to "steer the ship" from within. If we can't stop progress on AGI, we should instead focus on shaping its future direction and uses. We have to deal with the world as it is, not as we wish it would be.

That doesn't mean we do nothing legislatively. In the second half of the episode, I explain why I'm for "smart legislation" and break down the types of laws I believe are worth considering right now. Some are aspects already being addressed, and others are areas we can better align AI and society.

Podcast music courtesy Moby via: mobygratis.com

Emily is the current Chair of the Outagamie County Democrats, a former candidate for Wisconsin Assembly, a mother, anda former teacher.

Emily is here today to talk about an article she wrote for The Recombobulation Area titled, "Power beyond protests: How Democrats can break silos and cultivate sustainable progress."

We discuss Wisconsin's recent election for Supreme Court Justice in which the people decisively chose Susan Crawford over the Elon Musk's bribes and recommendations to vote for her opponent.

We also cover organizing in Wisconsin. The need to take action beyond protests.  Efforts directed toward long-term change while providing immediate value. All done by working in our communities on movement organizing in conjunction with political organizing.

https://www.therecombobulationarea.news/p/power-beyond-protests-how-democrats

We discuss the current public-private partnership model and the potential for a "flywheel" system, where advertising and commercially viable content can help fund projects that serve the public good.

We also look at the role of local radio and television stations, the importance of non-commercial content, and how a new progressive era could learn from past movements to shape the future of media for the common good.

Critical Culture EP010 Antitrust in the United States and the cases Google and Microsoft

In this episode, we explore the concept of antitrust in the United States, as well as some of the major cases in big tech.

Specifically, the case against Microsoft, and the two current cases against Google.

We'll dive into:

The three major laws that form the basis of antitrust in the United States

Changes to antitrust being proposed by Republicans in Congress

The case against Microsoft in the 00's

The current cases in remedy phase against Google including remedies being discussed

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the state of masculinity. 

Masculinity has been in a crisis of various sorts depending on who you talk to. Some people think it's been largely lost, others rail against toxic masculinity, and there is also a growing awareness of the crisis of how men are falling behind. There are roughly 4 billion men on the planet, and 8 billion judges, there is room for all of these situations to coexist. 

We'll talk about these problems and where we go from here. But first what is it that makes up masculinity? Does it have one true or best form? What are its parts? What are its various forms? 

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more critical discussions on culture, technology, and society.

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Thank you for listening to our podcast. Don't forget to like, comment, share and subscribe

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Our response to what we are calling Trump's Manufactured Crisis—focusing on ICE, the National Guard, and the narrative around Antifa—is critical and will define a generation.

In this episode, we deconstruct the actions of this administration, from the use of military-style raids and Black Hawk helicopters by ICE, to the unacceptable practice of not identifying officers. We discuss how these tactics are sweeping up thousands of people, 70% of whom have no criminal record, and the push to militarize the streets of America through the Insurrection Act. 

We stress the importance of a coordinated, 100% committed nonviolent response to this escalation. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment for American democracy.

ACTION ITEMS & RESOURCES:

🙏Show Up @ No King's Day on October 18th)

Make a plan to take meaningful action, and be committed to nonviolence.

📺 Check out the work of Robert Reich. This is the video I referred to www.instagram.com/reel/DPkK9Gukpmw/

🤯Learn Nonviolence:

Literature from the Albert Einstein Institute on nonviolent action.

🔗www.aeinstein.org/198-methods-of-nonviolent-action 

Global Nonviolent Action Database

🔗nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/

🦺Safety: Links and resources about safety while protesting.

ACLU Protesters' Rights

🔗www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights

Activists Handbook

🔗activisthandbook.org/

HRC - Tips for Preparedness, Peaceful Protesting, and Safety

🔗www.hrc.org/resources/tips-for-preparedness-peaceful-protesting-and-safety

I delve into the ways in which religious beliefs and practices intersect with political ideologies, examining the implications for individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. From the role of faith in shaping public policy to the influence of political power on religious expression, I consider the multifaceted dynamics at play when religion meets politics.

Join me as I navigate this fascinating and sometimes fraught terrain, seeking to understand the opportunities and challenges that arise when these two powerful forces converge.

 Whether you're interested in the history of religious-political interactions, the current state of affairs, or the potential future implications, this video aims to inform, educate, and inspire reflection on a topic that is both deeply personal and profoundly public.

We are currently facing a spiritual war in America and the world that is expressed through our politics. This video critiques the "prosperity gospel" pushed by figures like Paula White, which suggests wealth is a sign of God's favor, and exposes the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to be good Christians while cutting aid to the sick and hungry.

Key Topics Covered:

A Crisis of Morality: How we are facing a spiritual crisis defined by how we treat our fellow humans, from dehumanizing rhetoric to the lack of due process.

The Facade of Religiosity: Discussing how preference is given to protecting specific faiths for political control while others are looked down upon.

The Power of Story: Why simple facts often fail to persuade compared to religion's story-based approach, and how to use spiritual language to counter hypocrisy.

The Solution: Why the first step to being part of the solution is simply leading with love and taking care of our neighbors in a crowded, interconnected world.

Recommended Reading:

 If you are looking for a resource to help speak to Christians on their own terms, I highly recommend Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang.

Conclusion: The world needs positive spiritual messages right now. Whatever your faith or moral philosophy, do not shy away from being a visible example of love for one another in both word and action.

EP01: RAGs For Riches – Resource Augmented Generation Artificial Intelligence dives into the fascinating evolution of AI — specifically, how Resource Augmented Generation (RAG) is changing the way we interact with machines, knowledge, and creativity. \

💡 From boosting AI's ability to access real-time information to its impact on industries like education, research, and media, this episode explores:

What RAG really means

How RAG is different from traditional AI models

Why this technology matters now more than ever Ethical implications and cultural impact The future of knowledge access powered by AI Whether you're an AI enthusiast, tech thinker, or just curious about where intelligent systems are headed, this series is for you.

🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss the next episode of Critical Culture — where we explore the intersection of technology, culture, and the critical questions shaping our future.

🧠 Let's build smarter conversations.

 #CriticalCulture #AIExplained #RAG #ResourceAugmentedGeneration #ArtificialIntelligence #TechPodcast #CriticalCulture #DarkMadder #SocialMedia #DigitalManipulation #CulturalCritique #MediaLiteracy

Run for Something

Adulting.media

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Operation 2026 & The Opportunity

01:03 - Why We Will Win Big (Midterm Trends)

01:58 - "Power in the Streets": The Revolutionary Mindset 02:29 - The Primary System is Our Opening

03:32 - The Senate "Fight Club" Strategy

04:36 - Lessons from the GOP's 2010 Success

05:22 - Advice for Progressive Candidates (Messaging Matters)

06:04 - Call to Action: Run For Something

#Progressives #Operation2026 #Project2029 #Midterms2026 #Politics

Today's episode examines both identity politics and the phenomenon of politics as a form of identity.

In the well-known concept of identity politics, political or social activity is undertaken by or on behalf of a group sharing a particular identity (such as ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability), but also examines how individuals anchor their own identities within the political landscape.

The discussion highlights how personal experiences and group affiliations shape political interests and how, in turn, politics can influence one's sense of self. It further explores the potential for identity politics to foster both solidarity and division, and how it can be utilized as a tool for political mobilization and social change.

This episode covers:

Why job security is a myth and how to build a career in a changing job market.

The benefits of diversifying your skills versus specializing in one area. Ideally doing a good mix of both throughout your career.

The new landscape of employment search with AI in the middle between applicants and companies.

How certifications are important but don't hold much value without some experience.

High-demand skills for the current moment, with a special focus on Python and AWS.

Whether you're new to your career or looking to retool your skills, this podcast offers valuable insights to help you navigate your professional path.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into the role social media plays in shaping public perception, influencing opinions, and, ultimately, manipulating societal norms. How do algorithms, echo chambers, and targeted content impact our behavior? Are we in control of what we see and believe, or is there a larger force at play?

Join us as we explore the effects of social media on our daily lives, from politics to personal identity, and discuss the power structures that drive online interactions. From misinformation to manipulation tactics, we'll uncover how social platforms influence our choices—often without us even realizing it.

Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more critical discussions on culture, technology, and society. I

n this episode we do a review of recent AI related news covering updates from Google, Perpexity, and more.

The main topic is societal manipulation via social media. With main takeaways being:

• the role of algorithms by oligarchs guided for their benefit
• the 7 rules of fake news 
• intentional direction of your attention via rss feeds, and emerging features on BlueSky - and more!

Please support my work: 

👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe

💦 Stay Hydrated: I drink LMNT on the daily, check it out.

http://elementallabs.refr.cc/travisretzlaff

📰 Subscribe to my growing Substack site

https://adulting.media

🤝I have limited spots available for personal mentoring, apply here

https://coach.tretzlaff.com

📙I have a bunch of books and board games for sale on whatnot https://www.whatnot.com/user/travisretzlaff

"Non-Violent Action Is The Proven Method for Fighting Autocrats"

Welcome back to Critical Culture, where we unpack the dynamics of power, resistance, and the structures shaping our world. In Episode 6, we take a powerful look at how non-violent action has consistently proven to be the most effective way to challenge authoritarianism and autocratic rule.

🧠 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why non-violent movements succeed where violent uprisings often fail

The research and data behind peaceful resistance (including studies by Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan)

Key historical examples: Gandhi's Salt March, the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and more

The psychological and strategic advantages of civil resistance

How modern movements are using non-violence to challenge oppression today

💡 Why It Matters:

In a time of rising authoritarianism across the globe, understanding the power of peaceful protest is more important than ever. Violence often leads to backlash, repression, and chaos—while non-violent resistance can unify people, attract global support, and achieve lasting change.

🛠️ Tools for Resistance: We also offer insights into how communities can organize, build coalitions, and plan non-violent campaigns effectively, even under hostile regimes.

📣 Let's Talk: Have you participated in or witnessed non-violent resistance in action? Do you believe peaceful protest still works today?

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear your voice.

Today's episode is about non violent action. With protests looming this Saturday April 5th 2025 it's a good time to understand the power and types of non-violent action. Be safe, be effective, and lend your power to the movement.

Veto Project 2025

Hands Off 2025

Lots of resources in the show notes: docs.google.com/document/d/18AEaAflEoW1b5ILN3pawhxZj1ydcRpljOFn921muEQw/edit?usp=sharing

Join us as we analyze how the media and political firebrands shape our nation's discourse, and whether these actions truly meet the moment or pose a threat to our government.

#PoliticalCommentary #Gerrymandering #GavinNewsom #MediaManipulation #USPolitics #CriticalCulture

In Episode 2 of Critical Culture, we dive into the unsettling relationship between social media and individual manipulation. How are our thoughts, behaviors, and identities shaped by the platforms we use every day? From algorithmic control to curated realities, "Dark Madder" explores the psychological and cultural forces at play in our digital lives.

Join us as we uncover:

The subtle ways social media rewires our perceptions

How digital platforms exploit human psychology

The impact of curated content on identity and self-worth

Real-world consequences of online manipulation

Whether you're a casual scroller or a digital skeptic, this episode will make you think twice about your relationship with the apps in your pocket.