The 9pm Edict

As I post this, we’re supposedly just hours away from the launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon. So what better time to chat with space archaeologist Dr Alice Gorman aka Dr Space Junk and astrophysicist Rami Mandow?In this episode we talk about that mission, but also flag some of the problems, including the various laws and treaties relating to the Moon. Also, cooking in space, drugged-up spiders, the recent total eclipse of the Moon, tightrope walking, and cockroaches.This episode was recorded on 11 March 2026, so some of the topical references are slightly dated.Full podcast details and credits:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00265/Please consider supporting the the current crowdfunder:https://the9pmedict.com/relocateOr if you miss that or prefer to not use GoFundMe:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

It may well be nearly the end of March, and indeed it is, but this is still the summer series. Our special guest today is Scottish author and social researcher David F Porteous, and as always we had a wonderful conversation.In this episode we talk about smoking and vaping, looksmaxxing, Nigel Farage and Reform UK, Donald Trump, how we’d renovate Washington DC, sheep, snakes (again), and Manichaeism (again)This episode was recorded on 6 March 2026, so some of the topical references are slightly dated.Full podcast details and credits:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00264/Please consider supporting the the current crowdfunder:https://the9pmedict.com/relocateOr if you miss that or prefer to not use GoFundMe:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

As the summer series continues we're joined once more by David Gerard for a suitably cynical look at what's happening in and around the AI bubble. Bros, do not send hate mail, but we do not believe your claims.David produces the newsletter Pivot to AI, which is now also available as a video essay or podcast.In this episode we discuss the AI economy, what happens when chatbots are left to run a business or even given their own social network, why robots want your body, the addictive nature of chatbots — and of course we simply had to talk about Elon Musk, SpaceX, xAI, and data centres in space.Full podcast details and credits:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00263/Please consider supporting the podcast:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

With Thailand's general election just over a week away, I figured it's time once more to chat with journalist Erin Cook, who specialises in South-East Asia. But as always we talk about much more than just Thailand.Erin produces the excellent newsletter Dari Mulut ke Mulut, an English-language summary of what's happening in the region, and an occasional newsletter specifically on the Australia-Indonesia relationship, Flat White, Kopi Susu.In this episode we discuss what to look out for in Thai politics over the coming weeks. We also talk about the elections in Myanmar, the latest deadly landslide in Indonesia, a couple of events in the Philippines, the Cowra prisoner of war camp, making excuses, the Crying Horse, and Donald Trump's body odour.Full podcast details and credits:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00262/Please consider supporting the podcast:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

Don’t let the title put you off, nor attract you too eagerly. The 9pm Summer Series 2025 continues with philosopher, reprobate, and all-round cleverthinker Patrick Stokes, and a conversation about many, many things. He’s also half of The Fake McCoys.In this episode we talk about the philosophy of AI and technological determinism, certain aspects of ICE, how sex drives innovation, teleportation, Erich von Däniken and his ancient astronauts, pigs, bats, wine moms, deathbots, the nature of memory and the extended mind thesis, and a “wonderful word” that was invented by J R R Tolkien.Full podcast details and credits:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00261/Please consider supporting the podcast:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

Back at the start of the year, my good friend Snarky Platypus and I created a bingo card for 2025. A set of 25 things that might happen. Well, it’s now New Year’s Eve, so let’s see how we went. And let’s create a 2026 Bingo Card.You might want to follow along. We’ll skip over the ones we’d already discussed back in July.We talked about Taylor Swift, Chris Minns, weight loss drugs, rugby, AUKUS, Myanmar, Thailand, Glasgow, the Sydney Metro, and of course TikTok — and much more.Full podcast details and credits:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00260/Please consider supporting the podcast:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

I like food. My good friend Snarky Platypus also likes food. And we also like wine. But we also have opinions. So in this final episode of the spring series we bring you some of those opinions.In this episode we talk about the magical world of slop bowls, the foods of Italy and Indonesia, grilled chicken, rending, tempeh, duck, parrots, steak, and the price of wine.Full podcast details and credits at:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00259/Please consider supporting the podcast:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/

Justin Warren, a consultant and creator of the CyberRating labeling scheme, dives into Australia's upcoming social media age restrictions. He discusses the complexities and potential impacts on youth, especially for marginalized groups. They also explore the pitfalls of AI-generated code in Microsoft Windows, linking it to system instability. Topics include the Bureau of Meteorology's budget issues and the tension between risk and overprotection in parenting teens. With a mix of insight and humor, Justin highlights the adaptability of youth in navigating these changes.

Dr. Trent Yarwood, an infectious diseases physician and medtech enthusiast, dives into the fascinating world of antibiotics and AI. He discusses newly discovered antibiotics like premethylenomycin and nafithromycin, scrutinizing their development and real-world implications. Trent also tackles antimicrobial resistance, patient expectations on prescriptions, and the challenges of electronic health records. A light-hearted moment is brought by the controversial word 'moist', showcasing the blend of serious medical topics with humor.

I know nothing about cars. I don’t even know how to drive. So obviously my guest today is freelance motoring journalist and editor of The Redline, Peter Anderson — because a lot has been happening in the auto industry, right? I might learn something.In this episode we talk about cars. Obviously. Especially about the gradual but inevitable shift to electric vehicles. There’s the rise of China’s auto manufacturing industry, and other countries too, and of course that man and his electric car company and his $1 trillion compensation package.We also discuss contentment and what it means for us, as well as the joy of minimalism, and even bipolar II disorder.Full podcast details and credits at:https://the9pmedict.com/edict/00256/Please consider supporting the podcast by pledging to our seasonal crowdfunding campaign by 10 December 2025.https://the9pmedict.com/summer2025If you miss that deadline then please go to:https://the9pmedict.com/tip/https://skank.com.au/subscribe/