The Dissenter

Alberto Acerbi, Associate Professor of Sociology and author of Tecnopanico, explores alarmist narratives about digital media. He discusses moral panics, why people are not as gullible online as claimed, misinformation’s limited reach, conspiracy theory dynamics, echo chamber myths, algorithms versus user choice, and the contested links between social media and youth mental health.

Victoria Dougherty, fiction writer of novels like The Bone Church and Cold, brings her theater and essay background to the conversation. She explores how and when adaptations should change source material. She talks about believable character development, plotting from impulse to plan, and weaving morality and politics into stories without turning characters into caricatures.

Jasmine Sherni, an adult content creator and model, shares her journey from nursing to the sex industry. She discusses reclaiming her sexual autonomy and the complex dynamics of being a South Asian performer in porn. Jasmine tackles societal stigma, the fetishization of cultural identities, and the importance of sex education over misinformation. With a focus on empowerment, she highlights how sex work can be a choice that fosters agency and creativity, while also addressing the hypocrisy in societal attitudes toward porn.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Sarah Dierna, a PhD candidate at the University of Catania, dives deep into the philosophy of antinatalism. She explores how metaphysics shapes ethics and examines the intrinsic suffering linked to consciousness. Dierna discusses the complexities of birth, the risks of parenthood, and critiques cultural acceptance of reproduction. The conversation touches on historical antinatalist themes from ancient Greece to modern thinkers, urging listeners to reassess the moral implications of bringing new life into a world rife with suffering.

Join health and science journalist Nicole Karlis, author of Your Brain on Altruism, as she explores the transformative power of altruism during crises. She critiques the self-care industrial complex, arguing that genuine connections are far more effective than consumerist approaches. Nicole discusses how community solidarity flourishes in times of need, and she highlights the psychological benefits of helping others. Additionally, she outlines the importance of systemic caring and the societal changes needed to support caregivers and strengthen communities.

Valerie Tiberius, a philosophy professor at the University of Minnesota and author of *What Do You Want Out of Life?*, dives deep into the intricacies of well-being. She discusses her value fulfillment theory, emphasizing that well-being is tied to personal values over time. The conversation explores the balance between gut instincts and reflective wisdom, how to resolve conflicting values, and the link between happiness and morality. Tiberius also touches on the role of virtues in achieving a good life and argues for the moral importance of pursuing happiness—not just for oneself, but for others too.

Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, a MacArthur Fellow and acclaimed philosopher, dives deep into her latest work, The Mattering Instinct. She explores the primal need to feel that we matter and ties it to our biology and social interactions. Goldstein delineates four types of mattering: transcenders who seek cosmic significance, socializers drawn to relationships and fame, competitors focused on comparison, and heroic strivers pursuing excellence. She also discusses how philosophy helps navigate our existential questions and the delicate balance of mattering in a diverse society.

Vicky Oelze, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at UC Santa Cruz, dives deep into her research on the Atlantic and transatlantic slave trade. She discusses groundbreaking work on strontium isotopes that helps trace the origins of enslaved individuals. The conversation highlights the significance of the unique Vale da Galfaria burial site and critiques the erasure of its history through modern developments. Oelze emphasizes the ethical aspects of handling ancestral remains and the importance of community engagement in repatriation efforts.

Dr. Jason Clarke, a cognitive scientist at the University of West London and author of *Constructing Experience*, dives into the brain's role as a prediction machine. He explores how expectation shapes perception and discusses the hierarchy of predictions influencing sensory experiences. Clarke explains the importance of attention in consciousness and highlights experiments revealing inattentional blindness and expectation-driven phenomena. He also connects these ideas to clinical implications, particularly in understanding hallucinations and mental health conditions.

Rebecca Love, an adult film performer and co-founder of the Adult Film Star Network, dives into the complexities of sex work. She shares her journey from college acting to the adult industry and how technology has transformed careers with platforms like OnlyFans. Discussing negative societal attitudes towards sex workers, she advocates for destigmatization, better health care, and recognition of consent. Rebecca also critiques the hypocrisy in public perceptions of sex work while promoting the empowerment and humanity of performers. Her insights challenge assumptions and highlight the diverse paths within the industry.