

The Mind Killer
Wesley Fenza
Your hosts Wesley Fenza, Eneasz Brodski, and David Spearman discuss the week's news. mindkiller.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 31min
Episode 130 - There's a New Tariff in Town
The hosts dive into the chaotic world of tariffs, discussing recent implementations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and how they affect trade relations. A serious conversation follows about a measles outbreak and the contentious role of vaccinations in public health. Political tensions heat up with critiques of major appointments and the implications of U.S. foreign policy on Venezuela. Humor infuses discussions on unusual tariff practices and the complexities of immigration law, highlighting today's absurdities with a satirical twist.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
129 - You're Fired!
The hosts tackle bizarre news, including the amusing arrest of Ziz. They dive into the chaos of recent executive orders that shrink the federal workforce and skepticism about proposed military budget cuts. The tumultuous political landscape in NYC, marked by corruption claims, is scrutinized. They also discuss Steak and Shake’s quirky tallow fries and a concerning measles outbreak in Texas. Lastly, advancements in quantum computing and geopolitical tensions, including a cargo ship mishap near the Suez Canal, are explored with a blend of humor and skepticism.

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 37min
128 - Non-White Non-Straight Non-Men
The hosts share amusing anecdotes about bizarre Philly events and celebrate the Eagles' Super Bowl win. They delve into the reinstatement of PEPFAR and its global health impact, while also discussing the chaotic antics of a political figure. Revelations about drone sightings and their ties to hobbyists stir debate, alongside critiques of executive power and budget challenges. They tackle identity issues faced by non-binary individuals and explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, all wrapped in a mix of humor and skepticism.

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 44min
127 - Executive Onslaught
Dive into the wild world of politics as the hosts tackle fire-damaged property laws and the absurdity of political actions like executive orders. They celebrate Philly’s quirky traditions around the Eagles' win and dissect the complexities of U.S. immigration policies. Expect laughs as they critique Biden's ceasefire efforts in Gaza and the turbulence of artificial intelligence advancements. From capuchin monkeys to Barbie film critiques, this podcast blends humor with thought-provoking discussions on societal themes.

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
Episode 126 - FIRE Water Burn
A fascinating discussion unfolds as the hosts dive into the effects of congestion pricing in Manhattan, showing early successes in traffic reduction. They humorously compare cities while dissecting a controversial court ruling regarding Trump. Serious environmental crises are highlighted, particularly with the ongoing LA wildfires and rebuilding challenges. The humor continues with a critique of current political decisions, such as Biden's block on a major steel sale, and the hosts offer a skeptical look at social media's evolving landscape alongside poignant reflections on recent scientific achievements.

Jan 1, 2025 • 56min
Episode 125 - The Newspapers Say Say Say It's True
Join the discussion as hosts dive into the impact of Biden commuting death row sentences and the ethical dilemmas surrounding capital punishment. Explore the chaotic legal battles involving Trump, the scrutiny of labor strikes like the Teamsters hitting Amazon, and the complexities of H-1B visa regulations. Delve into the peculiar intersection of holiday cheer and military incidents, punctuated with a bizarre Russian propaganda featuring Santa. Plus, marvel at advancements such as a gene-edited pig kidney transplant in humans!

Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 22min
Episode 124 - It's-a Luigi time!
Explore the legal drama surrounding the acquittal of Daniel Penny in a subway incident that raises questions about public safety and mental health. Delve into healthcare struggles, from corporate greed to global politics, spotlighting a South Korean president's martial law declaration and troubling lawsuit against Amazon over shipping delays. Laughter meets controversy in discussions on healthcare choices for young people and Boeing's legal woes, all while tackling geopolitical tensions in Syria and breakthroughs in quantum computing.

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 14min
Episode 123 - The Pardoner's Tale
Wes, Eneasz, and David keep the rationalist community informed about what’s going on outside of the rationalist communitySupport us on Substack!News discussed:Wes was right! Biden pardoned HunterEducation secretary getting TombstonedFBI investigating numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointeesTrump threatens 25% tariffs on Canada and MexicoTrump is already laying the groundwork to say “mission accomplished”Sinaloa Cartel announces it will kill anyone who makes - or uses as an adulterant - fentanyl for sale in the US.The Government is coming for the money appsBiden DoJ trying to force Google to sell Chrome browserHezbollah only ceased fire long enough to eat lunch and reload. Who could possibly have seen this coming.Ceasefire precipitated a reignition of the Syrian Civil WarAnd Assad fled to Russia.Russia struck Ukraine with multiple ICBM’s… or maybe MRBM’s with MIRV’s… which did nothing.US gives permission for Ukraine to strike in Russia with long range misslesUS gives "non-persistent" anti-personnel mines to UkraineNetanyahu indicted by International Criminal CourtNinety-seven trucks lost and their drivers were forced at gunpoint to unload their aid after crossing into GazaUN has now paused aidGeorgia is now on day 4 of riots and govt resignationsAustralian Parliament bans social media for under-16sHead of Adani Group - Indian multinational conglomerate - and 7 others indicted in US court for bribes of Indian officials of over $250MSouth Korea opens a rooftop Starbucks with a bunch of those quarter-operated binoculars so people can gawk at North Korea.Happy News!orcas have been seen wearing salmon as hats!Australian man holding on to impenetrable rock for a decade finds out it’s a metoriteWalmart rolls back DEI, will no longer discriminate based on race and sex!First new treatment in 50 years for asthma!New carbon capture method just droppedCanadian woman saves boy from drowning in ice waterA hiker has been found after being missing for 50 days in a park in British ColombiaTroop DeploymentsDavid - The Dragon’s BankerEneasz - Lightcone, the folks running LessWrong.com and Lighthaven, are in fundraiser mode.Wes - Everything is non-binaryGot something to say? Come chat with us on the Bayesian Conspiracy Discord or email us at themindkillerpodcast@gmail.com. Say something smart and we’ll mention you on the next show!Follow us!RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themindkillerGoogle: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iqs7r7t6cdxw465zdulvwikhekmPocket Casts: https://pca.st/vvcmifu6Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mind-killerApple: Intro/outro music: On Sale by Golden Duck Orchestra This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindkiller.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 5min
Episode 122 - It's MAGA Time!
Wes, Eneasz, and David keep the rationalist community informed about what’s going on outside of the rationalist communitySupport us on Substack!News discussed:Polymarket whale-bet explained!Interesting analysisLol, it’s back down nowIndictments against Trump will be dismissed, Jack Smith to resign Trump says he’ll close the Department of EducationWill ease restrictions on self-driving carsTrump already making appointmentsPharma & biotech stocks immediately fellTrump made him eat McDonaldsTwo days later the House Ethics Committee was going to release a report about his behaviorIt was going to include testimony from a woman who said Gaetz had sex with her when she was 17Republicans chose John Thune as Majority LeaderDC Circuit found CEQ has no rulemaking authorityThere’s currently a case pending before SCOTUS involving the same issueFBI raided the home of Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan Jewish soccer fans attacked in AmsterdamUS said it will not limit arms transfers to Israel a month after warning IsraelBaguette News! Schneider Electric ransomware crew demands $125k paid in baguettesUS authorizes unlimited use of long-range munitions against targets in Russian territoryRussia threatens “escalation” again, 5 more times this year and we get a free coffeeHappy News!Lost Vonnegut Board Game is now availableNotre Dame’s bells tolled for the first time in years last weekGot something to say? Come chat with us on the Bayesian Conspiracy Discord or email us at themindkillerpodcast@gmail.com. Say something smart and we’ll mention you on the next show!Follow us!RSS: http://feeds.feedburner.com/themindkillerGoogle: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iqs7r7t6cdxw465zdulvwikhekmPocket Casts: https://pca.st/vvcmifu6 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-mind-killer Apple: Intro/outro music: On Sale by Golden Duck Orchestra This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mindkiller.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 36min
Episode 121 - Election Eve!
The podcast dives into the intriguing world of politics as the election looms, touching on the Philly DA's lawsuit against Elon Musk over an illegal lottery. Captivating discussions illuminate the ethical implications of gambling intertwined with elections and reveal the Supreme Court's controversial voter roll decisions. Humorously critiquing Puerto Rican identity, the hosts explore cybersecurity threats and military actions between Israel and Iran. With light-hearted takes on futuristic innovations and a heartfelt apology from Biden, the episode captivates with its blend of serious and playful dialogue.


