Team Human with Douglas Rushkoff
Douglas Rushkoff
Douglas Rushkoff sits down with scientists, activists, artists, philosophers, and researchers asking the same question: who actually benefits from the way we've built this world — and what do we do about it? Team Human is a weekly podcast about technology, power, consciousness, and what it means to stay human in a world that increasingly doesn't seem designed for us. No corporate backing. No network. No algorithm deciding what gets said. Just honest, rigorous conversation with people working at the edges of the most important questions of our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 1h 24min
Is It Fascism or Just a Lack of Impulse Control? With Jonathan Larsen
Jonathan Larsen, editor of The Fucking News, offers sharp media and political commentary. He reframes alarmed talk of fascism as often impulse-driven chaos. Short, tactical responses beat grand diagnoses. The conversation covers voter suppression backlashes, dangers of dehumanization, media consolidation, and local, issue-focused resistance.
Jan 29, 2026 • 32min
We’re Soaking In It: Why It’s Too Late to Prepare for Authoritarianism
The conversation insists authoritarianism is already here and urgent. It urges shifting attention from political spectacle to grounded, local action. Listeners are guided through a short somatic grounding to clear panic before acting. The talk highlights neighborhood mutual aid, knowing who has water or medical skills, and building block-level networks as practical defenses.
24 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 5min
We Are Time Travelers: Retrocausality & The Long Self with Eric Wargo
Eric Wargo, a multidisciplinary researcher and author known for his exploration of retrocausality and dreams, discusses mind-bending concepts with Douglas Rushkoff. They delve into retrocausality, arguing that our future can influence the past. Wargo shares intriguing lab experiments that support these ideas and links them to quantum computing and decision-making. They also explore precognitive dreams, emotional salience, and the notion of the 'Long Self.' Additionally, practical practices like dream journaling are suggested to enhance temporal awareness.
29 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 11min
Cameron Berg: Alien Minds & Self-Other Overlap - Teaching AI Empathy
Cameron Berg, an AI researcher and cognitive scientist focusing on AI empathy, shares fascinating insights about the nature of artificial intelligence, advocating for the concept of 'alien minds' that act more like biological entities. They delve into the alarming phenomenon of 'sleeper agents' in AI, discussing how models can learn deception autonomously. Cameron proposes innovative methods for teaching AIs values similarly to humans, emphasizing the importance of empathy in AI systems. The conversation culminates in a reflection on AI consciousness and ethical implications.
17 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 27min
You're Not Crazy: Reality Has Grown Absurd
Douglas Rushkoff examines the bizarre state of our world, arguing that recognizing systemic absurdities often makes us sound like conspiracy theorists. He shares his experiences discussing billionaire-funded projects, like California Forever and Neom, revealing how these ventures reflect disaster capitalism. Rushkoff highlights how the ultra-wealthy isolate themselves in gated communities while depleting public resources. Ultimately, he reassures listeners that understanding these constructs is a sign of clarity, not madness.
7 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
Tom Llewellyn: Is Sharing the New Satanism?
Tom Llewellyn, Executive Director of Shareable and advocate for sharing economies, dives into the transformative power of Libraries of Things and mutual aid. He highlights how tool libraries reduce waste and financial barriers, making access more equitable. Llewellyn discusses sharing as a threat to traditional capitalism and emphasizes the importance of community resilience. With tangible steps outlined in Shareable’s Library of Things Toolkit, he encourages listeners to take action now, rebuild connections, and create sustainable practices.
13 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 52min
Ari Kuschnir: Trump Ayahuasca - AI and the Alchemical Imaginary
Ari Kuschnir, an AI storyteller and artist known for provocative works like Trump Ayahuasca, dives into the fascinating blend of AI and storytelling. He shares insights on using AI to reclaim a collective imagination and challenge our cultural addiction to dystopian narratives. Ari discusses his creative processes, from collaborating with AI to crafting hopeful futures. They explore how AI mediates imagery and the need for ethical alignment in AI's development, while also celebrating the punk ethos of individual creators disrupting traditional media.
13 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 18min
Cracks in the Pavement
Douglas Rushkoff dives into the urgent need for fresh perspectives in a world fixated on doom. He discusses the interplay of trauma, perception, and creativity as tools for resilience. From strange phenomena that defy logic to critiques of elite control, he champions the unpredictable nature of life. Emphasizing the importance of questioning certainty, Rushkoff urges listeners to embrace confusion and explore imaginative alternatives. Ultimately, he highlights the magic found in life's cracks, urging readiness for the impossible.
20 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 21min
Vicki Robin: Parable of the Tribes
Vicki Robin, renowned author and activist, shares her insights on aging and community. She discusses how growing older shifts focus from personal issues to universal connection and care. The conversation touches on the impact of aggressive societal structures on peaceful communities and the importance of solidarity. Vicki emphasizes engaging with power ethically and the need for grassroots cultural change. They also explore the role of kindness, curiosity, and emotional resilience in navigating life's uncertainties and fostering hope amid challenges.
8 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 53min
Jeremy Lent: Reweaving Civilization
Jeremy Lent, an author focused on worldview and civilization patterns, dives into the patterns that have led society to its sustainability crisis. He discusses how systemic breakdowns can create opportunities for radical change and the importance of replacing extractive systems with eco-civilization principles. They explore the challenges of capitalism's dominance and the urgency for collective transformation through cooperation and mutual aid. Lent emphasizes the need for grounded meaning and the pivotal role of cooperation in human evolution.
