Point Counterpoint

#69 - Election Malarkey and Jorge Luis Borges

Host Chris Wright is back at it again with his usual malarkey. Election time has come, execute episode 69 (*juvenile giggling*). I also read some poetry, and discuss some ideas by Jorge Luis Borges. I call also call out some pseudoscience and expose stupidity. What is the nature of ownership of a creative work? Why is it okay to copy another work? These questions and more will be answered. Follow Point Counterpoint on Instagram: @pointcounterpointpodcast Join the Point Counterpoint Community: ht...

#68 - Deepfake Shenanigans and I'm Almost There

Host Chris Wright starts out with a little news in the realm of artificial technology. He also talks poetry, music, and history. Link to "Wired" article: Click here Follow Point Counterpoint on Instagram: @pointcounterpointpodcast Join the Point Counterpoint Community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/ Shop everything Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/PointCounterpointPodcast/...

#67 - Mike Tyson, The Time Has Come

Host Chris Wright returns to the original KUST studio to cover several topics. He would like to appologize for not doing a Star Wars episode for the 66th episode, but promises to make it up to you. He mentions Mike Tyson, the Mars opposition 2020, poetry, and his recent interview with Zach Leary. Follow Point Counterpoint on Instagram: @pointcounterpointpodcast Join the Point Counterpoint Community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/ Shop everything Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshir...

#66 - Zach Leary on Psychedelics and Better Living

Zach Leary is a psychedelic advocate, Bhakti yoga instructor, and futurist. His father was famous Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary, 1960s cultural icon whose mantra was "Tune in, turn on, drop out." He is known for several famous studies including the Good Friday Experiment (Marsh Chapel Experiment) and the Concord Prison Experiment. Zach can be found on Instagram: @zachlearydrome And his website, which will be up again soon: zachleary.com For more information on Alex Grey and his artwork, vis...

#65 - The Nightmare That Is a Reality: But How Real Does It Seem?

Join host Chris Wright for a special presentation and discussion of the essay from January 9, 1944 in the New York Times: "The Nightmare That Is a Reality," by Arthur Koestler. For more information, look up Witold Pilecki who was a Polish cavalry officer, intelligence officer, and resistance agent during WWII that went undercover inside the Auschwitz concentration camp. Also be sure to check out the Milgram Experiment, the Zimbardo Experiment, and the Ash Conformity Experiment. You can find the ...

#64 - A Very Artificial Podcast

Host Chris Wright doesn't speak at all in this episode, but lets the AI do the speaking for him. The very first podcast to be composed solely of AI generated content, even the theme song. Join the Point Counterpoint Community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/ Shop all things Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/PointCounterpointPodcast/ Follow Point Counterpoint on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointcounterpointpodcast/...

#63 - What's Going on in Xinjiang?!

Host Chris Wright kicks off the show with a little history and then delves into other topics such as the Uyghurs, some evolution, and more! Join the Point Counterpoint Community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/ Shop all things Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/PointCounterpointPodcast/ Follow Point Counterpoint on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointcounterpointpodcast/...

#62 - Language and the Fermi Paradox

Host Chris Wright is back at it with more interesting and entertaining content. He talks about language, the Fermi Paradox, and the Fischer Principle as well as some other topics. Make sure to check out the sponsor, the HITSAVERS app, available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. HITSAVERS on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hitsavers/id1499091385 HITSAVERS on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hitsavers&hl=en_US Join the Point Counterpoi...

#61 - The Ballad of Solemnity and Snakes

Host Chris Wright gets the ball rolling with mentioning a great, recent book in the Hunger Games Series, "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." He also talks about the relationship between the Romans and the Germanic tribes, and eventually he dives into some current issues. This episode of the podcast is brought to you by the HitSavers app from Dr. Lunide Louis, available on the Google Play Store HitSavers on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hitsavers&hl=en_US Lu...

#60 - 2020 Is A Bad Trip

Host Chris Wright talks about some topics related to recent events including the COVID-19 epidemic, the tragic murder of George Floyd, and the recent tremors that occurred around Yellowstone National Park (as there is a super-volcano beneath it). Check out my latest musical release: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5FYvMrDtN02vZuuFyjAcDY?si=RLsCPsfLRhecqzyVeUPung Join the Point Counterpoint community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/ Buy everything Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshir...

#59 - Consciousness and The Music of Now

Host Chris Wright has some cool topics. He talks about music from India and plays a sample. He wishes the late Israel Kamakawiwoʻole a happy 61st birthday. He tells the old tale of the Sapsorrow and discusses consciousness.

#58 - The Anthropic Principle and The Tale of Three

Host Chris Wright starts out with some news about Elon Musk's new son, X Æ A-12. He talks about the fact that so many presidential candidates have their own podcasts. He also gives some good advice as far a staying safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially after Governor Tim Walz's recent announcement. He also tells a riveting story about the 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days. Join the Point Counterpoint Community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/ Shop all things Point Counterpoint...

#57 - The Tragic Tale of Lady Jane Grey

There have been a myriad of tragic tales and unfortunate instances throughout human history. Many involve specific individuals, while others are stories about groups of people. Lady Jane Grey, cousin of Edward VI of England and great-niece of Henry VIII of England. Although the "Nine Days' Queen" did not have a long reign, her legacy continued for some time. Her presence in the politics of 16th century Tutor England sent ripples out for years to come. Join the Point Counterpoint community: https...

#56 - The Beatles and Alabama Song Origins

Host Chris Wright answers a question about how best to use our time during these dark days. He reads some news that's unrelated to the COVID-19 outbreak. He tells an old Celtic folktale. He also plays the original AND the Doors version of "Alabama Song" to highlight the difference. Shop everything Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/PointCounterpointPodcast/ Join the Point Counterpoint community: https://pointcounterpoint.locals.com/...

#55 - A Distraction from Corona and Intelligent Economies

Host Chris Wright is doing something different. Not only is he broadcasting from KUST remotely in Bemidji, but he is trying to make an episode to take your minds off of the Coronavirus/COVID-19. He plays some music, talks about some cool ideas in economics, and just tries to have some fun. Make sure to be ready for his EP release that will come out at an undisclosed time. Shop all things Point Counterpoint: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/PointCounterpointPodcast/ Join the Point Counterpoint commun...

#54 - Lord Fleming and the Weeping Willow: The Last Stand

Host Chris Wright brings on roommate Nico Lovichi from France as a guest on the show. He is the host of the amazing podcast ¡Choúkrüt! Together, they comprise the singer-songwriter duo, Lord Fleming and the Weeping Willow. This is the concert that you always wanted, but never got! The two play songs on the guitar and ukulele and also discuss the significance of these songs, as well as their personal experiences with some of these songs. Some of the original songs are making their first public ap...

#53 - Alien Encounters and.... The Proof?

Host Chris Wright starts the day off right by talking about the Fermi Paradox to explain the seeming lack of extraterrestrial encounters. He then talks about some possible actual encounters with aliens as well as some possible proof of ancient astronauts influencing human civilizations throughout history. Incidents include the Betz Ball, Barney and Betty Hill, and the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull. Some may be true, and some may not be. Point Counterpoint Merch Shop: https://shop.spreadshirt.com...

#52 - Ulysses S. Grant and Answering Your Questions

Host Chris Wright kicks off the episode by answering some fan questions. They ranged from dead presidents, to animals, to woodchucks, to 3D-printing, to Joe Biden, to Roque de la Fuente. He also explains why standing is better than sitting (when referring to the health implications of a sedentary lifestyle). He talks about how we never truly see ourselves. Chris also mentions how podcasting helps one truly know themselves by listening to their own voice. He also tells a story from Joey Diaz's po...

Point Counterpoint (Trailer)

#51 - Honey Badgers and Music For Your Cells

Host Chris Wright celebrates National Kahlúa Day by starting out with a throwback to some of his old YouTube videos (even the cringy ones). He also discusses the significance of the spiritual "Ain't Got Time to Die" and its history to honor Black History Month. He also looks at a journal article on the effects of music (and sound in general) on a cellular level, as in the vibrations affecting the cells. He discuss how honey badgers are badasses, as are Chimps (in true Rogan style). He also discu...

#50 - Fiftieth Anniversary Spectacular

Host Chris Wright brings on some exciting guests to make the show extra awesome. Michael House comes on the show again. Graeson Korte decides to make his grand return to the show, for the first time since last spring. They are also joined by a mystery guest. He is called many names, including: Elton Jagger, Chase, Joe Schmoe, John Doe, John Smith, and Lucas. They talk about a myriad of topics including handpans, famous last words, crocodilian zen, and national anthems (particularly those of Cana...

#49 - Antimatter and Frozen II

Host Chris Wright dives into some pretty awesome topics this week, as he is returning to KUST for the first time since the last decade (2019). He talks about a 2016 performance by Bemidji Vocalmotive, as well as some interesting memes on YouTube. He plays a good "Let it Go" meme from "Frozen". A "Frozen II" joke was made at the Oscar's which then killed itself, unlike Jeffrey Epstein who obviously did not kill himself. As part of his new segment, "Journal Club," he also reads part of a scientifi...

#48 - Maui and Humpback Whales

Host Chris Wright records another episode on the beautiful island of Maui. As part of a class studying humpback whales this J-Term, he is helping research efforts with the Pacific Whale Foundation. He has lots going on in this episode, so don't miss it!

#47 - Ricky Gervais, Whiskey, and a Guitar

Host Chris Wright kicks off the New Year with some fun stuff. He plays music on the guitar. He reviews "Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker." He analyzes Ricky Gervais' Golden Globes monologue. He also points out the distinction between whiskey tasting and drinking . The Roaring Twenties 2.0 are going to be a fun decade, especially 2020. Also, all of the month of April this year will be 4/20. Also, check out the awesome podcast ¡Choúkrüt!

#46 - The Roaring Twenties and Meditation

Host Chris Wright starts out by talking about his plan to improve the campus. He gets into some news and eventually into some fun music. He also mentions that this is the last episode, not only of this year, but of this decade. Soon it will be the Roaring Twenties 2.0 . He also talks about the Waking Up app and how it's free for the rest of the year. Then he does a guided meditation and some singing to wrap it all up.

#45 - Jaw Harps and a Puppy with Amnesia

Host Chris Wright talks about an instrument he plays called the "jaw harp" (or "Jew's harp"). He also says what he would do if he were president of the university, he mentions a spiritual/religious teacher Eckhart Tolle and explains his views. Then a puppy from the 1980s is mentioned that had a hard life and had dissociative amnesia due to her traumatic experiences and embarrassing incontinence. She became a prostitute and after being rescued from the streets, her story was finally pieced togeth...

#44 - AI Music and Pompeii Graffiti

Host Chris Wright starts off the day with some talk of the clinical benefits of many hallucinogenic compounds (DMT, LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, ayahuasca, mescaline, peyote, quechua, THC). He then talks about how artificial intelligence can make music and art even better than we can using algorithms. Is this okay? Plenty of examples are given, including Frédéric Chopin and a reference to South Park. He briefly discusses the way ideas spread online and the way gift giving SHOULD be done (not really). ...

#43 - Life Is Good and We Just Suck

Host Chris Wright talks about how much better life and the world are now compared to any other period in human history. Yet, we are unable to be happy about this and we are never amazed by what goes down. This is an idea also mentioned by Dr. Steven Pinker and comedian Louis C.K. Chris also just had his 21st birthday and was excited to leave to go down some of the nectar of the gods. He also gets musical and does most of the episode in the style of Dan Carlin from Hardcore History. To see the vi...

#42 - Voodoo and Music

Host Chris Wright arrives late to the show, but quickly gets the ball rolling with some talk about voodoo and an interesting hypothetical [question]. He also expands more on a previous topic of preference falsification in regards to online extremism. As per usual, he sings and plays some music (part of which is funny).

#41 - J Scott Christianson on Artificial Intelligence and Technology

J Scott Christianson is an assistant teaching professor at the University of Missouri. As a technologist, he focuses on many different things. These include, artificial technology and how it is used to influence people, social media, big tech, and more. Scott is also an entrepreneur. Check him out at his websites: https://www.christiansonjs.com/ https://www.christiansonjs.com/learn-about-ai/ His twitter: https://twitter.com/JScottMO His YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPTIoqirZKP7bnI9h...