Dan Flores is an American historian and bestselling author known for his work on the environmental and cultural history of the American West. His books include Coyote America and American Serengeti, both acclaimed for their rich storytelling and scientific insight. A former professor at the University of Montana, he now lives in New Mexico and has appeared in documentaries and on shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and Ken Burns’ The American Buffalo.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Technical Challenges
04:04 Art and Nature: A Personal Connection
06:58 Exploring Human History and Imagination
11:56 The Creative Process: Balancing Structure and Imagination
24:02 Understanding Our Relationship with Animals
34:48 Environmental Awareness and Indigenous Wisdom
53:57 Cultural Reflections and Political Statements

Dave "Hughesy" Hughes is one of Australia’s most recognisable comedians, known for his dry delivery, self-deprecating humour, and no-nonsense charm. He broke through in stand-up before becoming a familiar face on shows like The Project, The Glass House, and Hughesy, We Have a Problem. On radio, he's co-hosted hit programs like Hughesy & Kate.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Podcast Studio Setup and Its Challenges
03:00 The Art of Interviewing and Connecting with People
05:51 Health, Fitness, and Lifestyle Changes
09:05 Nutrition and Whole Foods
11:56 Running, Training, and Personal Stories
17:55 Comedy, Work Ethic, and Creative Process
22:01 Politics, Comedy, and Social Commentary
29:57 Government Spending and Public Services
32:46 COVID-19 Policies and Public Perception
36:00 Political Commentary and Media Representation
40:22 The Comedy Scene and Political Satire
43:50 Personal Growth and Ego in Comedy
47:48 Life Lessons and the Nature of Success
54:46 Sports, Community, and Shared Experiences

Marc D. Hauser is a cognitive neuroscientist and evolutionary biologist whose work focuses on how childhood experiences shape brain development, behavior, and resilience. He’s spent years studying everything from primates to school children, combining insights from biology and psychology to understand how we adapt, recover, and grow—especially in the face of early adversity. Today, he applies that research globally through education and humanitarian work, helping children thrive in challenging environments. His latest book, Vulnerable Minds, explores the impact of trauma and the power of resilience.

Vince Beiser is an award-winning journalist and author known for investigating the hidden forces that shape our world. His work focuses on the raw materials behind modern life—from sand to the critical "power metals" driving the clean energy transition. With a sharp eye for global systems and their human impact, Vince reveals the environmental, political, and ethical costs of progress. His reporting has appeared in The New York Times, Wired, The Atlantic, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation and Personal Interests
03:00 The Hidden Costs of Technology Production
06:03 The Paradox of Renewable Energy
09:14 Mining Practices and Global Implications
11:53 The Role of Indigenous Rights in Mining
15:00 The Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles
18:05 Individual Responsibility vs. Systemic Change
20:58 Class Disparities in Environmental Responsibility
25:15 Urban Mobility and Sustainable Transportation
30:31 Politics of Transportation and Climate Change
35:27 The Complexities of Recycling
42:40 Optimism vs. Pessimism in Environmental Progress

Barbara Oakley, a professor of engineering at Oakland University, is a leading expert in learning science known for making complex learning accessible to all. She co-created the massively popular online course Learning How to Learn, which has reached millions worldwide, and delivered a widely viewed TEDx talk of the same name that offers practical, brain-based strategies for improving how we learn. Her books, including A Mind for Numbers and Learning How to Learn (co-authored with Terrence Sejnowski), provide science-backed tools to help students and professionals alike master difficult subjects, especially in areas like math and science.

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00 Exploring Learning and Misconceptions
03:03 The Impact of Age on Learning
06:03 Video Games and Cognitive Flexibility
09:02 The Controversy of Alzheimer's Research
12:07 The Importance of Free Speech
14:58 Navigating Expert Opinions and Trust
18:01 The Evolution of University Discourse
34:42 Navigating Trust in Experts
35:55 The Complexity of Altruism
39:10 Shifting Worldviews Through Experience
41:36 Holding Opinions Loosely
46:54 Maintaining Positivity in Conversations
49:15 Learning at Any Age
55:13 Leveraging AI for Learning
01:01:01 The Future of Learning with AI

David Christian is a historian best known for founding the field of Big History, which connects insights from science and the humanities to tell the story of the universe from the Big Bang to today. He co-created the Big History Project to bring this interdisciplinary approach to schools worldwide. In his popular TED Talk, The History of Our World in 18 Minutes, he outlines humanity’s place in a vast, interconnected cosmos through key moments of increasing complexity.

Joel Salatin is a prominent American farmer, author, and advocate for sustainable agriculture, often described as an influential voice in the alternative farming movement. He runs Polyface Farm in Virginia, where he practices and promotes regenerative farming techniques that prioritize animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and local food systems. Salatin is known for his outspoken criticism of industrial agriculture and has written several books encouraging a return to more traditional and ethical farming practices. His work emphasizes the importance of connecting consumers with their food sources and advocating for a decentralized, community-based food economy.

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction and Inspiration for Sustainable Farming
01:21 Sustainable Farming on Small Farms and in Urban Areas
03:14 Embracing a Mindset of What Can I Do with What I Have
04:39 The Self-Indulgence and Status of Growing Food
05:30 The Disconnect from Nature and the Importance of Nature Connection
08:22 The Wonder and Awe of Nature
13:01 The Loss of Wonder in a Techno-Sophisticated Culture
17:19 The Potential of Seeds and the Need for Proper Land Management
21:42 Navigating Frustration and Opposition in the Industry
25:02 Starting Conversations with Good Intent and Finding Common Ground
35:47 The Disconnect between Industrial Agriculture and Natural Cycles
41:33 The Rise in Allergies and Decline in Biodiversity
51:12 The Impact of Convenience on Food Quality
59:38 Challenges Faced by Alternative Farming Practices

TRANSCRIPT:
https://share.transistor.fm/s/65fed18b/transcript.txt

EPISODE LINKS:
Joel's Website: https://www.thelunaticfarmer.com/

PODCAST INFO:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdpxjDVYNfJuth9Oo4z2iGQ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pop-culture/id1584438354
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gWvUUYFwFvzHUnMdlmTaI
RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/popculture

SOCIALS:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tysonpopplestone/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tysonpopplestone9467

John Perkins is an American author known for his book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman," published in 2004. In the book, Perkins describes his role as an economic hitman, working for a consulting firm contracted by the U.S. government to facilitate development projects in developing countries. He describes how these projects were often a cover for promoting the interests of large corporations, pushing nations into debt and dependency. "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" became a bestseller and remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an extended period, sparking debate about American foreign policy and economic imperialism.

EPISODE OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction and Compelling Opening
00:58 John Perkins' Role and Job Description
03:06 Conditionalities and Making Countries Subservient
04:05 Believing in the Right Thing and Measuring Prosperity
05:21 Wealth Disparity and Misleading Economic Reporting
06:18 Benefits for the Elite and Lack of Benefits for the Population
07:39 Awareness of the Terms and Conditions
08:20 Legal Bribing and Promises of Benefits
09:17 Scholarships and Connections with Universities
10:45 Working for a Private Company and Entry into Conversations
11:49 Offering Grants and Negotiating Loans
15:38 The Role of Jackals and Subtle Threats
19:33 Understanding the Truth and Confronting the Jaguar
22:22 Debt and Perception of its Impact
25:29 Difficulties in Following the Truth and Ethics
27:47 Believing in the Right Thing and Denial
30:42 Confronting the Jaguar and Changing the System
31:13 Transitioning to a Life Economy
32:32 Internal Struggle and Awakening
35:26 Leaving the Industry and Finding a New Path
38:42 Writing Confessions of an Economic Hitman
39:38 Resistance and Threats
42:12 The Decision to Publish the Book
46:26 Media Response and Influence
53:28 Power of Independent Media
59:09 Mainstream Media and Advertiser Influence
01:02:18 Media Bias and Freedom of the Press

TRANSCRIPT:
https://share.transistor.fm/s/7aa5e78d/transcript.txt

EPISODE LINKS:

John's Website: https://johnperkins.org

PODCAST INFO:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdpxjDVYNfJuth9Oo4z2iGQ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pop-culture/id1584438354
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2gWvUUYFwFvzHUnMdlmTaI
RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/popculture

SOCIALS:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tysonpopplestone/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tysonpopplestone9467