What's What
111 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★ - 5 ratingsFusing counterculture ideas, Earth-conscious living, and traditional Eastern philosophy and spirituality; host Chris Siracuse takes a critical look at the progressive ideology shaping mainstream industrialized society and explores alternative paths for the development of the modern world.
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Episodes
Ep 20: Power, Privilege, and Why JFK's Assassination Still Matters
June 13, 2023 04:01 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MBThe assassination of President John F. Kennedy in November of 1963 was one of the most significant events of the 20th century. Over the past 60 years, a slew of stories have been told about who killed the president and why - elements of the CIA and American military, the Soviets, Castro and the Cubans, the mafia, or some strange amalgamation of them all? One thing we know for sure is the story the Warren Commission tells about Lee Harvey Oswald being the one and only person involved in the a...
Ep 19: Death, Suicide, and Spiritual Resilience
June 02, 2023 06:52 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBDeath is a topic that is often avoided or ignored, but it is one of the few things that is absolutely certain for living beings. In this episode of What's What, Rushi and Chris discuss Eastern and Western perspectives on death, the moral problems with suicide and medically assisted dying, and the spiritual aspects of the dying process. “When death comes, it's just like winter. We don't say, 'There ought not to be winter.' That the winter season, when the leaves fall and the snow comes, is s...
Ep 18: Artificial Intelligence and Creative Expression
May 26, 2023 06:30 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBFor better or worse, the introduction of ChatGPT to the public was a monumental moment for the development of the human species. AI technologies will re-shape every aspect of society and they are ushering in a new era of creative expression - what will this new world look like and how will we maintain the spiritual essence of the human experience as machines take more and more control of our lives? In this episode of What's What, Rushi and Chris offer their take and explore ways to utilize t...
Ep 17: What is Propaganda?
May 19, 2023 06:30 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBOn the surface, propaganda is relatively simple - it is the dissemination of information (facts, arguments, rumors, half-truths, or lies) to influence public opinion and it is often used to promote a specific political cause or point of view. But the discussion around propaganda becomes much more complex when we start to ask questions about intent. It is easy to look at opposing view points and say we know the intent behind them and label them as propaganda, disinformation, or misinformation...
Ep 16: Taoism, Transgenderism, and Political Systems (Part 3 of the Eastern Philosophy Mini-Series)
May 12, 2023 06:30 - 1 hour - 66.7 MBTaoism (or Daoism) emerged in China around 500 BCE when the philosopher Lao Tzu wrote the Tao Te Ching. The word Tao has many translations but one of the most common is "the flow of nature" or according to Alan Watts "the course of things". At the heart of Taoist philosophy is the belief that the best way to maintain order is to not try to maintain order. By relinquishing our desire for control, we create space for spontaneity and adaptability. Just as a river flows effortlessly, finding its...
Ep 15: Buddhism - The Origins, Beliefs, and Relevance in the Modern World (Part 2 of the Eastern Philosophy Mini-Series)
May 05, 2023 06:30 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBIndia the 6th-5th centuries BCE... according to legend, the Hindu prince Siddhartha Gautama renounced his position and wealth to seek enlightenment as a spiritual ascetic. It is said that he reached enlightenment while meditating under a bodhi tree, and thus became the Buddha. He began to preach his path to others and the religion of Buddhism was born. In part two of our mini-series on Eastern philosophy, Rushi and Chris delve into the core beliefs of Buddhism such as the Four Noble Truths...
Ep 14: Hinduism - The Origins, Beliefs, and Relevance in the Modern World (Part 1 of the Eastern Philosophy Mini-Series)
April 28, 2023 06:30 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBHinduism is thought to be the world's oldest religion, and it includes many different systems of philosophy, belief, and ritual. But to some, Hinduism is not a religion at all, but rather a lifestyle or simply a way of being. In part one of our mini-series on Eastern philosophy, Rushi and Chris dig into the history, myths, and influence of Hinduism; and how these ancient beliefs are shaping the modern world. What lessons can we learn from Hindu texts like the Vedas, the Ramayana, and the Bha...
Ep 13: Industrialized Agriculture and Reviving Traditional Food Wisdom
April 21, 2023 06:30 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBTwo questions are at the core of discussions about sustainable agriculture, food, and health (individual and ecosystem health): Where does our food come from and how is it grown or produced? In this episode of What's What, Rushi and Chris dig into industrial food systems and explore solutions to the challenges around producing enough food to feed the growing population of the planet, while also keeping ourselves healthy and our environment clean. They touch on regenerative and biodynamic far...
Ep 12: Science, Mysticism, and the Intelligence of Nature with Lawrence Blair
April 14, 2023 06:30 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBLawrence Blair is an anthropologist, author, explorer, and filmmaker. He is the writer, presenter, and co-producer of "Ring of Fire: An Indonesian Odyssey" (1988) a series of five documentary films following the decade-long journey of Lawrence and his brother Lorne, and their search for the lost cultures and forgotten traditions of Indonesia. He is also the author of the 1976 book "Rhythms of Vision: The Changing Patterns of Belief" in which he explores sacred geometry, energy, chakras, and ...
Ep 11: How To Die Happy with Martin O'Toole
February 22, 2023 08:44 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBIn this episode of What's What, Chris sits down with author and philosopher Martin O'Toole to discuss his upcoming book, How To Die Happy. Cherry-picking Eastern philosophies like Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism - and introducing mindfulness, psychological practices, and tales of the miraculous healing power of ayahuasca - How To Die Happy distills the secrets to living and dying well. Part curated wisdom, part handbook, part memoir, this inspirational text offers a blend of ancient lesso...
Ep 10: The Digital Abstraction of Reality
January 04, 2023 10:23 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MBThe Internet is a digital abstraction of physical life and reality, and this abstraction continues to dominate more and more of our lives. In this episode of What's What, Rushi and Chris discuss social media, the metaverse, and the effects of technology on the individual mind and society as a whole.
Ep 09: The Neurosis of Civilization and A Tribal Future
December 04, 2022 06:10 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBIn this episode, Rushi and Chris dig a little deeper on Alan Watts, the Sausalito Houseboat Summit of 1967, and the vision of a tribal future as the ultimate manifestation of dropping out. They also discuss the hyper-commercialized spiritual movements in Bali and the current state of the counterculture movement.
Ep 08: The Course of Nature According to Alan Watts
November 24, 2022 06:23 - 36 minutes - 33 MBAlan Watts is best known for being one of the first to interpret Eastern philosophy and religion for Western audiences, and has been described as having the gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable’. Watts combined Taoist, Buddhist, and Hindu teachings with his own personal philosophy - forming a unique, eloquent, and inspiring perspective on humankind, nature, and the universe. In this episode, Rushi and Chris focus on Watts’s thoughts on the course of nature and returning to our ‘origin...
Ep 07: Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, and The Revolution of Consciousness (Part 2)
October 27, 2022 05:49 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn part two, Rushi and Chris discuss the legacy of Leary and Dass, the current state of the ‘revolution of consciousness’, and the next chapter in the story of psychedelic counterculture with a new generation carrying the torch.
Ep 06: Timothy Leary, Ram Dass, and The Revolution of Consciousness (Part 1)
September 30, 2022 11:46 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBTimothy Leary most commonly evokes images from the out of control psychedelic experimentation of the 1960s, and Ram Dass is often associated with the new age spiritual movements emerging in the west around that same time. But before they were counterculture icons, they were reputable psychologists and professors at Harvard University, and among the very first western researchers to study psilocybin. In part one of a two part series, Rushi and Chris tell the beginning of their story and how th...
Transitioning to What's What
September 22, 2022 13:21 - 1 minute - 1.5 MBStarting in September 2022, the Greener Us podcast will be changed to the What’s What podcast - we will no longer be producing The Blend or Greener Us episodes. If you’re a fan of What’s What, please continue to join me and Rushi as we revive the philosophy and literature at the heart of the counterculture movement of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s - using the work of Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, Buckminster Fuller, Krishnamurti, and others, we take a critical look at societal...
Transitioning from Greener Us to What's What
September 22, 2022 13:21 - 1 minute - 1.5 MBStarting in September 2022, the Greener Us podcast will be changed to the What’s What podcast - we will no longer be producing The Blend or Greener Us episodes. If you’re a fan of What’s What, please continue to join Chris and Rushi as they revive the philosophy and literature at the heart of the counterculture movement of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s - using the work of Aldous Huxley, Alan Watts, Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, Buckminster Fuller, Krishnamurti, and others, we take a critical look at ...
The Blend - July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022 08:19 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode of The Blend: Europe experiences extreme heat and the mainstream media loves it, a New Hampshire distillery turns invasive crabs into whiskey, the world’s largest carbon capture plant was switched on in Iceland, and lab-grown meat is in the limelight. NPR: Heat torches Southern Europe NPR: Invasive green crab whiskey IFLScience: Carbon capture plant in Iceland Forbes: Cultured meat --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://...
Greener Us: The Blend on July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022 08:19 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MBIn this episode of The Blend: Europe experiences extreme heat and the mainstream media loves it, a New Hampshire distillery turns invasive crabs into whiskey, the world’s largest carbon capture plant was switched on in Iceland, and lab-grown meat is in the limelight.
The Blend: July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022 08:19 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn this episode of The Blend: Europe experiences extreme heat and the mainstream media loves it, a New Hampshire distillery turns invasive crabs into whiskey, the world’s largest carbon capture plant was switched on in Iceland, and lab-grown meat is in the limelight. NPR: Heat torches Southern Europe NPR: Invasive green crab whiskey IFLScience: Carbon capture plant in Iceland Forbes: Cultured meat --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://ancho...
What's What Ep 05: What are Humans For? Thoughts on Alternative Education
May 20, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBIn this episode of What's What, Rushi and Chris introduce Krishnamurti and his connection to Aldous Huxley, and discuss their philosophy around alternative education. Themes through the show - What do we think we know and why do we think we know it? What are human beings for? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What's What Ep 05: What Are Humans For? Thoughts on Alternative Education
May 20, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBIn this episode of What's What, Rushi and Chris introduce Krishnamurti and his connection to Aldous Huxley, and discuss their philosophy around alternative education. Themes through the show - What do we think we know and why do we think we know it? What are human beings for?
The Weekly Blend - April 13, 2022
April 13, 2022 09:38 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode of The Weekly Blend: NPR explores eco-facism and the overlap between far-right politics and environmentalism, Science News touts ‘bubble-blowing’ drones for artificial pollination, a study from Ohio State University says that plants are better than technology for reducing air pollution, and grief can now be officially labeled as a mental disorder. From NPR: Eco-fascism From Science News: Bubble-blowing drones From Zee News: Plants better than tech From Science News: Mosqu...
Greener Us: The Blend on April 13, 2022
April 13, 2022 09:38 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBIn this episode of The Blend: NPR explores eco-facism and the overlap between far-right politics and environmentalism, Science News touts ‘bubble-blowing’ drones for artificial pollination, a study from Ohio State University says that plants are better than technology for reducing air pollution, and grief can now be officially labeled as a mental disorder.
The Blend - April 13, 2022
April 13, 2022 09:38 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode of The Blend: NPR explores eco-facism and the overlap between far-right politics and environmentalism, Science News touts ‘bubble-blowing’ drones for artificial pollination, a study from Ohio State University says that plants are better than technology for reducing air pollution, and grief can now be officially labeled as a mental disorder. From NPR: Eco-fascism From Science News: Bubble-blowing drones From Zee News: Plants better than tech From Science News: Mosquitos From PO...
The Blend: April 13, 2022
April 13, 2022 09:38 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MBIn this episode of The Blend: NPR explores eco-facism and the overlap between far-right politics and environmentalism, Science News touts ‘bubble-blowing’ drones for artificial pollination, a study from Ohio State University says that plants are better than technology for reducing air pollution, and grief can now be officially labeled as a mental disorder. From NPR: Eco-fascism From Science News: Bubble-blowing drones From Zee News: Plants better than tech From Science News: Mosquitos From PO...
What's What Ep 04: Economies of Abundance, ‘Food of the Gods’ Continued, and Buckminster Fuller’s ‘Spaceship Earth’
April 01, 2022 07:31 - 1 hour - 56 MBAt the core of industrialized society is an economic idea based on scarcity. But Buckminster Fuller, Terence McKenna, and others presented an alternative perspective - abundance. In this episode of What’s What, Rushi and Chris continue discussing ‘Food of the Gods’ and introduce Fuller’s ‘The Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth’.
What’s What: Economies of Abundance, ‘Food of the Gods’ Continued, and Buckminster Fuller’s ‘Spaceship Earth’
April 01, 2022 07:31 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBAt the core of industrialized society is an economic idea based on scarcity. But Buckminster Fuller, Terence McKenna, and others presented an alternative perspective - abundance. In this episode of What’s What, Rushi and Chris continue discussing ‘Food of the Gods’ and introduce Fuller’s ‘The Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth’. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What’s What Ep 04: Economies of Abundance, ‘Food of the Gods’ Continued, and Buckminster Fuller’s ‘Spaceship Earth’
April 01, 2022 07:31 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBAt the core of industrialized society is an economic idea based on scarcity. But Buckminster Fuller, Terence McKenna, and others presented an alternative perspective - abundance. In this episode of What’s What, Rushi and Chris continue discussing ‘Food of the Gods’ and introduce Fuller’s ‘The Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth’. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Blend - March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this episode of The Blend: NPR complains about misinformation derailing their utopian energy vision, a cinematographer from SeaLegacy indulges himself while claiming to do conservation work, and a new dating app connects vegans and vegetarians. From NPR: Misinformation and renewable energy From CNN: SeaLegacy cinematographer From EcoWatch: Vegpal dating app for vegans and vegetarians --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Greener Us: The Blend on March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this episode of The Blend: NPR complains about misinformation derailing their utopian energy vision, a cinematographer from SeaLegacy indulges himself while claiming to do conservation work, and a new dating app connects vegans and vegetarians.
The Blend: March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this episode of The Blend: NPR complains about misinformation derailing their utopian energy vision, a cinematographer from SeaLegacy indulges himself while claiming to do conservation work, and a new dating app connects vegans and vegetarians. From NPR: Misinformation and renewable energy From CNN: SeaLegacy cinematographer From EcoWatch: Vegpal dating app for vegans and vegetarians --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Weekly Blend - March 30, 2022
March 30, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MBIn this episode of The Weekly Blend: NPR complains about misinformation derailing their utopian energy vision, a cinematographer from SeaLegacy indulges himself while claiming to do conservation work, and a new dating app connects vegans and vegetarians. From NPR: Misinformation and renewable energy From CNN: SeaLegacy cinematographer From EcoWatch: Vegpal dating app for vegans and vegetarians --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://ancho...
The Blend: March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022 07:51 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode of The Blend: turning human bodies into soil, the basics of hydrogen energy, and the world’s most notorious succulent thief. From NPR: Could our bodies help new life grow after we die? From The Washington Post: Here's what you need to know about hydrogen From The Guardian: The world's most notorious succulent thief --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Weekly Blend - March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022 07:51 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode of The Weekly Blend: turning human bodies into soil, the basics of hydrogen energy, and the world’s most notorious succulent thief. From NPR: Could our bodies help new life grow after we die? From The Washington Post: Here's what you need to know about hydrogen From The Guardian: The world's most notorious succulent thief --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Greener Us: The Blend on March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022 07:51 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBIn this episode of The Blend: turning human bodies into soil, the basics of hydrogen energy, and the world’s most notorious succulent thief.
The Blend - March 23, 2022
March 23, 2022 07:51 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode of The Blend: turning human bodies into soil, the basics of hydrogen energy, and the world’s most notorious succulent thief. From NPR: Could our bodies help new life grow after we die? From The Washington Post: Here's what you need to know about hydrogen From The Guardian: The world's most notorious succulent thief --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What's What: The Nostalgia for Paradise
March 18, 2022 05:12 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBIn this week's episode of What's What, Rushi & Chris discuss human evolution, psilocybin mushrooms, and Terrence McKenna’s book ‘Food of the Gods’. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
What's What Ep 03: The Stoned Ape Theory and Our Nostalgia for Paradise
March 18, 2022 05:12 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBIn this episode of What's What: human evolution, psilocybin mushrooms, and Terrence McKenna’s book ‘Food of the Gods’.
What's What: The Stoned Ape Theory and Our Nostalgia for Paradise
March 18, 2022 05:12 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBIn this episode of What's What: human evolution, psilocybin mushrooms, and Terrence McKenna’s book ‘Food of the Gods’. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
The Blend - March 2, 2022
March 02, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode of The Blend: Disney announces plans to build a residential community in the Palm Desert, Saudi Arabia touts an ambitious but dubious plan for a futuristic eco-city, and Coldplay’s eco-friendly tour starts this month in Costa Rica. From Forbes: Storyliving by Disney VIDEO: Announcing Storyliving From BBC: Saudi's planned eco-city VIDEO: Neom, the futuristic mega-city From Rolling Stone: Coldplay's sustainable tour Music of the Spheres World Tour --- This episode is sponsore...
The Blend: March 2, 2022
March 02, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode of The Blend: Disney announces plans to build a residential community in the Palm Desert, Saudi Arabia touts an ambitious but dubious plan for a futuristic eco-city, and Coldplay’s eco-friendly tour starts this month in Costa Rica. From Forbes: Storyliving by Disney VIDEO: Announcing Storyliving From BBC: Saudi's planned eco-city VIDEO: Neom, the futuristic mega-city From Rolling Stone: Coldplay's sustainable tour Music of the Spheres World Tour --- This episode is sponsore...
Greener Us: The Blend on March 2, 2022
March 02, 2022 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBIn this episode of The Blend: Disney announces plans to build a residential community in the Palm Desert, Saudi Arabia touts an ambitious but dubious plan for a futuristic eco-city, and Coldplay’s eco-friendly tour starts this month in Costa Rica.
The Weekly Blend - March 2, 2022
March 02, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 24.7 MBIn this episode of The Weekly Blend: Disney announces plans to build a residential community in the Palm Desert, Saudi Arabia touts an ambitious but dubious plan for a futuristic eco-city, and Coldplay’s eco-friendly tour starts this month in Costa Rica. From Forbes: Storyliving by Disney VIDEO: Announcing Storyliving From BBC: Saudi's planned eco-city VIDEO: Neom, the futuristic mega-city From Rolling Stone: Coldplay's sustainable tour Music of the Spheres World Tour --- This episo...
The Blend: February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022 05:57 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBPrescription drugs in the world’s rivers, the changing smell of snow, and the Center for Biological Diversity supports a federal plan to gun down feral cows from helicopters. Also, we’ll take a look at the documentary film, Purple Mountains, featuring professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. From BBC: Rivers and prescription drugs From The Washington Post: The smell of snow From AP: Gunning down feral cows Documentary film, Purple Mountains Follow us on Instagram @greenerusmedia --- This epi...
Finding Common Ground
February 16, 2022 05:57 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBThis week on Greener Us: prescription drugs in the world’s rivers, the changing smell of snow, and the Center for Biological Diversity supports a federal plan to gun down feral cows from helicopters. Also, we’ll take a look at the documentary film, Purple Mountains, featuring professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. From BBC: Rivers and prescription drugs From The Washington Post: The smell of snow From AP: Gunning down feral cows Documentary film, Purple Mountains Follow us on Instagram ...
Greener Us: The Blend on February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022 05:57 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBPrescription drugs in the world’s rivers, the changing smell of snow, and the Center for Biological Diversity supports a federal plan to gun down feral cows from helicopters. Also, we’ll take a look at the documentary film, Purple Mountains, featuring professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones.
The Weekly Blend Ep - February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022 05:57 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBPrescription drugs in the world’s rivers, the changing smell of snow, and the Center for Biological Diversity supports a federal plan to gun down feral cows from helicopters. Also, we’ll take a look at the documentary film, Purple Mountains, featuring professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. From BBC: Rivers and prescription drugs From The Washington Post: The smell of snow From AP: Gunning down feral cows Documentary film, Purple Mountains Follow us on Instagram @greenerusmedia --- Th...
The Blend - February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022 05:57 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBPrescription drugs in the world’s rivers, the changing smell of snow, and the Center for Biological Diversity supports a federal plan to gun down feral cows from helicopters. Also, we’ll take a look at the documentary film, Purple Mountains, featuring professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. From BBC: Rivers and prescription drugs From The Washington Post: The smell of snow From AP: Gunning down feral cows Documentary film, Purple Mountains Follow us on Instagram @greenerusmedia --- This epi...
The Weekly Blend - February 16, 2022
February 16, 2022 05:57 - 20 minutes - 19.1 MBPrescription drugs in the world’s rivers, the changing smell of snow, and the Center for Biological Diversity supports a federal plan to gun down feral cows from helicopters. Also, we’ll take a look at the documentary film, Purple Mountains, featuring professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones. From BBC: Rivers and prescription drugs From The Washington Post: The smell of snow From AP: Gunning down feral cows Documentary film, Purple Mountains Follow us on Instagram @greenerusmedia --- Th...