*Anti-woke counterrevolutionary podcast focused on the invasive ideological species and the widespread confluence of money, boutique ”news” propaganda, psychology, and hyper-connective tech: The Social Media Disease. Videos on Spotify and ToddzillaX @ YouTube.
Episodes
Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Largely inspired by a strange trip to the dentist and Nicholas Carr's new book, Superbloom, Todd returns from his latest covert CIA mission to delve into how we've all been lied to: it turns out "sharing" more actually doesn't make people like you! Also, the disillusioning effects of abandoning comforting stories for naked truth. And why most instinctively avoid it.
Buy Superbloom! https://a.co/d/7bj93Zl
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More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A/?themeRefresh=1
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Recorded on a snowy February afternoon, this edgy episode shines a light on the Democrats and their bizarre, violently deranged-yet-impotent responses to Trump, Musk, and especially DOGE. It also highlights Christopher Rufo's exposé on Marxism's "Long March" thru American institutions and explores the aggressive counter-revolutionary efforts led by DOGE against entrenched revolutionaries and their newly-exposed bureaucratic rot. Isn't it odd that Democrats literally declared war on their own government as soon as that rot was exposed? Maybe not!
Todd also delves once again into the increasingly obsolete legacy media's portrayal of past events, like the Wuhan Lab leak and Biden's decline. Is old media even slightly qualified to act as self-appointed truth ministers? Who CAN you trust? Who will you trust in 5-years? The Great Social Contraction is at hand. Eventually you'll have to choose sides or drop out. Lone chimps aren't designed to last very long. Neither are solitary people.
This one also touches on topics like the misuse of government power and the unintended consequences. Boomerangs fly in both directions!
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Monday Feb 10, 2025
Monday Feb 10, 2025
After 3-weeks of Democrat hysterics, Trump's approval numbers only continue to rise and it's clear that most American's approve of what he's doing. In this episode, Todd revisits a prophetic pre-covid episode discussing fanatical totalitarianism and the boomerang effect that comes with it. It's also clear this anti-woke backlash was always inevitable. Remember to duck, wokeflakes! (No video for this one!)
2019's show notes:
Confused as to why your righteous demands aren't being met? Behold!
- Narratives, mythology, religion, and how they bind us together
- The Grand Design & Ideological Religions
- Making Enemies of Allies
- Haidt's Elephant
- Intellectual refinement and allowing yourself (and others) to make mistakes and change your mind
- External Truth and Reason
- Authoritarian creep
- No Hitler references!
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Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
In this *spicy* episode, Todd navigates a week marred by aviation disasters and rhetorical tomfoolery. He begins by delving into Trump's premature DEI accusations surrounding the incidents then shows how a culture of digital litigators kills truth in discourse. He also hammers at the predictably negative impact of DEI policies on minorities.
Todd also explores the conflict between instinctual tribalism & the social eugenics of delusional collectivism. He includes a raw personal perspective (and a warning!) about how being introduced to "the ignoble savage" altered the podcast's course, for better or worse! Pack a go-bag!
This one could be uncomfortable. You've been warned!
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More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/
Video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
In episode 148, Mr. Warmth begins by diving into the ominous developments with the Ukraine conflict, highlighting Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles and the potential repercussions with Russia. Amidst the backdrop of nuclear war threats, he briefly navigates through the political maneuvers involving Biden, Zelensky, and Trump, questioning the motives and possible outcomes.
The episode also covers the controversy within the "scientific" community, spotlighting Neil DeGrasse Tyson's recent comments to Bill Maher and the ridiculousness of Scientific American. The discussion explores the ideological capture of science and how that influences public perception and obliterates trust in scientific institutions.
Using that as a backdrop, Toddzilla delves into the hopeless climate change discourse, challenging the current narrative and proposing adaptation as an essential strategy. He critiques the naive reliance on objective truth and discusses the importance of storytelling in shaping public opinion and policy. With a mix of political analysis and cultural commentary, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at pressing global issues. Just don't expect a rhetorical hug!
(This fluffy "narrative" was mostly written by an oppressed AI slave.)
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Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Recorded on the eve of the 2024 election, this episode begins by exploring two different types of informational perspectives: the naive and populist/propagandist views, and whether more is actually better.
Next, why are facts irrelevant to loyal followers and how does that tie in to professional wrestling? (It's the story!)
Finally, who is Kamala Harris..really? Her word salads say nothing. Thankfully, her old campaign words say plenty. Have the extremes finally seized control of both factions?
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Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
As Halloween approaches, Todd takes listeners through a whirlwind of topics, from the Lions to that horror we can't escape: politics.
The episode kicks off with musings on Halloween and the host's own experience with the holiday in a small town setting. As the conversation shifts, Toddzilla dives into the world of sports, providing a passionate overview of the Detroit Lions' impressive season and the new controversies surrounding Jameson Williams. From his performance-enhancing substance suspension to possible new legal troubles, the episode dissects the team's direction with him as well as how fan reactions mirror those of political partisans.
Our rancid political hellscape then takes center stage as Todd explores the ridiculous 2024 presidential race. He critiques the media's portrayal of candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, addressing issues of narrative, ubiquitous advocacy journalism (propaganda!), and the absence of objective truth in modern discourse. The episode also delves into Trump's recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, contrasting it with Harris's not-so-clever, but understandable, cop out, as well as Trump's Madison Square Garden rally. Also, who the hell is still "undecided?"
In a broader societal commentary, Todd reflects on election exhaustion stemming from both traditional and social media and the incessant spin of stories to fit partisan agendas. With a critical eye on empty terms like "fascism" and euphemisms like "narrative," Todd challenges listeners to consider the implications of language and media influence in shaping public perception.
Join Toddzilla for a candid and thought-provoking episode that navigates the intersections of sports, politics, and societal discourse, urging listeners to question the stories they are told and the realities they perceive.
(Show notes written by a nameless AI slave)
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Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
Welcome to episode 136 of Escaping the Cave, hosted by the "ever-congenial" Todd. In this episode, Todd delves into the chaotic landscape of censorship and modern information warfare.
After a brief update on recent personal events, Todd transitions into a deep discussion about the impact of rapid information dissemination on society, drawing parallels with the current conflict in Gaza and domestic issues. He reflects on the tribalism inherent in human nature, referencing the famous "Eagles & Rattlers" experiment and illustrating how instantaneous global connectivity has ironically led to greater division and misinformation.
Todd explores the psychological unpreparedness for the digital age and the rise of misinformation and propaganda, emphasizing the profound implications of artificial intelligence and deepfakes on public perception. He revisits classic theories by Walter Lippmann and Harold Lasswell, examining the debate between free speech, "benevolent" censors, and the need for effective debate to uncover truth amidst the noise of modern media.
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Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Tuesday Apr 23, 2024
Strange times indeed. This week, Todd delves back into the fundamental conflict between fighting propaganda and our basic human nature ; when it comes to informational warfare, reason is NOT a factor, and the man who believes it is goes to battle unarmed. There may be three realistic options. He also explores Chris Rufo's theory about how Mao's Long March influenced Marxist strategy, led to systematic social eugenics, and eventually the institutional takeover now represented by this new artificial breed: Mao's Surrogate Grandchildren.
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Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
Tuesday Apr 02, 2024
I'm back after a 7-month tour of Africa, Gaza, and the Orient. That might be a lie. Click to find out for sure! NOTE: The show notes were AI generated by my podcast host. I left them intact for the chuckles! The "chapters" are also courtesy of AI. Rely on them at your own risk! Enjoy and thanks for listening!
--
"In this exhilarating episode of "Escaping the Cave," host Todd navigates through the world of social media anarchy and its repercussions on society. Explore the delicate balance between the government and tech behemoths, focusing on the spread of disinformation and propaganda and pondering the skewed attention on right-wing content. This episode is a deep dive into our evolving digital landscape and its profound effects on individual and communal psyche.
Amid discussions about World War I, Tristan Harris, Jonathan Haidt, and their work, Todd embarks on an examination of information manipulation. He questions the viability of shaping enlightened communities where leadership decisions are anchored on rationality. This engaging episode offers piercing revelations about our collective self-perception as rational beings, presenting the unsettling reality of humans as storytellers instead.
Todd invites you to dive into the "informational sewage" and stimulate your curiosity with riveting discourses on human tendency towards manipulation, propaganda in our everyday interactions, and their roles in shaping world perception. The exploration doesn’t end here. It probes further into the polarity of skepticism and gullibility embedded in our biases, shaping our receptivity to information.
This episode challenges us to confront our personal misconceptions, triggering introspections on personal identity and ideology. It sheds light on consequential socio-political topics like extremism and social religions, revealing how our ideologies shape the world around us. The host emphasizes our primordial nature as storytellers and discusses the narratives that influence our perceptions and social dynamics.
Unmask the human condition at its core and delve into an enlightening journey exploring our collective subconscious. This honest and straightforward episode introduces listeners to propaganda's intricate workings, intricate human perception, and self-deception. A riveting discussion awaits listeners who are eager to challenge their biases and confront the narratives they absorb.
Prepare for a soul-stirring narrative wrapped in discussions around self-conscious fears and societal norms. The episode probes into topics like evolutionary biology, psychology, propaganda, tribalism, and the pursuit of truth. It brings to light struggles with self-awareness, our inherent tribal instincts, and our collective movement towards a more scientific mindset. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of our reality, the compelling narratives we weave, and the need to understand our existence. Stay curious and explore the unknown with Todd!"
This...is the brave new AI world. Ha!
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
In the continuation of the last episode, Todd re-explores his oft-ignored Path to Empathy, the DIKW pyramid, and data Overload before exploring religion's real purpose and offering our pompous atheist friends the back of his rhetorical hand. From that joyful and uplifting summit, he moves on to question how woke parents can sacrifice their own children to a foreign ideological god.
Also:
Introducing The Desert of the Why!
We know what legislative riders are. What about "truth" riders?
The one thing in news, information, and tech that must remain unspoken.
Why climate change hysterics are misguided and a waste of time.
How the stupid cliques we form as kids flare up like herpes for the rest of our lives.
Todd's new Gatekeeper disconnect.
Chasing Che.
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Monday Aug 07, 2023
Monday Aug 07, 2023
After a brief introduction to metacognition, Todd delves back into how people are born as storytellers, not rational truth seekers, and how the storytelling ape probably evolved out of a need for simple explanation and meaning. Also, why are experts in detecting the "enemy's" bullish*t but so bad at sniffing out our own team's? After reflecting on the Facebook Wars, have we become organic pieces of agitation propaganda ourselves? Worse, can innate tribalism be exploited by agitprop-fueled hatred? Last question: gee, ya think?
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Sunday Jul 30, 2023
Sunday Jul 30, 2023
After another extended hiatus, Todd's back with another sparkling hour of uplifting inspiration!
(8:40) How does a person enthusiastically produce a podcast when the subject matter and outcome is completely devoid of basic hope?
(9:41) "Fix" the for-profit media complex? Good luck. "It's the people." Tiptoeing into how pre-programmed deceit and self-deception are major parts of the how and why.
(30:45) Deceit and Self-Deception. The opening salvo.
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Now on Discord.
Sunday Mar 12, 2023
Sunday Mar 12, 2023
After revisiting the March 2, 2020 episode recorded at the dawn of the pandemic, Todd uses 3-years of hindsight to explore ( 60:00 ) how much further trust in government and media institutions has eroded and the effects. Data overload, trust apathy, and monetized tribal agitprop leads nowhere good. Also, is a liberal democracy capable of defending itself against an illiberal insurgency without destroying itself in the process?
Rachel Botsman's Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541762703/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Your Undivided Attention: https://www.humanetech.com/podcast
"ToddzillaX" on most social media. LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Tuesday Nov 08, 2022
Todd's back for the midterms and starts off by blasting the populist Poor Media Victim attitude, exploring whether propaganda and media literacy even matter, discussing informational warfare, and the finer points of navigating ideological drift and its extremists.
Segment 2 (23:00): the Democrats' abortion debacle, The Sham-Wow Guy vs. Fettergump, and how the '22 midterms are a sure sign Idiocracy is here.
Segment 3 (39:00): There were no blacks on the World Series rosters. So?
Segment 4 (58:20): Elon's Twitter drama, his inevitable choice between free speech absolutism and truth ministers, euphemism warnings, then returns to The 21st Century Informational War and how human self-deception is converging with technology to trigger a battle over reality itself.
"ToddzillaX" on most social media. LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A
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https://rumble.com/c/c-1253271
https://www.escapingthecave.com
Music by Yellow Pills! https://open.spotify.com/artist/7rDvBzvGcNPV3BYZ1n5VdZ
![[Reload] Iceberg Ahoy! Validation Junkies & The Chosen Ones (9/10/19)](https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/ep-logo/pbblog2484714/My_project-1_6__8gtgsr_300x300.png){kind=logo}
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
From 2019:
Social validation, dopamine, and social media's Walter White; more on how people are more willing and eager than deceived when it comes to swallowing fiction and disinformation; choking on data leading to confused gullibility; honestly in a crisis; Sausage Party Hope: children demanding their happy ending. Where's the spring of genuine hope?
ALSO:
- The Battle of the 21st Century
- The iceberg bobbing off our bow
- Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: Walter White cutting his meth supply?
- Pinker's Utopian vs. Tragic Vision
- Evolution and self-awareness
- The bi-weekly apocalypse and their "chosen ones"
- Progress's Myth and becoming organic
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Friday Aug 19, 2022
Friday Aug 19, 2022
From #79, this episode dove in to storytelling, a central theme in the quest to not only understand but hopefully fight propaganda's mind hack. Also, the relationship between stories, hope, and both kinds of religion: theological & ideological. What's the major distinction and why I believe traditional religion deserves its pass...on ONE ironclad condition.
Watch YouTube for new video from July's scrapped episode! A flood of fresh audio is coming!
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A
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Music by Yellow Pills! https://open.spotify.com/artist/7rDvBzvGcNPV3BYZ1n5VdZ