Topic: Cancel Culture

Barnheiser discusses his upcoming book project, Beneath The Skin, co-authored with the former president of Texas Southern University. He also highlights the strategic importance of his current 600-page book, which provides specific examples of "canceling" and radicalization in schools. Carlwood agrees that documenting a high volume of specific instances is necessary to prove the scale of the problem to skeptics.

In a solo wrap-up, Greg Carlwood reflects on the challenges of running The Higher Side Chats during the COVID-19 era. He describes being targeted by "policing" figures in the paranormal community who attempted to cancel him and discourage guests from appearing on his show due to his skepticism of pandemic narratives. Carlwood expresses deep gratitude to Joshua Kutchin for remaining a loyal guest and "real G" during a stressful period of new fatherhood and professional pressure.

Brooke Hines and Greg Carlwood discuss how the "culture war" has remained a profitable tool for the donor class since the George H.W. Bush era. They argue that "political correctness" and "cancel culture" are levers used to keep the public divided and powerless. The segment concludes with a call for individuals to be more selective with their media consumption, such as using Apple TV or YouTube to find independent voices like Kim Iverson.

Greg Carlwood discusses the concept of "imperfect allies," citing a Dave Chappelle bit to argue against strict purity tests within the freedom movement. He mentions past fallouts with guests like John Brisson and Allison McDowell, who criticized him over cryptocurrency or magical rituals. Carlwood admits to the personal stress of his work and the difficulty of maintaining his "best self" while constantly researching heavy topics.

Chris Knowles expresses skepticism that democracy can survive a generation of "lazy, entitled, and miseducated" activists who now occupy positions of power in the White House and major bureaucracies. He describes a "woke virus" where professionals in six-figure industries are terrified of being canceled, leading to a culture of performative radicalism. He predicts the system will fail because these individuals lack the tangible skills to manage a real crisis.

The fallout from comedian Ari Shaffir's insensitive comments about Kobe Bryant is discussed, leading Carlwood to recount a pivotal mushroom trip in San Diego. This experience, involving Shaffir and other comics, served as the "turning point" for The Higher Side Chats, steering it away from being a comedy podcast.

Greg Carlwood discusses his decision to step back from social media due to the "uncomfortable backlash" and the risks of cancel culture. He cites the example of comedian Ari Shafir, who faced severe threats and doxxing after making a joke about Kobe Bryant. Carlwood emphasizes the importance of free speech and strategic navigation in chaotic times, while also teasing the content of the Plus show, including Hollywood reboots and Ricky Gervais.