Metaviews host Jesse Hirsh and Madrid correspondent Jason Willis-Lee discuss the potential and possibility of organizing an event in Madrid.

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In this mind-bending episode of Metaviews, Jesse Hirsh reconnects with resident Radical American Whackadoo, Mike Oppenheim, for an unscripted exploration of belief, hope, agency, and the beautiful chaos of human connection. Together they pull at the threads of how emotions drive our actions, how messing with people’s minds can be an act of love, and why politics keeps obsessing over a mythical “centre” that doesn’t actually exist.

Taking inspiration from herds—where movement is constant and no one stays in the middle for long—Mike and Jesse challenge the framing of “extremism,” reframing it as natural diversity of agendas. They advocate for a return to bottom-up mutual respect, the kind that George Carlin might have described as both blunt and deeply compassionate.

This is a free-range conversation designed to unsettle, inspire, and maybe make you laugh at the absurdity of it all.

In this episode of Metaviews, host Jesse Hirsh welcomes back Laura Brekelmans—our resident Goddess of Chaos, Complexity, and Contradiction—for a conversation that refuses to resolve neatly. Building on her previous appearance exploring the thought-worlds of Wittgenstein and McLuhan, this dialogue ventures deeper into the entangled relationships between language, meaning, technology, and the sacred.

Together, Jesse and Laura explore the provocative question: what would a new religion for the digital age look like? One that doesn’t position nature and technology in opposition, but instead seeks to harmonize them. Along the way, they interrogate the limits of rationality, the necessity of myth, and the power of contradiction as a creative force.

This episode is not about tidy answers—it’s about embracing the generative mess of complexity, the poetry of systems thinking, and the spiritual imperative to live in tension with our time.

In this episode of Metaviews, agroecologist Jeanette Herrle sits down with Greg Peterson, from UrbanFarm.org, for a conversation about growing food as a radical act of autonomy and resistance.

Together they explore how seeds—both literal and metaphorical—can serve as catalysts for systemic change. From backyard gardens to urban food forests, from mutual aid to microbial soil life, this dialogue connects personal action with planetary transformation.

What does it mean to cultivate revolution in the soil beneath our feet? How can urban agriculture rewire our relationship with land, labour, and local governance? And what role do education, resilience, and seed sovereignty play in reimagining our food systems?

Jeanette and Greg share practical strategies and powerful stories from the front lines of the food sovereignty movement—challenging extractive models and offering hopeful alternatives rooted in care, community, and regeneration.

Keywords: food sovereignty, agroecology, urban farming, regenerative agriculture, seed saving, mutual aid, climate resilience, system change, gardening as resistance, local food systems

The conversation between Jesse Hirsh and Ted Whetstone unfolds in a

relaxed yet intellectually stimulating atmosphere, marked by their witty

exchanges and spontaneous dialogue. They address the elephant in the

room—American depression—against the backdrop of economic turmoil,

exploring how news cycles influence public perception and individual

mental health. Ted brings to light the complexities of geopolitical

tensions, particularly in relation to tariffs on Chinese imports, and

the impending decisions regarding TikTok, revealing the layers of

societal impact that emerge from these policies. Jesse and Ted’s

discourse is not merely a commentary on current events but an invitation

to engage with the complexities of modern life, emphasizing the need

for a deeper understanding of our collective future. Their discussion

underscores the importance of fostering environments where diverse

voices can contribute meaningfully to the conversation, ultimately

advocating for a more inclusive approach to problem-solving in our

rapidly evolving world.

Takeaways:

Jesse Hirsh and Ted Whetstone delve into the complexities of American

society, especially regarding the impact of economic and political

shifts on mental health, highlighting the pervasive nature of

depression.

The discussion emphasizes the importance of adaptability in navigating

the ever-evolving landscape of information and societal values, where

yesterday’s context won’t suffice for today’s challenges.

Hirsh expresses concern over the potential loss of popular platforms

like TikTok amid rising tariffs, indicating it could lead to significant

cultural backlash from younger demographics who rely on such mediums

for expression.

Whetstone proposes that the future is a human-created phenomenon,

suggesting that collective intelligence and diverse perspectives are

essential to navigate challenges ahead, especially in light of current

global tensions.

The duo reflects on the role of empathy and vulnerability in fostering

understanding across diverse perspectives, advocating for a richer

dialogue that embraces complexity and uncertainty in modern discourse.

The conversation culminates in a call for open-source wisdom,

underscoring the need for collaborative spaces where individuals can

freely share ideas and learn from one another, moving beyond

conventional narratives.

Jesse Hirsh and Mike Oppenheim delve into the looming specter of the next Great American Depression, framing their dialogue around the economic and societal implications of such an event. They begin by discussing the various news items that set the context for their conversation, noting the intersection of sports and politics as a reflection of larger economic trends. Hirsh critiques the recent contract signed by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with the Toronto Blue Jays, suggesting it symbolizes deeper issues like cultural and economic anxieties felt by the public. Oppenheim counters with the idea that this contract may actually provide a sense of hope, as it indicates confidence in the team’s future amidst a backdrop of uncertainty. The two then pivot to discussing the societal impacts of a potential depression, exploring how collective sentiment and shared grievances might unite people in unexpected ways, perhaps through a common adversary. They highlight the importance of community and connection in times of crisis, suggesting that navigating such a depression could lead to a reevaluation of values and priorities, both individually and collectively. As the episode unfolds, they intertwine humor with serious commentary, making for a conversation that is both enlightening and engaging, ultimately leaving the listener to ponder the resilience of the human spirit in the face of economic adversity.

Takeaways:

• Jesse and Mike discuss the looming Great American Depression, emphasizing its potential effects on everyday life and the economy.
• They explore how rising tensions, trade wars, and political instability could contribute to economic downturns and societal unrest.
• The conversation highlights the importance of community and shared experiences during difficult times, as they believe togetherness can mitigate despair.
• They acknowledge the shifting landscape of American politics and culture, suggesting a need for empathy and understanding to navigate future challenges.