Doomer Optimism

Generational Perspectives on Preparedness with Dr. Chris Ellis and Jonathan RawlesDr. Chris Ellis sits down with Jonathan Rawles, mechanical engineer, author, and co-founder of Survival Realty, to explore how different generations approach preparedness and community resilience in an era of cultural collapse. Unlike his father, James Wesley Rawles, known for his expertise on nuclear war bunkers and...

What does it mean to be truly prepared in an uncertain world? Dr. Chris Ellis is joined by Bradley Garrett to explore the evolving landscape of resilient citizens and prepping communities, from the "Noah archetype" of community-focused preparedness to bunker communities like Vivos xPoint. The discussion unpacks the psychology, demographics, and practicalities of modern preparedness culture. Younge...

Dr. Chris Ellis, author of "Resilient Citizens," sits down with homesteader and author Roxanne Ahern to explore how sustainable living practices build both personal and community resilience. Ahern, who wrote "Holistic Homesteading" after her own transformation from health struggles to self-sufficiency, breaks down the practical and philosophical aspects of growing your own food...

Joe Allen leads us on a journey through the Axial Age's profound wisdom traditions to uncover how ancient civilizations grappled with the same transhumanist dreams that captivate us today. From the bronze automaton Talos guarding Crete to the terrifying Brahmastra weapons of the Mahabharata, we trace humanity's eternal fascination with creating artificial life and wielding god-like power. This epi...

What if everything we think we know about "natural" ecosystems is wrong? Peter Allen is a restoration ecologist and regenerative farmer, and learn how North America's pre-European landscapes weren't wild at all—they were sophisticated agricultural systems managed by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Speaking from his 220-acre farm in Wisconsin's unique Driftless regi...

Ashley is joined by Grayson Quay, author of 'The Transhumanist Temptation' to explore the philosophical and ethical implications of transhumanism, its historical roots, and its intersection with modern ideologies. They cover the concept of natural law, the role of technology in shaping human identity, and the challenges parents face in a tech-driven world. They also discuss the future of h...

The Shire We Call Home Jason sits down with Tom Ruby and Alan Cornett to explore the profound influence of Wendell Berry on modern agrarianism, the surprising revival of Catholicism in America, and why the future might belong to those willing to get their hands dirty. From the rolling hills of Kentucky, which echo Tolkien's Shire, to the intellectual journey from secular academia to Catholic a...

In this episode, Ashley asks her two closest collaborators on Doomer Optimism – Jason on the podcast, and James on events – to think through what drew them to the project, lessons from what we’ve done so far, and where we could go from here.

Monopoly Power, New Deal Legacies, and the Fight for Real Economic Democracy James and Basel unpack the legacy of the New Deal, the tangled history of regulation, and the roots of today’s anti-monopoly movement. From egg prices and avian flu to Big Tech and corporate control of agriculture, they explore how concentrated power distorts markets, erodes democracy, and shapes both domestic and foreign...

Paul Kingsnorth and Leighton Woodhouse in conversation for the Third Annual Doomer Optimism Campout at The Wagon Box.

Ashley, Donald, and James cover a lot of ground in this episode. They kick things off with the story of Leslie Peltier, a self-taught stargazer from Ohio, before diving into a deeper conversation about environmentalism. Donald raises concerns about how today’s climate discourse can feel paralyzing, especially for young people, and argues that instead of backing away from nature, we need to find wa...

DO 269 – Engineering, education, empathy, and mimetic warfare? Dr. Chuck Pezeshki & JoshDr. Chuck is an engineering professor at Washington State University. He runs an engineering design studio for student projects and blogs on an exorbitantly wide range of topics at https://empathy.guru. Dr. Chuck is hard to characterize other than “someone Doomer Optimists ought to be paying attention to.”

Can Humanity Keep Pace with the Technologies It Creates? Matthew Pirkowski joins Ashley Fitzgerald to unpack the complicated relationship between technology and humanity. They dive into the worlds of AI and cryptocurrency, exploring how these tools work—and how they shape our minds, societies, and futures. Drawing from his background in evolutionary psychology, Matthew reflects on how our instinct...

Dr. Chris Ellis hosts Graham Summers and Matt, discussing various economic topics including market dynamics, investment strategies, and the role of metals in the current financial landscape. They explore the implications of monetary policy, the significance of gold and silver, and the potential for a monetary reset amidst inflationary pressures. The conversation covers the complexities of the glob...

Chris Smaje and Jason Snyder make their triumphant return to DO to join Ashley to explore the concepts of 'strong gods' and 'weak gods' as articulated by NS Lyons, examining the historical context, implications of nationalism's resurgence, critiques of the strong gods argument, and the importance of localism and community in navigating societal changes. The discussion also dive...

Transition Engineering with Susan Krumdieck and Josh Susan Krumdieck (PhD, mechanical engineering) is a Professor at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland and is the foremost global proponent of the emergent discipline of Transition Engineering. Susan figured out “Doomer Optimism” before it was a thing and asked herself, “What can I do as an engineer?” The answer was to elaborate a novel approach to...

Ashley and Robert bounce through a wide range of topics — everything from the tug-of-war between natural law and man-made law to how postmodernism has shaped (and maybe warped) the way we see truth and art. They look at how Western values were shaped, especially through Christianity, and wonder what gets lost when those foundations are ignored. There’s also a back-and-forth on the psychological st...

Casey Spinks joins Mayor James Decker to discuss Texas's complex political and cultural landscape, focusing on the tensions between urban, suburban, and rural areas. The discussion highlights the historical shifts in Texas politics, the influence of suburbanites, the rise of weekend ranches, and the ecological changes resulting from privatization and the introduction of exotic species. The spe...

Understanding Risk in a Modern SocietyAshley interviews Olek Pisera, a recent PhD graduate in biomedical engineering. They discuss various topics, including the importance of independent thinking in science, the complexities of public health recommendations, and the societal implications of risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Olek shares insights from his research on sunscreen and car se...

James Pogue interviews John Lechner, a journalist and author who has extensively covered the Wagner Group and its influence in Africa, particularly in the Central African Republic. They discuss John's unique path to journalism through language learning, the historical context of the Central African Republic, ethnic divisions within the country, the civil war, and the role of external powers. J...

Roxanne Ahern and Katherine Pakalak, join Ashley to discuss the pressing issue of declining birth rates and the cultural implications of antinatalism. They explore the grim trends in population decline, the societal and technological factors influencing family dynamics, and the potential future of family structures. The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural shift to support larger famili...

Where do we go from here? Antitrust lawyer Basel Musharbash joins Ashley and Nate to explore anti-monopoly advocacy's historical and contemporary landscape. They discuss the evolution of antitrust laws, the impact of the Reagan administration, and the resurgence of antitrust efforts under Lina Khan. They discuss the intersection of populism and antitrust, the role of government in regulating corpo...

Enchantment, Magic, & Supernatural Technologies w/ Historian Dr. Francis Young "Is magic real? Does magic work?" "It's a question that is worth asking." "The world is full of spirits." Enchantment is fast entering the mainstream conversation. More people doubt mechanical materialism; there is something out there. Scholars, however, have hesitated. Stories of flying friars and encounters with s...

Community in a Fragmented WorldIn this episode of the Doomer Optimism podcast, host Ashley and guest Leah Sargent discuss the importance of building community in today's world. Leah shares insights from her book, 'Building the Benedict Option,' emphasizing practical steps individuals can take to foster deeper connections with others. They explore the challenges of hosting, the impact o...

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez joins DO to discuss her unique perspective as a Congresswoman from a rural background, covering environmentalism, localism, and the importance of agency in politics. She critiques the disconnect between policymakers and the communities they represent, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and grounded approach to policy-making. The discussion also delves into the c...