Question Culture

Some called it Manifest Destiny. Others called it Indian Removal. Both are too generous a description for what actually happened. On this history edition episode, Brian, Steve, and Lornett discuss the many ways Native American Nations responded to the expansion of the American empire. 

We are taught that America is the "land of the free". Yet, we have a higher percentage of our citizens, and more citizens overall, in prison than any other country in the world. This stark contradiction deserves to be questioned. On this episode Brian and Lornett discuss the prison system. Who is being locked up? What crimes are they committing? Are they being rehabilitated or used for something e...

On this episode Brian & Lornett are joined by special guest Dr. Christian Braneon. Dr. Braneon is a scientist, engineer, and educator with a doctorate in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. With Dr. Braneon's insight, we explore the many things we don't fully understand about the universe including the true size of the universe, dark matter/energy, quantum mechanics, Th...

Just three dudes talking about the experience of women in early America. The irony is not lost on us, but you can't talk about America history without talking about the experience of women. On this episode Brian, Steve, and Lornett discuss the living conditions for most woman in the early colonies, the crucial role women played in the American Revolution, and women's struggle for political agency...

On this episode Brian & Lornett begin by discussing the development of the atomic bomb at the end of World War 2. They then go on to discuss how nuclear weapons have impacted society since their development, including the nightmarish effects they had on the Japanese citizens who experienced their destruction first hand. They end the episode by discussing possible ways to disarm the world and a...

In the age of social media, conspiracy theories are everywhere. On this episode Brian & Lornett discuss a variety of conspiracy theories, from the absolutely crazy, to ones they believe have validity. They also discuss how conspiracy theories can be used to discredit legitimate questioning of the system and how some conspiracy theories can turn dangerous. 

Important events in a country's history are often boiled down to simplified stories of good vs evil. These simplified versions of history are taught in school to promote a positive image of the country in which they are being taught. History is perceived almost as a fairy tale with larger than life characters. However, our perception changes the more we dive into the deep complex nature of history...

Throughout human history humans have divided themselves into groups. Whether it be religion, race, nations, or classes, this division usually serves the powerful while being detrimental to everyone else. On this episode Brian and Lornett discuss the destructive nature of the "us vs them" mentality.

The U.S. spends more on its military than the next 10 countries combined. Over half of all discretionary spending, and roughly 15% of all tax dollars, are spent on the military. Driven by defense contractors need for more profit, this has led to endless war, environmental destruction, and the gutting of all other vital government programs. On this episode Brian & Lornett discuss the expansion...

In an effort to stand in solidarity with all oppressed people all over the globe, Brian & Lornett have chosen to focus on the plight of the Palestinian people. On this episode they will discuss the history of zionism and the formation of the state of Israel. They will also discuss the current conditions of Palestinians living within Gaza, the funding of Israel by western powers, as well as bre...

On this episode Lornett & Brian begin by discussing anti-communist hysteria after WWII and throughout the 1950s-60s. They then go on to explain how the powers-that-be are once again using propaganda to create an artificial boogie man in order to serve their own interests. 

On this episode Brian, Steve, and Lornett discuss the english colonies during the 100 years leading up to the American Revolution. What was life like for half of the english settlers who were indentured servants? How did the wealthy elite deal with re-occuring rebellions, strikes, and protests. Find out the answers to these questions and more on the latest history edition episode of Question Cultu...

U.S. students are spending more on college than any other industrialized nation, and have accumulated over a trillion dollars in debt. On this episode Brian and Lornett discuss the negative effects of the current system on all Americans and possible alternatives. 

On part II of their discussion on Libertarianism, Brian & Lornett give their responses to common arguments proposed by libertarians. 

On this episode Brian & Lornett begin their questioning of the libertarian ideology. Does limiting government's role, and allowing private business free reign, really lead to a better world? On part one, Brian & Lornett focus on the interaction between the private and public sector throughout American history. 

On this episode Brian, Steve, & Lornett discuss the formation of slavery and racism in the early American colonies and the variety of revolts and rebellions that immediately followed. 

On this episode Brian & Lornett discuss the U.S. health care system. How does it compare to other countries? Should the for-profit motive be applied to health care? How would a universal healthcare system be different? Find out the answers to these questions and more on this episode of Questions Culture. 

On this episode Brian & Lornett assess the economic, political, and cultural impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. How has the pandemic reshaped the economy? How was the pandemic handled by business and political leaders? Find out the answer to these questions and more on the newest episode of Questions Culture. 

On this episode Brian & Lornett discuss the growing wealth gap. They show how inequality leads to a variety of public health problems, how the rich use their power to keep most of the population poor, and provide examples of how both democrat and republican administrations have served the rich at the expense of the poor and working class. 

On this episode Brian, Steve, & Lornett discuss Native American society prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, and the arrival of English settlers in North America. 

Black history is American history. It is woven into the fabric of the nation. On this episode Brian & Lornett try their best to discuss this long history while shedding light on important aspects most of us were never taught in school. 

Using "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn as their guide, Brian and Steve discuss the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, and the lens through which we view history. 

Brian & Lornett kick off Black History month by discussing The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. From it's humble beginnings to a national movement with a rising star, The Black Panthers played crucial, but often forgotten role in the civil rights movements of the 1960s. This episode sheds light on this revolutionary organization. 

On this episode, Brian & Lornett get fired up talking about the out going president Donald Trump and incoming president Joe Biden. They go in depth to show how we are led by the least among us, and question whether the presidency is needed at all. 

Brian & Lornett aren't afraid to question anything. That includes God and religion. On this episode Brian & Lornett share personal stories about their own religious experience, and discuss ways in which organized religion has been detrimental to people and society.