Join veteran podcaster, interviewer, and artist, KMO, as he and his guests explore how we know what we know and how we can use that knowledge to address societal challenges and create a more prosperous and equitable world.. The KMO Show features conversations with interdisciplinary thinkers and innovators on topics like artificial intelligence, evolutionary psychology, social dynamics, and more.
In this episode, host KMO speaks with Kevin, co-host of the podcast and Substack publication "Synthesize Sunsets," which explores speculative fiction and the evolution of popular culture in the age of AI and algorithms. Key Discussion Points: 17776 by John Boyce: Kevin discusses this multimedia science fiction narrative and how it represents a missed opportunity for innovation in digital storytelling formats. Decades losing their distinctiveness: The conversation explores how time periods had unique visual and cultural identities in the 20th century, while the 21st century has seen a flattening of aesthetic differences between decades. Publishing industry consolidation: They discuss how the consolidation of publishing houses has led to less diversity in science fiction and contributed to the growth of romance-focused fantasy at the expense of traditional science fiction. Science fiction authors and works: The pair share their perspectives on influential authors including Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun," Ursula K. Le Guin, N.K. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" trilogy, Ted Chiang, Iain M. Banks, and Cixin Liu. Christianity and literature: How religious literacy impacts readers' ability to engage with certain works, particularly Gene Wolfe's writing which contains subtle Christian themes. Political perspectives in fiction: The challenges of creating politically engaged fiction that doesn't feel didactic, using examples like Banks' "Culture" series and contemporary works. Media and intellectual diversity: Kevin expresses hope for greater intellectual diversity in media and publishing, noting that Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu represents a genuinely different cultural perspective.
This wide-ranging conversation between KMO (host) and David Roman (historian and writer) covers several major topics, starting with Roman's recent trip to China and observations about its development over his 27 years of visiting the country. The discussion then delves deeply into science fiction literature, publishing, and the current state of the genre. The conversation also explores generational ships in science fiction, AI, cultural representation in fiction, and ends with a discussion about philosophy, particularly continental philosophy and the work of Slavoj Žižek. Table of Contents: Introduction and China Discussion (00:00-05:00)David Roman's background in China Observations on China's development Contrasts between modernization and traditional elements Technology and Development in China (05:00-10:00)Discussion of AI and robotics advancement Reality vs. social media representation Infrastructure and development contrasts Media Platforms and Content Creation (10:00-25:00)Experiences with YouTube, Facebook, and Substack Discussion of platform censorship and monetization Content creator challenges Science Fiction Literature (25:00-45:00)Discussion of various authors including Peter Watts Analysis of current trends in science fiction Generation ship novels and themes Cultural Representation in Science Fiction (45:00-60:00)Discussion of diversity in future scenarios Critique of current publishing trends Cultural authenticity in character writing Publishing Industry Analysis (60:00-75:00)Changes in editing and publishing Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing Impact on science fiction genre Philosophy Discussion (75:00-end)Continental vs. Analytic philosophy Discussion of Slavoj Žižek's work Roman's work on Chinese and Western philosophy
KMO speaks with The Feral Historian about S.M. Stirling's controversial Draka series of alternate history novels. While only 25 minutes of their hour-plus conversation survived due to technical difficulties, they explore how these books examine the creation of sustainable systems of oppression and the psychological dynamics of slave societies. The discussion touches on how the Draka maintain control through careful management of violence, their pragmatic approach to social organization, and their complex relationship with their enslaved population. KMO follows the conversation with an exploration of how the Draka represent an example of 'komerex' patterns - dynamic, growing systems that prioritize effectiveness over process - even while pursuing morally repugnant ends. He shares insights from his conversations with AI systems about analyzing complex social structures without retreating into institutional safety theater. Available free on Audible, the Draka novels offer a disturbing but thought-provoking examination of how societies systematize oppression. You can find the Immutable Mobiles Substack blog here: https://chatswithclaude.substack.com/p/s-m-stirlings-draka-novels
KMO speaks with science fiction author and cybersecurity professional Kenneth E. Harrell about artificial intelligence, the writing process, and technological change. They explore how AI tools can enhance rather than replace human creativity, with Harrell describing his use of custom GPTs and AI assistants to improve his writing while maintaining his unique voice. The conversation delves into the challenges of emerging AI technologies, including potential security threats and the limitations of current solutions like voice synthesis. They also discuss their favorite science fiction works and influences, from Frank Herbert's Dune to contemporary authors, while examining how science fiction helps us understand accelerating technological and social change. The wide-ranging discussion touches on themes of spirituality, techno-utopianism, and the human relationship with advancing technology.
