27 Rouge

Morgan Marietta is Dean of the Center for Economics, Politics & History at UATX. Formerly, he taught at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and served as Chair of Political Science at UT Arlington. With a focus on political psychology and constitutional politics, he is the author of four books:*A Citizen’s Guide to American Ideology*A Citizen’s Guide to the Constitution and the Supreme Court*The Politics of Sacred Rhetoric: Absolutist Appeals and Political Persuasion*One Nation, Two Realities: Dueling Facts in American DemocracyWe sat down on a stormy Thursday evening to chat about his writing and research, UATX, the Austin Union, and the marketing of bourbon and cigarettes—among many other things. This interview is a bit longer than usual, but is definitely worth the listen. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I hope you do too. Happy listening* 0:00 - Intro* 00:50 - What is America?* 04:13 - The Unique Nature of the American Constitution* 09:01 - Personal Experiences and the Role of Universities* 13:42 - Constitutions in Other Countries* 25:11 - The Power of Misrepresentation and Bullsh*t* 31:02 - The Current State of Misrepresentation in America* 35:35 - Evolutionary Psychology and the Role of Lying* 36:56 - The Evolutionary Drive and Misrepresentation* 37:56 - Hypergamy and Misrepresentation* 39:13 - Bullsh*t and Truth Telling* 40:27 - The Importance of Saying 'I Don't Know'* 42:02 - Weaponizing Fact Perceptions* 43:23 - Marketing and Fact Perceptions* 44:41 - Misrepresentation in Marketing* 46:07 - Trust and Perception of Facts* 50:28 - Perceptions of Reality and Trust* 52:01 - Polarization and Perceptions of Reality* 54:57 - Manufacturing Consent and Misrepresentation* 56:23 - The Influence of Social Media and Twitter* 58:07 - The Role of Trust in Perception of Facts* 01:00:02 - The Influence of Media and Marketing* 01:03:38 - The Manufactured Nature of Political Issues* 01:05:06 - John Adams and the Perception of Facts* 01:06:28 - The Lack of Consensus Authority on Facts* 01:07:05 - The Marketplace of Realities* 01:07:55 - The Loss of Authority* 01:10:27 - The University of Austin* 01:12:39 - Founding New Institutions* 01:14:26 - The Austin Union* 01:16:37 - The Importance of Debate* 01:18:58 - The Lack of Intellectual Discussion on Campuses* 01:21:20 - The Need for Honest Discourse* 01:23:11 - The Chatham House Rule* 01:25:28 - The Problem with Confirmation Hearings* 01:31:02 - Constitutional Amendments* 01:37:09 - The Dishonesty of Confirmation Hearings27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

For those interested, feel free to check out my conversation hosted by Pat Rullo from Speak Up Talk Radio.**This podcast was originally published by Speak Up Talk Radio**27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Join Ben and me as we explore the moment in his career as a musician that sparked his passion for studying political philosophy. In this conversation, we delve into the nuances of political perspectives in the US, reflect on the origins of democracy, and consider why Los Angeles became the epicenter of Hollywood. We later discuss the interplay between language and music, how Beethoven’s greatest works came to be, and whether listening to music on AirPods is a grave sin.27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Mamali Shafahi, a distinguished artist known for his innovative integration of modern technology and traditional artistic mediums, brings a rich tapestry of insights to this discussion. Born in Iran and shaped by a global perspective, his work is a reflection of diverse cultural experiences, skillfully exploring the complexities of identity, self-reinvention, and the human condition. In the interview, Shafahi delves into various facets of contemporary art and technology, from the early days of Virtual Reality (VR) to the impacts of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok on creativity and society. His commentary on the role of art in today's digital age, including the intricacies of NFT art and the therapeutic aspects of social media, is deeply informed by his background in digital art and his multicultural experiences. Shafahi's profound understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures is evident as he navigates through topics like the value of human life, the impact of cultural upbringing, and the importance of ambiguity in art. His perspectives are not only reflective of his artistic journey but also highlight the broader implications of living in a digitally interconnected world.Check out the video version and breakdown of the podcast here: 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

In this intriguing episode, Lanny Jones delves into the multifaceted world of celebrity culture. From sharing personal anecdotes of interviewing icons like Malcolm X to probing the historical underpinnings of celebrity — tracing back to figures like Alexander the Great — Jones offers an insightful exploration of how fame has evolved over time. He draws a distinction between 'heroes' and 'celebrities,' emphasizing how the idea of celebrity has often drifted from genuine accomplishments. The discussion touches on notable figures from Donald Trump to Taylor Swift, dissecting the celebrity-industrial complex and shedding light on the redemption narratives that often shape public personas. With mentions of industry plants like Kim Kardashian and philosophical takes on fame drawing from the likes of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Jones navigates the allure and perils of celebrity. Highlighting the dangers of celebrity and the potential for narcissism, he concludes with poignant advice for those aspiring to fame. This episode is a deep dive into understanding the complexities of celebrity in contemporary society.27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Andrew Henderson, the trailblazing mind behind 'Nomad Capitalist,' embodies the essence of the modern-day global citizen. Fueled by a fervent passion for international living, he's pioneered the art of the 'Passport Portfolio,' guiding individuals in strategically diversifying their personal and economic ties across different nations. More than just a travel strategist, Andrew stands as a testament to the spirited entrepreneur. At the heart of his ventures is an intrinsic drive to understand and share the mindset vital for success in our interconnected era. Venturing into discussions of the intricate tapestries of global cultures or offering profound dissections of political landscapes, his viewpoint consistently offers enlightenment and invites contemplation. Andrew's rich narratives masterfully blend business acumen, the allure of wanderlust, and sharp socio-political commentary, positioning 'Nomad Capitalist' as a guiding light for those desiring to harmoniously merge global living with entrepreneurial ambition.27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Alex Francis, now the accomplished Director of Bars for the Parisien Bar & Restaurant Group, carries forward a multifaceted legacy from the U.K.'s dynamic hospitality realm. Equipped with a solid foundation in business management & economics, his subsequent foray into hospitality has granted him a unique synthesis of insights. From his initial roles as a Training Coordinator for elite bar collectives to being the driving force behind boutique hotels, he's navigated every dimension of the sector. This dual expertise sets him apart and brings a strategic edge to his leadership. With such a fusion of academic grounding and practical experience, it's no wonder that under his guidance, the renowned Little Red Door in Paris has celebrated its 10th consecutive year on the prestigious 50 Best Bars in the World list, recently securing the esteemed number 6 position. Join us as we dive into the narrative of this unique industry trailblazer.27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Dr. Steve Hajioff is a distinguished clinician renowned for his innovations and thought leadership in clinical data science, healthcare technology, public health, and health policy. With a focus on enacting positive change, he has significant experience in enhancing organizational capacity and capability. Dr. Hajioff has held extensive board-level roles, managing budgets, and leading diverse, complex teams across public, private, and voluntary sectors both locally and internationally.Join Dr. Hajioff and producer David on a medical journey, exploring PFAK research, AI, psychedelic therapy, preventive medicine, and global healthcare, notably contrasting UK, US, and Canadian systems. Delve into longevity, dietary trends, cancer prevention, gut microbiome studies, artificial sweeteners, melatonin use, and supplement industries. Discover innovations like Neuralink, glucose monitoring, sensory organ transplants, and tackle genetic disease management, biotechnological developments, medical ethics, and pharmaceutical intricacies in this in-depth exploration of varied medical fields.27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

I was recently invited back to my old stomping ground—The Trinity School—to be interviewed as an alumni author. Why they wanted me, I couldn’t tell you. I left this old storied bastion of education in the 8th grade though I do have fond memories there. Every hero (villain?) has an origin story. This is mine Originally Published on Podmissium, Trinity School’s Podcast 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Max Zavidow is a New York-transplant, basketball enthusiast, and, and comedian whose hilarious videos have catapulted him to internet celebrity. He’s funny, down-to-earth, and an overall good dude. We sat down late in spring to chat about his life, career, comedy, and a whole range of other topics, including his short-lived foray into the world of investment banking. It’s a tough world to leave, and I respect him him a lot for it, in no small part because it’s a path that I myself was once-upon-a-time considering.  You can find Max on Tikotk and Instagram with the handle: @formerteenageheartthrob 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

For many of you, Coleman Hughes needs no introduction. He’s a writer, podcaster, thinker, and idea sharer for whom I have great respect. He’s got bylines in the Times, the Journal, the Spectator, and the National Review. And now, he’s got a rap career. It was my distinct pleasure to sit down with Coleman in New York and get into it. 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Larry Perkins is an Apollo 11 moon race-era rocket scientist who ran supercars at Sebring and Daytona. He taught Astronauts to race cars in secret without the approval he knew NASA wouldn’t give, drove and sold (for pennies on the dollar) what is arguably one of the most valuable cars in the world today, and maintains a deep connection to space exploration, automotive engineering, and racing. He worked on the first moon landing, the Viking mission, and the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with Larry. You can buy Larry’s book Full Cirlce: A Hands-On Affair with the First Ferrari 250 GTO here.  27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will. But I’ll appreciate it. And you’ll get access to the spicy, salacious, musings of a disillusioned pseudo-intellectual Holden Caulfield type such as I. It’s either this or Onlyfans ;27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Ibrahim Al-Marshi is an Associate Professor of History at Cal State San Marcos focusing on modern Iraq. He holds a glizzling array of degrees from UCLA, Georgetown, and Oxford and was even once plagiarized by the British government. If you’re interested, google The Dodgy Dossier. He’s lived in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, and Morocco, among other places, though we actually met in Prague. We sat down earlier this year to discuss the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, magic, time, and academia . 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will. But I’ll appreciate it. And you’ll get access to the spicy, salacious, musings of a disillusioned pseudo-intellectual Holden Caulfield type such as I. It’s either this or Onlyfans ;D27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Peter Clarke is a Sacramento-based writer, and the author of the comic novels Politicians Are Superheroes (Pski's Porch Publishing, 2018) and The Singularity Survival Guide (Logos Literature, 2019).  His short fiction has appeared in over 50 literary journals (3AM Magazine, Curbside Splendor, and Hobart) and his nonfiction has appeared in publications including Areo Magazine, The Humanist, The American Spectator, and Free Inquiry Magazine. He also runs The Jokes Review, a literary magazine dedicated to outsider art, urban legends, rants, rogue journalism, humor, manifestos, subversive imaginations, bizarro fiction, low brow/high brow mixtures, street art, dangerous ideas, jokes. We sat down at some point in the long cold snowy winter of 2022 to chat about decadence, cities, literature, and a thic succulent burrito of affiliated topics. Happy Listening. Ya Filthy animals :) 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Fed up as I was with Princeton, Matt Polly put his degree on hold and moved to China to study Kung Fu with Shaolin Monks. Rigorously devoting himself to it for two years, he became the first American accepted as a Shaolin disciple and went on to write a book about his experience. American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China was published in 2007. Later in life, he entered the MMA arena as a participant and journalist, traveling the globe for another two years, as he had before, training with renowned masters across disciplines. This became Tapped Out: Rear Naked Chocks, the Octagon, and the Last Emperor: An Odyssey in Mixed Martial Arts (2011). Most recently, he penned Bruce Lee: A Life (2018). 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

Sahil Bloom is a writer, creator, entrepreneur, and investor with a lot of good ideas. He reads vociferously, writes cogently, and shares tips, tricks, growth hacks, frameworks, and decision-making razors that pack a hearty punch. I’ve incorporated a number of his ideas into my own life and would recommend his newsletter to anybody looking to level up their personal and professional life. Sahil is like a life coach with minimal song and dance and a plentiful serving of actionable habits we can cultivate. We sat down in New York on a cold winter afternoon and got into it. Happy listening kids. Stay wild. You can subscribe to Sahil’s newsletter here. 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

In early 2023, I sat down with a titan of the growth-hacking and personal development podcast game: Danny Miranda. I've discovered some real gems from this guy and appreciate his free-flowing interview style. We cover self-invention, forgiveness, goal-tracking, dream realization, and thinking big. We spar a bit. I learn a lot. And the conversation covers an enormous amount of ground. If you’re specifically interested in entrepreneurship, I’d suggest browsing through Danny’s catalog and pulling out some gems. As always, happy listening 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will. But I’ll appreciate it. And you’ll get access to the spicy, salacious, musings of a disillusioned pseudo-intellectual Holden Caulfield type such as I. It’s either this or Onlyfans ;D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

The Romans referred to the sweltering heat of July and August as the Dog Days, so-named for Canis Major—a constellation whose brightest star, Sirius, appears near the sun in this period. It was the presence of both stars together, the Romans believed, that created the heat. Each year, the Dog Days run from 3 July to 11 August and have become synonymous with the height of summer. It’s no surprise then that Sidney Lumet chose to call his beloved 1975 film starring Al Pacino and John Cazale Dog Day Afternoon. What I didn’t know is that this wild affair was actually based on a true story. In 2022, Daniel Edward Rosen penned a terrific article on the subject aptly titled “The Deacon and the Dog.” Set to the backdrop of a gritty, noir, Brian De Palma-era New York, petty crooks, crimes of passion, showmanship, and tragedy ensue in heart-wrenching, truly bizarre story that affirms something we already know: truth really is stranger than fiction. Before beginning in earnest, I’d like to thank The Manhattan Institute and plug their City Journal, a quarterly magazine whose contributors like Heather Mac Donald and Dan have made for some great episodes. 27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

This is the second installment of my series on the Venice Film Festival, focusing chiefly on Virtual Reality as an exciting new means of creative storytelling. My last episode consisted of an interview with Thomas Villepoux. This one features three truly talented and exceptional directors and products with whom I had the pleasure and good fortune of speaking. They are: French director Mélanie Courtinat (project: All Unsaved Progress will Be Lost); American-born, Taipai based director Craig Quintero of Riverbed Theater (project: All that Remains); and French Producer Marie Blondiaux  of Red Corner (Fight Back, directed by Celine Tricart of Lucid Dreams Productions)  nota bene: The Image above is from All Unsaved Progress Will be Lost (dir Mélanie Courtinat)27 Rouge💄 is a reader-supported publication. My independence as a writer, podcaster, and idea sharer affords me the freedom to write, speak, and produce unencumbered. If you find my work to be engaging and useful, please share 27 Rouge and consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-off or recurring donation. You won’t regret it. Or maybe you will :D Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe

While at the Venice Film Festival this past summer, I interviewed Thomas Villepoux, a French Storyverse Designer at Digital Rise and the director of Mandala: A Brief Moment in Time. We sat down Canal-side to chat about his project, the creative process, and all things virtual reality. Get full access to 27 Rouge at www.27rouge.com/subscribe