On this episode of “Death in The Garden” we are joined by James Connolly, producer of the film series and dear friend, to discuss this recent “Barbenheimer” phenomenon to accompany the piece Maren wrote on the subject last week in her piece below:

On this far reaching discussion, we discuss both films and what they represent to each of us, as well as what they both say about the broader culture. We really allowed ourselves to riff and let the conversation lead where it needed to, which allowed us to discuss the historical background of Oppenheimer that comes from American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. We discussed our differing points of view about the effectiveness of Oppenheimer. We talked at length about the social-justice fraudulence that is Barbie, and the importance of critical thinking. We talked about how humans are ideological, and how we have be constantly vigilant so as to not become dogmatic. We also discussed at length the Luddites, as well as the early 20th century scientists, psychologists, educators, and engineers that (under the pretense of rationalism and morality) precipitated the “chain reaction” that will most likely lead to the collapse of civilization.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please like and share with the people in your life. If you’d like to continue the conversation in the comments below, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the Barbenheimer phenomenon. Thank you to everyone for listening, and a special thanks to all of our Patrons and paid subscribers for continuing to help support the work. If you’d like to support the film/podcast/writing project, please consider upgrading your subscription from free to paid.

Give James a follow on Instagram and Twitter.

Editing: Jake Marquez and Maren Morgan

Music: “The 1975” by the 1975

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit deathinthegarden.substack.com/subscribe