Badlands Story Hour Ep. 107: Transcendence: AI Gods, and the Future of Humanity

Chris Paul and Burning Bright break down the 2014 sci-fi thriller Transcendence, starring Johnny Depp, and how it eerily predicts today’s AI and transhumanism debates. From the film’s portrayal of an artificial god to real-world concerns over who controls emerging technology, they dive into the philosophical and geopolitical implications of AI, decentralization, and the future of power. Is AI a tool for freedom or control? Are we being manipulated into fearing the very technologies that could free us? Plus, a deep dive into nuclear narratives, energy decentralization, and why the establishment is terrified of people becoming self-sufficient. If you love a mix of film analysis, deep theory, and conspiracy talk, this one’s for you.