Aliens Are Coming: PJ Ewing on technology, culture, and the American Mind

Welcome to Provocative Conversations from Twice 5 Miles Radio. I’m your host, James Navé. Today’s guest is PJ Ewing—a longtime friend, brilliant digital marketer, skilled podcast host of Lester the Nightfly, and one of the most thoughtful audio engineers I know. This wide-ranging conversation explores the evolving intersection of sound, artificial intelligence, and American culture. From podcasting to tech ethics, it’s a deep dive into our digital future. PJ and I dig into what makes good audio, the shifting podcasting landscape, how media influences identity, and whether we as a species can survive the next 400 years. From the 1960’s Gunsmoke TV series to AI, from Alaska community radio to Malcolm Gladwell’s take on gun culture, we examine the deep questions—and share a few laughs along the way. You’ll come away with fresh insights on creativity, society, and the risks we’re all taking to build whatever’s next. Key Topics Covered in the Interview The importance of high-quality audio in podcasting Tips and gear for DIY podcasting (mics, software, editing tools) Niche podcasting vs. general interviews Podcast recommendations (including 20,000Hz, Pivot, Hard Fork, StarTalk) PJ’s shift away from political media Malcolm Gladwell and the cultural influence of Gunsmoke Personal reflections on American gun culture Local community resilience post-Hurricane Helene The case for city-states over large national governments Speculative futures: AI, gene editing, alien contact Cultural evolution and the crisis of masculinity Whether humanity can survive the next 400 years The dual nature of capitalism as destructive and innovative