Enduring ideas💡 that matter ☕ to you. The Easy Existentialist
by Donald Harvey Marks
The Easy Existentialist podcast - home to engaging readings of contemporary political thought, short explainers of Shakespeare and poetry, excerpts from my works of medical fiction, my thoughts on the Meaning of Time, Vaccinating Against Hate, and more. The existential theme is preserved throughout. Visit my personal blog www.DHMarks.blogspot.com to learn even more, including the text of all my writings. And on Substack. Follow my reading of books on @Goodreads @DHMarks
Episodes
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How Wealth Inequality Affects Democracy: The Slide into Plutocracy and Digital Feudalism
How does wealth inequality affect democracy? Across Western democracies, extreme wealth concentration is systematically transforming constitutional republics into elite-driven plutocratic structures. When financial capital and corporate power pool inside an insular super-minority, democratic...
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The people you know are Energy Vampires. Why some people just drain you
Celestine Prophecy, by Robert Redfield (1992), was a new age philosophical fiction book of the 90s spiritual movement which addressed existential themes and the search for meaning. The main ideas of the book were presented as "Insights," and can be considered truths, truisms, self-evident facts,...
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Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Perhaps Notorious, but like the rest of us, not indispensable.
Long before donning the judicial robe, RGB dismantled statutory sex discrimination with surgical precision as head of the ACLU Women's Rights Project, earning justifiable comparisons to Thurgood Marshall. Yet any honest assessment of her historical legacy must grapple with a stark paradox: the…
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How Wealth Inequality Affects Democracy: The Slide into Plutocracy and Digital Feudalism
How does wealth inequality affect democracy? Across Western democracies, extreme wealth concentration is systematically transforming constitutional republics into elite-driven plutocratic structures. When financial capital and corporate power pool inside an insular super-minority, democratic...
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Anthropic AI and Biowarfare
How does AI increase the threat of AI, and what can we do about it? The full article is on my Substack.
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Russian interference in US elections
Part of my ongoing series on election manipulation, violence, misinformation. The full article is on my Substack.
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The illusion of electoral division. No, there wont be civil war here
elections, manipulation, threats of violence and fake news. The full discussion found on my Substack. Addresses fake news, deep fakes , Russian dark money, interference, click hype, populism, false readerships
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Americans agree more than they disagree on elections
Part of an ongoing series on election manipulation and violence. The full article is on my Substack.
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Reclaiming your mind from algorithms
part of an ongoing series on election manipulation, fake news and deep fakes
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The rigged game of digital feudalism
This podcast analyzes the erosion of democratic stability caused by extreme wealth inequality and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Author Donald Harvey Marks argues that concentrated capital has transformed the United States into a plutocracy, where elite interests supersede the...
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The end of Seeing is Believing
From subtle disinformation campaigns to the fabrication of political reality, deepfakes are rapidly evolving from a technical curiosity into a severe threat to democratic elections, particularly in the United States. In this newest version 2 of my 2019 article on Deep Fakes, now version 2, I...
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Deepfakes and the death of evidence
From subtle disinformation campaigns to the fabrication of political reality, deepfakes are rapidly evolving from a technical curiosity into a severe threat to democratic elections, particularly in the United States. In this newest version 2 of my 2019 article on Deep Fakes, now version 2, I...
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Fleeing to France to afford life-saving meds. Sanofi's Dupixent and the pricing cliff.
As a health care provider, and former pharmaceutical industry researcher and executive, I explore in this podcast the stark contrast between international healthcare costs and the expensive medical landscape in the United States. Helping me is AI which creates a two-way narrative based on my...
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Laser hunting cartel drones over El Paso
I am interested in new developments related to the southern cartels and our own local militant groups, and how they are adopting new tech, and what we can do about it. I explore the escalating security challenges facing the United States, specifically focusing on the nexus of drug cartels…
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America - is it defenseless against weaponized drones?
This podcase explores the escalating security challenges facing the United States, specifically focusing on the nexus of drug cartels, foreign adversaries, and emerging technology. Expert testimonies and news reports highlight how Mexican transnational criminal organizations are adopting...
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Why USA can't bomb Mexican drug cartels?
My AI-enhanced podcast on what is keeping USA from closing down drug cartels as part of the War on Drugs
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Iran military business empires decide the dictator's fate
In this AI-enhanced podcast, I analyze the political stability and military vulnerabilities of the Iranian government following years of civil unrest and regional conflict. I show how advanced technology and targeted air strikes have compromised Iran’s once-impenetrable nuclear sites and air...
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Software Obsolescence and the Crisis of Wasteful Windows Digital Ownership
I examine the widespread issue of planned obsolescence, specifically focusing on Microsoft's decision to end Windows 10 support in October 2025. Helping me is AI which creates a two-way narrative based on my research and personal viewpoint. This transition forced a massive hardware turnover…
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Capitalism's_Endgame: AI, Inequality, and the Battle for a Post-labor world
This conversation draws on my analysis covering general questions regarding major economic and societal challenges. Common themes include the analysis of wealth and income inequality, lack of affordability, critiques of prevailing economic systems, and the disruptive impact of technological…
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Twilight Before the Storm: Neoliberalism, Crisis of Capitalism, and the 1930s Parallel
Review by Donald Harvey Marks concerning Viktor Shvets' fantastic recent book: The Twilight Before the Storm. I analyze the book's central arguments, which posit that the world is in a dangerous transitional period marked by the decline of neoliberalism - an ideology rooted in free-market...
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Fixing USA Healthcare v3. Obstructive payers, ridiculous drug companies and dangerous hospitals.
The United States healthcare system faces a dual crisis of unsustainable spending and suboptimal outcomes. Despite spending nearly one-fifth of its GDP—approximately $4.8 trillion in 2023—on healthcare, the U.S. ranks last among ten high-income nations in health equity, access, and outcomes. I...
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Fixing USA Healthcare v1
The United States healthcare system faces a dual crisis of unsustainable spending and suboptimal outcomes. Despite spending nearly one-fifth of its GDP—approximately $4.8 trillion in 2023—on healthcare, the U.S. ranks last among ten high-income nations in health equity, access, and outcomes. I...
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Elitists Neocons Neolibs, Globalists and Narcissists, oh my. What are they, who are they, and why should I care?
Elitists, Neoconservatives, Neoliberals, and Globalists are all political ideologies that hold distinct beliefs and values. Knowing the differences is essential to starting a thoughtful discussion. It really helps, having been a child progeny. LMK your reactions
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Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Anti-Capitalism: Untangling Leftist Prejudice
I examine various contemporary and historical issues through the lens of social, political, and moral critique. I cover the history of antisemitism at UCLA, distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and anti-Zionism that devolves into antisemitic tropes, and note that modern...
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Neuroimaging and neuro-freedom
How neuroimaging techniques, like functional MRI, can be used to interpret thoughts.
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Financial Meltdown_ The Calm Before Chaos. Is my money safe, can there be a buy-in?
Donald Harvey Marks asks: Are we really in a Financial meltdown? It sure seems like it to me, an educated non-economist. And at this very moment, I believe we are in what can best be called a “false lull” or deceptive calm before a major financial setback, either a recession or possibly a full...
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Finding meaning in uncertainty - Psalm 18
Donald Harvey Marks asks: With all the uncertainty and turmoil in our lives, many have wondered whether there is meaning to the world, and whether, as Einstein said, God Truly Does Play Dice With The Universe. In many ways, Einstein and his findings of Relativity can help us answer this important...
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Antisemitism, Anti-Zionism, and Anti-Capitalism: Untangling Modern Prejudice. Are Jews safe?
Donald Harvey Marks examines various contemporary and historical issues through the lens of social, political, and moral critique. One of his writings on Substack and on his personal blog www.DHMarks.blogspsot.com scrutinizes the history of antisemitism at UCLA, distinguishing between legitimate...
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The curious case of deepfakes. Can we even trust what we see?
A short discussion of what are deepfakes, how are they made, what dangers do they pose to our freedom? Full text and references at https://bit.ly/3GZJdXh
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How Woke can we be? The meaning of Woke and why I am not
A discussion of the term Woke, what it means to be Woke, the history of Wokeness, and why I am not. This written episode along with references is found at https://bit.ly/3Fd7fPy
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Elitists, Neocons, Neolibs, oh my! Whats wrong with those people?
Short but essential discussion of what and who are the Elitists, the Neocons, The Neolibs and The Globalists. My personal and ever-evolving detailed lists of each group are found at https://bit.ly/3Fa4wqb
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"Untitled," an evocative poem, by Donald Marks
Existential poetry from the collection: Transit States, by Donald Marks, available on Amazon and Kindle
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Do I have the flu or COVID-19? How to tell the difference and what to do
Do I have the flu or COVID-19? How to tell the difference and what to do
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Full disclosure of all clinical data is a must, The public's right-to-know
The public has a right and a need to know the results of all clinical data. Particularly in this time of COVID-19, with many therapeutic and vaccine clinical trials going forward, the public must know the results of clinical studies, whether there are Adverse Events from Therapeutics in order to...
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Henry Kissinger at 100. Former Secretary of State, National Security advisor, agent for good or evil?
One of a series of podcasts presented on Henry Kissinger, conflicted Jew and former Secretary of State and National Security advisor. Was he an agent for good or an evil war criminal? The greatest Secretary of State of our time? Only time will tell but I offer a number of different perspectives…
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The meaning of time. ⏰ Personal Reflections on mortality and the limits of longevity 🧬
Personal reflections on the meaning of time, mortality, immortality, influencing the present and the future, and many other things that are dear to me. What I have not told my family about my shrinking amount of available time, with a sprinkling of poetry, segments from the movie Groundhog Day…
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Vaccinating Against Hate.💉 Really? A concept whose time has come. Salk, Polio Vaccine.
Reflections on how best to achieve childhood health, the overall role of vaccines, social justice, and the legacy of Dr Jonas Salk and pandemics.
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Relative Ethics 💢 Einstein ♾️ and Relativity ⚛️. What really matters?
This podcast discusses the early history of Einstein's life, his key concepts and where they fit into both history and ethics. I then address whether some or all ethical decisions have moral absolutes or are simply relative to their context, "whatever."
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Why did Hamlet ask, "To Be or not to be?" Explainer. Context is the essence
In this Soliloquy or internal monologue from Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Hamlet shares his inner feelings thoughts and plans for the future after his father's foul and most unnatural murder. My Explainer and context added.
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Love Is Not All. The sonnet to love unrequitted, by Edna St Vincent Millay
This beautiful sonnet depicts the love affair from a woman's perspective, from her first attraction, thru the consummation and leading to her sorrow at crushing breaking up. With full explainer to help understand the context.
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Does Shylock really want a pound of flesh? What the Merchant of Venice said and why.
In this episode I first explain the context in which Shylock found himself in Shakespeare's England, the restrictions on Jews and how he ended up a money lender. Then I will read Shylock's own explanation for why he demands a pound of flesh. Lessons that still hold true today
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Bloodbird, dangerous medical fiction about transplants, greed and murder, by Dimitri Markov
Bloodbird🦅, dangerous medical fiction, the 1st member of the Dangerous Doctors series by physician⚕️ author Dimitri Markov - aka Donald H. Marks. A desperate patient and an organ that is Not the only thing transplanted. Life in USA 30 years from now, still gripped by virus🦠 and pollution. LMK…
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Tomorrow, at Dawn. The Tragic Poem by Victor Hugo written after his beloved daughter's death.
This deeply moving and intense poem was written by French author Victor Hugo in memory of his daughter Leopoldine. I include introductory and contextual remarks to help you better appreciate and understand the circumstances, which, as a father, I cannot even imagine. LMK your own reaction
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All The World's a Stage, in "As You Like It," by Shakespeare. Explainer, what Jacques said and why.
The famous, familiar, meaningful and reflectful Soliloquy by Jacques in "As You Like It", by Shakespeare. Read by Donald H. Marks. Complete with helpful explainer for context.
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Vera Mortina, dangerous medical fiction by Dimitri Markov. A criminally insane murderer doubles as a healer. Let's hope it is fiction
"Vera Mortina: When the patient is not the sick one! (Dangerous Doctors Series Book 4)" read by the author Dimitri Markov - aka Donald H. Marks. Start reading it for free: http://a.co/7mlyZFz . Violent doctor, greed, psychosis at a local hospital.
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The Surrogate, dangerous medical fiction by Dimitri Markov. Greed and lust in the in vitro fertilization racket, too realistic to be fiction?
"The Surrogate: A young woman trapped in the greed and power of the IVF indu$try. (Dangerous Doctors Series Book 3)" by Dimitri Markov.- aka Donald H. Marks http://a.co/bLJDHs9
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Her Charm Was Contagious, dangerous medical fiction by Dimitri Markov. Greed, jealousy, murder and senility in a medical practice.
"Her Charm Was Contagious: A dangerous doctor and a patient who just loved everyone to death! (Dangerous Doctors Series, Book 2)" read by the author Dimitri Markov aka Donald H. Marks. Start reading it for free: http://a.co/bY8QqCF RT and F. LMK via Signal app if you get the title.
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Redlands, existential poetry on hopelessness and love, read by the author, Donald H. Marks
From "Transit States: Collected existential and personal poetry" written and read by the author Donald Harvey Marks. Start reading it for free: http://a.co/4jnGsDe
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The Golden Fleece, reflective existential poetry read by the author, Donald H. Marks
From "Transit States: Collected existential and personal poetry" written and read by Donald Harvey Marks. Start reading it for free: http://a.co/4jnGsDe
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Waiting for the Arrival of The Midnight Special. Driving, nearly erotic existential poetry read by the author Donald H. Marks
From "Transit States: Collected existential and personal poetry" written and read by the author Donald Harvey Marks. Poignant visual imagery. Start reading it for free: http://a.co/4jnGsDe
About this show
The Easy Existentialist podcast - home to engaging readings of contemporary political thought, short explainers of Shakespeare and poetry, excerpts from my works of medical fiction, my thoughts on the Meaning of Time, Vaccinating Against Hate, and more. The existential theme is preserved throughout. Visit my personal blog www.DHMarks.blogspot.com to learn even more, including the text of all my writings. And on Substack. Follow my reading of books on @Goodreads @DHMarks
Hosted by
Donald Harvey Marks