Critical Nonsense

High-low brow conversations about culture, science, and tech. With hosts Joey Camire, Aaron Powers, and executive producer/nerd herder Jess Vander. SYLVAIN is a strategy and design company.

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Recent Episodes

294! Friend Breakups

Posted January 21, 202500:29:20

Why would you break up with your best friend? 

This week, Joey and Jess talk about para-romance, frenemies, communication styles, emotional proximity,...

[Reruns] 251! Rituals

Posted January 13, 202500:40:03

Why do people love rituals so much?


This week, a rerun from the Nonsense Wellspring (archive)!


Again, Jess, Aaron,...

[Reruns] 248! Correcting People

Posted January 6, 202500:31:40

When is it okay to correct someone?


This week, a rerun from the Nonsense Wellspring (archive)!


Again, Jess and...

293! 2023 Wild Prognostications: A Year in Review!

Posted December 31, 202400:40:24

How did our predictions play out in 2024?

This week, Aaron, Jess and Joey look back at their prognogs from Episode 247, discussing AI hardware,...

292! Sci-Fi

Posted December 16, 202400:23:42

What kernels of truth are there in sci-fi content today that can maybe predict what our smart technological futures will look like? 

This week,...