Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"I do have a problem, though. And a company Instagram shadow bands me for a while, definitely affecting my business, affecting my pockets, affecting my abilities to create on their platform and gardener new people to become part of new audience, new fans, new supporters. I have a problem when they shadow band me and then take the content that we're doing and do it on their own." — Host
"The earth is dying. They can't grow anything anymore. What's better than burning it? Putting some old people in there, okay? We need some diamonds a few million years from now." — Host
"The only way where you can get the economy going again is if you have people who have been vaccinated for the virus operating normally. And then people who have not been vaccinated yet quarantined. Now how do we show who has been vaccinated, who has been vaccinated? Well, it'll be really convenient if there was like a chip that was in your arm..." — Host
The episode begins with a discussion about Instagram's perceived action of shadow-banning content creators while simultaneously launching similar content. This leads to a broader conversation about innovation and the challenges faced by creators on digital platforms. The hosts then pivot to discussing personal experiences during quarantine, humorously recounting a significant argument with a partner as a form of relationship reset. This segues into a critical examination of how coronavirus statistics are being reported and interpreted, with a focus on the potential for inflated numbers and the differing perceptions of risk, particularly concerning older populations.
The conversation further explores the concept of ageism, questioning whether it is a justifiable form of prejudice given certain physical and professional realities. This leads to a more philosophical discussion about societal roles and the perceived disposability of older individuals, framed through a darkly humorous lens. The episode then delves into speculative territory, questioning who benefits most from the pandemic, with a humorous suggestion that pets are the primary beneficiaries by enjoying increased attention. This introduces the more serious and controversial topic of microchip implants for vaccination verification, discussed as a potential requirement for economic re-opening and the implications for privacy and personal autonomy.
Finally, the hosts touch upon the economic impact of the pandemic, critiquing the stimulus package and discussing strategies for economic influence through consumption and production. They also express concern about China's role in the global pandemic and touch upon the potential financial impact on businesses, including those owned by the sitting president, exploring the complex interplay of politics, business, and global health crises.