mad episodes

Get in on all the mayhem.

SEASON 1

Look, if you don’t see all the fancy links and shownotes yet, IT MEANS WE ARE CREATING more awesome stuff, obvs. But we promise you’ll find them on our YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and probably all the other podcasty places. Want more snazzy things here and elsewhere because you love us so much? Become a MAD sponsor. Ok cool good talk.

EP 001: What is War? (Baby Don’t Hurt Me)

Sean and Jocelyn shoot their opening salvo of ideas on how to define warfare, why cognitive warfare is the new frontline and why we probably need you (YES, you) and a lot of other experts from unexpected places to help the US win this thing.

  • One of the weird things about war these days: ALL OF US are on the battlefield—even if we didn’t realize it.

    Didn’t sign up for this? We know. War is sneaky like that. But here you are, caught in the fight over what you think, believe and do.

    In this first episode of MAD Warfare, we fire our opening salvo of ideas on how to define war, why cognitive warfare is the new frontline, and why we probably need you (YES, you) and a lot of other experts from unexpected places to help the US win this thing.

    Hint: Not only will it be televised, it will be streamed, memed, dreamed, screamed, and even beamed into your head. Welcome to how war is fought today! Now let’s figure out how to fight back.

    ************   MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests and sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com  

    *************   FAIR USE:  

    This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips and references that provide vital context and/or vital moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect the work of every creator and use these moments purely for educational, artistic and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to meld minds, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 002: head games w al snow

If war, business, and politics are about influencing what people think and believe, then pro wrestling might be the greatest training ground of all. Legendary wrestler Al Snow joins us to talk about the art of working a crowd, selling a story, and getting in your head.

  • If war, business, and politics are about influencing what people think and believe, then pro wrestling might be the greatest training ground of all.

    Legendary wrestler Al Snow joins us to talk about the art of working a crowd, selling a story, and getting in your head.

    Listener beware: Once you learn how the game is played, you’ll never watch a speech, debate or rally the same way again.

    ************ MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests and sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    ************* FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips and references that provide vital context and/or vital moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect the work of every creator and use these moments purely for educational, artistic and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to meld minds, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 003: Unconventional healing w Dr Rebecca nicholson

Ready to have your mind blown? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Nicholson turns the battlefield of conflict into a playground of transformation.

  • Ready to have your mind blown? In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Nicholson turns the battlefield of conflict into a playground of transformation. She reveals how spiritual experiences can flip the script on warfare and mend our fractured human spirit, all while keeping things intriguingly unexpected.

    Get ready to uncover the secret sauce behind unconventional healing—diving deep into the hidden dynamics of moral injury, operator syndrome, and AI’s unexpected role in our ever-growing loneliness. Spicy!

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Dr. Rebecca Nicholson’s groundbreaking work at the crossroads of spirituality and conflict.

    • How spiritual experiences can alter the psyche of military personnel and reshape traditional warfare narratives.

    • The rise of AI in human relationships and its impact on loneliness and grief.

    • Exploring moral injury and operator syndrome as catalysts for change. • The power of communication and empathy in resolving deep-seated conflicts.

    • Unconventional healing methods—including spiritual communication—as a remedy for existential crises.

    • Embracing diverse cultural practices in the journey toward reconciliation and healing.

    Notable Quotes:

    • “In unconventional warfare, you need unconventional healing.”

    • “Ignore the spiritual dimension at your own peril.”

    Resources and Links:

    • Dr. Rebecca Nicholson's podcast episode on Arms Dealers, Ancestors, and Trauma Healing: The Traditional Liberian Mourning Feast: https://theconflictdoctor.buzzsprout....

    • Operator Syndrome by Chris Frueh: https://chrisfrueh.com/operator-syndr...

    • What online offline convergence means for the future of conflict by Sean Guillory: https://information-professionals.org...

    • The cognitive domain is where ghosts are real by Sean Guillory: https://information-professionals.org...

    Contact Information: madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Dr. Rebecca Nicholson:

    • Dr. Rebecca Nicholson’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TheConflictDoctor Connect with Us:

    • Email: madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    • LinkedIn:   / madwarfare  

    • Youtube:    / @madwarfarepodcast  

    • Instagram:   / madwarfarepodcast  

    Sponsor Message: Interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com for special pricing and opportunities to promote your business, book, or message.

    ⸻ MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Produced by Amine el Filali and recorded by Trent Denson. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    ⸻ FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect the work of every creator and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to meld minds, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 004: dude, where’s my organoid w chris acha

If you could replicate your own brain, what would you have it do? And if everyone could do it (even your worst nemeses) ... what could POSSIBLY GO WRONG.

  • If you could replicate your own brain, what would you have it do? And if everyone could do it (even your worst nemeses) ... what could POSSIBLY GO WRONG.

    Buckle up, because this is when "what if" turns into "what's next." In this episode, Chris Acha—our big brained tiny organoid maestro—takes us on a wild tour inside the fascinating world of brain organoids.

    From electrifying brain cells (yes, we mean literally shocking them) to teaching them to play pong, Chris takes us through the mind-blowing tech and science out there with a generous dash of humor. But its not just bio-spider crawling pong playin’ scifi robots, these tiny wonders might just be the secret sauce to a smarter, more playful future!



    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Neuroscience Miracles: A look at breakthroughs like deep brain stimulation, brain plasticity, and targeted reactivation for enhanced prosthetics.

    • Brain Organoids Explained: What they are, how they’re grown from pluripotent stem cells, and why these miniature neural networks are revolutionizing research.

    • Micro Integrated Bioelectronics: Chris’s work on self-folding microelectrode arrays that capture three-dimensional neural signals from brain organoids.

    • Learning & AI Potential: The playful experiments from training organoids to play pong to the promise of speech recognition and beyond.

    • Ethical and Funding Challenges: Reflections on the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, the importance of ethical research, and the urgent need for investment in this transformative field.

    • Future Horizons: Speculations on how organoid intelligence could reshape computing, medicine, and even national security in the coming years.

    Notable Quotes:
        •    “The brain holds about 2.5 petabytes of data – a testament to its incredible efficiency.”
        •    “Organoid intelligence might just be the ultimate brainchild of bio-computing, merging biology with technology in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.”

    Resources and Links:

        •    Connect with Chris Acha on LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-acha-1b29b6168/
        •    Cortical labs:
    https://corticallabs.com/
        •    The Dartmouth project on AI:
    https://home.dartmouth.edu/about/artificial-intelligence-ai-coined-dartmouth
        •    Hebbian Theory:
    https://neurosciencenews.com/wire-fire-neurons-19835/
        •    NAE grand challenges for engineering:
    https://www.engineeringchallenges.org/9109.aspx
        •    John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab:
    https://www.jhuapl.edu/
        •    Brain organic reservoir computing for artificial intelligence:
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41928-023-01069-w
        •    Embryonic stem cells:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp5H3SslskQ&t=65s

    Connect with Us:
        •    Email: madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com
        •    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madwarfare/
        •    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MADWarfarePodcast
        •    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madwarfarepodcast/


    Sponsor Message:
    Interested in sponsoring our podcast? Reach out to us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com for special pricing and unique opportunities to promote your business, book, or message.

    ⸻

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali and recorded by Trent Denson. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    ⸻

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 005: spycraft for smarter decisions w jeremy levin

Drowning in data? Wondering what's REAL? Let alone what’s worth acting on? Well well well, YOU’RE IN LUCK, dear Mad Stans. Intelligence analysis trainer Jeremy Levin shows us how the pros separate signal from noise (and maybe save society while they’re at it).

  • Drowning in data? Wondering what's REAL? Let alone what’s worth acting on?

    Well well well, YOU’RE IN LUCK, dear Mad Stans. Because today’s guest is none other than intelligence analysis trainer Jeremy Levin—here to show you how the pros separate signal from noise (and maybe save society while they’re at it).

    Come for the stories from real military and intel experiences (some are too secret to share 🐿️). Stay for the CRAAP test. Because why wouldn't you.

    Key topics:

    Information Overload: How the constant bombardment of data can feel overwhelming—and how to train your brain to handle it.

    Intelligence Analysis Techniques: How they work and why they might save your next family dinner.

    Balancing Instinct & Structure: Learning to trust your gut while rigorously testing hypotheses and countering cognitive biases.

    Real-World Insights: Personal anecdotes from military experiences and intelligence training that illustrate high-stakes decision-making.

    The Future of Analysis: How modern tech and AI might change ... well... everything?

    Resources and Links:
     • Connect with Jeremy Levin on LinkedIn:
      / jeremy-levin-training

     • Reason Project – IARPA:
    https://www.iarpa.gov/research-progra...
     • Psychology of Intelligence Analysis (Richards J. Heuer, Jr.):
    https://archive.org/details/Psycholog...
     • Sensemaking (David T. Moore):
    https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA5...
     • Fifteen Axioms for Intelligence Analysts (Frank Watanabe):
    https://www.cia.gov/resources/csi/sta...
     • Philip E. Tetlock – Superforecasting:
    https://www.amazon.com/Superforecasti...
     • CRAAP Test:
    https://craaptest.net/
     • The Applied Critical Thinking Handbook (The Red Team Handbook):
    https://www.benning.army.mil/CFDP_INS...
     • The NATO Alternative Analysis Handbook:
    https://www.act.nato.int/wp-content/u...
     • Misc. Sources and SATs:
    https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs...
     • The Conspiracy Test:
    https://theconspiracytest.org/

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD? 
    Squeeeee. Get in touch with us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com to get your brand, book, business or brain farts (really, we'll take 'em) featured on our show as a MAD Sponsor. Ask us about our Custom Videos if you're super cool.

    ⸻

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    ⸻

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 006: make me famous w shane morris

The guy who helped Travis Scott go viral breaks down the fame machine and modern influence warfare.

  • What if your favorite artist got famous not because of talent, but because a guy in a mullet built a botnet in his basement?

    This week on MAD Warfare, Shane Morris (see: botnet guy) joins us to break down the brutal mechanics of fame, manipulation, and narrative warfare. Shane helped grow MySpace to a million users, engineered Travis Scott’s rise using fake followers and spicy charts, and now advises U.S. defense leaders on information warfare.

    From manufactured stardom to meme-driven geopolitics, we’re peeling back the fame machine to show how influence really works—and why the comment section might be more dangerous than you think.

    Oh, and there’s a Claremont Lounge story. Of course there is.

    Key Topics

    • How Travis Scott’s bot army got him Kanye’s attention

    • Why narratives—not facts—win elections and chart rankings

    • The overlap between military psyops and music PR

    • Fame as cognitive warfare: how platforms game you

    • Why incendiary TikTok comments are modern-day IEDs

    Notable Quotes

    “Fame isn't just influence. It's a weapon.” “The internet runs on lies.”“You either master the algorithm—or the algorithm masters you.”“Most conspiracies are just people sucking at their jobs and failing upwards.”“If you make enough songs, eventually one won’t be terrible.”

    Resources + Links

    Follow/Connect with Shane Morris

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?Squeeeee. Get in touch with us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com to get your brand, book, business or brain farts (really, we'll take 'em) featured on our show as a MAD Sponsor. Ask us about our Custom Videos if you're super cool.

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 007: SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE ASSASSINATIONS

How do you measure the success of a kill shot?
A character cancellation?
A diss track that hits harder than a drone strike?

  • It’s never as simple as “target down.” But that’s often how success gets measured in war—and in culture. Short-term wins. Long-term fallout. No real accounting for what stories we’re cementing along the way.

    So in this episode, we’re stepping into one of the most uncomfortable questions we’ve asked yet:What makes an assassination “successful”?

    (Important note: We do NOT condone assassinations or violence of any kind. But we do think these events—and their ripple effects—are worth analyzing if we want a better future.)

    From world leaders to hip hop gods, we examine how targeted takedowns work on the battlefield of public imagination. This is warfare through the lens of narrative. And whether you’re nodding along or squirming, there’s a reason you’re still listening.

    Also, yes: we built a framework.It’s systems theory meets cognitive warfare tool meets Sesame Street. A test to assess the success of kinetic strikes, including assassinations.

    And it’s called … well. You’ll have to listen to find out. (Try not to giggle.)

    Let’s go there.

    Key Topics:

    • What MLK, Shinzo Abe, Drake, and a CEO reveal about how power gets preserved—or shattered

    • Why we feel more for a single named character than for thousands of unnamed victims

    • The narrative power of a diss track vs. a campaign speech

    • How kinetic action tells a story, whether or not it’s strategic

    Notable Quotes:

    • ”It always creates a lasting story. It’s just … did your action contribute to the story you wanna tell?” 

    • “And guess who destroys the other? The poet. The writer. The archetype of authenticity.”

    • “Words in this instance can absolutely kill you.”

    • “If it only took one bullet to absolutely change society... I mean, I guess we’d save a lot in terms of defense budgets.”

    • “He made himself the question, and now we have to live in the world where we have to answer that.”

    Resources + Links

    Follow/Connect with MAD Warfare

    Your opinion requested: 

    We asked: Is Drake dead? (Narratively speaking.)You tell us. Email: madwarfarepodcast@gmail.comWe’re collecting your verdicts.

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?Squeeeee. Get in touch with us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com to get your brand, book, business or brain farts (really, we'll take 'em) featured on our show as a MAD Sponsor. Ask us about our Custom Videos if you're super cool.

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/lTgZER1ejow?si=AJz5kmzco-W0G9Gr

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/20Rit5UHMZ8KbkTr2rLnVY?si=kvJlwEziRlKDp0U0Kp-TjA

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/socially-acceptable-assassinations/id1796609808?i=1000708930208

EP 008: HUMOR IS WARFARE W SOLVITA DENISA-LIEPNIECE

They say to understand power, follow the money.
But what if instead… you followed the comedy?

  • In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Solvita Denisa Liepniece, a strategic communication expert who coined the term “hahaganda” to describe how authoritarian regimes use humor to influence, manipulate, and erase. 😶‍🌫️

    We cover:— How Kremlin-backed sketch shows used Nazi references to smear political rivals— Why silence is one of the strongest signals of censorship— How Putin followed a nuclear weapons speech with a laugh-filled comedy appearance— What makes Ukrainian jokes in bomb shelters more than comic relief— Why Zelensky’s rise wasn’t a fluke—it was narrative strategy, executed in prime time— How laughter bonds, excludes, and programs your brain’s sense of “us”

    And yes: there’s a humor survival kit.And yes: you’ll want one.

    #CognitiveWarfare #Propaganda #NarrativeStrategy #Zelensky #Putin #MADWarfare

    MAD SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

    This episode is supported by Grace Kim—a humane technologist and strategist who helps ideas (and kids!) navigate complexity with heart. Check out her middle-grade novella The Realm of Whispers—co-authored with Jasmine Leng—or learn more at Mapping Insight.

    🎶 BONUS: This sponsorship includes a custom MAD-style song + video that you’ll hear in the episode. (We make weird things for wonderful people.)

    Want your own custom ad—or to sponsor an episode of MAD? Email us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Notable Quotes:

    • “Humor connects. And sometimes it disconnects.”

    • “One specifically relevant element with humor is silence. On what topics you are not making jokes.”

    • “Humor could be used both to attack and to defend. It could be used in both directions.”

    • “Try to create the library, the collection of these moments when you were united with those who are your core tribe.”

    • “It’s good to laugh together—but it is important to ask: why?”

    Resources + References:📚 Wolf the Manipulator & Conspiracies – Children’s books on manipulation and rumor by Solvita📺 KVN (Caven) – Soviet-era sketch show still shaping post-Soviet politics🎭 Servant of the People – Satirical series that launched Zelensky’s political career🧠 Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor Frankl’s reflections on survival, humor, and resilience📹 Putin’s 2018 appearance laughing 38+ times on state TV.

    Your Turn: What jokes shouldn’t be funny—but are? What humor has helped you survive something hard?

    We wanna hear them.📬 madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com📣 Or tag us @madwarfarepodcast

    We’re on LinkedIn. Because, funny.

    —

    ONGOING SUPPORTERS

    Big thanks to Elle Younker for being a consistent supporter of MAD Warfare. Her brain is big, her heart is sharp, and her backing helps keep this whole thing moving. Check out her incredible work at the Hive Social Garden.

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD? Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video. Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/jbk-uZwNA5Y?si=2b-8OtjzZ1XASEHb

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zSO07VmXhfWrScS8xogVg?si=hwS_OFpyTM2rmMckIcJHtQ

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humor-is-warfare-w-solvita-denisa-liepniece/id1796609808?i=1000710793485

EP 009: PROTECT YA NECK w Sam Carus: How to Train Your Brain Like a Black Belt

What do martial arts, PSYOPs, and surviving a near-death experience have in common?
It’s (nearly) all in your head.

  • In this episode, we sit down with Sam Carus—lifelong martial artist, special operations veteran, and founder of Randori Resources—to explore what martial arts can teach us about cognitive defense, civic strength, and surviving the stressors of modern life. And yes, nearly dying. 

    From Russian meme warfare to childhood obesity as national security risk, this conversation covers the intersections of story, survival, civic strength, and the weird things we do under pressure. (Spoiler: you’ll probably want to start visualizing.)

    Key Topics

    • How martial arts builds narrative resilience (and community trust)

    • The reality of modern PSYOPs (and why marketing might be scarier)

    • The neuroscience of stress and why it hijacks your thinking

    • Why martial arts should be part of public education

    • Visualization as real-world training—without the bruises

    Notable Quotes

    “Martial arts is more than just physical education—it’s civic education.”“If the vessel that houses our brain is unhealthy, then how can the brain and mind be functioning perfectly?”“Once you're aware, then the battle really begins.”“I think being in special operations was easier than being a parent.”“Visualization helps us make the optimal choice—because we're faced with choices constantly.”

    What’s Inside

    [00:00:22] – Meet Sam Carus: martial artist, special ops vet, founder of Randori Resources[00:01:59] – A near-death sailing accident that taught Sam how to stay calm under stress[00:05:41] – Martial arts as civic—not just physical—education[00:07:33] – What PSYOPs really are (and aren’t)[00:09:20] – Russian active measures and meme-based manipulation[00:14:18] – How narrative warfare undermines nations without firing a shot[00:19:04] – Why parenting is harder than special ops[00:21:43] – The body-brain connection, and why health = mental readiness[00:23:18] – What it really means to know yourself under stress[00:24:00] – Using negative emotions strategically (yes, really)[00:25:00] – Martial arts dojos as training grounds for empathy[00:29:00] – A real plan for integrating martial arts into U.S. schools[00:33:00] – Obesity, movement culture, and readiness[00:37:00] – “We’re raising mediocrity and calling it education.”[00:41:00] – Visualization: mental reps, stress inoculation, and why it works[00:44:00] – Why this isn’t woo—it’s neuroscience-backed[00:46:00] – Where we go from here: starting with awareness

    MAD ANGEL SPONSOR: Randori Resources

    This episode is brought to you by Randori Resources, founded by our guest Sam Carus. Randori helps you train your mind like a fighter—without the mat burns.

    👉 Visit randori-resources.com to learn more.

    🎶 Plus: Hear our original MAD tribute for Randori inside the episode, made by the great Amine el FIlali. 

    Want your own custom ad—or to sponsor an episode of MAD? Email us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    Resources + References:Email Sam Carus: randori@randori-resources.com

    Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-carus

    Shout out to project Cogent Gray: www.cogent-gray.com

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Your Turn

    What kind of mental training do you wish you’d learned in school? How do you protect your neck in the narrative arena?

    📬 Email us at madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com📣 Tag us: @madwarfarepodcast on IG / LinkedIn / YouTube🔗 Full archive + extras: madwarfare.com

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD? Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video. Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/VJPo0Vj7K10?si=P-YTj-OMekXM_P8H

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4tXfDVqFWvDgeyXlYYsGi2?si=EKAfC-ChTNubkGV11nq9Ag

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-ya-neck-w-sam-carus-how-to-train-your-brain/id1796609808?i=1000712996852

EP 010: Hack the Algo w Swapneel Mehta

We know the algorithm is messing with us. But what if we could mess with it back?

  • In this episode, we’re joined by machine learning scientist and digital trust builder Dr. Swapneel Mehta, who’s worked at Twitter, Adobe, Slack, CERN, and MIT—and now leads SIMPPL, a nonprofit restoring digital trust across seven countries.

    We explore the hidden levers behind the feeds we scroll, the platforms we feed, and the narratives feeding on us. YUMMMMY. From fake-news detection tools and Russia’s meme warfare to hacking LinkedIn to actually show you what you care about (yes, LINKEDIN CAN BE A PLACE YOU ENJOY), Swapneel walks us through the logic, power, and danger of modern algorithms—and what you can do to fight back.

    Key Topics

    • Why the most dangerous players aren’t Big Tech … and who to watch for? 

    • How recommender systems actually work (and how to reverse-engineer your feed)

    • The chilling limits of current AI guardrails—and why we need new ones

    • Why trust and truth require human systems, not just code

    • The surprising algorithm hack that got Swapneel cheap Uber Eats for years

    Notable Quotes

    • “It’s not free speech that’s the problem—it’s free reach.”

    • “You can’t prove a harm that didn’t happen—but that’s what safety teams are for.”

    • “Everything you do online is a signal. The trick is learning what it’s signaling.”

    • “When everything you see is hyper-personalized, the algorithm stops exploring—and starts exploiting.”

    • “Trust isn’t just about information. It’s about context.”

    What’s Inside[00:01:09] – Intro to Swapneel Mehta and why he builds for digital trust[00:02:00] – Why tiny unknown companies are more dangerous than tech giants[00:04:01] – IRBs, unethical experiments, and what industry gets away with[00:06:40] – Why we regulate medicine but not memes[00:08:20] – Trust & Safety layoffs and the problem with proving negatives[00:12:40] – Why platforms aren’t legally liable for the content they amplify[00:15:00] – Algorithms promote anger, not accuracy—and that’s by design[00:19:00] – Can we hack the algorithm? Swapneel says: yes[00:22:00] – Filter bubbles, personalization traps, and digital exploitation[00:28:00] – Can we ever get truly “unbiased” content?[00:30:00] – How AI can help (and sometimes out-label humans)[00:33:00] – Real-time bot network detection during the Ukraine war[00:39:00] – How coordinated harassment campaigns can be uncovered—and stopped[00:44:00] – A step-by-step guide to hacking your LinkedIn feed (it’s a signal system)[00:53:00] – Uber Eats, conversion flow, and how Swapneel got years of discounts[00:58:00] – Using AI + humans to reduce maternal mortality in India[01:01:00] – Teaching undergrads to build viable AI products that serve the public[01:02:43] – Final words: Free speech, not free reach

    MAD ANGEL SPONSOR: Randori Resources

    This episode is brought to you by Randori Resources, founded by our guest Sam Carus. Randori helps you train your mind like a fighter—without the mat burns.

    👉 Visit randori-resources.com to learn more.

    🎶 Plus: Hear our original MAD tribute for Randori inside the episode, made by the great Amine el FIlali. 

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com(Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube:https://youtu.be/ZMZM3L7NFt0?si=3Z-2-HqFkzdFIuFJ

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OmCRlvWuKVVdiAr5BSdbM?si=FMZd6_ieSv27tXORTUomxw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hack-the-algo-w-swapneel-mehta/id1796609808?i=1000715058267

EP 011: XX THREAT: How Girls, Scrolls & Soft Power Shape Modern Warfare (with Elizabeth Tate)

Think warfare is just brute strength and bullets? HA! That’s a national security FAIL.

  • Elizabeth Tate—author of Control Your Scroll and a consultant in psychology, communications, and organizational change—joins us to talk about the underestimated force of girlhood, social media, and so-called soft skills in shaping national and global power.

    From her first-grade psychological ops to advising government agencies, Elizabeth breaks down how subtle influence, digital addiction, and AI-powered distraction are quietly redefining warfare in the 21st century. And why overlooking women might be a nation’s most fatal blind spot.

    We discuss:

    • How "just a girl" can infiltrate secure spaces (without even trying).

    • Why social media is the most underestimated battlefield today.

    • The real dangers of AI (hint: not killer robots) and ways we can defend against them.

    • Her new book, Control Your Scroll, and how we can break free from digital addiction.

    Tune in to rethink power, influence, and the hidden battles for your attention.

    Buy the Book:Control Your Scroll: Reclaim Your Brain from Endless Distraction by Elizabeth Tate(Out July 2025 – Available wherever books are sold)

    Connect with Elizabeth Tate:LinkedIn Elizabeth’s Website

    *********************

    MAD SPONSOR: Randori Resources

    This episode is brought to you by Randori Resources, founded by Sam Carus. Randori helps you train your brain the way fighters train their bodies. 

    Visit randori-resources.com to learn more.

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com(Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/1J4ieLt2QA8?si=LtL2gWGS6LG2OExS

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BkXgpX2dVIYfBiboyGmgT?si=CMIMdZrtR86k8sJ2dJs-7A

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xx-threat-w-elizabeth-tate/id1796609808?i=1000717112652

EP 012: Remote Warrior w Tanner Yackley: Inside the Mind of a Drone Operator

What happens when war becomes a desk job?


  • You wake up in Vegas. Sit down in a box. Fly a drone over Afghanistan. Watch your target for weeks—when he feeds his goats, when he hugs his wife—and then one day, you get the call: Clear to Strike.

    Then you go home. Eat dinner. And don’t talk about it.

    Former drone operator and founder of Remote Warrior, Tanner Yackley, joins us to talk about what remote warfare really does to the human brain. Spoiler: it’s not like a video game. From moral injury to misdiagnosis, from 3,000 hours of combat to launching a mission-driven mental health org, Tanner takes us inside the proverbial cockpit—and the real cost.

    We discuss:

    • What it’s like to fly over 1,000 remote combat missions (and then replay the strikes over and over again).

    • Why PTSD frameworks often fail drone operators—and what they actually need instead.

    • The haunting power of proximity in remote warfare: knowing your target’s daily routine before taking them out.

    • What the military still gets wrong about burnout, trauma, and training.

    • Why “it’s okay to not be okay” doesn’t work if no one believes it.

    This one might wreck you a little. It should.

    Connect with Tanner YackleyLinkedIn Remote Warrior website

    *********************

    MAD SPONSOR: Randori Resources

    This episode is brought to you by Randori Resources, founded by Sam Carus. Randori helps you train your brain the way fighters train their bodies. 

    Visit randori-resources.com to learn more.

    MAD SHOUT OUT

    Big thanks to Elle Younker for being a consistent supporter of MAD Warfare. Her brain is big, her heart is sharp, and her backing helps keep this whole thing moving. Check out her incredible work at the Hive Social Garden.

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com(Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/Drd_1H5n6oU?si=mnbrQv8RJyIWcIN9

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nFaAQao1b8MCn34Gi4sT9?si=7kOJYFy1S3e3_aFpPUd-tw

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/remote-warrior-with-tanner-yackley/id1796609808?i=1000719432759

EP 013: Free Your Mind w Devsena Mishra

Some of the best mind-hacking tech on the planet was invented before electricity.

No code. No bots. No blue check.

Just ancient mental engineering — sharp enough to survive empires, con men, and mass hysteria.

  • Devsena Mishra knows it well. She’s been inside national security and the hidden rooms where influence campaigns are wired together. She’s seen how billions get nudged, poked, and spun into fighting someone else’s war — without ever knowing it.

    One of her favorite countermeasures? Sahaj intelligence.

    A kind of steady, unshakable clarity that makes you damn near impossible to program.

    In this episode:

    • Outrage as a global currency.

    • Why “calm” might be the most dangerous thing you can be.

    • How regular people become propaganda delivery systems.

    • Moves to make your brain slippery to manipulation.

    MAD SPONSOR: Randori Resources

    This episode is brought to you by Randori Resources, founded by Sam Carus. 

    Randori helps you train your brain the way fighters train their bodies. 

    Visit randori-resources.com to learn more.

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat! 

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/LIFY5ysviGY?si=CohnJC2XGmLP0a0r

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/5gmZ2WBS5E403vS86WFynp?si=Wois4_rQQg-o398U13hTpg

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/free-your-mind-w-devsena-mishra/id1796609808?i=1000721433539

EP 014: Heroes Everywhere w Adam Bird

We throw the word “hero” around a lot—soldiers, firefighters, nurses, neighbors, even SpongeBob. But what happens when our definitions clash? When one side’s “hero” is the other side’s “villain”?

  • On this episode of MAD Warfare, we dig into hero narratives — how they inspire, unite, recruit… and yes, how they get weaponized.

    Our guest, Adam Bird, is a veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Heroes Media Group. He’s built platforms that amplify the voices of everyday heroes: veterans, first responders, educators, medical pros, neighbors who just show up. People who would never call themselves heroes — which is often what makes them one.

    Adam shares what he’s learned from producing over 17,000 shows, building a network around positive stories, and stubbornly pushing back on a media culture that thrives on outrage.

    In this episode:

        •    Why the truest heroes are the ones uncomfortable with the title.

        •    The difference between hero worship and actual heroism.

        •    How negative news hooks our brains — and what to do about it.

        •    Why we should shove more positivity down people’s throats (Adam’s words).

        •    What stubborn optimism looks like in practice.

    If you think “hero” is just a label for action figures or campaign ads, think again.

    Find Adam Bird and Heroes Media Group on all platforms at:

    @mradambird

    @heroesmediagrp

    heroesmediagroup.com

    —

    MAD SPONSOR: Randori Resources

    This episode is brought to you by Randori Resources, founded by Sam Carus. 

    Randori helps you train your brain the way fighters train their bodies. 

    Visit randori-resources.com to learn more.

    —

    ONGOING SUPPORTERS

    Big thanks to  Elle Younker  for being a consistent supporter of MAD Warfare. Her brain is big, her heart is sharp, and her backing helps keep this whole thing moving. Check out her incredible work at the  Hive Social Garden.

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/hrWG9xNhBMk?si=4w1FIeTnhaKKBzxN

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7FBE4B9QoNLp1xmQa1dfyK?si=rZhhrdUnTs6yMAZPYr5X6A

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heroes-everywhere-w-adam-bird/id1796609808?i=100072336333

EP 015: Schoolhouse Warfare w Gus Kangas

Cartoons Save Democracy?

What do Broadway, the CIA, and Hollywood have in common?

For Gus Kangas, the answer is tradecraft.

  • From child actor to CIA operations veteran to Hollywood consultant (most recently on The Agency), Gus has lived at the intersection of performance, persuasion, and perception. Now he’s using that experience to ask a big question: how do we teach kids to spot manipulation and propaganda — and can we make it fun enough to stick?

    In this episode, we get into:

        •    Why acting and espionage share the same skill: making perception reality.

        •    The mental toll of living the role — and how to turn it off before it fractures you.

        •    What Hollywood gets wrong (and sometimes brilliantly right) about intelligence work.

        •    The hidden power of storytelling to shape policy — from WarGames to The Day After.

        •    What a Schoolhouse Rock for 2025 might look like — teaching kids digital literacy, privacy, and propaganda-spotting through music and cartoons.

        •    Why you should never confuse information with wisdom.

    If you think spycraft is just car chases and tuxedos, this episode might mess with your frame.

    Reach out to Gus Kangas:

    https://www.vigilant.p...

    ⸻

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat! 

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/bWxqEJO_YVY?si=Cmm4T694gC6KAmu5

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4O0s31nSaSuM6ERIK6Sn7I?si=iajcTbNARw2tYH_z-jaTbA

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/schoolhouse-warfare-w-gus-kangas/id1796609808?i=1000725444069

EP 016: REPUTATION WARFARE W SIMON PATERSON

What do extremists, trolls, and corporate boardrooms have in common?

They’re all in the business of narrative warfare.


  • Simon Paterson went from “smiting the Queen’s enemies” in UK military intelligence to advising Fortune 100 companies on how not to get wrecked by disinfo.

    Turns out: memes, lies, and smear campaigns can be just as effective as missiles. And no, “just ignore it” is not a strategy.

    This episode takes you from the battlefield to the boardroom—where trust is the real target, and narrative resilience is the only shield that matters.

    Key Topics

    • From UK military intel to Edelman: Simon’s path into narrative warfare

    • Why corporate comms can’t treat disinfo as “just PR”

    • The danger of measuring “success” by putting out fires

    • Prebunking: inoculating against lies before they spread

    • The collapse of trust in experts—and the rise of the “Bobs”

    • Why businesses (not governments) may be the last line of defense

    Notable Quotes

    “The internet was built by engineers. But it’s a deeply human experience.”

    “Once someone believes something, correcting it doesn’t undo the belief—it confirms it.”

    “You’re all on a floodplain. It’s not if, it’s when.”

    “You don’t have to engage. You can build resilience so others do it for you.”

    “People don’t like losing money. That’s how you move the conversation.”

    Resources + Links

    Simon Paterson on LinkedIn

    linkedin.com/in/simonpaterson1

    InfauxTech

    www.InfauxTech.com

    Edelman Trust Barometer 2024

    edelman.com/trust

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reputation-warfare-w-simon-paterson/id1796609808?i=1000727788515

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hyzsORYKLtjfWlnDPhmgk?si=MNBmoGUFQNeBTp5QW5nwrg

    YouTube: https://youtu.be/ucV2CoTyPQc?si=VY9Y3BHbuo78KtpP

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat! 

What’s the worst possible headline someone could write about you, using nothing but public records?

That’s opposition research. Sonia Van Meter, managing partner of Stanford Campaigns, shows us how to use it–to your prosperity … or to your peril.


EP 017: Know Thy Enemy w Sonia

  • Key Topics

    • What opposition research really is (and isn’t)

    • Why oppo is about narrative, not “silver bullets”

    • “Self-research”: knowing your own vulnerabilities before anyone else does

    • Tone as strategy: how to hit hard without looking cruel

    • Strategic patience—when not to respond and let others do the work

    • Deepfakes, likeness, and why local races are most at risk

    • Why momentum and the perception of winning matters more than one perfect hit

    • Breaking in: why being nice and useful is the real oppo superpower

    Resources + Links

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/know-thy-enemies-w-sonia-van-meter/id1796609808?i=1000730319539

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pFtBcHjWterQ80LN2juR9

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mifObcCCQjY

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat!

EP 018: You Are Not The Villain W Nate Ragolia

What if the story running your life isn’t yours at all?


  • Author and publisher Nate Ragolia (Brink Literacy Project) joins us to talk about how the stories we inherit—about who we are, what we deserve, and what we’re capable of—shape everything. From teaching creative writing in prisons to publishing comics by people society wrote off, Nate’s work shows what happens when people stop living inside someone else’s narrative and start writing their own.

    Key Topics

    Why the stories we believe decide what we see—and who we become

    How Brink uses story to rebuild identity and hope

    Why “you are not a static thing” might be the most freeing idea ever

    The problem with protagonist syndrome (and why it’s not all about you, actually)

    How empathy starts when we drop the hero/villain binary

    What media literacy really means—beyond yelling at the algorithm

    Reclaiming authorship: changing your internal story before someone else does

    The American story: can we still write one we believe in?

    Resources + Links

    Brink Literacy Project — brinklit.org

    Friction Literary Journal — frictionlit.org

    The Brink Store — brinkstore.org

    Instagram: @brinkorg, @frictionseries

    Nate’s Podcast: Debut Buddies — wherever you listen

    Books by Nate Ragolia: There, You Feel Free | The Retro Activist | One Person Can’t Make a Difference

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-the-villain-w-nate-ragolia/id1796609808?i=1000732573816

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uENWkwBMc7X9d7xaAxFkk 

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN20-2K8_V4 

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory.

    Edited and produced by Amine el Filali.

    Visit madwarfare.com for more absurdity and insight.

    Got wishes, dream guests, or brilliant sponsorship ideas? Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: We include short clips and cultural references for context, education, and joy under Fair Use. If we’ve missed attribution or you’d like to collaborate, reach out—we’re all ears.

Before “fake news” or ChatGPT, one computer scientist asked a dangerous question: could a machine invent believable lies?

That was 1985.


EP 019: May the Best Story Win w Rand Walzman

  • Dr. Rand Waltzman went on to shape DARPA’s research into social media and information influence. This work helped define what we now call “cognitive security.”

    We talk about how those early experiments connect to today’s manipulation economy, why emotion is the real battlefield, and why the biggest threat isn’t the tech … it’s US. 😬 

    Key Topics

    • The origin of cognitive security—and why it started with a thought experiment about AI and deception

    • Why emotion, not information, is the real target in modern influence operations

    • “Foreign vs. domestic” is a myth: why today’s propaganda is homegrown as often as imported

    • From DARPA to disinformation: what Rand learned about how ideas spread (and why they stick)

    • The rise of affective computing—machines that read and react to human emotion

    • Humor as protest: how “wicked fun” became a tactic for civil resistance in Macau

    • Why censorship fails and “displacement storytelling” might actually work

    • The danger of apathy and what real pushback against manipulation could look like

    Resources + Links

    • Dr. Rand Waltzman — LinkedIn (best place to find him): https://www.linkedin.com/in/randwaltzman

    • Books mentioned

      • Propaganda — Edward Bernays

      • Propaganda: The Formation of Men’s Attitudes — Jacques Ellul

      • Affective Computing — Rosalind Picard (MIT Media Lab)

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/may-the-best-story-win-w-rand-waltzman/id1796609808?i=1000734980917

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/09HfWfEDX8VTCDNox9ki1I

    YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=joCQNQC1cBI

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat! 

EP 020: The War Within w Nicholas Wright

What if your brain isn’t a peace-loving hippie at heart…but a very polite war machine trying its best?

  • In this episode, Dr. Nicholas Wright — neuroscientist, former neurologist, advisor to the Pentagon, and author of Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain — walks us through why our minds are wired for conflict, why that doesn’t mean we’re doomed, and how better self-knowledge might literally save civilizations.

    We get into everything from nuclear deterrence and TikTok anxiety to Love Island, shitstorming, and why the “nice” Terminator is the role model for future AI.

    Key Topics

    • Why our brains evolved for conflict — and why that doesn’t automatically mean endless war

    • The “peaceful arc of history” argument (Pinker, Sapolsky, etc.) and why Nick thinks it’s dangerously incomplete

    • A working definition of war: politically motivated violence at scale between human groups

    • Fear as a feature, not a bug — how it keeps us alive and how it spirals into escalation

    • Injustice, identity, and “right vs. right” conflicts: why both sides can feel morally justified

    • Why we’re obsessed with bad reality TV and gossip (hint: mating goals + theory of mind + survival)

    • Imagination as a survival skill: using “what if?” simulations in your head to navigate risk and reputation

    • Generational complacency: Ibn Khaldun’s 3-generation empire problem and why our “status quo” is historically incredible

    • Emotional literacy vs. over-identifying with labels: anxiety, TikTok self-diagnosis, and fear run amok

    • The brain as an orchestra: emotions as the brass section, wisdom as the conductor

    • Metacognition and wisdom: thinking about your own thinking to make better — and saner — decisions

    • How AI and information operations intersect: personalized influence, testing campaigns on “AI test ranges,” and why IO still isn’t everything

    • Robots, embodiment, and the next AI leap: why giving machines bodies (and something like fear) changes the game

    • “Wiser AI” instead of perfect alignment: what it means to build systems that can see the bigger picture

    • Leadership, failure, and why we punish the very honesty we say we want

    • Practical brain tools: reframing, suppression (yes, sometimes), sleep, exercise, and better decision trees

    • Shitstorming as a creativity tool: why pitching the worst possible ideas can unlock your best ones

    • How to use brain science if you can’t even win an argument with your uncle on Facebook

      

    Resources + Links

    • Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain — by Dr. Nicholas Wright (Pan Macmillan)

    • Nicholas Wright’s website — Intelligent Biology: analysis at the intersection of brains, technology, and security (intelligentbiology.co.uk)

    • Nicholas Wright on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/nicholas-d-wright-bba3a065/

    • Nicholas Wright on X (Twitter) — @nicholasdwright


    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-war-within-w-nicholas-wright/id1796609808?i=1000737012135

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oRTLvbPDBfZYO39ystlkM

    YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zc2aBAJP-5s

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    (Or just send snacks. That works too.)

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat! 

What happens when the information environment becomes too loud for the human brain to handle?

And why does it feel like everyone — kids, adults, institutions, governments — is getting overwhelmed at the same time?


EP 021: Cognitive Security in a Noisy World w John Bicknell

  • We sit down with John Bicknell, former Marine and host of The Cognitive Crucible, to talk about the cognitive overload shaping modern life: from teenagers buckling under algorithmic pressure… to countries struggling to manage complexity… to why some global actors might actually weaponize chaos itself.

    ⸻

    Key Topics

     • Why different groups (teen girls, teen boys, adults) are being overwhelmed at different tempos

     • Gaming, porn, incels, self-image, comparison loops — and what’s really driving these shifts

     • Empathy: the healthy version, the unhealthy version, and the “weaponized” version

     • Why algorithms trap us in bubbles and why escaping them takes effort

     • The Law of Requisite Variety and what it teaches us about surviving complexity

     • Cognitive noise: how stress, life chaos, and global events change what messages “get through”

     • Why simple messages perform better in noisy environments

     • How militaries (and adversaries) can exploit overloaded populations

     • Space, sovereignty, China, the Kessler Effect… and why the next frontier of conflict might be orbital

     • Cognitive security as our generational challenge

    ⸻

    Resources + Links

    The Cognitive Crucible —  https://information-pr...

    Information Professionals Association (IPA) — https://information-pr...

    More Cowbell Unlimited — https://morecowbellunl...

    “More Cowbell” SNL Sketch (homework assigned by John)

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cognitive-security-in-a-noisy-world-w-john-bicknell/id1796609808?i=1000739088546 

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1sjtDZmT036M5iKOg9cgQH 

    YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XTRq2nmud2U 

    ⸻

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us. We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    —

    MAD Warfare™️ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory. Edited and produced by Amine el Filali. Visit our website at madwarfare.com for extra giggles. And send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and (yes it bears repeating) sponsorship inquiries to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE: This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We DEEPLY respect every creator’s work and use these moments purely for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we are missing attributions or you would like to collaborate, please reach out—we’re always happy to chat! 

EP 022: THE INFO WAR W DR. ANDREA HICKERSON

Who wins when nobody knows what to trust?

If the biggest national security threat isn’t hackers or spies—but bad communication—what happens next?


  • In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Hickerson, Dean of Journalism at the University of Mississippi and founding director of the new Center for Information Advantage & Effectiveness, to unpack how information actually moves, mutates, and manipulates us.

    From deepfakes and dashboards to sports rumors, betting markets, and why “media literacy” might be the wrong fix entirely—this is a conversation about how narrative, tone, and trust quietly decide outcomes long before facts ever get a vote.

    Welcome to the info war.

    Key Topics

    Why bad communication—not bad actors—is the real national security risk

    Why dashboards create a false sense of knowing

    Deepfakes: when quality doesn’t matter, context does

    How sports, fandom, and entertainment become information Trojan horses

    Why famous people are harder to deepfake than regular humans

    How misinformation sneaks in through tone, not facts

    Why media literacy puts too much work on audiences

    Media ethics vs. “just think harder” solutions

    Who actually benefits when confusion spreads

    Why trust collapses faster than truth

    Resources + Links

    Center for Information Advantage & Effectiveness — University of Mississippi

    Andrea Hickerson — andreahhickerson@olemiss.edu

    Book: Fake Checking: A Journalist’s Guide to Deep Fakes

    Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-info-war-w-andrea-hickerson/id1796609808?i=1000741305339

    Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qxy0H64PkOAAEKqhmR1L8

    YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8d3I63Ru70Q

    WANT TO SUPPORT MAD?

    Sponsor us.

    We’ll make you a weird, wonderful custom video.

    Email: madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com

    (Or just send snacks. Still counts.)

    —

    MAD Warfare™ is hosted by narrative strategist Jocelyn Brady and cognitive neuroscientist Sean Anthony Guillory.

    Edited and produced by Amine el Filali.

    Visit madwarfare.com for extra giggles.

    Send your wishes, weird ideas, dream guests, and sponsorship inquiries (yes, again) to madwarfarepodcast@gmail.com.

    —

    FAIR USE

    This show is MAD enough to include homages, short clips, and references that provide vital context and/or moments of joy. We deeply respect every creator’s work and use these moments for educational, artistic, and transformative purposes under Fair Use. If we missed an attribution or you’d like to collaborate, reach out—we’re happy to chat.

EP 023: COGNITIVE SECURITY W MATT CANHAM

What if your worst enemy wasn’t a foreign adversary—but a virtual clone of you?

A digital twin that knows your habits, your cravings, your blind spots. It knows when you’re tired. When you’re distracted. When you’re easiest to influence.

Sounds like Black Mirror.

LOL, NOPE. 

EP 024: SUBvERSIVE REALITY W MIKE ROSS

EP 025: USEFUL FICTION W AUGUST COLE

EP 026: ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW

EP 027: MOVE FAST, BREAK HUMANS W SANDRA KHALIL

EP 028: The War on Trust w Jennifer Ewbank

EP 029: the politics of melodrama w dr shannon mancus

EP 030: celebrity monsters w scott bonn

EP 031: The War on curiosity w sophie shrand

EP 032: digital coup w darin johnson

EP 033: mind games w dr. tanna krewson