In Episode #008 of The Culture Codex, we sit down with world-renowned tattoo artist Jesse Smith, known for his surreal creatures, vibrant worlds, and unforgettable run on Ink Master.

Together we explore how graffiti shaped his early style, how reality TV changed his approach to art, and how AI is reshaping the creative landscape. Jesse opens up about the real economics of running a tattoo shop, the challenges facing small businesses, and the pressures artists feel in an increasingly algorithm-driven world.

This episode dives deep into artistry, autonomy, politics, and the future of creative work through the lens of someone who’s been at the top of the industry for decades.

"Thinking" is under attack, and philosopher Michael Huemer breaks down what’s real, what’s myth, and what’s dangerously misunderstood in American politics.

In Episode #007, Patrick and Devin sit down with Huemer to unpack:

• How bias, emotion, and misinformation warp our political judgment
• Why so much “science” fails to replicate — and how bad research misleads the public
• The truth about implicit bias, stereotype threat, and the limits of social psychology
• How regulation, licensing, and housing policy actually work behind the scenes
• Why Trump’s fake elector scheme was a historic threat to democracy
• What rational discourse looks like in an era of extremism and disinformation

As left-leaning people, we ask Huemer where it counts — especially on economics, regulation, and the "narratives" that shape American political divides.
But we also believe real progress requires honest, difficult conversations… even when they push us outside our comfort zone.

If we want a healthier political culture, one grounded in facts, reason, and democratic norms, it starts with talking to people across ideological lines without compromising our values.

Ohio’s future is on the ballot, and Dr. Amy Acton lays out how to fix what’s broken.

In Episode #006, Devin and Patrick sit down with Amy to unpack:

- How we combat political violence & rebuild trust
- What’s driving the housing and healthcare affordability crisis
- Why smarter public health systems save lives
- The role compassion must play in modern politics

If we want a state, and country, where every family can thrive, it starts with leadership rooted in service, not power.

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