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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From building one of Hollywood’s most groundbreaking styling empires to sharing his journey in his memoir, Elgin opens up about breaking barriers in the beauty industry, shaping celebrity culture, and embracing authenticity in an era that wasn’t always accepting.

We dive into:

• How Elgin turned artistry into legacy
• Breaking through barriers as a Black, bisexual creative in Hollywood
• The rise of celebrity hair culture and its impact on fame
• Lessons today’s artists and entrepreneurs can take from his story

In Episode #004 of The Culture Codex Podcast, we sit down with historian and political analyst Professor Allan Lichtman, author of Conservative at the Core. Known for his accurate election predictions and deep analysis of American politics, Lichtman unpacks the history of the conservative movement, the GOP’s authoritarian drift, and the challenges facing U.S. institutions today.

We also dive into how universities are handling political polarization, what young people can do to stay grounded during rising authoritarianism, and practical steps you can take to defend democracy.

If you’ve ever wondered how we got here, what’s next for the United States, and how ordinary citizens can push back, this conversation is a must-watch.

Jeff Steitzer, the iconic “Voice of God” from Halo Multiplayer, joins us in Episode #003 to talk about his journey as a voice actor, the rise of AI voice cloning, gaming culture, and why he still chooses optimism in today’s political climate.

We dive into:

• Jeff’s backstory and how he became the legendary Halo announcer
• The challenges and risks of AI voice cloning in the entertainment industry
• Gaming’s cultural impact and what it means for future generations
• How to stay hopeful and optimistic in turbulent political times

Whether you’re a Halo fan, a gamer, or just curious about the crossroads of politics, AI, and creativity, this episode delivers.

Trae Crowder joins us in Episode 002 to talk comedy, culture wars, and the slow-motion collapse of the rural South.

We dig into:
Trae’s current stand-up tour and crowd reactions
The impact of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto
How the Manosphere and "Rogansphere" radicalize young voters
The political influence of comedians (both good and bad)
Why branding, not policy, keeps Democrats losing ground

📍 Episode 2 of The Culture Codex Podcast
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In our free inaugural episode of The Culture Codex, we sit down with former Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the Democratic Party, the role of mindfulness in leadership, the climate crisis, the rise of A.I. and regulating cryptocurrency.

Tim opens up about the current state of American politics, how Democrats can reconnect with working-class voters, and why emotional intelligence is more important than ever in public service. We also dive into the risks and potential of emerging tech, and why 2026 may be one of the most pivotal elections in U.S. history.

Whether you’re politically engaged, curious about wellness in leadership, or just trying to make sense of the chaos, we’ve got you covered. Join us below

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