The KMO Show

Date: April 20, 2026 Host: KMO Guest: Kenneth E. HarrellEpisode SummaryA 20-year-old throws a Molotov cocktail at the home of Sam Altman, then heads to OpenAI headquarters and escalates. He’s arrested within the hour.That’s not an isolated story. It’s a signal.KMO and Kenneth E. Harrell use the incident as a starting point to examine the emerging backlash against AI—where real grievances (job loss, data extraction, infrastructure strain) collide with confused narratives about existential risk.The result is a volatile mix: people reacting to something they use every day but don’t understand, directed by elites who either can’t or won’t explain what’s happening in terms that land.From there, the conversation moves outward:Intelligence as environment-mapping, not a human monopolyWhy the “stochastic parrot” critique no longer holdsAI as a tool that talks back—and why that mattersThe failure of science fiction to prepare us for this momentThe widening gap between capability and comprehensionMid-Interview Break“Cream of the Slop” by SkyebrowsA fast, layered track built around Manjaro Linux, VTuber aesthetics, and a barrage of younger online cultural references. Dense, unserious, and very much of its moment.ReferencesMaggie Vail On why “stochastic parrot” is a weak frame—and why both humans and machines are better understood as probabilistic systems.Skyebrows AI-assisted music and video built from stacked internet references and persona-driven presentation.The backlash to AI isn’t about AI alone.It’s what happens when a system changes faster than the stories people use to make sense of it—and faster than institutions can respond.That gap doesn’t stay abstract for long.

In this episode, host KMO speaks with Kevin, co-host of the podcast and Substack publication "Synthesize Sunsets," which explores speculative fiction and the evolution of popular culture in the age of AI and algorithms.Key Discussion Points:17776 by John Boyce: Kevin discusses this multimedia science fiction narrative and how it represents a missed opportunity for innovation in digital storytelling formats.Decades losing their distinctiveness: The conversation explores how time periods had unique visual and cultural identities in the 20th century, while the 21st century has seen a flattening of aesthetic differences between decades.Publishing industry consolidation: They discuss how the consolidation of publishing houses has led to less diversity in science fiction and contributed to the growth of romance-focused fantasy at the expense of traditional science fiction.Science fiction authors and works: The pair share their perspectives on influential authors including Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun," Ursula K. Le Guin, N.K. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" trilogy, Ted Chiang, Iain M. Banks, and Cixin Liu.Christianity and literature: How religious literacy impacts readers' ability to engage with certain works, particularly Gene Wolfe's writing which contains subtle Christian themes.Political perspectives in fiction: The challenges of creating politically engaged fiction that doesn't feel didactic, using examples like Banks' "Culture" series and contemporary works.Media and intellectual diversity: Kevin expresses hope for greater intellectual diversity in media and publishing, noting that Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu represents a genuinely different cultural perspective.

This wide-ranging conversation between KMO (host) and David Roman (historian and writer) covers several major topics, starting with Roman's recent trip to China and observations about its development over his 27 years of visiting the country. The discussion then delves deeply into science fiction literature, publishing, and the current state of the genre. The conversation also explores generational ships in science fiction, AI, cultural representation in fiction, and ends with a discussion about philosophy, particularly continental philosophy and the work of Slavoj Žižek.Table of Contents:Introduction and China Discussion (00:00-05:00)David Roman's background in ChinaObservations on China's developmentContrasts between modernization and traditional elementsTechnology and Development in China (05:00-10:00)Discussion of AI and robotics advancementReality vs. social media representationInfrastructure and development contrastsMedia Platforms and Content Creation (10:00-25:00)Experiences with YouTube, Facebook, and SubstackDiscussion of platform censorship and monetizationContent creator challengesScience Fiction Literature (25:00-45:00)Discussion of various authors including Peter WattsAnalysis of current trends in science fictionGeneration ship novels and themesCultural Representation in Science Fiction (45:00-60:00)Discussion of diversity in future scenariosCritique of current publishing trendsCultural authenticity in character writingPublishing Industry Analysis (60:00-75:00)Changes in editing and publishingSelf-publishing vs. traditional publishingImpact on science fiction genrePhilosophy Discussion (75:00-end)Continental vs. Analytic philosophyDiscussion of Slavoj Žižek's workRoman's work on Chinese and Western philosophy

KMO speaks with science fiction author and cybersecurity professional Kenneth E. Harrell about artificial intelligence, the writing process, and technological change. They explore how AI tools can enhance rather than replace human creativity, with Harrell describing his use of custom GPTs and AI assistants to improve his writing while maintaining his unique voice. The conversation delves into the challenges of emerging AI technologies, including potential security threats and the limitations of current solutions like voice synthesis. They also discuss their favorite science fiction works and influences, from Frank Herbert's Dune to contemporary authors, while examining how science fiction helps us understand accelerating technological and social change. The wide-ranging discussion touches on themes of spirituality, techno-utopianism, and the human relationship with advancing technology.

KMO Talks with Peter Clarke, author of the The Decadence Project Substack and The Singularity Survival Guide: How to Get on the Good Side of Your Future Robot Overlords.Topics include transhumanism, DIY biotechnology, cultural polarization, and the unexpected accessibility of genetic experimentation. They delve into mRNA vaccine developments, the "dissident right" movement, and metamodernism's blend of irony and sincerity. The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining intellectual honesty in today's media landscape, the politicization of scientific advancements, and the oscillation between forward-looking futurism and nostalgic primitivism.

I've been comparing notes with Douglas Rushkoff about technology, memes, drugs and walking on the weird side for about 30 years. Not surprisingly, I remember the details better than he does. He talks to a LOT of people.

KMO reads of his recent Substack posts on what happens when discarded consumer electronics with embedded AI start to pile up. Who will find a use for that idle intelligence. Later, Jim from the Attack Ads! podcast shows up to discuss the points raised in the essays.

Two weeks ago, I published an hour-long explanation as to why I have no interest in joining the cultural struggle over the COVID-19 pandemic or delve into the details of why some people refuse to take the mRNA vaccines. This week, I respond to another email from a long-time listener. This time the listener asked for support in denouncing "science denialism," a phrase I hate. I don't subscribe to any of the anti-authoritarian narratives around COVID, but the smug sanctimony of PMC Democrats who claim to trust "the science" irritates me more than the loopiest of anti-elite fever dreams. In this episode, I explain why.In short, don't try to recruit me to your side in an ideological or cultural struggle. I poke holes in everybody's story. Including my own. That's just how I roll.