031 - The Absurdity Sim with Brent

About this episode

KMO and Brent discuss the simulation hypothesis, cultural critique, and the impact of AI on society.

KMO is joined by Brent, author of The Absurdity Sim Substack, for a wide-ranging discussion that opens with the simulation hypothesis. They explore the idea that human consciousness may be either central to reality or merely an unintended byproduct of a system running for someone else's amusement—perhaps a cosmic reality show. This sets the tone for a conversation that blends philosophy, cultural critique, and lived experience with wry humor. From there, the conversation shifts to the decline of attention spans and the rise of short-form dopamine-driven platforms like TikTok, contrasted with the promise of Substack as a space for thoughtful writing and dialogue. Brent reflects on his own motivations for launching a Substack: channeling his inner curmudgeon in the spirit of H.L. Mencken and Mark Twain, offering sardonic but grounded takes on American decline. KMO shares his experience using Substack as an audio-first medium and laments the collapse of the internet’s early promise—recalling a time when text-heavy forums fostered substantial, idea-driven exchanges rather than engagement-optimized performance. Together, they reflect on the role that algorithmic social media plays in…

People in this episode

Host: KMO

Guest: Brent

Topics covered

• simulation hypothesis
• human consciousness
• cultural critique
• attention spans
• short-form content
• Substack
• AI in society

Keywords

• simulation hypothesis
• human consciousness
• cultural critique
• attention spans
• Substack
• AI
• social media
• public discourse

Mentioned in this episode

Products: ChatGPT

Books & works: The Absurdity Sim Substack

Places: America

More episodes of The KMO Show

• 035 - Anit-AI Backlash with Kenneth Harrell · April 20, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Conversations On Collapse Retrospective · March 24, 2026 · 1h 15m
• Public Projections of Private Despair - C-Realm Vault #89 · March 16, 2026 · 58 min
• C-Realm Vault 345 - Doug Lain on Universal Basic Income · March 10, 2026 · 1h 3m
• COVID Conversation with Brent Badnarak · March 3, 2026 · 1h 51m
• C-Realm Vault 323 · March 1, 2026 · 1h 8m