The With Jay Burke Show
It won’t always be a straight line, but take the journey and escape a while for thoughtful excursions into the world of ideas across media, politics, technology, pop culture, and all realms of civic life.
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
74. What Radiohead Knew - Tech Would Swallow Us Whole
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Radiohead didn’t predict the future—they just paid attention.
This Episode is a deep dive into how OK Computer was never just an album, but a premonition. A warning. A status update we ignored.
Through a blend of storytelling, history, and eerie parallels, we explore how a 1997 album captured the creeping unease of a world being swallowed by technology—from corporate surveillance to algorithmic control to the silent loss of human agency.
Was OK Computer just an ambitious rock record? Or was it a glimpse into a future we were already hurtling toward?
Let’s find out together.
🎵 Featuring: The evolution of tech, capitalism’s mutation, AI’s rise, and the unseen forces that built the digital throne.
Further Exploration:
“Exit Music: The Radiohead Story” by Mac Randall (2000)
“Radiohead’s OK Computer: An Oral History” by Rolling Stone (2017)
“The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” by Shoshana Zuboff (2019)
“The Big Nine: How the Tech Titans and Their Thinking Machines Could Warp Humanity” by Amy Webb (2019)
"The Birth of The Web" CERN
“The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires” by Tim Wu (2010)
“Why the Future Doesn't Need Us” by Bill Joy, Wired Magazine (2000)
"Tim Berners-Lee on 30 years of the World Wide Web: We can get the web we want." The Guardian (2019)
The With Jay Burke Show is a member of the Unfiltered Studios https://www.unfpod.com/Please be sure to Rate and Review this episode. Subscribe and Share
Visit me @jayburkeshow.podbean.com
Email me at: jayburkeshow@gmail.comTwitter/Instagram: @jayburkeshow TikTok: @jayburke17
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
73. What Fight Club Knew - The Boys Are Not Okay
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
1999 wasn’t just the dawn of a new millennium; it was a cultural crossroads, marked by paranoia, violence, and simmering societal tensions. Amidst this chaos came Fight Club, a dark, satirical film that didn’t just critique consumerism and masculinity—it predicted the struggles of men today.
In this episode, we explore how Fight Club foresaw the alienation, disconnection, and crises of identity plaguing men in 2025. From absent fathers to toxic masculinity and the rise of chaos-driven politics, we unpack the film’s warnings and examine its misunderstood legacy. Why does Tyler Durden remain an icon for the very people the movie critiques? And what can Fight Club teach us about healing, connection, and finding balance in an unbalanced world? Join us for a deep dive into one of the most hauntingly relevant films of our time
Further Exploration:
The Modern Male Crisis (Education, Mental Health, and Crime Rates)
Richard V. Reeves - "Of Boys and Men" (2022) – A book detailing the struggles of modern boys and men, including education, workforce decline, and mental health disparities.
📖 Summary & Key Findings
Pew Research Center - “The Growing Gender Gap in Higher Education” (2023) – Discusses how women are outpacing men in college enrollment and graduation.
📊 Read Here
CDC & NIMH Data on Male Mental Health & Suicide (2024) – Covers the higher rates of male suicide and mental health struggles.
📊 CDC Report on Suicide Rates
📊 NIMH: Men & Mental Health
Bureau of Justice Statistics - “Mass Incarceration & Gender” (2023) – Data on the disproportionate incarceration rates of men.
📊 BJS Report
Fight Club’s Cultural Impact & Misinterpretation
Chuck Palahniuk Interviews on Fight Club’s Misinterpretation – Palahniuk discusses how the film/book has been misunderstood, particularly among men.
🎤 The Joe Rogan Experience - Palahniuk Interview (Find on YouTube)
📖 VICE Interview: “How Fight Club Became a Cult Favorite for the Wrong Reasons”
Roger Ebert’s Original 1999 Review – Criticism of Fight Club as “macho porn” and why some critics misunderstood its satire.
🎥 Read Here
The Atlantic - "How Fight Club Predicted the Modern Male Identity Crisis" (2022) – A retrospective on how Fight Club eerily foreshadowed today's male struggles.
📖 Read Here
Economic & Workforce Shifts Affecting Men
Harvard Business Review - “The Disappearing Working Man” (2023) – How globalization, automation, and offshoring have eroded male-dominated jobs.
📖 Read Here
Brookings Institution - “Why Men Aren’t Going to College” (2023) – Analysis of educational and workforce trends affecting men.
📊 Read Here
MIT Technology Review - "Automation & The Future of Male-Dominated Jobs" (2023) – Examines how automation is disproportionately affecting male workers.
📖 Read Here
The Rise of The Manosphere & Online Radicalization
New York Times - “The Red Pill & The Rise of Toxic Masculinity” (2023) – Investigates how online influencers exploit young men’s struggles.
📖 Read Here
BBC - “How the Manosphere is Changing Modern Masculinity” (2023) – Documentary on Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and the influence of online male communities.
🎥 Watch Here
The Guardian - “From Fight Club to Andrew Tate: How Men are Falling into Online Extremism” (2023) – Covers how disillusioned men turn to online influencers.
📖 Read Here
Solutions for the Modern Male Crisis
Richard V. Reeves - “How to Save Men and Boys” (2023) – Proposes policy changes, including vocational training and male mentorship programs.
📖 Read Here
World Economic Forum - “How to Redefine Masculinity for the Future” (2024) – Discusses new models for healthy masculinity.
📖 Read Here
APA - “The Psychological State of Men & What Can Be Done” (2023) – Strategies for mental health interventions and role models for boys.
📖 Read Here
The With Jay Burke Show is a member of the Unfiltered Studios https://www.unfpod.com/Please be sure to Rate and Review this episode. Subscribe and Share
Visit me @jayburkeshow.podbean.com
Email me at: jayburkeshow@gmail.comTwitter/Instagram: @jayburkeshow TikTok: @jayburke17
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
72. Atomic Decisions: Revisiting the Ethics of the Bomb & Beyond
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Brandon from FDR’s Wheelchair joins Jay to explore one of history's most controversial decisions—the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Together, they unpack the moral and strategic debates, the roles of key figures like Truman and FDR, and the global aftermath. With historical insight and a touch of humor, they dive into how these decisions shaped geopolitics and the Cold War's nuclear arms race.
Tune in for a mix of history, ethics, and thoughtful dialogue on one of modern history's pivotal moments.
Brandon - FDR's Wheelchair Podcast
Listen to FDR's Wheelchair: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1325326
The With Jay Burke Show
Please be sure to Rate and Review this episode. Subscribe and Share
Visit me @jayburkeshow.podbean.com
Email me at: jayburkeshow@gmail.com
Twitter/Instagram: @jayburkeshow
TikTok: @jayburke17
YouTube: @thewithjayburkeshow1278
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
Tuesday Dec 03, 2024
In this episode, we sit down with Carolina Rizzotto, a dynamic content creator whose life journey spans continents and cultures. From the beaches of Brazil to the streets of Paris and the hustle of New York City, Carolina shares her experiences navigating the complexities of work, life, and personal growth.
Together, we explore the stark contrasts between American and European work cultures, the transformative power of travel, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone. Carolina also opens up about vulnerability, finding balance, and what it means to live authentically in a fast-paced world. Whether you’re looking to redefine success, embrace new perspectives, or simply hear a fascinating story, this episode is a must-listen.
Further Exploration:
Carolina's website
Carolina's Youtube Channel
No Ducks Given Video Podcast
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
70. How Curiosity Ended the Search for the Most Mysterious Song on the Internet
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
In the ’80s, an unnamed song recorded off a German radio show vanished into obscurity—only to resurface decades later and spark one of the internet’s most captivating mysteries.
Join us as we dive into the story of The Most Mysterious Song on the Internet, exploring how it drew a community of online sleuths together in a relentless search. From wild theories to an unexpected breakthrough, discover how human curiosity ultimately solved a mystery that felt destined to remain unsolved.
Further Exploration:
Curiosity Ends the Search for The Most Mysterious Song on the Internet - From A View From the Top of the World Substack
The Most Mysterious Song on the Internet - Tales From the Internet
Monday Nov 04, 2024
69. What if Life Has No Meaning? What if That’s the Best Part?
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
In this episode, I sit down with Joe C., a chemistry teacher by day and existentialism junkie by night, to dive deep into the mind-bending world of Sartre, Kierkegaard, and what it really means to live with freedom and anxiety hanging over our heads. We break down the whole existential package—freedom, choice, and that constant, nagging search for meaning—especially in a world that feels more chaotic with every passing day.
But it’s not just all highbrow philosophy. We get personal, swapping stories about fatherhood, teaching, and how those big, abstract ideas show up in the most real parts of life. We explore how being a parent shapes your perspective on freedom, and how navigating the chaos of the classroom often feels like a mini-existential crisis in itself.
Whether you’ve gone down the existential rabbit hole before or you’re just curious about what it all means, this episode will hit home. It’s about finding clarity in the mess of everyday life, and rethinking what it really means to live on your own terms.
Further Exploration:
Joe C. - The Story of...Podcast
Click the link and check out Joe's podcast: The Story Of...
The Story of... Twitter Page
The Story of...Game Changing Inventions (w/Jay Burke)
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
In this episode, Jay is joined by Cypher, the creator of The Cynical Historian YouTube channel, to debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding U.S. presidents. From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln, Cypher unpacks the truth behind legendary misconceptions that have shaped the American view of the presidency.
They explore myths like Washington’s supposed uncontroversial presidency, Lincoln’s role as the “Great Emancipator,” and the common belief that debates like the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon face-off changed election outcomes. Cypher also sheds light on how myths about presidential power, control over the economy, and war decisions have been misunderstood over time.
Tune in for a candid, eye-opening discussion about history’s messy truths and the stories we tell about those who’ve held the highest office in the land
Further Exploration:
Check out the Youtube channel - The Cynical Historian
Join The Cynical Historian on Patreon
Check out his Twitter page here
Check out his Twitch page here
Check out his Discord here
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
In the gripping finale of The Untitled Project 2025 Podcast, hosts Jay Burke (The With Jay Burke Show), Brandon (FDR’s Wheelchair), Smith (The Story Of...Podcast), unpack the long-term costs of the conservative blueprint that could reshape America. From dismantling the Department of Education to expanding the death penalty, our panel dives deep into the broader social, legal, and economic ramifications of Project 2025. We explore the potential impacts on marginalized communities, law enforcement, public education, and the role of federal oversight in securing civil rights. With critical insights and candid reflections, we close this series by asking: What kind of future does Project 2025 really hold for America? Tune in for a thought-provoking conclusion to our deep dive into the most polarizing agenda in modern governance.
Show Notes:01:13 – Project 2025: An OverviewA concise overview of Project 2025, its origins, and the vision for reshaping federal government functions.
02:26 – The Long-Term Costs of Project 2025Our hosts dive into the broader societal, legal, and economic impacts of Project 2025, focusing on how it may affect education, civil rights, and governmental structures.
37:14 – Milton Friedman and the Legacy of School ChoiceA deep dive into Milton Friedman’s enduring influence on education policy and how Project 2025 seeks to advance school choice and privatization.
41:55 – Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Education DebtA discussion on the proposed elimination of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and its potential consequences for public sector workers and students.
55:45 – Project 2025: Law Enforcement and Legal SystemsAn analysis of how Project 2025 proposes to change law enforcement and the legal landscape, with a focus on the dismantling of federal agencies and harsher sentencing laws.
01:15:50 – The Problem with Too Many WritersA humorous reflection on the logistical challenges of coordinating this multi-part series, particularly with so many voices contributing.
01:17:40 – Impact on Workers' RightsA critical look at how deregulation and other aspects of Project 2025 could erode workers' rights and labor protections.
01:31:16 – Agenda 47: Trump's PlaybookA final discussion tying Trump’s Agenda 47 to the broader objectives of Project 2025 and what it means for the future of American politics.
Further Exploration:
Project 2025 The Presidential Transition Project - Mandate for Leadership
American Civil Liberties Union - Project 2025 Explained
The Heritage Foundation - Project 2025
Democracy Forward - The People's Guide to Project 2025
The Center For American Progress - Project 2025: Exposing the Far Right Assault on America
I read the full 900-page Project 2025 manifesto – here’s why it matters, Rachel Leingang, The Guardian
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
In the Penultimate episode of The Untitled Project 2025 Podcast, hosts Jay Burke (The With Jay Burke Show), Brandon (FDR’s Wheelchair), Smith (The Story Of...Podcast), and Mr. Beat from the YouTube channel of the same name, dissect the far-reaching implications of Project 2025—the conservative initiative poised to reshape the U.S. federal government. The conversation navigates the project’s ideological roots, connections to movements like the Christian Right, and the ripple effects it could have on democracy both domestically and abroad.
From the overturning of Roe v. Wade to the strange dynamics of U.S. foreign policy toward Russia and China, the panel explores how populist rhetoric, nationalism, and shifting political norms are reshaping global alliances. They draw parallels between American populism and the rise of far-right movements across Europe, including Germany’s AfD.
Is Project 2025 just another partisan strategy—or a prelude to a larger shift in global governance? What lessons can history teach us about the rise of strongmen and the erosion of democratic institutions? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the political tides reshaping the future.
Show Notes:
00:00 – Introduction & Hosts and Overview of The Untitled Project 2025 Podcast
Jay introduces the hosts—Smith, Mr. Beat, and Brandon—and provides a high-level overview of Project 2025, discussing its goals, origins, and the conservative agenda to reshape U.S. governance.
03:09 – Debate on Project 2025's Impact and Global ReactionsThe conversation shifts to the potential domestic and international repercussions of Project 2025. The hosts explore U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and ideological inconsistencies toward Russia and China, as well as voter sentiments and historical parallels.
41:13 – Racism & Immigration in Europe & The Role of Nationalism and ReligionThe panel discusses the intersection of immigration, racism, and nationalism in Europe, comparing it with similar issues in the U.S. They explore how religion plays a role in shaping political ideologies on both continents.
53:21 – Populism and Political ShiftsThe conversation dives into the rise of populism, its potential to breed authoritarianism, and how economic instability fuels these political shifts. Comparisons are drawn between leaders like Trump and Bolsonaro and their impact on democratic institutions.
01:13:13 – The Power Dynamics of the SenateA deep dive into the power structures in the U.S. Senate and the influence of key political figures like Mitch McConnell. The discussion also touches on the role of the Supreme Court and the long-term impact of judicial appointments.
01:32:48 – The Legacy of 9/11 and Its ImpactThe episode concludes with reflections on 9/11's lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy and governance, and how it continues to shape national security priorities and political discourse.
Further Exploration:
Project 2025 The Presidential Transition Project - Mandate for Leadership
American Civil Liberties Union - Project 2025 Explained
The Heritage Foundation - Project 2025
Democracy Forward - The People's Guide to Project 2025
The Center For American Progress - Project 2025: Exposing the Far Right Assault on America
I read the full 900-page Project 2025 manifesto – here’s why it matters, Rachel Leingang, The Guardian
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
In Episode 2 of The Untitled Project 2025 Podcast, hosts Jason, Brandon, and Mr. Beat move from theory to action, exploring how the principles behind Project 2025 could reshape the U.S. government. This episode dives into the implications of the proposed Schedule F, which aims to overhaul federal employment protections, and the potential revival of the Spoils System.
Recorded the week after the Democratic National Convention, Mr. Beat shares his firsthand experience from the DNC, offering insights into the event’s atmosphere and discussions surrounding Project 2025. The conversation also traces the historical rise of the Christian right in American politics and examines the influence of think tanks like the Heritage Foundation in crafting conservative policy agendas.
Whether you’re new to the topic or looking for a deeper understanding of how Project 2025 could shape America’s future, this episode provides a balanced and detailed analysis of the evolving political landscape.
Show Notes: The Untitled Project 2025 Podcast - Episode 2
00:00 - IntroductionThe episode kicks off with a reflection on societal challenges and sets the stage for an in-depth discussion on the latest developments surrounding Project 2025.
01:12 - Unpacking Project 2025: From Theory to ActionJason, Brandon, and Mr. Beat explore how the principles of Project 2025 could translate into government actions, focusing on the transition from policy ideas to implementation.
02:17 - Inside the Democratic National ConventionMr. Beat shares firsthand insights from his experience at the Democratic National Convention, discussing the atmosphere, key moments, and the mention of Project 2025 by various speakers.
45:15 - The Spoils System and Civil Service ReformThe hosts delve into the historical context of the Spoils System and its potential revival through Project 2025's proposed Schedule F, which could reshape federal employment protections.
46:27 - The Rise of the Christian RightJason and the hosts discuss the historical rise of the Christian right in American politics, tracing its influence from the 1980s to its role in shaping the policies within Project 2025.
01:03:12 - Think Tanks and Political InfluenceThe conversation shifts to the role of think tanks like the Heritage Foundation in shaping policy agendas, comparing their past influence with their involvement in Project 2025.
Further Exploration:
Project 2025 The Presidential Transition Project - Mandate for Leadership
American Civil Liberties Union - Project 2025 Explained
The Heritage Foundation - Project 2025
Democracy Forward - The People's Guide to Project 2025
The Center For American Progress - Project 2025: Exposing the Far Right Assault on America
I read the full 900-page Project 2025 manifesto – here’s why it matters, Rachel Leingang, The Guardian

About The With Jay Burke Show
We live in an amazing age, even if we fail to know it. Anything you want to know, want to see, want to look deeper at, or listen to is at your fingertips for the simple fact it’s there…but we appear more confused than ever. The clatter, the commotion, the pull of the world around us trying to take us in whatever direction it wants. It’s difficult to know where to go, and who to trust. Sometimes, it’s just difficult to have some fun with what’s going on out there.
My name is Jason Burke, and though, I’m technically the host of this podcast, it’s the guests who truly take top billing. This is a place for curious minds who enjoy civil and sometimes meandering conversation. If you appreciate a few laughs and want to come away with new knowledge or a simple understanding of subjects that aren’t always easy to break down, you’re the person I want listening to this podcast.
Join me as we cut through the noise and chaos using experts, educators, authors, influencers, friends, fellow podcasters, people from all walks of life, and sometimes my magical google powers to get to the bottom of a diverse range of topics, both big and small, exciting and mundane, or simply just because we want to know.
Some episodes may cover the big questions of public policy, the profound meditations of philosophy, the wonders of science, or the intricacies of everyday existence, While other episodes may take a light approach to cover sports topics, pop culture happenings, strange facts or fictions. Nothing is off the table. It won’t always be a straight line, but take the journey and escape for a while for thoughtful excursions into the world of ideas across media, politics, technology, pop culture, and all realms of civic life.