What does it mean to have the “Red Power God” title? Is it better to live life through a comedic lens?
In the podcast episode “Red Power God (tier 2)” of Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast, the hosts discuss a number of topics that currently interest them. Among them are Ken Wilber’s A Theory of Everything and the downsides of modern technology.
Take a look at some of the topics Matt McCusker and Shane Gillis discuss in this episode.
Deconstructing Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory
In a central part of their dialogue on “Red Power God (tier 2),” the hosts dissect and humorously engage with Ken Wilber’s A Theory of Everything. They touch on the various levels of consciousness, including Shane Gillis’s joke about considering himself at an advanced turquoise level while jesting that others remain unaware at a basic beige level. McCusker reveals a preference for integrating the higher levels of turquoise and yellow consciousness, representing a complex and systems-oriented worldview.
Gillis jests about his concern for natural phenomena, categorizing himself in a hypothetical “quadrant four” of concern, and facetiously claims the title of a “tier 2 power god.” They explore and mock the stages in Wilber’s model by clarifying that blue signifies mystical order, orange stands for scientific progress, and red denotes power gods, which Gillis comically self-attributes.
They further critique the green level and its members’ aversion to hierarchies, insinuating that such individuals might fail to recognize their own participation within the hierarchical systems they oppose.
Modern Life Through a Comedic Lens
Gillis humorously emphasizes the need for upgrading grooming routines during a Manscaped promotion, discussing the features of their products with a witty undertone.
True Classic clothing is commended by LeMaire Lee for its comfort and flattering fit, peppered with humorous comments on fitness.
McCusker offers a light-hearted endorsement of Hamilton Devices’ Jetstream vaping product, simplifying the vaping experience and providing a listener discount code.
The group also addresses the pitfalls of modern technology, beginning with Gillis’s mention of sensitive, confidential photographs and leading into a funny mix-up involving an image of Gillis where he appears improperly clothed. As the conversation flows, they tackle more serious societal issues, like the responsibilities of digital parenting in protecting children’s privacy online.
A notable shift in tone occurs as they discuss the chilling details surrounding Jared Fogle’s criminal activities, highlighting the thorough investigation led by a journalist through undercover tactics and a persuasive sting operation.
Toward the episode’s end, Gillis and McCusker quip about their suspicions of being monitored by the FBI, attributing phone troubles to potential law enforcement interference and jesting about their ascent to the status of ‘power deities,’ outmaneuvering even the FBI.
Context
Kenneth Earl Wilber II, an American theorist and writer, is known for his contributions to transpersonal psychology and his integral theory. His integral theory is a comprehensive framework that aims to encompass all human knowledge and experience through a four-quadrant grid. To understand this podcast, it is helpful to have background knowledge of Wilber’s A Theory of Everything and his Integral theory, which explore various levels of consciousness.
The dialogue being referenced in the podcast features Shane Gillis, Matt McCusker, and LeMaire Lee, who are known for their humor and comedic style. The hosts engage in critique and satire of hierarchical systems and societal norms. They also touch upon modern life and technology, including issues of privacy and digital parenting. Manscaped, a company offering grooming products for men; True Classic clothing brand; Hamilton Devices’ Jetstream vaping product; Jared Fogle, a former Subway spokesperson involved in criminal activities; as well as the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) are mentioned within the dialogue.
The underlying themes explored in this dialogue include the intersection of humor and wisdom as well as commentary on modern life and technology. The hosts use comedy as a tool to challenge societal norms while exploring different levels of consciousness through references to Ken Wilber’s theories. The podcast also highlights the ethical implications surrounding digital parenting practices and online privacy concerns.
