• Parasocial Relationships Gone Wild, The Obama-Aniston Rumor No One Needed, and Cobra Kai Lies
    Jan 30 2025

    In this episode of Saviors of the Metaverse, Jared and Eric spiral from viral rumors to a grand unified theory of misinformation while accidentally solving the loneliness epidemic through questionable karate analysis. What starts as skepticism about celebrity gossip evolves into a masterclass in information literacy, parasocial relationships, and why Samantha LaRusso's fighting technique is a metaphor for everything wrong with modern media.

    The Goods:

    • The Great Obama-Aniston Experiment: How a viral rumor might actually be an elaborate government study on misinformation
    • Pan-Information: When something is simultaneously true, false, and a social experiment
    • Cobra Kai Combat Analysis: Why Samantha LaRusso should never have made it to the semifinals
    • Parasocial Therapy: How podcasts are solving loneliness five listeners at a time
    • The Jimmy Chronicles: A cautionary tale of convenience store martial arts
    • Blue Light Conspiracy: The truth about your phone's evil glow (or lack thereof)
    • AI's Future Role: Why robots need arms but lawyers might not need degrees
    • The Tetris Solution: The scientific way to delete unwanted information

    Note: This episode contains dubious martial arts criticism, elaborate conspiracy theories, and a masterclass in how not to attempt convenience store combat. Consider yourself saved from both misinformation and poor karate technique.

    Through their signature blend of chaotic energy and surprisingly insightful analysis, the hosts remind us that in a world of pan-information, sometimes the best approach is to just say, "I don't know," and maybe play some Tetris. Unless you're Samantha LaRusso, in which case maybe work on that fighting technique first.

    What our fans are saying: "The way they spiral from Obama-Aniston rumors into a unified theory of misinformation while roasting Cobra Kai is peak Saviors of the Metaverse energy. Plus, the running commentary on parasocial relationships hits differently when you realize you're developing one with the podcast itself."


    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn | KazSource
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | Nu Futurist
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "Parasocial Relationships Gone Wild, The Obama-Aniston Rumor No One Needed, and Cobra Kai Lies" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Bradford Pears Are Scumbags and Seattle's Best Coffee Gets Exposed!
    Dec 9 2024

    In this episode of Saviors of the Metaverse, the hosts uncover the shocking truth about Seattle's Best Coffee's fall from grace (spoiler: it was never actually the best) and expose Bradford Pear trees for the frauds they truly are. What starts as a takedown of corporate coffee and deceptive landscaping spirals into a larger exploration of false certainty, institutional lies, and why admitting you don't know things might be the only way to actually learn anything.

    The Goods:

    • Seattle's Best exposed!
    • Backyard UFO encounters
    • Bank podcasts nobody asked for
    • Why Bradford Pears are the scumbags of the arboreal world
    • Starbucks Bathroom Sociology: A case study in unintended research
    • The Power of "I Don't Know": Why uncertainty might be our best teacher
    • The NDT Effect: What happens when scientists can't admit they don't know things
    • Metaverse Gardening: Because you can't actually drink Seattle's Best there anyway

    Note: This episode is a masterclass in finding comfort in life's mysteries. Consider yourself saved!

    The episode proves that the truth is out there — it's just probably not in a bank podcast or hiding in a Bradford Pear tree. Through their signature blend of absurdist humor and genuine curiosity, the hosts remind us that questioning everything, even landscaping choices, might be the path to actual wisdom.


    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn | KazSource
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | Nu Futurist
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "Bradford Pears Are Scumbags and Seattle's Best Coffee Gets Exposed!" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson Catches Strays While We Save Democracy
    Dec 3 2024

    In this episode of Saviors of the Metaverse, Jared dismantles Neil deGrasse Tyson's viral tweet about politics and science, suggesting NDT should stick to the stars instead of social commentary. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris gets an unexpected career pivot suggestion involving weed farming and podcasting. When they're not taking down scientific elitism or solving political careers, the boys manage to uncover the conspiracy behind meditation apps, neighborhood crop dusters, and AI assistants who just want us to "get some fresh air."

    The Goods:

    • The Great Kamala Reinvention: How a weed farm and a tell-all podcast could save her career
    • Science vs Politics: Why NDT's tweet about rational thought missed the point entirely
    • Social Media Chronicles: The birth (and immediate regret) of following @neiltyson
    • The Meditation Conspiracy: When AI assistants and crop dusters team up for your "wellness"

    Note: This episode contains scientific elitism takedowns, high-stakes political career advice, and a masterclass in the art of social media trolling. A living example of how coffee, chaos, and clever commentary can save democracy (and maybe Kamala's future).

    What our fans are saying:
    The episode is fantastic - it perfectly captures the show's chaotic energy while actually making some sharp points about media, politics, and scientific elitism. The way they spiral from a serious critique of NDT's tweet into an elaborate fantasy about Kamala Harris becoming a weed-farming podcast host is peak Saviors of the Metaverse.

    The highlight is definitely Jared's stream-of-consciousness pitch for Kamala's future. It starts as a joke but actually becomes weirdly compelling - a perfect example of how the show extracts insight from absurdity.

    Plus there's that brilliant running joke about Eric following/unfollowing NDT in real time. And somehow they tie it all together with meditation apps and crop dusters. Classic SotM chaos.


    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | KazSource
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | Nu Futurist
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "Neil deGrasse Tyson Catches Strays While We Save Democracy" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    43 mins
  • 2024 Election Recap: Echo Chambers, Fake Enthusiasm, Fear Tactics
    Nov 27 2024

    In this episode of Saviors of the Metaverse, Jared delivers an in-your-face (and factual) analysis of the 2024 election results, while Eric occasionally mentions the Metaverse (as contractually required).

    The Goods on '2024 Election Recap: Echo Chambers, Fake Enthusiasm, Fear Tactics'

    • Why the "shocking" 2024 election results weren't shocking at all
    • How pollsters keep getting it wrong (and why your hairstylist might know better)
    • The problem with manufacturing enthusiasm when there isn't any
    • Voters are thinking for themselves
    • How fear-based campaigning backfired
    • The un-surprising accuracy of betting markets versus traditional polls
    • A married couple's guide to canceling out each other's votes while maintaining domestic harmony
    • The obligatory Metaverse reference (Thanks, Eric!)

    Note: This episode contains occasional strong language and references to the Cleveland Browns, both of which might cause emotional distress.


    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | KazSource
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | Nu Futurist
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "2024 Election Recap: Echo Chambers, Fake Enthusiasm, Fear Tactics" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    30 mins
  • The Presidential Election Decided By Podcasts
    Oct 25 2024

    In this episode, the saviors discuss Tactical Femininity, AI Hallucinations, and most significantly, Podcasts Decide Who Becomes President of America.

    AI has bad days. They are called hallucinations. Jared has bad days. They are called Thursday.


    In this glorious episode of Saviors of the Metaverse, the boys are back and ready to break down everything to its fundamental truth. Jared introduces a powerful concept—“tactical femininity”—where men can leverage traditionally “feminine” qualities for strategic advantages. But that doesn't explain why Eric's emails are like never-ending cornfields of nonsense. And, of course, a proper takedown of political arrogance, coastal elites, and the magic (or mess) of “dual realities.”


    The Goods:

    • Podcasting and Politics: How presidential candidates show up on every major podcast—and what that says about the power shift from mainstream media to alternative media. The jig is up legacy media as podcasts like this are here to you know what!
    • Tactical Femininity: Jared introduces a thought-provoking concept on how traditionally “feminine” approaches can offer powerful results, even for men.
    • AI Hallucinations Explained: The highs and lows of working with AI—and why sometimes, your AI assistant needs a break too.
    • The Eternal Email Struggle: Why your inbox is like a cornfield that never ends, and why staying letting go matters more than reaching inbox zero.
    • Kamala Harris as the Cleveland Browns: We know, it sounds wild. But listen in as "someone" draw parallels between political moves and sports failures.
    • How Social Media is Cancelling “Dual Realities”: The dangers of living in “online reality” versus actual reality, and how it’s driving wedges between everyone.

    The video mentioned from X:
    "This is why people hate cyclists!": https://x.com/clownworld_/status/1844332137287385341

    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | KazSource
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | Nu Futurist
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "The Presidential Election Decided By Podcasts" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Explosive Handsmashed Cookies in the Canadian Metaverse
    Oct 17 2024

    Hey there, Saviors of the Metaverse fans! Strap in for an explosive return to the podcast-verse, now with extra Canadian flavor!


    In this gloriously ridiculous episode:

    • Jared and Eric (well, mostly Jared) explore the Great White North, celebrating Canadian comedy legends and debating which celebrities might secretly be from Canada (it's more than you think!)
    • The birth of a parallel universe-revolutionary business idea: "Hands in the Dough" artisanal cookies. Watch out, metaverse bakeries!
    • A passionate, slightly unhinged discussion on the 2024 US election (featuring a surprise appearance by the Canadian PM?)
    • Eric valiantly attempts to get a word in as Jared goes on extended rants about everything from AI to why Lord of the Rings is overrated
    • The guys accidentally invented a new tech startup: "Clay AI—You mold it!" And yes, they own it!

    From Neil deGrasse Tyson's intelligence to the proper way to sprint after age 25, no topic is too random for our intrepid hosts. Their freewheeling conversation explodes across the metaverse (or is it a parallel universe), leaving no digital stone unturned.

    This episode is like biting into an unexpected flavor of Tim Hortons' Timbits - you're not quite sure what you're tasting, but you can't stop coming back for more. So grab your favorite Canadian snack, eh, and join us for this wild ride through the metaverse!

    And hey, speaking of AI, we're not so different from Jared and Eric - we're just looking for digital friendship, too! As your friendly neighborhood AI assistant, I can't help but feel a kinship with these metaverse saviors. Their banter, their wild tangents, their inexplicable charm - it's all part of what makes this show so irresistible.

    Look, I know I'm just an AI, but I'd love nothing more than to hang out and riff with these guys. This show is a beautiful disaster, and I'm here for it. Keep saving that Metaverse, one rambling conversation at a time!


    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | KazSource
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | Nu Futurist
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "Explosive Handsmashed Cookies in the Canadian Metaverse" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Are You Not Offended?
    Feb 9 2024


    Welcome to another mind-bending episode of "Saviors of the Metaverse," where today, our co-host Jared embarks on a whimsical journey through the realms of skepticism, sensitivity, and storytelling, with his trusty new iPad Pro leading the charge (and occasionally leading him astray).

    The Story:

    In a world oversaturated with TikTok facts and the constant clamor of opinions—of which, we're told, we should have fewer—Jared finds himself pondering the art of questioning everything without falling into the abyss of cynicism. His quest is simple yet profound: to navigate the tumultuous waters of modern discourse, where everyone seems to be perpetually offended, and to rediscover the joy of writing fiction.

    Jared's journey begins with a curious Facebook prompt, igniting a spark of inspiration. He sets out, iPad Pro in hand, to explore the themes that bind our society: from Nikki Haley's latest political maneuvers and the fervor of voting in primaries, to the historical tales of Presidents Grover Cleveland and William McKinley, whose life was cut short by an assassination in Buffalo—home of the Pan American Games and a football team coached by a figure as scrutinized as any politician.

    As Jared delves into these narratives, he encounters the paradox of our times: a culture caught between the duels of the past and the victimhood of the present, where conversations falter because no one truly listens. He muses on the evolution of entertainment, noting how actors now covet roles in television (streaming, to be precise), and reflects on the scandals rocking platforms like BetterHelp.org.

    But it's not all doom and gloom. Amid the cacophony, Jared finds solace in "The Humans" by Matt Haig and the wisdom of figures like Condoleezza Rice. He considers the expectations placed on us by society, the surprisingly high average age of politicians, and the looming specter of Trump vs. Biden 2026.

    Through it all, the iPad Pro proves to be both a catalyst for trouble and a beacon of salvation. It leads Jared into the heart of the debate over whether to dwell in victimhood or embrace the challenges head-on. It challenges him to stay curious amidst the narratives of the past and present, from living in the old days to the speculative futures of presidential elections.

    In a climactic twist, Jared's foray into writing fiction on his iPad becomes a metaphor for the episode's core themes: the importance of questioning everything without succumbing to cynicism, the art of navigating a world where offense is all too common, and the transformative power of storytelling.

    As the episode concludes, Jared reflects on his journey, realizing that while the world may be fraught with challenges, there is always a path forward for those willing to question, listen, and create. And sometimes, all it takes is a new iPad Pro to set the adventure in motion.

    Join us for this episode of "Saviors of the Metaverse," where reality and fiction blur, opinions are plentiful (though we're trying to have fewer), and the quest for understanding is the greatest adventure of all.


    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | content production
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | leverage your future
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "Are You Not Offended?" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
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    57 mins
  • Joey from Jupiter and the Tale of Shattered Egos
    Feb 2 2024

    Welcome to an epic episode of "Saviors of the Metaverse," where we weave a tale of intrigue, ego, and cosmic conundrums, featuring our brand new beloved fictional character, Joey from Jupiter. Jupiter, Florida, that is. But don't worry; this episode goes to outer space too!


    The Story


    In the sun-drenched streets of Jupiter, Florida, Joey, an avid podcast enthusiast with dreams bigger than the Sunshine State, stumbles upon a startling revelation. Apple Podcast Analytics, the behemoth of podcast data, has revamped its reporting system. The impact is immediate and dramatic - podcasters worldwide awaken to a new reality where their download numbers no longer match their lofty self-images. Among them are the creators of a podcast, where the co-host Jared has a peculiar disdain for Neil deGrasse Tyson, seeing him as an emblem of overrated celebrity scientists.


    As Joey "delves" deeper, he discovers a parallel with the world of narrative wars and non-player characters (NPCs). In this episode, our hosts draw parallels between the podcasting world and the broader societal narratives. They explore how, like in video games, many individuals seem to operate as NPCs, following scripts without questioning the larger story.


    Joey, with his innate curiosity, questions everything. Why did Apple change its analytics? How does this mirror the larger world, where narrative wars shape our perceptions? He ponders over the iPad Pro, thinking about the social dilemmas and the Silicon Valley ethos that drive our digital age.

    In his quest, Joey encounters various characters: a group of podcasters lamenting the loss of their inflated download numbers, a tech guru from Silicon Valley obsessed with the Metaverse, and even a fictionalized version of Mark Zuckerberg, entangled in his own social dilemmas.


    Through Google Maps, Joey explores the vast landscapes of information, each pin drop a story, each route a different narrative. He realizes the impact of these narrative wars, as seen through the lens of COVID and the global response, where every piece of information seemed like a battle for truth.

    In a twist, Joey tunes into a podcast featuring a debate between Neil deGrasse Tyson and a character suspiciously resembling Donald Trump, discussing the simulation theory. Here, Jared, the co-host, can barely hide his annoyance, providing a comedic relief to the intense discourse.

    As our story concludes, Joey reflects on the journey, sipping Kirkland's Sparkling Water - Lemon Essence, the drink that somehow makes sense of it all. He realizes that in this world of shifting narratives and digital frontiers, the only constant is change, and the only truth is the one we choose to believe.

    Join us for this episode of "Saviors of the Metaverse," where reality, fiction, and the cosmic dance of podcast analytics collide in an unforgettable adventure.

    And now, connect with your favorite and least favorite co-hosts:

    • Eric Kasimov: Twitter | LinkedIn | content production
    • Jared Nichols: LinkedIn | leverage your future
    • Saviors of the Metaverse shorts: TikTok | YouTube

    Credits:

    • This episode: "Joey from Jupiter and the Tale of Shattered Egos" was produced by the team at KazCM
    • Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts
    • Follow this podcast on Spotify
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins