Where Is Now

Billy and Jesse interview Maziar Ghaderi, producer of the documentary film The Rise of Jordan Peterson, about the many ideas Peterson has scattered around the internet, what value they have, whether or not we should trust the messenger and why its so hard to have a nuanced conversation about him. We throw a bunch of questions at Maz. Did Peterson cynically use a general misunderstanding of the trans community to fuel his rise? Or was he tapping into a legitimate discomfort around language policing? Does he make good points about the dangers of putting too much focus on group identity? Is he right that we need to clean our own rooms before criticizing the world? Or are his arguments just disguised defenses of a status quo that he benefits from?    

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OUR GUEST: 

Maziar Ghaderi 

The Rise of Jordan Peterson https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/the-rise-of-jordan-peterson 

Maz’s Personal Site: https://maziart.ca/ 

Maz and Patricia Marcoccia’s Production Company: https://www.holdingspacefilms.com/  

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SOURCES 

Bernard Schiff: “I was Jordan Peterson’s strongest supporter. Now I think he’s dangerous” https://outline.com/Ef7wGR 

“Confessions of a Lobster Fangurl” https://digital-fantastic.com/2021/05/08/confessions-of-a-lobster-fangurl-how-i-shed-my-shell/ 

ContraPoints: “Jordan Peterson” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LqZdkkBDas 

Jordan Peterson YT Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/JordanPetersonVideos 

Patricia Marcoccia: “What’s So Unethical About My Jordan Peterson Movie?” https://unherd.com/2019/10/whats-so-unethical-about-my-jordan-peterson-movie/ 

Nathan Robinson: “The Intellectual We Deserve” https://www.currentaffairs.org/2018/03/the-intellectual-we-deserve 

Brittany King: “Dear Jordan Peterson” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeJlHHatT3E   

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ABOUT WHERE IS NOW   

On each episode of Where Is Now, Billy and Jesse take turns crafting a  case for the impact of an individual on our world, while the other host  listens, learns and fires back. With equal parts rigour, vigour and  trigger, Billy and Jesse weave their way through archival clips, warm  takes, and belly laughs in a sincere attempt to better understand  themselves and the society surrounding them.  

HOSTS   

BILLY BUNTIN is an animator, multimedia artist, and event host with a degree in ethics.  

www.billybuntin.com  IG/FB: billy.buntin  T: @BillyBDigital   

JESSE FREESTON is a documentary filmmaker, shooter/editor, and comedy performer with a degree in political science and economics. www.jessefreeston.com  IG/FB: jessefreeston  T: @jessefreeston

Politics are a more popular conversation topic than Billy and Jesse could have ever imagined a decade ago, yet the political choices seem to be more limited than ever. All this as the threats facing humanity grow. The hosts wrestle with the question of how the American voter got into this position, and how they might get out.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg is gone, but instead of treating her like a saint, Billy and Jesse are treating her story like a blueprint for progress to be studied. Including some tough questions about her relevance in 2020.

Rosa Parks is a Civil Rights icon.  A quiet, unassuming woman who would commit her life to activism, and eventually change the course of American history.  

In this episode, Billy leads the discussion around Ms. Parks' life, her legacy, and the lessons we can learn, as we navigated difficult waters today.    Jesse and Billy discuss the unfortunate "shrink wrapping" of Rosa Parks' life.

They discuss strategy with activist, author Bill Fletcher Jr.  Bill offers powerful insights on tactics for winning, plus the meaning and value of "intersectionality".    The hosts, again, discuss the importance of narratives, and critique the unfortunate ethnic divisions that have become resurgent, recently.  Nick Cannon's public comments about Jews, the terrible police violence against George Floyd, Tony Timpa, Jacob Blake and so many others.  The bizarre resurgence of anti-semitic statements from black public figures.    

Rosa Parks reminds us to remain vigilant.  Do the work. Take the risk.  

SOURCES  
At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance -- A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power by Danielle McGuire
Rosa Parks Documentary - Biography Channel

As kids, Jesse and Billy made fun of Helen Keller for being deaf and blind. If only they had known who they were messing with. After reading everything he could about Ms. Keller, Jesse attempts to convince Billy that she is a model of allyship and advocacy, as well as one of the most  fascinating badasses in known history.

SOURCES

Helen Keller: A Life by Dorothy Herrmann

Out of the Dark by Helen Keller

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

Optimism by Helen Keller

The World I Live In by Helen Keller

The Miracle Worker (Film)

Cardi B is at the top of her game...Cardi's meteoric rise can be attributed to her swag, her incredible work ethic, and her willingness to honestly speak her mind.  A stripper from The Bronx turned social media influencer, reality tv star, feminist, Bernie-bro, and global entertainer.  After we take a few moments to unpack the movement unleashed by the heinous murder of George Floyd, we break down Cardi B's impact on music, culture, politics and, of course, sex.

Is Michael Jordan a good model for us to follow? What role did his off-court life play in the murder of his father? How did he become the richest athlete of all time? If MJ were a Sesame Street character, which one would he be? These are some of many questions we try to answer while using clips from the new film The Last Dance to break down the multiple deep impacts that His Airness has had on our culture and politics.

Millions of people are looking to laugh their way through the quarantine by logging into Netflix. Good news for Dave Chappelle, whose five specials remain the most-viewed stand-up shows on the platform. Chappelle's impact on our culture is immense. Billy and Jesse dig deep into his present and past, his triumphs and tragedies, to find the many natures of his influence on us.

What is the philosophy of choice to thrive under quarantine? Billy chooses stoicism. Jesse chooses existentialism. Ready. Begin!