Behind the Bastards New Year Q&A Part Two
Behind the Bastards
Deep Dive
What is Robert's perspective on the use of kratom and its potential risks?
Kratom can be used responsibly by most people, but those inclined to abuse painkillers may develop a dependency. While kratom dependency is less severe than opiate addiction, it can still be problematic. Kratom is useful for helping people quit heroin by preventing withdrawal symptoms. However, daily use can lead to increased tolerance. Kratom is not as safe as marijuana but is less harmful than daily alcohol consumption. Extracts are more dangerous than powder, and overdosing can be unpleasant but not fatal in documented cases.
Why does Robert consider the Bush administration and the Iraq War a challenging topic to cover?
The Bush administration and the Iraq War are complex topics with extensive material to cover, including multiple key figures like John Ashcroft and Dick Cheney. Robert feels it’s been widely covered but acknowledges that younger audiences may not be familiar with the details. The sheer volume of research required makes it a daunting project.
What is Robert's favorite Warhammer Legion and why?
Robert likes the Iron Warriors for their aesthetic during the Legion era but finds their fiction uninteresting. He also mentions the Dark Angels and Space Wolves as favorites.
What is Robert's favorite firearm and why?
Robert owns several firearms, each with different purposes. His favorite is the 1917 Lee-Enfield Mark III, the first gun he ever bought, for its historical significance. He also enjoys the Mauser C96 for its history but notes it’s unsafe to use outside a range. For practical use, he prefers the P365XL Sig Sauer for its comfort and ease of concealment. Recreationally, he loves shooting the AK-74 for its fun factor.
What is Robert's favorite dinosaur and why?
Robert’s favorite dinosaur is the iguanodon because of its 'Guido pulling a switchblade' vibe, with its sharp thumb spikes.
What are some impactful books Robert recommends?
Robert recommends 'The Dispossessed' and 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin, 'Parable of the Sower' and 'Parable of the Talents' by Octavia Butler, 'Whipping Girl' by Julia Serrano, 'Cultish' by Amanda Montel, and 'The Water Knife' by Paolo Bacigalupi.
What are some non-mainstream news sources Robert recommends?
Robert recommends Jan Rahan’s Popular Front for war reporting, Knowledge Fight for conspiracy right coverage, QAnon Anonymous, 404 Media for tech journalism, and The Defector. He also acknowledges the strengths of mainstream outlets like the BBC and Al Jazeera for specific topics.
What is Robert's favorite ska band and how did he get into ska?
Robert’s favorite ska band is Streetlight Manifesto, discovered through a torrent link shared online when he was 17. He also mentions The Cat Empire as another favorite, depending on his mood.
- Kratom can be used responsibly by most but carries a risk of dependency for those prone to substance abuse.
- Kratom can help alleviate opiate withdrawal symptoms.
- Extracts are more potent and pose a greater risk of harm than the powder form.
Shownotes Transcript