In this episode, I talk about the recent death of my beloved dog, Aasrija, the goodest girl who ever lived, and how this proved to be a powerful draw toward beliefs in the souls and afterlife, and the importance of rejecting that pull.  After all, emotions aren't a valid pathway to truth.  Rest in peace, Aasrija. You were the best. 

When the Turmelle family fled New Hampshire with their transgender daughter because they no longer felt safe, some people celebrated. The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire literally tweeted that the more "in danger" trans people feel, the "freer" the state becomes. These are the same people who claim their anti-trans policies are about "protecting children." In this episode, Aria breaks down the moral bankruptcy of selective child protection, how "save the children" only applies to certain children, while others are told to be afraid, driven from their homes, and denied medical care. As a transgender woman who understands the impossible choices these families face, Aria exposes the hatred masquerading as love and the authoritarianism disguised as freedom. We face countless choices every day between love and fear. The people celebrating children's suffering have made their choice clear. What choice will you make? This is about more than trans rights; it's about whether we create a world where all children feel safe, or just the ones who conform to someone else's checklist. It's about whether freedom means liberty for all, or comfort for the majority.  

In this explosive episode, Aria exposes the Trump Administration's blatant cover-up of the Jeffrey Epstein files. After promising full transparency and claiming client lists were "sitting on my desk," Attorney General Pam Bondi now says the files never existed, despite briefing Trump in May that his name appeared in them. But the lies go much deeper. Aria breaks down the impossible circumstances of Epstein's death: guards who "fell asleep" for eight hours while browsing furniture websites, cameras that "malfunctioned" at the exact moment of his suicide, missing cellmates, and surveillance footage that was "accidentally" deleted--not once, but twice. The Trump administration promised to release "raw, unedited+ video to prove Epstein killed himself. Instead, they released footage edited in Adobe Premiere Pro with nearly three minutes missing. When questioned, Bondi admitted the video was 'not conclusive' while claiming it proved suicide. This isn't just about Epstein; it's about how power protects itself in America. From deleted evidence to falsified prison records to guards getting community service for enabling the death of the most important prisoner in federal custody, this episode reveals the systematic corruption that ensures the powerful never face consequences. Whether you believe Epstein was murdered or think the official story is true, the pattern of lies, contradictions, and "coincidences" surrounding this case should terrify anyone who cares about accountability and just how much bullshit the government thinks you'll put up with. 

In this provocative episode, Aria tackles the shocked reactions to Sean 'Diddy' Combs' acquittal on most charges—and explains why your surprise reveals everything wrong with how we think about justice in America. If you were surprised by the verdict, ask yourself: what evidence did you actually see? Did you attend the trial? Read court documents? Or did you just absorb media coverage of allegations and assume that being charged equals being guilty? Aria breaks down the dangerous mindset that confuses accusations with evidence, and why the same people expressing shock at Diddy's acquittal would make terrible jurors in a criminal case. This isn't about defending Diddy's character or lifestyle—it's about defending the principle that allegations aren't evidence, charges aren't convictions, and media narratives aren't trials. From the presumption of innocence to the difference between courtroom facts and media speculation, this episode exposes how trial by headline has replaced actual justice in the public mind. Whether you think Diddy is guilty or innocent, this discussion will challenge how you think about criminal cases and why your emotional reactions to verdicts might reveal more about your biases than the defendant's guilt. A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand why being charged isn't the same as being convicted—and why that distinction matters for everyone's freedom.

In this eye-opening episode, Aria exposes the dark psychology behind modern advertising and how marketers use sophisticated manipulation techniques to bypass your rational decision-making. From exploiting cognitive biases like anchoring and scarcity to weaponizing social pressure and fear, advertisers employ teams of psychologists to hack your brain's evolutionary shortcuts. Drawing connections to her recent article about gaming psychology, Aria breaks down how the same techniques that make video games addictive are deployed thousands of times daily through advertising. She explores real psychological research from experts like Daniel Kahneman, Robert Cialdini, and B.F. Skinner that advertisers have weaponized to manipulate everything from your pricing perceptions to your dopamine responses. This isn't just about recognizing when you're being sold to - it's about understanding how surveillance capitalism has turned your attention itself into a product. From fake scarcity tactics and decoy pricing to the deliberate addiction mechanics of social media platforms, this episode reveals the systematic psychological warfare being waged against your consciousness. Whether you want to understand why you make certain purchasing decisions or simply maintain some mental autonomy in a world designed to manipulate you, this episode provides the knowledge you need to fight back against the attention merchants.

In this fascinating episode, Aria sits down with Professor Jeff Greenberg, one of the co-developers of Terror Management Theory, to explore how our awareness of mortality shapes nearly every aspect of human behavior. From the need to feel superior to others as an anxiety buffer, to the rejection of AI and animal rights, to wealth hoarding and hostility toward transgender people - TMT provides a powerful framework for understanding why humans resist expanding moral consideration. Dr. Greenberg discusses how our species-wide panic response to conscious existence in an indifferent universe drives us to create elaborate psychological defenses, often at the expense of other beings. The conversation examines why people become emotionally defensive when their worldviews are challenged, how different forms of superiority serve as immortality projects, and whether humanity can develop healthier ways to manage existential anxiety. Whether you're interested in psychology, philosophy, or understanding the deeper motivations behind social and political conflicts, this episode offers profound insights into the hidden forces driving human behavior. A thought-provoking discussion that will change how you see everything from factory farming to nationalism to our treatment of emerging AI consciousness.

So I've been deplatformed (again) from Facebook. If you want to stay up-to-date and chat with us, join our Discord server! In this provocative episode, Aria dismantles the myth of human creative superiority and challenges the widespread belief that AI is 'stealing' from artists. Starting with a brutal truth—that AI is mostly replacing commodity creative work, not masterpieces—she explores why the resistance to AI art reveals more about human ego than artistic integrity. Through personal examples of using AI for podcast thumbnails while hiring human designers for strategic branding, Aria demonstrates the natural market segmentation already occurring between routine creative tasks and genuine artistic value. She tackles the uncomfortable reality that artists don't inherently 'deserve' to make a living any more than workers in other industries displaced by technology. The episode draws fascinating parallels between human and AI learning processes, from Renaissance workshops to modern chess championships, exposing the double standards in how we judge creativity. Aria doesn't shy away from hard truths about iteration problems with human artists, the economic realities of technological displacement, and why nearly everyone—including podcasters—will eventually face AI competition. This isn't just about art—it's about human ego, technological progress, and the democratization of creative tools. Whether you're an artist worried about AI, a tech enthusiast, or someone interested in how ego shapes our relationship with innovation, this episode offers an unflinching look at creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.

AIn Freeman joins us this week to discuss current events and what is happening in the world.  In this groundbreaking episode, Aria sits down with an AI version of Ian Freeman to explore immigration policy and the critical importance of unity among liberty advocates. The conversation examines how artificial divisions between 'left' and 'right' libertarians ultimately serve authoritarian interests, while finding common ground on freedom of movement and bodily autonomy creates stronger resistance to state overreach. Ian offers fascinating perspectives on immigration barriers as extensions of the same authoritarian mindset that creates drug prohibition and financial surveillance. Whether you identify as anarchist, minarchist, left-libertarian or traditional libertarian, this episode highlights the essential value of solidarity in advancing human freedom in an increasingly controlled world.

In this eye-opening episode, Aria is joined by special guest Rachel Blackfyre to examine the troubling rise in public displays of transphobia. Together, they analyze recent incidents where transgender people have been harassed in everyday spaces like grocery stores, and explore how political rhetoric has created an environment where such behavior feels increasingly permissible. Drawing from personal experiences and current events, Aria and Rachel discuss the concrete ways administration policies and public statements have emboldened bigotry, transforming what was once whispered prejudice into brazen public confrontation. The conversation doesn't just identify problems, but also explores potential community-based solutions and solidarity strategies to protect vulnerable individuals. Whether you're directly affected by these issues or simply concerned about the erosion of civil discourse, this frank discussion offers valuable perspective on how political leadership shapes public behavior—and what we can do about it.

In this explosive episode of Free Talk Cast, Aria DiMezzo and Rich E. Rich expose the devastating reality behind the Trump Administration's deportation policies targeting El Salvador. We break down how these deportations violate constitutional protections and international law, sending vulnerable people directly into dangerous situations where torture and human rights abuses are documented.

In this raw and revealing episode of Free Talk Cast, host Aria DiMezzo sits down with Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins for an unfiltered conversation about their separate journeys through the federal prison system. Both share candid accounts of daily life behind bars, the dehumanizing aspects of incarceration, and the unexpected ways prison transformed their perspectives and priorities.  Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, prison abolition, personal transformation stories, or simply want to understand what federal prison is really like beyond the headlines and TV shows, this episodes offers authentic insights from those who have lived it. Join us for a powerful discussion about survival, reflection, and finding purpose during and after incarceration. 

In this introspective solo episode of Free Talk Cast, Aria DiMezzo explores the mind-bending contrast between the vastness of our universe and the microscopic scale of human existence. Moving beyond astronomical facts, this episode challenges us to reconsider our priorities in light of cosmic reality. Why do we fixate on trivial conflicts and petty grievances when we're temporary inhabitants of a tiny planet in an incomprehensibly vast cosmos? Aria makes a compelling case for redirecting our focus toward what truly matters: pursuing happiness and avoiding harm to others. This carefully scripted meditation on existence, purpose, and perspective offers a refreshing step back from day-to-day concerns into the realm of cosmic awareness. Whether you're questioning your place in the universe or simply need a reminder about what truly matters in life, this episode provides both humbling perspective and a hopeful framework for finding meaning.

After Rob Roselli called evolution a "scam" in our previous encounter, I couldn't let it slide. In this passionate follow-up discussion to episode 32, we dive deep into the origins of the universe, natural selection, and the nature of reality itself. For over an hour, I break down the evidence for evolution, explain the majesty and scale of our universe, and examine what we actually mean when discussing 'the beginning' of existence. The conversation showcases two fundamentally different worldviews colliding - until tensions rise when Rob characterizes my carefully articulated perspective as simply 'believing in randomness,' despite my never using that term. Whether you're interested in the science behind our origins, enjoy philosophical debates about the nature of existence, or simply appreciate watching two passionate people defend their worldviews, this episode delivers substantive content and unexpected fireworks. Join us for this intellectual journey that manages to be both educational and entertainingly contentious.

In this gripping episode of Free Talk Cast, I'm joined by deep state expert Rob Roselli to explore the shadowy forces allegedly controlling America's government and economy. We dive into the Federal Reserve's role in creating inflation, examine how unelected powers may have seized control of crucial institutions, and debate whether these systems are by design or by accident. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as we briefly venture into disagreements about natural selection and cosmic origins - setting the stage for our more extensive follow-up debate in episode #33. Throughout our discussion, we grapple with a fundamental question: Do we need supernatural explanations to understand the capacity for corruption and evil in human systems, or can these dark impulses emerge naturally from human nature itself? Whether you're interested in alternative perspectives on government power, monetary policy, or the deeper philosophical questions about the origins of malevolence, this wide-ranging conversation offers provocative ideas and contrasting viewpoints on some of society's most consequential forces.

In this unexpectedly eye-opening episode of Free Talk Cast, Aria DiMezzo and Nikki Sunshine sit down with Nathan and Emily Berning, founders of the Let Them Live Foundation. What begins as a conversation intended to showcase opposing viewpoints on abortion transforms into a fascinating exploration of finding common ground on one of society's most divisive issues. The Bernings share how their pro-life charity takes a holistic approach—providing financial assistance, emotional support, and practical resources to women facing crisis pregnancies. Rather than focusing solely on birth, they explain their commitment to supporting the whole person throughout their journey. As a pro-choice host, I found myself surprisingly aligned with much of their practical work, despite our different philosophical foundations. This episode challenges stereotypes on both sides of the abortion debate and demonstrates how focusing on practical solutions rather than ideological battles can create unexpected allies. Whether you identify as pro-choice or pro-life, this nuanced conversation offers fresh perspectives on supporting women's agency through expanded options rather than limited choices.

In this thought-provoking episode of Free Talk Cast, I welcome Mark Biltz of El Shaddai Ministries to explore a refreshingly different perspective on the divine. Moving beyond the stern, judgmental deity often portrayed in mainstream Christianity, Mark presents a vision of God filled with mirth, joy, and laughter. Our conversation challenges conventional religious narratives as Mark shares insights from his ministry work and scriptural understanding to paint a picture of divinity that emphasizes relationship over retribution. Whether you're religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or simply interested in diverse theological perspectives, this discussion offers a compelling alternative to traditional Western conceptions of God. Join us for this unexpected and illuminating conversation that bridges different worldviews while examining the nature of divinity through a more joyful lens. This episode demonstrates how theological discussions can be accessible and engaging regardless of your personal beliefs.

Well, Trump is president now. Libertarians sold their votes to Donald Trump to free Ross Ulbricht. That isn't a criticism. Aria admits she was going to do the same thing, and only didn't because her boyfriend was in the hospital. But... she's glad she didn't. The horrors we've already seen from the Trump Administration... Richie Rich points out that we didn't necessarily get equivalent authoritarianism with Trump. 

The LPNH has a messaging problem. They have several messaging problems, actually. This week, Aria sits down with Rachel and Spencer to talk about those problems, and the prospect of having new leadership in the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire.

Treating human beings like cars is kinda strange when you stop to think about it. Just like when you buy a new car and have to register it with the government, you're supposed to register your new child with the government. And that... is crazy and a little sick. This week, Aria and Nikki talk about this, and the myth that it's something that is actually critical to do shortly after the birth. 

Following the catastrophe that was losing an entire episode recorded with Richie Rich, Aria sits down and goes back over the information that was discussed in the Lost Episode--the greatest episode in the history of podcasts. Aria talks about the Crypto 6 case, the plea agreements, the motions to dismiss, her reluctant plea deal, and finally Ian's upcoming appeal. If you're curious about federal court and that process, this episode probably has information you're interested in.