Conversations from the Third Phase — a father and son navigating the civilizational shift in real time.
What happens when technology changes faster than the institutions, careers, and systems built to manage it? In these three conversations, Barry and Griffin Rutherford explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, education, business, and human agency. The episodes are presented thematically rather than by publication date. What Happens If AI
Generational divides aren't new — but this time, the gap is accelerating. In this episode, Barry and Griffin dig into what separates a 24-year-old's view of the future from a 74-year-old's, and why "optimism" itself has changed shape across
Malestrum is back — and we're entering the Third Phase. After a hiatus (and Barry's knee replacement), Barry and Griffin return with a reframed conversation. The old model of life was three phases: education, career, retirement. But there's another Third Phase unfolding right now — the
Description Welcome back to Malestrum. In this episode, Barry and Griffin tackle the evolving phenomenon of cringe culture—how Gen Z uses memes, slang, and online ridicule as both a form of entertainment and a coded social language. From YouTube cringe compilations of the 2010s to TikTok’s obsession with
Young Men & Violence: Lessons from the Charlie Kirk Assassination
In this episode of Malestrum, I take on a big question: What would I do if I were 23 today? The world of work has changed. Resumes vanish into Applicant Tracking Systems, AI is rewriting industries, and stability is harder to find than ever. But disruption creates opportunity — if you
In this episode of Malestrum, Barry and Griffin tackle one of the most pressing questions facing graduates today: where are the jobs? Barry reflects on his own career path in the 1970s, when long-term employment at major corporations often meant stability, pensions, and predictable growth. He contrasts that with
Malestrum: AI — Hype, Hope & Hard Truths 🎙️ Welcome to Malestrum — a podcast where a Boomer dad and his Gen Z son tackle the big questions facing young men today. In this episode, Barry (73) and Griffin (23) take on one of the most disruptive forces of our time: Artificial Intelligence.
Is toughness a trap? Today’s men are told to “man up,” but this talk exposes why that mindset is broken — and what’s replacing it.
A raw and honest video by Alex Wei on why he regrets voting for Trump in 2024. This piece dives into political disillusionment, broken promises, and what it means to think for yourself.
We’re featuring Lost Boys Ep1: "Young Men Are Struggling" because it resonates deeply with our theme—exploring loneliness, lost direction, and what modern masculinity needs today. Featuring Richard Reeves, this episode helps us begin a conversation grounded in both empathy and inquiry. Episode Description Lost Boys Ep
🎙️ Welcome to Malestrum — a podcast where a Boomer dad and his Gen Z son tackle the big questions facing young men today. In this episode, Barry (73) and Griffin (23) dive into Red Pill Syndrome — the online phenomenon that promises “truth” and community but often delivers isolation, monetization schemes, and
