At the Crossroads - Lessons from 2025 and the Uncertain Path to 2026

Billy Dees with Guest CoHost Cynthia Elliott

In this episode, the conversation ranged widely across some of the biggest cultural, technological, and political shifts shaping our moment. Billy and Cynthia explored the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and what it could mean for jobs, human purpose, and the future of work, while also touching on broader concerns about the planet and the possibility of major technological and energy breakthroughs that could reshape civilization.

The discussion expanded into questions of consciousness—whether emerging technologies might change how we understand the human mind itself—and how a new space race is reigniting global competition, innovation, and ambition beyond Earth.

On the cultural front, the program examined the growing divide between so-called “red pill” toxic masculinity and a healthier model of men grounded in emotional intelligence, accountability, and balance. The toll of social media was another major theme, with burnout, privacy erosion, and digital overload raising serious questions about how connected society should be.

Politically, the discussion took a critical look at the Democratic Party’s current state of disarray and messaging struggles. The episode wrapped with an analysis of Hollywood and celebrity culture, questioning whether stars still hold the influence they once did as audiences grow increasingly skeptical, fragmented, and disengaged.

You can follow Billy Dees on X https://x.com/BillyDees

and Cynthia Elliott on X https://x.com/shamanisis