In this conversation, Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner discuss the release of GPT-5, noting its improved reasoning but lack of human-level intelligence, and dismissing unverified performance claims. They explore AI governance, nuclear disarmament’s stagnation, and political extremism, including Project 2025’s controversial policy goals. The dialogue shifts to sexual and reproductive trends, comparing U.S. and Japanese virginity rates and fertility declines, with insights into incel culture and societal pessimism. Political developments include California’s gerrymandering battle with Texas, Trump’s census manipulation plans, and his reckless rhetoric about using the military against foreign drug cartels, highlighting risks to democratic norms and stability.