A classic all-over-the-place bonus episode for subscribers. Following up on the conversation with Samuel Charap, Shadi confides that he doesn't care that much about Ukraine, admits his belligerence towards Russia, all the while feeling somewhat guilty about it. Which leads to a classic Damir-and-Shadi back and forth about counterfactual history and what it means to care about anything.
At the end of the discussion, Shadi and Damir transition to more uplifting conversation: they both have COVID and Shadi comes up with a big new essay idea on the spot. Please don't steal it!