https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fickle-future--4845771enHistoryCopyright Ruben Estradahttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/4e6c60ca8f778badd2776b1aea62109c.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fickle-future--4845771Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:52:07 +0000Ruben EstradaRuben Estradafeeds@spreaker.comIn Season Two of Fickle Future, explore the history of the commodification of psychoactive substances worldwide before diving into the current state of the War on Drugs in the United States, and where it may be heading. Episodes realeased every Thursday. yesepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/season-two-epilogue-a-conversation-with-my-father--65019272
This concludes season two of Fickle Future. Thank you all so much for listening. I will see you soon. ]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65019272Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:50:59 +0000Ruben EstradaIn this episode, my father and I discuss my latest interview with Dr. Salvador Maldonado Aranda, which was conducted in Spanish. It is a brief discussion but I wanted to include it to provide any non Spanish speakers some context for my previous...
This concludes season two of Fickle Future. Thank you all so much for listening. I will see you soon. ]]>1223cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-dr-maldonado-aranda-in-spanish--65018077
NOTE: This episode is in Spanish. If you'd like to hear a little about what we discussed, listen to the next episode on this feed, which features my father and I having a conversation in English about this interview.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65018077Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:36:35 +0000Ruben EstradaIn this epiosde, I speak with researcher and professor Dr. Salvador Maldonado Aranda. For years, he has studied violence in Mexico, in particular in southwestern Mexico, where states such as Michoacán and Guerrero have seen sharp spikes in both...
NOTE: This episode is in Spanish. If you'd like to hear a little about what we discussed, listen to the next episode on this feed, which features my father and I having a conversation in English about this interview.]]>4098history,moderncleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-professor-and-human-geographer-kendra-mcsweeney--64381506
Please Note: This episode was recorded in 2022.

For more work by Kendra McSweeney, check out the links below

"Drugs, Destruction, and Deforestation" for Nat Geo Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx6wWbja9cE

Climate Change in Central America: The Drug War Connection
https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2020/05/13/climate-change-in-central-america-the-drug-war-connection/

Acknowledging Cocaine Capital in Central American Development: https://jied.lse.ac.uk/articles/10.31389/jied.110
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64381506Fri, 14 Feb 2025 19:25:39 +0000Ruben EstradaIn today's episode, I speak with Kendra Mcsweeney, a Professor at the Ohio State University. Focusing in human-environment interactions, her research has largely been concentrated in Central America, and in particular the impact climate change,...
Please Note: This episode was recorded in 2022.

For more work by Kendra McSweeney, check out the links below

"Drugs, Destruction, and Deforestation" for Nat Geo Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx6wWbja9cE

Climate Change in Central America: The Drug War Connection
https://gjia.georgetown.edu/2020/05/13/climate-change-in-central-america-the-drug-war-connection/

Acknowledging Cocaine Capital in Central American Development: https://jied.lse.ac.uk/articles/10.31389/jied.110
]]>2147ecology,geography,historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-conversation-with-artist-camilo-restrepo--64250910
Check out his website here: https://camilorestrepo.co/

Photos from his exhibitions: http://steveturner.la/artists/camilo-restrepo

Follow him on instagram @camilorestrepo.co
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64250910Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:51:24 +0000Ruben EstradaIn this episode, I speak with artist Camilo Restrepo. Born in Colombia in the 70s, he grew up during the rise of the cocaine trade and saw firsthand the effects of the War on Drugs. He has since become an artist, with much of his work being commentary...
Check out his website here: https://camilorestrepo.co/

Photos from his exhibitions: http://steveturner.la/artists/camilo-restrepo

Follow him on instagram @camilorestrepo.co
]]>4031art,interviewcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e10-how-did-we-get-here--64234571https://api.spreaker.com/episode/64234571Thu, 06 Feb 2025 20:07:03 +0000Ruben EstradaToday, the modern opioid crisis is nearly thirty years old, while the Mexican War on Drugs has been ongoing for nearly twenty. In this episode, explore the the events that have lead us to where we are, and where we may be heading.6381cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e9-the-birth-of-the-modern-opioid-crisis--63716716https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63716716Thu, 16 Jan 2025 18:38:46 +0000Ruben EstradaThe ongoing opioid crisis is something many are all too familiar with. But back in the early nineties, it had yet to even exist. This episode delves into the dawn of an epidemic that continues to this day. 5313historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e8-the-cocaine-boom--63188907https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63188907Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:50:16 +0000Ruben EstradaIn this episode, explore the rise of cocaine's popularity in the 1970s, the traffickers involved in moving that product, and the controversies regarding the counternarcotic policies set into action at this time. 4772americas,historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e7-the-dawn-of-the-war-on-drugs--63047097https://api.spreaker.com/episode/63047097Thu, 28 Nov 2024 15:47:30 +0000Ruben EstradaIn this episode, explore the history of substance use in a Post War America, the origins of the French Connection, and the leaders behind some of the most impactful drug policies the United States has ever seen. 3651cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e6-the-origins-of-cross-border-smuggling-in-north-america--62955395https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62955395Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:44:46 +0000Ruben EstradaFor over a hundred years now, the Mexico-U.S. border has been home to the smuggling of all sorts of psychoactive substances. This episode explores the birth of this century long phenomenon and how the actions of decades past continue to affect us to...5312historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e5-the-u-s-goes-synthetic--62733182https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62733182Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:45:47 +0000Ruben EstradaThe United States has had a long, complicated history with opioids. This episode explores the origins of this relationship which began in the midst of the Civil War, and how, over a century later, we are still aeffected by the policies and...3510historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e4-a-brief-history-of-psychoactive-substances-in-mexico--62568966https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62568966Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:33:32 +0000Ruben EstradaBefore the Mexico-United States border became one of the main hubs for drug trafficking in the world, it had to exist in the first place. This episode dives into both how the country of Mexico itself was formed, and the ways psychoactive substance use...1609history,mexico,u.s.cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e3-when-the-u-s-was-its-drunkest--62485162https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62485162Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:58:19 +0000Ruben EstradaFollowing the American Revolution, the United States struggled to import a regular supply of liquor. Rather than slow down consumption, this era birthed an explosion in the country's whiskey industry and soon led to the heaviest drinking period in...2854history,whiskeycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e2-the-commodification-of-narcotics--62398371https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62398371Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:18:01 +0000Ruben EstradaPsychoactive substances have been used by humans for thousands and thousands of years, but their time as a marketable product came about fairly recently. The second episode of season two dives into this history and the ways certain substances were...3312historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/s2e1-why-do-we-get-high--62310146https://api.spreaker.com/episode/62310146Thu, 10 Oct 2024 07:53:52 +0000Ruben EstradaThe return of Fickle Future! This first episode of the second season explores the origins of humanity's relationship with psychoactive substances and the many theories as to why we began consuming in the first places. 2002historyclean21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-10-mexico-s-recent-elections-and-the-modern-war-on-drugs--46168145
In the final episode of my first season, I give a sneak peak into season two by highlighting some of the reasons the most recent cycle of Mexican elections has been some of the most violent in the nation's history.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46168145Fri, 20 Aug 2021 08:18:52 +0000Ruben EstradaFind all of Hobi Beats' work here: https://linktr.ee/hobibeats In the final episode of my first season, I give a sneak peak into season two by highlighting some of the reasons the most recent cycle of Mexican elections has been some of the most...
In the final episode of my first season, I give a sneak peak into season two by highlighting some of the reasons the most recent cycle of Mexican elections has been some of the most violent in the nation's history.]]>1103drugs,mexico,politicscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-9-freedom-of-the-press-around-the-world--46063747
In this episode, I look at three countries around the world with greater press freedom than the United States, and the ways in which they have improved safety and rights for journalists in recent years.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/46063747Thu, 12 Aug 2021 07:13:48 +0000Ruben EstradaFind all of Hobi Beats' work here: https://linktr.ee/hobibeats In this episode, I look at three countries around the world with greater press freedom than the United States, and the ways in which they have improved safety and rights for journalists...
In this episode, I look at three countries around the world with greater press freedom than the United States, and the ways in which they have improved safety and rights for journalists in recent years.]]>1245freedom,presscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/an-interview-with-dr-keith-villa-founder-of-blue-moon-and-ceria-brewing--45981494
https://www.amazon.com/Brewing-Cannabis-Using-THC-Beer/dp/1938469690

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brewing-with-cannabis-keith-villa/1138260684?ean=9781938469695]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45981494Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:59:32 +0000Ruben EstradaThis is a special one! In this episode, I talk with Dr. Keith Villa, a brewmaster and co-founder of CERIA Brewing, a non-alcoholic, cannabis infused beer company based in Colorado. You can find his book, Brewing with Cannabis, here:...
https://www.amazon.com/Brewing-Cannabis-Using-THC-Beer/dp/1938469690

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brewing-with-cannabis-keith-villa/1138260684?ean=9781938469695]]>1481beer,brewmaster,cannabiscleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-en-espanol-una-conversacion-con-heidy-portillo--45805414https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45805414Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:39:22 +0000Ruben EstradaEn este episodio, hablo con Heidy Portillo. Originalmente de Honduras, ella tiene un cuento extraordinario en como so llego a los Estados Unidos, y como se trabajo por éxito en su vida.4438interview,spanishcleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-8-a-history-of-latin-americans-in-mainstream-music--45805331
The creation of Rock n' Roll was the culmination of a wide number of people and cultures coming together to form a new sound. In this episode, I take a look at some of the Latin Americans who helped start modern music in the United States and beyond, as well as the artists currently leading the current explosion of Latin music.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45805331Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:27:36 +0000Ruben EstradaFind all of Hobi Beats' work here: https://linktr.ee/hobibeats The creation of Rock n' Roll was the culmination of a wide number of people and cultures coming together to form a new sound. In this episode, I take a look at some of the Latin Americans...
The creation of Rock n' Roll was the culmination of a wide number of people and cultures coming together to form a new sound. In this episode, I take a look at some of the Latin Americans who helped start modern music in the United States and beyond, as well as the artists currently leading the current explosion of Latin music.]]>3095history,musiccleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-7-talking-to-my-father-about-his-childhood--45662598https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45662598Mon, 12 Jul 2021 02:41:25 +0000Ruben EstradaMy father and I spend about an hour reflecting and discussing his childhood in rural Mexico. Hope you enjoy!3101childhood,interview,mexicocleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-7-a-look-into-the-united-states-safe-kit-backlog--45542494
Currently, Oregon is only one of eight states, as well as the District of Columbia, to have managed to clear their SAFE kit backlogs. This episode takes a look at the issue as a whole, as well as how Oregon has managed to clear its backlog. Due to the nature of the crimes mentioned in this episode, listener discretion is advised.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45542494Fri, 02 Jul 2021 08:47:34 +0000Ruben EstradaFind all of Hobi Beats' Work here: https://linktr.ee/hobibeats Currently, Oregon is only one of eight states, as well as the District of Columbia, to have managed to clear their SAFE kit backlogs. This episode takes a look at the issue as a whole, as...
Currently, Oregon is only one of eight states, as well as the District of Columbia, to have managed to clear their SAFE kit backlogs. This episode takes a look at the issue as a whole, as well as how Oregon has managed to clear its backlog. Due to the nature of the crimes mentioned in this episode, listener discretion is advised.]]>2333cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-6-a-conversation-with-my-grandparents--45482459https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45482459Mon, 28 Jun 2021 18:55:06 +0000Ruben EstradaIn this talk, we discuss sobriety and the keys to creating a more balanced life. Hope you enjoy!4470grandparents,interview,sobrietyyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-6-the-past-and-potential-future-of-u-s-transit-part-2--45337061
The United States once had one of the better public transit systems in the world. Now, it lags far behind several other high-income nations. As leaders globally attempt to combat the effects of climate change, can the United States' transportation sector successfully undergo a green revolution?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45337061Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:19:34 +0000Ruben EstradaFind all of Hobi Beats' Work here: https://linktr.ee/hobibeats The United States once had one of the better public transit systems in the world. Now, it lags far behind several other high-income nations. As leaders globally attempt to combat the...
The United States once had one of the better public transit systems in the world. Now, it lags far behind several other high-income nations. As leaders globally attempt to combat the effects of climate change, can the United States' transportation sector successfully undergo a green revolution?]]>1707history,transportationyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-5-a-conversation-with-ari-tani--45257142https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45257142Fri, 11 Jun 2021 06:33:31 +0000Ruben EstradaThis one features my good friend Ari Tani! In this one, we talk about where our beliefs about a number of topics have changed from the time we met as kids to the present, as well as the pursuit of happiness in adulthood. It's a fun one, enjoy!2331conversation,interviewyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-5-the-past-and-potential-future-of-u-s-transit-part-1--45153933https://linktr.ee/hobibeats

The United States once had one of the better public transit systems in the world. Now, it lags far behind several other high-income nations. As leaders globally attempt to combat the effects of climate change, can the United States' transportation sector successfully undergo a green revolution?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45153933Thu, 03 Jun 2021 18:12:39 +0000Ruben EstradaFind all of Hobi Beats' Work here: https://linktr.ee/hobibeats The United States once had one of the better public transit systems in the world. Now, it lags far behind several other high-income nations. As leaders globally attempt to combat the...https://linktr.ee/hobibeats

The United States once had one of the better public transit systems in the world. Now, it lags far behind several other high-income nations. As leaders globally attempt to combat the effects of climate change, can the United States' transportation sector successfully undergo a green revolution?]]>1619yesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-4-charly-avell-on-the-path-to-professional-wrestling--45060356https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD-ojDuZd0o&t=1928s (His intro @ 13:52)

This one's a quick zoom chat with my cousin Charly while he was down training in Georgia with none other than world famous wrestler Cody Rhodes at the Nightmare Factory. He's been working towards his goal of becoming a professional wrestler since as far back as I can remember, it's a fun one--enjoy!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45060356Thu, 27 May 2021 08:48:54 +0000Ruben EstradaCHECK CHARLY OUT HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD-ojDuZd0o&t=1928s (His intro @ 13:52) This one's a quick zoom chat with my cousin Charly while he was down training in Georgia with none other than world famous wrestler Cody Rhodes at the...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD-ojDuZd0o&t=1928s (His intro @ 13:52)

This one's a quick zoom chat with my cousin Charly while he was down training in Georgia with none other than world famous wrestler Cody Rhodes at the Nightmare Factory. He's been working towards his goal of becoming a professional wrestler since as far back as I can remember, it's a fun one--enjoy!]]>1625interview,wrestlingyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-3-elsa-on-starting-high-school-in-a-pandemic--45044270https://api.spreaker.com/episode/45044270Wed, 26 May 2021 07:08:40 +0000Ruben EstradaLast Ru's Q's we heard from my family friend Christa, and her experiences teaching during quarantine times. In this one we flip the script and I'm talking with her daughter Elsa about starting high school during a pandemic. Enjoy!1071cleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-4-a-look-into-the-modern-crystal-industry--44932506https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44932506Thu, 20 May 2021 17:18:54 +0000Ruben EstradaHumans have long been fascinated with crystals, but there's no denying we're experiencing a boom in the modern industry. This episode takes a look into our ancient history with crystals and the current usages driving the present day explosion of interest.2045crystals,historycleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-3-a-history-of-women-s-soccer-part-2--44676048https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44676048Fri, 07 May 2021 08:23:41 +0000Ruben EstradaA continuation on my look into the history of women's soccer. Part 2 explores recent history, including both the highs and lows the U.S. squad has been through in recent times.2464history,soccercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-2-christa-on-teaching-in-a-pandemic--44601016https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44601016Mon, 03 May 2021 02:07:27 +0000Ruben EstradaA talk with Christa Weiler, an elementary school teacher and one of my favorite people! She talks about teaching in the pandemic and the challenges involved. Enjoy!2203education,teachingyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-2-a-history-of-women-s-soccer-part-1--44442846https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44442846Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:41:03 +0000Ruben EstradaThe history of women's soccer is filled with ups and downs. Part one will explore the early years of women's soccer, as well as the forgotten women's world championships of the early seventies.2539history,soccercleanfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ru-s-q-s-1-tio-henry-on-growing-up-in-cuba-and-coming-to-america--44344084https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44344084Thu, 15 Apr 2021 12:14:56 +0000Ruben EstradaThe first episode of Ru's Q's, the bonus content I'll be releasing on Fickle Future's off weeks. In this one, I'm talking to my Tío Henry about his experiences of growing up in Cuba in the eighties, and how he eventually got to the United States. Hope...4318yesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-1-magic-mushrooms-maria-sabina-the-world-s-most-famous-shaman--44254135https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44254135Thu, 08 Apr 2021 09:33:40 +0000Ruben EstradaWhile Maria Sabina's life has been somewhat well documented, her impact on the history of modern psychedelia has been largely forgotten, misconstrued, or a bit a both. This is the story of her role in introducing modern westerners to psychoactive...2466historyyesfullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fickle-future-official-trailer--44152302https://api.spreaker.com/episode/44152302Thu, 01 Apr 2021 19:30:26 +0000Ruben Estrada72cleanfull