Here’s something from the archives: an old interview with Dr. J. Hughes on Changesurfer radio, “a weekly, syndicated public affairs radio show transmitting a sexy, high-tech vision of a radically democratic future.” (It’s hosted by IEET, the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies.)
The interview is about 24 minutes long. It’s a little weirdly edited at the beginning–or perhaps I was just having a strange day–but hang in there; it all gradually makes sense.
I generally don’t like doing phone interviews–the sound quality sucks, for one thing, and it’s just plain odd to be sitting in my own house talking, for the record, to someone I’ve never met–and there is usually no opportunity to chat first with the host (no chance, for example, to correct name pronounciation, or the fact that “Yaguara” was nominated but didn’t win the Nebula) but I’m kind of fond of this one. Enjoy:
Nicola Griffith 
Great interview, Nicola.I wanted to correct his pronunciation several times, but what can you do?One of the biggest mysteries to me is why any government or organization would wish to prevent an adult from doing something to their own body–this goes across the board on so many issues, but it struck me that you aren’t permitted to go through an immune system “reboot” if you want it.
It gave me a pang listening to that interview. I don’t think anyone would now accuse me of being ‘too highly functioning’ but I don’t think I’d be willing to take the risk, now, either. Huh.
I can understand that. What changed?
I “know” it is Halloween but when I clicked to listen all I got was a version of an old 45RPM played at 78!I am going out for the evening and will see how I can fix the problem when I get in later.I look forward to your Friday night Audios…Good evening to all.
I thought the interview was great. Of course, all the mispronunciation escaped me. I enjoy hearing you talk about your work and your life. It’s a good treat for Friday. I’m sorry MS has been such a pain and pest. Have you tried venom peptides, yet? It’s one of the things on my list of “Stuff to Experiment With” on my next trip to Mexico. I’ve been collecting a bunch of research papers on the pharmacology of these peptides and their therapeutic applications for autoimmune disorders. I’m usually just as curious as I am skeptical. But I’ve now been following a couple of close acquaintances who have what I’d call success—or at least hope—stories. One is well on her way to an almost full recovery from rheumatoid arthritis after an intensive and very experimental treatment with venom peptides. The other person is fighting an aggressive cancer. The doctors declared the case hopeless after they had already put the guy—I want to write the word ‘warrior’—through years of chemo and taken out one whole lung, half of the other, part of his liver, and the cancer kept on spreading so fast it was about to reach his aorta within weeks. Then he started taking the Cuban-blue-scorpion-venom treatment. Months have gone by and he’s doing so well he’s even been able to go back to work. Those people have strong fighting spirits and a lot of faith, which I probably lack. But the least I can do is indulge my curiosity and maybe something interesting will come out of it. I can even blame my incursions on my mom. She’s one of those eclectic persons who will try anything and then bring back her own conclusions. She’s a chemical engineer who later became a paramedic, a lifeguard, a homeopathic doctor, she just finished her studies in acupuncture and is now starting law school—I haven’t quite yet figured out how this last one ties in with her previous on-the-healing-track history, though. I guess it can’t hurt me—much—to try some variety and venom myself.
linda, that is very weird.janine, karina, I’ve given up on experimenting. For now. My LDN is working pretty well, that is, I don’t seem to have declined noticeably in the last year, and I’m so very tired of the drug roller coaster ride.
That was great to hear; I listened to it once, but it was a long time ago. You definitely sound younger. That stem cell stuff is <>very<> scary. Worth it if it works, but so risky. Haven’t heard any stats on it’s usage for auto-immune disorders, but it hasn’t panned out so well for some cancers. Brutal, risky process. But then, I’m not a big fan of that kind of stuff anymore…Hooray for the LDN!Anyway. Thanks for posting the interview.Linda, there’s always the direct link to download. Personally I like the podcasts. I can listen to Nicola in my car. Very cool.
The theory of the reboot is that the agent used for immune system ablation kills everything but stem cells, and then the stem cells turn into all various parts of an immune system, but growing clean and strong, not crooked and confused. (I am of course speaking metaphorically because it just takes too long to talk about T-cells etc.) That’s the theory.The danger lies in the lack of immune response for a couple of weeks, the risk of opportunistic infection. Plus you feel like shit. Plus there’s some evidence that after 2 or 3 yrs, things start to grow crooked anyway.So now I prefer to be ultra-conservative, and just help my immune system to do what it can by eating the right things, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress.(And this is me giggling myself sick: avoid stress. Oh ha, ha ha ha.)
Yes, it’s a nice theory. That’s what I was referring to – that time after they kill everything off. A tough period – especially if the patient’s body is already stressed from fighting.Seems like you’ve figured out what’s working for you. I’m glad of that. Avoiding stress, yeah, me too.
Well, they say giggling is good for the immune system…
Talking about giggling reminded me of a student I have who, once she begins laughing, just .cannot. stop. It’s amazing.Besides being a physics geek, I love studying biology, psychology and sociology. I’m just a nerd that can’t stop learning.That said, I decided to spend this time in bed (I have a fever–probably from the kids) researching laughter. Came across this paper and thought I’d share. http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_81.aspThese people concluded it’s more about mental state than just laughter. Makes sense. I’m curious about the arousal they mention…
Leave to my youngest daughter to fix my audio connection problem. I am now able use Music Match to go to the direct link but the other link still sounds like Munchkins- on speed. After my shower, I will get a cup of hot chcoloate, sit back, and take a listen to the interview.