JRE 2545 · August 25, 2026
Jesse Michels
Who is Jesse Michels?
Jesse Michels is a journalist and content creator known for his longform interviews. He is the creator and host of American Alchemy, a series that dives into controversial topics across science and culture.
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Introduction to the American Alchemy project and its mission
- 02The importance of longform conversation in a short attention span era
- 03Exploring the intersection of fringe science and mainstream culture
- 04Challenges of interviewing controversial figures in the current climate
- 05Analyzing the nature of truth and institutional narratives
- 06The role of independent media in preserving intellectual curiosity
- ▶The philosophy behind American Alchemy0:15:00
- ▶The death of nuance in modern media0:45:00
- ▶Dealing with institutional pushback1:20:00
- ▶The importance of intellectual curiosity2:10:00
- ▶The future of independent longform journalism3:00:00
The Show
Jesse Michels drops by the podcast to talk about his project American Alchemy. For anyone who loves the deep dives Joe does, Jesse is basically doing the same thing on his own terms. He is obsessed with the stuff that usually gets pushed to the fringes of science and culture, focusing on those awkward spaces where the mainstream narrative doesn't quite fit the facts.
They spend a good chunk of time talking about why longform interviews are the only way to actually get to the bottom of complex issues. In a world of 30 second clips, Jesse is doubling down on hours of conversation. It is a refreshing approach because it allows the guest to actually breathe and explain their logic instead of just providing a soundbite for a headline.
Jesse and Joe get into the weeds about how institutions handle controversial information. There is a recurring theme of how curiosity is often penalized in modern academia and media. Jesse describes his work as a way to reclaim that curiosity. He wants to explore the alchemy of turning raw, controversial data into actual understanding.
It is a heavy conversation about the state of information today. They touch on how the digital landscape has changed the way we perceive truth and the bravery required to ask questions that might get you cancelled. It is a great episode for anyone who feels like the current media landscape is too sanitized or too rushed. Jesse is essentially building a library of unconventional thought, and this chat shows exactly why that is necessary right now.
Best Quotes
“American Alchemy is about exploring the things that aren't allowed in the mainstream.”
— Jesse Michels
From the JRE 2545 conversation with Jesse Michels.
“Longform is the only way to maintain nuance in a digital age.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 2545 conversation with Jesse Michels.
“We have traded curiosity for certainty.”
— Jesse Michels
From the JRE 2545 conversation with Jesse Michels.
“The most interesting truths usually live on the fringes of what is acceptable.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 2545 conversation with Jesse Michels.
“Independent media is the last bastion of actual exploration.”
— Jesse Michels
From the JRE 2545 conversation with Jesse Michels.
