Philosophy Talk Podcast

This Week’s Episode

How Do We Learn?

July 19, 2026

We’re all learning about the world all the time—not just as small children but all the way into old age. But how do we learn how to learn? How much depends on the circumstances of our birth, our upbringing, and…

Stack of books with an apple, ABC blocks, and colored pencils on a desk

Recent Episodes

Crisis and Creativity in Mayan Mythology

The Popol Vuh, written in 1702, was based on a Mayan oral tradition encompassing creation…

July 12, 2026

Mayan painting depicting a bird, figures, and glyphs, illustrating crisis and creativity in Mayan mythology.

Emma Goldman

Activist and anarchist philosopher Emma Goldman fought for human liberation in every realm of life.…

July 5, 2026

Black and white portrait of Emma Goldman, famed anarchist and writer.

Summer Reading List 2026

The Philosophers talk to the authors of recent and forthcoming books that speak to our…

June 28, 2026

Stack of books, coffee, and flowers on a table, perfect for summer reading.

This Month’s Playlist

Tattered American flag waves against a stormy, dark sky.

America at 250

This July 4 marks the semiquincentennial of U.S. independence, and whether or not you feel like celebrating it’s certainly worth thinking about where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going on America’s democratic journey. This month we’ve got a longer-than-usual playlist featuring episodes from throughout our 20+ years on the air that question the past, present, and future of this experiment in self-government. Click the flag to listen.

The 2026 Dionysus Awards

July 26, 2026

Now that the dust has settled from the Oscars, it’s time to think about what…

Audience in a vintage movie theater watching the 2026 Dionysus Awards on a bright screen.

James Baldwin and Social Justice

August 2, 2026

Sometimes, we struggle to tell the truth—especially when it’s the truth about ourselves. Why did…

James Baldwin US postage stamp, depicting a portrait of the author against a city street backdrop.

What Is Game Theory?

August 9, 2026

Game theory is a set of mathematical techniques for thinking about how people should choose…

Rubik's cube, notebook, and game controller on a textured surface

Philosophers’ Corner

July 16, 2026

Lifetimes of Learning

If you’re like anything the typical philosopher, your response to the title of this week’s...

June 4, 2026

My Body, My Perception

Maurice Merleau-Ponty was a 20th century French philosopher who had all kinds of theories about...

April 17, 2026

Remembering Dan Dennett

This Sunday, on the second anniversary of his passing, we’ll be rebroadcasting the special retrospective...

Help Us Keep the Conversation Going

Now more than ever, Philosophy Talk relies on the support of listeners like YOU to stay on the air and online. Any contribution, large or small, helps us continue to produce smart, reflective content that questions everything… except your intelligence.
Donate Today

Take Philosophy Talk With You

Get the podcast! Join us each week for a new conversation – and explore 600+ past episodes designed for curious minds.
Listen for Free