Recent Episodes

The 2026 Dionysus Awards

July 26, 2026

Now that the dust has settled from the Oscars, it’s time to think about what movies of the past year challenged our assumptions and made us think about things in new ways. Josh and guest co-host Jorah Danenberg present our annual Dionysus Awards for the…

What Has Replaced Freud?

August 6, 2023

Although the concept that we can have thoughts and desires hidden from consciousness can be…

Figurines depicting a doctor examining a patient, possibly illustrating a shift in psychological treatment beyond Freudian methods.

The 2023 Dionysus Awards

July 30, 2023

What movies of the past year challenged your assumptions and made you think about things…

2023 Dionysus Awards: Gold statuette

The Arts For All?

July 16, 2023

When we think of “real” art, we often think of expensive, highbrow pieces that are…

Arts For All logo: theatre masks, musical note, dancer, paintbrush

Democracy By Numbers

July 2, 2023

The United States prides itself on being “the world’s greatest democracy,” which adheres to the…

US map composed of dots, text overlay: ONE PERSON ONE VOTE. Illustrates democracy by numbers.

The Rhetoric of Big Tech

June 11, 2023

Big tech is known for its “disruption” of established industries and changing fundamental aspects of…

Word cloud showing "Google," "content," "search," "algorithm," and other SEO keywords.

Minds and Matter

June 4, 2023

Everything that seems to have a mind also has a body made of flesh and blood. But…

A translucent octopus on the ocean floor. Its mind is a mystery.

Are We All to Blame?

May 14, 2023

It’s easy to identify the pressing issues facing our world today, but it’s much more…

Many hands pointing accusingly at a central, blank space. Are we all to blame?

Kierkegaard

May 7, 2023

Philosophy usually suggests a striving for rationality and objectivity. But the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard…

Portrait of Søren Kierkegaard, influential 19th-century philosopher.

Why We Hate

April 23, 2023

The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that the number of hate groups operating in the…

Abstract black and white painting of a screaming face, expressing intense emotion.

What’s In a Game?

April 9, 2023

Games have been an integral part of human society since the earliest civilizations. They are…

Colorful game pieces line up before stacked dice; a game in progress.

Why Poetry Matters

April 2, 2023

Some people say they find poetry impenetrable. Yet readership is increasing: in a 2017 survey,…

Stack of poetry books with "Poetry" sign. Why poetry matters.

Science and Skepticism

March 19, 2023

In recent decades, we’ve witnessed intense cultural wars waged on scientifically established phenomena, such as…

Chalkboard drawing: "Skeptic" crossed out, arrows pointing to "Denier".

Citizenship and Justice

January 29, 2023

Securing citizenship to a developed country could guarantee people enormous privileges and opportunities. Some condemn…

Diverse group of people pledging allegiance to the flag, demonstrating citizenship and justice.

The Merits of Meritocracy

January 15, 2023

For centuries, the promise of the “American Dream” has been that as long as someone…

Uncle Sam points, declaring "This is America. We don't redistribute wealth. You earn it!" Meritocracy.

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