Why write? What tools, techniques, and environments are useful for the writing process? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore the world of writing, including novel writing, screenwriting, writing as a career vs. hobby vs. vocation, fiction vs. non-fiction, research, discipline, outlines, beatboards, first drafts, scope and stakes, wants vs. needs, the Hero's Journey vs. Heroine's Journey, the 8 Sequence Structure (incl. teaser, status quo, point of attack, debate, lock-in, midpoint reversal, resolution, new status quo), storytelling devices (e.g., the Faustian Bargain), sacrificing for your craft, collaborations, and incentivization (accountabilibuddies, writing environments and retreats).

Is loyalty really a virtue? Would you help your friend hide a body? In this episode, Aya and Josh talk about the nature and pitfalls of loyalty — to people, brands, political parties, countries, causes — along with conditional vs. unconditional loyalty, earned loyalty, misplaced loyalty, blind loyalty, dual loyalty, patriotism vs. nationalism, and Trumpism.

Special Guest: Daniel Bottner. What makes conspiracy theories so alluring? When do they become dangerous? In this episode, Daniel makes his triumphant return to talk with Aya and Josh about a whole slew of conspiracy theories (9/11, QAnon, Covid/5G, vaccines, Protocols of the Elders of Zion, Holocaust denial, Flat Earth, Sandy Hook, “Paul is dead,” vampire Prince Charles, JFK assassination, Roswell, Titanic, moon landing hoax, U.S. Capitol riot); conspiracy theorists (Alex Jones, Donald Trump, Zeitgeist); the basis of conspiratorial thinking (pattern-seeking, fear of the unknown); tools to fight conspiracy theories (Occam’s Razor, scientific method); and the links between conspiratorial thinking, narcissism, and religion.

Does our justice system work? Is the world getting more or less just? In this episode, Aya and Josh explore the concept of justice against the backdrop of some high-profile murder/sexual assault trials in the U.S. (Kyle Rittenhouse, Ahmaud Arbery, Alice Sebold/Anthony Broadwater), honing in on social, criminal, and racial justice, equality vs. equity, white privilege, the American healthcare system, George Floyd/BLM, legality vs. morality, dehumanization and genocide (e.g., the Holocaust). [CW // rape and sexual assault]

What does "home" mean to you? What happens if you lose your sense of home? In this episode, Aya and Josh talk about who and what makes a home, whether home is a physical place or a feeling, homesickness, building a home, homelessness, and even games like Animal Crossing and Neopets.

Is abortion inherently wrong? What does it really mean to be pro-life vs. pro-choice? In this episode, Aya and Josh discuss the divisive and uncomfortable topic of abortion, including the recent threats to Roe V. Wade in parts of the U.S., the morality of aborting a fetus at any stage of development, prioritizing the life of a mother vs. her child, the idea of “sanctity of life,” the consequences of trying to ban abortion, and whether it’s even possible to do so in practice.

Special Guest: Ben Lawrence-Farhi. Do you live a balanced lifestyle? What are the consequences of neglecting your self-care? In this special episode, Ben joins Aya and Josh to discuss the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of self care, including sleep, diet, exercise, social life, finding the right work-life balance, and coping with parental expectations.