In this episode we review the album Live On Earth by The Cat Empire. We discuss the themes of party life, drinking culture, intimate relationships, happiness and the larger themes of what it’s like to be in the world. We point out their musical devices of jazz, reggae, hi-pop, scar and classical, and note the ‘collage’ effect the band achieves by combining many styles. This is a high energy band that expresses many different colours of emotion and this is their best album!

In this episode we outline Spectrum Thinking as a tool of thought that helps bring clarity, complexity and nuance to understanding. We use the analogy of the grey scale, colour spectrum and the cube to help understand contrasts between things and how they are defined. As examples, we discuss food, conversations, emotions and freedom to illustrate how spectrum thinking is applicable to expanding understanding and general conceptions. We also discuss other methods of thought in contrast to Spectrum Thinking such as; systems thinking, metaphorical thinking, hierarchies, micro/macro thinking and network thinking. Spectrum Thinking is a meta tool of thought and is foundational to better intellectualizing reality.

In this episode we talk about Eric Berne and his psychological theory of Transactional Analysis and its origins in group therapy. We describe Child, Parent and Adult ego states and the importance of recognising each one. Manipulative games are also discussed including; I’ve Got You Now You Son of A Bitch, Ait It Awful and Look How Hard I Tried. The modern adaptation of Transactional Analysis as presented in the popular self-help book I’m Ok You’re ok By Thomas Anthony Harris, is also discussed. We explore common underlying assumptions behind conversations and point out the implications. We also take it a step further and apply underlying assumptions to our existential awareness.