Jonny Thomson is a writer who explains philosophical ideas.

In this thought episode, we journey through the world of philosophy — from ancient wisdom to modern thought experiments. We ask: what does it really mean to live a philosophical life in today’s world.

The conversation explores Nietzsche’s ideas on truth, the misunderstood legacy that tied him (wrongly) to Hitler, and his vision of the Übermensch. We dive into how philosophy intersects with religion, royalty, and even AI — can ChatGPT itself be considered a philosopher?

From Aristotle’s advice on small talk to the Overton Window, manners, razors, and Solomon’s Paradox, this episode blends intellectual curiosity with real-world relevance.

To wrap up, we share three essential philosophy book recommendations for anyone ready to think deeper.

Jonny's Substack: https://miniphilosophy.substack.com/ Timestamps:0:00 – Which Philosophy Is In Vogue Now?4:15 – What Is A Philosophical Life?8:45 – Nietzsche on Truth11:47 – Was Nietzsche Hitler’s Favourite Philosopher?14:20 – Nietzsche’s Übermensch19:18 – Philosophy & Religion22:55 – The Royal Family25:34 – Philosophy: Written vs. Talking28:52 – ChatGPT the Philosopher?33:50 – Aristotle’s Small Talk Advice37:24 – The Overton Window42:40 – Manners Maketh Man45:29 – What Is A Razor?47:10 – Solomon’s Paradox

Paula Minchin is the Features and Managing Editor of Country Life magazine. In this episode, we ping-pong through a wide range of topics - from working with David Beckham, preserving the magazine’s heritage while attracting new readers, why print media is far from dead and so much more.

We also delve into the Machiavellian world of journalism, collaborating with the Royal Family, and the weekly lifecycle of producing one of Britain’s most iconic publications.

0:00 - Introduction 

0:45 - Working With David Beckham 

8:20 - Tyranny Of Weekly Publications

12:30 - Is Print Media Dead? 

17:25 - Editorial Straightjacket vs. Creative Freedom

21:25 - Balancing Tradition With Enticing New Readers

26:55 - Working With The Royal Family

34:01 - The Housing Section

39:27- Presenting A Sanitised Version Of The Countryside? 

43:53 - Are All Journalist Machiavellian? 

50:30 - Were The 90’s In Journalism Wild? 

Ali Farahmand-Razavi is an economist and content creator who shares his tips, insights, and wisdom in today’s episode.

From exploring why the Nazis were, in fact, left-wing, to discussing why Marxism endures today, Ali delves into a range of fascinating topics.

He explains what a government deficit really is and how it has hamstrung successive governments, critiques what Gary’s Economics got wrong, and weighs up the head-versus-heart dilemma of moving to Dubai for tax reasons—and much more.

Enjoy the episode.

Ali's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ali_razavi12/?hl=enAli's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarahmandrazavi/?originalSubdomain=uk

0:00 - Introduction

0:34 - Were The Nazi’s Left or Right Wing?8:23 - What Marxism Got Wrong 13:23 -  Reform’s Economic Policies16:46 - Economics Over Protesting19:10 - Implications Of A Government Deficit 25:30 - Rudimentary Inflation Tracking 28:47 - What Gary’s Economics Got Wrong39:44 - Modern Comforts vs. House Ladder45:48 - Don’t Worry About London51:52 - Dubai (Head) vs. England (Heart) 56:44 - Why Do We All Want To Be Farmers?1:01:20 - Are We In An AI Bubble? 1:07:34 - Why Do We Wear Ties?

Myles Usher-Doyle is a speaking coach with high profile and celebrity clients. In this episode, we cover a variety of topics, including filler words—and how to eliminate them—the importance of reading to expand your vocabulary, why the older generation often speaks more fluently, his work with Chris Williamson, and even why you should talk to strangers on public transport.

Myles on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/speakwellcoaching/?hl=en

Myles on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/myles-usher-doyle-99318629/?originalSubdomain=uk

0:45 - Everyone Saying The Word   “Like” 

7:47 - How To Stop Using Filler Words

12:15 - Older Generations Don’t Say Like

18:29 - Nature vs. Nurture For Public Speaking 

22:15 - Joys Of Talking To Strangers

31:10 - Practice With People

35:30 - Reading’s Impact On Vocab & Verbal Fluency  

41:10 -  What Books Should You Read? 

48:34 - Wedding Speech Faux Pas

58:24 - Working With Chris Williamson

1:07:43 - Best Political Communicator 

Mo Metcalf is the Director of External Affairs for the Countryside Alliance. 

We typically dive into a wide range of topics on all things countryside. From Countryside Alliance’s overarching mission and Mo’s evolving role in the media, to the thorny controversies surrounding deer culls and grouse shooting, no stone is left unturned.

We also wade into the RSPB seemingly forgetting about the birds, the notion that the countryside is far from “wild” but in fact carefully man-made, and the Left and Labour’s rather tempestuous relationship with Britain’s green and pleasant land. And, of course, there’s plenty more along the way.

CA Website - https://www.countryside-alliance.org/

Mo’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mometfisher/

0:00 - Coming Up..

0:40 - External Affairs Director 

10:20 - Just Staving Off The Future? 

16:35 - City vs. Country 

18:40 - Jeremy Clarkson Shooting Deer

22:10 - Best PR Is No PR

27:16 - Grouse Shooting Ban 

35:05 - Irony Of The RSPB

41:15 - The Countryside Is Not Wild

49:05 - Labour’s Relationship To The Country 

1:02:30 - Farmer’s Awakening 

1:06:13 - Personal, Political, Biblical?

1:12:35 - GBnews 

Philip Stephenson-Oliver is wine merchant and online connoisseur who brings over a decade of vinous wisdom to the table. In this episode, he sheds the sanctimonious status of a seasoned sommelier to explain the process behind understanding wine.

From the fundamentals of proper wine tasting and the lifecycle of the humble grapevine, to the nuanced relationship between age and aroma, Philip uncorks a wealth of insight.

Be it advice on what bottle to bring (or avoid!) to a garden gathering, or guilty of grievous wine-storage sins, he offers friendly, foolproof guidance for us all.

Philip proves that wine appreciation needn’t be intimidating; it can be accessible, educational, and above all, enormously enjoyable.

Philip's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewineman__/

Philip's Wesbite: https://www.wine-ta.co.uk/

0:00 - Best Approach To Wine

3:35 - How Did Philip Get Into Wine?

7:00 - Dangers Of Alcoholism 

8:52 - How To Correctly Taste Wine

12:12 - English Wines vs. French 

18:42 - How To Make Your Own Wine 

23:52 - How Does Wine Age?

29:50 - Screw Cap vs. Cork 

33:30 - Perils Of Branded Champagne 

41:05 - What About Prosecco?

42:55 - Don’t Store Your Wine In The Kitchen!

44:41 - What Wine Is Best For Christmas Dinner? 

Charlie Pye-Smith is a journalist and author. In this episode, we discuss the implications of the Hunting Act of 2004. He explores how these bans have paradoxically worsened the conditions for hunted species like foxes, hares, and deer. 

Charlie argues that the ban has led to increased suffering for these animals and has disrupted traditional hunting practices that once maintained a balance in wildlife populations. 

He also highlights the cultural significance of hunting in rural communities and the potential consequences of further restrictions on hunting activities. The discussion touches on the complexities of animal welfare, the economics of hunting, and the future of hunting legislation in the UK.

Rural Wrongs - Hunting and the Unintended Consequences of Bad Law: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rural-Wrongs-Hunting-Unintended-Consequences/dp/1839528931 

Charlie’s Website: http://charliepyesmith.com/ 

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe.reilly/?hl=en 

0:00 - Trailer 

0:56 - Political Background 

4:25 - The Ban Has Made Life Worse For A Fox

10:50 - Rifle Killing vs. Hounds 

14:15 - Stag Hunting 

16:24 - Tony Blair Regretting The Ban 

22:20 - Will Hunting Be Reinstated? 

26:55 - The Cultural Side Of Hunting

29:58 - Rise In bTB Since The Ban

35:48 - Hare Poaching Increase

41:00 - Dinner With Sir Roger Scruton

49:52 - Future Of Hunting  

Ben Henderson presents the Witness History podcast on the BBC World Service and teaches people online about history, art, and philosophy. In this conversation, we cover a wide range of topics, discussing why Big Ben and the British Houses of Parliament are built in a Gothic style but not in the Gothic age, the impact of John Ruskin, the pros and cons of modern architecture, an introduction to Cyrus the Great, and so much more. Ben goes on to explain and explore the BBC's approach to the "new media" such as podcasts, and gives an insight into what it's like to work for the "beeb". Ben's dynamic and insightful, and you'll learn a lot in this episode. Ben's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben.henderson.history/ Ben's X: https://x.com/benhenderson96 Listen to Witness History: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p004t1hd My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe.reilly/?hl=enWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeReillyPodcast 0:00 - Intro 

0:39 - Why Big Ben Is Gothic 

4:03 - John Ruskin Wasn’t A Fan 

6:23 - Ruskin vs. Orwell 

8:38 - In Defence Of Brutalism 

13:18 - An Old Approach To Modern Architecture 

17:10 - Time + Architecture = Enjoyment? 

20:58 - Trump Banning Modernism 

26:18 - Elon Musk Liking Ben’s Democracy Tweet 

32:38 - Intro To Cyrus The Great 

38:17- Ben’s Job At The BBC 

43:58 - BBC’s Approach To Podcasts

47:10 - The Ultimate Dinner Party Game

Paul Childerley is an award-winning gamekeeper and multiple world-champion kickboxer. He's been on the screens of millions as she brings viewers along for his hunts, stalks, and shoots.

In this episode, we discuss the reality of deer control, pest control, and other tasks that need to occur for the countryside to be managed.

We also talk about Paul's kickboxing training and competing, and balancing it with operating a business, how he manages the physical toll of both, how game meat doesn't taste as nice as the supermarket alternatives - and how to get around it - why he chooses cocker spaniels as a breed, whether you should become a gamekeeper, and so much more.

Paul's Website: https://www.childerleysporting.co.uk/

Paul's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@paulchilderley

Paul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulchilderley/?hl=en

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/249tlFBhNhwI0W4G83i4U5

My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joe.reilly/?hl=en-gb

0:00 - Coming Up…

0:43 - Is Paul the U.K.’s Joe Rogan?

1:42 - Separating Kickboxing & Gamekeeping

4:24 - Physical Toll Of Gamekeeping

8:01 - How Gamekeeping Has Changed

10:05 - Brutality Of Kickboxing & Fieldsports

14:39 - Privilege Of Deer Control

19:01 - Game Meat Not Tasting Nice

21:10 - Renting Sporting Rights

24:40 - Pressures Of The Job

30:05 - Typical Day In The Life

32:15 - Should You Become A Gamekeeper?

34:05 - Walked Up vs. Driven Days

36:40 - Why Cocker Spaniels?

42:25 - Best 4x4 For The Job?

44:31 - Future Of Childerley Sporting?

Kai Bilimoria runs an Instagram page dedicated to history, art, and philosophy. In the "museum of life", Kai seeks to explore as many rooms and exhibitions as possible, curating and cultivating a vast array of insight and facts on many, many topics.

Where is the value of art found? Is it in its composition or context? And how does one even become knowledgable in discerning the difference between impressionism and expressionism, oil and acrylic?

And to that of history: what is the Magna Carta is why is it a big deal? What were the famous paintings of Napoleon and their hidden meaning? Do we really have Martin Luther to thank for McDonalds?

All that and so much more. Enjoy the episode.

Kai's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/history_art_philosophy/reels/

All my links: https://linktr.ee/joereilly

0:40 - Coming Up…

0:40 - Where Is Art’s Value Found? 

3:25 - How Important Is Context In Art? 

7:41 - Dutch Still Life Art

10:16 - Become Knowledgable In Art?

15:52 - Is Time A Secret Ingredient?

18:22 - Painting Of Napoleon  

20:42 - What Is Magna Carta? 

23:16 - Art, History, Philosophy: Are They Connected? 

27:06 - Are They Superior To Film Or Photography? 

33:53 - Was George Orwell Wrong? 

36:19 - Is Martin Luther To Thank For McDonalds?