Understanding the Role of Nonsense in Psychoanalysis

In this episode of 'The Subject of the Unconscious,' hosts Neil Gorman and Isolda Alvarez delve into the topic of nonsense in Lacanian psychoanalysis. They discuss how individuals often seek psychoanalysis due to experiences that don't make sense and explore the distinction between meaning and logic. The conversation reveals how psychoanalysis addresses the unconscious logic behind behaviors and emotions that resist rational explanation. Neil and Isolda emphasize the ironic satisfaction derived from seemingly nonsensical behaviors. They also explore the concept of transforming one's relationship with symptoms from a battle to an integration into life. The episode culminates in considering why psychoanalysis is an experiential process essential for confronting and understanding one's own nonsense.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:44 Choosing the Topic of Nonsense

01:23 Exploring the Concept of Nonsense in Psychoanalysis

02:52 The Role of Diagnosis and Sense-Making

06:36 The Logic Beyond Sense

11:45 Personal Experiences with Nonsense

18:39 The Therapeutic Process and Satisfaction

40:03 Concluding Thoughts and Next Episode Teaser

In this episode of The Subject of the Unconscious, hosts Neil Gorman and Isolda Alvarez delve into the complex topic of diagnosis within the framework of Lacanian psychoanalysis. They discuss the distinction between traditional DSM diagnoses and the Lacanian structural approach, emphasizing the unique and subjective nature of mental suffering. The conversation explores how diagnoses are used, both within and outside the psychoanalytic context, and considers the implications of labeling and over-diagnosis in contemporary mental health practices. Join Neil and Isolda as they navigate these intricate issues and set the stage for a future discussion on the concept of nonsense in psychoanalysis.

In this episode of Subject of the Unvonscious Isolda & Neil speak about how psychoanalysis had changed (and how it has stayed the same) over time. 

This is the pilot episode of The Subject of the Unconscious Podcast, in which Neil and Isolda discuss their motivations for creating the podcast, who they hope it will be for, and provide brief accounts of how they became interested in psychoanalysis as a practice. 

On the 2nd of February, Isolda Alvarez and Neil Gorman met to record a pilot podcast. We discussed jouissance, desire, and love. This is what we made. 

On this episode I speak with practicing Lacanian psychoanalyst Isolda Alverez about the way the aims of the psychoanalytic clinic have changed from Freud's time through Lacans and into the present day.

Recommendations:
1. Band: Yo La Tango (Spotify, Apple Music) Album: "And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out" (Spotify, Apple Music)
2. Lucifer (TV Show on Netflix, Comic)
3. The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Amazon) 

Table of contents: 

1. Mic check
2. Intro music 
3. Proposal 

What I want to propose is that the Lacanian Compass collaborate with me, or I collaborate with the Compass (however you want to say it), to produce a podcast aimed at extending psychoanalysis in the United States.

Because I'm a creative guy, I've made this proposal as a podcast so that you can hear and get a sense of the sort of podcasts I'm capable of making. (Cool, right?) Having said that, let's move into the proposal proper.

Q: Why should the Compass make a podcast?
A: There are a number of reasons. First, lots of people who are interested in psychoanalysis listen to podcasts. They listen to them in the car, on their walks, while they run on the treadmill, and so on. Second, there are already lots of podcasts out there about psychoanalysis, but almost all of them focus on the theory, not the practice because most of the people making these podcasts are not analysts. I think this is a problem because it can lead to (I'd go so far as to say has led to) psychoanalytic ideas and techniques being misrepresented.

True story: I have a number of people who come to me having listened to Todd McGowan's podcast, or this popular Žižek podcast, and they think that psychoanalysis is going to be this kind of cold nasty thing where the analyst will work to frustrate them.

If the Compass makes it own podcast, we can correct many of these misconceptions and put out information that will have positive effects for Lacanian psychoanalysis in the United States.

Q: What would the content of this podcast be?
A: I'd like to do interviews (in English) with members of the Compass, the NLS, and the WAP. I'd like these interviews to be aimed at the extension of psychoanalysis, as opposed to the inside baseball intention talks we have amongst ourselves. To give you an example of what I'm describing here, I'm going to also put an interview I did with Isolda for another podcast I'm currently producing.

Q: Who would participate?
A: Members of the Lacanian Compass, & the NLS/WAP, would be interviewed by me (or a member of a team that works with me).

Q: What do I need/want from you (the council)?
After you listen to this, if you're interested, let's set up a time to talk more about the logistics.