Talk Doesn't Cook Rice

John and Danny discuss the notion of 'the self' and the eternal question of what makes a person the same person over time. We explore the great Scottish philosopher David Hume's perspective, his skepticism about the the concept of a continuous identity, and draw parallels with the concept of personality.

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss nostalgia, a complex emotion described as "a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past." We examine its different types, exploring how it can wield both positive and negative influences, and ponder whether it has become a more prominent and powerful force than ever before.

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the philosophy behind our podcast's new name, "Talk Doesn't Cook Rice." We dive into its pragmatic significance, its connection to embodied perception inspired by French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and why taking that first step is vital in life.

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the brilliant TV show that is Mr Inbetween. We explore how it relates to themes like morality, phenomenology, authenticity, and absurdism, and ask why it is we love the characters in shows like this and The Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad so much.

Trailer for Mr Inbetween: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1622522393/

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the captivating work of Alfred Adler, the brilliant Austrian psychotherapist and visionary behind individual psychology. We explore Adler's unique journey, from his collaboration with Freud to forging his own path of discovery. We dive deep into the causes and effects of inferiority complex, and contemplate its relevance in today's fast-paced world.

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the profound ideas of Ernest Becker in his groundbreaking book, "The Denial of Death." We explore the existential anxiety that lurks within us all and how it can affect our everyday lives and relationships. Despite the weighty topic, this episode is surprisingly uplifting and affirming and will help you live more fully in the present moment.

The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

The Worm at the Core by Sheldon Solomon et al.

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the philosophy of pragmatism and its relevance to modern life. We explore the ideas of three classic American pragmatists—Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey—discussing topics such as the nature of truth and the importance of a pragmatic education. Additionally, we examine some of the criticisms that have been levelled at pragmatism and its relationship with more traditional European philosophy.

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the evolution of status in human life and the ways it distorts and defines our behaviour as individuals and societies. We explore Will Storr’s excellent book, The Status Game, and delve into why the feeling of being valued is so important to us. We also consider why it's important to diversify your status game and how you might reconcile the need for status in your daily life.

The Status Game by Will Storr (@wstorr)

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss bullshit, exploring what it is, why we do it, and who is susceptible to it. We also examine the notions of persuasive and evasive bullshitting and ask if bullshitting is avoidable or simply an inherent part of what it is to be human.

Harry Frankfurt, On Bullshit (Amazon) 

Research study mentioned: Cutting the Crap: The Perceived Prevalence of Pseudoscientific Bullshit in Sport Science and Coaching 

Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss well-being and ask whether "being well" might actually be a better focus if we are to truly flourish. Is well-being just another corporate buzzword and are well-being programmes and practitioners simply disguising companies’ base motivations with the language of care? Might existential philosophers like Martin Heidegger have some better answers to what could in fact be a wicked problem?

Book mentioned (Amazon): Wicked & Wise: How to Solve the World’s Toughest Problems by Alans Watkins and Ken Wilber 

LinkedIn crying guy: Washington Post article 

Stutz documentary (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/81387962  

Music by Kabbalistic Village: https://kabbalisticvillage.com/