The American Age

030 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 221 - “Living in the Present vs Thinking about the Future.” Steven discusses how thoughts about past present and future play a role in managing anxiety. Travis clarifies his thoughts about the irreconcilable tension between present and future.

221 - The hosts talk about the natural conflict between living in the moment and thinking about the future. What do climate change, Zen, and empire have in common? Find out.

029 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 220 - “Top 3s: Films, Cities, and more.” Steven scratches beneath the surface of short lists as they relate to what we can actually know about another person. Travis shares a poem featured in a film he wished he had included in his top three films - Mindwalk.

220 - Steven and Travis talk movies, cities, and more. Their favorite things and why they love them. Get ready for Russian Sci-fi and Mel Brooks.

028 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 219 - “Strange Beliefs: Flirting with the Limits of What We Know.” Travis reads a passage from a Stephen King novel to remind us that certainty is ultimately an illusion. Steven shares intriguing beliefs revealed in letters written by H.P. Lovecraft.

219 - This week on the podcast Steven and Travis discuss the crazy ideas they've ever believed, or maybe kind of still believe. Get ready for UFOs and the apocalypse.

027 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 218 - “Gratitude.” Steven details his reasons and gratitude for choosing to live in New York City. Seph shares his thoughts about the Information Age in light of the adolescent mental health crisis we face in the United States. Travis expresses his gratitude for being alive.

218 - The hosts take a break from fretting about the world to discuss the things they’re most grateful for, both personally and historically.

026 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 217 - “Institutional Trust: Faith vs Naivete.” Seph explains his disappointment in the promise of “self-evident” American values expressed by the founding fathers. Steven discusses his views on institutional trust through his recent recent experience at the the hospital and a book he read by Matt Colquhoun. Travis highlights recent efforts of institutions to simplify American history.

217 - With the country’s long history of injustices, is it naive to have faith in US institutions? Is there reason to believe that democracies yield better results for the people who live in them. The hosts explore these and other aspects of institutional faith and skepticism.