The American Age

025 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 216 - “Staying Close to Home.” Seph addresses Travis’ assertions about humanity in relation to Alan Weisman’s book The World Without Us. Travis discusses our natural inclinations to fear the unknown and gravitate toward the familiar.

216 - The hosts discuss their own histories of migration and reflect on what motivates us to move away from home. Freedom, privation, hope, and fear all intermingle with the unfamiliar and create our unique experiences of difference.

024 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 215 - “Elite Capture: Olúfémi Táíwò and the Politics of Privilege.” Steven talks about how Táíwò’s article has caused him to rethink how he engages with the community and issues he supports. Travis deconstructs episteme as it us currently used to define personhood. Seph shares an anecdote  from his time at Hyperallergic related to the concepts presented by Táíwò.

215 - The hosts discuss the politics of race and privilege in elite discourse. How much should race and gender be weighted when discussing social issues?

023 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 214 - “Vs, The War of All Against All: Abortion.” Steven dives into adversarial relationships in his personal life, whether it be within his family or amongst his friends and acquaintances. Seph takes a closer look at Travis’ claim regarding progressives, bodily autonomy, and the SCOTUS Dobbs decision. Travis shares a parable as an allegory for current progressive politics.

214 - Steven rejoins the podcast, and the hosts discuss the “vs” mood in US politics. Roe vs Wade vs SCOTUS vs women vs the Bible vs left vs right vs trans-rights vs white men vs...

022 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 213 - “Underdogs and Empires: What Compels Us to Care?” Seph applies the concept of empires and underdogs to conservatives and progressives in light of the recent Supreme decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Travis taps into the renewed sense of hope that sports teams bring with every season.

213 - Seph and Travis discuss underdogs and “evil” empires in sports and celebrity. Steven is off this week.

021 - The hosts reflect on podcast episode 212 - “Intellectual Protagonists and Inspirational Antagonists.” Seph gets in touch with his intellectual ancestry, and how the writing styles of academics he studied influenced his own methods. Travis discusses the challenges posed when framing past intellectuals in his own thoughts and work.

212 - The hosts discuss the thinkers who shape their own thinking, both positively and negatively. In sports it’s common to have productive rivalries, and the same is true in the realm of thought.