The Observing I Podcast

In this episode, we’re going to be taking a deviation from our usual transmission.

This Monday, which was a bank holiday for all of you in the UK, a book that I’ve been working on for about 2 years finally hit the shelves. It’s imaginatively called “The Observing I: A guide to living a more authentic life”, and it’s full of philosophical ideas and psychological methodologies to help you get to the bottom of the nature of you.

It’s available to purchase on Amazon as an eBook, and we’re currently working on getting a paperback copy ready.

In this episode, I’m going to talk a little about my motivations behind writing the book, and I’m going to read Chapter One in what will essentially be an extract from the coming audiobook. Seems a bit silly that I do a podcast and then release a book and don’t actually make an audiobook from it. So that will be coming in the future as well. As soon as it’s available, I’ll let you know.

If you’d like to get your hands on a copy of the eBook, then you can purchase it directly from Amazon here if you’re in the US:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D54FV5D5

Or here if you’re in the UK:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D54FV5D5

Much love, David

In today’s episode, we’re getting into the esoteric realm of thought and consciousness.

What is thought, and how does it shape our experience? What part does our consciousness play on the human narrative, and where is the line between thought and awareness?

We’ll look at the fundamental definitions of thought, explore what philosophy and theology has to say on the matter, and look at the way in which thought and consciousness dance together. And, of course, we try to distil this down into some practical applications that you can take into your lives going forwards.

Much love, David

In today’s episode, we are getting into the world of empathy and sympathy. These two emotions play crucial roles in our social interactions, relationships, and personal well-being. I’ll be looking at what they actually are, taking a look at what philosophy has to say on the matter, and exploring their place in psychology.

We’ll also be looking at the pros and cons of each and trying to work out which one is better.

As an aside, you’ll be pleased to hear that the book is in it’s final stages and will be hitting the shelves in the next few weeks. I’m doing the last bit of typesetting and getting it looking like a sparkly tome of philosophical wisdom. When it’s ready, you’ll be able to purchase it on Amazon I’ll drop the link to it in a future update.

Much love, David

In today's episode, we're exploring the world of Alain de Botton, the philosopher who makes old ideas feel fresh. We'll explore how he takes complex concepts and brings them down to earth, showing us how they can be applied to our everyday lives.

Whether you're struggling with love, work, or just the general feeling of being overwhelmed by the modern world, de Botton offers a unique perspective that can help us understand ourselves and the world around us a little bit better.

We'll also delve into his ideas on emotional intelligence, and how his work can help us navigate the complexities of our own feelings and relationships. So, if you're ready to find some wisdom in the ordinary, and maybe even a little bit of comfort in knowing that we're all facing similar challenges, then this episode is for you.

Much love, David

In today’s episode, we delve into the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of one my favourite modern philosophers - Alan Watts. He was an incredible figure who spoke with eloquence and clarity, integrating Eastern and Western thought in a way that had never been done before.

Trained as an Episcopal priest, he left the church and went on to become a spiritual luminary in California in the height of the 60s counter culture movement. If you’re interested in Eastern philosophy, this man is the most accessible entry point to the principles of Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism.

I’ve also, for some reason, delivered this in a far huskier tone than usual. It was late when I recorded and I was a bit tired. I’m hoping this doesn’t come across too badly in the episode.

Much love, David

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the life and philosophy of the famous cynic Diogenes of Sinope, possibly one of the most eccentric philosophers in history.

Known for his extreme cynicism and audacious public antics, Diogenes challenged the social and moral norms of his time with a philosophy that is as radical today as it was over two thousand years ago.

From living in a ceramic jar to asking Alexander the Great to move because he was blocking the sun, Diogenes' story is a beautiful exploration of what it means to live in accordance with nature.

Much love, David

In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the sceptical world of the 18th Century philosopher David Hume.

Hume shook the foundations of science, morality, and our sense of self and identity. From his early philosophical crisis, to his critique of the traditional notion of causality, we’ll be exploring how his sceptical mind questioned the limits of human knowledge.

We’ll look at how his ideas can be applied to our lives today, through tools such as emotional awareness, critical thinking, and the embracing of uncertainty. And, to give you a healthy balance, we’ll be exploring the critiques of his work and how it was challenged by thinkers of the time.

Share your thoughts on Humean thinking on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes!

Much love, David

We'll explore who this mysterious figure might have been (*clue: it wasn’t Thoth), the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, and how they've shaped thinkers from the Renaissance to the present day.

We’ll talk about how Hermeticism can be useful in our lives today, and some of the potential pitfalls and critiques of the philosophy. Such as quiche manifestation. That’s right. Quiche.

Share your thoughts on Hermeticism on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes!

Much love, David

In today’s episode, we explore the life and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century thinker who challenged traditional morality and championed individual self-creation.

We dive into his core ideas surrounding “the death of God”, the Rise of the Ubermensch, the Will to Power, and his Revaluation of Values. We talk about how to live authentically, according to Nietzsche, and then see how his ideology can be applied to our lives today.

There is, however, no advice offered on how to grow an equivalently powerful moustache. Sorry.

Share your thoughts on Nietzsche's philosophy on social media using #TheObservingI, or in the comments section below. And let us know what other philosophers you'd like us to explore in future episodes!

Much love, David

Ever feel lost in a universe that seems indifferent to your existence? This week on The Observing I, we delve into the world of existentialism and the notion of the absurd, explored through the life and work of Albert Camus.

We'll unpack the core themes of existentialism – freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. Then, we'll meet Meursault, the enigmatic protagonist of Camus' ground-breaking novel "The Stranger", and see how his story embodies the themes of absurdity.

Join us as we explore how to navigate life's complexities in an existential void. Learn how to embrace your freedom, define your own meaning, and find purpose and passion even in a seemingly meaningless universe.

Much love, David