In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with my friend Todd McGowan to talk about his newest book, The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Lacan. We dive into what it was like for Todd to take on the challenge of writing an introduction to such a complex and enigmatic thinker, especially after the unexpected passing of his co-author, Mari Ruti .

Todd and I explore Lacan’s relationship to philosophy, his engagement with Hegel and Kojève, and why Todd divides Lacan’s career into early, middle, and late periods . We also get into stories from Lacan’s life—like his infamous driving habits—and how they intersect with his radical ethical claims .

Along the way, we discuss key concepts like the objet petit a, the mirror stage, and the four discourses, while reflecting on Lacan’s enduring relevance for thinking about desire, subjectivity, and the collision of biology and culture . This was a lively and thought-provoking conversation that made me appreciate both the brilliance and the contradictions in Lacan’s thought.

If you’re curious about Lacan but have felt intimidated by his work, this episode is a great place to start.