This week, we explore the individual, collective, and communal aspects of consciousness. We begin with a (mostly coherent) discussion on sensation, perception, and what makes conscious beings conscious. Then, we explore existentialism, existential therapy, and Carl Jung’s theory of a collective well of unconscious experiences shared among a species. During the second half of the episode, we move into a social exploration of community knowledge, how consciousness and change emerges from communities, and how the process of change is affected by crime, outside influences determining a community’s needs, and policing.

NPR - Are Dogs Self-Conscious?

Animal consciousness

Annaka Harris - Conscious

Existential therapy

The fourth wall

Carl Jung’s collective unconscious

Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative

Dudley Neighbors, Inc.

Seattle crime map

Boston crime map

Orville Peck - Dead of Night

Lizzo - Truth Hurts

Orville Peck - Turn to Hate

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

We return! Sorry about the hiatus, folks. We open with a discussion of major life transitions and our society’s developmental expectations for early adulthood. Then we move into the neuroscience of change, the question of free will, and how we really should listen to our own clinical advice. After a quick foray into the psychedelic, we close with our usual recommendations.

Spirit Airlines

Dr. Jessica Black

Does the Adult Brain Really Grow New Neurons?

How Important is the Hippocampus?

New Neurons Through Adulthood

Dr. Casey Hanson - Neurobiology of the Brain

Michael Pollan - How to Change Your Mind

DMT

Contently - The Last 50 Years of Pop Music

Ab-Soul - Control System

Molotov - Gimme The Power

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

Professional ethics, zombie ethics, and everything in between. We start with a discussion on the cultural foundations of psychotherapy, how they inform social work education, and the benefits of breaking out of the mold. Laz gets invited to a wedding, and Aaron lives… in the area. From there, we touch on dependency, apocalyptic morality, and building a genuine connection with clients. We also pay homage to the groundbreaking work of television host and moral mastermind John Quiñones.

Black Summer

What Would You Do?

The Joe Rogan Experience - Dr. Phil

Chucklefish Games - Wargroove

Childish Gambino - Summertime Magic

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

We’re back! This week, we discuss Jordan Peele’s new film Us, a thought-provoking take on the traditional slasher/horror genre. The film is a must-see, and it creepily explores numerous topics related social stratification, oppression, race and class, ethics, and morality. Spoilers abound in this one, folks.

Us- IMDB

Us - Rotten Tomatoes

Hands Across America

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

Welcome to the Universal Listening Variety Show! This week, we string together a laundry list of topics under common themes of exercise, the outdoors, music, and their effects on mental health. Laz talks about C4 and making it through a rough week, Aaron talks about life on the Oregon Trail, and we revel in the accomplishments of a low-key ultra runner.

Duck Boots

Leon Leonwood Bean

Blue Eyes White Dragon

Ultra Signup

Life in a Day

Sam Cooke - A Change is Gonna Come

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

What does it mean to be a chosen people? How does religion help us find meaning during times of suffering? And how do religious beliefs contribute to global social stratification? This week, we examine personal experiences and various perspectives on religion and the human experience.

Euphonium

UNICEF - Child Mortality

Gates Foundation

Theodicy

The Neurological Origins of Religious Belief

UToronto Press - Is God a Racist?

NPR - Rep. Omar’s Comments

Twelve Rules for Life

Kanye West - Ultralight Beam

Kanye West - Jesus Walks

The Thermals - The Body, The Blood, The Machine

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

We continue our discussion of suicidal ideation in hip-hop, but not until after we swap stories about narrative therapy and facing personal bias. We also explore rapport-building and how to establish a genuine affinity with clients through music. Once again, please use the resources below if you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide. Content advisory: suicide, suicidal ideation.

Toll-free suicide prevention hotline - 1 800 273 TALK (5255)

Crisis counseling text message hotline - Text HOME to 741741

Furry Fandom

Notorious B.I.G. - Things Done Changed

XXXTentacion - Jocelyn Flores

Gravediggaz - 1 800 Suicide

Minding the Gap

Mid90s

Miguel - Wildheart

XXXTentacion - SAD!

XXXTentacion - F*** Love

Notorious B.I.G. - Suicidal Thoughts

Aaron’s Five Positives

Music credits: Joe Arroyo

This week, we explore suicide, suicidality, and the human experience of thinking about death. Our conversation begins with a somewhat tangential discussion of comedians and sublimation before moving into the main topic. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, please reach out to the resources listed below. Content advisory: sexual misconduct, suicide, suicidal ideation, self-harm.

Toll-free suicide prevention hotline - 1 800 273 TALK (5255)

Crisis counseling text message hotline - Text HOME to 741741

NIMH - Suicide

AFSP - Suicide statistics

Comedians and suicide

The Hilarious World of Depression

Sublimation

ABC News - Second Chances

Aurora Bridge

Freud’s death drive

Linkin Park - Crawling

Chevelle - The Red

Elliott Smith - Either/Or

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

Welcome to our Valentine’s Day special. Curl up with your main squeeze, open a bag of conversation hearts, and listen to us discuss attachment style, mental health, and dating in modern society. We bring in some serious self-disclosure as we discuss current relationships and how we learned to relate to others. The episode ends with recommendations and a major step for our many fans.

Psychology Today - How Attachment Impacts Your Relationship

Elite Daily - De-Stressing Before a Date

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment

Medium - Your Attachment Style

Gary Chapman - Love Languages

Dating trauma

Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous

Better Oblivion Community Center

Polo Montañez - Un Monton de Estrellas

John Legend - All of Me

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.

We start with a discussion about truth and responsibility at the March for Life. Then we chat about value signaling and brand representation in hip hop, including a hot take on some very expensive mittens.

Beauharnois

Covington Catholic Students in Blackface

Wealthy Teen Nearly Experiences Consequences

Black Nationalist Movement

Whataboutism

Why Rappers Love Grey Poupon

Rap Stats - Grey Poupon

Canada Goose

Rap Stats - Expensive Brands

The Fire This Time

Walking While Black

Music credits: Joe Arroyo.