Topical Storm

In our second Op-Ed, we examine the history of change in the entertainment industry, the impact of the internet on entertainment consumption, and what the future may hold.

As a more serious public discussion of Universal Basic Income Plans begins ahead of 2020, we take an objective look at the proposals, the philosophy behind them, and the economics that will ultimately define their outcome (or outright rejection).

Is reality as we know it a computer simulation? Today we discuss Nick Boström’s influential paper that first proposed the Simulation Hypothesis.

A new kind of episode today: we have a casual, free-form discussion about the role of social media in our lives, its erosion of social structures, and the divisiveness that begins online and has become deeply rooted in our culture.

Today we offer an holistic overview of the arguments for and against the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle. We dig into the academic philosophy behind the vegan movement and discuss practical solutions to the environmental problems of meat consumption.

We all sleep, but we don’t often think about what sleep is, why we sleep when we do, and how it plays into our physiology. On this episode we offer the standard advice “get more sleep” but with some fun science to back it up.

Today we examine a controversial branch of philosophical thought known as Antinatalism, which posits that for conscious beings, it would have been better to have never existed. Dark, thought provoking ideas ahead. 

What is the essence of that thing we call “cool”? Where is its basis in evolution and in culture? How does this concept impact our society? All this and more on today’s show.

A look into the complicated world of pharmaceuticals, the pricing of prescription drugs, and the incentive structures underlying the industry. What’s up with all those drugs suddenly costing a lot more?

We begin a fascinating exploration into the phenomenon of consciousness, and discuss its definitions and philosophical challenges. This is the first of in a series of episodes exploring consciousness and its implications.

Thought swearing was as simple as using a taboo word? Think again. We tackle the fascinating research of curse words along with their physiological and psychological importance. Foul language ahead.

Is the “iPhone of e-cigarettes” here and here to stay? We explore the sudden rise of Juul, the popular nicotine delivery device, in the context of modern culture, business, and ethics, and discuss the future of the phenomenon.  

What is the “Effective Altruism” movement all about? How do charities maximize their moral utility? Where does the collision of philosophy and financial decision making mean the most? We explore all this and more on today’s episode.

A brief guide to our podcast, outlining our thoughts, motivations, and goals.