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Preconceived, hosted by Zale Mednick, dives deep into the intricacies of human experience, challenging the assumptions that shape our understanding of the world. In each episode, Zale engages with leading experts, thought leaders, and individuals with unique perspectives to uncover the layers beneath societal norms and expectations. From exploring cultural phenomena to dissecting scientific breakthroughs, Preconceived invites its listeners to question their preconceptions about love, life, technology, health, history, and beyond.With a blend of curiosity and critical thinking, Zale navigates through complex topics, offering his audience a chance to gain new insights and broaden their horizons. Whether it's debunking myths, confronting biases, or simply indulging in the joy of learning something new, Preconceived is more than just a podcast; it's an invitation to view the world through a different lens.Join Zale Mednick every week on Preconceived for enlightening conversations that promise to inspire, inform, and intrigue. Perfect for the inquisitive mind, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone eager to challenge their understanding of the world and embrace the complexity and beauty of human existence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
261. Alternative 'Medicine'
Does Alternative Medicine actually work? If it does work, why is it still branded as 'alternative'? And if it doesn't work, why do people invest so much time and money into it? Alternative medicine encompasses many branches, including homeopathy, chiropractic medicine, and acupuncture. So what works, and what doesn't work? What does the evidence show? Dr. Edzard Ernst joins the podcast. Check out Dr. Ernst's latest book, 'Bizarre Medical Ideas ... And the Strange Men Who Invented Them' at https://www.amazon.ca/Bizarre-Medical-Ideas-Strange-Invented-ebook/dp/B0CY1FZK9T Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
53:3019/11/2024
260. 'My Child Has Cancer'
It’s hard to think of more devastating news for a parent than hearing that their child is dealing with a serious illness. Cancer is one of those illnesses. So what do you do as a parent when your child is diagnosed with cancer? What do you tell your child? How honest are you with them? And when the cancer has hopefully gone into remission, how does one continue to approach life? Sam Taylor, host of The Deep C Podcast, joins Preconceived. The Deep C Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-deep-c/id1728343851 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:4207/11/2024
The Benefits of Getting A Bit Drunk
We all know about the potential abuse and addiction associated with alcohol and other drugs. Yet despite this, alcohol has persisted since the dawn of human societies. Does its persistence suggest that alcohol may actually be an important factor in the history of our civilization? In Edward Slingerland's book, 'Drunk', he explores the social benefits of alcohol and intoxication. He joins the podcast to share his insights. Check out 'Drunk' at https://www.amazon.ca/Drunk-Sipped-Danced-Stumbled-Civilization/dp/0316453382 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
45:4929/10/2024
259. How To Debate
In a world that increasingly feels like it’s falling into disarray, heated debates are taking place about a multitude of topics – war in the Middle East, the immigration crisis in the US, abortion rights, and much more. Personally, I’ve found myself listening to a disproportionate amount of debates on the above topics on some of my favorite podcasts. But I’ve come to wonder – what makes a good debater? What are the general tenets and principles of a debate that a participant needs to know before engaging in one? And perhaps more practical, are the rules of formal debate applicable to the way we argue things off of a debate stage? Or should they be considered totally different forums of discussion? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:4122/10/2024
258. Hitler and Trump - A Comparison
For many years now, the media and general population has loved making comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler. On the one hand, the comparison seems odd – Hitler was a mass murderer and the architect of the most devastating genocide the world has ever seen; Donald Trump has committed no genocide. On the other hand, both are extreme political figures who each galvanized large segments of the population to rise to power. For those who deplore Trump, it is perhaps a political strategy to compare him to Hitler, to scare people into thinking that if he is allowed back into power, he will pose the same risks to humanity as Hitler did. Yet beyond such conjecture, perhaps there are similarities between these two figures that can teach us important lessons, and help guide us moving forward, as America gears up for its next presidential election. Professor Henk de Berg joins the podcast. Check out Henk's book, 'Trump and Hitler: A Comparative Study in Lying', at 'https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-51833-1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54:5715/10/2024
257. Regret and Decision Making
‘Regret’ is a word that many in society hesitate to use. At its core, it implies we made the wrong decision, and that if we could go back in time, perhaps we would have acted differently. While there’s no doubt we all make poor decisions, we typically don’t frame our bad decisions as ‘regrets’. Often we will try to cast our regrets as ‘learning moments’ and might even say things like ‘I don’t regret that action because of what it taught me’. But the reality is, regret, or whatever you want to call it, does exist. There are decisions most of us would probably take back. So what does the research show on regret, and what it can teach us on how to make better decisions? Todd McElroy, an expert in regret research, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:0408/10/2024
256. Could our 'Peaceful World' Devolve Back into War?
While wars are still waged today and atrocities still occur, many argue that this is actually the most peaceful period of humankind. Is this true? And if so, why is this the case? Is society’s inherent desire for peace higher than it was in ancient and medieval times? Is the value of peace and protecting human life given a greater premium than it was in the past? Are our values fundamentally different than they were in prior centuries and millennia? Were power, dominance and legacy valued more greatly in ancient and medieval times? Or rather, is it not so much that our values have shifted, but more so that the framework of modern society has more checks and balances to keep power and wars in check? Professor Keith Bradley joins the podcast. Keith Bradley's latest book on Hadrian - https://www.amazon.ca/Marguerite-Yourcenars-Hadrian-Writing-Emperor/dp/1487548818 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:0001/10/2024
255. Too Much Therapy?
It seems like more and more people are seeing therapists on a regular basis. And while that is not a bad thing, it does beg the question, ‘what is the role of therapy for someone who does not have psychiatric illness, but is just experiencing the ups and downs of the human condition?’ Who should people be seeking therapy from, and what should the goals of therapy be? Psychologist Huw Green joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:0624/09/2024
254. 'Purity Culture' - No Sex Before Marriage
We all grow up in different communities with varying value systems, traditional, and social norms. But the ‘rules’ of some communities are more rigid in some regards, and more isolated from other branches of mainstream culture. One such example is Purity Culture, an ethos in some communities that staunchly promotes abstinence, and preaches by virtue by refraining from sexual activity. So what is it like to live in such a community? What exactly is purity culture, and do the people in these communities actually believe in and commit to abstinence, or is it more talk than true commitment? How does abstinence end up shaping people’s conceptions of marriages and sex in their future? Portia Brown joins the podcast. Portia Brown Coaching - https://www.portiabrowncoaching.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:4017/09/2024
253. Optimism
We all know that optimism is a good thing. And in life, there is indeed much to be optimistic about. But the world can also be a cruel place, and the realities of life can sometimes be harsh. So what exactly does it mean to be optimistic? Is there such thing as a healthy dose of pessimism? Is it better to veer on the realist side of life and be pleasantly surprised when things go your way, or is having an optimistic outlook the key to a happier and more meaningful life? Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute, joins the podcast.The Optimism Institute - https://www.theoptimisminstitute.comBlue Sky Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/blue-sky/id1670686589This episode is sponsored by Cassette Cycling - Check out their amazing cycling shirts at https://cassette-cycling.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30:4410/09/2024
Memory - How Reliable Is It?
How accurate is the human memory? Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is a world-renowned psychologist who has devoted her career to studying the malleability of human memory.She joins the podcast to share what her research has shown regarding the accuracy of human memories, and explains how completely fabricated memories can actually be incepted into people's minds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:0303/09/2024
252. 'God is Good'
From a young age, many of us are brought up believing that God is the embodiment of perfection - that God is good, merciful, and reflective of the values we hold so dear in our daily lives. But on closer look, the Judaeo-Christian God that is portrayed in the Old and New Testaments can often be quite violent, vengeful, and even egotistical, demanding complete and utter loyalty from his followers. So how do we reconcile the ideals we hope God would have, with the actual portrayal of God in the Bible? Dr. Pete Enns joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:2827/08/2024
251. Apologies and Forgiveness
We all make mistakes – sometimes they are innocent mistakes, and sometimes they are true lapses in character judgement that we only later come to regret. And with any good mistake comes a good apology, and hopefully a genuine forgiveness on the other side. But what if the apology is disingenuous? Or what if the other side refuses to forgive? Why do we crave apologies from others, and why is it so hard to move past a situation if we are unable to obtain one’s forgiveness? Susan Shapiro, author of 'The Forgiveness Tour', joins the podcast. Learn more about Susan Shapiro and her book 'The Forgiveness Tour' at https://susanshapiro.net/forgiveness.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:0420/08/2024
250. Reflections
In this 250th episode of Preconceived, Zale revisits segments from some of his favourite episodes whose messages truly resonated with him. Is age just a number? How can we make decisions amidst uncertainty? Is the grass always greener on the other side? And how do we know if we are a good person? These are some of the questions explored in this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:5208/08/2024
249. The Olympics - 'Heroes in Our Midst'
There are few cultural events that grasp the world’s attention as much of The Olympics. Regardless of what might be going on politically in the world, The Olympics is largely seen as a globally unifying moment, once every four summers, and once every four winters. But what is it that captivates so many people to turn on their televisions and tune into Olympics events? Is it the love of competition? The quest for glory? Robin Mednick, co-editor of the book 'Heroes in Our Midst', joins the podcast to shed insight on the stories behind the Olympians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
45:5201/08/2024
248. Is Islam Violent?
When a Muslim father was asked by his son if Islam is inherently a violent religion, he was taken aback. Where did his son get these ideas from, and how many other people shared this concern? In his book 'Being Muslim Today', Dr. Saqib Iqbal Qureshi explores the history of Islam and seeks to understand some of the preconceptions regarding Islamic doctrine and how, if at all, it relates to Muslim perception today. Dr. Qureshi joins the podcast to discuss Islam and some of the misconceptions surrounding it. Being Muslim Today - https://www.amazon.ca/Being-Muslim-Today-Reclaiming-Islamophobia/dp/1538189321 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
46:0423/07/2024
247. 'Wisecracks' - Can a Joke Go Too Far?
Pranks, Joshing, Deception, Practical Jokes ... Humor takes shape in many forms. But can a joke go too far? Should a joke's funniness be measured by the reactions it elicits, the intentions of the joke, or none of the above? Cornell Professor David Shoemaker is a philosopher and author. He joins the podcast to discuss his latest book, 'Wisecracks: Humor and Morality in Everyday Life'. Wisecracks - https://www.amazon.ca/Wisecracks-Humor-Morality-Everyday-Life/dp/0226832988 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
56:2916/07/2024
Fall of the Aztecs
The Aztec Empire famously fell following the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century. Much of what we know about the Aztecs – including their rise, the nature of the empire, and its eventual fall, comes strictly from European accounts. But what did the Aztecs themselves think? The narrative has almost solely been shaped by the European perspective – but how did the Aztecs view the Europeans who eventually conquered them? Professor Camilla Townsend joins the podcast. Camilla's Book - Fifth Sun https://www.amazon.ca/Fifth-Sun-New-History-Aztecs/dp/0190673060/ref=asc_df_0190673060/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=411041496657&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2406240501790207548&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000956&hvtargid=pla-715823711027&psc=1This episode is sponsored by Discover More Podcast - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/discover-more-benoit-kim-w1KlycAfQGB/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:2109/07/2024
246. The Only Child
There is a certain stigma about only children - the idea that they may become more self-centred, and the concern that they will be lonelier in life without siblings. Such concerns have even prompted some to suggest that it is 'selfish' for parents to only have one child. But what does the evidence show about the life experiences of children who do not have siblings? UCLA Psychology Professor Tony Falbo joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36:2502/07/2024
245. Is a Bachelor of Arts Degree Useful?
The Preconceived or ‘status quo’ path in life typically includes a variety of steps; one major milestone is graduating from college. It’s something that we are ‘supposed to do’, a relatively expensive all-consuming four-year program that most of experience after high school. But how important is college? Do the academic benefits of college merit the time and cost of the endeavour? While many cite the importance of ‘the college experience’ as part of our maturation, is this just an idea we’ve been overly conditioned to accept that then dictates a significant chunk of our life? Derek Newton joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:1925/06/2024
244. Travel - The Joys and Complexities
For many people, travel provides some of the most profound experiences of their lives. Whether it’s a short excursion or a year living abroad, disengaging from your typical routine and transplanting yourself into the unknown is bound to lead to personal growth and self-discovery. But for all the good that can come from it, travelling can also be confusing. Is travelling always supposed to be joyful? Is there a trap that some fall into of travelling simply because that’s the ‘cool’ thing to do and permits you conceive of yourself as ‘worldly’? And Is there a risk that one can become obsessed with a certain impermanence that travel breeds, an escapism of sorts? Jesse O'Reilly-Conlin, author of 'Go: A Memoir of Movement', joins the podcast. Jesse O'Reilly-Conlin - https://jesseoreillyconlin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:5018/06/2024
243. Stockbrokers- Do You Need Them?
When it comes to our finances, it’s natural for many to follow the traditional approach to investing by using a stock broker. Over the past couple of decades, however, there has been a growing trend to go against the grain and not use a stockbroker. You may have seen the commercials online by companies urging you to bypass stock brokers by investing in their online platforms; they show curves of net worth over the course of decades, suggesting that when one takes compound interest into account, all the fees one pays to a stock broker can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run? So what does the math show? Is using a stock broker actually detrimental to one’s overall earnings in the stock market? Or despite the higher fees, does the stock broker bring an added intangible value? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:5211/06/2024
242. Zionism - Two Perspectives
Since the October 7th massacre and the ensuing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, much world attention has been given to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In this episode, we take a look back at the origins of this conflict, the concept of Zionism, and the events leading up to the 1948 war, known as the War of Independence in Israel, and referred to as The Nakba ('the catastrophe) by Palestinians. This episode explores two perspectives - a Jewish perspective shared by Harvard Professor Derek Penslar, and a Palestinian perspective shared by Brown Professor Beshara Doumani.Professor Derek Penslar - https://history.fas.harvard.edu/people/derek-penslarProfessor Beshara Doumani - https://vivo.brown.edu/display/bdoumani Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:50:3428/05/2024
Is it Normal to Have Pets?
The relationship between humans and non-human animals is a fascinating one. In particular, the pet-owner relationship begs many questions. The preconception is that it is totally normal that we cohabitate with other animals in our homes. People love their pets, and for the most part, we assume that our pets love us. But how normal really is the concept of having pets? And even if pets do add much value to humans' lives, is it really moral to keep pets, especially in the ways that we do? Professor Hal Herzog, expert in human-animal relationships, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:1821/05/2024
241. Inheritance
There is often an expectation that when parents die, their children will be left with some form of inheritance. But what does the research show about what actually happens to inheritance? What do the recipients tend to do with their inheritance? Is the money put to good use, is it spent right way, is it saved, or is it sometimes totally squandered? Jay Zagorsky, from the Questrom School of Business, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:0414/05/2024
240. 'Make It Stick' - The Science of Successful Learning
When we go through elementary school, high school, and college, we are tasked with learning and memorizing mounds of information. But how much emphasis is actually put on how we learn? What are the most effect memory strategies that can help us excel on exams? Are the strategies for short-term memory the same as the techniques for long-term retention? And how does an understanding of one's own 'learning style' factor into the way one studies, if at all? Roddy Roediger, co-author of 'Make It Stick', joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:1207/05/2024
239. Thirty Years to Live
What if you knew from the beginning of your life that you would die at age 30? How would you choose to live those 30 years? Needless to say, your path would completely deviate from many elements of the preconceived status quo of a typical life. And what if, just as you were reaching the end of your predicted life expectancy, you found out that you would not indeed die at age 30, but that you would have a normal life expectancy? Would you be happy for the extra years, or would you be rattled by such an upheaval in your expectations? Jeremie Saunders was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at age one and was given a life expectancy of age thirty. But just after turning thirty, a life-saving medication became available which changed the trajectory of his life, extending his life expectancy by fifty odd years. He joins the podcast to share his story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
58:5530/04/2024
238. Iran - Ideology, Nuclear Capability, and Threat to the West
On April 13th, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones over Israel. While Israel’s missile defensive system was able to mitigate most damage, the attack itself was unprecedented and a frightening development to the international community. When most of us think of modern-day Iran, we think of an oppressive authoritarian regime that suppresses the rights of its people and also deeply hates the West. But how did this situation come to be? Why does Iran hate the West so fiercely? What does Iran want? And how seriously must the Iran problem be taken? There have been concerns over their nuclear weapons program for many years, and now that Iran has launched an attack, how is the world, and Israel, supposed to respond? Mark Dubowitz, a leading world expert on the Iranian threat, joins the podcast. Mark Dubowitz - https://www.fdd.org/team/mark-dubowitz/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:05:2923/04/2024
237. 'Sickboy' - How to not be Awkward around Sick People!
We all know people who have been sick, whether with acute illness or chronic disease. But despite how common it is for people we know to be sick, we don’t always know how to deal with it in the best way. How do we support someone who is going through health troubles? How do you treat them normally, so to speak, while also acknowledging that what they’re going through is in many ways not normal and requires extra love and support? How do you navigate the situation without being awkward? Jeremie Saunders, co-host of the acclaimed podcast Sickboy, joins the podcast.Check out Sickboy Podcast at https://www.sickboypodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
52:2716/04/2024
236. 'The Work Life Balance Myth'
‘Work-life-balance’ is a common phrase, a buzzword even, that refers to the way we find balance in our professional lives and personal lives. The goal for many is to achieve an equilibrium, where we devote sufficient time to our work, family, and personal lives, without letting one domain dominate the other. But is work-life balance truly attainable in the ways most of us think of it? Should we be focused on balancing all aspects of our lives at once, or is it natural that the balance be more heavily weighted toward certain domains at different time points of our lives? Author David Mcneff joins the podcast. David Mcneff's book - The Work-Life Balance Myth: Rethinking Your Optimal Balance for Success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:1309/04/2024
235. Solar Eclipse - What You Need to Know!
As excitement grows regarding the upcoming solar eclipse, so do feelings of anxiety and fear amongst many people. What exactly is a solar eclipse, and how dangerous is it for your eyes? Ophthalmologist Dr. Tina Felfeli joins the podcast to prepare you for this once-in-a-lifetime event . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
29:0104/04/2024
My Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
In this episode, Zale opens up about his own experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What is an obsession, and what is a compulsion? How does OCD extend far beyond the preconception of a pure focus on cleanliness? Zale gives a window into what it is like living with anxiety and sheds some light on psychiatric illness in general. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:00:0202/04/2024
234. Why Empires Fall - Rome, America, and the Future of the West
The Roman Empire is thought of as one of the most powerful empires in human history. But as we all know, the Roman Empire did indeed fall after several centuries of domineering economic and political power. Many historians have tried to understand why exactly the Roman Empire fell, and many theories have emerged. In the present day, the United States, and ‘The West’ at large, has been seen for several centuries as the world’s superpower, similar in many ways to the power held by the Roman Empire. But with the current geopolitical landscape, it seems as if America may succumb to the same fate as Rome. So what is the phenomenon that is occurring here? Why do empires fall? And what will become of the West in the decades to come? Peter Heather joins the podcast. Peter Heather's book 'Why Empires Fall' - https://www.amazon.ca/Why-Empires-Fall-America-Future/dp/030027372X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:1526/03/2024
233. Cannibalism
The idea of one human eating another human is almost unfathomable to most of us. Even when stories have surface of life and death situations when people were arguably forced to resort to cannibalism in order to survive, the act still raised many eyebrows in society at large. But how abnormal really is the practice of cannibalism? From an evolutionary and survival perspective, how can the practice of cannibalism be better understood? How common has human cannibalism been over the course of civilization, and what have been the most common circumstances in which it developed? Bill Schutt, author of 'Cannibalism: A perfectly natural history', joins the podcastBill Schutt's book: https://www.amazon.ca/Cannibalism-Perfectly-Natural-Bill-Schutt/dp/1616204621 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:3619/03/2024
232. How is Artificial Intelligence Transforming Education?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on the rise, influencing many facets of our lives. With the emergence of ChatGPT and other AI-related tools, the landscape of education is already changing. From the student's perspective, will certain skills such as writing and critical thinking fall by the wayside if AI can do the work for them? Have rates of cheating increased? And on a more optimistic note, how are teachers and professors using AI to create better educational environments for their students? Priten Shah joins the podcast. Priten Shah's Websitehttps://pritenshah.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:3612/03/2024
Predicting The Oscars
The Oscars is considered the most prestigious awards ceremony in the entertainment industry. There is a certain magic about the Academy Awards, where some of the greatest films and performances of all time have been recognized. Ben Zauzmer is the author of Oscarmetrics, a book that shares an in depth look at the predictive analytics of The Oscars over its 93 year history. What makes a movie most likely to win Best Picture? Which actors and actresses are most likely to walk away winners? And do the Oscars deserve to be as celebrated as they are? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:0408/03/2024
231. The SATs
The SATs have been a hallmark of the college admissions process for decades in the United States. But this popular standardized test has come under scrutiny the past several years, with many colleges eliminating the SATs as part of their admissions criteria. So why is the tide changing for the SATs? Is GPA a better predictor of college performance, or are both metrics fraught with bias and error? Eddie Comeaux joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:1905/03/2024
230. Personality Disorders
Personality disorders are listed in the DSM – the bible of psychiatric diagnoses – as a distinct set of psychiatric disorders. Such disorders include narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, paranoid personality disorder, as well as several others. It can be confusing, however; at what point does someone’s narcissism, for example, extend so far that it qualifies as a psychiatric diagnosis? At what point does an unfavorable personality trait actually become a disorder, and in the real world, does the distinction actually matter? Psychiatrist Dr. Joel Paris joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:5527/02/2024
229. North Korea
There is perhaps no country in the world more perplexing and bewildering than North Korea. Considered by many as a silo shut off from the rest of the world, much of North Korea is shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, much of that mystery involves a dictatorial regime and severe oppression of its peoples. But what exactly does it look like inside of North Korea? What are our preconceptions about North Korea, and equally important, what are the preconceptions that North Koreans might hold about the rest of the world? Brandon Gauthier joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:00:0320/02/2024
228. Pedophilia
Pedophilia, understandably, is a word that conjures up negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Acting on pedophilic thoughts is a horrible crime, and the ramifications are fittingly severe. But what exactly is pedophilia? Is it a distinct entity, a medical condition perhaps? Or can it be seen as an abnormal part of the spectrum of human desire? What is it like to live as a pedophile, and what kind of emotional angst do pedophiles experience? Are pedophilic feelings more common that we might think they are, and how can one live with thoughts of pedophilia without acting on them. Dr. Skye Stephens joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
49:4713/02/2024
Life Extension (Part 2) - Do you really want to live forever?
The idea of 'life extension' has become trendy over the past several decades. If we take the right supplements and certain medications, is it possible to live well beyond a hundred years old and to slow the aging process itself? Dr. Jay Olshansky is one of the world leaders in the field. He joins the podcast to shed some misconceptions. http://sjayolshansky.com/sjo/Background.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:2408/02/2024
Life Extension (Part 1) - What does the science show?
The idea of 'life extension' has become trendy over the past several decades. If we take the right supplements and certain medications, is it possible to live well beyond a hundred years old and to slow the aging process itself? Dr. Jay Olshansky is one of the world leaders in the field. He joins the podcast to shed some misconceptions. http://sjayolshansky.com/sjo/Background.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:0205/02/2024
227. The Retirement Myth
In the typical preconceived framework in which we tend to view our lives, there are many steps … growing up, getting an education, finding a job, getting married, having kids, being grandparents, and ultimately - retiring. But in recent years, many have come to question what retirement really means and what it entails. So what exactly is retirement, and does society’s concept of retirement ultimately limit us in our endeavors when we get older? And if we do conform to the more traditional view of retirement, should we be seriously rethinking the age of retirmenet given the increased life expectancy of humans? George Jerijian joins the podcast. https://georgejerjian.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
50:3030/01/2024
226. Free from Desire - No Sex, No Romance
Sex and romance are core aspects of most people's lives; yet for some, the role they play is different. Aline Laurent-Mayard has never been attracted to anyone—not sexually, not romantically. On her award-winning podcast Free From Desire, they tell us how difficult it was to realize and accept their asexuality and their aromantism in a society that only talks about exactly that: love and sex. Aline joins the podcast to explain what it means to be asexual and aromantic. Check out Aline's podcast at https://podcastingtoday.co.uk/new-memoir-style-podcast-follows-journey-of-aline-laurent-mayard/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
51:3223/01/2024
225. Jihad
When people hear the word 'Jihad', they likely think of extremism, terrorism, and utter disdain for the West. But what is exactly is Jihad? What are its true origins? Is Jihadist philosophy truly violent in its original sense? Or is it a concept that has been politicized and weaponized by some, taken to the extreme as a justification for terrorism and hate? What is the role of Jihad, if any, in typical Islamic doctrine, and how can peaceful Islam be reconciled with these more extreme ideologies? Glenn E. Robinson, author of 'Global Jihad: A Brief History', joins the podcast. https://glennerobinson.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:2216/01/2024
Love and Anxiety - Relationship OCD
There are so many adages in regards to love and relationships. Many hinge on the notion that we must be absolutely certain in our choice of a romantic partner and that there should be no doubts when we ultimately decide on 'the one'. But is that a realistic framework for love? And how can the search for the Hollywood vision of love, in some cases lead to severe cases of relationship anxiety, otherwise known as relationship OCD (ROCD)? Kiyomi LaFleur, founder of Awaken into Love, joins the podcast.www.awakenintolove.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:1810/01/2024
224. Climate Change - 'Science for People Who Give a Shit'
For most of us, it’s a known that global warming and climate change are real and problematic Yet at the same time, despite society’s apparent concern at large, the issue has persisted for decades and in many regards, only gotten worse. So how bad is climate change, and how concerned do we need to be? And for as much as we try to be optimistic, are we perhaps past the point of no return? If that’s the case, why even care about climate change at all? Why not just accept that the damage is done, and that the best we can do is mitigate it as opposed to saving our planet? Quinn Emmett joins the podcast. Quinn EmmettFounder of Important, Not important: Science for people who give a shit Sign up for his newsletter at Importantnotimportant.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54:0403/01/2024
223. Taylor Swift - What's all the Hype?
Taylor Swift is arguably the most famous person in the world – a pop star the likes of whom many of us haven’t seen in our lifetimes. Especially over the past year with the release of her latest album Midnights and her record-breaking The Eras Tour, it’s not crazy to wonder if what we are witnessing right now is somewhat analogous to the Beatlemania of the 1960s. So what exactly is the phenomenon of Taylor Swift? Why has she risen to the heights that she has and captivated so many people like few other artists have before her? Is this truly a special pop culture moment, or is it perhaps being overstated? Music industry veteran Ralph Jaccodine joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
50:3819/12/2023
222. Salem Witch Trials
Sometimes our convictions can be so indoctrinated that it’s tough to separate them from reality and the facts in front of us. One such example is the Salem Witch Trials from 1692-1693, where an episode of mass hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts led to over 200 people being put on trial for witchcraft, culminating in nineteen executions. So how did this happen? How was it possible that people in one of the most educated societies of the time, not far from Harvard, became so convinced that witchcraft was real, to the point that they killed 14 women and 5 men for being witches? World-renowned Salem expert, Marilynne Roach, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:1012/12/2023
221. Female Sexual Pleasure
At its core, sex is supposed to be pleasurable. It’s typically considered much easier for a male to reach orgasm than a female, and although orgasm is not the only way to experience pleasure from sex, it’s certainly a more defined and easily measurable endpoint. So with that said, how frequently and to what degree do women experience sexual pleasure when compared to men? Does it often take more time for women to understand their own bodies and what makes them sexually aroused? And how could men learn to be better sexual partners to women, by having a greater understanding of the way they experience sex? Dr. Debby Herbenick, a sexual and reproductive health professor, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:4605/12/2023