Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
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The Official Rugby World Cup 2023 Podcast presented by Asahi Super Dry will feature an incredible array of talent from across the rugby world and beyond, joining host Gethin Jones to discuss the greatest tournament in rugby as 20 teams battle it out for glory. Tune in every week to get unparalleled access to the Rugby World Cup. #RWC23 #BeyondExpected Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Exploring Alien Civilizations | Isaac Arthur
1:03:50
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Isaac Arthur, president of the American National Space Society, discusses the nature and likelihood of alien civilizations. What sort of alien civilizations are most likely do exist? Is 'uplifting' an alien species ethical? What level of intelligence, sociability, and language are aliens most likely to have? And is AI a form of alien intelligence? …
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Can Animals Create Art? | Yolandi Coetser
1:25:22
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This live episode of Brain in a Vat investigates the boundaries of animal creativity through real-life examples, thought experiments, and philosophical theories of art. What are the cognitive capacities of animals? What is the best way of understanding the apparent ‘art’ of animals? And how should we value the lives of animals? [00:00] Introduction…
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Population Decline and Pronatalism | Paul Morland
1:09:01
1:09:01
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Paul Morland, author of 'No One Left', joins the Brain in a Vat podcast to discuss demographic changes and Pronatalism. Paul explores the idea of having more children in response to declining fertility rates, demographic momentum, and the potential societal impacts of population collapse. Paul discusses potential solutions, including state interven…
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Love and Limerence | Georgi Gardiner
1:01:29
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What is the difference between love, limerence, crushes and squishes? Can someone be mistaken about whether they’re in love? And is limerence harmful, or can it also have therapeutic value? [00:00] Introduction to Love and Limerence [00:09] Thought Experiment: Terry and Sam Seder [01:38] Philosophical Debates on Love [03:37] The Power of Self-Descr…
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Aliens, Social Groups, and the Golden Record | Jason Werbeloff
1:14:15
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How would we explain our social structures to aliens? Can we define our social groups in a way that is easy to articulate and understand? Jason Werbeloff argues that it’s extremely difficult to answer even the simplest questions about the nature of our social groups. Does this mean we should exclude any talk of groups when describing ourselves on t…
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Ayn Rand and the Ethics of Selfishness | Tara Smith
1:03:14
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Has selfishness been misunderstood? Is there a way of defending Ayn Rand’s egoism? Tara Smith confronts challenging questions about morality, individual rights, and the balance between personal and societal well-being. Read Smith’s book here: https://a.co/d/5r4HfXb [00:00] Introduction to Ayn Rand and Egoism [00:21] Challenging Common Perceptions o…
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The Fine-Tuning Argument for God’s Existence | Aaron Zimmer (with Nathan Bray)
1:00:04
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Is intelligent design the best theory for how perfectly calibrated our universe is? How does God as an explanation compare with competing theories, like the multiverse? Perhaps we can understand the fine-tuned complexity of the universe in the same way we understand the fine-tuned complexity of AI creations? Tune in for a profound discussion on the…
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Fatphobia | Kate Manne (with Travis Timmerman)
1:05:23
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Kate Manne discusses how fatphobia impacts the lives of fat-bodied people in various domains, including healthcare, education, and employment. Manne explores the relationship between weight and health, and challenges pervasive societal biases. She argues for a deeper understanding of systemic oppression against fat-bodied people, and considers how …
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Money, Institutions, and Social Groups | J. P. Smit
1:08:50
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What is the nature of social institutions? Is Searle correct that collective agreement is the key to understanding social phenomena, or should we pursue a different theoretical framework? Smit argues for a different understanding of institutions, which relies on the notion of a coordination game. Read Smit's publications here: https://philpeople.or…
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Left vs Right, Polarization, and Political Legitimacy | Oliver Traldi
56:52
56:52
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Oliver Traldi explores the polarization of modern politics, mechanisms of belief political formation, the influence of social costs on public reasoning, and the complexities of political reasoning and norms. What is the relationship between political and moral reasoning? And what makes political decision making legitimate? Read Traldi's book here: …
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The Ethics of Swearing | Rebecca Roache [with Travis Timmerman]
1:04:40
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Why do we find swearing offensive, and should we? Is it wrong to use swear words despite causing offense? This episode is an eye-opener into the often overlooked depth and implications of everyday profanity. Listen to Rebecca’s podcast here: https://www.academicimperfectionist.com/podcast [00:00] Introduction and Guest Introduction [00:19] Rebecca'…
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What does it mean to be patriotic, or to love your country? Some argue that patriotism is virtuous because it allows us to transcend our selfish needs and act for the good of our community. But others argue that patriotism is overly narrow-minded, arbitrary and sometimes immoral. Microdigressions Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@Micro-Digressions …
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The Ethics of Dark Humor | David Shoemaker
1:02:46
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David Shoemaker explores the intricate relationship between humor and morality. What makes a faux insult funny? Can wisecracks be both humorous and hurtful? The conversation delves into academic theories of humor, the significance of context and intentions, and the controversial topics of offensive jokes and the boundaries of humorous expression. […
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Is Israel’s War Unjust? | Mark Oppenheimer vs Raja Halwani
1:37:46
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Join us for an intense debate featuring Mark Oppenheimer, who defends Israel’s war as just, and Raja Halwani, who argues Israel’s war is unjust. The debate covers historical contexts, moral principles, and the roles of both Israel and Hamas, aiming to provide nuanced insights into one of the most challenging global issues of our time. [00:00] Intro…
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How do digital interactions, specifically through gaming, form genuine friendships? Nicholas Baima challenges the traditional notion that physical presence is essential for true friendship. By examining ancient ethical theories, especially Aristotle's various forms of friendship, the episode debates whether online friendships can reach the purest f…
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Gaming: Dangerous or Beneficial? | Sarah Malanowski
55:51
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Should we consider gaming as potentially addictive? Sarah Malanowski argues gaming is much like any other beneficial hobby: it provides a sense of community, challenge, and personal growth. She argues gaming is unfairly stigmatized, and should instead be seen as a valuable tool for growing character. Link to Sarah’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Why…
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The Edges of Philosophy: Good, Bad, and the Controversial | Travis Timmerman
1:13:19
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What makes for good philosophy? How has philosophy impacted popular culture? Can sci-fi be good philosophy? And can we inspire philosophical inquiry despite not strictly adhering to rigorous philosophical methods? [00:00] Introduction to Bad Philosophy [00:51] The Repugnant Conclusion [03:09] Criteria for Good Philosophy [06:05] Examples of Good Ph…
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Helpful Abortion Restrictions? | Perry Hendricks
1:03:17
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Perry Hendricks argues that abortion restrictions are beneficial, especially to black women, by preventing them from engaging in what he presupposes is the wrongful act of abortion. The conversation critically examines the ethics of abortion, the impact of restrictions on black women, and the broader societal implications. We discuss paternalism, s…
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Nathan Cofnas argues that distinct populations have developed specific cognitive abilities due to varying environmental challenges. The conversation explores the definition and validity of racial categorization from a biological perspective, addressing whether certain physical and cognitive differences among races have a genetic basis. Nathan argue…
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Lionel Shriver on the Dangers of Manic Equality
1:04:34
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We welcome back Lionel Shriver to discuss her latest novel, 'Mania'. Shriver explores how egalitarian principles push us to ignore obvious truths about the world, particularly in discussions on transgender rights. She critiques the Left’s inclination to measure art and literature through the lens of political virtue. Read Shriver’s book, ‘Mania’, h…
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A discussion on gun control, exploring philosophical, legal,and ethical aspects of the issue. Eric Samson offers a range of arguments andcounterarguments on the necessity and consequences of gun laws. Theconversation includes the right to self-defence, the impact of gun ownership onviolence and society, victims of violent crimes, and proposals for …
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Ethical Quandaries of Autonomous Weapon Systems | Afonso Seixas-Nunes
1:02:02
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We speak with Father Afonso about the use of weapon systemsin warfare. The discussion explores a thought experiment involving two statesat war and the deployment of autonomous drones capable of targeting terrorists withouthuman intervention. Key topics include the legality and morality of suchsystems, the potential for reducing civilian casualties,…
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Paediatric Gender Medicine | Moti Gorin and Holly Lawford-Smith
1:17:04
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We begin by imagining a world where children are separated by sex at birth and raised without exposure to traditional gender norms. We debate whether gender incongruence is a result of nature or social conditioning. We discuss gender affirming care for children, highlighting the complexity of diagnosing gender dysphoria amidst co-occurring psychiat…
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Peter Singer on Animal Liberation Now
1:05:15
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Peter Singer delves into difficult ethicalquestions regarding animal rights, the morality of factory farming, anddifficult human-related ethical dilemmas. Singer discusses his views as aconsequentialist, examining the impact of our choices on animal suffering, theethical considerations around organ donation from anencephalic children, andthe broade…
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We Should Want Immortality | John Martin Fischer
51:38
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John Martin Fischer argues that lifeconstantly offers new experiences and perspectives that prevent it frombecoming monotonous. He delves into the idea of living asignificantly extended life without aging and the implications it has onpersonal identity and society at large. Fischer distinguishes between trueimmortality and radical life extension, f…
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Stephen Cave unpacks the ethical and practical problems of living forever. He highlights ongoing research in anti-aging and the potential societal and ecological catastrophes that could follow if humans were to achieve immortality. Stephen weighs the individual’s desire for immortality against social implications, and the potential exacerbation of …
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Immigration and Borders | Stephen Kershnar
1:07:36
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Featuring Stephen Kershnar, we discuss the complexities of immigration ethics, the rights to immigrate, and the morality of borders, keeping in mind debates around wealth, exclusion, and property rights. Stephen considers consequentialist and deontological perspectives in immigration policies, the notion of collective versus individual rights, and …
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Cascading Catastrophic Risks | Trond Undheim
54:40
54:40
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Trond Undheim delves into catastrophic risks facing humanity, including climate change, governance breakdown, and technological threats. Through discussions of risk perception, effective planning versus worry, and the complexities of managing existential threats, Trond emphasizes the importance of preparing and adapting for uncertain futures. How s…
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The Ethics of Political Commemoration | Hans Gutbrod
56:51
56:51
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In this episode of 'Brain In A Vat', Hans Gutbrod addresses the gap in philosophy in understanding the ethics around statues, street names, and museums. By drawing parallels to just war theory, Gutbrod proposes a framework to navigate the complexities of commemorating historical figures and events. The discussion also touches upon the potential for…
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Facial Distortions and Prosopometamorphopsia | Brad Duchaine
1:01:22
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In this special episode of Brain in a Vat, Brad Duchaine from the Psychological and Brain Sciences Department at Dartmouth discusses prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) – a condition where individuals see distorted faces. The episode explores various manifestations of PMO, including seeing demonic features, dragons, or entirely different faces, and disting…
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Pornography and Free Speech | Nadine Strossen and Holly Lawford-Smith
1:13:02
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We welcome back Nadine Strossen for a comprehensive discussion about pornography and free speech. She highlights points from her re-released book 'Defending Pornography', explaining why she supports the freedom of sexual expression. Her thought experiment is about a respected academic who makes adult videos, raising questions about personal freedom…
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Unravelling “White Privilege” | Spencer Case
1:00:29
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Can the definition of privilege be nuanced enough to address the broad range of individual experiences and historical contexts? Does recognizing and discussing privilege lead to meaningful social change? Or does talk of privilege oversimplify complex issues?
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Is observing people in a public space from the privacy of your home an infringement of their rights? Can the widespread use of CCTV cameras be justified, or does it violate their privacy? And how do technological developments affect the delicate balance between safety and privacy?
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Dissecting Morality: Error Theory | Matt Lutz
1:01:49
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What if our understanding of morality is fundamentally flawed? Should the absence of objective moral facts alter the way we live and interact? Is the structure of our society dependent on moral beliefs, or are these just a result of individual desires and social evolution?
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Is morality real, a social construct, or non-existent? Can we rely on our moral intuitions? And are moral truths inaccessible to us?
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Why Israel's Response to Hamas Was Justified | Natasha Hausdorff
51:57
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What is a proportional response to a terrorist attack? What does genocide involve? And is South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice justified?Presenters: Mark Oppenheimer and Jason WerbeloffEditor and Producer: Jimmy Mullen and Porter KaufmanBrain in a Vat bookshop (Shopify): https://smarturl.it/BrainShopBrain in a Vat bookshop (Ama…
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Does the biology you were born with trump self-identity when determining your sex or gender? Is gender innate, or can it change? And what can real-life cases of children being reassigned their sex at birth teach us? Alex's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Gender-Sex-Facts-Fictions/dp/1509560017/
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John Rawls: Justice as Fairness | Paul Weithman (Rebroadcast)
57:07
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John Rawls is widely regarded as the greatest modern liberal philosopher. Does his theory of justice lead to a fair society?
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Near-Death Experiences | John Martin Fischer (Rebroadcast)
1:04:58
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Is there life after death? Are near-death experiences meaningful? Are they similar to other altered states like meditation and drug-induced hallucinations?
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How To End Global Poverty | Andy Kuper (Rebroadcast)
56:43
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Andy Kuper, the founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, tells us how his PHD in philosophy led him to marry profit with purpose, by creating investment funds with deep impact on the lives of 200 million low-income people worldwide, while generating strong returns for its investors and the companies in which it invests. https://leapfroginvest.com A…
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Evolutionary Psychology | Justin Garson (Rebroadcast)
53:39
53:39
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Is evolution the root cause of racism, rape, and disgust? Are differences between men and women a result of both nature and nurture? Are some forms of scientific inquiry too dangerous to allow? Justin's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Biological-Mind-Philosophical-Introduction/dp/0367466317
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Trans women in sport: Is it fair? | Stephen Kershnar (Rebroadcast)
1:13:59
1:13:59
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Lia Thomas, a trans woman, has sparked controversy by competing in and winning women’s collegiate swimming events. Should Thomas and other trans athletes be allowed to compete in the gendered competition of their choice?
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David Chalmers on Virtual Reality and The Simulation Argument (Rebroadcast)
1:03:17
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Could you be a brain in a vat, or be living in a simulated or virtual reality? Could you live a meaningful, valuable existence even if you were?
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Freedom | Ernst Roets and Martin Van Staaden
1:34:27
1:34:27
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Does the State protect or curtail freedom? Are communities more important than individuals? Should freedom be constrained by virtue?
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The Philosophy of Black Mirror's White Bear | Rebecca Tuvel
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Black Mirror's episode, White Bear, is full of interesting philosophical problems. Are you still responsible for a crime you committed even if you've lost your memory of that crime? Do you persist through time despite amnesia? And what are the limits of justified punishment for horrendous crimes?
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Why you should stop eating meat | Mylan Engel
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Do your current moral values require you to stop eating meat? Will going vegan actually prevent animal cruelty? Is the vegan movement a force for good?
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David Benatar on the Israel Palestine Conflict
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59:21
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Are Jews entitled to their own homeland? Is the Israeli response to the massacre of civilians perpetrated by Hammas on October 7th justified? Should there be a ceasefire? David's Article in Quillette: https://quillette.com/2023/10/21/its-not-the-occupation/ Raja Halwani wrote to us about Jason's exposition of his view at 38:50. Here is Raja's clari…
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Episode 10 - Siya Kolisi & Ardie Savea Join All Black and Springbok Legends to React to World Cup Final
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It’s the last dance as we record live from the World Rugby Awards in Paris after the World Cup final. Were joined on the podcast by Springbok and All Blacks legends, and what would have been an incredible centre partnership, in Conrad Smith and Jean de Villiers. In the company of host Gethin Jones and Ugo Monye, the guys reflect on the elation and …
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The Ethics of Killing in War | Jeff McMahan (Rebroadcast)
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This older conversation about war sheds light on the current conflict in Israel and Gaza. Are soldiers fighting for the wrong side ever justified in killing? Should we punish these soldiers even if they were coerced by their State to fight? And is it ever justified to kill civilians? Read Jeff's book here: amazon.com/Killing-War-Uehiro-Practical-Et…
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Episode 9 - Dan Carter, John Smit and Ben Kay - Springboks Break English Hearts To Set Up Epic All Blacks Final
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We're joined on the podcast today by three World Cup winners in; two-time World Champion Dan Carter, Ex-Springbok captain John Smit and an England legend from 2003 in Ben Kay to talk through all the semi-final action and preview the big clash this weekend. The lads dissect South Africa's incredible comeback against England and New Zealand's thrashi…
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