Best Thoughtprovoking Podcasts (2024)

1
Ariel Helfer on Plato's Letters 1:20:10

1d ago1:20:10

1:20:10

In this episode, the guys are joined by Professor Ariel Helfer of Wayne State University to discuss his new book on Plato's Letters. Delve into an engaging conversation about the philosophical insights and historical context of Plato's epistolary works, as well as how we ought to contextualize the work itself.…

1
163: Strategy for Door Kickers 1:27:15

5d ago1:27:15

1:27:15

Is “strategic” the size of the bomb you drop, the scale of the map you use, or way you play Monopoly? In this episode, Mike and Jim turn Sun Tzu’s fortune cookie sayings into operational reality. We work through how we can win fights all over Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam and still lose. We also cover strategies for winning against Active Shooters…

1
Leo Strauss' What Is Political Philosophy?, Part III 52:42

8d ago52:42

52:42

The guys take this week to close out their mini-series on Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy? Listen in as they unpack Strauss' analysis of modernity, his critique of historicism, and his defense of classical political philosophy. Thankfully, there are less calls to "whip it" this time.By The New Thinkery

1
Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy?, Part II 1:02:40

16d ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Join the guys for an enlightening continuation of last week's discussion on Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy? This week, they delve into part two of the book, focusing on the classical solution to political philosophy. Their exploration reveals timeless insights about the nature of political thought and its enduring relevance, as well as r…

1
162: Ordering Troops to their Deaths 1:05:32

19d ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Is the American military prepared for the sacrifices that we can expect in a World War? Mike and Jim discuss whether commanders can lead and whether the troops will follow when it comes time to storm the beaches knowing many will not return. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents. You can join the conversation in …

1
Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy?, Part I 1:07:00

23d ago1:07:00

1:07:00

In this episode, the guys delve into the profound insights of Leo Strauss' seminal work, What is Political Philosophy? while cracking their hallmark lewd jokes. Join them as they explore Strauss' examination of the nature and purpose of political philosophy, setting the stage for a deep dive into his enduring influence on contemporary thought. Lear…

1
The New Thinkery at 200 50:39

30d ago50:39

50:39

The New Thinkery is celebrating its 200th episode this week. To celebrate, the guys convene to do a retrospective of sorts. They take the opportunity to thank listeners, guests, and others, answer listener-submitted questions, give you a peek behind the curtain, and compared to a usual week are a little more... unhinged. Tune in for a fun one! Lear…

1
Marc Landy on America and Modernity 1:20:23

1M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

Join the guys as they welcome Marc Landy, professor at Boston College, who provides profound insights from his latest book, America and Modernity. Unpacking the complexities of American politics against the backdrop of modernity, Landy's analysis offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the evolving nature of the American experience. Learn…

1
161: Tactical ADHD: Managing Attention 1:06:43

1M ago1:06:43

1:06:43

Situational awareness demands focus and selective attention. Sometimes playing on your phone can help, and sometimes it can kill you. Most people can’t multitask as well as they think, but Mike and Jim will give you strategies to outmatch your enemy and avoid becoming a LUMP. FAA Task Management White Paper: https://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/tech…

1
Dustin Peone on Comedy and Philosophy 1:10:04

1M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

This week, the guys are joined by Dustin Peone, instructor of liberal studies at Mercer University and a fellow of the Institute for Vico Studies in Atlanta. The group use Peone's new book, Making Philosophy Laugh: Humor, Irony, and Folly in Philosophical Thought as the baseline to dive into discussion about the profound connections between humor a…

1
Christopher Lynch on Machiavelli on War 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Join the guys this week for an engaging discussion on the art of war through the eyes of Niccolò Machiavelli in Christopher Lynch's latest book, Machiavelli on War. Christopher Lynch is Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University and head of the Department of Political Science. Lynch's work offers a fresh look at Machiavelli's timel…

1
160: Lights in the Sky: Aliens or Drones? Jim Spills the Beans on UFOs 1:17:12

2M ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Just because it's not aliens doesn't mean we can ignore it. Let's develop a comprehensive air defense and counter drone plan in the wake of Ukraine, Syria, and Gaza. We investigate Unidentified Flying Objects, UAVs, aliens, killer drones, spy satellites, Chinese balloons, and Foo Fighters. UAP Task Force : https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Rele…

1
66: Becca Merrill 47:09

2M ago47:09

47:09

Becca Merrill is a researcher and evaluator at Education Northwest. Her content expertise is in the teacher labor market, with methodological expertise in both quantitative and qualitative designs. Her recent work focuses on teacher working conditions as a lever for teacher retention, informed by work experience as a middle school teacher. Sign up …

1
W. B. Allen on Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws 1:02:49

2M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

Join the guys this week for a deep dive into Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws with the insightful W. B. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Political Philosophy at Michigan State University, who has recently released a new critical edition of Montisquieu's best known work. Allen places the timeless relevance of Montesquieu's political philosophy and its i…

1
Plato's Hipparchus 59:23

2M ago59:23

59:23

Join us for a deep dive into the world of Plato as we explore Plato's Hipparchus. The guys unpack this lesser-known dialogue, delving into its themes of justice, leadership, and the ideal state. Discover how Plato's insights from over two millennia ago still resonate in today's society, offering time-tested wisdom and thought-provoking ideas.…

1
159: What’s up with the beards? Setting and Enforcing Standards 1:07:26

2M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Green Berets have to work with a different rule book than the troops guarding nuclear weapons—and for good reasons. We explore the balance between strict adherence to rules and the often necessary flexibility to go off-script in tactical operations and your organization’s culture. Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTan…

1
Laurence Berns on Francis Bacon with Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen 1:10:35

2M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

Join Alex and Greg for an enlightening discussion on Francis Bacon with esteemed guests Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen, editors of The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon: With Special Attention to the Principles of Foreign Policy. Delve into Bacon's philosophical contributions and their impact on modern thought. Explore his views on knowledge, …

1
Raúl Rodríguez on Strauss' View of Tocqueville and Nietzsche 1:13:11

3M ago1:13:11

1:13:11

This week, Alex and Greg join a live panel hosted by Michigan State University to explore the perspective of Leo Strauss on two towering figures of philosophy and political thought: Friedrich Nietzsche and Alexis de Tocqueville. The guys are joined by Raul Rodriguez, a dean's research associate at MSU, to delve into the nuanced interpretations and …

1
158: “Your Children Are Not Safe”: DC Beltway Snipers 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

In October 2002, a 17 and 41 year old carried out a series of serial murders, killing 10 and wounding 3 others in what were described as random attacks against people doing every day tasks like pumping gas and mowing their lawn. We cover lessons from this large scale, multi-agency investigation with takeaways for individual cops and police leaders …

1
Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act V 54:49

3M ago54:49

54:49

This week, the guys close out Shakespeare's Hamlet by focusing on Act V. The play reaches its dramatic climax as the threads of betrayal, revenge, and madness culminate in a blood-drenched conclusion. The guys dissect the pivotal act, exploring Hamlet's complex character, the consequences of his actions, and the tragic fate that befalls him and tho…

1
Christopher Kelly on Rousseau's Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, Part II 38:52

3M ago38:52

38:52

Continuing on Part I from last week, Greg and Alex again replace David with renowned Rousseau scholar Dr. Christopher Kelly, professor of political science at Boston College. The group analyze Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, this time touching on the enigma of conspiracy and how Rousseau's work fits in with Christian ideas and values. Plus: Dr. Ke…

1
65: Stephen Guerriero 32:20

3M ago32:20

32:20

Stephen was a middle school Social Studies teacher for 20 years before becoming Chief Learning Officer of a blended learning platform startup. His interests are ancient history, archaeology, and travel and he is an outspoken advocate for teachers, mental health, and LGBTQ equity in the classroom and beyond. Sign up for the DivingDeepEDU Newsletter …

1
157: Use it or Lose it: The Essence of Officer Discretion 37:13

3M ago37:13

37:13

There are over 18,000 police Chiefs and Sheriffs in the United States, and every one of them has their own version of what right and wrong looks like. But unless they plan on showing up at every traffic stop, they are going to have to trust that their Officers and Deputies on the front lines are doing the best they can. Empowering law enforcement o…

1
Christopher Kelly on Rousseau's Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, Part I 47:11

3M ago47:11

47:11

This week, Greg and Alex replace David with renowned Rousseau scholar Dr. Christopher Kelly, professor of political science at Boston College. The group focus on how to situate Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques with Rousseau's other writings, how to properly understand Rousseau, and the two enigmas. Stay tuned for part II next week!…

1
Robert Bresson's A Man Escaped ft. Tom Cleveland & James Guess 59:02

4M ago59:02

59:02

This week, Alex and Greg replace David with not one, but two guests! Tom Cleveland rejoins the show with a new title as the Executive Director of the American Political Tradition Project at the Jack Miller Center, and James Guess, with a PhD from the Universtiy of Dallas, appears for the first time. The group take a look at Robert Bresson's A Man E…

1
156: I AM THAT B*TCH! Erica Gaines of TacMobility 1:22:55

4M ago1:22:55

1:22:55

Erica is the founder of TacMobility, a wellness training company and online resource with a ton of free material for public safety. TacMobility is implementing a blend of mobility training and mental health support by working its way past the tough “sheepdog” exterior. Through eye-opening surveys, TacMobility highlights the not-so-funny truths abou…

1
64: Dana Goodier 32:43

4M ago32:43

32:43

Dr. Dana Goodier has taught World Languages and English and has worked at the middle and elementary school level as an administrator. She often speaks professionally, writes blogs for the Teach Better Team, and is the author of Out of the Trenches: Stories of Resilient Educators. Sign up for the DivingDeepEDU Newsletter Post a DivingDeepEDU podcast…

1
Douglas Kries on Augustine City of God 1:15:54

4M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

This week Douglas Kries, a distinguished scholar from Gonzaga University, joins the guys as they delve into the profound insights of Augustine's monumental work, The City of God. Explore timeless philosophical questions and the enduring relevance of Augustine's ideas in understanding the nature of society, politics, and the human condition. Gain a …

1
Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act IV 51:02

4M ago51:02

51:02

Join the guys as they delve into the heart of Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet. Act IV revolves around a pivotal moment in the play where the intricate web of deceit and ambition begins to unravel. From the haunting soliloquies to the dramatic confrontations, how this act shapes the course of the tragedy, leading to the climactic finale, is analyz…

1
155: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say 1:08:48

4M ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Here’s the thing about plane crashes: We all die at the same time. Inefficient and ambiguous communication has serious tactical implications when managing a crisis as a team. Sometimes, we water down what we need to say because we don’t want to step on toes or piss anyone off, especially when talking to authority figures. This is called mitigated s…

1
Devin Stauffer on Leo Strauss' Natural Right & History, Chapter 5, Part 1 on Hobbes 1:24:02

4M ago1:24:02

1:24:02

Join us as we delve into the profound insights of political philosopher Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History featuring returning special guest Devin Stauffer, Professor and Associate Chair at UT Austin. In this episode, the group unravel the complexities of Chapter 5, Part 1, exploring Thomas Hobbes' enduring impact on political theory.…

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