Best Thoughtprovoking Podcasts (2024)

1
Robert Wyllie on Understanding Byung-Chul Han 1:06:32

2h ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Joining Alex and Greg this week is Professor Robert Wyllie of Ashland University. He guides the group through the thought-provoking world of Byung-Chul Han, one of today's most interesting living philosophers, using his new ciritcal introduction to Han as a baseline. Professor Wyllie delves especially into Han's early work, exploring his weighty id…

1
167: Calling Bull$h!#: Responding to Swatting Hoaxes 1:10:58

16h ago1:10:58

1:10:58

No one should die over a false report. Internet gamers, celebrities and public figures, and maybe even one of your neighbors have been the victim of this sort of prank. These hoax emergency calls that can lead to an exaggerated police response are becoming more common, so we discuss strategies to make sure we tailor our response appropriately and k…

1
Flagg Taylor on Jan Patočka's The Spiritual Person & the Intellectual 57:59

12h ago57:59

57:59

This week, Alex and Greg delve into Jan Patočka's 1975 essay "The Spiritual Person & the Intellectual," exploring its profound insights on the nature of human existence and the role of intellectuals in society. Joined by Flagg Taylor of Skidmore College, the group examine Patočka's challenge to modernity and his vision for a more spiritually ground…

1
Michael Davis On Greek Tragedy, and Electra 1:08:19

6d ago1:08:19

1:08:19

This week, the guys delve into the rich world of Greek tragedy with professor Michael Davis from Sarah Lawrence College. The group explore the themes of fate, justice, and human nature as discussed in Davis' latest book, Electras: Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Focusing on the powerful narratives of the Electra plays by these tragedians, they…

1
166: Run the Clock: Time, Talk, Tear Gas, Tactics 1:22:14

12d ago1:22:14

1:22:14

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Downs v. United States was a benchmark case for domestic law enforcement that establishes our requirement to attempt negotiations for a peaceful resolution. We define a hostage situation and talk about strategies to manage them in contrast to active killer and barricaded criminals. Downs v US (6th Circui…

1
Mary Nichols on Piety in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics 1:03:57

16d ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Join the guys this week as they explore the nuanced concept of piety in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics with esteemed scholar Mary Nichols. Nichols is Professor Emerita of Political Science at Baylor University, where she taught from 2004-2018, and brings her profound insights and expertise to this rich discussion. Delve into the philosophical depth…

1
Plato's Lovers 49:30

25d ago49:30

49:30

In this week's episode, the guys unpack Plato's Lovers, a dialogue centered on the question of what philosophy is. Join the guys as they explore Socrates' interactions with a jock and a nerd in competition to have their love reciprocated by their beloveds. Plus: the unveiling of The New Thinkery's merch store!…

1
Ralph Waldo Emerson's The American Scholar 50:28

28d ago50:28

50:28

Join the guys as they delve into Ralph Waldo Emerson's brief essay, "The American Scholar," picking apart the diagnostic value of Emerson's view of the American mind. Through insightful discussions and thorough analysis, they explore the relevance and implications of Emerson's ideas in the modern world, offering a critique of Emerson's transcendent…

1
165: Separating the Wanna-Bes from the Gonna-Bes: Motivation, Grit, and Discipline 42:00

1M ago42:00

42:00

Your Recipe for Success looks something like equal parts of three things. Motivation, the spark and desire. Discipline, your habits and structure. And Grit, your capacity to overcome challenges, adjust, and perservere. Mike shares some of the research that’s been done on these topics and ways you can integrate them to get your closer to where ever …

1
CDC Reeve on Aristotle's Dialectic 1:22:29

1M ago1:22:29

1:22:29

This week, Alex and Greg replace David with renowned philosopher CDC Reeve. The group delve into Aristotle's Dialectic, exploring the depths of ancient Greek philosophy and its relevance today, specifically how Aristotle's method of dialogue and debate seeks to uncover truths through logical reasoning and critical questioning. Plus: don't miss the …

1
Paul Carrese on George Washington 1:13:20

2M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Happy Fourth of July from the New Thinkery! This week, Alex and Greg are joined by Paul Carrese, professor at Arizona State University and senior fellow at the Jack Miller Center, to discuss George Washington in observance of Independence Day. The group discuss George Washington's ascendancy to power, his attempts to stop factionalism, and his impa…

1
164: Power Lines and Wildfires 2023 Maui Disaster 1:29:15

1M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

Over 100 people were killed, more than 2,000 structures destroyed, and over $5 billion in damage were left behind after wind and fire tore through the historic Lahaina district and adjacent areas in Maui, Hawaii. We dive into some of the public safety and disaster planning takeaways from this event including evacuations, notifications, misinformati…

1
On Fitness 1:02:38

2M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

This week, the guys mostly put away the books to discuss the importance of fitness, both for physical longevity and mental sharpness. Led by Greg, the guys share their thoughts and experiences with exercise, including their personal exercise regimens and how they balance exercise in their daily lives. Plus: David's biggest pet peeve about exercise …

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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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, …

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