Best THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK Podcasts (2024)

1
Taking Nietzsche seriously 1:02:28

14m ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Sean Illing talks with political science professor Matt McManus about the political thought of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century German philosopher with a complicated legacy, despite his crossover into popular culture. They discuss how Nietzsche's work has been interpreted — and misinterpreted — since his death in 1900, how his radical politica…

1
What India teaches us about liberalism — and its decline 46:48

5d ago46:48

46:48

Authoritarian tendencies have been on the rise globally and the liberal world order is on the decline. One hotspot of this tension lies in India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi employs autocratic language and tactics to maintain power. But a recent election may indicate that voters are losing interest in this style of rule. Guest host Zack Beau…

1
1992: The year politics broke 44:59

12d ago44:59

44:59

We’re living in an era of extreme partisan politics, rising resentment, and fractured news media. Writer John Ganz believes that we can trace the dysfunction to the 1990s, when right-wing populists like Pat Buchanan and white supremacist David Duke transformed Republican politics. He joins Sean to talk about the 1990s and how it laid the groundwork…

1
The existential struggle of being Black 55:06

19d ago55:06

55:06

Nathalie Etoke joins The Gray Area to talk about existentialism, the Black experience, and the legacy of dehumanization. Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area Guest: Nathalie Etoke. Her book is Black Existential Freedom. Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Be the first to hear new epis…

1
The world after nuclear war 57:06

26d ago57:06

57:06

A mile of pure fire. A flash that melts everything — titanium, steel, lead, people. A blast that mows down every structure in its path, 3 miles out in every direction. Journalist Annie Jacobsen spent years interviewing scientists, high-ranking military officials, politicians, and other experts to find out how a nuclear attack would be triggered, th…

1
Gaza, Camus, and the logic of violence 54:56

1M ago54:56

54:56

Albert Camus was a Nobel-winning French writer and public intellectual. During Algeria’s bloody war for independence in the 1950s, Camus took a measured stance, calling for an end to the atrocities on each side. He was criticized widely for his so-called “moderation.” Philosophy professor Robert Zaretsky joins Sean to discuss Camus’s thoughts on th…

1
Not on a suspended license….. 1:42:49

1M ago1:42:49

1:42:49

On this episode Chris, John and Ryan discuss Father’s Day gifts. The man who drove during his remote court hearing regarding his suspended license was also discussed. The guys also discuss the pros and cons to Elon Musk neutral link chip. Plus much much more…….By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
This is your kid on smartphones 53:58

1M ago53:58

53:58

Old people have always worried about young people. But psychologist Jonathan Haidt believes something genuinely different and troubling is happening right now. He argues that smartphones and social media have had disastrous effects on the mental health of young people, and derailed childhood from real world play to touchscreens. He joins Sean to ta…

1
Well is it….? 1:38:04

2M ago1:38:04

1:38:04

On this episode, Chris John and Colin discuss Dianne Abbott being penalised for her comments regarding racism. The guys discussed Rishi Sunak‘s plan to introduce national service again. China’s landing on the moon is discussed plus much much more….By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
Life after death? 52:37

2M ago52:37

52:37

Sebastian Junger came as close as you possibly can to dying. While his doctors struggled to revive him, the veteran reporter and avowed rationalist experienced things that shocked and shook him, leaving him with profound questions and unexpected revelations. In his new book, In My Time of Dying, Junger explores the mysteries and commonalities of pe…

1
Hire a No Person............ 1:36:24

2M ago1:36:24

1:36:24

On this episode, Chris, John and Colin discuss the events surrounding the video of the P Diddy assaulting Cassie. An incident with a maths teacher nicked named Bunda Becky sleeping with a teenage boy is discussed. Plus the discovery of a second ocean by scientists in America is also discuss plus much much more……

1
The world after Ozempic 50:53

2M ago50:53

50:53

Ozempic and other new weight loss drugs are being touted as potential miracle cures for diabetes and obesity. Journalist Johann Hari experimented with the drug and dropped 40 pounds. In his new book, Magic Pill, Hari discusses his experience with Ozempic and speaks to many of the leading scientists to better understand how the drug works. He joins …

1
UFOs, God, and the edge of understanding 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

Religious studies professor Diana Pasulka was a total nonbeliever in alien life, but she began to question this after speaking with many people who claim to have had otherworldly encounters. She also noticed how these accounts parallel the foundational texts of many religions. She has since written two books on the topic, the most recent of which i…

1
Mic check don't be a Pod blocker 1:13:38

2M ago1:13:38

1:13:38

On this episode Chris, John and Colin discuss the Sun newspaper racism towards the murder of Daniel Anjorin. The guys also discussed Sadiq Khan getting re-elected. The Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef is also discussed plus much much more….By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
How to listen 55:03

3M ago55:03

55:03

Most of us don’t know how to truly listen, and it’s causing all sorts of problems. Sean Illing is joined by journalist Kate Murphy, the author of You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters, to discuss what it means to be a good listener, the problems that are caused when we don’t listen to each other, and the positive impacts on o…

1
Back at one 1:28:10

3M ago1:28:10

1:28:10

On this episode, Chris, John, Ryan and Colin discuss the North London Derby. The topic of the Brazilian woman bringing her dead Uncle into the bank was discussed. The guys also discussed Brian McKnight comments regarding his family plus much much more...............By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
Everything's a cult now 53:48

3M ago53:48

53:48

The internet has fractured our world into a million little subcultures catering to the specific identities and habits of everyone online. Writer Derek Thompson believes this has led to a widespread cult-like mentality that has crept into all facets of modern life — pop culture, media, politics, and religion itself. He joins Sean to explain this the…

1
Fareed Zakaria on our revolutionary moment 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

Is it possible that we are living through one of the most revolutionary periods in human history? CNN’s Fareed Zakaria believes that we are and argues that the convergence of AI and the global backlash against liberal democracy are upending political orders around the world. He joins Sean to talk about how this period relates to history’s most impa…

1
The Juice 1:36:54

3M ago1:36:54

1:36:54

The fantastic four are back and on this episode Chris, John, Ryan and Colin discuss the passing of O.J. Simpson. The guys also discuss a potential third world war that is on the horizon. Much much more…..By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
Life is hard. Can philosophy help? 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

Philosophy may seem like a theoretical or abstract discipline in which unanswerable questions are debated to the point of tedium. But MIT professor Kieran Setiya believes that philosophical inquiry has a very practical and applicable purpose outside of the classroom — to help guide us through life’s most challenging circumstances. He joins Sean to …

1
Podmania 1:32:34

3M ago1:32:34

1:32:34

The guys are back after a one month hiatus and on this episode Chris, John and Colin discuss President Putin revelation regarding Jesus being black. The issues surrounding P. Diddy is also discussed. Kate Middleton Mother’s Day photo was also discussed plus much more…….By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
The American dream is a pyramid scheme 46:27

3M ago46:27

46:27

Jane Marie is an expert in American bullshit. Her podcast The Dream explores life coaching, wellness, marketing, and other fraudulent industries and exposes their exploitative practices. Her book, Selling the Dream, takes an even closer look at multilevel marketing schemes like Amway and Herbalife and gives historical context to this multibillion-d…

1
The chaplain who doesn't believe in God 48:45

4M ago48:45

48:45

As a non-believer, Devin Moss never thought he would become a chaplain or a spiritual adviser, much less one who counsels hospital patients with terminal illnesses and inmates on death row. Devin joins Sean to talk about his improbable journey, the death penalty, and the role of religion in an increasingly secular society. Host: Sean Illing (@seani…

1
Can a friend be our most significant other? 50:48

4M ago50:48

50:48

Journalist Rhaina Cohen believes that modern culture undervalues friendships and discusses the ways in which deep friendships are distinct from but no less meaningful than romantic partnerships. Guest host: Sigal Samuel (@sigalsamuel) Guest: Rhaina Cohen (@rhainacohen). Her book is The Other Significant Others. Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray A…

1
The power of climate fiction 47:13

4M ago47:13

47:13

Stephen Markley’s novel, “The Deluge,” is an ambitious and terrifyingly realistic look at our collective future on a warming planet. He joins Sean to talk about the 10-year process of writing the book, the current political struggle over climate action, and how we can confront and mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Host: Sean Illing (@se…

1
The denial of death 45:43

5M ago45:43

45:43

It’s been 50 years since Ernest Becker’s breakthrough book The Denial of Death was first published, and its thesis has become more relevant than ever. Filmmaker Jef Sewell is the co-creator of a new documentary about Becker called All Illusions Must Be Broken. It features never-before-heard audio of the enigmatic anthropologist and puts his theorie…

1
A brief history of extinction panics 50:17

5M ago50:17

50:17

Silicon Valley is in the middle of an AI frenzy, and many of its leaders believe this technology could eventually result in human extinction. Tyler Austin Harper breaks down the most outlandish predictions, some of the more plausible problems AI poses, and how this moment reminds him of earlier extinction panics. Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), ho…

1
The new(ish) world order 42:18

5M ago42:18

42:18

America solidified its dominant posture in the international order following World War II and largely held that position for the following half-century. But as problems have accumulated at home and abroad, Americans are reconsidering their country’s role in the world, and so are its leaders. Alex Ward, author of The Internationalists: The Fight to …

1
The free-market century is over 54:47

5M ago54:47

54:47

Sean Illing talks with economic historian Brad DeLong about his new book Slouching Towards Utopia. In it, DeLong claims that the "long twentieth century" was the most consequential period in human history, during which the institutions of rapid technological growth and globalization were created, setting humanity on a path towards improving life, d…

1
What is time? 1:30:02

5M ago1:30:02

1:30:02

On this episode Chris, John and Ryan discuss Nostradamus predictions for 2024. The essence of time is discussed. Finnair new protocol regarding passengers is also discussed plus much much more….By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
Music and mysticism 47:23

6M ago47:23

47:23

Musician Laraaji joins Sean to talk about improvisation as meditation, the transcendent nature of laughter, and lessons from a long life in sound and spirit. Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area Guest: Laraaji. His music can be found at https://laraajimusic.bandcamp.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a rev…

1
Finally offending 1:31:49

6M ago1:31:49

1:31:49

On this episode Chris, John, Ryan and Colin discuss the events surrounding Vince McMahon's sex trafficking case. The online program Badderz is discussed. The guys also discuss a four-year-old child wanting to change his name plus much much more…..By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
The case for banning...millionaires? 53:51

6M ago53:51

53:51

Political philosopher Ingrid Robeyns believes that there should be a maximum amount of money and resources that one person can have. She tells Sean how much is too much and why limiting personal wealth benefits everyone, including the super rich. Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area Guest: Ingrid Robeyns. Her book is Limitarianism: …

1
They/Them 1:28:21

6M ago1:28:21

1:28:21

On this episode Chris, John, Colin and Ryan discuss General Sir Patrick Sanders comments regarding calling people up to go to war against Russia. The topic of Britain loaning Ghana looted gold which was stolen from the country is discussed. Plus much much more................By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
The joy of uncertainty 48:40

6M ago48:40

48:40

For much of her life, author Maggie Jackson disliked uncertainty and thought of it as something to eradicate as quickly as possible. But when she began to explore the uncertain mind, she discovered new scientific findings showing that uncertainty is critical for astute problem-solving and creativity. She joins Sean to talk about what she learned an…

1
Thievery 1:30:37

6M ago1:30:37

1:30:37

On this episode Chris, John and Colin discuss the parent of the 16-year-old boy that was sleeping with the teacher. The judge getting jumped in an American court was also discussed. Colin question John on whether thievery is a real word plus much much more…By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

1
A pro-worker work ethic 41:03

6M ago41:03

41:03

Americans have absorbed the “Protestant work ethic” — the idea that our value as human beings is determined by how hard we work and how much money we make. Elizabeth Anderson explains how this evolved, why it pervades everything, and why it sucks. Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area Guest: Elizabeth Anderson, professor of public ph…

1
How psychedelics can reinvent learning 37:19

6M ago37:19

37:19

If you’ve felt that learning new information or developing a new skill seems harder as you get older, you are not wrong. Neuroscientist Gul Dolen has studied brain capability and joins us to talk about the times in human development when our brains are especially adept at learning and retaining new information, and how MDMA and other psychedelics c…

1
Katt got your tongue.......Happy New Year 1:21:48

6M ago1:21:48

1:21:48

Chris, John and Colin are back for the New Year and in this episode they discussed the Katt Williams interview. The Epstein list and the people on it are also discussed plus the fallout of the Jonathan Majors trial plus much much more.By THE PRESS PAUSE NETWORK

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