Vox · Philosophy

The Gray Area with Sean Illing

The Gray Area with Sean Illing takes a philosophy-minded look at culture, technology, politics, and the world of ideas. Each week, we invite a guest to explore a question or topic that matters. From the the state of democracy, to the struggle with depression and anxiety, to the nature of identity in the digital age, each episode looks for nuance and honesty in the most important conversations of our time. New episodes drop every Monday. From the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Episodes

In this episode of "The Gray Area," Sean Illing interviews James Walsh, a features writer for New York magazine, about his unsettling piece on the impact of AI on higher education. They discuss how students are using AI tools like ChatGPT to cheat on essays, homework, and exams, leading to a "cheating utopia" that prof...

Is Trump winning?

16 Jun 2025

48m

A right-wing economist makes his case

09 Jun 2025

1h 4m

What "near death" feels like

02 Jun 2025

52m

AI processed

In this episode of "The Gray Area," Sean Illing interviews Sebastian Junger, a former war reporter and author, about his near-death experience and its impact on his views on life, death, and consciousness. Junger recounts the medical emergency that led to his experience, including a vivid encounter with his deceased fa...