Overthink

Addiction with Hanna Pickard

Spontaneity

Closer Look: Epicurus Reader

Illness

Talking Politics with Sarah Stein Lubrano

The podcast explores the effectiveness of political discourse in bridging divides, challenging the assumption that conversation and debate are key to resolving political polarization. Philosopher Sarah Stein Lubrano, author of "Don't Talk About Politics," argues that political beliefs are less about rational argument a...

Manipulation

The podcast explores the concept of manipulation, beginning with Robert Greene's "48 Laws of Power" and its connection to Nietzsche's "Will to Power." It examines manipulation through etymology, defining it as exerting influence for self-advantage, and considers its broad applications from handling objects to interpers...

Closer Look: Marcuse, One-Dimensional Man

This episode of Overthink analyzes Herbert Marcuse's "One-Dimensional Man," focusing on the manipulation of needs in contemporary industrial society and the illusion of freedom. The discussion explores Marcuse's concepts of "real" versus "false" needs, and how corporate interests manipulate desires through advertising,...

Treason

Living With Men with Manon Garcia

Cuteness

Closer Look: Foucault, History of Sexuality Vol. 1

In this episode of Overthink, co-hosts Ellie Anderson and David delve into Michel Foucault's "The History of Sexuality, Volume 1," initiating a series called "A Closer Look" for in-depth text analyses. They dissect Foucault's challenge to the repressive hypothesis, which posits that Western societies have historically ...

Meritocracy

In this episode of Overthink, David and Ellie delve into the concept of meritocracy, dissecting its meaning, historical context, and practical implications. They begin by examining Trump's merit-based rhetoric and the ironies within his administration's appointments. The discussion then moves to the core ideals of meri...

Aztec Philosophy with Sebastian Purcell

In this episode of Overthink, Dr. David Peña-Guzmán and Dr. Ellie Anderson interview Sebastian Purcell, an associate professor of philosophy, about his book, "The Outward Path: The Wisdom of the Aztecs." The discussion explores Aztec philosophy, particularly its pessimistic worldview, which contrasts with Western philo...

Surfing

Loneliness

The Overthink podcast explores the multifaceted nature of loneliness, contrasting it with solitude and examining its philosophical and societal implications. The hosts delve into how loneliness is a subjective state arising from a misalignment between desired and actual social connections, further distinguishing it fro...

Confidence

In this episode of Overthink, co-hosts David and Ellie delve into the multifaceted concept of confidence, exploring its philosophical underpinnings and societal implications. They discuss Charles Pepin's argument that modernity has created a crisis of confidence, as well as Don A. Moore's perspective on confidence as a...

Togetherness with Dan Zahavi

In this episode of Overthink, co-hosts Dr. Ellie Anderson and Dr. David Peña-Guzman explore the concept of togetherness, reflecting on their experiences recording the podcast remotely versus in person, and the impact of technology on communication and feelings of connection. They discuss Sherry Turkle's "Alone Together...

AI Chatbots

In this episode of Overthink, co-hosts David and Ellie delve into the pervasive influence of AI chatbots, particularly large language models (LLMs), on various aspects of modern life. They explore how these AI technologies are utilized in everyday tasks, education, and even emotional self-assessment, while also raising...

Limerence

In this episode of Overthink, co-hosts David and Ellie delve into the concept of limerence, a term coined by psychologist Dorothy Tenov to describe the obsessive, often painful, mental state of being infatuated with someone who may not reciprocate those feelings. They explore the characteristics of limerence, such as i...

Degrowth

In this episode of Overthink, philosophy professors Ellie Anderson and David Peña-Guzman delve into the concept of degrowth, a social movement and school of thought that challenges the capitalist imperative of endless economic growth. They discuss how the "imperial mode of living," characterized by resource extraction ...