Shows
Seize the Moment PodcastRoberto Olivardia - The Hidden Battle: The Adonis Complex and Male Body Image Challenges | STM Podcast #197On episode 197, we welcome Roberto Olivardia to discuss the Adonis Complex and muscle dysmorphia, how men become obsessed with becoming more muscular, whether the obsession is about attracting a potential mate or something else, Leon’s personal history of muscle dysmorphia and Alen’s past preoccupations with his body image, the importance of focusing on underlying values and highlighting better strategies in treatment, the distorted thinking and perceptual errors involved in body dysmorphia, why the therapeutic relationship is just as significant as the actual CBT work, creating a more nuanced self-concept for self-esteem, and healthy ways of maintaining a posi...2023-12-1758 min
Seize the Moment PodcastTom Morris - The 7 Cs of Success and Early Days of Public Philosophy | STM Podcast #194On episode 194, we welcome Tom Morris to discuss his 7 C’s of Success, developing confidence in the face of difficulties, the importance of consistency and finding meaning outside of the hoped for results, Alen and Leon’s podcast journey and the hyper-competitiveness of podcasting, the importance of mentorship amid struggles, Tom’s initial foray into public philosophy and doing speaking engagements for free in the late 80s, passion and enjoyment as necessary contributors to success, why major companies sought out Tom’s philosophical expertise, and the role of ethical philosophy in helping us create and strive for the right goals.2023-11-261h 08
Seize the Moment PodcastAndy Norman - Mental Immunity & Infectious Ideas: Debunking Disinformation and Cult Leaders | STM Podcast #180On episode 180, we welcome Andy Norman to discuss the principles of mental immunity, how ideas spread like viruses, why critics of the paradigm believe the fear of widespread misinformation is another overblown moral panic, learning how to play role of devil’s advocate effectively and ethically, how gurus and cult leaders attract their audience, whether we should debate fringe theorists, Alen’s tendency to empathize with every perspective and how doing so hurts and helps him, if people like RFK Jr are genuine truth-seekers, and how reframing debates as dialogues helps foster collective inquiry and knowledge. Andy Norm...2023-07-241h 17
Seize the Moment PodcastEdith Shiro - Turning Pain into Purpose & Transforming Trauma: Exploring Posttraumatic Growth | STM Podcast #170On episode 170, we welcome Edith Shiro to discuss the five step model of post traumatic growth, what trauma is and the social and psychological contributions to PTSD, how culture silences victims, Alen and Leon’s struggles with emotional expression, the importance of turning to the right people for healing, why we need others to help us overcome our traumas, transforming from trauma as opposed to returning to baseline functioning, using podcasting to spread information we wish we had, how the body expresses and indicates a traumatic history, and Lady Gaga’s story as a prime example of post traumatic grow...2023-04-231h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastNatalia Petrzela - America's Exercise Obsession: The History of American Fitness | STM Podcast #164On episode 164, we welcome Natalia Petrzela to discuss America’s obsession with fitness; fitness as a symbol of status and its expression on social media; masculinity’s historical aversion to fitness; Alen’s fitness weight-loss journey; issues around race, gender, and class it relates to exercise; the covid-19 pandemic’s effect on our relationship to fitness; the various forms of exercise; how fitness become synonymous with self-actualization; whether fitness is anti-feminist; how access to resources affects whom you’re attracted to; the forms of mental illness related to fitness-obsession; potentially effective social policy changes that focus on improving general physical h...2023-03-1255 min
Seize the Moment PodcastBreaking Boundaries with Chris Boutté: Addiction, Comedy, Censorship, Podcasting & Gaming | STM #161On episode 161, we welcome Chris Boutté to discuss the helpful aspects of his addiction treatment, his passion for reading and educating lay-people about critical thinking, Leon’s history of addiction and Alen’s family history of it, connection and purpose as balms for depression and anxiety, how gaming helped Chris with his struggles, the Moneyball strategy of successful podcasting, the significance of comedy for managing self-importance and sorrow, learning to be disliked and the uselessness of perfectionism, and how reading helped Chris better understand and sympathize with others. Chris Boutté is an author, influencer and youtuber. You can fi...2023-02-191h 11
Seize the Moment PodcastDaniel Jolley - The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories | STM #159On episode 159, we welcome Daniel Jolley to discuss the prevalence of conspiracy theories and the personality traits normally associated with those who subscribe to them, the core beliefs of people who believe them and their chronic paranoia of people and institutions, Leon’s need for them when feeling victimized and disempowered, why challenging specific conspiracy theories doesn’t necessarily resolve the tendency to believe in them, the importance of facing the unfamiliar, Alen’s experiment with changing his mindset and how that positively impacted his ability to form relationships, addressing the underlying loneliness and alienation of paranoid thinkers, how transp...2023-02-061h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastKennon Sheldon - The Psychology of Free Will and Self-Determination Theory | STM Podcast #153On episode 153, we welcome Kennon Sheldon to discuss the free will and determinism debate, why free will is still possible when confronting the data, the different spheres of influence and how the mind can affect one’s bio-chemical composition and in turn be affected by it, self-determination theory and the significance of autonomy for well-being and mental health, Ken’s interpretation of the famous Libet experiment (which purportedly supports determinism), Alen’s weight loss and how applying free will helps us better understand his health journey, Leon’s Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder and its affect on his internal sense of freed...2022-12-181h 11
Seize the Moment PodcastLoupy D: Photographing 2Pac, Smoking Blunts w/ Biggie & Wu-Tang Clan, Ego Death | STM Podcast #132On episode 132, we welcome former hip-hop journalist Loupy D to discuss his career in the music industry, his relationship with Notorious B.I.G. and being impressed with his character when they initially met, meeting and photographing 2Pac during the 2Pacalypse Now album release party, NFTs and blockchain technology, the creation of hip-hop as a tool to unite and foster empathy through storytelling, the nuance of rap music as well as the misogyny in its varied manifestations, working for Kronick magazine and interviewing the Wu-Tang Clan, and what it was like to discover that Biggie was shot the day...2022-05-221h 08
Seize the Moment PodcastDaniel Bergner: Mental Illness to Mental Health: Psychotropics & Their Limitations| STM Podcast #131On episode 131, we welcome Daniel Bergner to discuss his new book ‘The Mind and the Moon’; the history of psychotropic medications and their limitations; the neurological underpinnings of mental illness; psychotic disorders and the hearing voices movement; the anti-psychiatry movement and R.D. Laing’s imperative to take hallucinations seriously; psychiatry’s history of subduing symptoms instead of creating pathways to live well with them, and how we can begin to think about doing so; the hype about psychedelics for mental health treatment and why therapy is often needed as an auxiliary; the emotional significance of feeling connected to others and the...2022-05-1558 min
Seize the Moment PodcastBryonn Bain (Rebel Speak): Critical Race Theory, Prison Reform, Chuck D, Hip Hop | STM Podcast #130On episode 130, we welcome Professor Bryonn Bain to discuss his new book ‘Rebel Speak’; critical race theory and its principles; the history of racism and how it became codified into law; the critics of CRT and their desire to maintain a sense of purity about American history and our legal system; the American prison system as a form of modern slavery; whether free-market capitalism can coincide with prison reform; addiction and mental illness among the prison population and alternative ways of coping with their struggles; Bryonn’s love of hip-hip and having the opportunity to work with Chuck D of Public...2022-05-0857 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSara Manning Peskin: DNA, Proteins, Antibodies, and Madness | STM Podcast #129On episode 129, we welcome Dr. Sara Manning Peskin to discuss her new book ‘A Molecule Away from Madness’; the fascinating stories of the scientists who discovered the molecules that cause neurological diseases and their cures, including Alois Alzheimer (who discovered the tangles and plaques of Alzheimer’s) and Joseph Goldberger (who helped discover the cause of pellagra by ingesting pills of poop with others in “filth parties”; how those scientists found the courage and resolve to fight for their discoveries when their colleagues mocked and ignored them; how diets, genes, antibodies, and proteins create neurological illnesses; Abraham Lincoln’s drastic pers...2022-05-0158 min
Seize the Moment PodcastWilliam Irwin: The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics | STM Podcast #128On episode 128, we welcome philosopher William Irwin to discuss his new book ‘The Meaning of Metallica’, the band’s rise to fame and why so many identified with their music, ‘Master of Puppets’ and the insidious nature of addiction, the narrator’s resentment in ‘Unforgiven’ toward others and how authenticity can become stifled by the collective, vulnerability and discovering the need for intimacy in ‘Unforgiven II’ and ‘Unforgiven III’, the fantasy and escapism of romance and drug dependence, grandiosity in dream chasing and why we often sacrifice love for the sake of empty recognition, and the significance of pride in fostering a healthy self...2022-04-2558 min
Seize the Moment PodcastMark D. White (Thor: If They Be Worthy): What Makes Us Worthy? | STM Podcast #127On episode 127, we welcome philosopher Mark White to discuss the philosophy of Thor; how his hammer was used to distinguish and judge worthiness; the similarities and differences between the various schools of ethics - virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism; the golden mean of virtue ethics and its allowance of moral imperfection; the necessity of self-doubt to moral character and the balance of maintaining it with a sense of pride; the importance of not taking your partner for granted and continuing to improve; and Thor’s epiphany and love of humanity, exploring how they differentiated him from other gods. ...2022-04-1059 min
Seize the Moment PodcastChristian Madsbjerg (Sensemaking): Sensemaking in the Age of the Algorithm | STM Podcast #126On episode 126, we welcome Professor Christian Madbjerg to discuss the elements of ‘sense-making’, the benefits and limits of data collection, Moneyball and why some of the sports teams implementing purely statistical approaches aren’t as successful as one may think they are, analytic empathy and using data to form deeper understandings of inter-subjective experiences, how to integrate various perspectives to gain a better understanding of the world, the interpersonal elements of psychotherapy and why therapy apps aren’t as effective as hoped for, the importance of setting aside judgments to grasp individual decisions and the resistance JFK experienced during the Cuba...2022-04-041h 13
Seize the Moment PodcastJessica Gordon-Roth (Philosophy Illustrated): What Makes Up a Personal Identity? | STM Podcast #125On episode 125, we welcome philosopher Jessica Gordon-Roth to discuss John Locke and ‘The Prince and the Cobbler’ thought experiment, what makes up someone’s identity and if it’s more than just a bundle of memories, if people remain the same as they age, Locke’s notion of consciousness and its distinction from the body, applying Locke’s notion of personhood to transgender people to explain why inner states may differ from outer appearances, and the difference between consciousness and a soul and why having the latter doesn’t necessarily indicate “personal persistence.” Jessica Gordon-Roth is an Associate Professor of Philo...2022-03-2757 min
Seize the Moment PodcastAndy West (The Life Inside): Teaching Philosophy in Prison | STM Podcast #124On episode 124, we welcome philosopher Andy West to discuss teaching philosophy in prisons, how the prisoners initially surprised him with their insights, Sisyphean freedom and how we can become free in rebelling against authority, the juxtaposition of the prisoners’ beliefs in free will and determinism, living in the moment vs continuing to hope for a better future, the Ring of Gyges and what the prisoners believed were the foundations of morality, and the significance of cultivating more nuanced perspectives of prisoners. Andy West has been teaching Philosophy courses at City Lit since 2018, covering topics that include happiness, guilt, love, sex an...2022-03-201h 06
Seize the Moment PodcastBen Burgis (GTAA Podcast): The Intellectual Development of Christopher Hitchens | STM Podcast #123On episode 123, we welcome philosopher Ben Burgis to discuss the intellectual development of the late Christopher Hitchens, his early socialist ideals, the different versions of socialism and why Stalinist communism is sometimes considered to be state capitalism, Hitchens’ criticisms of the Clintons and Mother Teresa, Hitchens’ hopelessness about fostering widespread socialism and what he may have thought about the popularity of current grassroots movements, the false dichotomy of capitalism vs communism and social democracy as a more humane alternative, and why Hitch hated Donald Trump. Ben Burgis is a columnist for Jacobin Magazine, an adjunct philosophy professor at Rutgers Univ...2022-03-141h 15
Seize the Moment PodcastGary Browning & Constantine Sandis: Bob Dylan at 80, the Man, Myth, and Legend | STM Podcast #122On episode 122, we welcome philosophers Constantine Sandis and Gary Browning to discuss the cultural legacy of the iconic singer Bob Dylan, what separated him from other artists of his era, his creative genius in piecing together elements from varied sources (including literature, film, and poetry), his desire to buck the trends for the sake of authenticity, Dylan’s political activism (including civil rights and Black Lives Matter), how he continued to remain relevant, and Constantine’s and Gary’s process of developing the book ‘Dylan at 80’. Constantine Sandis is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Hertfordshire, founding director of Lex Aca...2022-03-061h 07
Seize the Moment PodcastChris Boutté (The Rewired Soul): Sobriety, Cancel Culture, and Redemption | STM Podcast #121On episode 121, we welcome podcaster Chris Boutté to discuss his journey from drug dependency to becoming a YouTube sensation, tribalism and how cognitive biases help foster disdain for outsiders, the Joe Rogan controversy, how Chris was cancelled and his resiliency, content creation and the elements of growing a platform, how cancel culture tends to harm the ones cancelling, and why understanding the sources of others’ behaviors can help us became better able to manage our negative feelings toward them. Chris Boutté is a Las Vegas-based author, influencer and podcaster. He is the author of CANCELED: Inside YouTube Cancel Culture, mult...2022-02-201h 18
Seize the Moment PodcastJack Symes: Philosophers on Consciousness: Talking about the Mind | STM Podcast #120On episode 120, we welcome philosopher Jack Symes of The Panpsychast to discuss the major competing theories of consciousness, the illusions of panpsychist idealism and materialist illusionism, Philip Goff and how his version of pansychism allows for the existence of a material universe, Massimo Piggliuci’s understanding of consciousness as having evolved to help us plan and simulate difficult situations, psychedelic experiences as potential evidence of a universal consciousness, what view of consciousness Jack subscribes to, why a new science may be necessary to understand consciousness, and the greatness of Adam Sandler’s films. Jack Symes is the producer of the...2022-02-131h 12
Seize the Moment PodcastBonnie Honig: When Do Individual Rights Trump the Common Good? | STM Podcast #119On episode 119, we welcome political scientist Bonnie Honig to discuss John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice, utilitarianism vs Kantianism and whether the majority has the right to impose their will on the minority, neurodiversity and why peculiarities scare us, the happy grass-counter as a symbol of homosexuality, our incessant drive to be useful and tendency to shame people who aren’t, and the reasons for cultivating a high degree of humility when examining another’s life-choices. Bonnie Honig is Nancy Duke Lewis Professor of Modern Culture and Media and Political Science at Brown University. Her books include the pr...2022-02-0653 min
Seize the Moment PodcastAngus Fletcher: The Healing Power of Narrative | STM Podcast #118On episode 118, we welcome neuroscientist and literary scholar Angus Fletcher to discuss literary tools for personal character development; how literature can be therapeutic and spark creativity, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote personal growth; why archetypes in storytelling don’t exist and stories are actually helpful adaptations to various environments; the downsides of formulaic thinking and why uniqueness leads to true success; how stories help us foster positive traits through inspiration and guidance and why we ought to mainly focus on developing them; Angus’ work with the US military and helping them cultivate more creative strategies; how professional wrestling help...2022-01-311h 10
Seize the Moment PodcastRichard Pettigrew: Are You the Same Person You Were Years Ago? | STM Podcast #117On episode 117, we welcome philosopher Richard Pettigrew to discuss ‘The Russian Nobleman’ thought experiment, what makes you a self, whether we should be held to the commitments made earlier in life, the notion of the perpetually dying self and how it can alleviate the terror of death, how the philosophical construct of the self can help but also harm others, the self in clinical psychology and what constitutes pathology, and whether “inauthentic” sources can create “authentic” choices. Richard Pettigrew is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Bristol, with particular interests in formal epistemology, philosophy of mathematics, logic, and the theory o...2022-01-231h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastLewis R Gordon: The Fear of Black Consciousness & How Radical Love Transcends It | STM Podcast #116On episode 116, we welcome philosopher Lewis Gordon to discuss his new book ‘Fear of Black Consciousness’, how Critical Race Theory is misunderstood and why it’s challenged, the parable of the Anglican minister and what it teaches us about systemic oppression, Harriet Bailey and how her radical love for Frederick Douglass fostered his sense of responsibility for the well-being of marginalized people, human nature and why we can’t predict people’s behaviors based on stereotypes, the feminine roots of Enlightenment thinking, Hedy Lamarr and inventing the predecessor to WiFi, and the difference between liberty and freedom and utilizing the latter...2022-01-161h 13
Seize the Moment PodcastThe Benefits of Setting Boundaries for Yourself and Your Relationships | STM Podcast #115On episode 115, Alen and Leon discuss how having boundaries is crucial to the wellbeing of the relationship to yourself and others, the challenges that people face with setting boundaries for themselves and in their relationships, the difference between being liked and respected, passive-aggressive behavior and its consequences, when jokes are just jokes and when they aren’t, the boundaries that therapists set with their clients and how to deal with resistance, how our boundaries can polarize others, and the link between boundaries and self-respect/self-worth. Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast ►...2022-01-091h 10
Seize the Moment PodcastChristian Miller: Are You As Good As You Think You Are? | STM Podcast #114On episode 114, we welcome philosopher Christian Miller to discuss the nuances of moral character; why most people aren’t fully good or fully bad; how their ethical choices fluctuate in various situations and sometimes because of minor environmental influences; the famous Stanley Milgram experiment and the more obscure versions of it, which highlight the brighter sides of human nature; the roles emotions play in influencing our moral decisions; why human nature isn’t hopeless and the ways with which we can make ourselves better people; and the importance of role models in fostering character development. Christian Miller is t...2022-01-021h 09
Seize the Moment PodcastConstantine Sandis: Can I Understand Your Pain?, Wittgenstein Thought Experiment | STM Podcast #113On episode 113, we welcome philosopher Constantine Sandis to discuss the new book ‘Philosophy Illustrated’, Ludwig Wittgenstein’s beetle in the box thought experiment, whether we can experience another’s pain specifically and understand their experiences broadly, why Wittgenstein was skeptical of the skeptic argument that we can’t, Wittgenstein’s belief that philosophical problems were essentially problems in the clarity of language as opposed to objective issues, the neuroscientific research on pain, Wittgenstein’s obsession with self-improvement and how he utilized confession to foster his own growth, and the pessimism he felt about his relationships. Constantine Sandis is Professor o...2021-12-1959 min
Seize the Moment PodcastBryan Van Norden: The Goodness of Human Nature | STM Podcast #112On episode 112, we welcome back philosopher Bryan Van Norden to discuss the new book ‘Philosophy Illustrated’, the philosophy of Mengzi and the sprout of benevolence, the argument that human nature is fundamentally good, how it can become corrupted, egoistic drives and their relationship to depression, the significance of community for cultivating a sense of meaning, emotions and why they’re the foundations of all vice and virtue, if some are born evil and Tony Soprano’s moral decay, and the purpose and benefits of thought experiments. Bryan W. Van Norden is James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassa...2021-12-121h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastHelen De Cruz: How Illustrated Philosophy Reveals Deeper Truths | STM Podcast #111On episode 111, we welcome back philosopher Helen De Cruz to discuss the significance of illustrating thought experiments, using them to illicit and explore our intuitive beliefs, the extended mind hypothesis and whether our cell phones are part of us, the nature of dreams, if created identical, lookalikes would be us, whether humans only behave ethically for selfish reasons, The Matrix and why some people prefer living in simulations, Paris Hilton’s virtual reality club and her preference for it over performing in real venues, what Plato’s Cave teaches us about true happiness, and what people would gain from more...2021-12-051h 03
Seize the Moment PodcastSeize The Moment Thanksgiving Special: Gratitude, Guests, Year in Review, Lessons Learned | #110On episode 110, Alen and Leon discuss dealing with covid in 2021; the behind the scenes of podcasting - the struggles they both have with anxiety the night before and day of a show, finding ways to remain motivated, and with producing the show; the ways in which their guests have inspired them, especially Mike Walrond and Mohamedou Ould Slahi, who faced death on numerous occasions and continue to lead exemplary lives; and how podcasting provides them with a sense of purpose, fueling them forward as a result. Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast |2021-11-241h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastDr. David Brendel: The Importance of Active Inquiry In Creating Strong Workplaces | STM Podcast #109On episode 109, we welcome back Dr. David Brendel to discuss his new book ‘Think, Talk, Create’; active inquiry deficit disorder and its effects on the health of relationships; how open-ended questions can help save the lives of psychiatric patients; active inquiry as a compassionate way to change harmful behaviors; how red tape and administrative work make it difficult for mental health clinicians to treat their patients; the financial downside of the quantitative mindset and why companies that solely focus on profit tend to lose customers in the long-term; behavioral economics and why most of us make emotional financial decisions; the...2021-11-141h 05
Seize the Moment PodcastJeff Jarrett: Character Creation, NWO 2000, Was Jeff a Four-Horseman? | STM Podcast Bonus EpisodeOn this special bonus episode, Leon chats with wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett about the development of his wrestling character, from Double J to the King of the Mountain; NWO 2000 and working with Bret Hart, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Scott Steiner; winning the WCW heavyweight championship for the first time; and whether Jeff was actually a member of the four horsemen. Jeff Jarrett is a former four time WCW heavyweight champion and six time NWA heavyweight champion. He co-hosts the My World with Jeff Jarrett Podcast w/ Conrad Thompson, available wherever podcasts are found! | Jeff...2021-11-1113 min
Seize the Moment PodcastDr. Rachel Zoffness: Managing Chronic Pain with Psychotherapy | STM Podcast #108On episode 107, Leon speaks with Dr. Rachel Zoffness about the medical history of pain management; how the opioid crises is fueled by a purely biological understanding of pain; the emotional, social, and biological components of pain; the neurological anatomy of pain; the unhealthy thoughts and actions associated with pain and how changing them helps us modulate it; why therapists often fear treating chronic pain; the negative correlation of opioid use, wherein opioids cause us to become more sensitized to pain as we become desensitized to them; why thoughts and emotions are physical and should be discussed in relation to...2021-10-3154 min
Seize the Moment PodcastTom Morris: Using Philosophy to Transform the Fear of Change into Success | STM Podcast #107On episode 107, we welcome philosopher Tom Morris to discuss why people naturally fear change despite it being an inextricable part of the human condition, why building confidence and creating habits are better remedies than resistance and isolation, OCD and lack of confidence being at its core, the importance of mentorship, the use of reframing to foster empowerment in seemingly daunting scenarios, why stoicism is a starting point to forming a more nuanced philosophy, practicing philosophy rather than getting stuck in ideas, how having abstract goals cannot lead to specific results, and the importance of having a clear vision for...2021-10-241h 12
Seize the Moment PodcastRyan Stelzer: Profiting By Making More Humane Workplaces Using Think Talk Create | STM Podcast #106On episode 106, we welcome back management consultant Ryan Stelzer to discuss the importance of the active inquiry process known as ‘Think, Talk, Create’; the perils of solely focusing on data and profit, or ‘the quantitative mindset’; the New York Islanders and why moving to Brooklyn was a bad decision; creating psychological safety and long-term perspectives of profit; the exponential increase of CEO compensation over the past three decades; incentivizing CEOs to become more focused on their employees and the communities their companies serve; Marx’s concept of ‘alienation’ and how people become disconnected from their work; reconceptualizing stakeholders more broadly and inc...2021-10-181h 10
Seize the Moment PodcastEmily Kircher-Morris: 2e Students, Neurodiversity, NYC Ending Gifted & Talented Program | STM Podcast #105On episode 105, we welcome back Licensed Professional Counselor Emily-Kircher Morris to discuss teaching twice exceptional (2e) children, the neurodiversity movement and its contribution to helping us accept the neurological differences in one another, Alen’s early struggles with anxiety and how they affected his schoolwork, how specific disabilities (such as Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, and Depressive Disorders) caused teachers and caregivers to overlook children’s exceptional cognitive abilities, Bill de Blasio’s decision to end gifted and talented programs in NYC public schools, why equality of opportunity is better for our communities than equality of outcome, the ways in which gifted...2021-10-101h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastAndy Norman: Dangerous Ideas, Collaborative Truth-Seeking, & Conspiracy Thinking | STM Podcast #104On episode 104, we welcome back philosopher Andy Norman to discuss how we can protect ourselves from infectious ideas and mind parasites, the Socratic system of rational inquiry and why it’s the most effective truth detector, how people become conspiracy thinkers, anti-vaxx sentiment and the importance of challenging it by doubting the doubters, how skepticism becomes extreme and useless when we question everything, the political divide and our different standards for accepting propositions, Andy’s appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience and how Joe became a more mature thinker over the years, and how Alex Jones admittedly manipulates his audi...2021-10-031h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastWilliam Irwin: Turning Philosophy into Poetry and Making Wisdom Accessible | STM Podcast #103On episode 103, we welcome back philosopher William Irwin to discuss poetry and philosophy, our reactions to William's new book ‘Both/And’, the battle between continental philosophy and analytic philosophy, why aphorisms and platitudes are effective, the struggle between popularity and authenticity and why Ronnie James Dio left the band Rainbow, popular writing and the importance of clarity in public philosophy, and academia’s move away from esoteric non-fiction to more mainstream and influential material.William Irwin is Professor of Philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is best known for originating the "philosophy and popular culture" book g...2021-09-2658 min
Seize the Moment PodcastDavid Livingstone Smith: How Monsters, Racists, and Nazis are Made | STM Podcast #102On episode 102, we welcome philosopher David Livingstone Smith to discuss the psychosocial mechanisms of dehumanization, how humans can perceive other humans as both human and sub-human, what lynchings were actually like, how Nazis used psychotherapy and pseudo-scientific propaganda to justify anti-Semitic beliefs, the role of motivated reasoning in maintaining wealthy slave states, the subtle, modern manifestations of dehumanization, and how to begin tackling dehumanizing tendencies on both psychological and social levels. David Livingstone Smith is a professor of philosophy at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. He earned his PhD from the University of London...2021-09-191h 06
Seize the Moment PodcastBrad Johnson: Super Bowl XXXVII, Mindsets For Success, Overcoming Tough Moments | STM Podcast #101On episode 101, we welcome Quarterback Brad Johnson to discuss the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers championship run, why the Joe Jurevicius 71 yard catch in the NFC championship game was the greatest play in Buc history, overcoming adversity on the field and dealing with self-doubt, playing under Jon Gruden, how Larry Bird persuaded him to continue playing football when he was ready to give up, his favorite moments on the field, learning about flow states and how that improved his game, the 2020 Bucs’ Super Bowl team and his predictions for this upcoming season, and his advice for people who find it hard to...2021-08-0158 min
Seize the Moment PodcastJohn D. Bieber: How to Love, Divorce, Am I Loved? | STM Podcast #100John D. Bieber is a writer and former international divorce lawyer. After a distinguished career as a UK lawyer, formerly with the celebrated Lord Goodman and later with his own law firm, John D Bieber left full time legal work to focus on family life with his wife Joey and four young children in their farm in the heart of Sussex, England, where he could pursue his passion for writing. John Bieber's perception of the human condition was shaped over decades of witnessing love end. This led John to construct a philosophy that has helped him to live and...2021-07-2339 min
Seize the Moment PodcastEmmy van Deurzen: Rising From Existential Crisis, Brexit, COVID | STM Podcast #99On episode 99, we welcome back existential psychologist Emmy van Deurzen to discuss the emotional effects of Brexit, how it compounded with Covid to create an existential crisis for EU nationals living in the UK, Emmy’s personal experience of xenophobia and dealing with the threat of deportation, how existential crises tend to reveal prior problems that were denied, utilizing the catastrophe for growth and psychological transformation, how to deal with populist politics, switching from reactivity to activity, and the importance of re-establishing a sense of community and solidarity to overcome tragedy. Emmy van Deurzen is an existential ps...2021-07-191h 14
Seize the Moment PodcastMike Walrond: Mental Health in the Black Community, Facing Death, Finding Faith | STM Podcast #98On episode 98, we welcome Pastor Michael Walrond to discuss mental health in the Black community, his medical journey and overcoming death on multiple occasions, how he found faith amidst the vast absurdity of life, becoming inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, his friendship with Jamal Joseph of the Black Panthers and meeting Afeni Shakur, how Tupac’s music inspired a wave of mental health awareness, and why existential crises tend to create a sustainable sense of purpose. Michael A. Walrond Jr.—affectionately known as Pastor Mike—is the Senior Pastor of First Corin...2021-07-151h 21
Seize the Moment PodcastJulian Baggini: What David Hume Can Teach Us about Being Human and Living Well | STM Podcast #97On episode 97, Leon chats with philosopher Julian Baggini about the philosophy and wisdom of David Hume, focusing on why he believed we could accept knowing things without knowing their foundations, the natural limitations of reason and need for intellectual humility, the importance of understanding human nature in order to form a coherent system of ethics, the incoherence of the concept of free will and how we can maintain a sense of agency even if our choices are causally determined, the complexity and inherent contradictions of human personalities, why the rational and emotional aspects of our minds are systems that...2021-06-241h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastJames Shakhnovich & James Moreno: Recovery and Overcoming Addiction | STM Podcast #96On episode 96, we welcome James Shakhnovich and James Moreno to discuss drug addiction and hear their stories, how addiction is linked to trauma, the shame and guilt addicts feel despite the common misconception that they’re solely selfish, utilizing character development to overcome addiction, why “once an addict, always an addict” is a myth, how both men struggled with setbacks and used their community at Dynamite Youth Center for support, and the lessons they have for others coping with drug or alcohol addiction. Dynamite Youth Center | ► Website | https://www.dycinc.org/ ► Facebook | https://www.faceboo...2021-06-2057 min
Seize the Moment PodcastAndy Norman: Inoculating Our Minds From Parasitic Ideas and Thinking Better | STM Podcast #95On episode 95, Leon chats with philosopher Andy Norman about mental immunity and how to reason well, what ideologies are and what makes them toxic, the responsibility each of us have to become rational thinkers and why, ethically, we can't just believe what we want to, how repetition fuels delusional beliefs, how we can remain hopeful and optimistic without fooling ourselves, human nature and why it's less awful than we believe, effective teaching methods and how Leon's friendship with Dr. Tim Stroup helped him become more open minded, the ways in which we resist facing reality, why a belief's practical...2021-06-061h 03
Seize the Moment PodcastAndy Norman: Inoculating Our Minds From Parasitic Ideas and Thinking Better | STM Podcast #95On episode 95, Leon chats with Philosopher Andy Norman about mental immunity and how to reason well, what ideologies are and what makes them toxic, the responsibility each of us have to become rational thinkers and why, ethically, we can't just believe what we want to, how repetition fuels delusional beliefs, how we can remain hopeful and optimistic without fooling ourselves, human nature and why it's less awful than we believe, effective teaching methods and how Leon's friendship with Dr. Tim Stroup helped him become more open minded, the ways in which we resist facing reality, why a belief's practical...2021-06-061h 03
Seize the Moment PodcastChristian Jarrett: The Keys To Personality Change | STM Podcast #94On episode 94, we welcome cognitive neuroscientist Christian Jarrett to discuss what comprises a personality, the positive and negative traits according to The Big 5 Factor Model, how the environment affects one’s traits, why it’s important that one’s personality is still malleable in adulthood, the methods to increase positive traits and decrease negative ones like neuroticism, why it’s difficult to accept that personalities aren’t stable over time, how diseases can change personalities, and how black and white thinking can make us averse to the complexity of human cognition and behavior. A cognitive neuroscientist by training...2021-05-231h 09
Seize the Moment PodcastTools for Combatting Anxiety, Taking Action, Personal Stories | STM Podcast #93On episode 93, Alen and Leon speak about how anxiety has held them back in the past, the difference between common episodic anxiety and anxiety disorders, performance anxiety and how they used the fear of disappointing each other to push past it and create the podcast, the ways they self-sabotaged in their relationships due to rejection anxieties, the winner effect and the importance of focusing on the smaller victories for continued success, utilizing rational thinking to manage anxiety, the anxious temperament and inherent inability to completely overcome one's anxiety, and why people struggling with anxiety aren't necessarily abnormal. ...2021-05-091h 21
Seize the Moment PodcastThe Benefits of the Scout Mindset, Updating Beliefs, Escaping Echo Chambers | STM Podcast #92On episode 92, Alen and Leon discuss the book The Scout Mindset by Julia Galef, focusing on how to cultivate an open-mind, the benefits and pitfalls of self-deception, holding your identity loosely, the right ways to interpret critical feedback, how to develop short-term rewards for long-term goals, the importance of feeling pride for the person you're becoming, Darwin's dual theory of natural selection and sexual selection and admitting that he was wrong about evolution, Alen's journey from defensiveness and suspicion to learning how to consider alternative perspectives, Leon's intellectual overconfidence as indicated by the results of an objective, certainty and...2021-04-251h 15
Seize the Moment PodcastMichael Shermer: Beating Bad Ideas with Better Ideas, Cancel Culture, Free Speech | STM Podcast #91On episode 91, we welcome author Michael Shermer to discuss why and how humans come to believe in anything, our difficulty with understanding randomness and how it contributes to the belief in improbable conspiracy theories, the harms of cancel culture, combating misinformation and bad arguments with better ones, why we should become better public speakers instead of silencing opposing views, using Socratic questioning rather than argumentation to increase the chance of altering a belief, the Jordan Peterson controversy regarding pronoun use, and Leon’s clinical practice. Michael Shermer is a science writer, historian of science, founder of The Sk...2021-04-051h 14
Seize the Moment PodcastMohamedou Ould Slahi: The Mauritanian, Closing Guantanamo Bay, Imprisonment | STM Podcast #90On episode 90, we welcome author Mohamedou Ould Slahi to recount his imprisonment in Guantanamo Bay and discuss black and white thinking in the American narrative of the good guys vs. the bad guys, why he still loves Americans and can see the good in them, America’s descent into fascism, the importance of applying the rule of law to both American and foreign citizens, the role of dehumanization in sadism and torture, defeating racial stereotypes, why he chose to forgive the American agents and guards who tormented him for 20 years, working on the biographical film The Mauritanian, and what he...2021-03-281h 11
Seize the Moment PodcastChristopher Mark Rose: God on a Bad Night, Science Fiction, Quantum Physics, A.I. | STM Podcast #89On episode 89, we welcome science fiction writer Christopher Mark Rose on to discuss his new story: God on a Bad Night, artificial intelligence and how it can change our relationships, the flaws of the multiverse interpretation of quantum physics, the ethical questions of creating new universes, how science fiction provides a platform for spreading philosophical ideas, and whether or not it matters if we’re living in a simulation. Christopher Mark Rose is an author and owner of the blog curiousful. He works at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, and is a member of the Ba...2021-03-141h 03
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #88: The Podcasts We Love And RecommendOn episode 88, Alen and Leon talk about their favorite podcasts. They discuss what podcasts they listen to for inspiration, to laugh, and to learn. Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment2021-03-0730 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #87: Robert Bilott: Forever Chemicals Infected 99% of Humans, Dark Waters, Suing DuPontOn episode 87, we welcome environmental lawyer and activist Robert Bilott to discuss the widespread prevalence and health effects of forever chemicals (including cancer and autoimmune disorders), his decades-long legal war with the DuPont chemical company over their decisions to dump chemical waste into the environment, Wilbur Tennant and the beginnings of Robert’s investigation into DuPont’s coverup of their scientific inquiries into the hazardous effects of these chemicals, why politicians and judges struggle with the science of their effects, the difference between scientific evidence and the legal conception of burden of proof, what average people can do in orde...2021-02-2859 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #86: Marc Mero on Motivational Speaking, Life-Changing Epiphanies, Wrestling CareerOn episode 86, we welcome Marc Mero to discuss how and why he became a motivational speaker, speaking to kids about suicidal thoughts and other important mental health related struggles, working with Stone Cold Steve Austin and learning from him, Dusty Rhodes’ mentorship and how he created the Johnny B. Badd character, overcoming drug addiction, the importance of a healthy mindset and gratitude for success, how living a life of service gives Marc incredible meaning, why fame is often a dead end, and how his relationships inspired him to become the man he is today. Marc Mero is an...2021-02-221h 07
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #85: Sofia Samatar Discusses Futurism, A.I., Immortality, Philosophy and Science FictionOn episode 85, we welcome writer Sofia Samatar to discuss her chapter in Philosophy Through Science-Fiction Stories titled “The New Book of the Dead,” our obsession with and love of Artificial Intelligence, the persistent human quest for immortality, the process of uploading human consciousness, what a techno-topian future would look like, whether we’d still be ourselves if we were disintegrated and teleported to another world, how literature and technology unite but can also divide us, moving with the technological advances instead of resisting them, what life could look like if most of our jobs become automated, and the invariable link be...2021-02-151h 07
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #84: Martha Lawton - The Effects of Unstable Income, The Welfare Stigma, The Gig EconomyOn episode 84, we welcome back Martha Lawton to discuss the how the pandemic worsened social mobility and exacerbated unstable incomes, the gig economy and how it pits us against one another, the beliefs and cognitive distortions of welfare recipients, the emotional effects of poverty, the barriers to accessing the social safety net, why people more often decline rather than accept entitlement benefits, economists’ misconception of the average spender, why economic growth stems from the bottom rather than trickling down from the top, and advice for policy makers to support struggling economies. Martha Lawton has been helping people to...2021-02-081h 30
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #83: Helen De Cruz - Teaching Philosophy Through Science FictionOn episode 83, we welcome back philosopher Helen De Cruz to discuss why science fiction is a great platform for bringing complex philosophical ideas to a wide audience, the history of the belief in the afterlife and its early link to the intellectual and financial elite, Christianity’s democratizing of the hereafter, how philosophy is more about helping us become more fully human than about uncovering absolute truths, the roles of impulsivity and irrationality in dystopian literature, ethical dilemmas in the epidemics of sci-fi, and philosophy’s contribution to humans rising above their more selfish desires to lead more thoughtful live...2021-02-011h 01
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #82: Diamond Dallas Page Talks About DDPY, Wrestling Career, and RelentlessOn episode 82, we welcome Diamond Dallas Page to discuss his journey in professional wrestling, his various injuries and why he reluctantly began doing yoga, the early formation of DDPY, the successful transformations its practitioners have experienced (including DDP himself), Page’s relationship with Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Jake’s resurrection through DDPY, the Halloween Havoc match with Bill Goldberg and Goldberg’s concussion during it, how Page met and began working with Bill, DDPY and success mindsets - how changing the stories we tell ourselves can improve our well-being, DDP’s book Positively Unstoppable, and how DDP’s real life pers...2021-01-171h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #81: Jonathan Berman - Anti-Vaxx Skepticism, COVID-19 Vaccine, Conspiracy TheoriesOn episode 81, we welcome Professor Jonathan Berman to discuss the skepticism surrounding vaccine safety and efficacy - especially given the skepticism surrounding taking the Covid-19 vaccine in the midst of a global pandemic, the motives of the anti-vaccine movement and the cognitive distortions underlying their beliefs, how and why people gravitate toward conspiracy theories, how we can begin dialogues with people who hold anti-scientific beliefs, how scientists err in their communications with the public, the various arguments against vaccines, and whether there should be hope for creating a more science-friendly world. Dr. Jonathan M Berman, PhD is...2021-01-101h 10
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #80: Ashley Bohrer - Marxism and IntersectionalityOn episode 80, we welcome philosopher Ashley Bohrer to discuss intersectionality and the importance of combatting racism, sexism, classism, and ableism as separate but related challenges; Ashley’s first-hand account of police brutality toward protestors; understanding the associated motives behind policing, academia, and the media; the whitewashing of philosophy and utilizing public philosophy to shine a light on marginalized philosophers; using tribalism and American exceptionalism to foment disdain for communist ideology; Ashley’s alternative to policing; gate-keeping in academia and how a sense of intellectual superiority can be replaced with a desire for significance in one’s community; why we can us...2021-01-031h 19
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #79: Interview For The Blog of The American Philosophical AssociationOn episode 79, philosopher Ashley Bohrer interviews Alen and Leon for the blog of the American Philosophical Association. They discuss Leon’s childhood, existential anxiety and how he found a remedy in philosophy, Alen’s early experiences and the ways they shaped his drive to understand people, his fascination with the workings of the human ego and its toxic effects on relationships, how they bonded over Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, the beginning stages of the podcast, the importance of podcasts providing authentic dialogues, how they used the show and its guests for personal self-development, the ways in which...2020-12-2746 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #78: Brian Muraresku - How Psychedelics Helped Form Religion and PhilosophyOn episode 78 we welcome Brian Muraresku to discuss the origins of religious rituals and their associations to psychedelic use, the history and rites of the ancient mystery schools, their understanding of immortality and how it differs from the notion of an afterlife, Brian’s relationship with Graham Hancock, the development of Christianity and the subsequent banning of the mystery tradition, the archeo-chemical evidence for psychedelic use in the Abrahamic religious traditions and primitive societies, the psychotherapeutic effects of and resurgent research into psychedelics, and the leading roles that women played in the ancient mystery schools. Brian Muraresku is...2020-12-201h 01
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #77: Andreas Elpidorou - How Boredom, Frustration, and Anticipation Lead Us to GrowthOn episode 77, we welcome philosopher Andreas Elpidorou to discuss the positive and negative aspects of boredom, frustration, and anticipation; the hedonic treadmill and why constant pleasure becomes tormenting; the difference between common boredom and chronic, existential boredom and the latter’s link with depression; how frustration is associated with effort and pride; the importance of experiencing all of your emotions for your overall mental health; our podcasting journey and dealing with the aforementioned emotions; how short-term and long-term thinking affect our tolerance of negative emotions; and how we can begin to utilize boredom, frustration, and anticipation to assess and cr...2020-12-131h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #76: Margaret Rutherford - Breaking Free From Perfectly Hidden DepressionOn episode 76, we welcome clinical psychologist Margaret Rutherford to discuss perfectly hidden depression, the unhealthy coping strategies that can mask inner turmoil and sorrow, our own experiences with the syndrome and why we hid it, the stages to healing PHD, the difference between perfectionism and self-acceptance, the environmental messages we receive that foster PHD and why understanding their sources is as significant to healing as behavioral change, Margaret’s own experience with PHD, and why vulnerability is more conducive to forming relationships than projecting perfection. Dr. Margaret Rutherford is a clinical psychologist that has practiced for twenty-six ye...2020-12-061h 29
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #75: Sheldon Solomon - Developing the Courage to Face Death in LifeOn episode 75 we welcome social psychologist and co-developer of Terror-Management Theory Sheldon Solomon to discuss his original research, which supported his hypothesis of death anxiety being at the core of most of our aggressive and selfish behaviors; how awareness of our mortality tends to make us more tribal and nationalistic; the backlash he and his colleagues received from academia when they presented TMT and why they decided to continue to explore its merits; how individual self-esteem is used to help us repress our collective terror of dying; the link between death anxiety and the subsequent creation of cultural values...2020-11-221h 43
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #74: Andrew Moffatt (Andy O4L) - The Heart of an OutlawOn episode 74, we welcome hip-hop journalist Andrew Moffatt (Andy O4L) to discuss the Heart of an Outlaw Show; his experiences with interviewing some of his musical idols like Mutah “Napoleon” Beale, and other guests like Angie Thomas and Ajani Carr; the dark side of fame; the idealization of the illusory lives of celebrities on instagram; how Tupac’s music influenced Andy’s perspective; his life as a bodybuilder and why he gave it up; why obsessive pursuits often end in tragedy rather than triumph; overcoming severe depression and its sources; and how having a family and working with the Outl...2020-11-151h 20
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #73 Kate Harvie - Believe It and Behave It: How to Restart, Reset, and Reframe Your LifeOn episode 73, we welcome author and brand strategist Kate Harvie to discuss the psychological tools of overcoming trauma, focusing on her traumatic brain injury and the arduous journey back to health. Additionally, we focused on the importance of developing patience, gratitude, and recognition; how Kate coped with feeling helpless and learned to accept help; the importance of integrity and character development in trauma recovery and self-esteem; becoming psychologically flexible after failing; and how social media and entertainment redirect us from focusing on important issues. Kate Harvie is a writer, editor, marketer, brand strategist, and she helps with...2020-11-081h 20
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #72: Ryan Stelzer - Using Philosophy to Create Better Workplace EnvironmentsOn episode 72, we welcome management consultant Ryan Stelzer to discuss toxic workplace environments, how they relate to depression and anxiety, the step by step process of creating more effective communication,the necessity of fostering psychological safety for innovation, how philosophy can be used practically to create better leaders and team members, how embracing your ability to be proactive can positively affect your work culture, the negative financial affects of limiting beliefs and the importance of shifting thinking to one’s aspirational beliefs, how building rapport can contribute to the desire to receive feedback, and why the fear of letting so...2020-10-251h 05
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #71: Derek Beres - Hero's Dose: The Case for Psychedelics in Ritual and TherapyOn episode 71, we welcome journalist Derek Beres to talk about the structure and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the benefits and costs of being on psychotropic medication in the long-term, the importance of one’s mindset and setting to a positive psychedelic experience, how psychedelics helped us become less critical and develop healthier frameworks of seeing others, how individualistic and collectivist cultures differed in their responses to COVID-19, charlatanry in the wellness industry, and the impact of the medicalization of mental illness. Derek Beres is a multi-faceted author, media expert, and fitness instructor based in Los Angeles. He is...2020-10-191h 07
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #70: David Brendel - Success Mindsets, Breaking Down Cognitive Biases, Building RapportDavid is a psychiatrist, executive coach, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and public philosopher living and working in Boston, Massachusetts. On episode 70, we welcome Dr. David Brendel to discuss the significance of slowing down your thinking process to make better choices, how your mindset can prevent you from being an effective leader and why changing it can improve your managerial skills, embracing new models of thought and consequently improving your relationships, why we’re afraid of examining our prior life decisions and the cognitive distortion behind our fear, building rapport in order to help you help others improve the...2020-10-1152 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #69: A Coach's Rules For LifeOn episode 69 Alen and Leon talk about the new Netflix series The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life, exploring the elements of success, including believing in your decisions and sticking to them in difficult periods, developing empathy and compassion for others in order to foster team morale, viewing your work as something to be enjoyed instead of something forced, embracing pressure and stress as opposed to getting trapped in comfort, Ubuntu and the importance of relying on your teammates, self-sabotage and the fear of losing your positive self-image, and why emotions can be our worst advisors. Le...2020-10-041h 24
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #68: Ian Olasov - Ask a PhilosopherOn episode 68, we welcome philosopher Ian Olasov to discuss his philosopher’s booth and answering people’s questions about god, meaning, and their own personal dilemmas; the problems with trademarking; the principles underlying both philosophical dialogues and psychotherapy; the Brooklyn Public Philosophy Series; how philosophical inquiry can be applied practically; the positive affect that philosophizing can have on our negative emotions; and why the conversations in philosophy are more important than specific answers. Ian Olasov is an adjunct professor and doctoral candidate at the City University of New York Graduate Center. His writing has appeared in Slate, Vox...2020-09-201h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #67: Samir Chopra - How Psychedelics Can Affect Mental HealthOn episode 67, we welcome back philosopher Samir Chopra to discuss the recent research on the mental health benefits of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, the history of psychedelic use, the potential harm, our personal psychedelic experiences, how empathy may be the mechanism behind their medicinal effects, ego-dissolution and its potential to distance one from their negative core beliefs, and how psychadelics, if legalized, can impact society at large. Samir Chopra is professor of philosophy at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. He is the author of several books, including A Legal Theory for Autonomous Artificial Agents (2011). 2020-09-141h 15
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #66: Liz Dorval - The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Why Incompetent People Think They're GreatOn episode 66, we welcome back Liz Dorval to discuss the Dunning-Kruger Effect; social and psychological strategies to mitigate its harm such as fostering the growth mindset, eliminating echo chambers, and teaching how to accept feedback; appealing to authority because of our general inability to be specialists in a multitude of areas; why self-diagnosing is often counter-productive; Jordan Peterson’s fear of tyranny and why his reasoning is biased; how con-men use sophistry to deceive the public; and why Dunning-Kruger doesn’t exist on the intellectual extremes. Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep rece...2020-09-071h 21
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #65: Douglas Edwards - The Philosophy of Pro WrestlingOn episode 65, we welcome philosopher Douglas Edwards to discuss the similarities between the philosophical quest for truth and the search for the behind-the-scenes information about professional wrestling, how story-lines get entangled with reality, how the Montreal Screwjob affected the pro-wrestling industry, character development and how wrestlers’ identities often mimic our own hidden desires, the popularity of Stone Cold Steve Austin, how pro-wrestling epitomized capitalism and the fight for workers’ rights, the appeal of fan exploration and being in the know about backstage events and wrestlers’ private lives, and the 3 faces of Foley as the embodiment of our existential inability to fos...2020-08-311h 21
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #64 Helen De Cruz - The Philosophy of Science and AweOn episode 64, we welcome philosopher Helen De Cruz to discuss the politicization and polarization of scientific information, the necessity of cultivating awe for an open mind and scientific exploration, creating popular philosophy through fiction and non-fiction to reach a wider audience, new and potential technological innovations, and fostering awe through philosophy and science in film. Helen De Cruz is professor of philosophy and Danforth Chair in the humanities at Saint Louis University in Missouri. Her latest book is The Challenge of Evolution to Religion (2020), co-authored with Johan De Smedt. Find us on: Twitter: h...2020-08-241h 06
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #63: Alan Levinovitz Discusses Nuance, Flawed Science, the Deception of Natural ProductsOn episode 63, we welcome author Alan Levinovitz to discuss the ways in which the words natural and unnatural have been used in popular culture, science, and religious ideologies; the importance of admitting and learning from mistakes; demagogy and how people fall for confidence; fostering healthier dialogue on social media; being right vs being kind; system one and system two thinking; our general susceptibility to cognitive distortions; how charlatans prey on our hopes and fears; and how to become better food consumers. Dr. Alan Levinovitz is an author and Associate Professor of Religion at James Madison University. His...2020-08-161h 04
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #62: Sulaiman Jenkins Talks Life is Raw, Napoleon, 2Pac, OutlawzOn episode 62, we welcome back author Sulaiman Jenkins to discuss his new book, Life is Raw: The Story of a Reformed Outlaw, 2Pac’s transition from loving everyone to becoming wary, Napoleon's journey from rags to riches, alcoholism and why people remain addicts, how trauma makes it difficult to accept and trust love, Islam’s influence on Napleon’s beliefs about the world and his relationships, and why the book is meant to be a blueprint for those who feel hopeless and lost. Sulaiman Jenkins earned his MA in TESOL from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education. He has b...2020-08-091h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #61: Armand D'Angour - What Socrates Has to Teach Us About LoveOn episode 61, we welcome philosopher Armand D’Angour to discuss the human side of Socrates, his love life and the ancient Greek conception of love, how patriarchal dominance precluded heterosexual romance, our persistent need to idealize great, historical figures, the benefits of Socratic dialogue in philosophy and psychotherapy, and why wisdom equates with the maintenance of an open mind. Armand D'Angour is a British classical scholar and classical musician, Associate Professor of Classics at Oxford University and Fellow and Tutor in Classics at Jesus College, Oxford. His books include The Greeks and the New: Novelty in Ancient Gr...2020-08-0357 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #60: David Livingstone Smith - Dehumanization and How to Resist ItOn episode 60, we welcome philosopher David Livingstone Smith to discuss the sources and consequences of dehumanization, including its historical manifestations and the psychological needs and drives that foster it; the role that the philosophy of essentialism plays in racism; how categorization and hierarchical thinking contribute to brutality; the evolution of agreeableness and the ways in which humans neutralize empathy to disinhibit their violent urges; and the steps we need to take to counteract dehumanization. David Livingstone Smith is a professor of philosophy at the University of New England in Biddeford, Maine. He earned his PhD from the...2020-07-261h 12
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #59: Samir Chopra - The Philosophy of AnxietyOn episode 59, we welcome philosopher Samir Chopra to discuss the importance and utility of anxiety in self-discovery, how philosophy helped him cope with the untimely deaths of his parents, the influence our beliefs have on our perceptions and conceptions of the world, why emotional intensity should be redirected rather than suppressed, the universality and inevitability of existential anxiety, human diversity and our inherent inability to fully capture an individual's essence, the fluctuating history of our understanding of mental illness, how normality is used to sustain power structures, overcoming false dichotomies to see the strengths in our weaknesses and vice...2020-07-191h 09
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #58: Yolanda Danae' - Black Lives Matter, Police Reform, Systemic RacismOn episode 58, we welcome Yolanda Danae’ to discuss the black lives matter movement, the resultant policy changes, the inherent racism in the history and ideology of policing, police reform, and effective strategies for challenging racist beliefs and behaviors, holding others accountable. Yolanda Danae’ is the Creator of The Sassy Rant, a brand and blog that discusses the real life accounts of a millennial woman on the verge of changing the world. Based in Newark, New Jersey, The Sassy Rant has become a digital collection of personal survival stories documented by Yolanda, a charismatic twenty-something who’s experiences are re...2020-07-131h 06
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #57: Kirk Schneider - The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social HealingOn episode 57, we welcome existential psychologist Kirk Schneider to discuss healthy dialogues among members of the opposite ends of the political spectrum, the need for a US psychology czar, the importance of looking for truths in distorted beliefs, and his current campaign for APA President. Kirk J. Schneider Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and leading spokesperson for contemporary existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology. Today we discuss his new book, The Depolarizing of America: A Guidebook for Social Healing. Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is...2020-06-281h 16
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #56: Eric Adams - Black Lives Matter, Structural Change in Law Enforcement, COVID-19On episode 56, we welcome Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams to discuss the black lives matter movement, creating structural changes in law enforcement, the similarities in the current struggles of different communities, and how to effectively protest injustice in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric Adams is the Borough President of Brooklyn, New York City. Adams served as an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City Police Department, for 22 years. Adams was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2006, serving for four terms, until late 2013. On November 5, 2013, Adams...2020-06-1433 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #55: Liz Dorval - Is it Time for a 4-Day Work Week and to Work From Home?On episode 55, we welcome back Liz Dorval to discuss the appearance of our work-lives after the pandemic subsides, the benefits of working from home and implementing a universal basic income and the four day work-week, and the downside of “bullshit jobs.” Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy — and manages a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and personal viewpoints. Alen D...2020-06-071h 10
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #54: How Out-of-the-Box Thinking Can Help You Achieve Your GoalsOn episode 54, Alen and Leon discuss the importance of 'out-of-the-box' thinking and carving out incremental time-slots to implementing your goals, focusing on the lessons from the film 'Moneyball', our own journey to becoming podcasters, and providing tips on bouncing back from setbacks to help you see the bigger picture of your progress and achieve your long-term goals. *Correction: The author of Moneyball is Michael Lewis Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Tr...2020-05-311h 02
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #53: Glen Sharp - How to Develop Your Authentic SelfOn episode 53, we welcome back writer Glen Sharp to discuss what it means to be authentic, the internal and external barriers to becoming your true self, the difference between responsibility and blame, and the psychology of Mike Tyson’s upcoming in-ring return. Glen Sharp was former professional boxer. He is the author of the novel Bethany Park and his memoir Punching From The Shadows. In becoming our authentic selves, we often have to battle back against societal standards and pressures, facing a fork in the road which divides the paths of comfort and freedom. I...2020-05-241h 20
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #52: Rachel Atcheson - How to Live a Good Life According to Effective AltruismOn episode 52, we welcome Rachel Atcheson to learn about effective altruism as a philosophy of life, discuss the ways we can improve our health care system, and the strategies and barriers to improving our own health. Rachel Atcheson is the Deputy Strategist for Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, she works on nutrition initiatives, healthy eating resources for individuals, and municipal support for urban agriculture. As the former Grassroots Director of The Humane League, Rachel was responsible for growing the Campus Outreach program’s growth from 18 to 52 campuses nationwide. She then moved on to work in the New Yo...2020-05-1755 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Clip: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on NYC Coronavirus Response: "I'm in the battle with you."In this clip, Borough President Eric Adams discusses what it's like being on the front lines of the NYC Coronavirus response. We talk about seeing him personally giving out masks and food to people in need all over New York. He wonderfully states, in the midst of a crisis, "Generals don't send their troops into battle. They lead their troops into battle." "I'm in the battle with you." Eric Adams is the Borough President of Brooklyn, New York City. Adams served as an officer in the New York City Transit Police and then the New York City P...2020-05-1002 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #51: Sulaiman Jenkins - Life is War: Examining the Post-Traumatic Growth of Mutah BealeOn episode 51, we welcome author Sulaiman Jenkins to discuss working on Mutah “Napoleon” Beale’s biography, Life is Raw, overcoming addiction, the elements and sources of post-traumatic growth, and the kinder sides of Mutah and 2Pac. Sulaiman Jenkins earned his MA in TESOL from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education. He has been in the field of ELT, most notably in Saudi Arabia, for more than 14 years. Sulaiman does research in sociolinguistics, contrastive rhetoric, language and culture. He has contributed to academia by way of publishing numerous articles in top peer reviewed journals and he helped ghost write Mu...2020-05-081h 01
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #50: Scott Barry Kaufman - Transcend: The New Science of Self-ActualizationOn episode 50, we welcome psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman to learn about the steps of personal growth and development, the difference between a healthy ego and narcissism, and focus on the meaning of B-Love, as opposed to selfish love. Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a humanistic psychologist who has taught at Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, and elsewhere. He writes the column Beautiful Minds for Scientific American and hosts The Psychology Podcast, which has received more than ten million downloads. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic and Harvard Business Review, and his...2020-04-261h 22
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #49: Massimo Pigliucci - How to Live a Good Life According to StoicismOn episode 49, we welcome philosopher Massimo Pigliucci to discuss how we can use Stoic philosophy to improve mental health, learn about the necessity of separating internal and external success, and how we can implement practices to make us feel in control of our well-being. Massimo Pigliucci is the K D Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. He is the author of How to Be a Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living (2017), A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control (2019), co-authored with Gregory Lopez, and How t...2020-04-191h 26
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #48: Mutah "Napoleon" Beale - How to Live a Good Life According to IslamOn episode 48, we welcome back Mutah Beale to discuss how Islam helped him overcome past trauma, what it was like being so honest in his upcoming biography, and how his story could help others grow through their own struggles. Mutah Beale, also known as Napoleon, is a former member of Tupac's rap group Outlawz. Mutah has since converted to Islam and is now a motivational speaker. His upcoming book os c;a;ed Life is Raw: The Story of a Reformed Outlaw. Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of m...2020-04-1256 min
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #47: John Kaag - How to Live a Good Life According to William JamesOn episode 47, we welcome philosopher John Kaag to discuss how William James can help us cope with depression and anxiety, form healthier habits, and create meaning through our wills to act, sharing our personal stories of sorrow and alienation. John Kaag is Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Miller Scholar at the Santa Fe Institute. He just finished Sick Souls, Healthy Minds: How William James Can Save Your Life, which was published with Princeton in spring of 2020. He is also author and contributor, along with Douglas Anderson, to the American P...2020-04-051h 06
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #46: Liz Dorval - How Are We Dealing With The Coronavirus?On episode 46, we welcome back Liz Dorval to discuss our lives in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic, the medical facts of the virus and its spread, how its impacted mental health, and ways of helping others act in the best interests of everyone affected. Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy — and manages a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and...2020-03-291h 05
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #45: Hiram Crespo- How to Live a Good Life According to EpicurusOn episode 45, we welcome philosopher Hiram Crespo to discuss the philosophy of Epicurus, using the hedonic calculus to form moral judgments, the importance of friendships for our happiness and growth, and creating a society that factors in the changing labor market. Hiram Crespo is a freelance translator, blogger, philosopher, and author whose philosophical and opinion pieces have been featured in The Humanist, El Nuevo Día, Occupy.com, Partially Examined Life, and several other publications. He is the author of the book, Tending the Epicurean Garden and he contributed the Epicureanism chapter in the book How to L...2020-03-221h 13
Seize the Moment PodcastSTM Podcast #44: Daniel A. Kaufman - How to Live a Good Life According to AristotleOn episode 44, we welcome philosopher Daniel A. Kaufman to discuss the flourishing life according to Aristotle, the limited utility of philosophy and self-help, debate the logic of Stoicism, and discuss the importance of experience and moderation in practical wisdom. Daniel A. Kaufman got his B.A. in history and philosophy at the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. in philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is Professor of Philosophy at Missouri State University, and his main areas of interest are aesthetics, epistemology, metaphysics, and the philosophy of language. Daniel is also the editor and publisher o...2020-03-151h 13