Shows
Anyhoney & the NewtStarting the Fast Break (Decision-Making)In the season finale, we wrap up our discussion on subjectivity by contrasting instinct, habit, obsession, and second nature. The very process of learning involves transforming deliberate thought and action into easily repeated, almost unreflective activity. The pinnacle of subjectivity seems to be decision-making: how are the various elements discussed this season intertwined in decision-making?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-09-1258 minAnyhoney & the NewtWhite Men Can't Jump (Interpretation, Imagination, and Reflection Part 2)In this episode, we conclude the two-part discussion on interpretation, imagination, and reflection and how these processes contribute to experience and learning. The movie White Men Can't Jump serves as an example of cognitive bias and the way that properly functioning mental faculties can still lead us astray. Then we get "meta" as we talk about reflection and the doubling of thought.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-09-0529 minAnyhoney & the NewtSummer Madness! (Interpretation, Imagination, and Reflection Part 1)In this first half of a two-parter, we explore the mental activities of interpretation, imagination, and reflection and the roles they play in subjective experience. For the NBA, summer is always a flood of rumors, activity, and homer optimism. This buzz serves as the launching pad for exploring how we understand the world around us, consider how else things might be, and integrate these thoughts into an action-guiding perspective.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-08-2931 minAnyhoney & the NewtDirty Plays and Malice at the Palace (Ethics)In this episode, we ask about the difference between rule violations and dirty plays, and discuss the brawl that erupted among players and fans in the incident known as the "Malice at the Palace." These examples help us continue the investigation of values, this time focusing on the domain of ethics. What matters for making ethical value judgments: outcomes, principles, or intentions?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-08-2249 minAnyhoney & the NewtPaul Pierce and Scientific Inquiry (Truth)In this episode, we use Shaquille Oneal's designating Paul Pierce as "The Truth" to launch a conversation about truth and scientific inquiry. It seems that there are problems both with claiming that all truth is subjective and with insisting that truth is universally objective and perspective-independent. So can we preserve the notion of truth?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-08-1545 minAnyhoney & the NewtThe Pineapple-on-Pizza Debate (Taste)In this episode, we wade into the important topic of what belongs on a pizza. Whether you welcome pineapple on a pizza or not, your evaluation of the tastiness of a slice depends on the standards for judgment. Are these standards subjective? Then why do we bother arguing about taste? Are there any shared standards for matters of taste?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-08-0844 minAnyhoney & the NewtBen Simmons Trade Speculations (Values)In this episode, we use the recent conversations about whether the Sixers should trade Ben Simmons to explore the topic of value. Are values subjective or objective? We discuss the difference between thin and thick value terms and the structure of evaluation.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-07-2541 minAnyhoney & the NewtJames Harden, Trae Young, and Degenerate Play (Normativity Part 2)In this episode, we extend our conversation about the difference between descriptive and prescriptive norms. Confusing these two has been characterized as the "naturalistic fallacy," and a common error is to equate "natural" or "normal" with "good" and "unnatural" or "abnormal" with bad. While examples are readily available to show this is untenable, it would also be a mistake to discard normativity altogether. And finally!--more basketball talk.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-07-1824 minAnyhoney & the NewtThe Rules of the Road (Normativity Part 1)In this episode, we differentiate the concepts "normal" and "normative," which are sometimes conflated by the shorthand "norm." By distinguishing descriptive uses of "norm" from evaluative uses, and by identifying different evaluative registers, we hope to reduce confusion later in the season as we continue to investigate subjectivity.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-07-1124 minAnyhoney & the NewtWho's on First? (Language Part 2)In this episode, we continue to discuss the role of language for thinking, experience, and subjectivity. We suggest that jargon is a natural development in mature investigations and is impactful for both communication and experience. Nevertheless, the boundaries between concepts and the values we assign to them may not be so clear-cut.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-07-0432 minAnyhoney & the NewtThere's a Name for That (Language Part 1)In this episode we continue our series on experience and subjectivity by looking at the role of language. The influence of advanced analytics in basketball provide a springboard for examining the relationship between thought and language. In this first episode on language, we focus on conceptual differentiation.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-06-2735 minAnyhoney & the NewtTo Each Their Own (Perspective)In this episode, we expand on the topic of subjectivity by exploring the notions of "perspective" and "qualia." Arguments about the GOAT inevitably involve our personal experiences and preferences. It seems uncontroversial that we each have our own point of view influenced by physical, mental, and historical factors, but how far does this go? Can anyone ever know what someone else's experience is like?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-06-2040 minAnyhoney & the NewtC'mon, Ref! (Perception)Welcome to Season 3! Fans and media have been complaining about the officiating in the '20-'21 NBA season, which provides a great set-up for topic of perception. What differentiates perception from other functional processes? Does perception count as thinking? Is perception a normative process?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-06-1346 minAnyhoney & the NewtSeason Finale: Can't We All Get Along? (Conflict)In the Season 2 Finale, we reveal the motivation for this season's theme of love: how the seeming omnipresence of conflict has challenged our relationships with family, friends, and strangers alike. We may not have discovered any full-proof solutions for avoiding or handling conflicts, but the season's reflections on love did provide a reprieve for the hosts, and hopefully for you.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-05-0935 minAnyhoney & the NewtTwo Interviews for the Price of LoveHaving finished our series of interviews with family and friends about the concept(s) of love, Anyhoney and the Newt give their thoughts on the same questions: What is love? How does conflict arise in and impact loving relationships? Is love a choice?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-05-0249 minAnyhoney & the NewtO Say Can You See? (Patriotism)In this episode we respond to the mini-controversy sparked earlier this season by Dallas opting not to play the National Anthem before games, until spectators returned and the league issued a mandate to play the anthem. While tangential to the theme of love that we have been exploring, it is an example of social conflict generated by political ideals that motivated the theme.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-04-2634 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalking Love with Papa and Mama NewtThis episode concludes our series of interviews with friends and family about the concept (or concepts?) of "love." This double interview is with the Newt's parents (Paul and Carol), who bring Greek terms and chemistry analogies to present love as a purposive relation.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-04-1840 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalking Love with MapsThis episode continues our series of interviews with friends and family about the concept (or concepts?) of "love." Our guest is our dear friend Katie ("Maps"), and she shares some thoughts on the feeling of love, the meaning it provides us, and the uniqueness of each love relationship.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-04-1130 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalking Love with KC at the BatThis episode continues our series of interviews with friends and family about the concept (or concepts?) of "love." Our guest is the Newt's brother, Kevin ("KC at the Bat"), and he shares his understanding of love as a commitment to the benefit of someone else, de-emphasizing the role of feelings.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-04-0434 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalking Love with the Nature ChefThis episode continues our series of interviews with friends and family about the concept (or concepts?) of "love." Our guest is Anyhoney's brother, Jason ("The Nature Chef"), and he shares his personal loves, including family, cooking, and the great outdoors.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-03-2834 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalking Love with the Fellow JourneymanThis episode continues our series of interviews with friends and family about the concept (or concepts?) of "love." Our guest is Anyhoney's father, Louie ("The Fellow Journeyman"), and he draws on the accumulated wisdom of others to reflect on expanding the ego's circle of concerns and whether love has conditions.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-03-2150 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalking Love with the Little BeeThis episode kicks of a series of interviews with friends and family about the concept (or concepts?) of "love." Our guest is Anyhoney's mother, Barbara ("The Little Bee"), and she helps us reflect on passion, trust, and risk in relationships. Get ready for all the feels.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-03-1441 minAnyhoney & the NewtWho Are They? (Team Culture and Identity)In this episode, we react to an article by Jack Huntley ("Tom Thibodeau's Knicks and the importance of identity, culture's little cousin," thestrick.land, Jan 20, 2021) which defines team identity as "who are we" and team culture as "how we do things." Do these things form organically, or are they shaped by decision-makers? Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-03-0724 minAnyhoney & the NewtPut Me In, Coach! (Organization Relationships)n this episode, we continue the exploration of relationships in basketball, focusing on the relationships players have with coaches, team management, trainers, and owners. What are these relationships like, and how might they impact the sport and the individuals involved, especially considering the transience of players due to trades and free agency?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-02-2827 minAnyhoney & the NewtLet's Get Chemical (Team Chemistry)In this episode, we explore the notion of "team chemistry" and player-player relationships. Is chemistry anything more than familiarity with player tendencies gained over time? Does it matter whether players like each other for them to play well together? How does off-court collegiality (friendship even) affect on-court play? Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-02-2124 minAnyhoney & the NewtFor the Love of the Game (Passion Pursuits)In this episode, we speculate on NBA players' motivations to play basketball professionally and consider the pursuit of one's passions. What is meant by having a "love for the game"? Does the word "love" mean the same when the beloved is a person, a project, or an object? And how does the fact that professional basketball is simultaneously an athletic competition and an entertainment business, and brings with it celebrity and scrutiny, impact player motivations?Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-02-1439 minAnyhoney & the NewtTwo Fans' Love for the NBAWe kick off Season 2 with a format change! In the first episode under the Anyhoney & the Newt brand, we introduce the theme of love by discussing our passion for NBA basketball, then exploring the kind of love fans have for their team and the sport as entertainment.Intro Song: "Space Arp F Chords" by esistnichtsoernst (CCO 1.0 license)2021-02-0933 minAnyhoney & the NewtBubble Wrap-Up, aka Corbin Was Wrong (Season Finale)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we evaluate the NBA Bubble, the legitimacy of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 Championship, and our first season of the podcast. Spoiler alert: Corbin was wrong about almost all of his predictions regarding the bubble! The conversation winds through flip-flopping, political discourse, epistemic humility, player rankings, and the concept of "legitimacy." Now with 100% more episode!2020-12-2841 minAnyhoney & the NewtDo I Want to Want the Pizza? (Compatibilism)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we present the third episode in a series on determinism and free will. In the midst of the 2020 COVID Bubble NBA Finals, we discuss what it means to be an agent, higher order desires, decision-making, and the philosophical position of compatibilism, which claims that causal determinism and free will are compatible with one another.2020-12-2824 minAnyhoney & the NewtSubway Sandwiches, Taking the Screen, and Parallel Universes (Free Will)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we continue the investigation into causality and free will, presenting some challenges and questions for determinism and introducing the alternative of libertarianism (metaphysical, not political). Are in-game decisions illusory (epiphenomenal), or can we attribute to players acts of evaluation and decision-making? Might we be able to start new causal chains with our choices?2020-12-2822 minAnyhoney & the NewtKobe Wanted to Be Like Mike (Determinism)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we present the first in a series of discussions about determinism and free will. Here we focus on determinism and the thesis that every effect is caused, including human behaviors such as Kobe Bryant's emulation of Michael Jordan and the public's appreciation of pop music.2020-12-2821 minAnyhoney & the NewtLebron James and Kevin McCallister (Amor Fati)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we return to the theme, "It is what it is," in order to try and consider a more positive spin on the refrain. We explore Nietzsche's concepts of ressentiment and amor fati, using recent comments from Lebron James and the movie Home Alone as examples. Can "It is what it is" offer motivation rather than reflect resignation?2020-12-2822 minAnyhoney & the NewtJimmy Butler and A Silent Voice (Redemption)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we use psychologist Dan McAdams' distinction between redemption and contamination narratives to discuss media narratives and the stories we tell ourselves about reality. Jimmy Butler's career and the anime movie A Silent Voice are used to explore the concept of redemption in greater detail.2020-12-2821 minAnyhoney & the NewtThe Decision and Durant Joining the Warriors (Narrative Identity)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we explore the idea that our narratives define who we are, leaning on Paul Ricoeur's emphasis that our narrative intertwines the story we would tell about ourselves with the stories told about us by others. Then we look at two superstars, Lebron James and Kevin Durant, whose free agency moves dominated the storylines of the past decade.2020-12-2822 minAnyhoney & the NewtBlack Lives Matter and Celebrity PulpitsUnder the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we discuss the player boycott from last week in response to recent current events. The guiding question we consider is, Should players use their celebrity platform to express their views on social issues? Along the way we touch on implicit bias, structural racism, and the negative and positive conceptions of freedom.2020-12-2826 minAnyhoney & the NewtWhom should I root for? (Narratives and Legitimacy)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we discuss the use of narratives for understanding, Francois Lyotard's challenge to legitimizing metanarratives, and competing narratives. Then we look at various storylines that might inform one's fandom regarding particular players and teams.2020-12-2823 minAnyhoney & the NewtWhat Makes a Team Good? (Chinese Principles of Harmony)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," and having discussed the importance of good decision-making for individual performance, we turn in this episode to the question of what enables a team to thrive. We explore core principles from ancient Chinese schools of thought (Taoism, Legalism, Moism, and Confucianism) and apply them to both successful and unsuccessful NBA teams.2020-12-2822 minAnyhoney & the NewtThe Secret to NBA Greatness (Phronesis)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we investigate the "x factor" that propels some players into superstars. The NBA is full of elite athletes, but what separates the great from the pack? Anthony shares his thesis that the secret is solid decision-making in the flow and intensity of the game. We connect this to the idea of phronesis, wisdom relevant to practical action, like playing basketball and being good citizens!2020-12-2817 minAnyhoney & the NewtTalent, Skill, and Potential (Virtue)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we examine popular conceptions of "talent" and "skill," bringing in Malcolm Gladwell to emphasize the importance of hard work and experience in developing one's abilities. Whether it's basketball or math, it takes time and effort to pursue the fulfillment of one's potential. We connect this conversation to Aristotle's conception of "virtue."2020-12-2821 minAnyhoney & the NewtNarratives for a COVID Championship (Speech Acts)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we discuss the unique 2019-2020 NBA season. This NBA Season will end in a bubble. Should the champions be crowned with an asterisk? We weigh some different perspectives on the question and attempt to identify norms that will likely factor into the narratives for the newly crowned champs.2020-12-2820 minAnyhoney & the NewtPower to the Players! (Self-Determination)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we consider the question: How can the NBA players have a stake in their own future? Is playing in the bubble the answer, what about creating their own league? We consider different ways in which players might pursue self-determination in professional basketball, and draw comparisons to the larger social context.2020-12-2818 minAnyhoney & the NewtThe NBA's a Business (Fatalism and Power)Under the moniker of our first season, "It Is What It Is," we kick off the podcast by introducing the hosts and the thematic phrase, "It is what it is," suggesting a parallel with the cliche, "The NBA is a business."2020-12-2819 min