Shows
Inner Peace, Better HealthCuriosity, Faith & Letting Go of Certainty for Deeper Peace | Dr. Stefani RuperIn this episode of Inner Peace, Better Health, host Shreya sits down with Dr. Stefani Ruper—Oxford-trained philosopher, former Harvard researcher, and upcoming author of Intellectual Vulnerability. Dr. Ruper shares how letting go of certainty can transform our emotional and spiritual well-being, why curiosity is not a distraction but a doorway to growth, and how doubt can actually deepen faith rather than weaken it. This conversation challenges long-held beliefs and invites listeners to embrace intellectual vulnerability as a pathway to resilience, peace, and openness.
About the Guest
Dr. Stefani Ruper is an Oxford-trained philosopher, Harvard researcher, and in...
2025-10-1126 min
Mind Over MatterBear Uncertainty to Build Real Resilience — managing hardship, doubt, and growth with Stefani RuperUncertainty isn’t the enemy—it’s the work. In this Mind Over Matter episode, Oxford-trained philosopher and teacher Stefani Ruper breaks down why our nervous systems crave simple answers, how “closing loops” too fast blocks learning, and what it takes to hold doubt without collapsing. We discuss the safety-drive behind beliefs, updating your “map of reality,” practising humility in relationships, and finding a durable balance between control and surrender. The result is a clear, practical framework for staying emotionally steady while you keep asking better questions—at work, in health, in faith, and at home.
About the gues...
2025-09-0228 min
Naked Humanity37: Are We Brainwashed? with Abel JamesIn today’s episode, Stefani chats with New York Times best-selling author Abel James. After having careers as a musician, a corporate consultant, an award-winning podcast host, a reality TV star, and a fitness guru, to name a few--James has developed a fascinating take on what’s wrong with the modern world. At the core of James’s vision is the idea that humanity has strayed from a core inner subjectivity and truth, which makes us vulnerable to brainwashing via advertisements, media, propaganda, and more. --------------------- To enter the weekly giveaway for a FR...
2024-12-301h 03
Naked HumanityHas White Bias Ruined Philosophy?In today’s podcast I take another deep and careful dive into a sensitive topic: whiteness. I explore how white bias in philosophy is not just wrong because bias itself is wrong, but also because white bias has stunted our theories of human nature, human society, and moral action. If we want to do good philosophy, be good people, and live rich spiritual lives, then we MUST examine whiteness. We must look at the ways in which dominance affects all of society and all of our ideas on subconscious levels.To enter the weekly giveaway for a FR...
2024-12-3024 min
Naked HumanityFinding Meaning in CoronavirusI have taken a pause from our regular programming to respond to the flood of people asking me to talk about coronavirus. In the beginning of this episode I briefly address anxiety and coping strategies. But because I believe these are addressed widely elsewhere, I then move on to what I can truly lend to you: perspective. This podcast focuses on the ways in which the Western world’s technologies and spiritualities have blinded us to some of the realities of what it means to be human. Tune in to reflect a bit on how you can use this ti...
2020-03-2323 min
Naked HumanityWhat Makes Things Funny? with Alex FarrowAlex Farrow is both a philosophy teacher AND a really extraordinary stand up comedian (I’ve seen his show live!) so this is a heck of a podcast. Alex and I chat about what he learned teaching philosophy to high schoolers in London, what makes something funny, the precise science of crafting a joke, and the shifting landscape of political correctness in comedy today.
Check out the night he runs in Oxford @ http://www.jerichocomedy.com/
Find him on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/alex_farrow
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2020-03-0959 min
Naked HumanityIf I were Emperor for a Day...A listener wrote in and asked me: Stefani, if you were Emperor of the World for a day, what would you do? I sat down and put some thought into the question, and came up with a list of four things involving education, safety, freedom, and meaning. Take a dive into the fun question with me, and hope over to Insta or Facebook to chime in in the discussion.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/listen), take a screen shot...
2020-03-0215 min
Naked HumanityThe Lost Art of Logic with Steve PattersonThis week I have the enormous pleasure to chat with freelance philosopher Steve Patterson, who studied philosophy and became an expert in logic entirely outside of the academy. Steve and I chat about his adventurous career, as well as the state of logic in our world today. Steve chats with me about what the philosophy of logic can teach us about quantum mechanics, about economic systems, and about our abilities to know and love one another.
Steve is the host of Patteron in Pursuit, a top rated podcast. You can find links to all of his videos...
2020-02-2445 min
Naked HumanityLiving Outside the Philosophical BoxOur society says you are who you are because of your beliefs, butt how much does that confine you, restrict you, draw you too much in the ilnes, and hinder your growth? In last week’s question, a listener claimed that we were polar opposites.But what does this mean? I don't consider myself ppolar opposites from ANYBODY unless they hate listening and empathising. In this episode, I talk about how I don't identify myself with BELIEFS, but instead with how carefully I hold and question them. I call this "living outside the philosophical box" because if you do th...
2020-02-1715 min
Naked HumanityThe State of Philosophy Today with John PerryToday I chat with one of the pioneers of philosophy podcasting, John Perry. But Professor Perry is such a pro that he’s not actually a podcaster: he hosted the philosophy radio show Philosophy Talk for decades. We chit chat about the state of philosophy today. Tune in for an entertaining dip into how philosophers today are wrestling with what it means to be true, and John’s thoughts on free will, logic, and the value of procrastination.
http://John.j.perry.net
http://Philosophytalk.org
http://www.structuredprocrastination.com/
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2020-02-1052 min
Naked HumanityIntersectionality: Truth vs. MisconceptionsA listener writes in and asks me to unpack intersectionality (which is basically the idea that categories of marginalisation on the basis of group identity such as gender, race, and ability can intersect to create unique sociopolitical situations). I start at the bottom, telling you all about the origins of the term and its legal implications. Then I explore what it means now, which involves explaining how people in different groups (generally, progressives and conservatives) relate to the idea. I elevate what I think are benefits and risks of talking about intersectionality. This is a very contentious topic, so...
2020-02-0325 min
Naked HumanityYoga in the West: Scam or Sacred Practice? with David GarriguesWhat’s up with yoga as a spiritual practice? Is it legit, or just wishy washy new age woo woo? In this podcast I chat with long-time yoga advocate David Garrigues. We get to the heart of what yoga can do for you, as well as talk about how issues of appropriation, consumerism, and trendiness affect (or don’t) this centuries old sacred practice.
Links: Books, retreats, articles: http://davidgarrigues.com
Youtube: http://davidgarrigues.com/youtube
Podcast: http://davidgarrigues.com/podcast
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2020-01-2746 min
Naked HumanityWhy You Think You're Right, but Probably Aren't
A listener writes in and asks, how do I know if I’m objective? I say right off the bat: you aren’t. Period. No such thing truly exists. BUT, this doesn’t mean you should take offense (because we’re all just human), or lose hope. Truth exists - we are simply all on a journey toward it. In this podcast, I explain why we all think we’re right but probably aren’t, then provide my 4 ways of trying to seek truth and be as objective as possible.
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2020-01-2316 min
Naked HumanityUsing Feminism to Question Society and Yourself with Hannah McGregorFinally, a Naked Humanity episode devoted to feminism! I chat with scholar-activist Professor Hannah McGregor, and we get to the heart of feminism and why it matters in today’s world. We talk about misconceptions of feminism, how feminism can be useful for your daily life, and how feminism helped Hannah figure out why she was getting impolite with airport security.
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Links: http://hannahmcgregor.com
http://secretfeministagenda.com
https://twitter.com/hkpmcgregor
Care Work book: https://amzn.to/363stuE
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2020-01-201h 01
Naked Humanity4 Steps to Overcome Alienation and NihilismAlright, four steps might be a *hair* of an oversimplification, but not by too much. In this episode, a listener writes in and tells me she feels listless, uninterested in life, meaningless, and alienated from the people around her. What gives? Is there anything she can do to fix this existential malaise? Drawing on my experiences working with biochemistry and nutrition alongside my philosophical work, I provide four categories of approach I think are useful for addressing such down and listless feelings and creating a life that is full of gratitude, connection, and meaning.
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2020-01-1619 min
Naked HumanityUsing Empathy to Improve Yourself and the World with Daryl CameronEver shocked by people’s complete lack of empathy? In this episode, I chat with experimental psychologist Dr Daryl Cameron, who runs a lab at Penn State that investigates empathy. What circumstances enhance or diminish our capacity to be empathetic? Many of us think that having empathy is difficult - but why? Can this difficulty be overcome? Could understanding empathy help us unlock our potential to be good humans and live more satisfying lives?
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/li...
2020-01-1352 min
Naked HumanityCan Multiple Religions be True?A listener writes in and asks, can multiple religions be true at the same time? I respond by describing what I think are four different ways of thinking about religious truths and beliefs: metaphysically assertively (I’ll explain this in the podcast!), symbolically, as gesturing towards a universal truth, and with mystery. I happen to personally like the last three pretty equally, and enact each of them to some degree or another in my personal life. Tune in to learn more about what I believe and what could work for you.
To enter the weekly giveaway for a...
2020-01-0921 min
Naked HumanityMaking Meaning Before you Die with Jessie DezutterThis week I have on experimental psychologist Jessie Dezutter of KU Leuven University in Belgium, who studies how people make meaning, with a focus on how people deal with existential concerns later in life. We chat about how humans need to tell their stories, how Alzheimer’s and later life experiences shape emotions, the importance of acknowledging and accepting death, and how you can build your own personal feelings of meaning so that life (and death) are less scary. This was a really enlightening podcast for me, and I highly recommend it for anyone concerned with making sense of li...
2020-01-0650 minNaked HumanityPros and Cons of Eckhart Tolle & Other Spiritual GurusEckhart Tolle is the famous spiritual guru who wrote “The Power of Now” - a book about being present, letting go of your ego, and becoming a happier and better person. Is it all BS? Or is it worthwhile? In this X episode I respond to a listener question about whether she should like Tolle. I use it as an opportunity to talk about what Tolle has in common with Christianity and Buddhism, and I argue in favour of universal love, care, and forgiveness, no matter which spiritual form it takes.
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2019-12-1914 min
Naked HumanityNietzsche, the Death of God, and Donald Trump with Hugo DrochonFriedrich Nietzsche is a controversial figure. He proclaimed “God is dead!” and has often been held up as a hero of Nazis and the alt-right. A closer look at Nietzsche reveals however that what he said is actually really valuable and relevant to our modern moment. In this chat with political and historical theorist Hugo Drochon, I get to the bottom of Nietzsche and how he was able to predict so much about today’s landscape from 150 years back. We discuss the death of God, the “ubermensch,” resentment, and what it all has to do with the crumbling of the Europe...
2019-12-1652 min
Naked HumanityWhy You Shouldn't Rely Only on ReasonA listener writes in and asks, why are some people so obsessed with reason? He asks the question because “prioritizing reason to know the world” is listed as a mission statement of a church he tried going to. I respond. I talk about limitations to reason and the kinds of danger we get in (including really big political danger) when we get obsessed with our own rationality. It’s a dense podcast, but it’s really important for anyone who’s interested in a few different things: gender stereotypes, faith versus reason, or successfully relying on your intuition.
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2019-12-1220 min
Naked HumanityAre Robots the Next Gods? with Dr. Beth SinglerSuper-intelligent machines are coming - but what does that mean for us? Will they become like Gods? Maybe. Will we treat them like Gods? Some people are already doing it. In today’s fascinating episode, Dr Beth Singler and I talk about how some people are already worshipping technology, how humans tend to mirror religious myths in other kinds of stories, and what kinds of dangers are involved when we try to predict the future.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.co...
2019-12-0955 min
Naked HumanityPhilosophical Perspective on Slut ShamingA listener writes in and asks: am I a slut? I use what I know about the histories of religion, philosophy, and culture to explain why the idea of a slut exists at all, and options for handling it. I also argue that we need to get rid of shame based on promiscuity and instead pay attention to how well we treat people. Some monogamous people, for example, treat their partners terribly, and some promiscuous people treat them with great love and care. This observation can teach us much about how we judge.
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2019-12-0517 min
Naked HumanityThe Compatibility of Christianity and Science with Tom McCleishOne of the biggest misconceptions in the world today is that religion is irrational, or disproved by science. Wrong. When you actually study religion and science, like I have, you learn that it’s a much more complex and potentially harmonious picture. Today’s guest, Tom McCleish, is a renowned physicist who also writes books about science and his faith. Tune in to learn how the histories of Christianity and science were mutually beneficial up until about 200 years ago. See the world through the eyes of a physicist who has faith without contradicting science.
Tom's books:
Fa...
2019-12-0254 min
Naked HumanityWhat you Need to Know about PostmodernismPostmodernism has been rumored to be BOTH the cause of Donald Trump’s popularity as well as the movement that will ultimately be the ruin of him. How could it be both at once? In this episode I respond to a listener who wrote in and asked: “What the heck is postmodernism?” I set the record straight. In it you’ll learn not just how postmodernism got started but also whether it’s to blame for the mess we’re in it.
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2019-11-2119 min
Naked HumanityPhilosophical Answers to the Meaning of Life with Iddo LandauWhat is the meaning of life? You might not know it, but you probably assume a lot of things that affect your feelings about meaning. For instance, it is a very common bias for people to think that life is meaningful for others, but not necessarily for themselves. Philosopher Iddo Landau asks, Why is this the case? Why do so many people today think life is meaningless? What’s the difference between people who think life is meaningful and people who don’t? I chat with Iddo and he explains what’s wrong with our approach to the meaning of lif...
2019-11-1849 min
Naked HumanityThe Insignificance of HumanityThis week a listener asks, does humanity seem small and insignificant to you? Does it scare you? I reflect on how modern humans are more worried about insignificance than any before, and I describe two primary philosophical ways of solving the problem. You could very generally describe them as ‘eastern’ and ‘western.’ I share which I prefer and why it works for me.
(Note: this is an "x" episode and the only episode this week!)
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://s...
2019-11-1120 min
Naked HumanityOur Untold and Uncomfortable Histories with The Uncomfortable Oxford Project
We grow up hearing about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the midnight ride of Paul Revere. These are glorious tales of courage and triumph. But what other stories aren’t being told? Today I chat with the co-founders of Uncomfortable Oxford, an organization that leads walking tours around Oxford showcasing the less comfortable bits of Oxford’s history: moments of racism, sexism, classism, colonialism. I and the founders Olivia Larsson and Paula Durand chat about the ugly parts of our past. We also talk about why these ugly parts so often go untold, the challenge of trying to get an accu...
2019-11-0458 min
Naked HumanityHow Healthy are Your Coping Mechanisms?For this episode, a listener writes in and asks: is it a problem that I go shopping every time I get bad news or have a bad day? This listener isn’t alone - #primetherapy is a hashtag that trends on social media on a regular basis. So what gives? Why are humans constantly medicating and anaesthetizing with shopping, with social media, with TV, with exercise addiction, with food, with alcohol, gambling, drugs, and more? I respond to the listener question drawing on personal experience and on my expertise in a field of the humanities called affect theory. Affect th...
2019-10-3119 min
Naked HumanityThe Nuance you Miss in Political Opponents with Feminist Libertarian Cathy ReisenwitzMany people think that libertarianism are selfish misers who like free markets because it helps make them rich. But that’s a radical misperception. In today’s episode, I chat with political commentator Cathy Reisenwitz, who identifies both as a libertarian and as a feminist who cares about racism, privilege, and many other issues commonly identified with the “left.” Cathy is the perfect example of how dangerous it is to over-simplify the political “other”. Cathy and I also discuss what’s wrong with San Francisco, why it’s important to address privilege, and how government can’t always be the solution to ou...
2019-10-2851 min
Naked HumanityWhat Everyone gets Wrong about Political DifferencesA listener writes in and asks: I think my family’s political views are backwards--how do I deal? I talk about her own experiences of dealing with political difference. I also describe how we can--no, must--use political difference NOT as an opportunity to change other people’s minds, but rather as an opportunity to grow in our own practices and values.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/listen), take a screen shot of your review, then email it to stefani@nake...
2019-10-2415 min
Naked HumanityReligion is Often Bad for the Environment: Here's WhyPope Francis might try to make Catholicism more green, and priests and pastors all over the world might make their churches recycle, and many small groups and individuals might try very hard to help, but in today’s podcast specialist in religion and the environment Bron Taylor reveals the truth: as much as we want traditional religions to be progressively environmental, across the board they exhibit inertia and struggle. Modern, traditional religions seem to inhibit environmental progress. Why? Today I chat with him to get to the bottom of it.
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2019-10-2153 min
Naked HumanityWhy so many People Struggle with PurposeFor this episode a listener writes in and asks, how do I figure out what to do with my life? Why is it so hard to feel purposeful? I reflect on the current cultural moment, explain why so many people struggle with finding a “purpose” these days, and provide three ways to respond to the problem depending on your own personality.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/listen), take a screen shot of your review, then email...
2019-10-1713 min
Naked HumanityHow Marketing Shapes our World with Kaila TovaIs there a way to advertise to people that is ethical, or are we basically doomed to forever con one another into buying our services? On today’s podcast, I chat with drag king, burlesque dancer, and PhD student Kaila Tova about the ways in which marketing influences our decisions and the shape of our worlds. Kaila is the host of the podcast “Your Body, Your Brand” that explores the ways in which people--often women--end up selling health and fitness online. Kaila knows ALL about this after battling eating disorders, becoming a nutrition coach, and watching how the ways in whi...
2019-10-1455 min
Naked HumanityIs Life Worth Living?
Today’s episode goes deep. A listener writes in with the question: is life worth living? This is not an uncommon question. But, have people always struggled with life’s worthwhileness and meaning? I talk about the idea of meaning and why people today are more convinced life is meaningless than ever before. I also offer some surprising paths forward out of the philosophical abyss. (Important note, I don't presume to be able to solve mental health disorders and wouldn’t dare to.)
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2019-10-1018 min
Naked HumanityThe Historical Era that Made us Who We Are with Brad GregoryDid you know that relativism, capitalism, and consumerism were all born at the same time? It was in the 1500s, during the period we now know as the Protestant Reformation. This Reformation started humbly: people like Martin Luther just wanted Church officials to be less corrupt. But it ended up creating spiritual, philosophical, and economic chaos from which we have not--and may not ever--recover. Are we in a climate crisis because of some 400 year old religious disputes? Today I have on historian Brad Gregory to discuss how this one moment in time is still sending shock waves through us...
2019-10-0758 min
Naked HumanityWhy trying to be Happy makes you SadThis week a listener asks me about how to be happy. She’s got a steady job, friends, romance--what gives? Why isn’t she happy? I talk about advertising in the modern world, the demand that you be happy, the illusions of social media, and why chasing happiness all make you sad. I reflect on my own journey and argue that the secret to happiness isn’t to seek it, but to seek something far more important instead.
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2019-10-0316 min
Naked HumanityThe Religious Causes of Violence with Mark JuergensmeyerMark Juergensmeyer is a leading expert on religion and violence. In today’s episode, Professor Juergensmeyer and I dig deep into the psychology of violence in religion: what is it about religion that enables, facilitates, and exacerbates violence? What is it about humans that make us so susceptible to violent narratives? We also chat about American politics, the dangers of globalization, and how to turn a terrorist into a mechanic.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/list...
2019-09-3051 min
Naked HumanityWhy You Should Care about String Theory with Tasneem Zehra HusainTasneem Zehra Husain is the first female Pakistani string theorist, and if that’s not impressive enough, she’s also the author of an extraordinary work of fiction. In this episode Dr. Husain and I chat about the role of exploration and discovery in the creation of our modern world, focusing on the deep emotional bonds Dr. Husain and other scientists end up building with their work. Also on the table are flaws in the public understanding of science, the power of storytelling, and how multiverse theory can make or break your spirituality. And check out her book, Only the L...
2019-09-161h 01
Naked HumanityThe Busyness EpidemicAre you constantly busy? Stressed? Over-worked and over-committed? In this episode, a listener asks me how to balance commitments so she can be less stressed and feel better. I respond by questioning the idea of keeping busy altogether. Being busy for the sake of busyness is practically a national past time--but it’s far from healthy. What we should do instead is ask what is worthwhile and good, and learn to prioritise meaningful acts, while letting others slide.
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2019-09-1214 min
Naked HumanityTrusting Strangers: Why it Matters and How it can be Created and Destroyed with Peter Thisted DinesenHow much do you trust other people? The answer depends on where you live. Today, political scientist Peter Thisted Dinesen tells me all about the importance of trust for a functioning society. Some societies, like Denmark, have uniquely high amounts of social trust. Unfortunately, many of the world’s most powerful countries are seeing unprecedented amounts of distrust, the United States in particular, which might be why the world is falling apart at the seams.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (htt...
2019-09-0955 min
Naked Humanity37x: How to Quit ReligionThis week, X episodes turn into listener questions! Our first listener question is from Suzy. Suzy gave up Catholicism, but now she’s worried about losing her friendships and finding her way without traditional religion. I share what I know about religious communities and beliefs in the modern world, and offer a few potential solutions to optimize happiness, friendship, and spiritual fulfillment moving forward.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/listen), take a screen shot of your...
2019-09-0520 min
Naked Humanity36x: Exclusion in Academic Publishing: A RantIn this episode I share some facts and figures about the horrifying charade of academic journal publishing. If you want to read any of most journal articles today you have to pay between thirty and sixty dollars; if you want a subscription it’ll be several hundred dollars per year. Institutions have to pay millions, tens of millions, to provide students with journal access. Why is this relevant? Because humanity will not be able to make progress if we don’t break down the barriers between the academy and everybody else. Listen in to get excited about change I and o...
2019-08-2916 min
Naked HumanityWhy We Don't Care about the Environment with Siobhan Senier
Why are we so indifferent and passive when it comes to protecting the environment? Today I chat with specialist in Native American literature Siobhan Senier. We lean into Senier’s keen insights about the nature of human relationships, rituals, and stories to get to the heart of difference between the “modern” world and traditional cultures. We wander into deep and reflective territory about the nature of the human species and ask hard questions of one another about the future of humanity, making this a must listen podcast for anyone at all interested in sustainability, the state of our wo...
2019-08-2654 min
Naked HumanityWhy Spirituality Needs Science with Ursula GoodenoughWe tend to think that science robs the world of meaning. But today’s guest, world famous biologist (who’s met with the Dalai Lama) Ursula Goodenough has changed the way that we see nature forever. This is because Goodenough interprets scientific facts in unique and powerful ways that many people find spiritually fulfilling. She knows how to make sense of the world without God. Goodenough argues that what we’ve learned about nature through science is non-negotiable; we have to accept the way things are. But this can actually be great for us, because science provides the same kinds...
2019-08-1958 min
Naked HumanityThe Philosophy of Power
Power is the most important but least talked about part of what it means to be human. Power is everywhere and in everything in your life, from your romantic relationships to your religion and to your political beliefs and practices. No matter what you do, someone's going to have more power than someone else. In this brief episode Stefani describes how academics discovered the importance of thinking about relationships in terms of power, and what that means for how we think about our governments, our religions, and our personal relationships of all sorts.
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2019-08-1515 min
Naked HumanityThe New Spirituality of the 21st Century with Linda WoodheadSurveys just confirmed that as of 2019 exactly the same number of Americans claim “no religion” as evangelical Christianity--a first in all of our history. Spirituality has transformed in extraordinary ways in recent decades, and today Stefani has on one of the world’s leading theorists of religion--Linda Woodhead--to discuss these changes, and why they’re happening. They chat about the return of ancient pagan faiths, the pros and cons of the internet, and how the youngest generation seems to be changing the game altogether.
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2019-08-1258 min
Naked HumanityThe Importance of SufferingWe often talk about ending suffering--but would that really be good for us? In this podcast, Stefani argues that suffering is necessary for a good, meaningful, and happy life.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/listen), take a screen shot of your review, then email it to stefani@nakedhumanity.org. Then you'll be PERMANENTLY entered into the drawing! Check out the list of books you can get @ http://stefaniruper.com/bookgiveaway.
Guests for this show are carefully curated...
2019-08-0817 min
Naked HumanityThe Neuroscience of Belief, Identity, and Consciousness with Jonas KaplanWhy do we believe what we believe? What happens when our beliefs are tested? In this fascinating episode, Stefani chats with cognitive neuroscience Jonas Kaplan about the brain and how it steers our experience of the world. They discuss the fact that when presented with alternative evidence people will often become more entrenched in their beliefs, the importance of stories in how we make sense of things, how much the story we tell about our identity influences our behavior, and why meditation might be our only hope to save us from ourselves.
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2019-08-0553 min
Naked HumanityThe Loneliest SocietyStefani argues that the modern West is--in some ways--the most lonely society to ever have existed. This means contrasting it with ancestral hunter-gatherers and telling the story of how we moved from there, to nuclear families, to Greek city states, to capitalistic trade and the arts, to a modern world in which our narratives and identities--once forces for unity--have become stressful choose-your-own adventure stories.
To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.com/listen), take a screen shot of your review, then email it t...
2019-08-0119 min
Naked HumanityThe Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Eiluned PearceLoneliness: Mother Teresa once said that it was the great disease of the West. Was she right? Today experimental psychologist Dr. Eiluned Pearce discusses the one pain we all know: the pain of being lonely. Dr Pearce and Stefani discuss the origins of loneliness, why and how singing became an important antidote to loneliness, the unique loneliness of the modern world, and what we might be able to do to fix it all.
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To enter the weekly giveaway for a FREE book, write a review of the podcast on iTunes (http://stefaniruper.co...
2019-07-291h 05
Naked HumanityIs Capitalism Racist? & Other Myths
Three common myths about capitalism are that it’s racist, that it’s the cause of a wide variety of problems in the world including depression, and that its libertarian proponents hate all government and hate all organizing and are basically just selfish misers. Stefani talks through the reasoning of each of these myths and describes why they’re wrong in this podcast, which is important because if you’re going to be for or against something, you need to understand it thoroughly.
2019-07-2518 min
Naked HumanityHow Americans turn Work into Religion with James Dennis LoRussoAmericans are obsessed with working hard, but why? And how deep does this run? Today’s guest, Dr. James Dennis LoRusso, is a specialist in the ways in which Americans intertwine religion (and spirituality) with work. Stefani and Dr. LoRusso chat about the religious qualities of work and also Google, Hobby Lobby, homophobic bakeries, and why when your boss offers yoga classes it might be kind of a problem.
2019-07-2250 min
Naked Humanity5 Myths about ReligionIf there’s one thing we get wrong today, it’s religion. In today’s episode, Stefani discusses five common myths concerning religion, disproving things you might assume like that religion helps people feel better about dying.
2019-07-1818 min
Naked HumanityWomen, Religion, and Sex Abuse Scandals with Dr. Erin BartramDo men and women experience religion differently? Why? How was and is Catholicism distinct from other Christian religions, and is that valid? Stefani chats with historian Dr. Erin Bartram about the association between women and irrationality, the “weirdness” of Catholic ritual, and what we get wrong about sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church.
2019-07-1553 min
Naked HumanityThe Big Myth about Social MediaIt is commonly assumed that social media creates echo chambers, which play a role in making us more polarized and entrenched in our own viewpoints. But today Stefani challenges this assumption, and actually argues that something totally else is to blame for our polarized and angry political landscape: our humanity. It's just us. And specifically, our propensity to jump to conclusions. Learn more about how this all plays out in the Twitterverse in today’s episode.
2019-05-1616 min
Naked HumanityDoes the Internet Make Life Worse? with Dr Chris BurrWhat are the impacts of technology on our health, wellness, and efforts to live a good life? Stefani chats with philosopher of cognition and technology Chris Burr to probe the depths of our relationships with technology, focusing on smartphones and social media. They chat data mining, news feeds, user consent, and the ways in which our relationships with each other, the world, and ourselves are rapidly changing.
2019-05-1354 min
Naked HumanityPhilosophy has Died: Who Killed It?Philosophy was once the source of our world’s best solace. It was the source of our best advice, our best systems of meaning and beauty, and our best inspirations. Today it is an academic discipline that has all but disappeared from public conversation about the stuff that matters most: who we are, what we should value, how to live our best lives. In some ways philosophy has really died, and with tragic consequences. Today Stefani maps some factors that contributed to this death, and the carnage left in its wake.
2019-05-0916 min
Naked HumanityIndividualism vs Identity Politics with Amod LeleEver get the advice to just “find yourself”? In this fascinating podcast Stefani chats with scholar Amod Lele about how Western society romanticizes individualism. Why are we obsessed with being unique, and are there more or less healthy ways to do it? To explore these ideas they dive deep into the relationship Being Yourself has with capitalism, with cultural appropriation, and with identity politics. Also discussed are transgender rights, the Budddhist notion of selfhood, Frozen, and Monty Python.
2019-05-0647 min
Naked HumanityWhy Fear Strangles the 21st CenturyMost people understand that we are easily manipulated by fear. But just how far does this reach? How pervasive is fear in today’s world, and how does it affect our politics, relationships, and personal strength and resilience? In this episode Stefani traces the history of fear, the relationship between fear and evil, and the way in which our society has become religiously obsessed--to a dangerous degree--with the need to sanitize the world and keep everybody safe.
2019-05-0220 min
Naked HumanityThe Subconscious Impact of Language with Samantha MorseHow do words affect you? How does grammar and punctuation affect you? It does a whole lot more than you might think. In today’s episode, specialist in English literature and affect theory Samantha Morse explores how language is subconsciously felt and causes us to feel and believe things we might not even know we’re feeling and believing. Stefani and Samantha also discuss the anatomy of a tweet, Stefani’s own manipulation of language, and how concerns about the power of political rhetoric have been alive since the beginning of literacy.
2019-04-2959 min
Naked HumanityAmericans Increasingly Distrust Science: Here's WhyScience may be imperfect, but it’s honestly pretty great. Why do so many people hate and distrust it, then? In this episode Stefani gets to the bottom of it by exploring 1) how science often threatens people’s worldviews and emotional stability, and 2) how the West became a world that so distrusts its once cherished institutions.
2019-04-2519 min
Naked HumanityWhy Do We Believe What We Believe?You might THINK that objectivity exists and that you rationally find your way to truth with the powers of pure reason, but in this episode Stefani demonstrates why that’s false. Philosopher David Hume hinted at this reality a few hundred years ago, but it wasn’t until very recently that neuroscientists have begun to explore how deeply intertwined thoughts and emotions are. Why do we believe what we believe? Because knowing is a feeling.
2019-04-1818 min
Naked HumanityThe Type of Self-Esteem that Can Save the World
Building on conversations with recent guests, Stefani argues that there are two different kinds of self-esteem. One has the power to melt our societies to the ground; the other has the power to lift us up and progress with hope into the future. Which kind of self-esteem do you have?
2019-04-1000 min
Naked HumanityAre We Morally Obligated to Help Others?A lot of people in the world today think that all you have to do is make yourself happy. But is that any way to live? Is that actually how the world works? In this episode, Stefani tells the history of the debate, weighs the pros and cons of various arguments, and tells you eventually why yes, we are most certainly obligated to help change the world.
2019-04-0418 min
The Fit Bottomed Girls PodcastThe Fit Bottomed Girls Podcast Ep 109: Stefani Ruper "Coconuts & Kettlebells"Podcast Episode 109: Stefani Ruper "Coconuts and Kettlebells" Talk about a renaissance woman! Our guest today, Stefani Ruper, is not only the co-author of Coconuts and Kettlebells: A Personalized 4-Week and Fitness Plan for Long-Term Health, Happiness and Freedom, the founder of the Paleo for Women website and the co-host of the Well-Fed Women podcast (which is already super-impressive if you ask us!) She is also currently working on her Ph.D. in philosophy at The University of Oxford and living a very "Harry Potter-ish" existence complete with all-night study sessions at the library and enjoying...
2019-04-0138 min
Naked HumanityWhy is the West so Nihilistic? with Donald CrosbyDonald Crosby is the best philosopher you’ve never heard of. One of Stefani’s all time favorite thinkers, Crosby comes on the show today to discuss the problem of nihilism in today’s world: where does it come from, and how is it impacting us today? What do traditional religion and traditional conceptions of God have to do with it? As it turns out, everything. This is the first in a two-episode series with Professor Crosby.
2019-03-2555 min
Naked HumanityHow Much do you Need Certainty? The NFC ScaleHow much are you personally persuaded by demagogues, emotional argumentation, and the crowd? How much is Stefani? In this episode Stefani takes and walks you through a quiz designed to answer these questions. Remember: be as honest with yourself as possible, and there are no wrong answers.
2019-03-2114 min
Naked HumanityExtremism in the Modern World with Arie KruglanskiArie Kruglanski was born in Nazi Poland is today one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of extremism, terrorism, and close-mindedness. In this episode he chats with Stefani about how badly humans tend to need certain kinds of certainty and significance. Without them we (usually) become close-minded, easily persuaded by demagogues and the crowd, and begin to hate those who oppose us. These problems are especially important for the modern world. Listen in to get a keen understanding of how and why our world has become as tense as it has.
2019-03-1856 min
Naked HumanityHow Uncertainty is Killing UsStefani explores one of the background principles of her current book--that uncertainty is often one of the most stressful and problematic things we can feel. She explains various experiments and theories in the field of psychology that lead her to believe the management of uncertainty is one of the keys to both having a better life and also saving the world.
2019-03-1415 min
Naked HumanityThe Problem with an All-Powerful God with Michael HogueHow much do our beliefs--both conscious and subconscious--influence our society and politics? Today Stefani chats with Dr Michael Hogue about some fundamental beliefs we’ve inherited in the West: that humans are separate from nature, that God is separate from Creation, and especially that God is an all-powerful being. Hogue argues that these beliefs are the cause of our current political and environmental crises. What do we need to overcome them? New kinds of gods.
2019-03-1152 min
Naked HumanityHomo Salvificus: The Species that's Dying to be SavedWhat does it mean to be saved? Who can be saved? In today’s episode, Stefani shares one of the innovations she is contributing to the study of religion: a completely new theory of salvation.
2019-03-0716 min
Naked HumanityCapitalism, Race, and the Resurrection of Tupac Shakur with James Hill Jr.Join Stefani in a smart, fast-paced, and passionate conversation with James Hill Jr., who studies the industry of creating holographic images of deceased black recording artists. Learn all about the world of bringing musicians back from the dead, and also Colin Kaepernick, black culture in America, censorship, and more.
2019-03-0454 min
Naked HumanityHow Human Nature Changes over TimeIn the last episode we established that “human nature” changes over time--in this episode Stefani shows you how. By briefly touring early hunter-gathering, the development of agriculture, early Christianity, the Enlightenment, Darwinism, fundamentalism, and the World Wars, Stefani demonstrates just how vastly our ideas of what it means to be human have changed--and not always for the better.
2019-01-1722 min
Naked HumanityWill Technology Make us Less Human? with Joseph Fisher
Do our phones rob us of our humanity? What about genetic engineering, or other technologies? Stefani chats with Columbia PhD candidate Joe Fisher about the wild ride we're on in a rapidly changing world. They discuss how human nature changes over time, how technology impacts our ideas and culture, and how today’s technology is over-turning everything we thought we knew about who we are.
2019-01-1452 min
Naked HumanityIs Atheism a ReligionNowadays there are atheist meetups, atheist book clubs, and even atheist churches. Is atheism becoming a religion?! Today Stefani talks about the similarities and differences between American atheism today and fundamentalist Christianity. Ultimately, they are very different, but what they have in common is alarming and something we must pay attention to.
2019-01-1019 min
Naked HumanityToxic Atheism in America today with Caroline MatasHateful, anti-feminist rhetoric is on the rise in the West. What does atheism have to do with it? This week Stefani chats with Princeton PhD student of American religions Caroline Matas about how today’s atheism is becoming politicized by the right, the relationship between atheism and anti-feminism, the power of victimhood, and America’s religious and spiritual crises.
2019-01-0751 min
Naked HumanityStefani's Year of CelibacyA testament to the potential for New Year’s Resolutions to do actual good, today Stefani tells the story of the year she resolved to be celibate. Tune in and learn about her history of traumatic relationships with men and how forswearing romance transformed her into a self-sufficient and happy human.
2019-01-0318 min
Naked HumanityTrauma in Evangelical Communities with Tyler TullyIs there a relationship between fundamentalist forms of religion and trauma? Stefani chats with fellow Oxford scholar Tyler Tully who grew up experiencing and witnessing severe trauma in an Evangelical community. These days Tully specializes in researching these kinds of suffering, so they get to the bottom of how and why trauma happens in religion. They also discuss how religion isn’t made to feel good, the importance of empathy, and Brad Pitt’s ideas about religion.
2018-12-3050 min
Naked HumanityChristmas Through the AgesMost of us know Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th--but what else is mythical about Christmas? In this episode, Stefani walks you through the history of Christmas from ancient European wine making practices, to the medieval poor demanding luxuries from the rich, to the banning of Christmas in Boston, to riots in New York, and more. As it turns out, the history of Christmas is full of socioeconomic and political upheaval - from which there is much we can learn.
2018-12-2321 minNaked HumanityLessons in Happiness from the East
All cultures have their problems, but we can still learn from one another. In this brief episode Stefani discusses research that has been conducted on the differences in mental health and happiness between East and West, and the lessons we could learn from the Chinese about how to be happy.
2018-12-2218 minNaked HumanityThe Self: West vs East with Mari OvsepyanWe all know that the “East” and “West” are different--but just how deep do these differences reach? This week Stefani chats with fellow Oxford PhD candidate Mari Ovsepan about her personal experiences growing up in an Eastern culture that has a more extended, collective sense of self, and now living in the hyper-individualistic West. They discuss Mari’s experiences of coping with the West, the ecstasy of encountering others, why the medievals were right about imagination, and what each culture can spiritually and emotionally learn from the other.
2018-12-2242 min
Naked HumanitySolving Nature vs NurtureWhich is more important, nature, or nurture? In this short episode Stefani explains the debate, weighs the pros and cons of each, and explains why each is ultimately wrong. What are we left with, then? Finally good science--and a revolution in how we understand humanity--that’s what.
2018-12-1320 min
Naked HumanityMaking Sense of the Brain with Nat BarrettWe often talk about the brain like a computer, but is that really how it works? This week Stefani chats with philosopher Nat Barrett who argues that most cognitive scientists completely misconceptualize the brain. There's some radical change underway today in terms of how we understand the brain--and Barrett is at the cutting edge of understanding. Tune in and learn both how we become the way we are and the role the brain plays in our thoughts and feelings.
2018-12-101h 00
Naked HumanityHow Racist Are You?Did you know there are more than 190 biases that plague every one of us? Try as you might to be objective, it is impossible. To even THINK you are unbiased is itself a bias. In this episode Stefani explores the concept of bias trough racism, her perspective on how to handle racism, and a test you can take to find out how racist you are -- even if you are certain you are not. Head over to http://stefaniruper.com/podcast for details on how to get books from my personal library!
2018-12-0619 min
Naked HumanityPutting Bias in its Place with Steph SasseBias is arguably the biggest problem facing the modern West. As the world globalizes and political divisions intensify, it becomes easier and easier for us to become entrenched in our biases. In this episode, Stefani chats with organizer and founder of The Plenary Steph Sasse about how instinctive and unavoidable human biases are, and what we can do to manage them in the modern world - from using state-of-the-art neuroscience to throwing themed parties. Head over to http://stefaniruper.com/podcast for instructions on entering the book giveaway!
2018-12-0358 min
Naked HumanityThe Dark Side of ScienceAdmittedly, there are a lot of dark sides of science. But today, Stefani discusses one way we completely misunderstand science that has given rise to problematic cultural phenomena such as fundamentalist Christianity and many cultural issues such as insularity, defensiveness, polarization, anxiety, anguish, loss, and more.
2018-11-2819 min
Naked HumanityCan Ignorance be Good? with Stuart Firestein
Usually we think of ignorance as a bad thing--but what if appreciating and cultivating ignorance is the key to our success? Stefani chats with Columbia neurobiologist and best-selling author Stuart Firestein about our cultural obsession with facts and why that’s so limiting. Professor Firestein is a lively and entertaining guest who spills all about his journey as a scientist, the balance between the known and the unknown, and what we need in order to thrive. Enter the giveaway at http://stefaniruper.com/bookgiveaway!
2018-11-2556 min
Naked HumanityLosing Faith with Grace
How do you cope when you lose religious faith? How do you live in times of ambiguity or despair? In this podcast Stefani shares what she’s learned working with religious people and groups over time and discusses real strategies for reinventing your spiritual life without religion. Find the show notes at stefaniruper.com/6x and enter the book giveaway at stefaniruper.com/podcast!
2018-11-2116 min
Naked HumanitySpirituality without Religion with Eric Steinhart
Can you have religious ideas and feelings without God? Stefani chats with philosopher Eric Steinhart who believes you can have wonder, morality, spirituality, and even immortality without God. He does it by thinking about the universe like one giant computer. Tune in for this fascinating ride and learn how people are reinventing spirituality in the twenty first century. Show notes can be found at stefaniruper.com/6. Learn about the book giveaway at stefaniruper.com/podcast!
2018-11-181h 02
Naked HumanitySources of WonderPopular culture today focuses on science as a source of wonder--but is that enough? What else is wonderful in our world, and how can you experience it? In this episode Stefani briefly adds context to the earlier discussion of science and wonder and suggests intentionally seeking out a wide variety of forms of wonder to engage.
2018-11-1413 min
Naked HumanityWonder in a Scientific World with Lisa SiderisWhat happens when you treat science like a religion? Stefani chats with Professor Lisa Sideris about our cultural infatuation with science and what happens when we become overly invested in it: religion. One significant by-product is science becomes a source of wonder--but Professor Sideris demonstrates how dangerous that can be not just for our spirituality but also for the future of animal life and the planet. Head over to stefaniruper.com/podcast for the shownotes or instructions on how to enter the book giveaway!
2018-11-1158 min
Naked HumanityHow Religion was CreatedDid you know the idea of religion has been used to oppress people for centuries? Stefani tells you all about the history of how the idea of religion came to be in the first place, from the Protestant Reformation to Western colonialism and more.
2018-11-0717 min
Naked HumanityDoes Religion Exist? with Brent NongbriStefani chats with specialist in ancient religious texts Brent Nongbri about the great mistake we all make about religion: thinking it’s real. Crazy as it sounds, it’s true: in some ways, religion doesn’t really exist. Tune in to this first interview episode to have your mind blown about how wrong you’ve been about religion all along--and what this means for culture and politics today. Get into the weekly drawing for a free book at stefaniruper.com/bookgiveaway ; find show notes and more at stefaniruper.com/podcast. If you prefer to watch this on video, check out stef...
2018-10-3053 min
Naked HumanityWhat's in it for you?
In this third introductory episode, Stefani tells you exactly what you can find in this podcast, including things such as little-known but brilliant guests, high quality interdisciplinary thinking, the reinvigoration of philosophy, and why it’s so important for your own personal healing and journey in life. Enter the book giveaway at http://stefaniruper.com/bookgiveaway ; find show notes and more at http://stefaniruper.com/podcast.
2018-10-2925 min
Naked HumanityWhy We Need this Podcast
In this second introductory episode, Stefani explains many of the reasons we are so stuck the way we are: anxious, nihilistic, relativistic, defensive, polarized. Learn about ancient humanity, the importance of the invention of writing, the death of God, and more. Enter the free giveaway at stefaniruper.com/bookgiveaway ; find show notes and more at stefaniruper.com/podcast.
2018-10-2924 min
Naked HumanityStefani's StoryThe first three episodes introduce the show (skip if you like!). In this episode, Stefani talks about what she does with her life and why she does it - starting with the panic attacks about dying she had when she was four years old. This is a brief yet dramatic tale born of despair, uncertainty, and anxiety that ultimately ends with redemption, commitment, passion, love, and The Meaning of Everything show.
2018-10-2613 min
"Doctor Mom" Podcast#017: PCOS with Stefani Ruper
Join us in this episode as we learn more about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), one of the most prevalent hormonal imbalances and top cause of infertility and subfertility in women. This interview with Stefani Ruper from Paleo for Women will help you better understand what PCOS is, how to determine your personal PCOS type, the optimal way to eat with PCOS, how to balance your hormones naturally, if PCOS is reversible and the 3 top strategies to manage your PCOS symptoms and boost your fertility.
Stefani Ruper's bio: Stefani Ruper is the author of the best-selling pal...
2015-09-1552 min
"Doctor Mom" Podcast | Practical Tips to Be a Proactive ParentPCOS with Stefani Ruper Join us in this episode as we learn more about PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), one of the most prevalent hormonal imbalances and top cause of infertility and subfertility in women. This interview with Stefani Ruper from Paleo for Women will help you better understand what PCOS is, how to determine your personal PCOS type, the optimal way to eat with PCOS, how to balance your hormones naturally, if PCOS is reversible and the 3 top strategies to manage your PCOS symptoms and boost your fertility. Stefani Ruper's bio: Stefani Ruper is the author of the best-selling...
2015-09-1552 min
The Madelyn Moon Show (Previously Mind Body Musings)How I Got My Period Back By Eating a Sandwich (with Stefani Ruper)Episode 40 In this podcast, I speak with returning guest, author and speaker Stefani Ruper about travel, hormones, PCOS and so much more. Stefani Ruper (from Episode 8 of the Mind Body Musings Podcast) is an international go-go dancer, and a nationally renowned eating disorder counselor. She is the author of the paleo woman’s health manifesto Sexy by Nature: The Whole Foods Solution to Radiant Health, Lifelong Sex Appeal, and Soaring Confidence, as well as the voice behind the Paleo for Women blog, the first ever body image and self love podcast Live. Love. Eat., and a self-love YouTube Channel. You can find...
2015-03-1148 min