Zach Stehura - Podcast Details

Shows

Unpacking Ideas37. Dante Alighieri on ParadiseIn this episode we unpack Paradiso from The Divine Comedy by Italian Poet, Dante Alighieri. This Poem Explores... -The Limits of Language and The Importance of Experience -Divine Justice & The Problem of Evil -Dante's Vision of God and The Returning of the Boon Links to Books/Articles Mention in the Episode ⁠⁠The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri⁠⁠ ⁠The Aeneid by Virgil⁠ ⁠The Great Course Plus-Dante's Divine Comedy Lecture Series⁠ *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach...2024-12-231h 14

Unpacking Ideas36. Dante Alighieri on PurgatoryIn this episode we unpack Purgatorio from The Divine Comedy by Italian Poet, Dante Alighieri. This Poem Explores... -The Severity of the Sin of Pride -The Significance of Momentum When Climbing the Mount of Purgatory -The Importance of Humility When Reforming the Soul Links to Books/Articles Mention in the Episode ⁠⁠The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri⁠⁠ ⁠The Aeneid by Virgil⁠ ⁠The Great Course Plus-Dante's Divine Comedy Lecture Series⁠ *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠...2024-12-041h 27

Unpacking Ideas35. Dante Alighieri on InfernoIn this episode we unpack Inferno from The Divine Comedy by Italian Poet, Dante Alighieri from 1321. This Poem Explores... Why One Must Journey Through Hell Before Entering Heaven Why Fraud is the Considered the Most Severe Sin How Earthly Love Can Inspire Divine love Links to Books/Articles Mention in the Episode ⁠The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri⁠ The Aeneid by Virgil The Odyssey by Homer *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UnpackingIdeas.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Philip Kobosov Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Po 2024-12-031h 16

Unpacking Ideas34. G.H. Hardy on The Beauty of MathematicsIn this episode we unpack, British Mathematician, G.H. Hardy's classic book, "A Mathematician's Apology" written in 1940. This book explores -The Permanence of Mathematical Discovery -The Metaphysics of Mathematical Reality -The Moral Responsibility of the Mathematician Links to Reading & Articles mentioned A Mathematician's Apology by G.H. Hardy The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker Good Will Hunting (movie) Euclid's Proof of Infinitely Many Primes (explained) Pythagoras's Proof of Irrationality of Square Root of 2 (explained) *note* reading...2024-11-121h 05

Unpacking Ideas33. Marie-Louise von Franz on The Problem of the Eternal ChildIn this episode we unpack, Swiss Psychologist, Marie-Louise von Franz's classic book, "The Problem of the Puer Aeternus" from a series of lectures she gave in 1959. This book explores -The Eternal Child Archetype -The Mother Complex (Jungian) -The Loss of Initiation Rituals in the Modern Age Links to Reading & Articles mentioned The Problem of the Puer Aeternus by Marie-Louis von Franz The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UnpackingIdeas.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 2024-06-171h 18

Unpacking Ideas33. Dante Alighieri on InfernoIn this episode we unpack the Inferno section of The Divine Comedy by Italian Poet Dante Alighieri. This Books Explores... The Structure of Dante's Hell The Medieval stance on Suicide Why Fraud is considered the worse sin Links to Reading & Articles mentioned The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (John Ciardi Translation) *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UnpackingIdeas.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Phil Kobasov Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Polyenso⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Time Stamps 0:00:00 Introduction 2024-05-011h 16

Unpacking Ideas32. Thomas Paine on TyrannyIn this episode we unpack "Common Sense" by English-American Political Activist Thomas Paine. This Books Explores... The Functions of Society and Government The Evils of Monarchy The Path Forward for the American Colonies Links to Reading & Articles mentioned Common Sense by Thomas Paine *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠UnpackingIdeas.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Jared Shoup Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Polyenso⁠⁠⁠⁠ Time Stamps 0:00:00 Introduction 0:05:01 Historical Context of Common Sense 0:13:37 Thomas Paine’s Background 0:20:48 The Differences Between Society and Government ...2023-12-211h 14

Unpacking Ideas31. Carl Jung on The Significance of DreamsIn this episode we unpack several essays from Swiss psychologist Carl Jung's Collected Works on Dreams. These Essays Explore... The Differences between Freudian and Jungian Dream Interpretation Why Common Symbols and Themes Show up in our Dreams The Benefits of Making Dream Material Conscious Links to Reading & Articles mentioned Dreams (excepts from collected works) by Carl Jung Memories, Dreams, and Reflections by Carl Jung Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 2023-10-231h 20

Unpacking Ideas30. The Bhagavad Gita on NonattachmentIn this episode we unpack The Bhagavad Gita from The Mahabharata written circa 500-200 BCE. This Book Explores... Karma Yoga & Non-attachment The Link Between Right Understanding and Right Action The Interconnectedness of All Things Links to Reading & Articles mentioned The Bhagavad Gita (Translation: Gita Press) The Bhagavad Gita (Translation: Eknath Easwaran) Bhagavad Gita Lecture Series by Gandhar Mandlik *youtube* *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠⁠⁠UnpackingIdeas.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Gandhar Mandlik YogaPoint.com Online/In-Person Yoga Courses and Teacher Training 2023-08-211h 02

Unpacking Ideas29. Friedrich Nietzsche on Guilt & Bad ConscienceIn this episode we unpack the Second essay in German Existentialist Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's classic work "The Genealogy of Morals" from 1887. This Essay Explores... The Origins of Punishment The Psychology of Guilt The Link Between Civilization and Bad Conscience Links to Reading & Articles mentioned ⁠On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche⁠ *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura ⁠⁠⁠UnpackingIdeas.com⁠⁠⁠ Guest: Samuel Le Coutour Theme Music: ⁠⁠⁠Polyenso⁠ Time Stamps 00:00 Intro 03:16 Questions Nietzsche is Tr...2023-07-1054 min

Unpacking Ideas28. Friedrich Nietzsche on The Origins of MoralityIn this episode we unpack the first essay in German Existentialist Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's classic work "The Genealogy of Morals" from 1887. This Essay Explores... The Etymology of the words 'good', 'bad', and 'evil' Nietzsche's Concepts of Master & Slave Morality Which type of Morality is dominant in the Western world today Links to Reading & Articles mentioned On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche The Vocation Lectures by Max Weber Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! ...2023-06-121h 04

Unpacking Ideas27. Viktor Frankl on Man's Search for MeaningIn this episode we unpack Jewish-Austrian psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's classic book "Man's Search for Meaning" from 1946. This Book Explores... What happens when our will to meaning has become suppressed How we can derive meaning from our suffering Why 'what is the meaning of life?' is a bad question Links to Reading & Articles mentioned Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl The Last Day of a Condemned Man by Victor Hugo The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault The...2023-05-0849 min

Unpacking Ideas27. Friedrich Nietzsche on The Origins of Good and Evildddd 2023-02-2855 min

Unpacking Ideas26. Henri Bergson on The Philosophy of LaughterIn this episode we unpack French Continental Philosopher Henri Bergson's classic essay "Laughter" from 1900. This Essay Explores... What are the common characteristics in all things funny? What are the differences between Tragedy and Comedy? What function does laughter serve for society? Links to Reading & Articles mentioned Laughter by Henri Bergson Truth in Comedy by Charna Halpern & Del Close Brain Droppings by George Carlin How to be Funny by Steve Allen Night at the Roxbury (SNL skit) Anchor Man (movie) Liar Liar...2023-01-261h 01

Unpacking Ideas25. Marcus Aurelius on Self-ControlIn this episode we unpack Roman Emperor and Stoic Philosopher Marcus Aurelius's classic book "Meditations" from 170 AD. This book explores... Seeing Things as They Really Are Focusing Only on What is in Your Control Remaining Calm Through Turbulent Times Links to Reading & Articles mentioned Meditations by Marcus Aurelius The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin Principles by Ray Dalio Silence of the Lambs (movie) *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Steve C...2022-12-271h 04

Unpacking Ideas24. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross on The Five Stages of GriefIn this episode we unpack Swiss Psychiatrist and Author Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's classic book "On Death and Dying" from 1969. This book explores... The Fear of Death in the Modern Age The Five Stages of Grief Advice for Navigating the 5 Stages of Grief Links to Reading & Articles mentioned On Death and Dying by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross The Trauma of Birth by Otto Rank Uses of the Erotic by Audrey Lorde Illness as Metaphor by Susan Sontag Empathy vs. Sympathy by Brene Brown (video) *note* reading is no...2022-11-211h 31

Unpacking Ideas23. John Muir on Finding God in NatureIn this episode we unpack American Naturalist and Environmental Activist John Muir's Spiritual Writings from 1867-1915. These letters explores... The Revitalizing Effects of Wilderness on the Body and Spirit The Interconnectedness of All Things in Nature Finding Gratitude in the Big and Little Things in Life Links to Reading & Articles mentioned Spiritual Writings by John Muir Man and Nature by Alan Watts Chief Seattle full Speech 1854 Cinderella Man (film) *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com 2022-10-1755 min

Unpacking Ideas22. Aldous Huxley on Altered States of ConsciousnessIn this episode we unpack British novelist and public intellectual Aldous Huxley's 1954 essay "The Doors of Perception." This essay explores... Huxley's experience on Mescalin The Reducing Valve Theory of Consciousness The human desire to transcend self-conscious self-hood The ethics of the contemplative life Links to Reading & Articles mentioned The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley General Resonance Theory (paper) Entropic Brain Hypothesis (paper) Pivotal Mental States (paper) Nested Observer Windows (paper) The Bhagavad Gita translation by Eknath Easwaran How to Change Y...2022-09-1958 min

Unpacking Ideas21. Eric Berne on Games People PlayIn this episode we unpack Canadian psychiatrist and analyst Eric Berne's 1964 book "Games People Play." This book explores... The 6 different types of social interactions The most common games people play What intimacy is and why it is so rare Links to Reading Games People Play by Eric Berne *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Sonya @selfhelpsonya on TikTok & Instagram Theme Music: Polyenso Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:04 The 6 Types of Interactions 00:05:59 With...2022-09-021h 04

Unpacking Ideas20. Jean Piaget on The Psychology of ChildrenIn this episode we unpack Swiss Epistemologist and Developmental Psychologist Jean Piaget's 1969 book "The Psychology of a Child." This book explores... The Stages of Cognitive Development How Morality develops in the child How and Why Children Play Links to Reading and Other Sources Mentioned The Psychology of the Child by Jean Piaget A Piaget Primer by Dorothy G. Singer & Tracey A. Revenson Conversations with Piaget by Jean-Claude Bringuier Civilization and Its Discontents by Sigmund Freud Babies (Netflix docuseries) *note* reading is not required t...2022-08-081h 30

Unpacking Ideas19. Albert Camus on The Absurdity of LifeIn this episode we unpack Algerian Novelist Albert Camus' 1942 essay "The Myth of Sisyphus." This essay explores... -Why life is an absurdity -Why sitting with inconvenient truths make them easier to bare -How to find meaning in a meaningless world Links to Reading and Other Sources Mentioned The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus Hamlet by William Shakespeare A Night of Serious Drinking by Rene Daumal Oedipus by Sophocles Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl T...2022-07-251h 10

Unpacking Ideas18. Harry Frankfurt on Bull$#!TIn this episode we unpack American Philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt's 1986 essay "On Bullshit." This essay explores... -What bullshit is -How bullshitting differs from lying -Why bullshitting is so prevalent in our culture Links to Reading and Other Sources Mentioned On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt Of Liars by Michel de Montaigne Glengarry Glen Ross (film) Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes *note* reading is not required to enjoy this episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com 2022-07-0451 min

Unpacking Ideas17. Stanley Milgram on Obedience to AuthorityIn this episode we unpack American Social Psychologist Stanley Milgram's 1974 book "Obedience to Authority." This book explores... -Why we lose our sense of moral responsibility when taking orders -Why we are so bad at predicting our capacity to be obedient -Why the desire to be polite can lead us to do evil Links to Reading and Other Books/Movies Mentioned Obedience to Authority by Stanley Milgram CRT: An Introduction by Richard Delgado & Jean Stefancic Cat Person by Kristen Roupenian (short story) ...2022-06-061h 33

Unpacking Ideas16. The Book of Job on The Problem of EvilIn this episode we unpack "The Book of Job" from The Old Testament of the Bible This book explores... -Why God allows bad things to happen to innocent people -Why surrender is sometimes the only answer to that which is out of our control -Why pondering the cosmos helps put our personal suffering into perspective Links to Reading and other Books mentioned The King James Bible The Wisdom Books by Robert Alter The Art of Biblical Poetry by Robert Alter Answer...2022-05-231h 27

Unpacking Ideas15. Rainer Maria Rilke on The Creative ProcessIn this episode we unpack Austrian Existential Poet Rainer Maria Rilke's masterpiece "Letters to a Young Poet." These letters explore... -Why solitude is vital for creatives -Why the creative process is similar to the gestation period and birthing of a baby -Why advice is often unhelpful Links to Reading and other Books mentioned Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller Blue Zones by David Buettner **note** reading is not required to enjoy the e...2022-03-211h 24

Unpacking Ideas14. Robert Louis Stevenson on IdlenessIn this episode we unpack Scottish Novelist Robert Louis Stevenson's essay "An Apology for Idlers" from 1877. The essay explores… -Why we should spend a good deal of time being idle in our youth -Why we have a moral duty to be happy -Why books aren't all they're cracked up to be Links to Reading and Articles mentioned "An Apology to Idlers" by Robert Louis Stevenson "Vagabonding" by Rolf Potts **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura Unpacki...2022-02-211h 29

Unpacking Ideas13. Epicurus on Death AnxietyIn this episode we unpack "Letter to Menoeceus" by Ancient Greek Philosopher Epicurus. The Letter explores... -Why death is not something we need to fear -Why those who need luxury least are the ones who enjoy it most -How to make calculations to maximize pleasure and tranquility Links to Reading and articles mentioned "Letter to Menoceus" by Epicurus "Money Buys Happiness Only to a Certain Point" by Andrew T. Jebb of Purdue University "Death" by Thomas Nagel "Better Never to Have Bee...2022-02-041h 35

Unpacking Ideas12. Cicero on FriendshipIn this episode we unpack Roman Orator and Politician Marcus Tullius Cicero's treatise "On Friendship" from 44BCE. The treatise explores... -Why blind loyalty in friendship should be avoided -How the conception of a "soul mate" has changed throughout the ages -How to choose a friend like a Stoic Links to Reading and Articles Mentioned "On Friendship" by Cicero "Of Freindship" by Michel de Montaigne **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Bernardo Lopez 2022-01-011h 28

Unpacking Ideas11. Sun Tzu on The Art of WarIn this episode we unpack Chinese Military Strategist Sun Tzu's classic treatise "The Art of War" from circa 500BCE. The treatise explores... -Why the supreme general is not the one who fights and wins many battles -Why it is unwise to corner the enemy -How a General should command his soldiers Link to Reading "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Jason Peng The World Philosophy Group (on...2021-12-201h 26

Unpacking Ideas10. Jacob Bronowski on The Ascent of ManIn this episode we unpack British Mathematician and Biologist Jacob Bronowski’s 1973 essay “The Long Childhood” from his 1973 documentary series “The Ascent of Man.” This essay explores... -Why it is humans who ride horses and not the other way around -Why Traditional civilizations revered the adult and Modern Western civilization reveres the child -Why all Utopias are destined to fail Link to Video "The Long Childhood" from The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski **note** watching video is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Za...2021-10-061h 02

Unpacking Ideas9. Erich Neumann on Scapegoat Psychology Pt. 2In this episode we unpack German Depth Psychologist Erich Neumann's 1949 essay "Depth Psychology and a New Ethic." This essay explores... -The origins and history of consciousness -The stages of ethical development -Why each individual must go on the journey of Individuation Link to Reading "Depth Psychology and a New Ethic" by Erich Neumann **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode Host: Zach Stehura unpackingideas.com Guest: Jorge Cabrales NYC Carl Jung Meetup Group Theme Music: Polyenso 2021-09-221h 27

Unpacking Ideas8. Erich Neumann on Scapegoat Psychology Pt. 1In this episode we unpack German Depth Psychologist Erich Neumann's 1949 essay "Depth Psychology and a New Ethic." This essay explores... -How the processes of repression, suppression, and projection work -Why the Judeo-Christian Ethic leads to projecting our negative qualities onto others -Why we scapegoat minorities, psychopaths, and people of superior ability Link to Reading "Depth Psychology and a New Ethic" by Erich Neumann **note: reading is not required to enjoy the episode Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Jorge Cabrales NYC Ca...2021-09-081h 27

Unpacking Ideas7. Dale Carnegie on Winning Friends and Influencing PeopleIn this episode we unpack American Self-Help Coach Dale Carnegie's 1936 best-selling book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." The book explores... -Whether or not all human behavior is self interested -How to make people feel important -Why remembering people's names is such a big deal Link to Reading "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Shaheed Majid Theme Music: Polyenso li...2021-08-261h 20

Unpacking Ideas7. Dale Carnegie on Winning Friends and Influencing PeopleIn this episode we discuss Dale Carnegie's 1936 best-selling book "How to Win Friends and Influence People." The book explores -Whether or not all human behavior is self interested -How to make people feel important -Why remembering people's names is such a big deal Host: Zach Stehura zachstehura.com Guest: Shaheed Majid Theme Music: Polyenso listen here See what piece we are unpacking next at UnpackingIdeas.com 2021-08-251h 20

Unpacking Ideas6. David Foster Wallace on The Ethics of Eating AnimalsIn this episode we unpack American Novelist and Journalist David Foster Wallace's essay "Consider the Lobster" from 2004. The essay explores... -The strange history of eating lobster in America -How the language we use influences the way we think about animals -How future generations might look at the way we currently treat animals Link to Reading "Consider the Lobster" by David Foster Wallace **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guests: Danny Jimenez & Manny Caride t...2021-08-111h 24

Unpacking Ideas5. Henry David Thoreau on The Art of WalkingIn this episode we unpack American Transcendentalist Philosopher and Abolitionist Henry David Thoreau's essay "Walking" from 1851. The essay explores... -Why English Literature is lacking the passion and wildness found in Mythology -Why a person's ignorance is sometimes not only useful, but beautiful -How to go on walks in the spirit of undying adventure Link to Reading "Walking" by Henry David Thoreau **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Stephen Aldrich Backpackmap.com (a f...2021-07-211h 07

Unpacking Ideas4. Ted Kaczynski on The Perils of Modern TechnologyIn this episode we unpack Theodore Kaczynski's 1995 essay "Industrial Society and Its Future" or as it is better know "The Unabomber Manifesto" The essays explores... -Kaczynski's predictions about the future of technology -Why modern day people struggle so much with anxiety and depression -Why technological systems limit our freedom and autonomy Link to Reading "Industrial Society and Its Future" by Theodore Kaczynski **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Chris Corvo The Next Co...2021-07-081h 25

Unpacking Ideas3. Seneca on AngerIn this episode we unpack the essay "Of Anger" by the Roman Stoic Philosopher Seneca the Younger. The essay explores... -Whether or not anger is useful -Why the sword of justice is ill placed in the hands of an angry man -How we should respond to anger when it arises Link to Reading "Of Anger" by Seneca the Younger **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Chase Harris The Switch Podcast Them...2021-06-231h 07

Unpacking Ideas2. Ralf Waldo Emerson on AuthenticityIn this episode we unpack American Transcendentalist Philosopher Ralf Waldo Emerson's 1841 essay "Self-Reliance." The essay explores... -Why envy is ignorance and imitation is suicide -Why we hide our true selves -How to discover who we truly are Link to Reading "Self Reliance" by Ralf Waldo Emerson **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Jon Lindinger xenotheory.org (Programs for self-development for young men) Theme Music: Polyenso 2021-06-011h 09

Unpacking Ideas1. Michel de Montaigne on The Value of ConversationIn this episode we unpack French Renaissance Philosopher Michel de Montaigne's essay, "On the Art of Conversation" from 1580. The essay explores.. -Why disagreement is a crucial aspect of conversation -How talking about ideas can sharpen our thinking -Why we have more to to learn from fools than sages Link to Reading "On the Art of Conversation" by Michel de Montaigne **note** reading is not required to enjoy the episode! Host: Zach Stehura UnpackingIdeas.com Guest: Luke Priddy The Fractal podcast/youtube chan...2021-05-171h 08