Shows
The Great Dangerous Books PodcastNietzsche's Call to the Aesthetic LifeIn this conversation, Jim and Jared explore Nietzsche's philosophy, particularly focusing on 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' and the concepts of the ascetic ideal, the overman, and the last man. They discuss the implications of Nietzsche's ideas on meaning, suffering, and the role of art in life. The dialogue reflects on the challenges of living without traditional ideals and the necessity of creating personal meaning in a world where the 'death of God' has profound consequences for humanity.
2026-02-2053 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastNietzsche: On the Use and Abuse of History for LifeIn this conversation, Jim and Jared delve into Nietzsche's perspectives on historical consciousness in his essay, 'On the Use and Abuse of History for Life.' The dialogue emphasizes the importance of balancing different types of historical narratives—monumental, antiquarian, and critical—and the implications of these perspectives for cultural innovation and action. The conversation also touches on the dangers of nostalgia and the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural heroes and their legacies.
2026-02-1046 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastNietzsche's "On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense"In this episode, Jared and Jim return from a hiatus to discuss their favorite episodes, current readings, and delve into Nietzsche's philosophy, particularly his essay 'On Truth and Lie in an Extra-Moral Sense.' They explore themes of truth, deception, the nature of knowledge, and the role of language and metaphor in understanding reality. The conversation highlights the importance of idiosyncratic experiences and critiques modernity's tendency to suppress individuality and creativity.
https://dn790002.ca.archive.org/0/items/NietzscheTruthLiesInANonmoralSense1873/Nietzsche%20-%20Truth%20%26%20Lies%20in%20a%20Nonmoral%20Sense%20%281873%29.pdf
2026-01-2648 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastThe Illusion of War: Baudrillard's Insights(This is a special release of an episode we did for our Patreon Supporters)
In this episode, Jared and Jim discuss the implications of Jean Baudrillard's essays on the Gulf War, exploring themes of media representation, simulation, and the impact of capitalism on our perception of reality. They delve into how media shapes our understanding of events, the nature of identity in the age of social media, and the consequences of living in a world dominated by images and brands. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the constructed nature of our realities and the need for c...
2025-12-151h 01The Great Dangerous Books PodcastErich Fromm's Mechanisms for EscapeIn this conversation, Jim and Jared continue Fromm's 'Escape from Freedom,' focusing on the mechanisms of escape that individuals employ in response to the anxiety of freedom. They explore themes of authoritarianism, destructiveness, and conformity, discussing how these mechanisms manifest in modern society and impact individual identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding meaningful work and community as a way to counteract the hypnotic influences of consumerism and societal pressures.
2025-12-0950 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastCan We Really Be Free?: Fromm's "Escape" Part OneIn this episode, Jim and Jared dive into Eric Fromm's 'Escape from Freedom', exploring the complex relationship between freedom and authority in modern society. They discuss the historical context of modernity, the psychological implications of authoritarianism, and the impact of capitalism on human relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the need for meaningful work and community in navigating the challenges of freedom.
2025-12-0155 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastFantasy and The Real: MindhunterIn this episode, Jim and Jared delve into the complexities of narratives surrounding violence, particularly focusing on figures like Charles Manson. They explore the themes of authenticity, the role of environment in shaping behavior, and the blurred lines between good and evil in society. Through the lens of the TV show Mindhunter, they analyze the psychology of serial killers and the societal implications of their actions, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the narratives we construct around it.
2025-11-2457 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastThe Alienation of OedipusIn this conversation, Jim and Jared explore the themes of alienation and human subjectivity through the lens of Oedipus at Colonus. They discuss how Oedipus's acknowledgment of his crimes allows him to reflect on his actions, highlighting the complex relationship between identity and wrongdoing.
2025-11-1744 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastLaw vs. Love: The Antigone DilemmaIn this conversation, Jim and Jared continue to dive into Sophocles' trilogy with 'Antigone', exploring its themes of law, passion, and the human condition. They discuss the tragic arc of Antigone and Creon, contrasting interpretations from Hegel and Lacan, and the implications of the death drive in Antigone's rebellion. The conversation highlights the contradictions inherent in law and passion, and the interplay of Eros and Thanatos in the narrative, ultimately reflecting on the unresolved tensions within the play and its relevance to contemporary issues.
2025-10-2539 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastOedipus Rex is All of UsIn this episode, Jim and Jared dive into Sophocles's Theban Trilogy, focusing on 'Oedipus Rex.' They explore themes of fate, prophecy, and the human condition, drawing connections to psychoanalysis and the nature of happiness. The conversation highlights the dramatic irony of Oedipus's journey, his hubris, and the role of Tiresias and the chorus. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the dangers of repression, ultimately concluding that true happiness is intertwined with accepting the darker aspects of human nature.
2025-10-1753 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastŽižek in Four PagesIn this episode, Jim and Jared dive in the short introduction of Slavoj Žižek's "Tarrying with the Negative", exploring his influence on contemporary thought, particularly in relation to psychoanalysis, ideology, and the nature of truth. They discuss the concept of the master signifier, the role of the critical intellectual, and the dialectical process of understanding, emphasizing the importance of questioning established norms and ideologies. The conversation highlights Žižek's unique approach to philosophy, which challenges listeners to confront the gaps in their understanding and the illusions of liberation.
2025-10-1142 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastSTEAL THIS PODCASTIn this episode, Jim and Jared a special episode for Patreon supporters about "The Gulf War Did Not Happen."
To support the show visit: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheGreatDangerousBooksPodcast
2025-10-0409 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastTechnology, Mind, and Destruction: Prometheus BoundIn this conversation, Jim and Jared dive into the themes of Prometheus Bound, exploring the duality of human nature as represented by Prometheus, the implications of rebellion against authority, and the cyclical nature of self-destruction in human history. They discuss the significance of knowledge and technology, the irony of progress, and the cautionary tale that the myth of Prometheus presents for modern society. Through their analysis, they draw connections between ancient Greek literature and contemporary issues, emphasizing the enduring relevance of these themes.
00:00 Introduction and Zizek's Influence
02:53 Exploring Prometheus Bound
06:06 The Nature of Tragedy in...
2025-09-2547 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastResponding to the Absurd: Camus Part TwoIn this episode, Jim and Jared continue with the themes of absurdism as presented by Albert Camus, exploring the nature of existence, rebellion, and the human condition. They discuss literary figures such as Don Juan and Sisyphus, examining how these characters embody the absurd and what it means to live authentically in a world devoid of inherent meaning. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities that come with freedom and the critique of hedonism in the pursuit of happiness.
2025-09-1856 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastThe Myth of Sisyphus: A Journey into AbsurdityIn this episode, Jim and Jared delve into 'The Myth of Sisyphus' by Albert Camus. They explore existential themes, the concept of the absurd, and the philosophical implications of suicide. The conversation highlights the tension between reason and emotion, the human condition, and the quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Camus' notion of freedom and rebellion against the absurd is discussed, along with critiques of existentialism and the ethical dimensions of living with absurdity.
2025-09-0949 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastFoucault's Enlightenment with Francis PetruccelliWe dive into Michel Foucault's essay "What is Enlightenment?" and explore its implications on modern thought. Jim and Jared, along with special guest Francis Petruccelli, discuss the intersections of critique, power structures, and the continuous journey of self-creation. Discover how Foucault challenges traditional notions of enlightenment and humanism, and what it means to engage in infinite critique.
2025-09-011h 06The Great Dangerous Books PodcastFrom Discipline to Control: A Deleuzian AnalysisIn this conversation, Jim and Jared delve into Deleuze's essay 'Postscript on the Societies of Control,' exploring the transition from disciplinary societies to control societies. They discuss how modernity has shifted from a focus on confinement and discipline to a more diffuse form of control characterized by modulation and debt. The conversation highlights the implications of technology, social media, and the illusion of individualism in shaping contemporary experiences of control and achievement.
2025-08-181h 03The Great Dangerous Books PodcastJacques Vallee's 'Messengers of Deception' with Kelly ChaseIn this episode, Jim and Jared discuss the complexities of the UFO phenomenon with special guest Kelly Chase, focusing on Jacques Vallee's influential work 'Messengers of Deception.' They explore themes of manipulation, the unconscious, and the power of images in shaping belief systems. The conversation delves into the psychological impact of UFO experiences, the dangers of ontological shock, and the need for critical thinking in the field of ufology. Throughout, they emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the challenges of integrating extraordinary experiences into one's worldview.
2025-08-111h 03The Great Dangerous Books PodcastSigmund Freud's "The Uncanny"In this conversation, Jared and Jim explore the themes of Freud's essay 'The Uncanny,' discussing its implications in literature, art, and psychology. They delve into the nature of dreams, the role of the uncanny in horror literature, and how repressed desires manifest in our experiences. The discussion also touches on the significance of coincidences and the cultural reflections of the uncanny in modern narratives.
2025-08-041h 00The Great Dangerous Books PodcastH.P. Lovecraft & The ApocalypseIn this episode, Jared and Jim delve into the world of weird literature, focusing on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. They explore the philosophical implications of Lovecraft's stories, particularly the themes of knowledge, reality, and the human condition. The discussion covers Lovecraft's characters, such as Nyarlathotep and Cthulhu, and how they represent deeper existential fears. The hosts also touch on the role of dreams and the unconscious in understanding these narratives, as well as the potential for re-enchantment in a materialist universe. Ultimately, they reflect on Lovecraft's legacy and the ongoing relevance of his work in contemporary discussions...
2025-07-2956 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastExistentialism and Psychoanalysis with Todd McGowanIn this conversation, Todd McGowan discusses the intersections of existentialism and psychoanalysis, exploring themes of finitude and infinitude, the nature of freedom, and the impact of language and trauma on identity. The dialogue delves into the complexities of human experience, emphasizing the importance of isolation in understanding oneself and the challenges posed by determinism and scientific inquiry. McGowan's insights reveal a nuanced perspective on how obstacles can serve as opportunities for growth and creativity, ultimately challenging conventional notions of freedom and identity.
2025-07-2149 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastSartre on Death: Being and NothingnessIn this episode, Jim and Jared delve into existentialism, focusing on the philosophies of Sartre and Heidegger. They explore key concepts such as freedom, bad faith, and the nature of existence, contrasting Sartre's views on death and authenticity with Heidegger's. The discussion also touches on capitalism's impact on identity and the role of trauma in shaping choices. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the weight of responsibility in a world of infinite possibilities and the complexities of human existence.
2025-07-1458 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastSartre: Being and Nothingness Part OneThis conversation delves into the philosophical themes of existentialism, focusing on the contrasting views of Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger. The discussion explores the nature of consciousness, the concept of nothingness, and the implications of radical freedom and responsibility. It also addresses the idea of bad faith, the influence of society on individual identity, and the interplay between facticity and transcendence. The conversation concludes with reflections on the legacy of Sartre and the relevance of existentialism in contemporary thought.
2025-07-071h 07The Great Dangerous Books PodcastHeidegger: Part TwoIn this conversation, Jared and Jim delve into the philosophical concepts of Martin Heidegger, particularly focusing on Dasein, authenticity, and the implications of death. They explore how modernity has affected our understanding of being and the importance of recognizing our existence in everyday life. The discussion also touches on the nature of anxiety, care, and the ethical responsibilities that come with being aware of our mortality. Through their dialogue, they highlight the tension between conformity and individuality, ultimately advocating for a more authentic way of living that acknowledges the complexities of existence.
2025-06-3056 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastHeidegger: Intro to Being and TimeIn this episode, we delve into the philosophical work of Martin Heidegger, particularly focusing on the introduction to 'Being and Time'. We discuss the significance of Dasein, the nature of being, and the historical context of Heidegger's thought. The conversation also touches on the controversies surrounding Heidegger's political affiliations.
2025-06-231h 06The Great Dangerous Books PodcastJoseph Conrad: An Outpost of ProgressIn this conversation, Jared and Jim reflect on Joseph Conrad's 'An Outpost of Progress.' They explore themes of enlightenment, colonialism, and the critique of civilization through the lens of literature and philosophy, drawing connections to Kant's ideas and the nature of human dependency. They discuss the illusions of progress and enlightenment, the predatory nature of humanity, and the existential realization that comes from confronting the rawness of existence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking through societal illusions to understand the truth of human nature and the complexities of love and nihilism.
2025-06-1657 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastKant's Universal History from a Cosmopolitan Point of ViewKant's essay: https://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/ethics/kant/universal-history.htm
In this conversation, the hosts explore the philosophical ideas of Immanuel Kant, particularly focusing on his essays related to enlightenment, human progress, and the nature of existence. They discuss the significance of Kant's thoughts on freedom, teleology, and the collective journey of humanity towards a more rational and just society. The dialogue emphasizes the relevance of these ideas in contemporary contexts and the challenges faced in realizing Kant's vision. In this conversation, Jim and Jared explore the philosophical ideas of Kant regarding human d...
2025-06-0948 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastKant on ElightenmentIn this episode, Jim and Jared delve into Kant's essay 'What is Enlightenment?' exploring its themes of reason, individualism, and the nature of enlightenment. They discuss the distinction between public and private reason, the challenges of achieving enlightenment in modern society, and the implications of Kant's ideas in light of Freud's critiques. The conversation highlights the tension between individual reasoning and societal influences, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.
2025-06-0253 minThe Great Dangerous Books PodcastFreud's Three Blows to Human NarcissismIn the inaugural episode of the Great Dangerous Books Podcast, hosts Jim and Jared explore the concept of 'dangerous books' and their significance in the liberal arts tradition. They discuss the importance of engaging with challenging literature, the emotional resistance to psychoanalysis as articulated by Freud, and the implications of narcissism in understanding human nature.
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