Shows
VibesAccents, African Philosophy and Oppression with Idowu OdeyemiHey everyone, this episode is an interview I had with Idowu Odeyemi, a Nigerian philosopher working in social and political philosophy, moral philosophy, and social epistemology. Our conversation centres around two of his essays, "African Philosophy cannot be a thing", and "On Accent and Confidence". We also discuss his dissertation, which explores some moral considerations surrounding oppression. To read some of his work or get in touch, visit Idowu's website here.2025-06-301h 22Vibes"BDSM is the Cure To Fascism" with Oliver VonnegutHey everyone, in this episode, I discuss an article titled "I Do Not Want To Choose The Restaurant, Honey" with its author, Oliver Vonnegut. You can read the essay here.Our conversation focuses on themes relating to power, surrender, fascism, and all the moral/political issues that arise with these themes. I hope you find it interesting. 2025-06-231h 17VibesAncestors, African Studies, Religion and Philosophy with Katilau MbindyoHey everyone, In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Katilau Mbindyo, who recently finished her PhD in African Studies at Harvard (slay). Our conversation centres around a bunch of the things that she's spent time with during her time in academia ~ studying Italian, going to seminary and being at Harvard.We talk about African Studies, what it is and what it could be, and we talk about religion, ancestors, spirituality and African philosophy. I hope you find this interesting. 2025-06-161h 23VibesMy First PhD babies: Fanon, Violence, Ethics and Perpetual StruggleWell hey everyone. Happy '25.
In this episode, I monologue for a bit on the first babies of my PhD-- the research papers I worked on in my first term.
There is still work to be done on them, and these are all overviews, but I hope you, at the very least, find them interesting.
I talk about Fanon and some ethical considerations regarding decolonial violence, and (my issues with) the concept of Perpetual Struggle argued for by the philosopher Kathryn Norlock.
2025-01-2848 minVibesPoetry, Nietzsche and Love with Maya (@skyfisherforskyfish)Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of the podcast. You're here, and that's pretty groovy.
In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Maya, who some of you might know as @skyfisherforskyfish on Tiktok~ You might have seen her videos on practical ways to cripple capitalism, or you might have seen some of her empathy-focused love advice videos.
Here, we talk about Maya the artist for a bit, exploring existential questions about poetry and what it means to be an artist. Then, we explore Nietzsche, vibing around the...2024-11-141h 29VibesClassics, TikTok Philosophy and Stoicism with Tomris (@philosophy.girl)Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of the podcast.
First of all, slay, this episode has some intro music. Let me know what you think of it and if you have a desire for outro music as well.
In this episode, I have a chat with Tomris (aka @philosophy.girl on TikTok). She was doing philosophy tiktoks before they were cool but decided to leave the app for interesting reasons some time ago.
Here, we talk about her studies in classics and ancient Greek...2024-11-041h 26VibesNigeria Monologues IHey everyone, I'm back from a pretty long hiatus, so that's nice.
In this episode, I ramble for a bit on Nigeria, my wonderful home. It includes some stories of interesting/frustrating experiences I've had at airports back home, a section where I dream out loud about how Nigerian politics could be arranged, and it ends with some advice from Frantz Fanon.
Thanks for listening, now and always. 2024-10-0328 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series034 | OLYMPIC EPISODE: Mental Performance Consulting with Kaila PredneyIn this final Olympics-themed episode, Ashlie and Gilbert talk with Professional Clinical Counselor, Mental Performance Consultant, and Townsend Institute alum Kaila Predney about working with athletes at all levels of sports. Kaila shares some of how she uses integrative and cognitive behavioral approaches to serve the unique pressures and circumstances that athletes face.
About Kaila Predney:
Kaila is pursuing her license as a Professional Clinical Counselor while completing hours toward her Certification as a Mental Performance Consultant. In addition, she is a certified personal trainer and works with athletes as a strength...2024-08-2230 min
The Jack Lawrence Podcast#10 Solving the top /r/askphilosophy questions of ALL TIME with Godesulloh aka @VibesestvidaHello! WE'RE BACK In this episode the wonderful Godesulloh J. Bawa (philosopher, podcaster, teacher, musician and all round cool guy) and I sit down and try and answer the top questions of all time from the subreddit https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/ We get side-tracked a bit talking about relationships and end it with a discussion on the morality of killing baby Hitler - good times! Timestamps:02:15 Why is it so hard to think beyond Capitalism?06:32 Why are there so many cringe Stoicism videos?08:52 Why doe...2024-08-191h 02
Townsend Institute Podcast Series032 | OLYMPIC EPISODE: The Big Business of Olympic Sports with Mark FrancisIn this, the second of our Olympic-themed episodes, Ashlie and Gilbert interview Mark Francis, Sports Business professor, consultant and speaker with decades of experience in the sports and entertainment industries. The Olympics are not just one of the largest sporting events in the world, but also an entertainment spectacle viewed by millions around the world. Mark provides insights into the time, money, organization and leadership necessary to carry out such a large scale international event.
- - - - - - -
The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine off...2024-07-2530 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series031 | OLYMPIC EPISODE: Art, Heart and Soul with Amber NebenOn this special Olympic-themed episode of the podcast, 3-time Olympic cyclist Amber Neben shares how her strong faith in God and resilience has helped sustain her long and decorated career. While Neben is still competing to this day, she is also looking ahead at future projects to help influence younger generations in a positive way. Listen in as Neben shares about both the triumphs and challenges that come with being a top international athlete, including a fun story or two stemming from time in the Olympic Village.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Townsend Institute at...2024-07-1131 minVibesAfrocracy: Radical Political Philosophy or Waste of Time?Hey everyone,
In this episode, I monologue for a bit on Afrocracy-- a concept that I find super interesting. I was going to name this episode "Afro-crazy?" but that seemed a bit much.
Anyways, it'd be great to get a conversation going so as always, feel free to reach out with any questions. 2024-07-0438 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series030 | Cindy Steinbeck: Voice in the VineyardTownsend Institute fellow and friend of Concordia Irvine Cindy Steinbeck joins us on today’s podcast to share insights from her latest book, Father’s Vineyard. Steinbeck served as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) for over a decade before moving back to the family farm to assume the role as owner-president of Steinbeck Vineyards & Winery in Paso Robles, California. Through activities like vineyard jeep adventures, Cindy showcases how aspects of nature, like vines, mirror our Christian theology.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online graduate degrees and...2024-06-2725 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series029 | Scott Keith: Being DadIn this special fathers-day themed episode, listen in as Dr. Scott Keith shares his insights on the importance of family relationships - especially fatherhood - and its “beautiful depiction of our Heavenly Father in juxtaposition to our modern culture.” Keith is the Executive Director of 1517, a nonprofit organization that “exists to declare and defend the Good News that you are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone.” Keith is also a co-host of The Thinking Fellows Podcast. He’s authored several books including, "Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God’s Grace."
—...2024-06-1333 min
Espresso EpiloguesPhilosophy of Love: Essays in Love by Alain de BottonHi friends! This episode is originally on Godesulloh Bawa's (our dear friend + your favorite philosophy influencer) podcast called Vibes. He's kindly letting us repost it here too because he's just that nice. Enjoy this long, unedited conversation where the three of us discuss Alain de Botton's Essays in Love, and dive into the philosophy of love through it!
Thank you for listening! Connect with us on TikTok and Instagram for memes and other good things ;)2024-06-111h 22
Townsend Institute Podcast Series028 | Dr. John Townsend: Milestones & The One-Year Anniversary of TIPSTIPS is turning ONE! Join Ashlie and Gilbert as they talk with Dr. Townsend about what it means to have been doing TIPS for a year and, more importantly, the value of recognizing milestones and taking mental snapshots to commemorate them.
-------
The Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine offers fully accredited online graduate degrees and professional certificates in three content areas: Organizational Leadership, Executive Coaching and Consulting, and Counseling. Experience transformational education that operates at the crossroads of competence, character, and connection through the Townsend Institute’s life-changing co...2024-05-3022 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series027 | Dr. Johnny Parker: Turn The Pages of Your Own Story (Live at AACC)Join us for yet another special episode recorded LIVE at the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) conference in Nashville where we sat down with Dr. Johnny Parker, Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant, and bestselling author. Listen along as Gilbert and Dr. Townsend chat with Dr. Parker about leadership, stories, and how to achieve success in life by writing your own story one day at a time.
Website: https://johnnyparker.com/
Book: Turn the Page: Unlocking the Story Within You
-------
The Townsend Institute at Concordia...2024-05-1625 minVibesMSP I: African Philosophy, Politics and Existential Questions with Dr Elvis ImafidonHey everyone, super glad you're here.
This is Episode 1 of what I call the Modern Sage Philosophy (MSP) project, inspired by the work of the Kenyan philosopher Henry Odera Oruka. In this series, I hope to interview philosophers who live and work in worlds outside of Western philosophy.
This episode is a conversation with Dr Elvis Imafidon on themes in the African Philosophy world. I hope you find this interesting. 2024-05-061h 33
Townsend Institute Podcast Series026 | Dr. Ashlie Andrew: Motherhood & the WorkplaceDr. Ashlie Andrew is an Associate Professor at Concordia University Irvine. She currently serves as program director for the Townsend Institute's Organizational Leadership program, as well as Director of Engagement for the Institute. She earned her Bachelors and Master's Degrees from California State University, Long Beach and her PhD from Regent University in Virginia. Her research interests include family communication, organizational communication and crisis management. She has taught at both private and public colleges and universities. Some of her past courses include Public Speaking, Workplace Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication and Journalism. Her latest research interests examine the concept...2024-05-0223 minVibesDune, the Fall of Man, and Political Philosophy with Julie UszpolewiczHey everyone, in this episode, I have a conversation with Julie Uszpolewicz, the editor-in-chief of Phi Magazine, a quarterly publication aimed at showcasing the creative talents of Philosophy students across the globe.
Julie has a lot of super cool philosophical/cultural/political insights, and this conversation explores a few of them. We discuss Dune, the Biblical Fall of Man in Political Philosophy and Postmodernism (with a few other cool things sprinkled in).
I hope you find this interesting.
~also, shout out to the birds...2024-04-301h 20VibesPhilosophy of Love: Essays in LoveHey everyone.
In this episode, I chat with Erifili and Aspa, hosts of the Espresso Epilogues podcast, and we talk about love.
This is part two of our conversation on their podcast about the Philosophy of Love and Plato, Kierkegaard and Dostoyevsky. In this one, we focus mainly on Alain de Botton's great book - Essays in Love. I'd definitely recommend reading the book if you haven't before.
We talk about love/lack, loving vs being loved, attractiveness, and other interesting things.2024-04-221h 22
Townsend Institute Podcast Series025 | Jonathan Reitz: Team CoachingJoin Ashlie and Gilbert as they chat with Jonathan Reitz, an International Coaching Federation Master Certified Coach. He shares his story of how he changed careers from radio and broadcast television to instead pursue a surprising and sudden desire to be an executive and team coach. Jonathan also walks us through how different approaches are needed in team coaching versus one-on-one coaching, including how he found humor to work well in one context and not so well in the other. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about executive and team coaching!
Website: https://jonathanreitz.com/
Book...2024-04-1840 minVibesAfrican Philosophy Monologues Part IHey everyone.
In this episode, I monologue for a bit on African Philosophy, touching on how I got into the discipline, why it's a bit controversial, academia vs. hoteps and a few other things.
I hope you find this interesting. Thanks for being here.
With any questions, feel free to reach out on tiktok @godesulloh2024-04-1750 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series024 | Dr. Curt Thompson: The Deepest PlaceJoin us for another special episode recorded LIVE at the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) conference in Nashville. We sat down with Townsend Institute Fellow Dr. Curt Thompson to talk about his new book The Deepest Place and the connections between suffering, hope, perseverance, and community.
Website: CurtThompsonMD.com
Book: The Deepest Place
About Curt:
Inspired by deep compassion for others and informed from a Christian perspective, psychiatrist Curt Thompson shares fresh insights and practical applications for developing more authentic relationships and fully experiencing...2024-04-0433 minVibesLove Poems From God I: RabiaIn this series, we'll go through a number of poets from Eastern and Western traditions and vibe with their poems about love, God, humanity, family, friendship and other fun stuff.
I'll be reading the poems while improvising the music so we can experience the poetry together. I think the vibes are solid, and I hope you do, too.
This first episode is on Rabia Basra, an Islamic poet and mystic. This episode also includes an introduction to the book Love Poems from God.
2024-03-3022 minVibesWhat does it mean to Vibe?Welcome to the first episode. Glad you're here.
In this one, I think out loud for a few minutes about my philosophy of vibing.
I talk briefly about some of the thinkers that have shaped this philosophy and my apprach to it. We'll vibe with Kierkegaard, Sartre, LaoZi, Epictetus and Jesus as we try to figure out what it means to vibe.
2024-03-2424 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series023 | Patti Cotton: Defining Your Ideal ClientPatti Cotton, Founder and CEO of Cotton Group, LLC, is a sought-after leader and strategist whose background includes more than 25 years of multi-cultural leadership experience around the globe, in the areas of diplomatic relations, philanthropy, public relations, and communications. Through her signature 360˚Leadership brand, Patti works with executives, business owners, and other chief decision-makers to engage, elevate, and equip them for greater leadership and outcomes. She also provides training, facilitation, workshops, and retreats in such areas as actionable strategic planning; critical communications and conflict management; taking purpose to make impact; breaking through immunities to change; and other leadership-related topics. Sh...2024-03-2127 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series022 | Pernille Spiers-Lopez: People & Business Are IntertwinedPernille Spiers-Lopez is a Global Director and serves on both corporate and non-profit boards. She is also the co-founder with her daughter of Good Life Designed. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including Save The Children International.
Pernille was with IKEA for 21 years. Among several top executive positions, Pernille held the position as CEO & President for IKEA North America and was a member of The Executive Management Team of the IKEA Group for 10 years. During her tenure with IKEA North America (2001-2009), Pernille led the fastest expansion ever within IKEA. IKEA grew from a small ‘...2024-03-0735 minEspresso EpiloguesPhilosophy of love: Plato's Symposium, Kierkegaard, Dostoyevsky's White NightsWelcome to our favorite discussion yet, with a special guest: Godesulloh Bawa, one of our favorite philosophy creators! Today we're discussing the philosophy of love, beauty, and existentialism, through:
Plato's The Symposium
Kierkegaard's Works of Love
Dostoyevsky's White Nights
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!
You can join our Patreon to become a member of the Espresso Epilogues book club, join our Discord server to meet like-minded people, and access some really cool (I promise) merch. 2024-03-011h 24
Townsend Institute Podcast Series020 | Bob Goff: A Quarter Of A Turn (Recorded Live at AACC)Join us for this special episode recorded LIVE at the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) conference in Nashville where we had the opportunity to sit down with keynote speaker Bob Goff for a fantastic conversation about the value of being present, intentional, and undistracted.
Who is Bob Goff? The following is from BobGoff.com:
After practicing law for 25 years, then becoming the Honorary Consul to Uganda, he gave up his law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. The best part has been connecting with so many people who are...2024-02-0835 min
Townsend Institute Podcast Series019 | Dr. Donna Washburn: Skills, Support, & Seats at the TableDr. Donna Washburn is a 1998 graduate of Evangel University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She went on to receive her master’s degree in Social Work from Missouri State University in 1999 and her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University in 2015. Her professional experience includes working with the adolescent population in areas such as school social work and as a therapist for teens in residential treatment, providing clinical supervision and consultation for social workers and counselors. Her areas of interest and past research include issues of abuse and neglect with children, negative behavioral functioning of a...2024-01-2522 min
2414The Journey So Far: Godesulloh BawaGodesulloh Bawa is a native Nigerian who is currently studying in England to pursue his master's degree in African Studies. It is a joy to welcome him as 2414's special guest for episode 14! Join us as we learn more about Godesulloh's journey in his life so far.Don't forget to continue the conversation at home, in the car, at work, or anywhere you can find someone to talk to! Thanks for walking with us!Support the show2022-07-231h 09
Protect Your NogginThe Spirits of Love and Hate with Godesulloh BawaOur guest is a recent alumnus from Concordia University and joins the conversation from Nigeria to discuss his insights about the ways in which people try to oppose hate, racism and injustice in the United States. Sometimes, he suggests, we tend to focus on hating injustice but don’t emphasize loving justice. This may have an effect on our emotional, spiritual, and mental wellbeing. Our starting point is an article that Godesulloh contributed to our website. We discuss the concept of spirits, and wonder whether in the West we aren’t often worshipping Molech and Mammon or channeling malevolent spir...2021-02-031h 00