Podcast Episodes

Ep. 374: Discussing Liberalism (Lincoln, et al) with Walter Sterling (Part One)

What's the crisis of liberal democracy? Dylan, Wes and Seth are joined by St. John's College President J. Walter Sterling to discuss Abraham Lincoln'…

1 year, 1 month ago

Philosophy vs. Improv #99: Philosophy of Humor w/ Nessa Voss

Nessa teaches philosophy at Lone Star Community College and writes on the philosophy of humor. We thought we should get this topic out before we wrap…

1 year, 1 month ago

PEL Presents Closereads: Peter Railton's "Moral Realism" (Wrap Up)

We are concluding our treatment of Peter Railton's "Moral Realism" (1984), and given that you likely haven't listened to the seven preceding parts, t…

1 year, 1 month ago

Announcement: Mark's "Foundational Political Philosophy Texts" Fall 2025 Class

I bet you'd like to have an excuse to read some Aristotle, and Locke, Rousseau, Simone Weil, and other fun texts. Well, go read about this opportunit…

1 year, 1 month ago

Ep. 373: Michael Walzer on Just Wars (Part Two)

Continuing on on Just and Unjust Wars (1977), ch. 5-6. When might it be morally permissible to strike first? When is it permissible (or obligatory?) …

1 year, 2 months ago

Pretty Much Pop #203: What Superman?

In light of the new James Gunn film Superman, Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al talk about the character, his stories, and past films and shows.

Did Z…

1 year, 2 months ago

NEM#236: Tee Templeton's Psychedelic Ending

...OK, maybe not his ending, but it's a late career boost into overdrive: This 66-year-old has been making music since the '80s, but you're only goin…

1 year, 2 months ago

Ep. 373: Michael Walzer on Just Wars (Part One)

On Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument With Illustrations (1977), ch. 4-6 on "jus ad bellum," which refers to moral justifications for going to wa…

1 year, 2 months ago

Philosophy vs. Improv #98: Ragnarocking

Recorded back in June, posting now as we near the end of our season and Bill's tenure on the show, this episode now bleeds with dramatic irony. Mark …

1 year, 2 months ago

Pretty Much Pop #202: 50-Year-Old Jaws Busts Our Block

Purported the first summer blockbuster, Jaws has now hit 50 years, and so we discuss this wonderful early Spielberg film, its ill-conceived sequels, …

1 year, 2 months ago