What's the point in fasting? How do we stick to a diet that works? These are some of the questions we ask in this episode as we explore Julian Baggini's book, Virtues of the Table.
The debates and attitudes around knowing when not to eat are equally as crucial to flourishment as questions concerning where food comes from and the importance of good cooking. We explore how blanket rules and blind adherence can confuse these practices in a "post-death-of-god" world and how misunderstood nutritional health can be in the contemporary times. Gordon Ramsay on Onions Julian Baggini
Edited by Connor.
Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
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Despite being mistaken for Hertfordshire or confused with Somerset, tiny Herefordshire is packed with interesting stories, the world's best cider and irreplaceable natural beauty.
Zach and Connor chat about some of the strange tales, historic Herefordian landmarks and the intrinsic value of nature in this more laidback episode. Mappa Mundi Weston's Cider Flag Competition Hereford Cathedral Wye Valley Offa's Dyke Bulmer's Cider Visit Herefordshire Our Thoughts Summarised
Edited by Connor.
Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
Food and the issues surrounding it have never been more important. Culinary attitudes and traditions can reveal a lot a about a period or place and we live in a world of staggering choice and raging debates. Cultivating attitudes and questions to not just what we eat and how we do it but where it comes from, what it says about us, how it fits into broader ideas relating to how we live our lives, how we think about meals and when to stop eating are some of the most unavoidable, fundamental and neglected areas of ethics. From animal rights and cultural traditions to class issues, food says a lot. If you like either philosophy or food then this one's probably gonna be worth a listen... If you like both then you're laughing!
The first in a three part series, this one in particular focuses on contemporary philosopher Julian Baggini and the issues surrounding the sourcing of food... Where does "good" food come from and how can we be sure? Should we shop local or at large "commercial" chains? Is veganism the way forward? Is there a moral reason to shop seasonally? How should we feel about labels like FairTrade, free range and organic? We also talk about nutrition, moral virtues and most importantly, how most of these ideas are all interconnected. Over the next few episodes we'll talk about fasting and dieting as well as cooking and eating. - The points we made, summarised - Julian Baginni's website - Peter Hitchens ranting about skinny cappuccino - Bow hunter, Cameron Hanes - Sam Harris' wife on pansychism - Weston's Cider - 'Gangster gardener', Ron Finely
Edited by Connor.
Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
In this more laidback episode, we create something of a time capsule, discussing our thoughts on how lockdown has shaped communities, the role that celebrities play (or have tried to play) in a time of crisis, social distancing while shopping, lockdown drinking habits, Captain Tom Moore and clapping for carers.
We also lend our thoughts to some altogether more difficult topics - gaining insight to the pros and cons of home schooling from a teacher, discussing how stoicism can help fortify the mind in a time of crisis, the role of commercialism in crisis and the potential legacy of our current plight. We're still getting used to discord so apologies for any audio errors. A great video by CGP Grey about how to live through a crisis
Edited by Connor.
Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (Harmonica, mandolin)
Hope everyone is having a nice Easter despite the current circumstances. This will be the first episode we release during the lockdown and we've got loads more on the way…
In this episode Connor, Nye, Joe & Zach take a look at some of the weirdest Easter traditions on Earth; from anti-Satan butter to willow whipping. Finally Zach can rest easy knowing the true date and religious significance of Easter, Connor goes on a rant about neo-paganism and we learn the dastardly ingredients of chocolate eggs. - Butter lamb number 1 - Butter lamb number 2 - Our thoughts summarised
Edited by Connor.
Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
This is kind of a sequel to our episode "alcohol & sobriety"
There was once a day when you could smoke in pubs, lager was considered a lady's drink and pints would cost 11p. In this episode Connor, Nye, Kieran and Zach talk about the history and conventions of the public houses - from the very first "pub quizzes" to the history of "lock ins". Since most of us have worked behind a bar and been involved in making beverages we also talk about campaigning for ale, cider mills and some of the moral issues surrounding the bar industry. (It was decided Zach's scream didn't need any special effects) - Henry Weston's Cider - CAMRA - An American Video made in WW2 to help soldiers understand the British pub - Wychwood Brewery (Hobgoblin) - Bespoke Brewery (Beware the Bear)
Edited by Connor.
Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
Do we have a responsibility to form, maintain and promote rational, evidence-based views? If so, how do we go about doing that without being really annoying?
Joined by new guest, Dan, in this episode we consider what qualifies as a conspiracy theory, why people are drawn to believe in such theories and ask just how similar are they to religion? In doing so, we touch on the history of these kinds of movements and explore some of the reasoning used to justify belief in them. We may well revisit this topic in the future. - An article written by Connor on scepticism and "open mindedness" - And our series 1 pseudoscience podcast - A look at a modern day conspiracy theory - Was Heidegger anti-Semitic? Intro to the debate - The personality test we mention in our awful tangent Edited by Connor. Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
Ever wondered why resolutions never seem to work for some people? Ever wondered how the time and date are actually calculated? Well, wonder no more.
A couple of weeks before the start of 2020, we crack open some beers and talk about how to make meaningful and effective new year's resolutions; bringing philosophy into everyday modern life. Once Connor stops mentioning Stoicism, Nye goes off on an autistic rant about the history and mechanics of calendars and Kieran reveals why he hates weight-watchers. - The University of Bristol study mentioned - Workshop seminar on stoicism and resolutions - Serenity prayer Edited by Connor. Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin)
In this episode Connor invites Zach to discuss the secular worldview of Humanism - a positive non-religious philosophy. The two sit back and take an hour to reminisce about their experiences running a local Humanist group and attempt to explain exactly what Humanism means and how its grounding and ethics might differ from religion. Drawing from dodgy experiences with "New Atheism", degrees in religion and a dissertation on Humanism, Connor also highlights some of the issues with the philosophy and its relationship with religiosity.
We reflect on the good times and bad we had in the group, from religion bashing and gate-crashers, to countryside walks and friendships made, as well as Humanist causes and ceremonies. We also touch on ideas of morality, truth and the ingredients to a kermit cocktail. Here is an article from Connor on his experiences running a Humanist group. Editing by Connor. Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica)
Since ancient times, attitudes to competitive sports have played an integral role in shaping and reflecting culture. For the Greeks they were a cornerstone of virtue and identity. Christianity has often taken a decidedly more negative view of sport, with Tertullian even going as far as to say such activities were "entirely out of keeping with the religion of Christ", warning of their promotion of "rage, bitterness, wrath and grief". As sports slowly returned to a more prominent cultural force, they were seldom met with worthy consideration from philosophers and thinkers, (until very recently), yet play an ever increasing role in our lives and global society.
Between an athlete and a non-sporty (lazy) philosophy graduate, we take an evening to ponder the role that sport plays in modern life and our respective upbringings. The intro to many episodes on sport, we'll be examining the field in both personal and academic contexts; exploring first-hand experiences with boxing, cycling, yoga, e-sports and more! Edited by Connor. Audio & music mastering / production by Nye James. Jingles recorded by Nye (guitars) & Connor (harmonica, mandolin) |
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