Very Bad Wizards: “We believe in nothing!” (Cultural diversity, relativism, and moral truth)
- I’m checking out the very early episodes of this now well-known show featuring a psychologist and philosopher who discuss and debate various philosophical topics.
- I never really understood the arguments for moral relativism (there is no objective moral truth) and this was an enlightening discussion.
Story Collider: Celebrating 11 Years - Our Favorite Stories from Years Past
- Story Collider is a show of live storytelling with a focus on science. This highlights two great stories from years past that serve as an excellent introduction to the show.
Gastropod: You’re Wrong About Prohibition
- At first I assumed this was a collaboration with the You’re Wrong About podcast, but it is not. Really good though!
- A fascinating walk-through of why the Russian prohibition, as well as the US prohibition that followed shortly after, were anything but a simple dynamic between straight-laced people in power and people who like to party.
- Both movements were much more progressive in their roots than you would assume.
99 Percent Invisible: The Clinch
- This episode about romance novel covers sent me down numerous rabbit holes and opened up long forgotten memories.
- For a class in college I had to read a romance novel. This was the gem I chose. I will say I remember the plot not being as bad as I would have assumed, but let’s just say that the plot wasn’t the most memorable part.
- For whatever reason, this episode led me to finally listen to the first episode of My Dad Wrote A Porno, which did not disappoint.
- This episode also mentioned an older 99 Percent Invisible episode called Perfect Security, which is about lock security. I checked it out and it’s great. It reminded me of one of my favorite YouTube channels to binge while procrastinating, the Lockpicking Lawyer.
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PODCAST LINKS
What are you doing Saturday June 19th at noon? If looking for something fun or for a way to level up some interpersonal skills, be sure to check out the Curious Conversations Podcast Discussion from Podcast Brunch Club and The Democracy Group “This event will offer tips from journalists, podcasters, and other experts about the art of conversation, then give you a chance to practice what you’ve learned in small group breakout sessions.” Sign up for free right here.
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OTHER LINKS TO MAKE YOU THINK
An excellent short piece from Nate Kadlac about how even the great Richard Feynman needed help translating his ideas.
This New Yorker interview with one of the greatest Simpsons writers ever (who hates being interviewed) was just chalk-full of insight into creativity. He is quite the character.
What is the big deal with prime numbers? A reddit thread with some great, simple explanations.
Claude Shannon, the most important man you’ve probably never heard of. Short and excellent video on the father of the information age.
Looking for a wild and very short story about time-travel? Check out —All You Zombies— by Robert A. Heinlein. That's a free web version, or just grab it for a dollar for your Kindle like I did. Shout out to Justin Khoo from Cows in the Field for the recommendation.
For fun: No worries if not!
For fun 2: alright alright alright
For fun 3: Things in Yellowstone that Can F—-ing Kill You
And in my other newsletter, I explored the visual style of Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd.
That's all for today. See you in two weeks!
Connect with me @erikthejones on twitter and if you've learned anything interesting, please forward this link to any curious natured friends or family so they can subscribe. Many thanks!
Erik
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