In Episode 98, Ellie and David untangle the philosophy behind reputations. From Machiavelli’s advice to despots looking to stay popular, to disgruntled students venting on their professors online, they explore concepts like the Matthew effect, the homo comparativus, and informational asymmetry.

In episode 84 of Overthink, Ellie and David talk about standpoint theory and its relationship to W. E. B. DuBois’ concept of double consciousness. They welcome Dr. Briana Toole, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College. They discuss electoral politics, educational policy, Corrupt the Youth, a philosophy outreach program founded by Dr. Toole that brings philosophy to high schools in the U.S.

Ellie and David talk about the sense of taste. What is gustatory experience? We discuss Hume’s theory of taste, including whether taste is merely a subjective experience or there are some things that objectively taste good, and more!

Smell has immense power, but why has it been undervalued in philosophy? In episode 66, Ellie and David are joined by philosopher Benjamin Young to discuss the sense and how we perceive smell.

Have you heard? In episode 65 of Overthink, Ellie and David discuss the nature of what we hear and how we hear it. They also discuss how Deaf culture calls upon us to retool our understanding of the importance of hearing for human life.

Vision is historically philosophers’ favorite sense, as visual metaphors for knowledge testify. In episode 64 of Overthink, Ellie and David continue their series on the five senses by considering Greek, Vedic, and phenomenological theories of sight.

Touch, texture, and tickling. In episode 63 of Overthink, Ellie and David begin their series on the five senses with touch. They consider why some ancient philosophers consider touch the primary sense and what we learn about the nature of the self from the phenomenology of touching and being touched.

Curiosity led Pandora to open a box, but what does being curious look like in our everyday lives? Ellie and David talk with the authors of Curious Minds: The Power of Connection, Perry Zurn and Dani S. Bassett, about the philosophy of curiosity.

Know thyself, the inscription at the shrine of Delphi reads. But can we truly know ourselves, like the Ancient Greeks believed? Philosophy professors Ellie and David explore the concept of self-knowledge.

Would you willingly plug yourself into an experience-simulating machine such as The Matrix? We discuss the value of sci-fi and philosophy with Dr. Helen De Cruz.

Join Ellie and David—plus Zeno and the Olsen twins—in investigating paradoxes. They’re juicier than they seem!

From 23andMe to prenatal testing, genetic testing is everywhere these days. The use of these tests raises important concerns about "velvet eugenics" and the value of human life.

Guest Brian Keeley examines both the appeal of conspiracy theories and the dire need for public trust in institutions to combat such beliefs. Ellie and David consider conspiracy theories in American history and their impact on families.