Episode 26: Cohabitation during Covid
Enlisting philosopher Henri Bergson's theory of rhythm and the Africana philosophy concept of Ubuntu, this episode explores how we have had to re-negotiate and re-engage with shared living space.
Episode 25: Dating during Covid
Ellie and David discuss the history and philosophy of dating generally, as well as the unique characteristics of their own dating experiences during the pandemic.
Episode 24: Friendship during Covid (feat. Anna Koppelman)
What does socially distant friendship say about the nature of friendship more generally? This episode discusses Heidegger, Aristotle, and the lasting impact of the pandemic on friendships.
Episode 23: Games and Gamification (feat. C. Thi Nguyen)
Guest C. Thi Nguyen discusses his views on video games, drinking games, and the obsession with “gamifying” our society through Twitter likes and retweets. Ellie and David bring in various philosophers’ views of games.
Episode 22: Free Britney! Conservatorship and Disability
After bonding over their tween obsession with Britney Spears, Ellie and David dive into the controversy around her conservatorship. They broaden the discussion to addressing disability and ageism.
Episode 21: Gaslighting
Look no further for a deep dive into what "gaslighting” means. Can someone gaslight unintentionally? How is gaslighting used as a tool of oppression? And how do we distinguish gaslighting from simple disagreement?
Episode 20: Reparations (feat. Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò)
Guest Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò discusses why climate reparations are needed as part of a broader discussion about reparations for racial injustice. The episode also unpacks the history of reparations discourse in the US.
Episode 19: Genius
Why did Kant think women—and scientists—couldn’t be geniuses? Is genius innate? How is the concept of genius structured by sociological conditions, and what does this say about our views of art?
Episode 18: Polyamory
Many argue that polyamory has liberatory potential as a radical form of relating to others. Ellie and David examine polyamory re: human evolution and colonialism, and unpack the concept of compersion.
Episode 17: Open Relationships
50% of millennials are not interested in having purely monogamous relationships. With many still wanting a primary partner, some are turning towards open relationships. What do open relationships have to offer?
Episode 16: Monogamy
Why does the Bachelor franchise show the contradictions of contemporary monogamy? Check out this episode of Overthink for a discussion of Aristophanes’ circle people and why swans—and humans—are less monogamous than many believe.
Episode 15: Marriage
Why do married people in the U.S. receive over 1,000 legal benefits that single people do not? Ellie and David dive into the history and philosophy of marriage, Hegel and Foucault, and “minimal marriage.”
Episode 14: Buddhist Practice and Anti-Racism (feat. Jessica Locke)
Guest Jessica Locke, an expert in Buddhist philosophy, discusses mindfulness as a tool for anti-racist education and social justice work. After investigating the ways that Western science and capitalism have watered down Buddhist mindfulness, the episode explores how Buddhist practices can be an important part of unlearning white privilege.
Episode 13: Performativity
Look no further than this episode for a deep dive into the concept of performativity. We explain why the phrase "performative ally" is not philosophically accurate, how performativity is rooted in theories about language and identity, and…Legally Blonde.
Episode 12: Conspiracy Theories (feat. Brian Keeley)
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.
Episode 11: Me, Myself, and Zoom
How does Zoom impact our perception of the self and others? Ellie and David discuss the impact self-view has had on all of us now that we are able to see ourselves conduct our normal lives, tying it to Lacan’s mirror stage.
Episode 10: New Year’s Resolutions
Drawing on Stoicism and Nietzsche, Ellie and David debate the merit of New Year’s Resolutions. Only 8% of people keep the resolutions they set – so why do we continue to make resolutions?
Episode 09: Speaking Truth to Power (Parrhesia)
Ellie and David dive into the concept of parrhesia (speaking truth to those in power). They discuss its origin in Ancient Greece with Socrates and Diogenes, as well as its resurgence in Foucault.
Episode 08: Ghosting
Have you ever been ghosted? Ellie and David analyze what this dating dilemma does to our emotions; how the Greek notion of akrasia can help us understand why people ghost; how ghosting leaves us feeling, well, haunted; and more!
Episode 07: Empathy
In this episode of Overthink, Ellie and David dive into the sensation of empathy! The dynamic duo discuss mirror neurons, whether animals can feel empathy, nice boy syndrome, why the phrase “I feel your pain” is so annoying, and more!