Blind Insights

A quote, or an iteration of a quote David uses frequently when he consults for corporate and military teams has a lot of meaning behind it. Tim and David unpack what it means to go fast and what you need to go far. Drawing on some previously discussed themes, and referencing a few key texts along the way, the discussion deals a lot with why friends are important for any kind of progress, and why t...

Do we earn what we get? David and Tim explore the merit in... well, Meritocracy! A system where people are rewarded for their skills and efforts sounds fair, but is it? What kind of system do we have now? Why is networking and social capability such an important part of how we progress in our society? These questions are not as straightforward as it seems, and the topic leads into a discussion abo...

Applying for public service after your study? David has all the advice a lecturer can offer to help you get where you want to be. With tips and tricks, as well as important reminders for wellbeing, David runs through the things to remember as you go through the application, and interview process. Good luck listeners! Questions, contact us at timwhiffen@auscastnetwork.com Thanks to the Auscast Netw...

Meaning. Everyone wants it but not many people say they have it, and fewer can describe it. What does suffering have to do with it? A lot actually, and it's strange to want suffering, but David can certainly convince you to add a bit of suffering into your life with this thoughtful discussion on Stoic philosophy. This episode can come as a shock to the system, so if you have any thoughts, question...

Tim and David get into the nitty gritty of blindness and vision impairment, as Tim asks popular questions that strike at core of disabilities, and David candidly and openly answers. This episode makes for a good understanding of David's background, and encourages consideration of what it is like to live a life with physical disability. Got more questions for David? If you have any thoughts, questi...

This week on Blind Insights with David, Tim brings an interesting question from Brad. He asks "Within every thinker, is there a doer trying to find a way to be released?". Of course this brings about great discussion from the two, who ponder on the different relationships between thinking and doing, practicality and dreaming, and stumble across some meaningful thought processes and attitudes to ad...

Following from talks of motivation from episode 4, David and Tim discuss the differences (and similarities) of Western and Eastern philosophy. They come to some very interesting conclusions. Despite cultural differences, there is a lot to learn from the philosophical journeys different countries took in the past few millennia. These observations draw dichotomies in spirituality, existentialism and...

In part two of David and Tim's assessment of the teachings in Dr. Jordan Peterson's book, 12 Rules for Life, they dive into some of the deeper topics and try to find value in the words. While avoiding the religious, political, and philosophical assumptions that make up part of the rules, the overall conclusions that are discussed become quite useful, and alternatives are given to those who don't a...

Jordan Peterson is coming to town! Whilst not as popular or as kid-friendly as Santa-Claus, Dr. Peterson is a psychologist and respected author who has been on a fiery book tour around the world. The book, "12 Rules for Life" is an applied philosophy for all, and has been met with much media controversy. In this episode David and Tim discuss the background and consequences of the first 6 rules in...

What makes you want to get out the bed to work or be productive? Many people will think hard about this and not even consider the differences between the tangible and internal fruits of their labour. Winning bread for a family can be fulfilling for you internally, but the work result is extrinsic, there are external factors motivating you to work. What does intrinsic motivation do differently and...

Talking and interacting with others is the most important thing humans do, it's how we learn, understand one another, and keep informed. Why then, in an age of so many communication devices and innovations, is it harder to stay well informed, trust others, and get the most of our social relationships? David and Tim talk about our use of phones and consumption of news today. With the help of some g...

In today's episode of Blind Insights, David teaches us a lesson about education and how to learn. With his vast experience as an educator, David has thought about the issues surrounding education in the 21st century, and has profound rules and strategies to help us learn. With consideration of the focus on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) where is the education system in Australia (...

Welcome to the Blind Insights Podcast! This episode is an introduction to David as a educator and applied philosopher, and a blind citizen. Then, to set up a series on thinking deeply, we talk about how to argue and what to think about in discussions of complex topics. Argument is a highly complex social interaction, and it doesn't need to be a negative experience. David puts forth his argument, a...

An introduction to an exciting podcast. Drop us a line about what you want us to discuss! If you have any thoughts, questions, or want to present your argument, contact us and send us an audio clip at timwhiffen@auscastnetwork.com Upcoming topics include: The art of argument, How to learn, Communication, Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, Western and Eastern Philosophy,&n...