Chasing Leviathan

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Will Adams discuss our current climate crisis and the ways in which psychology, spirituality, and continental philosophy can provide a path forward for heeding a sacred call to love the natural world. For a deep dive into Will Adams's work, check out his book: A Wild and Sacred Call: Nature-Psyche-Spirit (SUNY Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Mark Roche discuss how various forms of ugliness can heighten the beauty we find within works of art and literature. Dr. Roche provides an overview of various approaches to the ugly, including Christian, Hegellian, and modern traditions, and gives parameters for what is meant by "ugly." Dr. Roche also argues that, while what "subsume" under ugliness...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Edwin Murillo discuss Latin American existentialism and, incorrect, historical assumption that it is a derivation of its European counterpart. Dr. Murillo shares examples of early Latin American existentialist works, such as those by José Asuncion Silva in the late 19th century. He also explores the concept of existentialism, emphasizing the freedom...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ is joined by Dr. Graham McAleer and Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul to discuss the conservative tradition, particularly its formulation between the poles of nationalism and liberalism in the 21st century. Drs. McAleer and Rosenthal-Pubul argue for an ancestral conservatism that emphasizes transcendence, family, and education, relying on the wisdom of the past...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Janet Soskice discuss the philosophical and theological implications of naming God. Dr. Soskice explores the difference between names and attributes, the centrality of the doctrine of Creation to understanding God, and how Scripture, theology, and philosophy can be re-united. For a deep dive into Janet Soskice's work, check out her book: Naming God:...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Justine Murison the historical development of privacy, autonomy, and authenticity from the 19th to the 21st centuries. The discussion begins by examining how the rise of secularism in the 19th-century caused a shift in thinking about morality and privacy. Murison then draws parallels between historical shifts in conceptions of privacy and our curren...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Richard Kearney discuss Salvage , Dr. Kearney's most recent work of fiction that follows the story of Maeve O'Sullivan, a young Irish women who is the last inheritor of "the old ways of healing." At the dawn of WWII, O'Sullivan must navigate holding onto the tradition handed down to her and the world of modern medicine. Join us for a fascinating con...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Joshua Rasmussen discuss personhood, personal identity, and consciousness. Dr. Rasmussen explores challenges in understanding consciousness, why theists and atheists must both wrestle with these challenges, and concrete ways for listeners to ponder their own existence. For a deep dive into Joshua Rasmussen's work, check out his book: Who Are You, Re...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Alison Knight discuss the history of biblical interpretation in early modern England, particularly how translators crafted apologetic approaches to explain difficult passages. Dr. Knight explores the profound impact that debates on interpretation had on the British crown and the whole of Britain, as well as the increasing skepticism towards attempts...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Ioana Jucan discuss how Cartesian metaphysics and capitalism have led to the "post-truth" world we currently find ourselves in. Dr. Jucan explores the potential of performativity, particularly theatrical performance, to bridge the gap between abstract thought and lived experience, offering a more embodied and emotionally resonant understanding of ou...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Philip Stern discuss the historical development of corporations and their integral role in shaping British colonialism. In examining the historical relationship between corporations and empire, Dr. Stern sheds light on how corporations have influenced daily life and political structures, from library cards to international diplomacy.  For a deep div...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. John Russon discuss what it means to be an adult. Dr. Russon explores the centrality of responsibility in delineating childhood from adulthood, as well as other key elements, such as the shift in how one engages with space.  For a deep dive into John Russon's work, check out his book: Adult Life: Aging, Responsibility, and the Pursuit of Happiness...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Philippe Huneman discuss one of humanity's most common questions: "Why?" Dr. Hunemann explores the various meanings of the question, complications in understanding it, and how to understand it within the context of evolutionary biology.  For a deep dive into Philippe Huneman's work, check out his book: Why?: The Philosophy Behind the Question 👉 htt...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Meg Leja discuss the transformation of medicine during the Carolingian empire, particularly how the practice of medicine became adopted as a Christian practice, despite its pagan associations. An often overlooked and misunderstood time of European history, Dr. Leja explains how these shifts in attitude towards medicine in Carolingian period reflect...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Jonathan Lethem discuss the themes and influences of Lethem's latest book, Brooklyn Crime Novel, as well as the process of writing hardboiled detective fiction. For a deep dive into Jonathan Lethem's work, check out his book: Brooklyn Crime Novel: A Novel 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSFSN49G/ Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who th...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Melanie Marotta discuss the integration of neo-slave narratives into contemporary works of young adult texts featuring female, adolescent protagonists of color. Dr. Marotta explores both slave and neo-slave narratives, shedding light on the evolution from the former to the latter. She also shares why understanding these particular works of young adu...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Gary Morson discuss the Russian literary tradition, particularly as it relates to the "accursed questions" of life, morality, and the transcendent.  For a deep dive into Gary Morson's work, check out his book: Wonder Confronts Certainty: Russian Writers on the Timeless Questions and Why Their Answers Matter 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674971809 Ch...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Robert Verchick discuss the adaptations we need to make, both globally and locally, to address the wide-sweeping effects of climate change. Though climate change presents us with an uphill battle, there is reason to be hopeful that we can make a positive impact for future generations. For a deep dive into Robert Verchick's work, check out his book: The...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Yvonne Chireau discuss religion, magic, and syncretism in the context of the spiritualities that arose among enslaved Africans in the US and Caribbean. Dr. Chireau also explores the role that the Conjuring tradition had in shaping the African American experience, as well as our assumptions about the differences between "magic" and "religion." For a...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Christina Katopodis discuss the need for new ways of facilitating learning that help students develop vital skills and process knowledge, rather than continuing to educate students to be mere retainers of facts. They also share personal stories from the classroom that point to challenges and opportunities for transforming learning. For a deep dive i...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Amy Kind discuss her written debate with Daniel Stolijar on the nature of consciousness. Dr. Kind walks us through the secular dualist position that she defends and explains Dr. Stolijar's ignorance hypothesis. For those wondering if dualism is a purely religious position, Dr. Kind offers several helpful examples for why one need not appeal to the t...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lewis Gordon discuss the intersections of philosophy, art, politics, and freedom. Dr. Gordon persuasively argues that art is a primary social good that has the power to elevate humanity, foster community accountability, and transform societies. For a deep dive into Dr. Lewis Gordon's work, check out his book: Black Existentialism and Decolonizing Kn...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Stephen Meawad discuss the reintegration of contemporary ethics with ancient Christian theology and practice. Dr. Meawad argues that virtue ethics alone is not sufficient to lead to a full life as it can only turn us inward, ultimately leading to failure and frustration. It is only in our pursuit of God that we can lead truly meaningful lives. For a...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Oliver Turnbull discuss real case studies of mistakes made in the caring for patients with neuropsychological needs. Dr. Turnbull shares about the need (and reluctance) to make such cases known and how hearing from the first-person experiences of these patients can impact the next generation of clinicians.  For a deep dive into Dr. Oliver Turnbull's...

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Sarah Horton discuss philosophy of friendship, exploring how these particular relationships complement our finite existence. Dr. Horton also shares how friendship, though a source of tremendous risk, is worth facing the anxiety of the unknown. For a deep dive into Dr. Sarah Horton's work, check out her upcoming book: The Promise of Friendship: Fidel...