Feasts of Reason

Most people use AI to reinforce their beliefs. Mohamed Nabil wants to use it to challenge them. Mohamed is the creator of AIDOP (AI Debates on One's Publications) , a framework that invites AI to rigorously criticize an author's own work before it's published—and then publishes the entire, unedited debate for readers to see. In this conversation, we explore whether AI can become a genuine tool for...

Most of us already know what we're supposed to do. Eat better. Exercise more. Stop procrastinating. Have the difficult conversation. Break the habit. Yet somehow, knowing rarely seems to be enough. In this episode of Feasts of Reason, therapist and neurodivergence specialist Becca Gregory joins me to explore the gap between insight and action. Drawing on her work with ADHD, autism, rejection sensi...

What do we mean when we say "God"? Can reason take us all the way to theism, or are there limits to what reason can tell us about ultimate reality? My guest is psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, and author Jamey Hecht. In his forthcoming book, Into Theism: Overcoming Obstacles to Belief in God , Jamey draws on psychology, philosophy, literature, religion, and the work of Iain McGilchrist to argue tha...

Why do intelligent people repeatedly act against their own interests? If human beings are rational creatures, why do we procrastinate, avoid opportunities, stay stuck in destructive patterns, and sabotage our own success? In this episode of Feasts of Reason , Matt Ward sits down with psychologist, therapist, and veteran talent agent Dr. Albert Bramante to explore the psychology of self-sabotage. D...

The conversation delves into the topic of dyslexia and its treatment, highlighting the lack of change in dyslexia treatment since the 1950s and the potential for success in treating dyslexia with the right approach. The conversation delves into the craft of research and data analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'how' and 'why' questions. It then explores the challenges of know...

For nearly 30 years, Clifford Brown worked for USAID in some of the world's most unstable regions, witnessing coups, revolutions, corruption, humanitarian crises, and the collapse of governments firsthand. In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Brown shares stories from Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, and the former Soviet Union, explaining what happens when trust disappears, institutions fail,...

In this episode of Feasts of Reason , Matt Ward sits down with John Zachery to explore a fascinating and controversial question: At what point does pattern recognition become proof? Drawing on astronomy, historical chronology, ancient calendars, and statistical analysis, Zachery argues that the Book of Daniel contains a genuine prophecy predicting the destruction of Herod’s Temple centuries before...

Ever wonder if your dreams are just random mind movies or if they could be a message from something greater? Dreams are often thought of as our subconscious stories, but my guest this week believes they’re also a way God communicates with us. Psychotherapist Ara Trembly, shares his thoughts about why dreams are more than psychology — they are divine whispers. He shares stories of dreams that predi...

This conversation with Philosopher Dylan Shaul delves into the importance of philosophy and its role in answering fundamental questions about the universe, human existence, and the nature of reality. It explores the distinction between philosophy, religion, and art in addressing these questions and discusses the limits of empirical observation in understanding metaphysical truths. We also touched...

Can science succeed where politics fails? In this episode of Feasts of Reason , I speak with Dr. Zafra Lerman — chemist, educator, human rights advocate, and founder of the Malta Conferences Foundation. For more than two decades, Zafra has brought together scientists from across the Middle East — including Israelis, Palestinians, Iranians, Jordanians, Egyptians, and others — to collaborate across...

Can reason bring us to religion—or does it lead somewhere else entirely? In this episode of Feasts of Reason , Matt sits down with Daniel Bookman, a lawyer and lifelong student of Jewish thought who has spent over four decades navigating the fault lines between religion, law, and modern society. Drawing on his experience in Israel and the United States, Bookman explores whether deeply divided soci...

Canadian Disability Activist (and wheelchair hockey star) Hollis Peirce describes how evolving technology and social attitudes have led to disabled people not only being able to get around better, but to become more involved and integrated into society. He also relates his experiences living in a facility run by the Catholic Church, and the close relationship he's developed with a Chaplin there, d...

Author Anne Riley discusses her latest book "The Human Idea: Earth's Newest Ecosystem." The conversation delves into the evolution of human understanding and the exploration of the human idea, highlighting the collaboration and competition observed in nature. It further explores the concept of humans in the universe, survival and collaboration, government and nature, taxation and nature, coordinat...

New Atenism presents Feasts of Reason. In this episode, Professor Raphael Cohen Almagor, a British Israeli political theorist, discusses his background, interest in conflict resolution, and the research behind his forthcoming book on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes the importance of justice, empathy, and leadership in achieving sustainable peace. The conversation covers a...

This first Feasts of Reason episode will tell you a bit about where this podcast came from and where it's going. You can find the Feasts of Reason kits on The Thomas Jefferson Foundation's website