Talk Doesn't Cook Rice

John and Danny discuss the Ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus, unpacking his vision of life as an ever-shifting fire, where change, becoming, and the unity of opposites shape the heart of reality.

John and Danny discuss hope in pessimistic times, weaving together thoughts on Adam Curtis’ new documentary, Heidegger’s philosophy, Ernst Bloch’s philosophy of hope, Albert Camus’s absurdism, and the haunting optimism of the best single series of TV in history, True Detective.

John and Danny discuss the captivating concept of syntropy, exploring how energy drives order from chaos in life’s cosmic dance. Drawing from complexity science and thinkers like Albert Szent-Györgyi, Ray Peat, Ervin Laszlo, and Ulisse Di Corpo, we unpack syntropy’s role in creating structure, from a single cell to entire societies, and share practical ways to tip the balance toward coherence in y...

John and Danny discuss Dr Iain McGilchrist's brilliant 2009 book, The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World . We explore the differences between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, how left hemisphere overreach may be at the heart of many modern maladies, and what we might do to ensure better balance.

John and Danny discuss Corey Keyes’ concept of languishing, which involves low mental health, marked by a lack of interest, motivation, and feelings of emptiness. We examine how languishing differs from flourishing and depression, consider its long-term effects, and outline the 5 behavioural vitamins essential for overcoming it. Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down Ge...

John and Danny discuss Byung-Chul Han’s insightful book, The Disappearance of Rituals . We examine the rise of narcissism and its impact on diminishing the importance of rituals, exploring the consequences of this decline on contemporary life. Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by  Maze 28

John and Danny discuss Byung-Chul Han’s excellent book, “The Burnout Society.” We outline Han’s critique of our modern world—a landscape characterised by an overwhelming emphasis on positivity and relentless pursuit of achievement, often resulting in exhaustion and existential emptiness. We also explore how Han’s philosophy resonates with our own experiences and offer insights into finding balance...

John and Danny discuss Spiral Dynamics, a psychological framework that describes how human values and worldviews change over time in response to life conditions and experiences. We outline the main stages of the spiral, from basic survival instincts to complex systems thinking, and consider how they shape our behavior, culture, and society. We also examine the benefits and challenges of each stage...

John and Danny discuss the fascinating world of personality. We unravel the layers that make us who we are, exploring the influence of genetics, environment, and experience. We also explore some of the common models you can use to reflect on your personal traits and figure out what makes you tick. Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the notion of 'the self' and the eternal question of what makes a person the same person over time. We explore the great Scottish philosopher David Hume's perspective, his skepticism about the the concept of a continuous identity, and draw parallels with the concept of personality. Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss nostalgia, a complex emotion described as "a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past." We examine its different types, exploring how it can wield both positive and negative influences, and ponder whether it has become a more prominent and powerful force than ever before. Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the philosophy behind our podcast's new name, "Talk Doesn't Cook Rice." We dive into its pragmatic significance, its connection to embodied perception inspired by French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and why taking that first step is vital in life. Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the brilliant TV show that is Mr Inbetween. We explore how it relates to themes like morality, phenomenology, authenticity, and absurdism, and ask why it is we love the characters in shows like this and The Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad so much. Trailer for Mr Inbetween: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1622522393/ Intro/Outro Music: The Eternal Now by Maze 28

John and Danny discuss the captivating work of Alfred Adler, the brilliant Austrian psychotherapist and visionary behind individual psychology. We explore Adler's unique journey, from his collaboration with Freud to forging his own path of discovery. We dive deep into the causes and effects of inferiority complex, and contemplate its relevance in today's fast-paced world. Intro/Outro Music...

John and Danny discuss the profound ideas of Ernest Becker in his groundbreaking book, "The Denial of Death." We explore the existential anxiety that lurks within us all and how it can affect our everyday lives and relationships. Despite the weighty topic, this episode is surprisingly uplifting and affirming and will help you live more fully in the present moment. The Denial of Death by...

John and Danny discuss the philosophy of pragmatism and its relevance to modern life. We explore the ideas of three classic American pragmatists—Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey—discussing topics such as the nature of truth and the importance of a pragmatic education. Additionally, we examine some of the criticisms that have been levelled at pragmatism and its relationship wit...

John and Danny discuss the evolution of status in human life and the ways it distorts and defines our behaviour as individuals and societies. We explore Will Storr’s excellent book, The Status Game, and delve into why the feeling of being valued is so important to us. We also consider why it's important to diversify your status game and how you might reconcile the need for status in your daily...

John and Danny discuss bullshit, exploring what it is, why we do it, and who is susceptible to it. We also examine the notions of persuasive and evasive bullshitting and ask if bullshitting is avoidable or simply an inherent part of what it is to be human. Harry Frankfurt, On Bullshit (Amazon)  Research study mentioned: Cutting the Crap: The Perceived Prevalence of Pseudoscientific Bullshit in Spo...

John and Danny discuss well-being and ask whether "being well" might actually be a better focus if we are to truly flourish. Is well-being just another corporate buzzword and are well-being programmes and practitioners simply disguising companies’ base motivations with the language of care? Might existential philosophers like Martin Heidegger have some better answers to what could in fac...

John and Danny discuss the “bioenergetic” view of health and how it might impact the way we think, learn, and live. The central point revolves around maximising metabolic function so that we approach life with curiosity, positivity, and vigour while being resistant to the everyday stresses we might face. The paper that John wrote (PDF): https://t.co/sz7zNdIVmO How to Heal Your Metabolism by Kate D...

John and Danny discuss "the will to power," one of the most fundamental concepts in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. We explore how we can all make embracing our "will to power" a bigger part of our lives, including non-conformity and having the courage to be disliked, being more aware of motivated reasoning in ourselves and others, and appreciating the influence of body...

John and Danny discuss the notion of a psychologically rich life. Unlike happy or meaningful lives, psychologically rich lives are characterised by complexity, in which people experience a variety of interesting things and feel and appreciate a variety of deep emotions via firsthand or vicarious experiences. We explore the work of Shigehiro Oishi and colleagues in this area and examine the ways we...

John and Danny discuss Adam Curtis’ documentary series “The Century of the Self” (2002), which focuses on the work of psychoanalysts Sigmund Freud and Anna Freud, and PR consultant Edward Bernays. We explore Curtis’ analysis of how those in power have used Freud's theories to encourage mass consumerism and control people in an age of mass democracy, and we examine the ways they continue to sha...

John and Danny discuss Simone de Beauvoir's classic book "The Ethics of Ambiguity" (1948), which explores the existentialist tension between absolute freedom of choice and the constraints of life’s givens. We explore de Beauvoir's powerful analysis of the five types of people who are not free, discuss their relevance and application in everyday life, and consider the responsibili...

John and Danny discuss Friedrich Nietzsche's three metamorphoses story, which appeared in his now iconic work of philosophical fiction, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883). Nietzsche believed that the purpose of human existence is to achieve one's full potential. To achieve that, a spirit had to go through three transformations: a camel, a lion, and a child. We explore what characterises each of...