The Observing I Podcast

In this episode, we’ll dive into their philosophical roots, psychological impact, and modern relevance in areas like politics, technology, and mental health. I’ll also share personal reflections on how these concepts play out in daily life and discuss spiritual practices that help bridge the gap between them. Join me as we explore how embracing both duality and unity can lead to deeper peace, conn...

From philosophical perspectives like existentialism and Stoicism to modern challenges such as social injustice, mental health, and the impact of technology, we examine why pain is an inevitable part of the human experience. We also discuss how suffering can inspire creativity, foster empathy, and even lead to personal growth. Join us on this journey to discover how we can find meaning, resilience,...

Psychological warfare isn’t about guns, tanks, or bombs. It’s about winning the war for the mind. It’s the art of influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours using tactics like propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation. In this episode, we'll explore what psychological warfare is, why it's so effective, the ethical implications of using it, and some tools and techniques that you ca...

He’s been called the father of psychoanalysis, the man who brought the unconscious mind to the forefront of our understanding of human behaviour. His ideas about dreams, childhood development, and the structure of the mind have left an indelible mark not just on psychology, but on our culture as a whole. In this episode, we’re going to take a comprehensive look at Freud’s life and work, but we’re...

In today's episode, we're getting down into it with Carl Jung. We go on a deep exploration into his psychology, from dream interpretation, the power of the collective unconscious, and how we can relate to the symbolism of Jungian archetypes. We'll also take a look at how Jung's influence persists today, and some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding his ideas. Please also excuse the back...

In today's episode, we delve into the mysterious intersections between the occult and modern psychology. From the pioneering theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to the emergence of transpersonal psychology in the 1960s, we explore how ancient mystical traditions have shaped contemporary psychological practices. Join us as we discuss compelling case studies, examine both the support and critici...

In today's episode, we embark on a chilling journey into the life and mind of the writer H.P. Lovecraft. We'll explore his personal story and the philosophies behind his writing. We'll look at the psychological methodologies employed in his work, and how these techniques impact us as the reader. Finally, we get a taste of Lovecraft's cosmic horror as I read his short story "Dagon". This episode is...

Sleep. Consume. Obey. We'll be looking at its historical roots, exploring the psychology behind our behaviour in relation to it, the role that advertising and media plays in our consumer culture, and the impact that it can have on our mental health. I'll also be looking at ways that we can break free from the cycle, and be more considered in our approach to materialism. This episode is sponsored b...

In today’s episode, we’re delving into the life and works of one of the founders of humanistic psychology - Abraham Maslow. We’ll explore his hierarchy of needs and how it relates to our day to day lives, the influence that it’s had on modern psychology, and the broader impact of his ideas on business, design, and education. We’ll dive into what it means to “self actualise” and give some examples...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the nature of authenticity, delving into what it means to live a true and genuine life. Join us as we unravel the concept of authenticity through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and theology, and discover what each of these disciplines has to teach us about aligning our actions with our values. In our final segment, we integrate the insights from philosoph...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the ways in which narratives shape our minds, influence our beliefs, and connect us to our cultural heritage. We’ll examine the psychological impact and ideas around storytelling and the human experience, what philosophy has to say on the matter, and the importance of mythology in conveying our cultural history. We’ll look at how media and technology has changed...

In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the world of embracing our imperfections. We’ll look at what it means to be imperfect and what philosophy has to say on the matter, from Aristotle’s idea of Eudaimonia to Buddhism’s teachings on impermanence. We’ll explore what psychology has to teach us about the damaging effects of perfectionism, drawing on the wisdom of Carl Rogers, and the popular CBT f...

In today’s episode, we’re challenging that common advice of “follow your passion” and looking at why focusing on your talents instead can lead to greater fulfilment and success. Is there a point where, if we focus on our talents enough, they can become our passions? And what happens to our passions if, after years of effort, they never come to fruition? These are questions that I am hoping to answ...

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of parasocial relationships - those emotional connections we form with celebrities, influencers, streamers, and YouTubers. We’ll explore what a parasocial relationship is, and some of the psychological motivators behind them. We’ll weigh up whether they’re beneficial to us or harmful, and take a look at two real life examples from each side of t...

In this episode, we’re going to be taking a deviation from our usual transmission. This Monday, which was a bank holiday for all of you in the UK, a book that I’ve been working on for about 2 years finally hit the shelves. It’s imaginatively called “The Observing I: A guide to living a more authentic life”, and it’s full of philosophical ideas and psychological methodologies to help you get to the...

In today’s episode, we’re getting into the esoteric realm of thought and consciousness. What is thought, and how does it shape our experience? What part does our consciousness play on the human narrative, and where is the line between thought and awareness? We’ll look at the fundamental definitions of thought, explore what philosophy and theology has to say on the matter, and look at the way in wh...

In today’s episode, we are getting into the world of empathy and sympathy. These two emotions play crucial roles in our social interactions, relationships, and personal well-being. I’ll be looking at what they actually are, taking a look at what philosophy has to say on the matter, and exploring their place in psychology. We’ll also be looking at the pros and cons of each and trying to work out wh...

In today's episode, we're exploring the world of Alain de Botton, the philosopher who makes old ideas feel fresh. We'll explore how he takes complex concepts and brings them down to earth, showing us how they can be applied to our everyday lives. Whether you're struggling with love, work, or just the general feeling of being overwhelmed by the modern world, de Botton offers a unique perspective th...

In today’s episode, we delve into the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of one my favourite modern philosophers - Alan Watts. He was an incredible figure who spoke with eloquence and clarity, integrating Eastern and Western thought in a way that had never been done before. Trained as an Episcopal priest, he left the church and went on to become a spiritual luminary in California in the heig...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the life and philosophy of the famous cynic Diogenes of Sinope, possibly one of the most eccentric philosophers in history. Known for his extreme cynicism and audacious public antics, Diogenes challenged the social and moral norms of his time with a philosophy that is as radical today as it was over two thousand years ago. From living in a ceramic jar to asking...

In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the sceptical world of the 18th Century philosopher David Hume. Hume shook the foundations of science, morality, and our sense of self and identity. From his early philosophical crisis, to his critique of the traditional notion of causality, we’ll be exploring how his sceptical mind questioned the limits of human knowledge. We’ll look at how his ideas can b...

We'll explore who this mysterious figure might have been (*clue: it wasn’t Thoth), the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, and how they've shaped thinkers from the Renaissance to the present day. We’ll talk about how Hermeticism can be useful in our lives today, and some of the potential pitfalls and critiques of the philosophy. Such as quiche manifestation. That’s right. Quiche. Share your th...

In today’s episode, we explore the life and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century thinker who challenged traditional morality and championed individual self-creation. We dive into his core ideas surrounding “the death of God”, the Rise of the Ubermensch, the Will to Power, and his Revaluation of Values. We talk about how to live authentically, according to Nietzsche, and then see how...

Ever feel lost in a universe that seems indifferent to your existence? This week on The Observing I, we delve into the world of existentialism and the notion of the absurd, explored through the life and work of Albert Camus. We'll unpack the core themes of existentialism – freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world. Then, we'll meet Meursault, the enigmatic protagon...

It’s time for a change in direction. Today marks the first episode in our Philosophical Deep Dives, where I pick a certain school of thought and explore what it’s about, where it came from, and how it’s relevant today. This week, as I mention it in almost every episode, you’re getting Stoicism. I talk about the core tenets of the philosophy (wisdom, courage, virtue, and temperance), take a look at...