Karen Phelan

Un-Assuming: We can't build a new world on the beliefs that made the old one

Society EN ↓ 5 episodes

As AI increasingly replicates human thought and behavior, understanding ourselves becomes more urgent than ever. Using the ancient philosophical method of dialogue, host Karen Phelan leads discussions with her guests that examine human nature, the systems we create, and the beliefs that shape our society. We don’t claim to have the answers, but through open dialogue, insight, and inquiry, we invite listeners to see the world in a new way, hold dialogues of their own, and, ultimately, find their role in creating a better world.

Author

Karen Phelan

Episodes

Ep 0.5: About the Host 21.05.2026 3:31

Karen reviews a brief biography of her life, emphasizing what led her to create this podcast.

Ep 0: Introduction to Un-assuming 21.05.2026 3:05

Host Karen Phelan explains that the purpose of this podcast is help us imagine a future with AI that is utopian, rather than dystopian. We can't create a future we can't imagine. To do this, we need to change our perspective of the world and challenge our beliefs.

Ep 3: Do people need to work? 13.04.2026 45:27

Join guests Jeannie Coyle and John Schuster as we discuss the nature of work. For many, work provides a purpose and an identity. Yet, many jobs and even professions are disappearing with automation and AI. Some governments are experimenting with UBI to compensate for the lack of jobs. But is work solely about earnings or do people need work to have happy and productive lives? And does the type...

Ep 2: Is lying part of human nature? 27.02.2026 38:26

We tell white lies all the time. We construct fables and myths to make sense of the world. We currently complain about a post-truth world, but have we ever really been truthful? Guests Julie Winkle Giulioni and Charles Feltman join Karen for an exploration of lying, whether truth and truthfulness are attainable, and what we can do to be better.

Ep 1: Is money evil? 24.02.2026 51:11

We can see what rapacious greed is doing, not only to humanity, but to our planet and all living things. This episode explores money - what is it exactly, why does it make people behave badly, and what can we do about greed and exploitation. Featuring guests Peter Neuwirth and Gerald Harris.