Podcasts by WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life

Our November Podcast Mistake from 2023-11-29T12:33:35

We initially sent out the wrong audio! If you downloaded the mistake, please delete that, refresh your feed, and try again. That should give you the correct conversation as Jack visits with David L...

"Why do we dehumanize people?" from 2023-11-12T15:40

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with David Livingston Smith, professor of philosophy at the University of New England, author of "On Inhumanity: Dehumanization and How to Resist It" from Oxford ...

The Ethics of Cryptocurrency from 2023-10-09T08:42:16

Catherine Flick is a Reader in Computing and Social Responsibility in the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility at De Montfort University. She also currently has a visiting fellowship at S...

“How to Give Sex Advice” with Dan Savage from 2023-09-10T16:05

Host Jack Russell Weinstein is joined by author and podcast host Dan Savage to discuss "How to Give Sex Advice."

“The Myths of Whiteness” from 2023-08-13T12:50

Jack Russell Weinstein visits with David Mura, the author of “The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself: Racial Myths and Our American Narratives.”

“Who is Responsible for War Crimes?” from 2023-07-09T14:50

In an encore presentation from 2018, host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Matthew Talbert and Jessica Wolfendale, co-authors of the book, War Crimes: Causes, Excuses, and Blame.

“The Case for Nonhuman Rights" from 2023-06-11T15:41

Jack visits with Jeff Sebo, the author of “Saving Animals, Saving Ourselves: Why Animals Matter for Pandemics, Climate Change, and Other Catastrophes.”

“Consolation, Solace, and Leadership” from 2023-05-14T15:45

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Michael Ignatieff, author of “On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times.” Known for his work as a historian, Ignatieff has held senior academic posts at t...

"The Philosophy of Depression" from 2023-04-08T01:00

“The Philosophy of Depression,” with Andrew Solomon, a writer on politics, culture and psychology. Solomon wrote “The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression,” which won the 2001 National Book Award,...

Bonus Episode:"Philosophy in the Classroom" from 2023-03-13T14:47:35

On this bonus episode, Jack Russell Weinstein and Ashley Thornberg explore philosophy in the classroom, his students, and how to present philosophers he doesn’t agree with.

What is it like to be a philosophy student? from 2023-03-12T01:00

In a special episode, Jack visits with four of his students — Samuel Amendolar, Terese Azure, Madilyn Lee, and Sara Rasch — about what it's like to study philosophy.

Privacy is Power from 2023-02-12T14:57

“Data, Technology, and the Power of Privacy.” Philosophers Jack Russell Weinstein and Carissa Véliz discuss how internet companies track and sell private information, and how this is changing polit...

"Ask Me Anything" from 2022-04-10T09:00

In this special episode, Ashley Thornberg presents Jack with philosophical questions submitted by listeners.

“What is a Model Minority?” from 2022-03-13T09:00

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Emily S. Lee, professor of philosophy at California State University at Fullerton, and the author of "Race as Phenomena: Between Phenomenology and Philosophy...

"Love, Hate, or Eat: How Humans Relate to Animals" from 2022-02-13T15:04

This encore episode from April 2012 examines our relationship with animals. Why do some cultures eat dogs and others invite them into their bedrooms? Why do some people find spiders disgusting but ...

The Tables Have Turned: Jack Russell Weinstein Becomes the Interviewee from 2022-02-10T15:35:21

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Main Street's Ashley Thornberg discusses various aspects of race and the importance of holidays with UND philosophy professor Jack Russell Weinstein.

"Why Plato and Not Prozac" from 2022-01-09T16:05

This encore from 2011 is quite appropriate for today as host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Lou Marinoff. Can philosophy make our lives better? Can it help us develop better senses of self? Can...

"The Separation of Church and State" from 2021-12-12T09:00

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Andrew L. Seidel, a constitutional attorney and the Director of Strategic Response at the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

"Should the Government Care About You?" from 2021-11-15T11:49:44

Does the government have the responsibility to care about its citizens? Does it have an obligation to think of each of us as people, as individuals, and not just as interchangeable? Join WHY? as we...

“How do philosophers talk about sex, love, and desire?” from 2021-10-11T12:00:08

Sarah LaChance Adams is Florida Blue Distinguished Professor; Director of the Florida Blue Center for Ethics at the University of North Florida; and the author of "New Philosophies of Sex and Love:...

“What is Machine Learning and Why is it Important to Philosophy?” from 2021-09-13T16:34:55

UND philosophy professor Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Emily Sullivan, assistant professor of philosophy at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands. Her research explores the int...

“The Argument for Peace and Non-Violence” from 2021-08-08T15:00:38

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with peace activist Kathy Kelly

“Why Do Conspiracy Theories Work?” from 2021-07-09T14:42:39

Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Quassim Cassam, philosophy professor at the University of Warwick in the UK.

"The Politics of Crisis" from 2021-06-13T16:27

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with philosophy professor Olufemi Taiwo of Georgetown University.

"A Philosophy of Consulting" from 2021-05-09T17:00

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with consultant Bob Colleran.

“A Philosophy of Motherhood” from 2021-04-11T16:44:28

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Danielle LaSusa, philosophical Coach and Consultant. LaSusa has a Ph.D. in Philosophy, a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies, and a passion for helping n...

"Universal Basic Income" from 2021-03-14T13:31

An encore presentation of Jack's 2017 conversation with Rutger Bregman, historian and author. He has published four books on history, philosophy, and economics. His History of Progress was awarded ...

“Is the Law Consistent?" from 2021-02-14T16:28

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with P. Andrew Torrez, an attorney who also hosts a podcast called Opening Arguments, which helps people make sense of legal matters in the news.

"What is it Like to be a University President?" from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with John Ettling, recently retired president of Plattsburgh State University, and former provost at the University of North Dakota.

“What Does Wellness Mean and How Do We Get There?” from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with John Ratey, an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. His books writings include the groundbreaking ADD-ADHD “Driven to Distra...

“What Does it Mean to Keep the Internet Free?” from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with journalist, and science fiction author Cory Doctorow, who serves as co-editor of the Boing Boing blog.

"Requiem for a Philosophy Professor: Remembering David N. Mowry" from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

A special episode of Why? Radio in which host Jack Russell Weinstein remembers David N. Mowry, his professor and mentor who passed away on April 23, 2019.

“How Does Misinformation Spread?” from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Cailin O’Connor and James Owen Weatherall, authors of "The Misinformation Age: How False Beliefs Spread." They expolore why, apart from any evidence, people'...

“A Philosophical Look at Ska and Jamaican Music” from 2021-01-10T13:44

Host Jack Russell Weinsten visits with Heather Augustyn, the author of "Women in Jamaican Music" and "Ska: The Rhythm of Liberation."

“How Important is the Brain to the Great Philosophical Questions?” from 2020-12-13T17:00

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Dr. Patricia Churchland, Professor of Philosophy Emerita at the University of California, San Diego. Her work has focused on the interface between neuroscien...

“How Does Propaganda Work?” from 2020-11-08T15:45

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Jason Stanley, the Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University. His latest book is How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them.

"Politics and Debates"- A special episode of the WHY podcast from 2020-10-09T15:27:50

In a special edition of the WHY podcast, host Jack Weinstein appears on the Main Street radio show to discuss politics and debates with Main Street host Doug Hamilton.

“Can There Be A Philosophy of Hate?” from 2020-09-13T13:58

Jack Weinstein visits with Berit Brogaard, author of HATRED: Understanding Our Most Dangerous Emotion.

“Is a Universal Basic Income too Utopian to Work?” from 2020-08-09T16:51

An encore episode from 2017 as Jack visits with Rutger Bregman.

"Is Free Speech Worth It?" from 2020-07-12T16:43

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Thane Rosenbaum, novelist, essayist, and Distinguished University Professor. He is the director of the Forum on Life, Culture, & Society, hosted by Touro Col...

“Why Does Income Equality Make Society Stronger?” from 2020-06-12T16:39:10

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett, authors of "The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better," and their newest book, "The Inner Level,...

“What is the difference between a religion and a cult?” from 2020-05-10T16:05

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with sociologist Susan Palmer of Concordia University where she is an affiliate professor of religions and cultures. Her primary research interest is new religiou...

"What is the Role of Philosophy During a Global Crisis?" from 2020-04-12T16:50

Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Dr. Susan Neiman, director of the Einstein Forum in Potsdam, Germany as they explore foresight, redemption, and societal values.

“Does it Make Sense to Blame the System?” from 2020-02-09T17:00

Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Lisa Herzog, associate professor at the University of Groningen, as they explore the conflict between financial incentives and morality.

"A Philosophical Look at Immigration and Migration" from 2020-01-12T10:00

Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Adam Hosein, philosophy professor at Northeastern University in Boston. Hosein is the author of "The Ethics of Migration: An Introduction."

"Does Accepting Evolution Mean There is no Meaning of Life?" from 2019-11-10T14:24

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Michael Ruse, a faculty member at Florida State in Tallahassee. Ruse specializes in the philosophy of biology and the relationship between science and religion.

"Who Should We Blame and Who Should We Forgive?" from 2019-10-13T20:22

Jack visits with Miranda Fricker, Presidential Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New York Graduate Center.

“Why Do We Need a New Translation of the Hebrew Bible?” from 2019-09-08T20:11

Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Robert Alter, the world’s foremost Hebrew Scriptures scholar. He just released a new translation of the books of Moses.

“How do the Arts Contribute to Capitalism and Economic Development?” from 2019-08-11T23:20

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Patrick Kabanda, the author of "The Creative Wealth of Nations: Can the Arts Advance Development?"

“Can We Change Social Norms?” from 2019-07-14T20:47

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Cristina Bicchieri, professor of social thought and comparative ethics at the University of Pennsylvania. Their topic is, “Can we change social norms?”

The Rise of Mass Writing from 2015-03-06T20:08:35

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Deborah Brandt, professor emerita of English at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“Equality and Dialogue in American High Schools” from 2015-02-08T20:50:14

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Nel Noddings, an American feminist, educationalist, and philosopher best known for her work in philosophy of...

“Why Not Socialism?” from 2015-01-09T17:49:05

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Robert Paul Wolff.

Can A Philosopher Govern the United States? from 2014-12-12T17:34:44

"Can A Philosopher Govern the United States? The Case of F. A. Hayek." Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Bruce Caldwell, an American historian of...

The Intelligence in Everyday Work from 2014-11-07T16:25:24

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Mike Rose, author of The Mind at Work: Valuing the Intelligence of the American Worker.

Do we live in a commercial republic? A discussion about American Government and its Economy from 2014-10-22T18:47

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Mike O'Connor

Saying 'no' through Civil Disobedience from 2014-10-22T18:45

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Jason D. Hill

“Are there too many people for our environment?” from 2014-10-22T18:44

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Philip Cafaro , professor of philosophy at Colorado State University.

“The Urbanization of Happiness” from 2014-10-22T18:40

Why? radio show from February 9, 2014

Episode 72 - "What is Performance Architecture?" from 2014-10-13T19:51:12

Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Alex Schweder.

Competition, Society and the Athlete from 2014-10-08T18:04:02

A reposting of episode 4: "Competition, Society and the Athlete". Paul Gaffney. Original airdate: March 8, 2009, 5 p.m. cenrtal.

Daniel Jonah Goldhagen "How to Think about Antisemitism" from 2014-09-15T16:30:55

Why? with host Jack Russell Weinstein.

The Disappeared: Human Rights and Art from 2014-06-24T18:41:26

Are Indian tribes sovereign nations? from 2014-05-11T20:00

George "Tink" Tinker visits with host Jack Russell Weinstein.

Can there be a world without borders? from 2014-04-12T17:26:06

Seyla Benhabib visits with host Jack Russell Weinstein