Preconceived

We all know about the potential abuse and addiction associated with alcohol and other drugs. Yet despite this, alcohol has persisted since the dawn of human societies. Does its persistence suggest that alcohol may actually be an important factor in the history of our civilization? In Edward Slingerland's book, 'Drunk', he explores the social benefits of alcohol and intoxication. He joins the podcast to share his insights. Check out 'Drunk' at https://www.amazon.ca/Drunk-Sipped-Danced-Stumbled-Civilization/dp/0316453382

In a world that increasingly feels like it’s falling into disarray, heated debates are taking place about a multitude of topics – war in the Middle East, the immigration crisis in the US, abortion rights, and much more. Personally, I’ve found myself listening to a disproportionate amount of debates on the above topics on some of my favorite podcasts. But I’ve come to wonder – what makes a good debater? What are the general tenets and principles of a debate that a participant needs to know before engaging in one? And perhaps more practical, are the rules of formal debate applicable to the way we argue things off of a debate stage? Or should they be considered totally different forums of discussion?

For many years now, the media and general population has loved making comparisons between Donald Trump and Adolf Hitler. On the one hand, the comparison seems odd – Hitler was a mass murderer and the architect of the most devastating genocide the world has ever seen; Donald Trump has committed no genocide. On the other hand, both are extreme political figures who each galvanized large segments of the population to rise to power. For those who deplore Trump, it is perhaps a political strategy to compare him to Hitler, to scare people into thinking that if he is allowed back into power, he will pose the same risks to humanity as Hitler did. Yet beyond such conjecture, perhaps there are similarities between these two figures that can teach us important lessons, and help guide us moving forward, as America gears up for its next presidential election. Professor Henk de Berg joins the podcast. Check out Henk's book, 'Trump and Hitler: A Comparative Study in Lying', at 'https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-51833-1

‘Regret’ is a word that many in society hesitate to use. At its core, it implies we made the wrong decision, and that if we could go back in time, perhaps we would have acted differently. While there’s no doubt we all make poor decisions, we typically don’t frame our bad decisions as ‘regrets’. Often we will try to cast our regrets as ‘learning moments’ and might even say things like ‘I don’t regret that action because of what it taught me’. But the reality is, regret, or whatever you want to call it, does exist. There are decisions most of us would probably take back. So what does the research show on regret, and what it can teach us on how to make better decisions? Todd McElroy, an expert in regret research, joins the podcast.

While wars are still waged today and atrocities still occur, many argue that this is actually the most peaceful period of humankind.  Is this true? And if so, why is this the case?  Is society’s inherent desire for peace higher than it was in ancient and medieval times?  Is the value of peace and protecting human life given a greater premium than it was in the past?  Are our values fundamentally different than they were in prior centuries and millennia?  Were power, dominance and legacy valued more greatly in ancient and medieval times?  Or rather, is it not so much that our values have shifted, but more so that the framework of modern society has more checks and balances to keep power and wars in check? Professor Keith Bradley joins the podcast. Keith Bradley's latest book on Hadrian - https://www.amazon.ca/Marguerite-Yourcenars-Hadrian-Writing-Emperor/dp/1487548818

It seems like more and more people are seeing therapists on a regular basis. And while that is not a bad thing, it does beg the question, ‘what is the role of therapy for someone who does not have psychiatric illness, but is just experiencing the ups and downs of the human condition?’ Who should people be seeking therapy from, and what should the goals of therapy be?  Psychologist Huw Green joins the podcast.

We all grow up in different communities with varying value systems, traditional, and social norms. But the ‘rules’ of some communities are more rigid in some regards, and more isolated from other branches of mainstream culture. One such example is Purity Culture, an ethos in some communities that staunchly promotes abstinence, and preaches by virtue by refraining from sexual activity. So what is it like to live in such a community? What exactly is purity culture, and do the people in these communities actually believe in and commit to abstinence, or is it more talk than true commitment? How does abstinence end up shaping people’s conceptions of marriages and sex in their future? Portia Brown joins the podcast. Portia Brown Coaching - https://www.portiabrowncoaching.com

We all know that optimism is a good thing.  And in life, there is indeed much to be optimistic about.  But the world can also be a cruel place, and the realities of life can sometimes be harsh.  So what exactly does it mean to be optimistic?  Is there such thing as a healthy dose of pessimism?  Is it better to veer on the realist side of life and be pleasantly surprised when things go your way, or is having an optimistic outlook the key to a happier and more meaningful life?  Bill Burke, founder of The Optimism Institute, joins the podcast.The Optimism Institute - https://www.theoptimisminstitute.comBlue Sky Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/blue-sky/id1670686589This episode is sponsored by Cassette Cycling - Check out their amazing cycling shirts at https://cassette-cycling.com/.