Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)

In this show Robert Harrison and Ato Quayson discuss tragedy and postcolonial literature (the topic of Professor Quayson’s 2021 book of the same title). Ato Quayson is the Jean G. and Morris M. Dolye Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and English at Stanford University, and chair of the Department of African and African American Studies. Songs in […]

Miles Osgood, communications manager at the Ho Center for Buddhist Studies and longtime Stanford instructor who teaches Ulysses and modern literature. He traces Odysseus from Homer to modernists, explores the Sirens and storytelling, probes Joyce’s mapping of Homer onto Dublin, and surveys Walcott and Gluck’s reworkings of Penelope and journey motifs.

In this show Robert Harrison and Adrienne Corn discuss the biology, psychology, and sociology of aging. Adrienne Corn earned a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in Leadership, Policy and Organizational Behavior. She is the founder of HumanTalented, a software and services company located in Nashville. Songs in this episode: “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake & […]

Mark Gonnerman, a Religious studies scholar with a Ph.D. from Stanford, dives into the life and philosophy of William James. He highlights James's journey from medicine to psychology and his declaration of personal freedom. Gonnerman discusses James's ideas on pragmatism, the will to believe, and individuality in religion. They explore James's notion of an 'open universe' and his critique of reductionism, emphasizing the importance of mental states in spiritual experience. This conversation provides a fresh perspective on James's legacy in modern thought.

In this engaging discussion, Abby Walthausen, host of A Lovely Wallpaper, invites Robert Harrison, a literary scholar and radio host, to explore the winter solstice's significance. They delve into how darkness serves as a transformative space, where life gestates and renews. Robert shares fascinating insights on cyanobacteria’s role in Earth's atmosphere and reflects on the eerie feeling of live radio. The conversation culminates with personal reflections on memorizing poignant poetry, including works by Rilke and Donne, linking themes of exile, grief, and beauty.

Join Robert Harrison as he chats with Crystal Cassidy, meditation master and founder of SoulPod, who blends neuroscience and contemplative practices. They delve into the essence of meditation, likening it to an aperture that can expand awareness. Crystal covers focused versus unfocused practices and the role of the ego in self-construction. She discusses the transformation meditation offers beyond mere stress relief and emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches. Expect insights on the science of meditation's effects on the brain and the intricate connection between breathwork and nervous system regulation.

Join Christy Wampole, a Princeton professor and cultural critic, as she delves into the zeitgeist, exploring the spirit of our times. She connects 19th-century spirit photography to Enlightenment thought and discusses how the term's meaning has evolved since the French Revolution. Wampole also outlines her book's structure, touching on the intersections of time, technology, and community. Meanwhile, Robert Harrison offers insights into how the Earth's atmosphere fosters a sense of spirit, emphasizing the importance of breath and poetic reflection in our lives.

In this engaging conversation, Christy Wampole, a Princeton professor and former producer, celebrates two decades of insightful dialogue alongside host Robert Harrison. They explore the show's origins, its unique title pun, and the spiritual power of radio. Robert shares tales of his musical awakening and the compelling voice that binds listeners. Delving into the art of conversation, he emphasizes thoughtful engagement over mere interviews. The duo also reflects on the show's avoidance of fleeting political topics, opting instead for timeless intellectual nourishment.

Explore the intriguing distinctions between human, animal, and artificial intelligence. Delve into the mysteries surrounding human thought and the concept of freedom versus constraint. Discover how storytelling shapes our culture and the unique human condition. Uncover the reasons behind language's development and the relationship to prolonged childhood. Contemplate the future of AI as it mimics human imagination, and reflect on humanity's fate when machines surpass us.

Michaela Hulstyn, a Stanford lecturer and author specializing in phenomenology, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on 'unselfing.' They explore the contrast between today's digital narcissism and classical self-cultivation, questioning the authenticity of modern self-branding. Michaela highlights how moments of unselfing, often inspired by art or nature, can lead to deeper moral insights. Delving into theorists like Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch, they examine how beauty can spur justice and how love may reveal uncharted facets of the self.