Very Bad Wizards

A deep dive into Denis Villeneuve's Sicario, from Roger Deakins' striking cinematography to tense border-set sequences. They unpack Alejandro's mystery, Kate's moral unraveling, and the film's mirror of U.S. and Mexican violence. Technical feats like night-vision tunnel craft and the Juárez convoy get praise. Plus a fast-paced contest pick segment where listeners help choose future topics.

They dig into a bizarre sexsomnia case that raises doubts about credibility and criminal responsibility. They unpack Flannery O'Connor's "Good Country People," focusing on identity, manipulation, and the shocking barn twist. Conversation explores religious themes, satire of intellectualism, and how a missing prosthetic exposes hidden vulnerabilities.

They tier-rank a wide range of academic fields from engineering to art history and computer science to gender studies. They debate the practical value of majors like engineering, math, and statistics versus humanities such as English, classics, and comparative literature. They discuss controversies around neuroscience, journalism, and the Epstein emails connection. Final tier placements and takeaways are revealed.

They debate viewing time as circular and how rituals might reenact the universe’s creation to make moments sacred again. They critique a study showing conspiracy-believing dating profiles harm impressions and dig into methods, plausibility, and ideological effects. They contrast cyclical sacred time with Christianity’s historical sanctification and question whether ritual renewal yields real, lasting change.

Dive into the divine with a discussion on sacred spaces as a crucial anchor in our chaotic lives. Uncover how swearing might boost physical strength, despite skepticism about the science behind it. Explore Mircea Eliade's ideas on how modernity has desanctified yet left traces of the sacred in personal rituals and home life. Delve into the contrasts between sacredness and the profane, and how cultural phenomena like Twin Peaks serve as liminal portals. Join the thought-provoking journey from chaos to meaning!

Explore the complexities of Plato's Euthyphro, where a confident priest meets Socrates just before prosecuting his father. The dialogue raises questions about piety and the nature of divine approval, leading to the famous Euthyphro dilemma. Meanwhile, delving into Oliver Sacks, the hosts discuss the ethical ramifications of embellishing true stories in nonfiction, weighing narrative power against scientific trust. With humor and insight, they navigate the intersections of morality, humanism, and the very essence of justice.

David and Tamler dive into William James' concept of 'The Stream of Thought,' exploring consciousness as a continuous flow rather than discrete moments. They dissect the 'Batman Effect' study, questioning if superhero sightings influence altruistic behavior. The duo debates James' rejection of atomistic theories and his views on personal experience, selective attention, and the implications of language on shared understanding. With humor and insight, they connect these psychological ideas to modern research and critical policy discussions.

David and Tamler embark on a journey through Homer's Odyssey, focusing on Telemachus and the suitors at his home. They delve into Athena's intricate plans to help Odysseus, and the significance of hospitality in ancient culture. The hosts also blind-rank influential philosophers, sparking lively debate. Emily Wilson's modern translation is highlighted for its accessibility, freeing the text from archaic complexities. As they unpack themes of fate and masculinity, the episode expertly intertwines philosophy and timeless storytelling.

The hosts dive deep into Kafka's haunting story, 'The Hunger Artist,' exploring its themes of fame, suffering, and the human condition. They discuss the intriguing decline from celebrated artist to mere sideshow, raising questions about the nature of art and audience perception. In a surprising shift, they also delve into the phenomenon of 'gooning,' examining its online subculture, sexual dynamics, and community norms. Their playful banter contrasts the existential musings of Kafka with contemporary discussions about niche identities and the search for connection.

Explore Freud's exploration of grief and depression in his 1917 work, where he distinguishes normal mourning from melancholia. Hear the hosts debate the merits of iconic rappers like Nas, Tupac, and Snoop Dogg in a blind ranking game. Delve into concepts like libidinal energy, ego development, and ambivalence in relationships, while questioning how internalizing loss can become pathological. The conversation blends psychological insights with cultural commentary, offering a fun and thought-provoking perspective on Freud's legacy.