Meaningless Problems

A woman knocks on Bernard’s door and tells him he’s won an award. Philosophy - Comedy - Absurdism The World’s Happiest Person is an original short story by Doe Wilmann If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Being Happy Gardening Bingo Fiction that makes you think Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry Things to consider when listening: Can we measure happiness? Would we want to? Would you want to know how happy you are relative to other people? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

After many years searching for a guru, the narrator finally finds one in an unexpected place. Philosophy - Spirituality - Non-Duality The Guru is an original short story by Doe Wilmann If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Non Duality Meditation Spirituality Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction Speculative fiction Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry Things to consider when listening: What is the understanding that the guru in this story embodies? Can this understanding be learnt or acquired? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

As a plane experiences turbulence, one passenger lays out five reasons why we’ll never be dead. This episode is performed by London Grammar’s Dot Major. Dot Major is a multi award-winning musician best known for being one third of the band London Grammar, whose albums have been number one in the UK charts and across the world. Dot has also just embarked on a solo career in electronic music. Philosophy - Comedy - Life and Death Why You’ll Never Be Dead is an original short story by Doe Wilmann If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast ‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’ London Grammar The WeCroak app Non Duality Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think Philosophical fiction The afterlife Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry Things to consider when listening: Do you find any of the narrator’s five reasons compelling? What do you think happens after you die? What if you’re wrong? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

The prime minister wakes up in his country residence to find that everyone thinks he’s gone completely mad. So did he really speak to those men in black raincoats who told him he needs to follow their orders? Or did he imagine it? Who can you trust when you can no longer trust the voice in your own head? Psychological Thriller - Suspense - Political They’ll Have to Kill Me is an original short story by Doe Wilmann If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Fiction that makes you think Psychological fiction Contemplating the nature of the self Politics Prime ministers Country residences Ignoring the voice in your head Things to consider when listening: What would happen if a world leader legitimately went mad - would we find out or would it be covered up? Would you still trust your own memories if everyone around you was discrediting them? Who is that voice inside your head - is it you? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

An atheist wakes up in heaven. Philosophy - Comedy - Technology I Am is an original short story by Doe Wilmann If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast ‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’ Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think Philosophical fiction Speculative fiction The afterlife Simulations Religion Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry Episode #12 of this podcast Episode #13 of this podcast Things to consider when listening: What happens after you die? What if you’re wrong? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

A writer is slightly concerned about the most recent episode of his short story podcast. He shares these concerns with a plumber and is surprised by his response. Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast ‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’ Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think Philosophical fiction Speculative fiction Artificial intelligence The afterlife Simulations Narcissism Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry Episode #3 of this podcast Episode #12 of this podcast Speaking/listening to plumbers Things to consider when listening: Do you ever wonder if you’re the only person who truly exists? How do you know other people are having an experience given that you have no way of accessing this experience? Is it possible that the world is a simulation? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

When an egotistical writer dies, he wakes up to discover his entire life was a simulation. Fake World, Equal World is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Sc-fi - Philosophy - Technology If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman Philip K Dick Fiction that makes you think Philosophical fiction Speculative fiction Artificial intelligence The afterlife Simulations Narcissism Things to consider when listening: Do you ever wonder if you’re the only person who truly exists? How do you know other people are having an experience given that you have no way of accessing this experience? Is it possible that the world is a simulation? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?

When a play is disrupted by protests, it does wonders for ticket sales. Protest at the Theatre is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Comedy - Theatre - Corruption If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Tom Sharpe PG Wodehouse Fawlty Towers Episode 4 of this podcast Theatre Funding Protests Plays about hairdressing Things to consider when listening: Is it wrong for theatre companies to take funding from companies they deem immoral? Is it ok for a protest group to disrupt a theatrical performance? Are some protests more likely to backfire than succeed? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

On the verge of becoming a grandparent for the first time, Irene reflects on her relationship with her husband aka ‘Plonker’. Plonker is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Dramatic Monologue - Psychological - Relationships If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Dramatic Monologues Fiction that makes you think Psychological fiction The apparent unfairness of life Concorde Hospitals Grandchildren UB40 Hugh Laurie Gordon Ramsay Episode 5 of this Podcast Things to consider when listening: Does life really pass quickly or is this just our memories playing tricks on us? Are memories a sufficient consolation for ageing? When you’re doing something fun, what matters more: the activity or the person/s you’re doing it with? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? (Why did I used persons in the question before last and people in the last one?) This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Performed by Mary Tillett Recorded and edited by Sebastian Brown Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

A writer from 2043 laments being replaced by the AI chat bot ChatGPT. But are there some upsides? Consuming Content is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Sc-fi - Philosophy - Technology If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman Philip K Dick Fiction that makes you think Philosophical fiction Speculative fiction ChatGPT Artificial intelligence Considering Creativity The idea of writers being replaced Things to consider when listening: Do you need to produce the art in order for it to belong to you? Where does creativity come from? Will AI make humans more creative or less? Does everyone have a form of creative genius hidden within? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

On the day the UK government tests out its new emergency alerts system, there are some unexpected consequences for writer Alvin Rikard (first seen in ep4) and prisoner-in-his-own-home Kevin (first seen in ep1). A Fantastic Government Initiative is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Comedy - Farce - Relationships If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Tom Sharpe PG Wodehouse Fawlty Towers Fiction inspired by true events Contemplating the nature of the self Complaining about your partner Emergency alerts Government initiatives Ignoring the voice in your head Things to consider when listening: Is it pointless having a wide audience if they won’t remember what you’ve written? Would you rather produce beautiful art for a small audience or forgettable art for a large one? Would an incoming ballistic missile change how you felt towards those around you? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

The person who wakes up in Mike’s body isn’t Mike. He or she has swapped bodies with Mike overnight and now they need to swap back. The trouble is, Mike’s body includes Mike’s mind, which means they have all of Mike’s thoughts and all of Mike’s memories too, and none of their own. How can you get back to your true self if you don’t know who or what that is? My True Self is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Absurdist - Comedy - Philosophy If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Roald Dahl's Tales of the Unexpected The Fly Non duality Albert Camus René Descartes Fiction that makes you think Psychological fiction Philosophical fiction Contemplating the nature of the self Freaky Friday Being John Malkovich The Change-Up Body Swap stories Skiving work Things to consider when listening: Who/what is your true self? If you were to swap bodies and minds with another person, would you still be you? But don’t you have an almost entirely different body and mind than you did when you were a child? What do you mean by ‘you’? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?

After sixteen years working in a bank, Emma still loves her job and still loves serving her customers. You might think this is great. But I’m the voice in Emma’s head and, for me, it’s a living nightmare. Your Opinion Matters is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Comedy - Suspense - Psychological If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Dramatic Monologues Fiction that makes you think Psychological fiction Contemplating the nature of the self Banks ‘I Got You Babe’ by Sonny and Cher Episode 1 of this podcast Good customer service Ignoring the voice in your head Things to consider when listening: Who is that voice in your head who makes you do things you don’t want to do? Can a mundane job be enjoyable if you approach it with the right attitude? Do you prefer to stand in line or sit and wait? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

Scared that his whole life might pass him by, Edward devises a trick to help him appreciate his youth. Silly Old Trick - an original short story by Doe Wilmann, performed by Maison Sawyer Psychological - Suspense - Drama If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Dramatic Monologues Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman Fiction that makes you think Psychological fiction Contemplating the nature of the self Tricks Anaglypta wallpaper Shortbread biscuits Things to consider when listening: Does life really pass in the blink of an eye? Are memories a sufficient consolation for ageing? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe) I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. Website: Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com Thanks for listening Credits: Written by Doe Wilmann Performed by Maison Sawyer Recorded & Edited by Sebastian Brown Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

When Alvin Rikard says he’s writing a play about hairdressing, his best friend’s wife Natalia invites him to visit her salon. Alvin is delighted to accept. But are his motives entirely professional? About Hairdressing is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Comedy - Theatre - Sexual Tension If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Noel Coward PG Wodehouse Tom Sharpe Silly short stories Haircuts Salons Hairdressers from Poland Things to consider when listening: Is Alvin doing anything wrong? Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? (I’ll be honest, it’s not the deepest of episodes so there’s not too much to think about here) Do you know any decent hairdressers? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

When a writer tells a plumber about his theory of the world, he is surprised by the plumber’s response. The End Product is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast ‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’ Alan Watts Why I Write by George Orwell Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman Tales of the Unexpected by Roald Dahl Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry Speaking/listening to plumbers Things to consider when listening: What is the meaning of life? If the whole world is a factory, what are we creating? Is it necessary to have a purpose in life? Do you know any good plumbers? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 www.meaninglessproblems.com

Jake has just seen his dad for the last time. Or has he? Their relationship has strained over the last ten years but the one thing the father and son have left is their love for the iconic Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day. So when Jake flies back home to see his dad one last time, he wonders if he’ll end up reliving this day over and over again. Groundhog Day is an original short story by Doe Wilmann Drama - Family - Philosophy If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to piecesofdoe.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Groundhog Day Bill Murray The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli Albert Einstein Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman Fiction with philosophical undertones Contemplating the nature of the self Complaining about long flights Oasis Carmen Electra Things to consider when listening: What would you do differently if you could live an important day of your life over again? Do you believe there is anything special about ‘now’ or might all times exist simultaneously? What is your favourite Bill Murray movie? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? Credits: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

After thirty four years of marriage, Kevin feels like a prisoner in his own home. His religious faith means he is unable to divorce his wife. So is there another way he could bring their relationship to an end? My Home is a Prison is an original short story by Doe Wilmann True Crime - Comedy - Relationships (Yes, I’m doing that annoying Netflix thing where it gives you three buzzwords for each show. But it should help you if you’re scrolling through episodes) If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to piecesofdoe.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. You might enjoy this episode if you like: Tom Sharpe PG Wodehouse Fawlty Towers Fiction inspired by true events Contemplating the nature of the self ‘I Got You Babe’ by Sonny and Cher Complaining about your partner Robbing banks Sitting in a shed Ignoring the voice in your head Things to consider when listening: Should we be confined by the commitments made by our past selves? Who is the voice in your head? Is freedom a place or a state of mind? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? And the true story that inspired ‘My Home is a Prison’: It’s not quite as frivolous as the tale of Kevin and Barbara, but… (contains spoilers)… https://shortest.link/iG0F Acknowledgements: Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023

Launching on 5th March 2023. Subscribe now to get a Meaningless Problem in your life every single week. I wanted a platform where I could communicate directly with all the people who like my writing. And yes, I could have invited both of them out for a coffee but they don’t get on. So I’m doing a podcast instead. Will I keep it up? Will anyone listen? Does it matter either way? A mix of styles, genre and quality. Some will be comedies, some will be dramas, some will be sci-fi, and some will be rubbish. Common topics/ themes: The absurd Consciousness Free will Artificial intelligence God The Afterlife Non Duality Eternalism Haircuts Benches Sheds You’ll like this if you like…. Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sum: Tales of the Afterlife by David Eagleman Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Julian Barnes Kazuo Ishiguro (I realise I’m now just listing writers I like…) Margaret Atwood Oscar Wilde Anton Chekhov George Orwell This is my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok. I also have an Instagram and Twitter account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. @piecesofdoe for all three. Website: Piecesofdoe.com Thanks for listening