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Preconceived

Preconceived

358 episodes — Page 4 of 8

186. Staying Friends with Exes, and 'The Apps'

There is a preconception that once a romantic relationship ends, the whole relationship ends. Is that always a good thing? And should it be considered the norm, or is the status of the post-breakup relationship something that people should give more conscious thought to? A Little Nudge founder, Erika Ettin, joins the podcast to discuss how we might move forward, if at all, in staying friends with exes. The conversation then pivots to online dating and how people can better optimize their chances of finding a romantic partner through 'The Apps'. Check out A Little Nudge at https://www.alittlenudge.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 14, 202336 min

185. 'Making It' in Hollywood

There are few dreams as glorified and romanticized as that of becoming an actor in Hollywood. And part of what makes the dream so glorified is that thousands of actors are pursuing the same goal, with so many people setting off for Los Angeles in hopes of the same type of success. But what is it like in reality trying to become a successful actor? And is there really such thing as 'making it' in Hollywood, or is that just one of the many misconceptions embedded in The Hollywood Dream? Actor Ely Henry joins the podcast. Learn more about Ely at http://www.theelyhenry.com/aboutInstagram @elyhenryCheck out Ely's show 'Players' on Paramount Plus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 7, 202347 min

184. Troy - The Motives of War

The Trojan War is one of the most famously described and mythologized accounts from Ancient Greek civilization. It was the passion-fuelled war waged by the Greek States against Troy, which has captivated our imagination for millennia and inspired multiple Hollywood portrayals. But what exactly do we know about The Trojan War? And what can a war from so many years ago teach us about some of the wars in our world today? Professor Barry Strauss - renowned historian, author, and television personality - joins the podcast. Lear more about Barry Strauss at https://barrystrauss.com. Check out Barry's podcast, ANTIQUITAS: Leaders and Legends of the Ancient World, at https://www.digitalpodcast.com/feeds/93584-antiquitas. This episode is sponsored by Uncertain Things - https://uncertain.substack.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 202339 min

183. Originalism, The Supreme Court, and America's Future

In the United States, the term 'originalists' refers to those who believe that the US constitution should be interpreted today with the same conviction as it was followed when written hundreds of years ago. But how can the ideas and laws from over 200 years ago possibly just simply be accepted today, when we live in a totally different world? So what exactly is originalism? And how has it affected the Supreme Court in terms of decisions related to guns, abortion rights, and other domains? Professor Eric Segall joins the podcast. Twitter @espinsegallCheck out Eric's book, 'Originalism as Faith', at https://www.amazon.ca/Originalism-as-Faith-Eric-Segall/dp/1316640469 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 24, 202349 min

182. Puberty Blockers

For centuries, the terms male and female have essentially been synonymous with man and woman. But for many, this is perhaps a misconception - the idea that one's biological sex they are born with portends a certain gender. In this episode, we explore the role of puberty blockers in children and adolescents who are contemplating transitioning. Is there a 'right' time for someone to begin transitioning? How do puberty blockers work? And if someone decides to take them, what are the long term risks and effects? Dr. Michelle Forcier, Professor of Pediatrics at Brown University, joins the podcast to discuss her experience in prescribing puberty blockers to patients. Learn more about Michelle Forcier at https://vivo.brown.edu/display/mforcier Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 17, 202346 min

181. Way of the Peaceful Warrior

We all search for meaning in this world. But as we each embark on our own journey, there are many preconceptions that exist about what that quest 'should' entail. Has the self-help movement veered from its initial goals? Do we tend to put too much faith into supposed 'enlightened' gurus? Lifelong seeker and internationally-renowned author Dan Millman joins the podcast to share some of his insights and perspectives on what it really means to find purpose in our lives. Learn more about Dan Millman and his books, including 'Way of the Peaceful Warrior', at https://www.peacefulwarrior.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 202332 min

180. A Career Change

When we contemplate the word ‘career’, it’s natural to think of one singular profession that someone pursues via education and then remains in for a long period of time. When you think of a doctor or an accountant, you usually think of them practicing that profession for decades, the majority if not all of their work years. In the ‘corporate world’, job changes are perhaps more common, but it sometimes seems like people are becoming more inclined to pivot in their professional lives. Professor Serge da Motta Veiga joins the podcast to share insights and recent trends in the workplace. Learn more about Serge Da Motta Veiga - https://www.edhec.edu/en/research-and-faculty/faculty/professors-and-researchers/serge-da-motta-veiga Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 20, 202247 min

Pencils for Kids - Giving Back this Holiday Season

Zale is joined by his first ever guest from episode one, his mother Robin. On the first episode of this series, Robin discussed the idea of jumping into the unknown and embracing the twists and turns that life has to offer. In this episode, she shares one of her biggest "jump in" experiences, when she founded the charitable organization Pencils for Kids. Pencils for Kids provides education, training, and income-generating opportunities for children and women in Niger, one of the poorest countries in Africa. Robin speaks about the many lessons learned as she embarked on an unexpected journey.Get your copy of our book, 'Preconceived - challenging the preconceptions in our lives'. All profits will be going directly toward Pencils for Kids. https://www.amazon.com/Preconceived-Challenging-preconceptions-our-lives/dp/B0BBY7KL2X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SUTQF5XVW11V&keywords=preconceived&qid=1669510435&sprefix=preconceived%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 13, 202258 min

179. Asexual

Aside from sex being the main method of procreation, it is one of humankind’s greatest pleasures, to which most of us subscribe. But there are indeed people in society who do not partake in sex, or at least with the same regularity as one might expect. There are people who identify as asexual. But what exactly is asexuality? Is it decreased libido? Is it rooted in different physiological urges, or is it more so related to social and psychological factors? Dr. Lori Brotto joins the podcast. Learn more about Dr. Lori Brotto and her work at https://www.loribrotto.com and https://brottolab.med.ubc.ca. Twitter @drloribrotto This episode is sponsored by the podcast, Uncertain Things. Check it out at https://uncertain.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 6, 202230 min

178. Self Hypnosis

When you hear the word ‘hypnosis’, you might think of a swinging pendulum, or envision someone on a stage, showcasing a rare skill to a captivated audience. What you probably don’t think of – is hypnosis being used in a medical setting, by physicians. Stanford Professor Dr. David Spiegel joins the podcast to discuss how he has incorporated self-hypnosis into his medical practice. Check out the REVERI app for self-hypnosis at https://www.reveri.comThis episode is sponsored by UNCERTAIN THINGS. Check out the podcast at https://uncertain.substack.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 29, 202242 min

177. Leg Lengthening - Surgery to Become Taller

There are many people who exist on the shorter end of the height spectrum. For some people, it might be not the biggest deal – but for others, it might significantly impact their lives. But what if there were a way to change your height … to go from shorter to taller? Enter the surgery known as leg lengthening, a procedure designed to help people get taller. Actor Rich Rotella joins the podcast to share his recent experience undergoing leg lengthening surgery. Learn more about Rich Rotellahttps://www.youtube.com/c/RichRotellahttps://www.instagram.com/richrotellaofficial/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22383626/Learn more about Leg Lengthening Surgeryhttps://www.youtube.com/c/Cyborg4LifeThis episode is sponsored by the podcast, A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk Into a Bar. https://pastorandphilosopher.buzzsprout.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 202257 min

Residential Schools

When our history books speak of North American history, it can almost read as if Canada and the United States did not exist until the Europeans settled the lands, while in reality, these lands were populated by indigenous peoples for centuries prior. With the arrival of the Europeans, there were tragic economic implications, massive losses of land and rapid spread of disease that had devastating effects on the indigenous peoples. Perhaps most tragic was the Indian residential schools policy and initiative that took indigenous children away from their families, where their culture was eradicated. Theodore Fontaine, a member and former Chief of the Sagkeeng Ojibway First Nation, joins the podcast to share his story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 15, 202245 min

176. Napping

Many of us don't know what to make of napping; does napping provide health benefits, or is that just something we tell ourselves when we feel guilty for dozing off? Professor Sara Mednick is a cognitive neuroscientist and a leading expert on napping. She joins the podcast to share what she's learned from studying napping in her seven-bedroom sleep lab!Learn more about Sara Mednick: https://www.saramednick.comhttp://sleepandcognitionlab.orgThis episode is sponsored by A Pastor and a Philosopher Walk into a Bar: https://pastorandphilosopher.buzzsprout.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 202233 min

175. Transition-Related Surgery

There are many preconceptions about what is entailed in transitioning, both from a medical and a surgical perspective. In this episode, Zale speaks with a urologist who specializes in transition-related surgeries at the University of Toronto. Below is a link to a previous episode we ran called 'The Transgender Experience', which delves more into the personal experience of someone who has transitioned themselves: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/48733119This episode is sponsored by Uncertain Things - https://uncertain.substack.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 1, 202229 min

174. Shakespeare - What's all the fuss?

The works and plays of William Shakespeare have endured for centuries. But what is it about Shakespeare that has made his works such a mainstay in our culture for so long? Are his works truly as transcendent as one would think, or are there other reasons that explain his enduring legacy? Cassidy Cash, a historical map illustrator and host of That Shakespeare Life, the #2 Shakespeare history podcast in the world, joins the podcast. Learn more about Cassidy at www.cassidycash.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 25, 202241 min

173. To Buy or To Rent?

Part of 'The American Dream' is predicated on home ownership. Conventional wisdom suggests that it is a financially sound and important decision to buy a home rather than to rent from a landlord. But is this just something we've been indoctrinated to believe, or does the math really add up to support the financial wisdom of owning a home? Brad Barrett of the ChooseFI podcast joins the show.Subscribe to Brad's weekly newsletter at Choosefi.com/subscribe for Brad’s weekly newsletter Check out ChooseFI's latest episode that further delves into home ownership - https://www.choosefi.com/common-sense-spending-guidelines-ep-381/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 18, 202252 min

172. Astrology - science, religion, or neither?

Scorpio, Leo, Taurus, Pisces. These are just a few of the Zodiac signs in the world of astrology. But what exactly is astrology, and why do so many people follow it so closely? Is there any scientific evidence that the movement and positions of celestial objects in the solar system truly influences human affairs? Is astrology more akin to a science, a religion, or neither? Astrologer Mick joins the podcast to shed light on this often misunderstood topic. Check out unsiloed podcast at https://www.unsiloedpodcast.comGet your copy of our latest book, Preconceived, on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Preconceived-Challenging-preconceptions-our-lives/dp/B0BBY7KL2X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1YI8CVPAB2XKY&keywords=preconceived&qid=1664636795&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=preconceived%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 4, 202242 min

171. Sole Survivor - A glimpse into reality TV

Survivor is the most iconic reality television competition of the last twenty years. And Todd Herzog, the winner of Survivor's 15th season, is one of the show's most iconic winners. Todd joins the show to shed some light on what it's really like to play Survivor, and how his life changed when he came back to regular society. He also shares personal reflections on his battle with addiction and how that has been misrepresented in pop culture. Check out Todd's Pop Shop on instagram @toddspopshopGet your copy of 'Preconceived' TODAY, available in Paperback and Kindle, at https://www.amazon.com/Preconceived-Challenging-preconceptions-our-lives/dp/B0B7QJPQDK . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 27, 202250 min

170. Preconceived - A Collection of Insights

The much anticipated anthology, "Preconceived: Challenging the preconceptions in our lives" launches today on Amazon ! The book is a collection of stories, thoughts, and beliefs of over fifty of the guests who have been featured on our award-winning podcast. In this episode, we provide a sneak peak 'audiobook' look into what the collection has in store, with Zale as well as four contributors reading their respective book chapters. Get your copy of 'Preconceived' TODAY, available in Paperback and Kindle, at https://www.amazon.com/Preconceived-Challenging-preconceptions-our-lives/dp/B0B7QJPQDK . All profits from the book will be going to the charitable organization, Pencils for Kids. https://pencilsforkids.comCheck out the podcast, Uncertain Things, at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/uncertain-things/id1529979654 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 202231 min

169. The War Correspondent

Most people veer away from dangerous places. Yet there are some people in this world, who not only don’t avoid such places, but rather seek them out; journalists who report on some of the most dangerous and devastating conflicts in the world. So why would somebody risk their life, in some cases, to report on deadly conflicts far away? Why would somebody become a war correspondent, and what does the job entail? War correspondent Sam Mednick joins the podcast. Follow Sam on twitter at @sammednickCheck out the podcast - Uncertain Things - at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/uncertain-things/id1529979654 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 202234 min

168. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)

You might have heard of the term NFTs, short-form for non-fungible tokens. Some NFTs include virtual memorabilia such as art pieces and virtual real estate, worth upwards of millions of dollars, while other NFTs serve what one might consider more practical purposes. But what is exactly is an NFT, and how does it fit into our economy? Dr. Merav Ozair, a global leading expert on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, joins the podcast.I’m joined today by Dr. Meravo Ozair. Dr. Ozair is a global leading expert on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, with a background of a data scientist and a quant strategist. She has in-depth knowledge and experience in global financial markets and its market microstructure. Currently, Dr. Ozair applies her unique expertise to researching and investigating distributed ledger technology (DLT) and Blockchain ecosystem, digital assets, crypto markets and specifically, decentralized finance (DeFi) space and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). She is a FinTech professor at Rutgers Business School (RBS), where she has developed and teaches courses on blockchain and digital assets. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the World Scientific Series in FinTech at World Scientific Publishing, and has been frequently interviewed on blockchain, NFTs and DeFi space by world-wide media, such as Bloomberg, BBC, New York Times, Forbes, and more.Learn more about Dr. Merav Ozair at doctorblockchain.io Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 6, 202246 min

Would Being a Millionaire Make You Happier?

“Money can’t buy you happiness” … so the adage goes. But deep down, most people would probably still prefer to have more money in their pockets if given the opportunity. And despite the notion that money perhaps does not equal happiness, many people do spend their lives with a primary goal of making more money. So what is the actual impact of money on happiness? Clay Cockrell, a psychotherapist who works with ultra-high-networth individuals, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 30, 202242 min

167. Midwives and Home Births - An 'Alternative' Pregnancy

In modern 'Western' society, it is routine for women giving birth to be under the care of a physician in a hospital. The preconception is that the safest and most normal birth process should take place in a licensed healthcare setting under the supervision of an MD. But, there are many women who opt for a different birth experience, that is, under the care of a midwife, either in the hospital or in the comfort of their own home. Midwife Alyssa Byers-Heinlein joins the podcast.Check out the podcast, Curious State! You can find episodes at https://pod.link/curiousstate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 23, 202243 min

166. The Talent Agent - Finding the Next Star

Many actors do their best to 'make it' in the entertainment industry. But does talent always win out? What are the factors that help or hurt someone's foray into acting? And equally as important, how do talent agents go about finding and selecting the talent they want to feature? Talent manager Shari Quallenberg joins the podcast. Learn more about Shari at https://amiagency.ca/about-us/Check out the How Do We Fix It podcast at www.howdowefixit.me Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 16, 202252 min

165. 'Relationship OCD' - The Anxiety of Love

There are so many adages in regards to love and relationships. Many hinge on the notion that we must be absolutely certain in our choice of a romantic partner and that there should be no doubts when we ultimately decide on 'the one'. But is that a realistic framework for love? And how can the search for the Hollywood vision of love, in some cases lead to severe cases of relationship anxiety, otherwise known as relationship OCD (ROCD)? Kiyomi LaFleur, founder of Awaken into Love, joins the podcast.www.awakenintolove.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 9, 202242 min

164. The Metaverse

For a long time now, people have been ‘living online’, so to speak, communicating and maintaining friendships via social media, and using the Internet to optimize many facets of their lives. For some though, ‘living online’ has taken on a much deeper meaning … becoming so immersed in virtual reality and gaming, that that can seem just as ‘real’ as life itself. With further developments in virtual reality, we have witnessed the development of what is now known as ‘the metaverse’. But what exactly is the metaverse? Alex Lambert, who works in Virtual Reality and Augmented Gaming, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 2, 202242 min

Children of Nazis (Re-Post)

How would you react if you found out that your parent was a monster? This hypothetical situation isn't far off from the experiences of the children of leading Nazis who participated in the Holocaust. Tania Crasnianski documented her research into the lives of the children of Nazis in her incredibly fascinating book, 'Children of Nazis'. She joins the podcast to share the insights from her work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 26, 202240 min

163. Disciplined Minds - The Subordination of Professionals

We urge people to be creative, with phrases like ‘think outside the box’, and ‘push the envelope’. But for the most part, is all our talk of innovation and free thinking just rhetoric? Does society truly encourage people to think in new, and even radical, ways? Does society champion the rogue thinker, or does it rather support both students and professionals who simply follows suit with the status quo and acquiesce to the traditional lines of thinking? Jeff Schmidt, author of the 2000 book, Disciplined Minds: A Critical Look at Salaried Professionals and the Soul-Battering System That Shapes Their Lives, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 19, 202236 min

162. Financial Independence - ChooseFI

Do you feel like you truly have a good grasp on your finances? Or do you ever wonder if you're just following the motions and simply 'trusting' in conventional financial wisdom in regards to savings and retirement? Brad Barrett, co-founder of the popular ChooseFI community, joins the podcast to discuss financial independence. ChooseFI website - https://www.choosefi.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 12, 202251 min

161. 'Sage on the Stage' - Are Lectures Passé?

Doctors have been trained in pretty much the same way for many decades. Prior to any hands-on practical training, medical students spend about 2 years going through a series of lectures delivered by other doctors. In fact, this is the general model for how most professionals, and even undergraduate students, are trained – via in-person traditional sorts of lectures with a professor standing at the front of a large lecture hall, disseminating the information that is to be learned. But is this the best approach for learning, both in the context of medical school, and educational programs at large? Dr. Sanjay Sharma joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 5, 202232 min

160. 'The New I Do' - Reimagining Marriage

Divorce is so common that it's reasonable to call into question the establishment of marriage itself. Does marriage in its current form still make sense? Do newer types of marriages, such as 'trial marriages' or 'short-term contract marriages' warrant more serious consideration before people plunge into the 'traditional marriage' model? Vicki Larson joins the podcast, a journalist and co-author of 'The New "I Do', alongside fellow co-author Susan Gadoua. Vicki's website - http://omgchronicles.vickilarson.com/bio/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 27, 202245 min

The Other Side - 'Pro Life'

The "pro-life" vs. "pro-choice" dilemma regarding abortion is the centre of much heated debate in the United States. On a previous episode of the podcast, we spoke with an obstetrician regarding abortion in Canada and the United States and examined the concept of reproductive justice and why it is important for a woman to have the right to choose. On this episode, we are joined by Annette Lancaster, who identifies as pro-life. She describes her experience working at Planned Parenthood and sheds light on why she and many others hold the stance that they do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 202233 min

The Other Side - 'Pro Gun'

It can be tough to understand how so many in the United States are on the 'pro-gun' side of the gun debate. For many, the issue seems simple - "guns are bad, and we should do everything we can to limit them". But what is the background of gun legislation? What is the perspective of many people who support gun rights yet also share the same goal of lowering crime rates in the United States? Trevor Burrus of the Cato Institute joins the podcast to shed some light on this complicated issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 21, 202252 min

159. Opioid Decriminalization

While cannabis has become legalized in many parts of the world, most other drugs not only remain illegal, but are actually criminalized. The opioids crisis has escalated even further during the COVID pandemic, and experts are revisiting the question of whether or not opioids should be decriminalized. So what is decriminalization? And is it a good idea? Dr. Sarah Elliott joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 14, 202245 min

158. Momfluencers

Influencers can include pretty much anyone who has a significant following on social media – whether it be chefs, models, actors, or celebrities of any sort. And there is a new type of influencer on the rise, the influencer that is also a mother - the 'Momfluencer'. I am joined today by Sara Petersen, author of the upcoming book MOMFLUENCED, coming out in 2023 from Beacon Press. twitter & instagram @slouisepetersen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 7, 202232 min

157. The Divorce Lawyer

Divorce can be a very challenging part of someone’s life, filled with change, often sadness, and many other complex emotions. But aside from the emotional factors, there is a whole legal process that divorce entails. So what is it like to navigate through the legal system amid a divorce? What are some of the preconceptions about what one actually needs in a divorce lawyer and what the role of the divorce lawyer is? Lawyer Sean Valentine joins the podcast. https://www.epsteinlawyers.com/team/meet-sean/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 31, 202235 min

156. 'Japonisme' - Inside the Japanese Mindset

Japan has a famously insular and unique culture. It is a country filled with a rich history and ethos that is quite distinct from any other country in the world. But what lies at the core of Japanese culture? What lessons about meaning, happiness, and contentment can we derive from a better understanding of this fascinating country? Erin Niimi Longhurst, author of the book 'Japonisme', joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 24, 202238 min

155. Free Will

We like to think of ourselves as in control of our own lives. But in an age of indulgence and addiction, do we really have as much agency over our decisions as we like to think? How does either a belief in a higher power or a belief in a purely materialistic world influence our perspective on free will? Psychiatrist Dr. Christian Heim joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 17, 202229 min

154. Forever Young - Would You Choose to Live Indefinitely?

Imagine you could take a pill that would biologically halt the aging process. Barring any traumatic accidents or lethal infections, you could essentially live indefinitely at the same age you are today, perhaps until age 1,000 or beyond. Would you take that pill? Professor John Davis, author of New Methuselahs: The Ethics of Life Extension, joins the podcast. https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/new-methuselahs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 10, 202242 min

153. Life Extension

The idea of 'life extension' has become trendy over the past several decades. If we take the right supplements and certain medications, is it possible to live well beyond a hundred years old and to slow the aging process itself? Dr. Jay Olshansky is one of the world leaders in the field. He joins the podcast to shed some misconceptions. http://sjayolshansky.com/sjo/Background.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 2, 202240 min

152. Human Sacrifice

When someone takes a life in our societies, they are punished severely and sent away to prison for many years. But for all the value placed on human life, there are certain societies in human history that have practiced human sacrifice. What lies at the core of this practice, and what do we know about the motivations involved? Johns Hopkins archaeologist and professor Glenn Schwartz joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 26, 202234 min

Veganism - 'A Political Act of Refusal' (Re-post)

Walking through the meat aisle of a grocery store, do you ever wonder whether it is normal to eat animals? Even if you do think it is normal to eat animals, what about well-documented abuse of animals in the food industry? The veganism movement is associated with many preconceptions, both regarding the types of people who become vegans and the ideology itself. Dr. Corey Wrenn is a sociologist, social justice activist and a leading voice in the veganism movement, who joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 19, 202245 min

151. Dopamine Nation - Gambling, Sex & Drugs

We live in a world in which we have easy access to almost anything we want. We see something online that we want, and we can have it delivered to our home that same day. And while increased access and availability can be a good thing, it can also be a dangerous one. With limitless access to more seemingly benign pastimes such as shopping and social media, as well as more obviously concerning pastimes such as drugs, gambling, and porn, the predilection to addiction is perhaps stronger than ever. Dr. Anna Lembke, Stanford Psychiatrist and author of Dopamine Nation, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 202249 min

150. 'Trust In Science'

Most of us believe in science. We trust in the scientific method and the worldly truths that have been derived from a multitude of scientific disciplines. But is it possible that science has become too synonymous with truth? Has science been put on such a pedestal that the general public has come to blindly accept certain things as truths, even if the evidence isn't quite as robust as we might believe? Harvard Professor and astrophysicist Dr. John Johnson joins the podcast. Listen to John's previous episode, Mysteries of the Cosmos, at the following link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/16250600/mysteries-of-the-cosmos-repost Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 5, 202228 min

149. War in Ukraine - What Makes This Conflict Different?

As the brutal war in Ukraine continues, it can feel like we are entering unprecedented times. Perhaps the reason this war feels so shocking is that we have arguably been living in one of the most peaceful periods of human history over the past several decades. Wars initiated with the sole intent of expanding a country’s land mass and conquering another people, just aren’t nearly as common as they were a hundred years ago. So is this war in Ukraine merely a blip, or conversely, is the anomaly rather the relative period of peace we have experienced over the past several decades? Professor William Wohlforth joins the podcast. https://faculty-directory.dartmouth.edu/william-c-wohlforth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 29, 202237 min

148. Myths of the Beauty Industry

Billions of dollars per year are spent on products and services for 'beautification'. Skin creams, exfoliants, cleansers; botox and other plastic surgery. How has society's definition of beauty come to be so intertwined with certain elements of physical appearance? And perhaps equally importantly, do these products and services even achieve what they promise? Beauty expert Jessica DeFino joins the podcast. https://www.jessica-defino.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 22, 202254 min

147. Emotional Memory

How is memory influenced by emotion? Are we more likely to remember an event accurately if it was associated with a strong emotion, or would high emotionality be more likely to distort a memory? How powerful is nostalgia, and do we tend to overly glorify past events in our life with the passage of time? Boston College Professor and memory expert Elizabeth Kensinger joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 15, 202246 min

146. The Malleability of Human Memory

How accurate is the human memory? Dr. Elizabeth Loftus is a world-renowned psychologist who has devoted her career to studying the malleability of human memory. She joins the podcast to share what her research has shown regarding the accuracy of human memories, and explains how completely fabricated memories can actually be incepted into people's minds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 8, 202240 min

145. Friends Forever

Much research has been conducted over the years that clearly outlines the numerous benefits of strong interpersonal relationships. But what actually constitutes a strong and meaningful friendship? Which elements of a friendship contribute to our own happiness? The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 and is the longest study to date to look at happiness. Dr. Robert Waldinger is the current head of the study and joins the podcast to share lessons about friendship derived from the research. The Lifespan Research Foundationhttps://www.lifespanresearch.org/harvard-study/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 1, 202248 min

144. Rise of the Sapien (Part 2)

On the last episode of Preconceived, palaeontologist Kallie Moore joined the show to discuss the evolution of sapiens from the original mammals and great Apes. We explored what we know about neanderthals and how our homo sapien ancestors interacted with them. In this subsequent episode, we discuss how homo sapiens spread around the world and surmise as to what the future of our species might look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 202233 min