Preconceived

The earth has existed for over 4.5 billion years. It can be tough to grasp that within those 4.5 billion years, humans have only existed for a few hundred thousand of them, a mere moment in time. So how did we, homo sapiens, come to be? Kallie Moore, paleontologist and co-host of the popular PBS YouTube channel Eons, joins the podcast. In this first of two episodes, Kallie walks listeners through the origin of our species from the Great Apes, and shares what knowledge we have on our historical interactions with the now extinct neanderthals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the West, when many of us in hear the word Communism, our minds likely flash to images ruthless dictators, like Stalin in the USSR and Mao in China. Or, we might think of the Cold War, where communism served as the philosophical and economic enemy of Western capitalism. But communism as it has been practiced over the last century actually emerged from the philosophies of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 1800s. So what was the initial idea behind communism, and how did the initial ideology morph over time in the twentieth century? Professor Terrell Carver joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a way, we are all philosophers, trying to make sense of this mysterious world, how we fit within it, and how we can live our happiest and most meaningful lives. But how far does all of the contemplation really get us? Is the world of philosophy merely a realm of overthinking and pontification, or does it truly yield to practical changes in the way we live our lives? Eric Weiner is an acclaimed journalist and former foreign correspondent for NPR. He joins the podcast to speak about his latest book, The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers.Eric Weiner Website - https://ericweinerbooks.comBut his book The Socrates Express - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07Z43PM23/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1Speaker LabsThis episode is sponsored by Speaker Labs. Sign up for their incredible online course. Use the promo code PRECONCEIVED at checkout for 50% off. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are doctors really the heroes that some tv shows make them out to be? Is our medical system as idealistic as many patients try to believe? Dr. Samuel Shem helped shatter the illusion of the "medical fantasy" with his famous satirical novel The House of God many years ago. He joins the podcast to give a refreshingly honest glimpse into what it's really like being a doctor and how to best navigate the shortcomings of the healthcare system.Check out Shem's latest book - Man's 4th Best Hospitalhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07NTXS9HL/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1This episode is sponsored by Speaker LabsUse the code PRECONCEIVED at checkout to get 50% off their incredible online public speaking course. https://courses.speakerlabs.ca/sixweekprogram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aside from our genetics, there are many reasons why we might be different from our siblings. It has been well-documented that patterns in parental favouritism and sibling interactions affect our personalities, friendships and intelligence. Dr. Catherine Salmon, Professor of Psychology and author of The Secret Power of Middle Children, joins the podcast.Catherine Salmon's Bookhttp://www.thesecretpowerofmiddlechildren.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second of two episodes regarding death and the funeral process, funeral director Emily Bootle explains the process of embalming and the decision to have an open versus closed casket funeral. She ends by sharing lessons she has learned from working so closely with death and how they shape the way she lives her life.Koru Funeral Home http://korucremation.comEpilogue WillsThis episode is sponsored by Epilogue Wills. Check them out at http://epiloguewills.com and use the promo code PRECONCEIVED at checkout for a discount on your will. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For most, the word “death” conjures up emotions of fear and sadness. While death is one of the few certainties of life, it is something that most people would probably agree that you can never prepare for. But is there a different way to look at death and dying, perhaps with less of a negative sentiment? Funeral director Emily Bootle joins the podcast to share insights on death, dying and the funeral process.KORU Funeral Homehttps://www.korucremation.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our new Preconceived listeners, this episode from over a year ago is a good "starter episode" to give a flavour for what the podcast is all about. Zale reflects on starting the podcast and some of the biggest preconceptions that he has tried to better understand. How has his exploration into preconceptions changed his views of the world? Have any of the things he's learned influenced the way he lives his life? He is joined by public speaking experts Eric Silverberg and Eli Gladstone, who take on the role of co-hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second of two episodes regarding Polyamory, we are joined by guest Alana Phelan, who practices polyamory herself. She shares lessons learned from her decades in the polyamorist community. Alana PhelanWebsite - http://polyamorouslibrarian.wordpress.comTwitter @hellolibrarianFacebook @Polyamorous Librarian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monogamy is such an indoctrinated part of society that it can often seem as if monogamy is the only option for a relationship. But with the heightened liberalization of society, there has been increasing adoption of other romantic relationships that do not conform to monogamy. And with this, our traditional views of love, co-habitation and inter-dependence are being challenged. Dr. Eli Sheff, a sociologist and world-renowned researcher in the area of polyamory, joins Preconceived.Dr. Eli (Elisabeth) SheffWebsite - https://elisabethsheff.comBook - https://www.amazon.ca/Polyamorists-Next-Door-Multiple-Partner-Relationships/dp/144225310X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When someone is sentenced to die, it’s not always what you might think. The average time that an inmate in the States waits on death row is 10 years, with many serving up to 30 years before execution, living in solitary confinement for sometimes 23 hours a day. So why is the wait so long? And do the prisoners' crimes warrant such harsh prison stays? James Acker, a lawyer and co-editor of the book “ Living on Death Row: The Psychology of Waiting to Die”, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As much as companies have progressed and become more flexible over the past two years, a general business structure still exists at most companies … a boss, employees at various levels, and a hierarchy in which it is clear to whom one is accountable. There are set working hours, vacation arrangements, and bonus structures. But is the status quo of how a business operates truly the best way for it to function? Katharina William, spokesperson for Management 3.0, joins the podcast to share an alternative paradigm and philosophy on corporate structure.Management 3.0To learn more about their easy-to-implement leadership tools, visit management30.com. And don't miss their upcoming virtual conference on how to navigate the post-pandemic world: https://fwd-summit.com/virtual/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are told from a very young age that being honest is a good thing. But most of us don’t really believe that honesty is always the best policy. Most of us allow for exceptions, omissions, and the occasional white lie, if it means sparing someone hurt feelings or avoiding an awkward conversation. Michael Leviton, author of "To Be Honest", spent most of his life not making such exceptions, and being honest to a fault, completely devoted to the truth. He joins the podcast to share the beauties and perils of such honesty. Michael's Websitehttp://michaelleviton.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ari Nagel is perhaps the most famous sperm donor in the world. He has fathered seventy children through sperm donation and has more children on the way. Unlike traditional sperm donation, Ari does not charge any money for his sperm and is involved in varying degrees in the lives of his kids. So what prompted Ari to devote his life to this cause? How does he keep track of seventy kids? What problems does he foresee in the future, and how does he respond to some of the negative criticism he has gotten? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Few would admit to regretting their decision to become parents. But that doesn't mean there are not people who do indeed regret the choice to have kids. Is it possible to still love your children while regretting the choice to have had them? Is the admission of regret necessarily a bad thing? Orna Donath, author of Regretting Motherhood, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boundary between adolescence and adulthood is naturally blurred. Usually, there is no distinct moment in which you seize to be a “youth” and begin to be an “adult”. But more important than identifying a key moment in time when this transition occurs, what does it actually mean to “become an adult”? Former Stanford Dean and New York Times bestselling author Julie Lythchott-Haims re-joins the podcast to explore her new book, "Your Turn: How to Be an Adult".Julie's Website (with links to her books)https://www.julielythcotthaims.comFollow Julie on Twitter @jlythcotthaims Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christianity is the most commonly practiced religion in the world, with over 2.3 billion people identifying as Christians. Not surprisingly, the life of Jesus Christ is at the core of Christianity. Many of Christianity’s rituals, philosophies and belief systems are based on the events of his life. So what does Jesus Christ mean to Christianity, and how did his legacy shape this popular religion? Beyond Jesus himself, what has Christianity come to represent in a world that has become increasingly secularized? Father Matt Lowry joins the podcast.Father Matt's InformationCatholic Jacks - https://catholicjacks.org/people/fr-matt-lowryTwitter @naunewman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money did not always exist in its current form. There was a time when goods and services were just exchanged for one another, without actual coins or cash changing hands. The preconception is that our current monetary system, the status quo, makes complete sense. But as millennia of history have proven to us, money is very complex, and there is a lot at stake. Jacob Goldstein, host of the popular NPR podcast, Planet Money, joins the podcast. Jacob Goldstein's book - "Money - The True Story of a Made-Up Thing"https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B083J1BPNC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1Follow Jacob on Twitter @jacobgoldstein Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both the legality of prostitution and the ethics of sex work are highly debated topics worldwide. Is there anything inherently wrong with a person deciding to sell sex for money? Beyond this, what is the relationship between sex work, and the very different but often conflated topic of sex trafficking? Carly Kalish, a social worker and executive director of Victim Services of Durham Region, joins the podcast to discuss the stigmas regarding sex work and the dangers and misconceptions about trafficking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is like to be on a psychedelic "trip", and what can it teach one about life's meaning and purpose? What kind of alternate form of reality and consciousness, if any, do psychedelics tap into?Jon Folak, who goes by the moniker, The Traveling Nobody, joins the podcast to discuss his psychedelic experiences with mushrooms and ayahuasca. Jon Folak's website - https://travelingnobody.netRelated Preconceived Episodes on Psychedelics - Psychedelics - Moving Inward: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/psychedelics-moving-inward/id1458140859?i=1000515955439 - Psychedelics - Right to Consciousness: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/psychedelics-the-right-to-consciousness/id1458140859?i=1000488352785 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World-renowned author and historian Susan Wise Bauer rejoins the podcast to shed some "light" on the "dark ages", more commonly known as the Middle Ages. Why is this 1,000 year period of human history considered with generally negative regard? Is the Middle Ages even a real thing, or just something created by later historians? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our younger years are dominated by education. The foundation of our daily routine is attending school, and the overarching purpose of our lives, so to speak, is to become educated before entering the “real world”. But for all the hours, days and years spent sitting in classrooms, is our conventional education system actually as good as it could be? World-renowned author and historian Susan Wise Bauer joins the podcast to share her unique approach to education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The choices available to humans have perhaps never been as widespread as they are in the 21st century. This can apply to the simple things like our choice in restaurants, tv shows, and books, and to the more serious life decisions, like which career to pursue, which partner to choose, and trying to find meaning via a myriad of different ways. But while choice can be an amazing thing that opens up all sorts of opportunities, it can also be overwhelming. Psychologist and Decision Researcher Dr. Eva Krockow joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be devastating diseases for both the patients and families affected. What is it like in the early stages of dementia, when one is aware of the further cognitive decline that is to come? When the disease becomes more advanced, is there any benefit in reorienting the patient to the present , or is it wiser to allow them to roam where their thoughts take them? Occupational therapist Nira Rittenberg joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this sequel episode, former American infantryman Alan Leggitt shares his experience of serving in the military as bisexual during the era of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Under this policy, which was only lifted in 2011, members of the American military were not allowed to reveal or ask questions regarding one's sexual orientation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being part of the military is widely viewed as something honorable, dutiful and patriotic. But as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have endured for so long over the past two decades, many questions have arisen. Are the sacrifices that American citizens have been asked to make for their country always worth it? How do soldiers respect authority and take orders from superiors, when perhaps they don’t agree with the missions they are fighting? Former American infantryman Alan Leggitt joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gene Steinberg was born and raised in a Jewish Hasidic community in New York. At age 28, he made the difficult decision to leave orthodox-Judaism to live a life more aligned with his personal values. Gene explains what it is like to live in an isolationist Hasidic community, how he came to leave this way of life and the challenges that he and many others face when they do so. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are few sports as intense as boxing, where you are in a ring, on your own, fighting one-on-one against a fierce competitor. So what is it like to be a boxer? What motivates someone to engage in such an extreme sport, ridden with such physical risk and potentially even psychological harm? And as a sport and industry in general, is boxing still appropriate in the times we live in today? Retired Canadian heavyweight champion Mark Simmons joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Napoleon Bonaparte is considered one of the greatest military leaders of all time. He is often mentioned alongside names such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, but whereas they existed thousands of years ago, he died only 200 years ago. And as such, his legacy is perhaps still being shaped more so than other comparatively more ancient figures. So what is the legacy of Napoleon? What are some of the preconceptions that have permeated into modern thought? Beyond his military achievement, what made Napoleon such a memorable figure? World-famous historian Andrew Roberts joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zale opens up about his own experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What is an obsession, and what is a compulsion? How does OCD extend far beyond the preconception of a pure focus on cleanliness? Zale gives a window into what it is like living with anxiety and sheds some light on psychiatric illness in general. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are we to do with the books, movies, songs and performances created by some of society's most iconic artists who have later been exposed for certain wrongdoings? Is it enough to denounce them? Or must we reject their art as well? How do we separate the art from the artist? Or perhaps more importantly, should we separate the art from the artist? Vox.com critic Constance Grady joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As vaccine rollout is well on its way in many countries around the world, we can begin to consider a return to “normal life” in perhaps the not too distant future. But what does “normal” actually look like? After over a year of this pandemic, our lives have drastically changed. As we begin to look to post-pandemic life, is it realistic to think that things will simply go back to the way they were? Or has covid changed the way we look at the world and the way we wish to live within it? How might introverts and extroverts respond differently to the re-openings of society? Why is anxiety on the rise? And how can we all prepare ourselves for the changes that will inevitably come? Therapist Dr. Lauren Cook joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There has been debate in the sports world over the last month, as Laurel Hubbard was recently selected as the first transgender weightlifter to ever compete in the Olympics Games. On the one hand, this is a huge moment of progress for the LGBTQ+ community and reflects a society that is embracing more liberal views of gender. On the other hand, many question the fairness of Laurel Hubbard’s inclusion, citing concerns of inherent biological advantages that a trans female would have over a cis female in the context of athletics. So what are the actual physiological differences between cis and trans females? And are the differences significant enough that people’s concerns are warranted? Researcher Joanna Harper joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With more worldwide attention being brought to issues of global warming, poverty, and human rights violations over the last few decades, more light has been shed on the role that corporations play in our societies. And as large corporations have been called out for some of their questionable actions, it often seems as if they have risen to the challenge of becoming more socially responsible. The way many corporations now present themselves to the world can make it seem as if we have witnessed the dawn of a "new", more socially responsible corporation. But how much progress has truly been made? Joel Bakan, author of "The New Corporation", joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For much of human history, being left-handed has had a certain taboo associated with it. The word for left in Italian, for example, is “sinistra”, which shares roots with the word “sinister”, meaning “evil” in English. Such terminology reflects a long-held view in many societies that left-hand dominance is inferior to right-hand dominance. When you dig beneath the surface on this topic, however, there is much more to dissect than you initially might consider. Why are people still left-handed, when the majority of the population has evolved to be right-hand dominant? Is handedness an isolated biological feature, or is it associated with a complex of other traits in such individuals? Are left-handed people, in some ways, fundamentally different than right-handed people? David Wolman, author of "A Left-Hand Turn Around the World" joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year into the pandemic, almost everyone knows someone who has tested positive for covid-19. While the emphasis has rightly focused on the mortality rate, there is another side of covid that is perhaps less talked about – recovery. While many do recover quickly, there is also a large proportion of people who are suffering from longer-term symptoms and require ongoing rehabilitation weeks to months after diagnosis. In fact, the morbidity of this virus will unfortunately affect the physical well-being of some of those affected for years to come. So how exactly is covid impacting the lives of those who have become sick from the virus? And how can society best support rehabilitation efforts? Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician Dr. Ali Rendely joins the podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second of a two episode mini-series regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine. We continue to examine the historical roots of the conflict, picking up the story from the aftermath of the 1967 war up until the present day conflict. What attempts at peace have been sought over the past fifty years? What were the circumstances that led to this most recent outbreak of war? Tour guide and educator Yoav Biller joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the conflict in Israel and Palestine reaching new heights over the past month, we explore the roots of the conflict in this two-part series. In this first episode, we examine the complicated history of the territories in question, from ancient times up until 1967. Tour guide and educator Yoav Biller shares perspectives from both the Israeli and Palestinian narratives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the Me Too Movement, much more needed attention in society has been focused on the issue of sexual violence. It goes without saying that sexual violence is a bad thing that society needs to address. But it is also a complicated topic. Sexual violence can take shape in many forms, some perhaps less obvious than others. People might have different versions of what constitutes sexual consent. People’s memories and interpretations regarding a sexual encounter may not always align. Tim Mousseau is an International Speaker on Sexual Violence Prevention and Masculinity. He joins the podcast to discuss his own experience as a survivor of sexual violence and to address the issue at large. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The universe is so vast that it is quite literally impossible to comprehend. Yet with so much unknown, there is also so much room for hypothesizing and pontificating. What is the likelihood that other earth-like planets exist? What are the chances of extraterrestrial life? What is the practical purpose of studying the universe? Dr. John Johnson, a Harvard Professor of Astrophysics, has discovered over one hundred planets. He joins the podcast to share what we do know, what we don't know, and what we can postulate about the cosmos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many fairy tales capture people’s imagination from the time they are kids and then resonate in their hearts even into their adult years. When we think about fairy tales, most of us probably think of the Disney films that tell their stories. But many of these stories existed long before Walt Disney transformed them into films. Fairy Tales are not new. They have been told, albeit in various forms, for many centuries. So how has the fairy tale evolved over the years, both in terms of purpose and content? How did Disney’s new take on the fairy tale transform the genre, and what have been the positive impacts, but perhaps also negative ramifications that have resulted? Professor Jack Zipes, one of the world's foremost experts on fairy tales, joins Preconceived. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a young age, many kids become infatuated with dinosaurs. Perhaps it is the magnitude of their size. Maybe it is the fact that they existed so long ago that they can seem almost like mythical creatures. Dinosaurs existed over 100 million years ago, yet humans have only been around for about 200,000 years. That is simply just staggering to contemplate. So what do you really know about dinosaurs? What were dinosaurs actually like? How did they come to rise, and how did they eventually become extinct? And perhaps most importantly, what can we learn from the era of dinosaurs that can impact our lives on earth today? Kallie Moore, host of the popular PBS series Eons, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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.

Mike Katchen, co-founder and CEO of Wealthsimple, explains how his company challenges the traditional paradigm of investing. When should we start investing? How much should we be investing? Mike also shares his perspectives on buying a home and explains how people tend to overestimate their risk tolerance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cheating. Unfaithfulness. Affairs. Understandably, these words are likely to conjure up negative feelings and associations. Cheating in a relationship is a massive breach of trust against a person to whom you pledged to be loyal. But has cheating perhaps been overly stigmatized, to the point where couples who might have been able to work through the aftermath of an affair have been preconditioned to believe that it just isn't possible? What are some common misconceptions about love that are exposed by an affair? And how does one come to forgive, if they wish to do so at all? Dr. Janis Spring is a nationally acclaimed expert on issues of trust, intimacy, and forgiveness, and the author of the book After The Affair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The relationship between humans and non-human animals is a fascinating one. In particular, the pet-owner relationship begs many questions. The preconception is that it is totally normal that we cohabitate with other animals in our homes. People love their pets, and for the most part, we assume that our pets love us. But how normal really is the concept of having pets? And even if pets do add much value to humans' lives, is it really moral to keep pets, especially in the ways that we do? Professor Hal Herzog, expert in human-animal relationships, joins the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Oscars is considered the most prestigious awards ceremony in the entertainment industry. There is a certain magic about the Academy Awards, where some of the greatest films and performances of all time have been recognized. Ben Zauzmer is the author of Oscarmetrics, a book that shares an in depth look at the predictive analytics of The Oscars over its 93 year history. What makes a movie most likely to win Best Picture? Which actors and actresses are most likely to walk away winners? And do the Oscars deserve to be as celebrated as they are? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) includes physician-assisted death and euthanasia. On a previous episode of Preconceived, link below, we reviewed what exactly MAID entails and how it applies to a variety of diseases. On this episode, we shift the focus to medical conditions that have traditionally been excluded from MAID, including psychiatric illnesses and dementia. Psychiatrist Derryck Smith joins the podcast to examine this controversial topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gangs have a negative connotation associated with them. And given their association with violence and drugs, this is understandable and on many levels warranted. But is the primary problem really gangs? Or are gangs, violence and drugs just a symptom of the larger issues at play, such as poverty, underfunded and neglected communities and racial discrimination? Vidal Guzman is a former gang member in New York who was incarcerated for seven years. Now a community organizer, he joins the podcast to give an honest and unfiltered perspective on gang culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this 100th episode of Preconceived, 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.