From Nowhere to Nothing

40 Episodes
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By: jbouchard

In this podcast, we look at philosophers, abstract ideas, concrete cultural issues, and everything in between with a down-to-earth demeanor and willingness to explore.

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Parrhesia
#270
Yesterday at 2:58 PM

In this episode, we discuss the nuanced elements of Parrhesia: speech and action that have potential consequences.


The Subconscious
#269
07/04/2026

In this episode, we wrestle with the notion of the Subconscious mind and its relationship with our identity and free will.


Biopsychism
#268
06/27/2026

In this episode, we explore the notion that life and sentience emerge together. 


Reading
#267
06/20/2026

In this episode, we consider the essence of Reading and its implications. 


Phubbing
#266
06/13/2026

In this episode, we attempt to talk philosophically about the phenomenon of phone-snubbing.


Vagueness
#265
06/07/2026

In this episode, we look at theoretical and practical implications for Vagueness in our experience of reality.


Violence
#264
05/30/2026

In this episode, we explore Violence definitionally, axiologically, and in practice.


Altered States of Consciousness
#263
05/17/2026

In this episode, we tied together our discussions of the binding and boundary problems by discussing Altered States of Consciousness.


Boundary Problem
#262
05/09/2026

In this episode, we discuss how the conscious self remains separate from outside interactions.


Binding Problem
#261
05/02/2026

In this episode, we discuss how it is that the mind binds together separate perceptions into a unified, coherent consciousness.


Frontiers
#260
04/25/2026

In this episode, we explore the physical and metaphorical definitions of Frontiers.


Moral Purview
#259
04/18/2026

In this episode, we investigate categories of Moral Purview within the context of current events and diverse perspectives.


Malthusian Crises
#258
04/11/2026

In this episode, we discuss Malthusian Crises, taking a broader, conceptual view of the context and counterpoints related to resource scarcity and overshoot.


Paradoxes Part 2
#257
03/28/2026

In this episode, we look at several Paradoxes and discuss them in light of previous categorical descriptions.


Paradoxes Part 1
#256
03/21/2026

In this episode, we lay some foundational groundwork for understanding Paradoxes.


AI Ethics
#255
03/14/2026

In this episode, we discuss a base of philosophy regarding agency before delving into current events and issues surrounding ethical use of AI.


Antifragility
#254
03/07/2026

In this episode, we explore the positive and negative aspects of Antifragility from systemic and individual perspectives. 


Contemporary Philosophers of Color
#253
02/21/2026

In this episode, we explore the works of Michele Moody-Adams, Adrian Piper, Lewis Gordon, and Liam Kofi Bright, integrating themes for deeper reflective consideration.


Incommensurability
#252
02/15/2026

In this episode, we discuss Kuhn's notion of Incommensurability: the lack of neutral standards in comparing paradigms.


Hygge
#251
02/07/2026

In this episode, we explore the Danish notion of Hygge, exploring its limits and our own.


Progress vs Evolution
#250
01/24/2026

In this episode, we examine an article written by Adam Neiblum in Philosophy Now regarding the conflation of Progress and Evolution.


Friendship
#249
01/17/2026

In this episode, we dissect the moral, transactional, and social elements of what constitutes Friendship.


Passion
#248
01/10/2026

In this episode, we discuss multiple dimensions of Passion: conceptual clarity, internal vs external influences, temporal stability, and much more. 


The Paranormal
#247
01/03/2026

In this episode, we attempt to take a look at the Paranormal from a balanced viewpoint, with neither dismissal nor abandoning critical reflection.


Giving
#246
12/20/2025

In this episode, we look at the nuanced interactional effects of internalized states and contextually contingent external Giving behaviors when examining virtuosity.


Somebody Should Do Something
#245
12/13/2025

In this episode, we talk about the individual capacity for social change with authors Michael Brownstein and Daniel Kelly, as discussed in their book, Somebody Should Do Something. 


Horror
#244
12/06/2025

In this episode, we discuss the nature of Horror, including both its existence in real life, and as a media aesthetic.  


Modal Realism
#243
11/22/2025

In this episode, we tackle the unintuitive and nuanced idea of Modal Realism and possible worlds.

Stay tuned for bonus content at the end of the episode!


Attention
#242
11/16/2025

In this episode, we discuss Attention, its relationship to consciousness, and our interpretation of reality.


James Geary: Aphorisms
#241
11/10/2025

In this episode, author James Geary dives into the philosophy of aphorisms with us in preparation for his new book, The World in a Phrase.


Dr. Wind Goodfriend: Cults
#240
11/08/2025

In this episode, special guest Dr. Wind Goodfriend helps us discuss the philosophy and psychology of Cults.


Fear!
#239
11/01/2025

In this episode, we contrast the ideas of Fear and anxiety, looking at philosophical as well as physiological and psychological facets in determining their constitution. 


Society
#238
10/25/2025

In this episode, we parse apart Society, including pithy discussions of culture, language versus communication, and the role of individuals.


John Searle
#237
10/19/2025

In this episode, we discuss the life and work of John Searle, visiting his philosophies of mind, language, and society from a critical context.


Brute Facts
#236
10/11/2025

In this episode, we discuss Brute Facts: concepts that defy explanation in causal terms. 


Bruce Schneier: Rewiring Democracy
#235
10/05/2025

In this episode, we discuss Bruce Schneier and Nathan E. Sander's upcoming book,  Rewiring Democracy: How AI Will Transform Our Politics, Government, and Citizenship.


Antinomy
#234
09/27/2025

In this episode, we ask some difficult questions about Antinomy: when a concept has multiple logical explanatory theories that are contradictory. 


Substantivalism
#233
09/21/2025

In this episode, we present the cases for Substantivalism and Relationalism as we discuss space and time.


Ableism
#232
09/13/2025

In this episode, we wrestle with the discriminatory notion of Ableism.


Friluftsliv
#231
09/06/2025

In this episode, we discuss the phenomenological, ontological, and ethical aspects of the Norwegian concept Friluftsliv.