Pretty Much Pop #121: Protesting Protest Songs
Are protest songs effective, either as protest or songs? Four songwriters including your host Mark Linsenmayer (https://marklint.bandcamp.com/) , Lilli Lewis (https://nakedlyexaminedmusic.com/nem163-lilli-lewis/) , Rod Picott (https://nakedlyexaminedmusic.com/nem80-rod-picott/) , and PMP's audio engineer Tyler Hislop (https://nakedlyexaminedmusic.com/nem-24-tyler-hislop-sacrifice-copious-rhymes...
51m Apr 20, 2022
51m
PREMIUM-Ep. 291: Cassirer and Langer on Myth and Ritual (Part Two)
Continuing our discussion on the symbolic value of religion and its antecedents, primary at this point discussing Susanne Langer's Philosophy in a New Key, ch. 7. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/04/08/ep291-2-cassirer-langer-myth-ritual-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partiallyexamined...
13m Apr 18, 2022
13m
Ep. 291: Cassirer and Langer on Myth and Ritual (Part One)
On Ernst Cassirer's An Essay on Man (1944), ch. 6-7, and Susanne Langer's Philosophy in a New Key (1942), ch. 6-7. Why do people produce ritual, mythology, and religion? According to our authors, these are spontaneous, symbolic modes of self-expression. They're not opposed to rational, scientific thought, but are necessary preconditions for it. Part two of this episode is only going to be avai...
49m Apr 11, 2022
49m
NEM#170: Bob Mould From Hüsker Dü to Sugar to Now
Bob has released 20+ albums since the early '80s. We discuss  "Forecast of Rain" from Blue Hearts (https://bobmould.bandcamp.com/album/blue-hearts) (2020), "I Don’t Know You Anymore" from Beauty & Ruin (https://bobmould.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-ruin) (2014), "JC Auto" by Sugar from Beaster (https://amzn.to/38Nsj1D) (1993), and "In A Free Land" by Hüsker Dü, 1982 singe remixed for Savage Young ...
1hr 7m Apr 11, 2022
1hr 7m
(SUB)TEXT: What Falls Upon the Living in James Joyce’s “The Dead”
In 1906, presumably finished with his short story collection Dubliners, James Joyce wrote to his brother with dissatisfaction that, though he set about to create a comprehensive portrait of Ireland’s capital city, he had not managed to render its famous, unrivaled hospitality. His efforts to rectify this omission resulted in “The Dead,” the book’s final story. It takes place chiefly at a party ...
1hr 3m Apr 10, 2022
1hr 3m
PREMIUM-Ep. 290: Susanne Langer on Our Symbol-Making Nature (Part Two)
Continuing on Philosophy in a New Key (1942), ch. 1-5. Is symbolism the software running on the hardware of our senses, or are symbols baked even into that hardware? We talk pictures vs. symbols, types of symbol-pictures, and what it means for experience to be symbolic. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/03/26/ep290-2-l...
12m Apr 04, 2022
12m
PEL Presents PMP#120: Dexter the Loveable Serial Killer
Mark is joined Lawrence Ware (https://lawrence-ware.com/) , Sarahlyn Bruck (https://sarahlynbruck.com/) and Michael Paskaru (https://myethos.ca/) to talk about the Showtime TV horror-dramedy shows inspired by Jeff Lindsay's novels, in light of the revival show Dexter: New Blood. he show's initial run (2006-2013). What was the appeal of this killing-the-killers show? Love of justice? A parable ...
48m Apr 04, 2022
48m
PEL Presents PvI#29: Personal Panpsychism w/ Jack Symes
Panpsycast (https://thepanpsycast.com/) host Jack brings his promiscuous philosophy of mind to the show, wherein mind is here, there, and everywhere. But what does that mean? Skits about renting a flat for nefarious purposes and designing software for Nozick's experience machine reveal all! But the question remains... So what? You have to care! Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (...
54m Apr 03, 2022
54m
Ep. 290: Susanne Langer on Our Symbol-Making Nature (Part One)
On Philosophy in a New Key (1942), ch. 1-5, plus as background most of us looked at Ernst Cassirer's An Essay on Man (1944), ch. 1-5. What does it mean to say that humanity is homo symbolicus, the symbol-making creature? Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if you sign up at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support or via Apple Podcasts (http://itunes.apple.com/podcas...
54m Mar 28, 2022
54m
PEL Presents NEM#169: Wesley Stace (aka John Wesley Harding) Likes Words
Wesley started performing as John Wesley Harding in the late '80s (often eliciting comparisons in his early work to Elvis Costello), moved from England to the U.S. in 1991, and has 20+ releases, switching to his own name in 2013 as a result of his success as a novelist. We discuss "The Impossible She" (and end by listening to "Come Back Yesterday") from Late Style (https://amzn.to/3Lu0d9Y) (20...
1hr 17m Mar 27, 2022
1hr 17m
PEL Presents #119: Disgraced Artists Like Cosby
Comedian Genevieve Joy (http://www.genevievejoy.com/) , philosopher/NY Times entertainment writer Lawrence Ware (https://lawrence-ware.com/) , and novelist Sarahlyn Bruck (https://sarahlynbruck.com/) join your host Mark to discuss how we deal with entertainers like R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, Woody Allen, et al. We all watched W. Kamau Bell's Showtime documentary We Need to Talk About Cosby. Can...
48m Mar 23, 2022
48m
PREMIUM-Ep. 289: Aesthetic Sense Theory: Hume (Part Two)
We get into more detail on David Hume's "The Standard of Taste" (1760). How does he resolve the paradox that it seems both that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, yet some judgments about beauty are obviously wrong? If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/03/14/ep289-2-aesthetic-sense-theory-shaftesbury-hutcheson-hume-cit...
13m Mar 21, 2022
13m
PEL Presents NEM#168: Clive Nolan (Arena, Pendragon, etc.) Moves Forward Relentlessly
Clive is a keyboardist, orchestrator, singer, and composer of three musicals and several concept albums as a solo artist or collaborator. He's played with Pendragon since 1986 and has led the bands Shadowlands and Arena since the 90s. We discuss "Dragon Fire" from his most recent solo album, Song of the Wildlands (https://amzn.to/3qku38w) (2021), "Silent Words" from his musical King's Ransom (...
1hr 15m Mar 19, 2022
1hr 15m
Ep. 289: Aesthetic Sense Theory: Shaftesbury, Hutcheson, Hume (Part One)
How do we know what opinions about beauty are correct? We read The Moralists: A Philosophical Rhapsody (1709) by Anthony Ashley-Cooper, aka the third Earl of Shaftesbury, Part III section 2 "Beauty," and An Inquiry Concerning Beauty, Order, Harmony, Design (1725) by Francis Hutcheson, and "The Standard of Taste" by David Hume (1760).  Part two of this episode is only going to be available to y...
59m Mar 14, 2022
59m
PEL Presents (SUB)TEXT: Finding Home in Stephen Spielberg’s “E.T.”
Stephen Spielberg once said that he was “still waiting to get out of [his] Peter Pan shoes and into [his] loafers.” Being a filmmaker, he said, was his way of remaining a child. Sort of. While his film “E.T.” is told from a child’s vantage point, it does not completely honor the wish to remain there. Like the alien he befriends, Eliot has been abandoned. And to this, many of us can relate. But ...
1hr Mar 13, 2022
1hr
PEL Presents PvI#28: Enhanced Interrogation w/ Adal Rifai
Today's episode is about questioning: how one might question, what sets the parameters for a proper answer, and how to give those answers in an informative and/or dramatically effective way. Watch out for dream pigs! Also, how to get into the VIP room at Stuckey's. Perhaps a pair of paralegals can help. In the post-game, included JUST THIS ONECE for public enjoyment, we reflect on improv in th...
1hr 11m Mar 11, 2022
1hr 11m
PREMIUM-Ep. 288: Scruton on Ethical Art (Part Two)
Concluding on Beauty (2009). Why would we be attracted to beauty if on Scruton's account it takes so much work? We consider the form/function distinction as it applies to architecture and human beauty. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/02/27/ep288-2-scruton-art-ethics-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options describe...
12m Mar 07, 2022
12m
PEL Presents PMP#118: Adapting Agatha Christie
In light of Death on the Nile, we discuss the continuing appearance of the works of the world's most successful mystery writer in film and TV. Mark is joined by repeat guests Sarahlyn Bruck (https://prettymuchpop.com/?s=sarahlyn) , Al Baker (https://prettymuchpop.com/?s=%22al%20baker%22) , and Nicole Pometti (https://prettymuchpop.com/?s=%22pometti%22) to discuss the recent Kenneth Branagh fil...
58m Mar 06, 2022
58m
PEL Presents NEM#167: David Christian (Comet Gain) Sings for the Awkward and the Wayward
David has released 8 albums and some EPs as the London-based Comet Gain (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Gain) since 1994, putting out literate, energetic, sloppy rock, typically splitting the lead vocals with a female voice. As a pandemic project, he just released his first album under his own name. We discuss "Mum’s and Dad’s Other Ghosts" from Those We Met Along the Way (https://amzn.to...
1hr 8m Mar 05, 2022
1hr 8m
Ep. 288: Scruton on Ethical Art (Part One)
On Roger Scruton's Beauty (2009), ch. 5-9. Scruton argues against aesthetic relativism on moral grounds: That the "flight from beauty" in modern art and the crassness of popular art deny important things about being human. Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if you sign up at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support or via Apple Podcasts (http://itunes.apple.com/podca...
51m Feb 28, 2022
51m
PEL Presents PMP#117: Roguelikes Like Hades
Supergiant's Hades (https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades/) is now the first video game ever to have won a Hugo award and has set a new standard in the Roguelike genre. What is this genre, and what makes Hades unique? With guests Jamie Madigan from psychologyofgames.com (https://www.psychologyofgames.com/) , Al Baker, and Tyler Hislop. For more, visit prettymuchpop.com (http://prettymuc...
51m Feb 27, 2022
51m
PEL Presents PvI#27: Normaliticitizationism w/ Andrew Lavin
We are joined by the young purveyor of the Reductio podcast (https://shows.acast.com/reductio) , who wrote his dissertation on normality, which was such a normie thing to do. Can "abnormality" be morally neutral, or is that term cursed? You down with OTPs? How many towels do you need? Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Bill improvises (and t...
47m Feb 27, 2022
47m
PREMIUM-Ep. 287: Roger Scruton on Beauty (Part Two)
Continuing on Beauty (2009), ch. 1-4. Does apprehending beauty really have to involve reason, or can it be merely sensory? If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/02/13/ep287-2-scruton-beauty-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options described at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support.
11m Feb 21, 2022
11m
PEL Presents NEM#166: L. Shankar's World of Violin and Voice
Shankar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._Shankar) played with John McLaughlin in Shakti in the mid-70s and has released over 25 solo albums while backing A-list artists including Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Metallica, Korn, and more. We discuss "Can't Wait" (feat. Jonathan Davis) from Chepleeri Dream (https://amzn.to/3I6o3Hw) (2020), ...
1hr Feb 18, 2022
1hr
Ep. 287: Roger Scruton on Beauty (Part One)
On Beauty (2009), ch. 1-4. What truths about beauty does any theory of beauty have to acknowledge? Scruton argues that appreciating beauty is a cognitive act: something we argue about, and not just "in the eye of the beholder." Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if you sign up at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support or via Apple Podcasts (http://itunes.apple.com...
54m Feb 14, 2022
54m
PEL Presents PMP#116: Good Grief! Peanuts Persists
Animator/musician David Heatley (https://www.davidheatley.com/) , comedian Daniel Lobell (http://www.dannylobell.com/) , and academic/3anuts (https://3eanuts.com/about) author Daniel Leonard join your host Mark Linsenmayer to discuss Charlie Brown and his author Charles Schulz from Peanuts' 1950 inception (https://peanuts.fandom.com/wiki/October_1950_comic_strips) through the classic TV special...
46m Feb 12, 2022
46m
REISSUE-Ep 16: Arthur Danto on Art (w/ New Intro)
We newly introduce the classic 2010 episode on Danto's "The Philosophical Disenfranchisement of Art," "The Appreciation and Interpretation of Works of Art," and "The End of Art" (1986). What effect should the avant garde have on our understanding of what art is? Danto gives a picture of philosophy and art at war throughout history: Philosophy says that art can't get at truth and is otherwise u...
2hr 15m Feb 07, 2022
2hr 15m
PREMIUM-Ep. 286: Malebranche on Causality and Theology (Part Three)
Concluding on On Dialogues on Metaphysics and Religion (1688), with consideration of his explanation for why we can't prove the existence of the external world, but that we can reasonably take this on faith. Also, theodicy! If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/01/23/ep286-3-malebranche-causality-theology-citizen/) , sign ...
13m Feb 07, 2022
13m
PEL Presents NEM#165: Paula Cole Beautifully Picks at Wounds
The Grammy winner and 90s hitmaker has released 10 studio albums since 1994 after backing Peter Gabriel on his Secret World tour in the early '90s. We discuss "Blues in Gray" from Revolution (https://amzn.to/3JmAsaD) (2019), "Father" from 7 (https://amzn.to/3Hu3l3Z) (2015), and "Hush, Hush, Hush" from This Fire (https://amzn.to/3rtOH7f) (1996). We also listen to "Steal Away/Hidden in Plain Sig...
1hr 11m Feb 04, 2022
1hr 11m
PREMIUM-Ep. 286: Malebranche on Causality and Theology (Part Two)
Continuing on Dialogues on Metaphysics and Religion (1688), dialogue 7 where he gets into his occasionalist theory of causality. How does this relate to mind-body interaction and concepts in physics like inertia? What is the metaphysical relation of natural law to things in the world? If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/...
12m Jan 31, 2022
12m
Mother Nature's Nurture in Wordsworth's "Tintern Abbey" (Part 1)
After an absence of five years, the poet William Wordsworth returned to the idyllic ruins of a medieval monastery along the River Wye. The spot was perhaps not so very different from his last visit, but Wordsworth found that he had undergone a significant transformation in the intervening years. In a long blank-verse meditation, he explores the changes that the memory of this landscape has affe...
51m Jan 28, 2022
51m
Ep. 286: Malebranche on Causality and Theology (Part One)
On Dialogues on Metaphysics and Religion (1688), dialogues 5-7. We get clearer on M's rationalist epistemology and into his occasionalist theory of causality. Is M's theory as archaic as its theology makes it sound? Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if you sign up at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support or via Apple Podcasts (http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/th...
58m Jan 24, 2022
58m
PEL Presents NEM#164: James McMurtry Doesn't Have to Make Sense
The legendary Texas singer-songwriter has put out 10 studio albums since 1989. We discuss "If It Don't Bleed" (and listen to "Blackberry Winter") from The Horses and the Hounds (https://amzn.to/3rUOI3h) (2021), "How'm I Gonna Find You Now" from Complicated Game (https://amzn.to/3fLdmxA) (2015), and "Be With Me" from It Had to Happen (https://amzn.to/3rvRQlM) (1997). Intro: "Choctaw Bingo" from...
58m Jan 21, 2022
58m
PEL Presents PvI#24: Game Time w/ C. Thi Nguyen
The philosopher of games joins us for a frustration game. What is a game, anyway? We ask dumb questions on a museum tour.  Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com (https://chicagoimprovstudio.com/) . Hear more Philosophy vs. Improv (http://philosophyimprov.com/) . Support the podcast (http...
1hr 11m Jan 19, 2022
1hr 11m
PREMIUM-Ep. 285: Nicolas Malebranche on Knowledge (Part Two)
Continuing on Dialogues on Metaphysics and Religion (1688), ch. 1-4. We talk about the character of the intelligible world, how we generate general concepts, the existence of God, seeing God, original sin, and more. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2022/01/09/ep285-malebranche-2-citizen/) , sign up via one of the options d...
12m Jan 17, 2022
12m
PEL Presents PMP#114: The "West Side Story" Story
Did it make sense for Steven Spielberg to remake one of our nation's most beloved musicals (with music by Bernstein and Sondheim!), attempting to fix the parts that did not age well politically? Is the new version a modern classic or a doomed Frankenstein? Your host Mark Linsenmayer is joined by Broadway scholar, theater critic, and actor (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268763/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) ...
56m Jan 16, 2022
56m
PEL Presents (SUB)TEXT: The Fool Gets Hurt in Fellini’s “La Strada” (1954)
Fellini called his film "La Strada" a dangerous representation of his identity, and had a nervous breakdown just before completing its shooting. Perhaps this identity, and its vulnerability, have something to do with the film’s representation of a disappointed hope that love might vanquish pride, if properly assisted by the forces of playfulness and creativity. The problem is that such forces a...
52m Jan 14, 2022
52m
Ep. 285: Nicolas Malebranche on Knowledge (Part One)
On Dialogues on Metaphysics and Religion (1688), ch. 1-4. We walk through M's rationalist (post-Descartes, pre-Leibniz) epistemology with its surprising implications for the metaphysics of causality and the role of God in nature. Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if you sign up at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support or via Apple Podcasts (http://itunes.apple.c...
53m Jan 10, 2022
53m
PEL Presents NEM#163: Lilli Lewis Is Not Just a Jazz-Singing Pianist
Lilli is also an activist, folk-rock diva, and record label exec. She's released 10 albums and 3 EPs since 2003. We discuss "Coffee Shop Girl" and listen to "Copper John" from Americana (https://amzn.to/3zBQCZJ) (2021), "Warm and Gentle People" from We Belong (https://amzn.to/3q5kx9R) (2019), and "Song for the End of Days" from Castles of Her Crystalline (https://amzn.to/3f0ByLN) (2005). Intro:...
1hr 17m Jan 07, 2022
1hr 17m
PEL Special: Nightcap New Year's Party to Welcome 2022
Welcome to an extra special, intentionally public edition of Nightcap to catch you up on what Mark, Wes, Seth, and Dylan are all up to personally and intellectually and hash out what we want to potentially cover on the show over the next year. Get this ad-free by signing up to support us via https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support. Sponsors: Have a donation to charity of up to $250 matched ...
52m Jan 03, 2022
52m
PEL Presents PMP #113: The Matrix Regurgitated
Mark is joined by Brian Hirt, Erica Spyres, and Mark's son Abe Linsenmayer. With the release of The Matrix Resurrections, we talk through the franchise as a whole. What made the first one remarkable, and does that a bar that any sequel can reach? We talk through the choices that fed into the new film, why people don't seem to care about their matrix families, the endless fight scenes, and more...
51m Jan 03, 2022
51m
PEL Special: Nightcap New Year's Party to Welcome 2022
Welcome to an extra special, intentionally public edition of Nightcap to catch you up on what Mark, Wes, Seth, and Dylan are all up to personally and intellectually and hash out what we want to potentially cover on the show over the next year.
47m Jan 02, 2022
47m
PEL Presents (SUB)TEXT: False Roles and Fictitious Selves in "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
In the late 19th century, the "New Woman" was a term coined by Henry James for a particular kind of feminist who demanded freedom of behavior, dress, education, and sexuality. Out of that paradigm came The Awakening, a novel that scandalized critics upon its publication with its tale of New Orleans society wife Edna Pointellier, who tries to throw off the shackles of society's expectations for ...
1hr Jan 02, 2022
1hr
PREMIUM-Ep. 284: Mark Twain’s Philosophy of Human Nature (Part Two)
Continuing on "What Is Man" (1905). We work through Twain's metaphors for human nature, say what he means by "instinct," contemplate his notion of identity and why he thinks you are apparently different from your body-machine, and gauge the practical upshot of his stances. If you're not hearing the full version of this part of the discussion (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/2021/12/17/ep284-...
11m Dec 27, 2021
11m
PEL Presents PvI#23: Things Mean Things w/ Tommy Maranges (aka Philosophy Bro)
Can we have an entertaining discussion inspired by Aristotle's most boring book? Bill leads Mark and our guest Tommy through some let's-describe-what's-in-an-imaginary-room exercises.  Mark philosophizes at partiallyexaminedlife.com (https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/) . Bill improvises (and teaches) at chicagoimprovstudio.com (https://chicagoimprovstudio.com/) . Hear more Philosophy vs. Imp...
47m Dec 25, 2021
47m
PEL Presents PMP#112: Class Critiques in Squid Game, Succession, etc.
Popular shows have commented on wealth inequality by showing how dire the situation is for the poor and/or how disconnected and clueless the rich are. How effective is this type of social commentary? Mark is joined by philosopher and NY Times writer Lawrence Ware (https://lawrence-ware.com/) , novelist and writing professor Sarahlyn Bruck (https://sarahlynbruck.com/) , and educator with a rhet...
52m Dec 25, 2021
52m
PEL Presents NEM#162: Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel): Texas Swing for Half a Hundred Years
Ray started Asleep at the Wheel in 1969 and has put out 26 albums of original tunes and classic covers while touring constantly. We discuss the title track from Half a Hundred Years (https://amzn.to/3yXJxCx) (2021), "Pedernales Stroll" from Keepin' Me Up Nights (https://amzn.to/3mvq6fu) (1990), and "Am I High" from The Wheel (https://amzn.to/3H4PccO) (1977). Intro: "The Letter (That Johnny Wal...
59m Dec 24, 2021
59m
Ep. 284: Mark Twain’s Philosophy of Human Nature (Part One)
On "What Is Man" (1905). Twain describes a person as a machine. We have no free will and always act to win our own self-approval. This was a bleak enough picture that the essay was not printed until after Twain's death. Part two of this episode is only going to be available to you if you sign up at https://partiallyexaminedlife.com/support or via Apple Podcasts (http://itunes.apple.com/podcast...
46m Dec 20, 2021
46m
PEL Presents (SUB)TEXT: The Pain of Anonymity in “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Though sometimes accused of a sentimentality dubbed “Capracorn,” Frank Capra’s films are clear-eyed about the suffering of the everyman. A quintessential director of the Great Depression and World War II eras, Capra expressed better than most the desperation at the heart of a young country’s ambitions. And as a chronicler of his age’s disillusionment and alienation, he joined an American cultur...
56m Dec 18, 2021
56m
PEL Presents NEM#161: Chuck Prophet Is On the Couch
Chuck joined Green on Red as guitarist in 1985 and has released 15 solo albums of tuneful guitar rock since 1990, touring constantly and doing a lot of co-writing. We discuss "Womankind" from The Land That Time Forgot (https://amzn.to/3DO0NuK) (2020), "Your Skin" from Bobby Fuller Died for Your Sins (https://amzn.to/3GycDej) (2017), "Castro Halloween" from Temple Beautiful (https://amzn.to/3EJ...
59m Dec 17, 2021
59m