IdeaLogical

IdeaLogical

Ready to challenge your thinking? Hosted by Zach Lee of the Institute for the Study of Philosophy, Politics, and Culture, Ideological explores the philosophies, worldviews, and cultural forces shaping how we think and live. From history and psychology to the nature of thought, Zach blends sharp insight, humor, and curiosity in interviews and solo episodes. Smart, accessible, and non-partisan, it’s your new favorite space for big ideas and engaging conversation.

Episodes

September 1, 2025 33 mins

Did pirates really have hooks for hands? Did they really make people walk the plank? Why is their flag called the “Jolly Roger?” In this episode, we separate myth from reality by looking at the true history of pirates.

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0:00 Separating Pirate Myths from Reality with Humor and History

5:06 Pirate Myths and Realities Unveiled

12:09 The Origins and Meaning of the Joll...

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He may be the most learned man of all time, but most people have never heard of him. A true polymath and Renaissance man. Who was this philosopher, scientist, historian, diplomat, and scholar? What did he believe and why is it important to understand his system? Get ready to be blown away by how much smarter he is than we are.

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0:00 Exploring Leibniz's Genius and Philo...

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Does God exist? Are there good proofs for God’s existence? Do these proofs work or do they have flaws? In this episode, we look at the most famous four proofs for the existence of a Deity and then show places where these arguments may go awry. Are you a theist or an atheist and why?

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0:00 Exploring Classical Arguments and Refutations for God's Existence

3:35 The Teleological ...

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July 21, 2025 37 mins

He is perhaps the most famous man of the Enlightenment. A true genius and a man of letters. The wit, the charm, the sarcasm, and the irreverence of Voltaire is intoxicating. Who is this figure and why is he important for how we think of the world today? Find out as we examine his influence, life, and works.

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0:00 Voltaire's Influence and Legacy Explored

7:22 Voltaire's Exi...

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In this episode, we interview Dr. Tyler McNabb, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Saint Francis University. He is an author, speaker, and academic who specializes in philosophy of religion and religious epistemology. Tyler explains why he thinks belief in God is justified and goes over some problems with atheism. Regardless of your worldview, you will find this episode helpful and enlightening.

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The two most influential political parties in the U.S. have an interesting history and varying viewpoints. In this episode, we explore a brief history of these dominant political parties and look at 25 differences between the positions they hold. As you’ll see, the main difference between the parties has more to do with a worldview and philosophy than it does public policy.

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0:00 Exploring...

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In this episode, we interview Benjamin Watkins - an author, speaker, podcaster, and host  @RealAtheology . Ben walks us through his transition to atheism, gives some arguments in support of atheism, and exposes some philosophical problems with theistic systems. Regardless of your worldview, you will find this episode helpful and enlightening.

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June 23, 2025 38 mins

Plato and Aristotle are, hands down, the most influential philosophers of all time. In this lecture we take a look at the life and teachings of Aristotle. Aristotle wrote on everything from metaphysics to biology to ethics to politics. What did he believe and why was his influence so overwhelmingly massive?

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0:00 Aristotle's Enormo...

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Do you really get a cold by being cold? How long do you have to wait after eating before you can swim? Will you ever wake up during surgery? How does cancer spread? In this episode, we interview a physician to compare medical myths with medical reality.

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⁠⁠(00:00) Debunking Medical Myths with Dr. Daniel Sanders

(3:32) Debunking Myths About Co...

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May 26, 2025 41 mins

Are actions inherently good or bad or do their consequences make them so? Does morality even exist or do things just happen? What makes something good or bad (and how can we know it if people have different religions and worldviews)? In this episode we examine different ethical systems and look at the pros and cons of each.

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(00:00) Start

(0:08) Explo...

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May 12, 2025 32 mins

Today we have smartphones, airplanes, robotic surgery, and electric lights. But what was it like to live during the Middle Ages? Was it really the “Dark Ages” or was there intellectual flourishing? What did you eat? When did you bathe? In this episode, we look at what the average person’s life would have been like in medieval Europe.

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(0:00) Exploring Philo...

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April 28, 2025 31 mins

Philosophy is the “love of wisdom” but what exactly does this mean? Philosophy is probably the broadest and most fundamental area of inquiry. In this episode we explain what philosophy is, what makes it unlike other subjects, and why it is so important. We also recommend some helpful books to begin your philosophical journey.

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(0:00) Exploring Philosophy: Definitio...

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A large voting block in the U.S. identifies as being religious (with the largest subset being Christian). In this episode, we interview a pastor to get his thoughts on what influence religion should have in the public sphere (if any). We discuss everything from the shift in the platforms of the two major parties, to the contentious election of Donald Trump, to so-called “Christian Nationalism,” to freedom of religion, and more.

Foll...

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March 31, 2025 41 mins

The liberty to do, think, and say what we want is the cornerstone of most modern republics.. But what exactly do we mean by “do, think, and say what we want?” Where do our liberties end and another’s begin? Where can the government step in and limit our freedoms (if anywhere)? John Stuart Mill’s famous work, “On Liberty” gives us a helpful glimpse into this important question.Follow Zach:

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Zach Schultz is a Green Beret who has also completed Ranger School. In this episode we learn about the ins and outs of special operations including some about training and how the units operate. 

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Up to 40% of Americans have some level of anxiety when flying on an airplane. In this episode, we interview a former Air Force and current commercial airline pilot to learn about how incredibly safe flying really is.. What happens if the engines cut out? What happens if you get struck by lightning? John helps pilot us through these fascinating questions.

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March 3, 2025 53 mins

The phrase, “critical theory,” has become popular in our culture (along with “critical race theory” and “neo-Marxism”). What is critical theory? Where is it affecting our culture, politics, and society? In this lecture we learn about this social and philosophical movement and see how it has impacted so much of our lives today.

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#criti...

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February 17, 2025 77 mins

What is evolution and evolutionary theory? What are some evidences for human evolution? How old is the universe, the Earth, and living organisms and how do we know? In this episode, we interview all around Renaissance-man and scientist, Randy Smith. We look at answers to these questions from several different angles while learning more about evolutionary biology.

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In this episode, we interview a retired Navy SEAL, Randy Rozzell, to chat about mental toughness. How can we grow in mental toughness and what makes some guys quit SEAL training while other guys make it through?

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January 27, 2025 56 mins
We're joined by Dr. Wilfred Reilly, associate professor of political science at Kentucky State University, to explore contentious historical narratives and contemporary issues. Dr. Reilly addresses misconceptions about American slavery, Native American history, and colonialism. The conversation covers topics like the sexual revolution, feminism, and the complexities of modern victimhood and oppression narratives. Through the conver...
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