Preconceived

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of democracy and its current state in the world, particularly in the United States. He is joined by Peter Biro, a lawyer, writer, and NGO leader, who discusses the importance of not taking democracy for granted and the potential threats it faces. The conversation delves into the meaning of democracy, its perceived sanctity, and the role of liberal constitutionalism in comba...

In this 300th episode of Preconceived, we dive deep into the intricate world of wokeness—a term that has sparked both fervent support and intense debate. What does it truly mean to be 'woke'? How has this cultural phenomenon reshaped our conversations around identity, free speech, and societal norms? Join us as we unravel these questions with our guest, Eric Kaufman, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a critical eye to the discus...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale sits down with Dr. Kieran Murphy, a renowned inventor and professor of radiology, to explore the essence of invention and creativity in medicine. Dr. Murphy shares his journey from medical innovations to his thoughts on the socio-economic factors that influence creativity. Discover how invention is not just about genius but a mindset, and learn about the challenges and triumphs in the world of...

In this episode of the podcast, Zale has a discussion with Laurie Shrage about the often-overlooked topic of male reproductive rights. The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding male reproductive autonomy, contrasting it with the more widely discussed female reproductive rights. Ultimately, this episode gets at the question of whether or not men should be able to opt out of fatherhood if it is early on enough in the ...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the profound impact of music on our emotions and well-being with guest Stefan Kölsch, a renowned psychologist and neuroscientist. They discuss the science behind music's ability to evoke emotions, enhance mood, and even offer therapeutic benefits. Stefan shares insights from his book "Good Vibrations," highlighting how music can be used intentionally to foster mental resilience and soc...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale delves into the often misunderstood world of BDSM with guest Alicia Walker, an associate professor of sociology. They explore the complexities of bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism, discussing why these practices appeal to many, and how they contribute to personal happiness. Zale tries to understand why the idea of being humiliated would appeal to some, while the ...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale interviews Dr. Cassidy Preston, a high-performance coach who works with professional athletes and surgeons. They discuss the importance of mindset, dealing with stress, and achieving high performance in high-pressure environments. Cassidy shares insights on the inside-out approach to mindset, the role of acceptance, and the significance of routines and preparation.

Learn more about Dr. Cass...

In this episode, Zale is joined by Sam Kelly, author of 'Human History on Drugs', to explore the complex morality surrounding drug use throughout history. They discuss the historical context of drug perception, the stigmatization of drug use, and the philosophical views on drugs. The conversation delves into notable historical figures such as Freud, Marcus Aurelius, Shakespeare, and Alexander the Great, examining their relationship...

In this episode, Zale engages with social psychologist Pamela Regan to explore the complexities of modern love, including the romantic ideal, different love styles, and the impact of societal expectations on relationships. They discuss the validity of arranged marriages, the burden of expecting one partner to fulfill all emotional needs, and the importance of recognizing the fluctuations in love and commitment over time. The conver...

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted impact of technology on modern parenting. Our discussion covers a range of topics, including the challenges of limiting technology use, which tech platforms are less harmful than others, and which facets of technology are most detrimental to childhood development. Tune in for practical advice, real-life stories, and a thoughtful examination of how technology is influencing the way we rai...

With over two billion followers worldwide, Christianity is the most popular religion in the world. For some, the preconception is ‘of course Christianity is the correct religious view’, with so many people subscribing to it. For others, the preconception might be, ‘how is it possible that so many people believe in a religion defined by a historical event that nobody can prove?’. Because in contrast to many other religions and world...

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale discusses the phenomenon of Past Life Memories (PLMs) with Marietta Pehlivanova, a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies. The conversation primarily focuses on children who recount having memories of past lives. Marietta explains the research approaches, highlights compelling cases, and discusses the challenges of verifying these memories. T...

In this second episode of the two-part mini-series on the war in Gaza, Jeffrey Herf shares his point of view on why Israel is NOT committing genocide in Gaza. He provides a historical definition of genocide, contrasting it with the current situation, which he argues is a war rather than an act of genocide. Herf emphasizes the role of Hamas as the aggressor and the complexities of civilian casualties in warfare. He also addresses th...

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...

In this episode of Preconceived, we tackle the complex issues surrounding immigration and multiculturalism. Join us as we explore the delicate balance between embracing diversity and addressing the legitimate concerns that arise from rapid cultural shifts. With insights from Professor Henk de Berg, we delve into how these dynamics contribute to the rise of right-wing populism across the globe. Tune in for a nuanced discussion on th...

This episode delves into the complexities of alcohol addiction with Dr. Anna Lemke, a renowned expert in addiction medicine. This episode explores the traditional AA model, the concept of abstinence, and emerging treatment paradigms that challenge the status quo. Discover the nuances of addiction, the role of spirituality in recovery, and the potential for moderation in treatment.

Anna Lembke's book Dopamine Nation - https://www...