Preconceived

Preconceived

Preconceived, hosted by Zale Mednick, dives deep into the intricacies of human experience, challenging the assumptions that shape our understanding of the world. In each episode, Zale engages with leading experts, thought leaders, and individuals with unique perspectives to uncover the layers beneath societal norms and expectations. From exploring cultural phenomena to dissecting scientific breakthroughs, Preconceived invites its listeners to question their preconceptions about love, life, technology, health, history, and beyond. With a blend of curiosity and critical thinking, Zale navigates through complex topics, offering his audience a chance to gain new insights and broaden their horizons. Whether it's debunking myths, confronting biases, or simply indulging in the joy of learning something new, Preconceived is more than just a podcast; it's an invitation to view the world through a different lens. Join Zale Mednick every week on Preconceived for enlightening conversations that promise to inspire, inform, and intrigue. Perfect for the inquisitive mind, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone eager to challenge their understanding of the world and embrace the complexity and beauty of human existence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

November 25, 2025 59 mins

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 ...

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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...

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November 4, 2025 49 mins

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 ...

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October 28, 2025 50 mins
Taylor Swift is arguably the most famous person in the world – a pop star the likes of whom many of us haven’t seen in our lifetimes. Especially over the past year with the release of her latest album Midnights and her record-breaking The Eras Tour, it’s not crazy to wonder if what we are witnessing right now is somewhat analogous to the Beatlemania of the 1960s. So what exactly is the phenomenon of Taylor Swift? Why has she risen ...

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October 21, 2025 48 mins

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...

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October 14, 2025 50 mins

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...

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September 30, 2025 50 mins

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...

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September 16, 2025 59 mins
In this episode of Preconceived, Zale delves into the enduring fascination with the Titanic disaster, exploring themes of hubris, human nature, and historical myth-making. Joined by Professor Stephanie Barczewski, a specialist in modern British history, they unravel the complex narratives surrounding the Titanic's ill-fated voyage, examining the decisions made, the societal norms of the time, and the compelling stories of heroism a...

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September 9, 2025 44 mins

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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In this two part mini-series of Preconceived, we explore the question of whether or not Israel's war with Gaza qualifies as a genocide. We delve into the complex and sensitive topic of genocide, focusing on the role of intent and context in its definition. Joined by Professor Omer Bartov, we explore the historical and legal frameworks that shape our understanding of genocide, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict betw...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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In this episode, Zale discusses the evolution of media with Kim Kierans, focusing on the decline of legacy media and the rise of new media platforms. They explore the implications of this shift, including the crisis in local news, the importance of transparency in journalism, and the challenges of navigating information in the digital age. The conversation emphasizes the need for media literacy and the role of journalism in democra...

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July 2, 2025 58 mins

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is a movement aimed at promoting diversity on college campuses and a variety of institutions. On the surface, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are all positive words; for most people at least, promoting these values is a good thing. But in the particular context of the DEI movement, there are many who do express concerns. Does DEI place too great a premium on identity over ideas?&...

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In increasing trend is emerging of kids deciding to cut their parents off completely. What is driving the younger generations to become estranged from their parents? Are their reasons justified as a step to better 'self-care', or does it reflect a certain selfishness and disloyalty? How can parents respond when their child decides to excommunicate them? Psychologist Joshua Coleman joins the podcast.


Dr. Joshua Coleman - http...

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Torture is generally thought of as a bad things - an unacceptable means to an end. But what if that end is justifiable? In many cases, torture is clearly unethical - for example when used as a means of political suppression, as a fear tactic, or for a forced confession. But what about torture in more ambiguous cases - when the torturer is fairly confident that the person being tortured has key information that could save many lives...

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