Wandering Thoughts

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  Buddhism, Emptiness & the Illusion of Self | Prof. Jay Garfield 10.10.2026 1Std. 5Min.

  In this episode, Professor Jay Garfield and I explore Buddhist philosophy, Nagarjuna, emptiness, the two truths, no-self, compassion, and cross-cultural philosophy. We begin with his journey from logic and cognitive science into Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan epistemology, and his studies in India. Professor Garfield then explains the scale and diversity of Buddhist philosophy, including Theravada, Mahayana, Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Chinese Buddhism, Zen, and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. We discuss Buddhism as an atheistic and naturalistic religion, Nagarjuna’s account of emptiness, why emptiness is not nihilism, and what it means to say that emptiness itself is empty. We also explore the ethical implications of interdependence and no-self, the distinction between conventional and ultimate truth, how Buddhist practice turns intellectual understanding into perceptual expertise, and why compassion is better understood as active care for the welfare of others.
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  OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Living With Uncertainty | Prof. Jon Abramowitz 09.10.2026 1Std. 15Min.

  In this episode, Professor Jon Abramowitz and I explore OCD, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, anxiety, uncertainty, reassurance, and exposure and response prevention. We discuss what OCD is, why it is much more than being tidy or washing your hands, and how intrusive thoughts can become distressing obsessions when they are treated as dangerous, meaningful, or morally important. Professor Abramowitz also explains why OCD often attaches itself to the areas of life people value most. We also discuss diagnosis, uncertainty, reassurance, relationship OCD, shame, disclosure to family and friends, and how loved ones can support someone without feeding compulsions. Finally, Professor Abramowitz explains ERP, why response prevention matters, how therapy helps people approach feared situations without rituals, and why successful exposure is about learning, not simply making anxiety go down.
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  Stoicism, CBT & the Good Life | Tim LeBon 08.10.2026 2Std. 1Min.

  In this episode, Mr. Tim LeBon and I explore Stoicism, CBT, philosophical counselling, Stoic Week, and how ancient philosophy can be used practically in modern life. We discuss his work as a psychotherapist and CBT therapist, his involvement in Modern Stoicism, and the origins of Stoic Week as an experiment in trying Stoic exercises for everyday life. Mr. LeBon explains Stoicism as a philosophy of living well through virtue, wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, Stoic mindfulness, and learning to distinguish what is up to us from what is not. We also discuss the Stoic Attitudes and Behaviours Scale, the relationship between Stoicism and wellbeing, and how Stoic ideas connect with CBT. Finally, we discuss anxiety, depression, anger, intrusive thoughts, happiness, meaning, values, wisdom, ethical development, and philosophical counselling. Mr. LeBon also explains practical Stoic exercises such as morning premeditation, evening review, “minding the gap” between stimulus and response, and the STOIC framework for applying Stoic ideas in real time.
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  How to Feel Loved | Prof. Harry Reis 01.10.2026 1Std. 8Min.

  In this episode, Professor Harry Reis and I explore love, relationships, intimacy, listening, vulnerability, attachment, loneliness, and his new book How to Feel Loved. We discuss the difference between being loved and feeling loved, why relationships are central to happiness and meaning, and why trying to “make” someone love you is usually the wrong approach. Instead, we explore how curiosity, listening, compassion, and warm conversation can create a stronger sense of connection between people. We also discuss what makes someone a good listener, why feeling understood is so closely linked to feeling loved, and how vulnerability needs to develop gradually, with the right person, at the right time, and in the right context. Professor Reis explains partner responsiveness, intimacy, capitalization, self-disclosure, and how attachment styles shape the way people approach closeness. Finally, we explore chronic versus short-term loneliness, why loneliness can sometimes motivate connection, and why long-term loneliness can become deeply harmful.
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  How to Think Better in an Unreasonable World | Prof. William B. Irvine 24.09.2026 1Std. 21Min.

  In this episode, Professor William B. Irvine and I explore thinking, open-mindedness, Stoicism, audience capture, echo chambers, and how to become more reasonable in unreasonable times. We discuss his journey into philosophy, his work on thinking more and better, and how online platforms can tempt creators to chase numbers rather than produce genuinely valuable work. We also discuss how to choose better information sources, avoid intellectual blind spots, listen to critics, and recognise contradictions in our own beliefs. Finally, we explore thinkers vs feelers, the relationship between emotion and reason, why some beliefs become tied to identity, how social media strengthens echo chambers, and why admitting mistakes is essential if we want to train our minds and become better thinkers.
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  Computational Psychiatry, The Self & Brain Imaging | Prof. Karl Friston 21.09.2026 1Std. 15Min.

  In this episode, Professor Karl Friston and I explore brain imaging, dynamic causal modelling, statistical parametric mapping, computational psychiatry, and selfhood through active inference. We discuss how functional brain imaging works, how it helps reveal specialised brain regions, and how researchers study the connectivity and causal interactions between different parts of the brain. Professor Friston also explains dynamic causal modelling, Bayesian model comparison, and how scientists test which models best explain brain imaging data. We then turn to computational psychiatry, false inference, belief updating, precision, prediction errors, neuromodulation, and how psychiatric conditions can be understood through changes in the way the brain updates beliefs. Finally, we discuss treatment, relaxing overly rigid priors, psychedelics, CBT, statistical parametric mapping, the disconnection hypothesis, the self as a hypothesis in active inference, depersonalisation, non-dual states, and the relationship between selfhood, consciousness, and the brain.
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  Bioelectricity, Collective Intelligence & Regeneration | Prof. Michael Levin 10.09.2026 58Min.

  In this episode, Professor Michael Levin and I explore bioelectricity, collective intelligence, regeneration, aging, cancer, and the future of medicine. We discuss how cells communicate through electrical signals, how groups of cells coordinate to build bodies, limbs, organs, and faces, and how biology can be understood through goals, memory, problem-solving, and intelligence, not only chemistry. We also discuss how bioelectric patterns may guide development, repair, and regeneration, why humans usually scar instead of regrow limbs, and how tools like biodomes and drug cocktails could one day help cells return to regenerative states. Finally, we explore xenobots, anthrobots, novel biological competencies, aging as a possible breakdown of cellular coordination, and cancer as a failure of multicellular cooperation, where cells disconnect from the body’s shared goals and return to more individual, amoeba-like behaviour.
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  Psychoanalysis, Personality & the Unconscious Mind | Prof. Nancy McWilliams 10.09.2026 1Std. 22Min.

  In this episode, Professor Nancy McWilliams and I explore psychoanalysis, personality, defenses, trauma, shame, narcissism, and the therapeutic relationship. We discuss what psychoanalysis is, why unconscious feelings and thoughts matter, and how personality styles develop from early adaptations to a person’s childhood environment. Professor McWilliams explains how therapists understand personality not just through checklists, but through patterns, themes, and their own emotional responses in the therapy relationship. We also discuss psychological defenses such as denial, repression, intellectualization, humor, splitting, and dissociation, as well as how trauma, shame, guilt, and narcissism shape people’s inner lives and relationships. Finally, we explore what makes a good therapist, the importance of trust and safety in therapy, transference and countertransference, dreams, the history of psychoanalysis, and how psychoanalysis has become more collaborative over time.
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  Why Science Depends on Ignorance, Failure & Uncertainty | Prof. Stuart Firestein 07.09.2026 1Std. 1Min.

  In this episode, Professor Stuart Firestein and I explore ignorance, failure, uncertainty, and how science really progresses. We discuss why science is driven by questions as much as facts, why education often rewards answers over curiosity, and how better questions can lead to deeper understanding. We also discuss why failure is not the opposite of success, but an essential part of discovery. Finally, we explore It Could Be Otherwise, uncertainty, optimism, progress, medicine, biology, and how society might learn to see uncertainty not only as frightening, but as full of possibility.
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  Overcoming OCD: Intrusive Thoughts, Compulsions & Exposure Therapy | Prof. David Veale 29.08.2026 50Min.

  In this episode, Professor David Veale and I explore OCD, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, avoidance, reassurance seeking, and how OCD is treated. We discuss what OCD is, why intrusive thoughts become powerful, how obsessions often attach to the things people value most, and why OCD is not simply being tidy, clean, or perfectionistic. Professor Veale explains different forms of OCD, including contamination fears, responsibility for harm, unacceptable sexual or violent thoughts, religious fears, ordering, checking, and relationship OCD. We also discuss CBT, exposure and response prevention, tolerating uncertainty, and why reassurance can make OCD worse by feeding doubt and undermining confidence. Professor Veale explains how family members can support someone with OCD without reinforcing compulsions, the role of SSRIs, how OCD can overlap with autism, ADHD and trauma, and how body dysmorphic disorder relates to OCD. Finally, we talk about good quality therapy, newer treatments, lifestyle factors such as sleep, exercise and connection, and why OCD is a treatable condition.
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  Humanity’s Future: Existential Risk, AI & Life Beyond Earth | Lord Martin Rees 28.08.2026 52Min.

  In this episode, Lord Martin Rees and I explore cosmology, the Big Bang, exoplanets, alien life, multiverses, and humanity’s long-term future. We discuss how our understanding of the universe expanded from Earth-centred views to galaxies, the Big Bang, and the possibility of many other worlds where life may exist. Lord Rees also explains why humans may still be near the beginning of our story, if we can avoid destroying ourselves this century. We then turn to existential risks, including nuclear war, engineered pandemics, AI, climate change, and the fragility of global infrastructure. Lord Rees argues that we need to think much further ahead, become better ancestors, and leave a stronger legacy for future generations. Finally, we discuss public trust in science, human versus robotic space exploration, Mars, Elon Musk, artificial intelligence spreading beyond Earth, and what the far future of intelligence might look like.
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  Stoicism, the Ethics of War & Moral Injury | Prof. Nancy Sherman 26.08.2026 51Min.

  In this episode, Professor Nancy Sherman and I explore Stoicism, emotions, virtue, military ethics, moral injury, and what it means to live well. We discuss common misconceptions about Stoicism, especially the idea that being Stoic means suppressing emotion, and explore how Stoicism instead aims to train our emotions, judgments, and responses. We also discuss anger, proto-emotions, joy, distress, practical wisdom, courage, generosity, friendship, and how ancient philosophy can guide everyday life. Finally, we turn to war, PTSD, and moral injury, exploring why dehumanising the enemy is dangerous, how moral injury involves guilt, shame, and conscience, and how veterans can be supported after returning home.
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  Stoicism: Virtue, Emotions & Human Excellence | Gregory Lopez 19.08.2026 1Std. 40Min.

  In this episode, Gregory Lopez and I explore Stoicism as a practical philosophy of life. We discuss what Stoicism is, what the Stoics meant by virtue, excellence, and living according to nature, and why human beings are understood as rational and pro-social animals. Gregory explains Stoic psychology, including reason, emotion, impressions, assent, passions, value judgments, and why Stoicism is not about suppressing emotions or becoming unfeeling. We also discuss why “control” can be a misleading word, what Epictetus really meant by what is “up to us,” and how beliefs, goals, and urges shape our actions. Finally, we explore Stoic practices such as journaling, reflection, the three disciplines of training, anxiety, grief, death, Buddhism, mindfulness, right speech, and where beginners should start when learning Stoicism.
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  Life Lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Yousuf Nabi 15.08.2026 58Min.

  In this episode, my grappling coach Yousuf Nabi and I discuss Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, coaching, competition, mental health, and building community. Yousuf shares how he started training BJJ after first discovering the Gracie family through early MMA footage, and how that eventually led him to open Elements in Brighton as a way to create more training opportunities locally. We talk about how the gym evolved from a passion project into a proper business and community, why Jiu-Jitsu can build confidence, resilience, humility, and comfort under pressure, and why losing can often teach you more than winning. Yousuf also explains what makes a good coach, why listening to students matters, and how creating a welcoming culture starts with leading by example. Finally, we discuss the Elements Grapplethon, a 12-hour non-stop sparring event raising money for Grassroots Suicide Prevention, and why Jiu-Jitsu can act as a kind of physical therapy for people struggling with mental health. You can support the podcast on Patreon here: 🔗 https://tr.ee/y8wVLs 🙏It does not unlock extra episodes or exclusive content, because I want everything I make to remain free and available to everyone. Your support helps me keep improving the podcast and bringing on interesting guests. I appreciate it!
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  Paradoxes, Logic & Buddhist Philosophy | Prof. Graham Priest 13.08.2026 2Std. 7Min.

  In this episode, Professor Graham Priest and I explore logic, paradoxes, metaphysics, and Buddhist philosophy. We discuss what logic is, what makes an argument valid, and how philosophers think about premises, conclusions, reasoning, and theories of logic. Professor Priest explains classical logic, non-classical logic, paraconsistent logic, contradictions, explosion, and why some philosophers think certain contradictions may be true. We also explore the liar paradox, Russell’s paradox, realism, idealism, materialism, anti-realism, Wittgenstein, and the relationship between truth and reality. Finally, we discuss Eastern philosophy, Buddhist ideas of emptiness and interdependence, the ethics that follow from them, four-cornered logic, and how Indian and Buddhist traditions can expand the way we think about logic, metaphysics, and human flourishing.You can support the podcast on Patreon here: 🔗 https://tr.ee/y8wVLs 🙏It does not unlock extra episodes or exclusive content, because I want everything I make to remain free and available to everyone. Your support helps me keep improving the podcast and bringing on interesting guests. I appreciate it!
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  Çatalhöyük: Living Without Hierarchy | Prof. Ian Hodder 04.08.2026 1Std. 3Min.

  In this episode, Professor Ian Hodder and I explore Çatalhöyük, one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. We discuss what archaeology is, how excavation works, and why Çatalhöyük gives us such a rare insight into the beliefs, myths, art, and daily life of people living around 9,000 years ago. Professor Hodder explains the role of ancestors, vultures, wild animals, domesticating plants and animals, and the transition from hunter-gatherer life to settled farming communities. We also discuss his theory of entanglement, how humans become trapped by the things they create, and how this applies both to agriculture and modern technologies like AI. Finally, we explore hierarchy, egalitarianism, gender, matrilineal society, reflexive archaeology, community participation, and what Çatalhöyük can teach us today about living with less hierarchy, less consumption, and more collective care.
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  What is Anarchism? | Prof. Ruth Kinna 03.08.2026 57Min.

  In this episode, Professor Ruth Kinna and I explore anarchism, mutual aid, self-government, and anti-authoritarian political thought. We discuss what anarchism means, its history and major thinkers, including Proudhon, Bakunin and Kropotkin. We also examine property, violence, revolutionary change, community organisation, co-operatives, mutual defence and how anarchist ideas can be practised through everyday grassroots action. Finally, Professor Kinna explains mutual aid, anarchist approaches to decision-making, and how communities can organise without creating fixed or permanent systems of authority.
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  Sex Differences, the Evolution of Mind & Mathematical Cognition | Prof. David Geary 01.08.2026 58Min.

  In this episode, Professor David Geary and I discuss sex differences, mathematical cognition, and the evolution of the human mind. We explore why maths, reading, and writing are evolutionarily recent skills, how they build on older systems like language and number sense, and why children may struggle with maths or reading. We also discuss male and female cognitive similarities and differences, including language, visual-spatial reasoning, mechanical reasoning, and how these may affect education. Finally, we talk about backlash to sex differences research, pregnancy and brain changes, human brain evolution, self-awareness, and why nature and nurture should be understood as working together rather than against each other.
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  Complexity, Scaling Laws & the Future of Humanity | Prof. Geoffrey West 26.07.2026 1Std. 31Min.

  In this episode, Professor Geoffrey West and I explore complexity, scaling laws, cities, biology, and the future of humanity. We discuss what makes a system “complex” rather than simple and why physics can describe so much of the universe through elegant equations, yet still struggles to capture the messy world of organisms, cities, companies, politics, poetry, conflict, and human society. We also examine scaling laws in biology and cities: why larger animals use energy differently, why heart rate and metabolism change with size, and how similar mathematical patterns appear in urban systems. Professor West explains why bigger cities need less infrastructure per person but produce more socioeconomic activity — including more innovation, wealth, crime, and disease. Finally, we discuss sustainability, innovation, collapse, technology, AI, social change, and whether humanity can keep reinventing itself fast enough to avoid crisis. Professor West argues that technological innovation alone may only postpone collapse, and that genuine sustainability will also require deep social and political innovation.
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  Anarchism, Democracy & Power | Dr. Sophie Scott-Brown 24.07.2026 1Std. 33Min.

  In this episode, Dr. Sophie Scott-Brown and I explore anarchism, democracy, political power, and the history of radical political thought. We discuss what anarchism is, why it is difficult to define, and why anarchist thought is often more pluralistic than people assume. Dr. Scott-Brown explains how anarchism challenges permanent structures of authority and how people already organise parts of everyday life through informal cooperation. We also examine representative democracy, direct democracy, citizens’ assemblies, radical democracy, and libertarian socialism. Dr. Scott-Brown reflects on the limits of representation, the possibilities and problems of referenda and people’s assemblies, and why democracy may need to be understood as something more fluid, participatory, and self-critical. Finally, we discuss the history of radical politics in post-war Britain, the New Left, anti-nuclear activism, education, universities, neoliberalism, political violence, nonviolent protest, social movements, and what present-day movements can learn from the past.