CG Productions

Chasing Leviathan

A Philosophy , Society & Culture and Religion & Spirituality podcast

About the show

Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Newest episodes

Automated Athens: Ancient Greek Ideals in the Early Age of Automation | Dr. Michele Kennerly

Nov 3, 2026 50 min

Why do we constantly look back to the ancient past to make sense of artificial intelligence, automation, and the future of work? Penn State University's associate professor of communication and classics, Dr. Michele Kennerly, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the surprising history of how ancient Athenian democracy shapes our modern visions of AI and cybernetics. Dr. Kennerly explores the intersection of ancient rhetoric and technology in her book, Automated Athens: Ancient Greek Ideals in the Early Age of Automation. They examine how techno-futurists and cybernetic pioneers haven't just focused on cold mechanics, but have historically drawn on Greek ideals to imagine a post-work world that balances technological progress with deep human connection and philosophy. In this conversation they explore: Why the discourse around mid-century automation and modern AI frequently invokes a "discourse of purity" surrounding ancient Athenian democracy, hoping to recreate its philosophical heights without its historical atrocities. The crucial paradox identified by MIT mathematician Norbert Wiener: why humanity cannot realistically build artificial systems that possess both supreme intelligence and supreme obedience. How scholar Alice Mary Hilton coined the term "cyberculture" in 1963 as a historical counterweight to agriculture, questioning how humans will derive self-worth and meaning if machines eliminate traditional labor. Why America's Founding Fathers strictly embraced Roman republicanism, while mid-century cyberneticists turned instead to Greek democracy as a way to critique the modern military-industrial complex. Media theorist Marshall McLuhan's belief that thriving in an automated age requires a revival of liberal arts education to help us reclaim the forgotten arts of deep reading, conversation, and listening. The concept of communication as "equipment for living together"—and how understanding rhetoric helps us bridge the tragic and comedic chasm of trying to relate to...

Law and the Good Life: On the Political Philosophy of Aristotle | Dr. Robert Bartlett

Oct 20, 2026 50 min

What does an ancient Greek philosopher have to teach us about navigating modern politics, friendship, and the ultimate pursuit of happiness? Boston College's Behrakis professor in Hellenic Political Studies, Dr. Robert Bartlett, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the enduring power and clarity of Aristotelian thought. Dr. Bartlett explores the complex relationship between law, virtue, and human flourishing in his book, Law and the Good Life: On the Political Philosophy of Aristotle. They examine how Aristotle's teachings from Nicomachean Ethics, Politics, and The Art of Rhetoric fit together to form a comprehensive guide to what it means to live a truly good life. In this conversation they explore: Why Aristotle remains fundamentally relevant today for answering life's most direct questions about virtue, human happiness, and excellence.The delicate tension between the rigid, universal nature of law and the absolute necessity for "equity" and prudence (phronesis) in complex, particular circumstances. How Aristotle viewed rhetoric as a "loaded gun"—a powerful tool for persuasion that requires both technical skill and moral guardrails to prevent abuse. The crucial role of friendship as the bridge connecting our individual moral virtues to our broader existence within a political community. Why Aristotle fundamentally disagreed with early modern thinkers like Hobbes, arguing instead that human beings are "political animals" by nature, not by artificial construct. How studying historical figures like Winston Churchill and Neville Chamberlain can help us hone our own capacity for political judgment and prudence. The ultimate distinction between moral virtues (action/praxis) and intellectual virtue (theoria)—and why ancient thinkers prioritized pure understanding over technological application.This is a conversation for anyone interested in political philosophy, ancient history, and ethical living who wants to understand how Aristotle's foundational ideas can help us navigate...

Formal Objects: On Beauty and Sustainability | Dr. Robert Hariman

Oct 6, 2026 51 min

Why do we often assume that fighting climate change requires a life of scarcity, asceticism, and sacrificing abundance, when nature itself is wildly generative and beautiful? Northwestern University's Owen L. Coon Professor of Argumentation and Debate, Dr. Robert Hariman, joins host PJ Wehry on Chasing Leviathan to discuss how we can rethink our approach to the existential crisis of the Anthropocene. Dr. Hariman explores the intersection of aesthetic knowledge and environmental survival in his book, Formal Objects: On Beauty and Sustainability. They examine how the mentality that got us into our current ecological mess isn't sufficient to get us out, and how embracing a new, ecological "formalism" might just be the key to designing a world we actually want to live in. In this conversation they explore: Why global warming is a symptom of a larger systemic crisis of modernity, and why we need a new conceptual vocabulary to survive it. The history of "formalism"—why it was cast aside by academia 50 years ago, and why reinvigorating the study of form is vital for building a just and sustainable society. How beauty and utility are not opposites, but actually converge to create fitness in both natural organisms and cultural artifacts. The importance of "aesthetic knowledge"—an embodied, relational way of knowing that complements modern science and prevents us from treating nature merely as a mute object tailored for exploitation. Why a truly sustainable society cannot be built on scarcity models or ugly, ascetic design, but must lean into nature's incredible abundance and joy.The dangers of monocultural regimes in design and architecture, and how true formal processes rely heavily on diversity and continuous generation. Practical ways to cultivate everyday mindfulness by paying attention to the forms and local ecology around us, including a look at Central Florida's water table crisis and the impracticality of suburban lawns.This is a conversation for anyone intereste...

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 232 episodes

Automated Athens: Ancient Greek Ideals in the Early Age of Automation | Dr. Michele Kennerly

Nov 3, 2026 50 min

Law and the Good Life: On the Political Philosophy of Aristotle | Dr. Robert Bartlett

Oct 20, 2026 50 min

Formal Objects: On Beauty and Sustainability | Dr. Robert Hariman

Oct 6, 2026 51 min

To Taste: On Cooking and the Good Life | Dr. Scott Samuelson

Sep 15, 2026 51 min

Why have we reduced the profound, human experience of eating into a sterile game of counting calories, optimizing nutrition, and "maxing" our productivity? Iowa State University's professor of practice, Dr. Scott Samuelson, joins host PJ Weary to discuss how the simple act of cooking can serve as a profound paradigm for leading a meaningful life. Dr. Samuelson explores the deep intersections of culinary arts and philosophical inquiry in his book, To Taste: On Cooking and the Good Life. They examine how true nourishment isn't found in abstract nutritional labels or industrial farming models, but rather requires active engagement, tradition, and shared human connection. In this conversation they explore: How conversations about Italian food with a Hegel scholar and moonlighting as a sous chef at a farm-to-table French restaurant revealed that cooking and philosophy are fundamentally the same pursuit. The dangers of the "barbarism of reflection"—how abstracting food into mere data points (like calories or gut biomes) strips away the cultural and relational essence of eating. Why the philosopher Alfred North Whitehead's stages of education—romance, discipline, and synthesis—perfectly mirror the journey of becoming a skilled cook and developing a personal style. The concept of playing the "Dodgeball of Evil" versus planting a "Garden of the Good," and why trying to be perfectly pure in our food ethics is less effective than actively growing honest practices around us. The problem with the modern obsession of "maxing" and optimizing our lives like industrial machines, rather than growing like diverse, resilient ecosystems. A poignant lesson from end-of-life care: why asking "what does a good day look like?" almost always centers around the simple joy of sharing a leisurely meal with loved ones.This is a conversation for anyone interested in philosophy, culinary arts, and intentional living who wants to reconnect with the rich, sensory experiences that make life truly wor...

A Decent Life: Morality for the Rest of Us | Dr. Todd May

Sep 1, 2026 52 min

Why does modern morality often feel like an exhausting, impossible burden rather than an inspiring way to live? Are we all required to be perfect "moral exemplars," or is there a strong philosophical case for simply living a decent life? Dr. Todd May, the Nielsen Professor of the Humanities at Warren Wilson College (Asheville, NC), joins host PJ Weary to discuss how we can rethink our moral obligations and expectations in a highly demanding world. Dr. May explores the realistic boundaries of human goodness in his book, A Decent Life: Morality for the Rest of Us. They examine how genuine decency doesn't demand extreme altruism or austere self-sacrifice—like donating a kidney to a stranger just to maximize utility—but rather requires a "moral gracefulness" that allows us to care for others while still enjoying rich, meaningful human lives. In this conversation they explore: 🔷 Why the extreme utilitarian demands of philosophers like Peter Singer pushed Dr. May to write a practical moral framework designed for "sane people." 🔷 Susan Wolf's concept of "Moral Saints," and why a world full of perfect moral exemplars would actually force us to abandon deeply meaningful human experiences like art, music, and close friendship. 🔷 The crucial difference between altruism (strict self-sacrifice) and decency, and how to carry your morality as an inspiring opportunity rather than an exhausting lifelong burden. 🔷 Thomas Nagel's concept of "conditional moral luck," and how specific historic circumstances, like the Civil Rights movement in the South or today's climate crisis, can temporarily call us to step up beyond basic decency. 🔷 How to expand your circle of sympathy (borrowing from David Hume) starting with those closest to you in everyday life, and moving outward to future generations and non-human animals. 🔷 The concept of "backward causality" and how the climate legacy of the Boomer generation directly impacts their moral standing with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. 🔷 The profoun...

Who's a Good Human? Practical Exercises for Living Mindfully with Dogs | Dr. Jessica Pierce

Aug 18, 2026 57 min

Why do we claim to love our dogs while breeding them for dependence and keeping them in environments that strip away their daily choices? Bioethicist and author Dr. Jessica Pierce joins host PJ Wehry on Chasing Leviathan to discuss human-animal relationships and the profound interconnections between ecosystems and health. Dr. Pierce explores the ethics of our canine bonds in her book, Who's a Good Human? Practical Exercises for Living Mindfully with Dogs. They examine how an ethical relationship isn't about demanding strict obedience from a "pet," but rather requires the skills of curiosity, collaboration, and care. In this conversation they explore: Why the standard model of viewing dogs simply as pets is flawed, and how to embrace the collaborative, often messy project of living together. The concept of "experiential ethics"—or embodied ethics—and how mucking through complex life experiences teaches us more than abstract philosophical principles. How a scientific thought experiment about dogs surviving a human-erasing rapture revealed that dogs might actually be better off without us. The "phenomenological recalibration" Dr. Pierce experienced after becoming a volunteer firefighter in her mountain community, and how it radically shifted her perception of the natural world. The dark side of modern dog breeding, the cultural obsession with unhealthy breeds like pugs and French Bulldogs, and why humans are psychologically drawn to canine dependence. Why we should view modern companion dogs as "captive animals" and how introducing micro-choices into their daily routines can profoundly improve their welfare. How applying the Zen Buddhist concept of "beginner's mind" and practicing deep curiosity can transform our knee-jerk annoyances—like a dog barking—into moments of mindful communication.This is a conversation for anyone interested in bioethics, dog ethology, and mindfulness who wants to understand how to sincerely navigate our relationship with animals while honorin...

Hegel's Sole Idea: The Last Great Metaphysical System | Dr. Mark Alznauer

Aug 4, 2026 1 hr 3 min

Why did one of the most famous and ambitious philosophers in European history fall completely out of favor in just a few decades, and why is his totalizing view of reality still relevant today? Northwestern University's associate professor of philosophy and president of the Hegel Society of America, Dr. Mark Alznauer, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the breathtaking scope and historical impact of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Dr. Alznauer explores Hegel's attempt to map the entire cosmos, human civilization, and religion from a single logical concept in his book, Hegel's Sole Idea: The Last Great Metaphysical System. They examine how Hegel's "encyclopedia system" served as the last grand metaphysical project in Western thought, why his immediate successors violently rejected it, and how his legacy continues to shape our modern historical awareness. In this conversation they explore: Why Hegel’s system is comparable to monumental literary works like Dante's Divine Comedy or Tolstoy's War and Peace in its attempt to provide a comprehensive, organized worldview. The provocative way Hegel positioned his philosophy as the "Holy Spirit," claiming it could conceptually prove the theological truths that Christianity only provided in pictures or representations. The swift collapse of Hegel's reputation after his death in 1831, leading to the deep divide between the Right and Left Hegelians, including the materialist critiques of Ludwig Feuerbach and Karl Marx. Søren Kierkegaard's fierce rejection of Hegel's objective system, arguing that true Christianity requires a passionate, existential decision rather than cold, speculative contemplation. How Hegel’s philosophy of history—arguing that human epochs unfold with internal, logical necessity toward freedom—differs radically from the contingent, sociological explanations we rely on today. The neo-Hegelian influence on Francis Fukuyama’s "End of History," and how questioning the ultimate direction of political history remai...

How to Change Minds Without Lies, B******t, or Moral Compromise | Dr. Colin Marshall

Jul 21, 2026 54 min

Why do morally good people often hesitate to change other people's minds, viewing persuasion as presumptuous, obnoxious, or downright creepy? The University of Washington's professor of philosophy, Dr. Colin Marshall, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss how to successfully bridge deep divides in our highly polarized climate. Dr. Marshall explores the ethics and psychology of civil persuasion in his book, Just Hear Me Out: How to Change Minds Without Lies, B******t, or Moral Compromise. They examine how genuine persuasion isn't about manipulation or aggressive takedowns , but rather requires a delicate balance of respect, compassion, and the right environment. In this conversation they explore: Why the fallout of the 2016 US presidential election pushed Dr. Marshall from pure theoretical philosophy into finding practical tools for civil engagement. The crucial difference between manipulative persuasion—where people are treated as obstacles to maneuver—and civil persuasion that honors a person's complete humanity. How combining Immanuel Kant's emphasis on rational respect with Arthur Schopenhauer's focus on deep compassion creates a coherent framework for changing minds. Why attempting to persuade someone at the Thanksgiving table almost always fails, and the importance of establishing an "attention-friendly context" like grabbing a coffee or a beer. Incredible real-world examples of successful persuasion, including Daryl Davis persuading extremists to leave the KKK and Megan Phelps-Roper leaving the Westboro Baptist Church after patient, charitable interactions on Twitter. The concept of "moral myopia"—the deeply human tendency to become so hyper-focused on one moral issue or our own self-respect that we lose sight of the other person's bandwidth and feelings. The psychology of building trust, and why establishing warmth and shared humanity must always come before proving your intellectual competence. This is a conversation for anyone interested in philosophy, psycholog...

Chasing Leviathan Goes on a New Schedule

Jul 14, 2026 1 min

In this quick update, host PJ Weary shares some news about the future production schedule of the podcast. Thank you all for your continued support. We continue to having you join us for the next conversation. Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

Loneliness in World History | Dr. Katie Barclay

Jul 7, 2026 50 min

What happens when a feeling we assume is a universal human experience is actually shaped, defined, and even created by our specific cultural language and material conditions? Macquarie University's Future Fellow at the School of Humanities, Dr. Katie Barclay, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked complexities of a deeply human emotion. Dr. Barclay explores the history and cultural variety of this feeling in her book, Loneliness in World History. They examine how loneliness is frequently not just an internal psychological state, but rather a reflection of our relationships with our environment, our community, and the specific language we use to make sense of our world. In this conversation they explore: How the "language trap" challenges our ability to compare emotions across cultures, and why translating words for love and loneliness requires understanding their thick cultural context. The surprising nighttime weeping rituals of the Kaluli people in Papua New Guinea, where singing about loneliness serves as a cathartic communal release of pain. Why the historical narrative of human "modernization"—moving from supposedly primitive communal selves to modern individualized subjects—carries deeply colonial and problematic assumptions. The physiological elements of isolation, including "touch hunger" and how the modern internet trend of Mukbang satiates the deep-seated desire to eat alongside a community. How physical places and material architecture—from fairy-tale forests to utopian high-rise flats and car-centric suburbs—actively teach us to feel isolated and shape our emotional experiences. The paradox of the "lonely genius," revealing how the supposedly solitary pursuit of art and creativity is fundamentally dependent on an unseen network of community support and labor. This is a conversation for anyone interested in world history, anthropology, and the humanities who wants to understand the cultural weight behind our everyday emotions and how we can nav...

The Psychology of Human Temporality | Dr. David Gilden

Jun 30, 2026 1 hr 19 min

What happens when the simple act of slowing down a metronome reveals the exact limits of our attention, and how might our physical body size secretly dictate the way we experience rhythm and reality? Dr. David Gilden, a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked physical and biological laws shaping human perception. Dr. Gilden explores the human response to living in time in his book, The Psychology of Human Temporality. They examine how the world we experience is not rote or matter-of-fact, but actively created by our minds through relationships, and why those cognitive connections inevitably fall apart. In this conversation they explore: How our minds generate emergent properties—like transforming isolated claps into rhythm or sequential notes into a melody—to actively construct the world we experience. The phenomenon of "islands," demonstrating how introducing just a couple seconds of silence between beats or gestures destroys our ability to perceive continuity, leaving us lost. Why the traditional psychological view of memory as a storage container of facts falls short, and how a physics-based approach—where the past dynamically influences the future, much like weather systems or financial markets—better explains how we lose our train of thought. The metaphor of "cooling coffee" applied to the mind, illustrating how a sensory input temporarily heats the brain, creating a brief window for connection before the activation energy decays according to natural laws. The biological science of allometry and the radical hypothesis that a person's physical body size and surface area might actually dictate their cognitive decay time. Surprising experimental data revealing that taller people can actually maintain slower rhythmic connections than shorter people, suggesting the mind's shedding of activation mirrors the body's shedding of physical heat. This is a conversation for anyone intere...

Memory, Place, and the Monuments We Build | Dr. Janet Donohoe

Jun 23, 2026 47 min

What happens when we blindly accept the monuments in our built world, treating them as permanent fixtures of history rather than invitations to critique the traditions they represent? The University of West Georgia's Emerita Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Janet Donohoe, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked dynamism of our built environment and how we interact with public memory. Dr. Donohoe explores the complex ties between physical spaces and tradition in her book, Remembering Places: A Phenomenological Study of the Relationship between Memory and Place. They examine how the removal of monuments is not an erasure of history but a rewriting of it, and how understanding our physical world can help us critically engage with the narratives we pass on to future generations. In this conversation they explore: How monuments function as a "palimpsest," where tearing them down doesn't remove the place but instead writes over it, leaving underlying traces of memory and tradition. Husserl’s concepts of the "home world" and "alien world," demonstrating how our childhood environments physically write themselves onto our bodies and set our normative baseline for experiencing new places. The striking contrast between the World War II Memorial, which uses its overbearing scale to dictate a narrative of American power, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, an open space that invites profound personal reflection and critique. Why rushing to memorialize tragedies, such as the push to immediately erect 9/11 monuments, often solidifies a narrative of victimization without allowing for the necessary time to process and understand the long-term impact. The dual meaning of the word "monument"—to remember and to be mindful—which calls us to actively critique our traditions rather than blindly perpetuating them. How the meaning of a monument is never truly "set in stone," but rather emerges dynamically in the continuous encounter between the viewer and the physical space. This is...

Music Perception & the Psychology of Enculturation | Dr. Marcus Pearce

Jun 16, 2026 48 min

Why is it that an ephemeral arrangement of sounds can move us to tears, while the exact same sequence might sound like chaotic noise to someone from another culture? Reader in Cognitive Science at Queen Mary University of London and Honorary Professor of Neuroscience at Aarhus University, Dr. Marcus Pearce joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked significance of our brain's probabilistic predictions. Dr. Pearce explores the computational mysteries of how we process sound in his book, Learning to Listen, Listening to Learn: Music Perception and the Psychology of Enculturation. They examine how our pleasure in music stems from an ingrained psychological drive to predict the future, and how understanding this can help us map out cultural evolution. In this conversation they explore: How our brains act as statistical prediction machines, constantly building internal models to anticipate the next note for an evolutionary survival advantage.The surprising realization that the perception of consonance and dissonance is not biologically universal, as shown by differing reactions in cultures like the Chimane of Bolivia.Why the pleasure we derive from music relies on an "inverted U-shaped" relationship, where a balance between predictable patterns and complex surprises maximizes our enjoyment.The use of interpretable probabilistic AI models, rather than "black box" neural networks, to better understand how a listener's perception matures within a musical tradition.How music acts as a safe training ground for humans to vicariously experience complex emotional states and hone cognitive processes without real-world risk.The role of cultural evolution in music, explaining why groundbreaking, highly complex composers like Stravinsky were initially rejected by audiences before eventually becoming standard repertoire.This is a conversation for anyone interested in cognitive science, evolutionary psychology, and musicology who wants to understand the biological weight behind...

The Medieval Culture of Disputation: Pedagogy, Practice, and Performance with Dr. Alex Novikoff

Jun 9, 2026 56 min

What happens when we assume our modern educational institutions and traditions of debate sprung from a vacuum, dismissing the Middle Ages as an uncritical era blinded by faith? Kenyon College's Assistant Professor of History, Dr. Alex Novikoff, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked intellectual vibrancy and argumentative spirit of the medieval world. Dr. Novikoff explores the history and impact of these practices in his book, The Medieval Culture of Disputation: Pedagogy, Practice and Performance. They examine how the scholastic love of debate wasn't just confined to the ivory tower, but became a performative, public spectacle that deeply shaped medieval culture and laid the foundations for how we learn, argue, and graduate today. In this conversation they explore: How the pervasive myth of the uncritical, tradition-bound "Dark Ages" ignores a historical reality where medieval thinkers used rigorous argumentation as tools to penetrate the universe's deepest mysteries. The intellectual genealogy of debate, tracing how the 12th century recovered and repurposed the dialectic and logic of ancient figures like Aristotle.The lasting pedagogical impact of charismatic teachers like Anselm of Beck, who utilized a question-and-answer dialogue format to shape a whole generation of students. The surprising realization that the modern university system, from the concept of a faculty guild to the pageantry of caps, gowns, and hooding ceremonies, is a direct inheritance of medieval clerical and scholastic culture. How the structure of scholastic disputation escaped the classroom to influence broader cultural expressions, from the dramatic tension in literature to the resolution of voices in early contrapuntal music.This is a conversation for anyone interested in intellectual history, pedagogy, and the humanities who wants to understand the ancient roots of our modern academic institutions and the enduring value of engaging with alternative perspectives. Make sure to ch...

Turning Away: The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture | Dr. Benjamin Saltzman

Jun 2, 2026 49 min

What happens when our modern visual culture, which demands we constantly observe global atrocities on our phones, actually leads to apathy instead of a meaningful moral response? The University of Chicago's Associate Professor of English Language and Literature, Dr. Ben Saltzman, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked significance of a common, deeply human reaction. Dr. Saltzman explores the history and meaning of this physical act in his book, Turning Away, The Poetics of an Ancient Gesture. They examine how looking away is frequently not a sign of disengagement, but rather an indication of deep emotional involvement, and how understanding this can help us navigate the horrors of the contemporary world. In this conversation they explore: How the book traces archaic scenes—like the ancient painting of Agamemnon's sacrifice of Iphigenia—by treating them as rocks tossed into a pool, following their cultural and artistic ripples across time. The surprising realization that turning away from a distressing event often signifies a deep engagement with the pain of the world, rather than simple indifference. Why our contemporary habit of scrolling through images of suffering on our phones can create a false sense of moral duty while actually fostering an empty act of looking. The concept of the divided soul, exemplified by Plato's tale of Leontius, which demonstrates how humans experience an inner conflict and oscillation between looking and turning away. How ancient rhetoric and art utilized the covered face to convey states of emotional extremity that existed entirely at the limits of representation. The relationship between covering one's eyes and the acquisition of painful knowledge, illustrated by figures ranging from a newly fallen Adam and Eve to a young girl watching a cruel scientific experiment on a bird.This is a conversation for anyone interested in literary studies, art history, and the humanities who wants to understand the historical weight behind ou...

A Philosopher at the Crossroads: Giovanni Pico Della Mirandola | Dr. Amos Edelheit

May 26, 2026 42 min

What happens when history remembers a brilliant young philosopher for his eccentric interests rather than the intellectual foundations he laid for the modern world? Maynooth University's lecturer and assistant professor, Dr. Amos Edelheit , joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the misunderstood legacy of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola and his book, A Philosopher at the Crossroads: Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Encounter with Scholastic Philosophy. Dr. Edelheit explores Pico's unique position bridging Renaissance humanism and Renaissance scholasticism. They examine how modern scholars have fundamentally distorted Pico's legacy by fixating on his fascination with Jewish Kabbalah, while neglecting his deep scholastic background, fails to understand Pico, as well as the very roots of modernity itself. In this conversation they explore: How Pico's youthful audacity led him to attempt an open, international debate in Rome with his 900 Theses. The scholarly distortion that hyper-focused on Pico's interest in Jewish mysticism , where he sought to find the origins of Christian mysteries. The fascinating evolution from medieval to Renaissance scholasticism, marking the moment formal philosophy stepped out of the university classroom and into public palaces and squares. The realization that the "Middle Ages" is actually a pejorative concept invented by Renaissance humanists to dismiss the centuries between themselves and antiquity. Pico's groundbreaking defense of philosophy as an independent discipline with intrinsic value and a distinct way of life. Why modern philosophy could not exist without scholasticism, and how thinkers from Descartes onward still had to battle with its established terminology. This is a conversation for anyone interested in intellectual history, Renaissance philosophy, and understanding the foundational forces that actually shaped modern thought.Make sure to check out Dr. Edelheit's book: A Philosopher at the Crossroads: Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's E...

Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World | Dr. Vittorio Hösle

May 19, 2026 57 min

What happens when a society's pursuit of pure rationality and radical individualism actually threatens to dissolve the trust that holds it together? Notre Dame University's Paul G. Kimball Professor of Arts and Letters, Dr. Vittorio Hösle, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked genius of Giambattista Vico and the hidden dangers of modern rationalism. Dr. Hösle explores the philosophical foundations of the human sciences through his book Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World. They examine why projecting modern thought onto ancient history fundamentally distorts our understanding of the past, and how recognizing the cyclical nature of civilizations can warn us against our own potential decay. In this conversation they explore: How Vico established a rigorous "new science" focused on the common nature of nations, effectively laying the groundwork for modern sociology and the human sciences. The profound realization that archaic humans experienced the world through sensual metaphors and mythic wisdom rather than abstract concepts or romantic love. The crucial discovery of the fallacy of anachronism—and why erudite scholars constantly make the mistake of projecting their own modern mindset onto the past. Why pure rationality and universal rational egoism, termed the "barbarism of reflection," can dissolve societal trust and lead to civilizational collapse. The sobering reality that historical progress is not guaranteed, and that the collapse of high civilization remains a persistent threat even today. Vico's method of conceptually understanding archaic societies by comparing epochs, even when directly empathizing with their foreign mindset is impossible. This is a conversation for anyone interested in philosophy, sociology, and history who wants to understand the foundational forces that shape human societies and the historical blind spots of the modern age. Make sure to check out Dr. Hösle's book: Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World 👉...

Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice | Dr. Alex Fogleman

May 12, 2026 43 min

What happens when secular culture does a better job of shaping our desires and beliefs than the church? Trinity Anglican Seminary theology professor Dr. Alex Fogelman joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the decline of discipleship and how modern culture invisibly catechizes us. Dr. Fogelman explores the historical roots of foundational instruction and his book Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice. They examine why pragmatic approaches to church growth fail and how a comprehensive introduction to the faith can deeply root believers against the shifting winds of the modern age. In this conversation they explore: Why the "learning of faith" is essential, even though faith is a divine gift, to help form a new humanity. How the endless scroll of social media, pop culture, and shopping malls act as powerful forms of "cultural catechesis" that shape our vision of the good life. The flaws of imitating cultural forms, like "Christian Pokémon" or "Christian AI," and why simply swapping out the content ignores how the medium shapes the message. How the "TikTok age" exacerbates a sense of ephemeral rootlessness that prevents true human flourishing. The danger of church pragmatism and why sustainable ministry must integrate theology, history, and practice together. Practical strategies for making catechesis the "front porch" of the church, where the faith is passed on person-to-person rather than through an automated screen.This is a conversation for anyone interested in theology, cultural analysis, and discipleship who wants to understand the hidden liturgies shaping our minds and how to build a more grounded faith. Make sure to check out Dr. Fogleman's book: Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802883850# Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothin...

Gadamer & the Transmission of History: Translating Theory into Clinical Practice | Dr. Jerome Veith

May 5, 2026 58 min

What happens when we stop treating therapy as a search for a hidden "inner life" and instead use it to explore our shared, lived world? Seattle University Senior Adjunct Professor of Philosophy and Psychology and Licensed Therapist Dr. Jerome Veith joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the intersection of hermeneutics and clinical practice. Dr. Veith explores the themes of his book Gadamer and the Transmission of History and his personal journey from academic theory to doing philosophy every day with his clients. They examine how philosophical concepts like historicity and charitability can transform the way we listen, heal, and understand our place in the world. In this conversation they explore: The profound difference between academic listening and therapeutic listening, and why "charitability" must balance the "hermeneutics of suspicion". How our relationship to the past is malleable, and why viewing our "historicity" as a lived texture can relieve the burden of anxiety. The flaws of the modern hunt for an isolated "authentic self" and why true authenticity requires acknowledging our shared linguistic and cultural worlds. Why rigid therapeutic methods often fall short, and the value of "courting surprise" rather than relying strictly on predefined techniques. The concept of Bildung (formation) and how engaging with history helps us realize we don't have to carry the burden of being human entirely by ourselves.How reclaiming our focus and viewing therapy as an "attentional practice" can serve as a profound gift that changes both ourselves and others.This is a conversation for anyone interested in psychology, philosophy, and the healing arts who wants to understand how deep listening and shared attention can transform our lives. Make sure to check out Dr. Veith's book: Gadamer and the Transmission of History 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0253015987/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; d...

Jürgen Habermas: Public Intellectual and Engaged Critical Theorist | Peter Verovšek

Apr 28, 2026 56 min

This episode was recorded before the tragic news of Dr. Habermas' death. We deeply mourn his passing. Dr Habermas was a man who carefully and passionately pursued the truth, and so we hope that today's episode, in that spirit, we'll pay a small tribute to his legacy. What happens to our democracy when the "written word" is replaced by the "viral image," and reasoned debate is drowned out by the hunt for clicks? University of Groningen professor Dr. Peter Verovšek joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the legacy of Jürgen Habermas and how the digital age is transforming the democratic public sphere. Dr. Verovšek explores the core arguments of his book, Jürgen Habermas: Public Intellectual and Engaged Critical Theorist. They examine the philosophical evolution of Habermas’ work, from his early critiques of post-war Germany to his recent concerns regarding the "new" structural transformation of the public sphere caused by social media. In this conversation they explore: The "Desk" of the Intellectual: Why Habermas views the written word as the primary tool for public engagement and why he performs his role as an academic from the "primary place" of his desk. The First Generation vs. Habermas: How Habermas moved Critical Theory away from the "negativism" of Adorno and Horkheimer toward a consistent account where theory and practice flow from one another. The "Life World" vs. Systems: Why we must protect our day-to-day cultural lives—the "life world"—from being "colonized" by the impersonal logics of money and administrative power. Social Media as a "Double-Edged Sword": How the internet turned every citizen into a potential author while simultaneously removing the editors and fact-checkers essential for democratic legitimacy. The Intellectual vs. The Guru: Why true public intellectuals act as "early warning systems" for society rather than "gurus" who monetize their following or tell people how to live. The Crisis of Digital Authorship: Why the shift from reasoned argume...

The Honesty Crisis: Preserving Our Most Treasured Virtue in an Increasingly Dishonest World | Dr. Christian Miller

Apr 21, 2026 58 min

What happens to our character when being dishonest becomes easier and more rewarding than ever before? Wake Forest University philosophy professor Dr. Christian Miller joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the "honesty crisis" and how modern technology reshapes our most fundamental virtue. Dr. Miller explores the findings of The Honesty Project and his book The Honesty Crisis: Preserving Our Most Treasured Virtue in an Increasingly Dishonest World. They examine the psychological and philosophical boundaries of honesty to reveal how motivation is just as important as truth-telling. In this conversation they explore: Why honesty requires more than just accurate behavior and must include selfless or dutiful motivations. The flaws of a "mixed bag" character where people act honestly in some settings but reliably cheat in others. How the rise of AI and the internet created a "double-fold" crisis by increasing the incentives to lie while making it easier to avoid detection.The specific moral dangers of sermon plagiarism and why using AI to generate religious messages compromises the integrity of the speaker.Why celebrity culture creates a negative feedback loop that encourages protecting a public image through deception. Practical strategies for maintaining honesty through community accountability and frequent moral reminders. This is a conversation for anyone interested in psychology and ethics who wants to understand the hidden forces eroding our integrity and how to build a more honest life. Make sure to check out Dr. Miller's book: The Honesty Crisis: Preserving Our Most Treasured Virtue in an Increasingly Dishonest World 👉 https://a.co/d/03WsKT5Y Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words...

Intertwined Creatures: The Embodied Cognitive Science of Self and Other | Dr. Anthony Chemero

Apr 17, 2026 53 min

How does recognizing our deep physical and social connections change the way we understand human nature? University of Cincinnati philosophy and psychology professor Dr. Anthony Chemero joins host PJ Weary to challenge traditional Western philosophy and explore the embodied nature of cognition. Dr. Chemero unpacks his book Intertwined Creatures: The Embodied Cognitive Science of Self and Other. Together they discuss the intersection of cognitive science and feminist theory to show how deeply our environments and social circles shape who we are. In this conversation they explore: How feminist critiques of traditional philosophy reveal that our earliest experiences as infants are shared rather than isolated. The flaws of the Cartesian worldview that treats the self as a hidden mind sparsely connected to a mechanical body. Using the pub crawl from the movie The World's End to explain why viewing other people as unthinking blanks is a fundamental failure of understanding humanity. What flushing toilets and far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics teach us about the self-organizing nature of human behavior. The physical and social constraints that effortlessly coordinate our actions when we move a sofa or dance with another person. The concept of shared public moods and how our emotions are often collective rather than purely internal.This is a conversation for anyone interested in psychology and philosophy who wants to break free from the illusion of isolation and embrace a deeply connected human experience. Make sure to check out Dr. Chemero's book: Intertwined Creatures: The Embodied Cognitive Science of Self and Other 👉 https://cup.columbia.edu/book/intertwined-creatures/9780231223195/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king ov...

Connection: How Technology Can Make Us Better Humans | Dr. Dan Turello

Apr 7, 2026 50 min

Are we powerless against the march of modern technology, or can we reclaim our agency to foster true human connection? Writer, cultural historian, and photographer Dr. Dan Turello joins host PJ Wehry to rethink our relationship with technology and explore its potential to improve the human condition. Turello, a technology and humanity fellow at the Center for Future of Mind, AI, and Society at Florida Atlantic University, unpacks his book, Connection: How Technology Can Make Us Better Humans. Together they discuss moving past tech-pessimism and determinism to understand how our tools and social structures shape our lives. In this conversation they explore: Why we need to view technology not just as screens and algorithms, but as the fundamental ways humans relate, negotiate, and build communityThe surprising lessons on counterculture, wealth, and institutional bureaucracy we can learn from 13th-century Franciscan monks like St. Francis and Jacopone da TodiHow an autonomic nervous system crisis forced a shift from a purely intellectual "neck-up" mindset to a deeply embodied way of livingReclaiming our agency over our devices—like choosing a flip phone—to dictate how and when we connect with the worldWhy portrait photography acts as an unpredictable, embodied dance of trust and authentic expression rather than a cerebral pursuitAcknowledging the cognitive impact of social media by giving readers permission to consume books in a non-linear, "choose your own adventure" styleThis is a conversation for anyone exhausted by tech-anxiety who wants to build healthier, more intentional relationships with their devices and their own bodies. Make sure to check out Dr. Turello's book: Connection: How Technology Can Make Us Better Humans 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXNQQX17 Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth...

Metamodernism: The Future of Theory | Dr. Jason Ananda Josephson Storm

Mar 31, 2026 1 hr 5 min

What comes after the endless critiques of postmodernism? Williams College professor Dr. Jason Ananda Josephson Storm joins host PJ Wehry to rethink the trajectory of the human sciences and chart a course for the future of academic theory. Dr. Storm, the Francis Christopher Oakley Third Century Professor of Religion and Chair of Science and Technology Studies, unpacks his book, Metamodernism: The Future of Theory. Together they discuss how scholars can move past deconstruction and begin building again. In this conversation they explore: 🔷 Why starting with critique is necessary but terminating in critique fails to move conversations forward. 🔷 How academic disciplines systematically dismantled their own core categories like art, religion, and society. 🔷 The frustrating cycle of scholarly "turns" that repeat past mistakes without interdisciplinary awareness. 🔷 Reclaiming the liberal arts as a practical guide for living a life worth having lived. 🔷 The shift from academic destruction to compassionate philosophy after the birth of his daughter. 🔷 Critical virtue ethics and the importance of struggling together to build a better world despite pervasive suffering. This is a conversation for anyone exhausted by constant skepticism who wants to find constructive ways to engage with society and scholarship. Make sure to check out Dr. Storm's book: Metamodernism: The Future of Theory 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/022678665X Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone...

Hegel, Heidegger, and the Ground of History | Dr. Michael Allen Gillespie

Mar 24, 2026 54 min

What do Hegel and Heidegger have to do with the struggles faced by liberalism today? Duke political philosopher Dr. Michael Allen Gillespie joins host PJ Wehry to rethink the philosophical foundations of modern history and the crisis we're living through now. Dr. Gillespie, Professor of Political Science at Duke University, revisits his landmark book, Hegel, Heidegger, and the Ground of History, to examine what these two towering figures reveal about the trajectory of Western civilization. In this conversation they explore: Why Fukuyama's "end of history" never arrived and what replaced itHegel's master-slave dialectic and what it tells us about how consciousness drives historyHeidegger's warning: the "forgetfulness of Being" as the root of modern nihilismWhat it means to ask for the ground of history and why that question remains urgentThe tension between human freedom and natural causation at the heart of modernityHeidegger's destruction of Western metaphysics and what he was trying to clear space forWhy Heidegger may have misread Plato, and what we lose because of itThis is a conversation for anyone who suspects something has gone deeply wrong in the modern world and wants to understand why. Make sure to check out Dr. Gillespie's book: Hegel, Heidegger, and the Ground of History 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226293777/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

Balthasar on the Spiritual Senses: Perceiving Splendour | Dr. Mark McInroy

Mar 17, 2026 57 min

Can beauty actually reveal God? Oxford theologian Dr. Mark McInroy joins host PJ Wehry to explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's radical claim that beauty is not decoration, but the very structure of divine revelation. Dr. McInroy, Associate Professor of Contemporary and Systematic Theology at the University of Oxford, unpacks his book Balthasar on the Spiritual Senses: Perceiving Splendor, a guide to one of the most important (and most difficult) Catholic thinkers of the 20th century. In this conversation they discuss: What Balthasar means by "spiritual senses"How beauty functions as a transcendental property of being itselfWhy God's self-disclosure in Christ is fundamentally sensory, not merely rationalThe concept of "splendor"Why beauty, truth, and goodness are inseparableHow perceiving divine beauty is available to all Christians, not just mysticsIf you've ever felt that a great work of art, a piece of music, or a moment in nature pointed toward something beyond itself, Balthasar has a theology for that experience. Make sure to check out Dr. McInroy's book: Balthasar on the Spiritual Senses: Perceiving Splendor 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0199689008 Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

Why Read Pascal Today? | Dr. Yuval Avnur

Mar 10, 2026 57 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, host PJ Wehry sits down with Dr. Yuval Avnur, Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Humanities Institute at Scripps College. They dive into Dr. Avnur's new book, Why Read Pascal Today?, and explore why Blaise Pascal remains one of the most vital voices in the philosophy of religion. Dr. Avnur challenges the traditional understanding of Pascal's Wager. Rather than a cold, calculated bet designed to force belief, Avnur explains that Pascal viewed human nature fundamentally as a "heart with a belief-forming mechanism attached to it." Together, PJ and Dr. Avnur discuss: Pascal’s Augustinian roots and his skepticism toward "pure reason"Why the condition of our hearts dictates the evidence we are willing to seeThe "crisis of desire": Why endless distraction leaves us unsatisfiedWhat does a 17th-century philosopher have to say about our modern lives? Dr. Avnur breaks down why we can have every comfort at our fingertips yet remain entirely empty, and how a "Pascalian" approach can help us engage with one another more humanely—seeking to understand the heart rather than just winning the argument. Make sure to check out Avnur's book: Why Read Pascal Today? 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1009321447/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

The Door of No Return: Being-As-Black | Dr. Michael E. Sawyer

Mar 3, 2026 57 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ sits down with Dr. Michael Sawyer, Professor of African American Literature and Culture at the University of Pittsburgh. They dive deep into the philosophy behind Dr. Sawyer's latest book, The Door of No Return: Being as Black. Dr. Sawyer challenges traditional academic boundaries, arguing that Black aesthetic practices—from the novels of Toni Morrison and Ralph Ellison to the musical performances of Bob Marley and Aretha Franklin—are profound philosophical statements in their own right. Together, PJ and Dr. Sawyer discuss:🔷 The limitations of W.E.B. Du Bois's "double consciousness"🔷 How Hegel's dialectic outlines the anti-black world🔷 Toni Morrison's vision of a non-dialectical "third world" of sovereign blackness What does it practically mean to push past the Middle Passage and imagine a world beyond anti-blackness? Dr. Sawyer explains how this speculative philosophy translates to a day-to-day reality where systemic tragedies like the death of Breonna Taylor simply do not happen. Make sure to check out Sawyer's book: The Door of No Return: Being-As-Black 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1439925577Use the code: 25FNBK at tupress.temple.edu/books/the-door-of-no-return for a 25% discount! Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

God on Trial: Testing for the Divine with Dr. Paul Moser

Feb 24, 2026 52 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ is joined by Dr. Paul Moser to discuss his book, God on Trial: Testing for the Divine. They explore why traditional philosophical arguments often fail to reveal the true nature of God and why the search for the divine requires a shift from intellectual spectacle to moral participation. Dr. Moser challenges the "spectator" approach to theology, arguing that God is not interested in satisfying human curiosity with miraculous signs or undeniable logic. He contends that God’s primary goal is not merely to be believed in, but to be trusted and partnered with, specifically through the "Gethsemane struggle" of aligning human will with divine love. He advocates for a shift from demanding evidence from God to becoming evidence for God through righteous character. The conversation also covers the crucial difference between "gift-giver" theology and true relational intimacy, the role of the "fruit of the Spirit" as the tangible personality traits of God, and why effective prayer is less about asking for favors and more about becoming a "fellow worker" in God's redemptive plan. Make sure to check out Moser's book: God on Trial: Testing for the Divine 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DST8MH5Y Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

Generations of Feeling: A History of Emotions, 600–1700 with Dr. Barbara Rosenwein

Feb 17, 2026 57 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ is joined by Dr. Barbara Rosenwein to discuss her book, Generations of Feeling: A History of Emotions, 600 to 1700, and the decade-long research process required to bridge the traditional academic silos of the medieval and early modern periods. Dr. Rosenwein introduces her concept of "emotional communities," explaining how groups throughout history, much like modern political parties, have maintained distinct norms and values regarding what is felt and expressed . She challenges the linear view that modern society has reached a "pinnacle" of emotional development , arguing that historians have often "read out" emotions from the past , and advocates for understanding historical figures on their own terms rather than through modern judgment. The conversation also covers the evolution of friendship from the virtue-based models of Aristotle and Cicero to modern romantic ideals , the shifting biological theories of emotion from the heart to the brain , and why expanding our emotional vocabulary is essential to becoming fully human. Make sure to check out Rosenwein's book: Generations of Feeling: A History of Emotions, 600 to 1700 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1107097045 Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

Hegel & Republicanism: Non-Domination, Economics, & Political Participation with Dr. Chris Yeomans

Feb 10, 2026 1 hr 1 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ Wehry is joined once again by political theorist Dr. Chris Yeomans to discuss his recent work on republicanism, political participation, and the legacy of Hegel. The conversation centers on why republicanism has reemerged as a serious framework for political thought and how Yeomans traces its development from contemporary neo-republican theory back through nineteenth century labor republicanism and into the classical civic tradition rooted in Aristotle. Rather than treating political philosophy as an abstract exercise, the episode situates these ideas within lived questions of freedom, agency, and civic responsibility. PJ and Dr. Yeomans explore how modern political discourse often flattens freedom into individual choice or non-interference, while republican traditions emphasize freedom as non-domination and active participation in shared political life. Yeomans explains why Hegel remains a difficult but indispensable figure for understanding these debates, particularly when it comes to the role of institutions, ethical life, and the formation of citizens. The discussion also addresses common misunderstandings of Hegel as either an authoritarian thinker or a simple apologist for the state, offering a more nuanced account of how his philosophy engages republican concerns. Throughout the episode, the conversation returns to questions of work, labor, and political belonging, especially in the context of modern democracies that struggle with disengagement and polarization. This episode will be especially relevant for listeners interested in political theory, republicanism, Hegel, civic participation, and the philosophical foundations of freedom in contemporary society. Make sure to check out Yeomans' book: Hegel and Republicanism: Non-Domination, Economics, and Political Participation 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1009705334 Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides i...

Three Pieces of Glass: Why We Feel Lonely in a World Mediated by Screens with Dr. Eric Jacobsen

Feb 3, 2026 56 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ is joined by Dr. Eric Jacobsen, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Washington, to discuss his book Three Pieces of Glass: Why We Feel Lonely in a World Mediated by Screens. Together they explore how modern life, shaped by smartphones, automobiles, and screen-mediated environments, quietly reshapes our relationships, our neighborhoods, and our sense of belonging. Rather than treating loneliness as only a personal or psychological problem, Jacobsen reframes it as a civic and cultural issue rooted in how we build and inhabit our shared spaces. The conversation moves through the hidden costs of car-centered development, the loss of walkable neighborhoods, and the rise of placeless places that fail to hold human stories. Jacobsen explains how habits formed since the mid-twentieth century have trained us to see others as obstacles rather than neighbors, while also hollowing out the everyday relationships that once created social trust and connection. Drawing on urban theory, theology, and lived experience, he makes the case that loneliness is not only about missing close friendships but also about losing meaningful ties to place, community, and civic life. Throughout the episode, PJ and Dr. Jacobsen discuss placemaking, social capital, and the importance of ordinary relationships with neighbors, shopkeepers, and strangers who slowly become acquaintances. They also reflect on how Christian theology, common grace, and the pursuit of the common good can help believers collaborate with their wider communities for the flourishing of shared spaces. This episode will resonate with anyone interested in technology and culture, urban design, Christian theology, or the growing crisis of loneliness in modern society. Make sure to check out Jacobsen's book: Three Pieces of Glass: Why We Feel Lonely in a World Mediated by Screens 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587434229 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who t...

Foundations of Black Epistemology: Knowledge Discourse in Africana Philosophy with Dr. Adebayo Oluwayomi

Jan 27, 2026 48 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ Wehry is joined by philosopher Dr. Adebayo Oluwayomi, assistant professor of philosophy at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, to discuss his book Foundations of Black Epistemology: Knowledge, Discourse, and Africana Philosophy. The conversation examines how philosophical canons are formed, who is recognized as a knower, and how Black thinkers have often been treated as secondary or optional within Western philosophy. Dr. Oluwayomi argues that philosophy is never neutral and that canon formation reflects deeper questions of power, exclusion, and epistemic harm. They discuss major figures such as Immanuel Kant and G. W. F. Hegel, focusing not only on their influence but also on the racial assumptions that are frequently ignored in philosophical education. The episode then turns to Black intellectuals including Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, and Huey P. Newton, showing how their work contributes substantively to epistemology, moral reasoning, political theory, and liberation movements. Dr. Oluwayomi's work challenges inherited assumptions about philosophy, knowledge, and authority, and asks what is lost when entire traditions are treated as peripheral rather than foundational. Make sure to check out Dr. Oluwayomi's book: Foundations of Black Epistemology: Knowledge Discourse in Africana Philosophy 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1439925488 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

Hunting for Justice: The Cosmology of Dike in Aeschylus’s Oresteia with Dr. Kalliopi Nikolopoulou

Jan 20, 2026 56 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Kalliopi Nikolopoulou discuss the intersection of ancient tragedy, justice, and cosmology. Drawing from Dr. Nikolopoulou’s book Hunting for Justice: The Cosmology of Decay in Aeschylus' Oresteia, the conversation explores how the relationship between nature and justice has been severed by modern political thought. Together, they examine Aeschylus’ Oresteia—the only fully surviving trilogy of Greek tragedy—to trace the move from tribal blood-feuds to the establishment of the Areopagus, the world's first courtroom. The discussion engages the philosophical tension between the "Solar" order of Apollo and the "Chthonic" justice of the Furies, asking whether human reason alone can sustain a civic community. Analyzing the trial of Orestes and its famous hung jury, Dr. Nikolopoulou critiques the Hegelian view of progress, suggesting that when justice is reduced to a mere social construct, it loses its vital alignment with the natural world. The episode explores concepts such as ananke (necessity), the "theological politics" of Athena, and the inherent arbitrariness that persists within even the most rational legal systems. This conversation is essential for those interested in classical philology, legal theory, environmental ethics, and continental philosophy. Rather than viewing the Oresteia as a simple story of legal evolution, Dr. Nikolopoulou reframes it as a warning about the limits of human technology and craft in the face of mortality. Scholarly yet accessible, this episode speaks to the need for a "cosmological" justice that remains open to the biological and existential realities of the human condition. Make sure to check out Dr. Nikolopoulou's book: Hunting for Justice: The Cosmology of Dike in Aeschylus’s Oresteia 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFSSGKL4 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises u...

Marginality: Solidarity and the Fight for Social Change with Dr. Jin Park

Jan 13, 2026 55 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Jin Park explore the idea of marginality and why it matters for understanding power, identity, and social change. Their conversation is grounded in Dr. Park’s book, Marginality: Solidarity, and the Fight for Social Change, which brings together philosophy, Buddhist thought, ethics, and lived experience to examine how societies organize themselves around centers and margins—and what that means for those who live at the edges. Dr. Park reflects on her own journey from Korea to the United States, showing how questions of gender, race, class, and institutional authority are never merely abstract. She argues that marginality is not just a personal experience but a structural condition shaped by language, law, and violence, and she challenges common assumptions about hierarchy, justice, and equality. Along the way, the conversation opens up a rich interdisciplinary dialogue between philosophy and religion, emphasizing reflection, humility, and the limits of our own perspectives. Rather than offering easy conclusions, this episode invites listeners into deeper questions about responsibility, agency, and what meaningful change actually looks like in everyday life. It is a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation that treats philosophy not as a set of detached ideas, but as a lived practice with real consequences for how we understand ourselves and others. Make sure to check out Dr. Park's book: Marginality: Solidarity and the Fight for Social Change 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJF2NYN9 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursu...

A Death of the World: Surviving the Death of the Other with Dr. Harris Bechtol

Jan 6, 2026 57 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Harris Bechtol discuss the death of the other—and why Western philosophy has largely failed to take it seriously. Drawing from Bechtol’s book A Death of the World: Surviving the Death of the Other, the conversation explores how grief, mourning, and loss are not merely private emotions but world-altering events that rupture time, memory, and meaning itself. Together, they examine Martin Heidegger’s famous claim that when someone dies we are “merely nearby,” asking whether that view can really account for the lived reality of grief. Engaging thinkers like Heidegger, Derrida, Augustine, and Nicholas Wolterstorff, Dr. Bechtol reframes death as an event—an interruption that transforms the world for those who remain. The episode explores concepts like interruption, disruption, presence-of-absence, transactive memory, and why the loss of a loved one is never confined to a single moment in time. This conversation is especially relevant for anyone wrestling with grief, sudden loss, terminal illness, or the long aftermath of mourning. Rather than offering platitudes or stages to “get over” loss, Dr. Bechtol proposes an ethic of workless mourning—a way of living on after death that remains open to sorrow, surprise, and transformation. Philosophical yet deeply human, this episode speaks to theology, continental philosophy, grief studies, and the existential realities of surviving the death of someone you love. Make sure to check out Dr. Bechtol's book: A Death of the World: Surviving the Death of the Other 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJF2NYN9 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviat...

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Christian Humanism with Dr. Jens Zimmermann

Dec 16, 2025 58 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ talks with Dr. Jens Zimmermann about Christian humanism and what it means to understand humanity through Christ. Their conversation explores the dualism that often divides faith and reason, how Neoplatonism shaped Christian thought, and why Bonhoeffer saw the incarnation as the key to recovering a truly human life. Zimmermann examines the limits of modern science and technology, the tension between individual freedom and the common good, and how education can better reflect the embodied, holistic nature of human existence. He also highlights the church’s role in embodying the new humanity Christ represents and the value of engaging deeply with philosophy and theology. Whether you're interested in Bonhoeffer, theology, Christian humanism, or the intersection of faith and culture, this discussion offers a rich invitation to think more deeply about what helps—and hinders—human flourishing. Make sure to check out Dr. Zimmermann's book: Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Christian Humanism 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0198832567 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

The Fall and Redemption of Conscience: A Reformed Biblical Theology with Rev. Andrea Ferrari

Dec 9, 2025 53 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, host PJ Wehry sits down with Rev. Andrea Ferrari—Reformed pastor, theologian, and author of The Fall and Redemption of Conscience: A Reformed Biblical Theology—to explore one of the most neglected yet foundational topics in Christian thought: the nature of the human conscience. From John Calvin’s sensus divinitatis to Thomas Aquinas’ intellectual approach to moral reasoning, Rev. Ferrari uncovers how Scripture, church history, and theological tradition shape our understanding of what it means to be human before God. Together, PJ and Rev. Ferrari discuss how conscience functions not merely as a moral calculator but as a spiritual sense, an innate awareness of the presence, judgment, and goodness of God. The conversation ranges from the spiritual senses tradition of the early church and medieval theologians like Bonaventure, to modern debates about whether conscience existed before the Fall, engaging voices like Herman Bavinck, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and John Webster. Along the way, they explore the implications of conscience for everyday moral experience, the universality of moral awareness in Romans 2, and the relationship between law, grace, and the human person in Reformed theology. If you're interested in biblical theology, Christian anthropology, Reformed doctrine, spiritual perception, Calvin vs. Aquinas, or the intersection of philosophy, psychology, and theology, this deep and accessible conversation sheds new light on the heart of what it means to perceive God and respond to Him. A rich and thoughtful dialogue for pastors, scholars, students, and anyone curious about how conscience shapes the Christian life. Make sure to check out Rev. Ferrari's book: The Fall and Redemption of Conscience: A Reformed Biblical Theology 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683598725 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, t...

Adorno, Heidegger, and the Politics of Truth with Dr. Lambert Zuidervaart

Dec 2, 2025 1 hr 2 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lambert Zuidervaart discuss his book, Adorno, Heidegger, and the Politics of Truth, tracing how his decades of work on Adorno led to a deep exploration of truth, art, and society. Dr. Zuidervaart explains why Adorno believed art reveals forms of truth that science and philosophy often miss—and how these insights expose what is “untrue” in modern capitalist culture. They unpack Adorno’s critique of Hegel’s idea that “the true is the whole,” his early engagement with Kierkegaard, and his fierce opposition to Heidegger’s language of authenticity. The conversation highlights how education, the culture industry, and advertising shape identity, conformity, and our sense of what is possible. PJ and Dr. Zuidervaart also explore the connections between Adorno and Foucault on truth and power, discuss Freud’s influence on Adorno’s views of repression and sublimation, and consider whether a more truthful, humane society is still possible. Dr. Zuidervaart closes with an invitation to reflect on what in our society is truly worthwhile—and what must change for human flourishing. Make sure to check out Dr. Zuidervaart's book: Adorno, Heidegger, and the Politics of Truth 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1438496419 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Arthur Schopenhauer: The Life and Thought of Philosophy’s Greatest Pessimist with Dr. David Bather Woods

Nov 25, 2025 56 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ Wehry sits down with Dr. David Bather Woods to explore the remarkable life behind one of history’s most influential—and misunderstood—thinkers: Arthur Schopenhauer. Drawing from his new book, Arthur Schopenhauer: The Life and Thought of Philosophy’s Greatest Pessimist, Dr. Bather Woods reveals how Schopenhauer’s turbulent biography shaped his philosophy, why his ideas resonated so late in life, and how a man famous for pessimism became a surprising influence on artists, feminists, early advocates for animal welfare, and even modern conversations about compassion. Whether you’re new to Schopenhauer or already fascinated by his work, this episode offers an accessible, engaging guide to the man whose ideas shaped Nietzsche, inspired generations of artists, and still challenge how we think about suffering, meaning, and how to live well. If you're interested in philosophy, biography, pessimism, ethics, German idealism, or the history of ideas, this conversation is for you. Make sure to check out Dr. Woods' book: Arthur Schopenhauer: The Life and Thought of Philosophy’s Greatest Pessimist 👉 https://us.amazon.com/dp/B0F2VDV4KN/ Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Gadamer and the Social Turn in Epistemology with Dr. Carolyn Culbertson

Nov 18, 2025 54 min

Can knowing ever be neutral, or are we always shaped by history and culture? PJ and Dr. Carolyn Culbertson explore how Hans-Georg Gadamer’s hermeneutics challenges both Enlightenment objectivity and postmodern relativism, showing that understanding itself is an event of truth. Their discussion weaves through Gadamer’s critique of neutrality, the fusion of horizons, and the relevance of feminist and virtue epistemology in rethinking how knowledge, truth, and dialogue emerge through our shared world. Make sure to check out Dr. Culbertson's book: Gadamer and the Social Turn in Epistemology 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1438498160 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

The Psychology of Parasocial Experiences: Fandom, Hate-Watching & Emotional Connection with Dr. Rebecca Tukachinsky-Forster

Nov 11, 2025 45 min

In this episode, PJ sits down with Dr. Rebecca Tukachinsky-Forster to explore parasocial relationships—the one-sided connections people form with media figures. They discuss how these relationships have evolved since the 1950s, their role in emotional support, and how social media has reshaped the way we connect with content creators. Learn about common misconceptions, the benefits and dangers of parasocial connections, and the psychological and cultural factors that shape them. Dr. Forster also highlights the importance of self-awareness in understanding your own media relationships and how fandom and media consumption influence emotional well-being. Make sure to check out Dr. Forster's book: The Oxford Handbook of Parasocial Experiences 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0197650678 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

The Logic of the Body: Retrieving Theological Psychology with Dr. Matthew LaPine

Nov 4, 2025 1 hr 0 min

In this episode, Dr. Matthew LaPine joins PJ to discuss The Logic of the Body: Retrieving Theological Psychology—a groundbreaking exploration of how theology and psychology intersect. Drawing from his own experiences with mental health, Dr. LaPine examines how emotions, embodiment, and reason work together in shaping our spiritual lives. He unpacks the historical divide between theology and psychology, the insights of dual process theory, and the role of virtue ethics in cultivating a healthy mind and soul. Make sure to check out Dr. LaPine's book: The Logic of the Body: Retrieving Theological Psychology 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683594258 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Plotting Agrarian Futures in the Global Black South with Dr. Jarvis McInnis

Oct 28, 2025 1 hr 3 min

In this episode, Dr. Jarvis McInnis, author of Afterlives of the Plantation, joins PJ to explore the deep cultural, intellectual, and historical legacy of Black life in the American South. Focusing on the Tuskegee Institute and the complex legacy of Booker T. Washington, McInnis reveals how Black communities transformed the plantation’s afterlives into spaces of creativity, education, and empowerment. In this episode, Dr. Jarvis McInnis, author of Afterlives of the Plantation, joins PJ to explore the deep cultural, intellectual, and historical legacy of Black life in the American South. Focusing on the Tuskegee Institute and the complex legacy of Booker T. Washington, McInnis reveals how Black communities transformed the plantation’s afterlives into spaces of creativity, education, and empowerment. Make sure to check out Dr. McInnis' book: Afterlives of the Plantation: Plotting Agrarian Futures in the Global Black South 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0231215754 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

How the Great Books Changed My Life & Why They Matter for a New Generation with Dr. Roosevelt Montás

Oct 21, 2025 46 min

Join us as Dr. Roosevelt Montás, author of Rescuing Socrates, explores the transformative power of a liberal education. In this conversation, Montás critiques the current state of American higher education and advocates for a holistic approach that fosters self-reflection, empathy, civic engagement, and character development. He shares insights from his personal journey, highlighting how great literature, philosophy, and dialogue can shape individuals for a meaningful life. Learn why liberal education matters for human flourishing, how exposure to diverse perspectives builds empathy, and why preparing for democratic citizenship goes beyond vocational skills. This episode is essential listening for educators, students, and anyone interested in the future of learning. Make sure to check out Dr. Montás' book: Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0691200394 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy with Ray Madoff

Oct 14, 2025 1 hr 2 min

In this episode, Ray Madoff, author of The Second Estate, breaks down how the U.S. tax code has enabled the wealthiest Americans to avoid paying their fair share, creating a modern aristocracy. She explains why understanding taxes is essential for every citizen and highlights the strategies the wealthy use to minimize their tax burden. The conversation explores the role of inheritance, the shortcomings of the estate tax, and how complex tax rules disproportionately benefit the rich. Madoff also discusses potential reforms aimed at creating a fairer system, including treating inheritances as ordinary income. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in wealth inequality, tax policy, and the societal implications of a system that favors the ultra-wealthy. Make sure to check out Ray Madoff's book: The Second Estate 👉 https://https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226835200/ Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Every Noise at Once: Spotify, Music Discovery, and Human Connection with Glenn McDonald

Oct 7, 2025 1 hr 5 min

What makes music more than sound? Glenn McDonald, data engineer, author of You Have Not Yet Heard Your Favorite Song, and former Spotify “genre taxonomist,” joins host PJ Wehry to explore the transformative power of music. From shaping Spotify’s genre mapping system to creating the interactive discovery project Every Noise at Once, Glenn reveals how algorithms, data, and human curiosity come together to influence the way we find and connect with music. In this episode, dive into the hidden world of streaming, the evolution of genres as communities, and the emotional and cultural impact of the songs we love. Learn how technology changes our listening habits, why music remains one of the most human things we do, and how discovery, data, and creativity unite listeners across the globe. Make sure to check out the following from Glenn McDonald: You Have Not Yet Heard Your Favorite Song 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/191448715XEvery Noise at Once 👉 https://everynoise.com/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

From Bismarck to WWII: Lessons from the German Empire with Dr. Roger Chickering

Sep 30, 2025 56 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ sits down with Dr. Roger Chickering, Professor Emeritus of History at Georgetown University and author of The German Empire, 1871–1918. Together they unpack the rise of modern Germany, the role of Bismarck and Wilhelm II, and how debates around the Sonderweg thesis shape our understanding of the First World War and the path to WWII. Dr. Chickering explores the political dynamics of the German Empire, from the struggles between liberals, conservatives, Catholics, and socialists, to Germany’s ambitious welfare programs and colonial pursuits. He also reflects on what lessons Germany’s history offers us today, including warnings about populism, authoritarianism, and the dangers of unchecked hegemonic ambition. Make sure to check out Dr. Chickering's book: The German Empire, 1871–1918 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1107026741 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Richard Hooker, John Locke, and the Ascent of Modern Constitutionalism with Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul

Sep 23, 2025 56 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul discuss his book 'Crown under Law: Richard Hooker, John Locke, and the Ascent of Modern Constitutionalism.' Dr. Rosenthal-Pubul contrasts Hooker's views with those of Hobbes, delves into the historical context of Elizabethan England, and examines how Hooker's ideas influenced Locke's political philosophy. The discussion highlights the relevance of these thinkers in understanding modern governance and the foundations of political obligation. Make sure to check out Dr. Rosenthal-Pubul's book: Crown under Law: Richard Hooker, John Locke, and the Ascent of Modern Constitutionalism 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0739124137 Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Signs from the Future: A Philosophy of Warnings with Dr. Santiago Zabala

Sep 16, 2025 1 hr 3 min

In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Santiago Zabala discuss his book, 'Signs from the Future: A Philosophy of Warnings.' They explore the intriguing concept of warnings as philosophical tools, discussing how they address the absence of emergencies and the role of philosophy in society. The conversation touches on the importance of listening and interpretation in tackling global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence. Join us for an engaging discussion that challenges conventional thinking and highlights the urgent need for community engagement and philosophical insight. Make sure to check out Dr. Zabala's book: Signs from the Future: A Philosophy of Warnings 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/023122172X/ Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

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Podcast details

Created by: CG Productions
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 3, 2026
Episodes: 232
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 56 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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