

Adam Phillips
British psychoanalytic psychotherapist and essayist known for bringing psychoanalytic ideas into everyday life; author of books including On Giving Up and general editor of the new Penguin translations of Sigmund Freud.
Top 10 podcasts with Adam Phillips
Ranked by the Snipd community

42 snips
Feb 20, 2020 • 1h 13min
Becoming Freud: The Making of a Psychoanalyst
Adam Phillips, a leading Freud expert, chats with Lisa Appignanesi, former Chair of the Freud Museum. They dive deep into writing Freud’s biography, tackling the challenges of capturing his complex identity and personal history. The discussion explores childhood trauma, Freud's transformative Parisian experiences, and the evolving dynamics of gender in early psychoanalysis. They also touch on the interplay between literature and psychoanalysis, revealing how works like Shakespeare's influenced Freud’s theories and practices.

16 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 27min
The importance of giving up | Adam Phillips
In this engaging conversation, Adam Phillips, a distinguished British psychoanalytic psychotherapist and essayist, explores the often-overlooked value of giving up. He challenges the cultural idolization of perseverance, suggesting that sometimes, stepping back can be a creative act that allows personal growth. Phillips discusses the harmful effects of relentless duty on enjoyment and advocates for teaching children the wisdom of knowing when to persist versus when to quit. Ultimately, he emphasizes that giving up can lead to newfound freedom and self-discovery.

16 snips
Jan 30, 2024 • 30min
Psychotherapist Adam Phillips - What We Must Give Up to Feel More Alive
Renowned psychotherapist Adam Phillips discusses what we must give up to feel more alive. Topics include questioning the assumption of life worth, exploring self-criticism and the power of choosing who to be judged by, expanding language and rethinking loss, and the art of giving up and the pursuit of aliveness.

12 snips
Jun 10, 2020 • 45min
Everyday Madness: Lisa Appignanesi in conversation with Adam Phillips
Lisa Appignanesi, a notable lecturer and author, shares her insights on grief and loss, inspired by her recent book. Adam Phillips, a practicing psychoanalyst, engages with her on the complex emotions surrounding mourning, including navigating anger and its societal influences. They discuss the role of childhood in shaping our emotional landscape and how personal experiences highlight the nuances of everyday madness. Through personal anecdotes and literary references, Appignanesi challenges traditional notions of grief, urging a deeper understanding of our emotional responses.

11 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 42min
Adam Phillips, "On Giving Up" (FSG, 2024)
Psychoanalyst Adam Phillips delves into the complexities of giving up, exploring its intersection with desire, control, and the concept of the true self. He challenges societal assumptions, discussing the importance of knowing when to persevere and when to let go. The conversation also touches on relationships, dependencies, and the quest for meaning in a world of endless choices.

6 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 52min
On Giving Up
A psychoanalyst and critic discuss the concept of giving up as a way to succeed. They explore the idea of knowing limitations as heroism, the consequences of persistence in famous literary characters, and the balance of discipline and creativity in writing.

Jul 26, 2024 • 9min
PATIENCE IS KEY - Best Motivational Speech
In this engaging discussion, Gary Vaynerchuk, a fierce entrepreneur, shares insights on the importance of patience over shortcuts in achieving success. Sadhguru, the revered yogi, emphasizes the value of mental resilience for personal growth. Adam Phillips, a psychologist, encourages transforming negative beliefs through positive perceptions. Meanwhile, dynamic speaker Eric Thomas inspires listeners to stay consistent and committed to their goals, reinforcing that true achievement requires dedication and time.

Apr 22, 2024 • 37min
MENTALITY! - Best Ever Motivational Speech Compilation
Motivational speakers like Marcus Elevation Taylor, Kobe Bryant, and David Goggins share inspiring insights on mindset, resilience, and personal growth. Topics include embracing challenges, pursuing purpose, and self-accountability. The podcast motivates listeners to push towards success, take control of their destiny, and make a positive impact on the world.

Mar 5, 2024 • 30min
THE POWER OF GRATITUDE - Best Morning Motivational Speeches Compilation 2024
Explore the uplifting impact of gratitude, embracing fear to push beyond comfort zones, unleashing resilience for growth, and cultivating belief in self-conviction for success in this motivational podcast compilation.

Jan 24, 2024 • 37min
The Book Club: Adam Phillips
Psychoanalyst Adam Phillips discusses his new book 'On Giving Up', exploring topics such as the relation between literature and psychoanalysis, the ambiguity of 'giving up', addiction as a flight from pleasure, the influence of psychoanalysis on writing, narrow attention vs. wide attention, and the concept of the fascist state of mind.


