
Josh Cohen
Professor of literary theory and trained psychoanalyst, drawing on Freudian and psychoanalytic ideas to analyze transgression, rage, and cultural dynamics.
Top 5 podcasts with Josh Cohen
Ranked by the Snipd community

9 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 49min
The unconscious mind: Is the unconscious real?
Join Josh Cohen, a psychoanalyst and professor of literature; Barbara Tversky, a psychological expert on memory and creativity; and Edward Harcourt, an Oxford philosopher who studies consciousness, as they delve into the labyrinth of the unconscious mind. They discuss how unconscious motivations drive compulsive behaviors, the significance of emotional wounds in therapy, and the complexities of human desires. This lively conversation challenges the listener to consider the role of the unconscious in shaping identity and personal growth.

5 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 48min
Should we be transgressive? The limits and potential of transgressiveness | Catherine Liu, Rowan Williams, Josh Cohen
In this thought-provoking discussion, guests include Rowan Williams, a former Archbishop of Canterbury and theologian; Josh Cohen, a literary theory professor and psychoanalyst; and Catherine Liu, a cultural theorist and film studies professor. They explore transgression's dual nature—its potential for creativity versus its risks of totalizing chaos. Liu critiques the fetishization of norm-breaking, while Williams emphasizes context and moral development. Cohen warns against oversimplifying transgression, linking it to guilt and political backlash, urging a thoughtful approach to societal change.

5 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 57min
Marriage
This discussion features Josh Cohen, a psychoanalyst and literary scholar exploring the ties between literature and relationships; Zoe Strimpel, a journalist investigating the evolving concept of family; Diarmaid MacCulloch, a historian delving into the historical and religious facets of marriage; Reetika Subramanian, a researcher examining marriage ties to economic vulnerability; and Catherine Wheatley, a philosopher analyzing the dynamics of remarriage comedies. They cover themes like the historical evolution of marriage, cultural trends, and the impact of modern pressures on relationships.

Nov 11, 2024 • 35min
How anger defined 2024
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Manavis, a New Statesman columnist, and psychoanalyst Josh Cohen, delve into the explosive topic of anger in contemporary society. They explore the roots of online anger and its dramatic impact on individual relationships and political discourse. The duo examines how personal identities are shaped by divisiveness and how anger serves as a vehicle for entertainment and conflict. They also contrast anger-driven campaigns with hopeful rhetoric, urging for a more constructive channeling of this potent emotion in political engagement.

Nov 20, 2024 • 38min
The Book Club: Josh Cohen
In this discussion, Josh Cohen, a psychoanalyst and author of *All the Rage*, dives into the complexities of anger, exploring its roots and effects on our psyche. He highlights how personal experiences of anger reflect broader societal dynamics, particularly in today's 'age of rage'. The conversation also addresses the monetization of anger in politics and social media's role in amplifying it. Lastly, Cohen examines the evolution of divine anger in religious texts, advocating for a constructive engagement with this powerful emotion rather than suppression.


