Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)

In this engaging discussion, Abby Walthausen, host of A Lovely Wallpaper, invites Robert Harrison, a literary scholar and radio host, to explore the winter solstice's significance. They delve into how darkness serves as a transformative space, where life gestates and renews. Robert shares fascinating insights on cyanobacteria’s role in Earth's atmosphere and reflects on the eerie feeling of live radio. The conversation culminates with personal reflections on memorizing poignant poetry, including works by Rilke and Donne, linking themes of exile, grief, and beauty.

Join Robert Harrison as he chats with Crystal Cassidy, meditation master and founder of SoulPod, who blends neuroscience and contemplative practices. They delve into the essence of meditation, likening it to an aperture that can expand awareness. Crystal covers focused versus unfocused practices and the role of the ego in self-construction. She discusses the transformation meditation offers beyond mere stress relief and emphasizes the importance of personalized approaches. Expect insights on the science of meditation's effects on the brain and the intricate connection between breathwork and nervous system regulation.

Join Christy Wampole, a Princeton professor and cultural critic, as she delves into the zeitgeist, exploring the spirit of our times. She connects 19th-century spirit photography to Enlightenment thought and discusses how the term's meaning has evolved since the French Revolution. Wampole also outlines her book's structure, touching on the intersections of time, technology, and community. Meanwhile, Robert Harrison offers insights into how the Earth's atmosphere fosters a sense of spirit, emphasizing the importance of breath and poetic reflection in our lives.

In this engaging conversation, Christy Wampole, a Princeton professor and former producer, celebrates two decades of insightful dialogue alongside host Robert Harrison. They explore the show's origins, its unique title pun, and the spiritual power of radio. Robert shares tales of his musical awakening and the compelling voice that binds listeners. Delving into the art of conversation, he emphasizes thoughtful engagement over mere interviews. The duo also reflects on the show's avoidance of fleeting political topics, opting instead for timeless intellectual nourishment.

Explore the intriguing distinctions between human, animal, and artificial intelligence. Delve into the mysteries surrounding human thought and the concept of freedom versus constraint. Discover how storytelling shapes our culture and the unique human condition. Uncover the reasons behind language's development and the relationship to prolonged childhood. Contemplate the future of AI as it mimics human imagination, and reflect on humanity's fate when machines surpass us.

Michaela Hulstyn, a Stanford lecturer and author specializing in phenomenology, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on 'unselfing.' They explore the contrast between today's digital narcissism and classical self-cultivation, questioning the authenticity of modern self-branding. Michaela highlights how moments of unselfing, often inspired by art or nature, can lead to deeper moral insights. Delving into theorists like Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch, they examine how beauty can spur justice and how love may reveal uncharted facets of the self.

Grant Dowling, a PhD student at Stanford, dives into the intriguing philosophy of inaction. He explores the timeless debates between Plato and Aristotle about action versus inaction, highlighting Epicurus's apolitical garden as a sanctuary. The discussion shifts to modern dilemmas like the trolley problem and the literature of refusal, featuring characters like Bartleby. Dowling also considers contemporary trends among Gen Z, including doomscrolling and the Lay Flat movement, as forms of withdrawal and collective resistance.

A conversation about crystals and their mysterious quantum powers with Dr. Aaron Breidenbach. Songs in this episode: “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and “Crystalised” by The xx.

Dive into a poetic exploration of the wind, blending nature's whispers with profound existential reflections. The host reveals the wind as a poet's ally, carrying emotions and solitude across landscapes. This journey weaves through the duality of wind's gentle embrace and its destructive power. As oppressive heat ignites a moment of tension, themes of life's challenges emerge, especially for those navigating academia. Concluding with a poignant farewell, the narrative encapsulates the shared human experience against life's ever-changing winds.

Tim Noakes, Head of Public Services at Stanford University's Special Collections, joins the discussion to explore David Jones' literary masterpiece, "In Parenthesis." The conversation delves into the chaotic impact of World War I on modernist thought, highlighting how poets like Jones captured the absurdity of war. They examine Jones' artistic evolution and his unique blend of poetry and prose influenced by surrealism and Welsh myths. Additionally, they reflect on the emotional aftermath of key battles like the Somme, enriching our understanding of soldiers' experiences.