Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)

Dr. Maria Massucco discusses women's trauma in modern & contemporary Italy, exploring the evolution of the mad woman in literature, the portrayal of madness and violence in battle, the influence of feminist scholarship, the relationship between opera and madness, the therapeutic power of literature, and the works of Goliarda Sapienza and contemporary Italian cinema.

A conversation with Corey Dansereau, a PhD Candidate in Modern Thought and Literature at Stanford, about the impact of Giambattista Vico on James Joyce’s writing. Songs in this episode: “Echo” by Glass Wave, and “I Might Be Wrong” by Radiohead.

A monologue in which our host, Professor Robert Harrison, discusses the originality and continued relevance of Giambattista Vico’s New Science (1748). Songs in this episode: “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors, “Nausicaa” by Glass Wave, and “Cycle of Eternity” by Tangerine Dream.

A conversation with guest William Rosenzweig emphasizes the ethics of care in the private and public spheres. The speaker discusses the concept of being a constant gardener, explores the post-lasp Syrian ethic and a surprising encounter in the tool shed, reflects on the power of gardening and mentorship, delves into the historical significance of coffee houses and its relation to gardenism, and highlights the negative consequences of prioritizing profits in business and disregarding stakeholders.

Lydia Maria Child, a prominent American writer and abolitionist of the 19th century, is discussed in this podcast. The topics covered include her activism, her book 'The Frugal Housewife,' and her views on slavery and racism, as well as her admiration for John Brown and her media savvy in promoting the abolitionist cause.

A conversation with Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht, Albert Guérard Professor of Literature (Emeritus) at Stanford University. He is a recurring guest on Entitled Opinions, and he is back to discuss amor mundi, our collective future, and the role of love in politics alongside our host, Professor Robert Harrison.

A monologue in which our host, Professor Robert Harrison, reflects on different kinds of human love, and above all, love of the world.

Ana Ilievska, a Mellon Fellow at Stanford Humanities Center, discusses the relationship between literature, the industrial revolution, and technology. They explore the nature of thinking, the importance of reading and solitude, the role of generative AI, the threat of AI on white collar jobs, consciousness, and embracing mystery.

A conversation with Bryan Cheong about Artificial Intelligence. Bryan Cheong received his Bachelor of Science from Stanford University, with a degree in applied and computational mathematics.  He then went on to receive a Masters degree in Materials Science, also from Stanford. This is Byran’s second apparance on our show (previous episode title: What is Matter?)  […]

Our host Robert Harrison on America’s nature and political history. Songs in this episode: “I’m A King Bee” by Grateful Dead  “Machine Gun” by Jimi Hendrix “Dear Mother Earth” by Canned Heat