Breaking beliefism

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to Prof Danny Dorling, a professor of Human Geography at the University of Oxford. They discuss freedom of speech, social class, inequality, and education. They agree on many things apart from the importance of measuring happiness. Danny thinks he has a way for Paul to tolerate Coldplay fans - but he's surely wrong about that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan talks to former sports reporter Simon Mundie, the host of the podcast A New Way Of Being. They discuss mental toughness in sport, particularly tennis, and disagree about the impact of tribalism in football.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Professor Paul Dolan talks to psychotherapist Vicky Reynal about the complex relationship individuals have with money. They explore why money is often a taboo subject, the psychological implications of financial habits, and the societal norms that shape our perceptions of wealth.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mikael Dahlen, a Professor of Happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics, captivates with his unique insights into the interplay between happiness and human behavior. He humorously explores the contradictions of life as he discusses how perceptions of happiness differ across cultures, particularly Sweden's nuanced views. Delving into the unsettling topic of serial killers, Mikael prompts reflection on moral absolutes and the complexities of human nature. The conversation also highlights the joys in everyday moments and the challenges of categorizing good and evil.

In this discussion with Mark Rowlands, a philosopher and author, the conversation pivots around the surprising happiness of dogs, who seem to thrive without self-reflection. Rowlands and host Paul Dolan explore how overthinking complicates human life and complicates our pursuit of happiness. They delve into the contrast between instinctual joy in animals and the burdens of human self-awareness. Their insights suggest that finding meaning might come from shared experiences rather than endless contemplation.

Oliver Burkeman, author of "4000 Weeks" and "Meditations for Mortals," joins Prof Paul Dolan to explore the power of small, tangible actions over lofty dreams. They discuss embracing life's limitations, such as aging and mortality, to find deeper fulfillment. The duo critiques the self-help industry, arguing for practical steps rather than grand transformations. Their conversation humorously touches on the quest for legacy and even veers into the emotional nuances of music preferences, underscoring the importance of empathy in our polarized world.

Looking ahead to the new season of Breaking Beliefism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first season of ten episodes of Breaking Beliefism is complete and thanks to my amazing guests. You can listen to my quick reflections in this short wrap-up. I've learned a lot but naturally changed my mind about very little, including Coldplay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan speaks to newspaper columnist and TV presenter Giles Coren, who has made a career out of being opinionated. The conversation was the embodiment of ‘breaking beliefism’ - they disagreed on several things, including whether literature and music are a waste of time. But they did agree on how provocation can lead to better debate and how the middle classes are the most constrained by rules. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Prof Paul Dolan chats to journalist and fashion editor Melanie Rickey, who founded The Enoughness movement after recovery from drug and alcohol misuse. They agree on the concept of ‘enoughness’ – the sweet spot between fearing less and seeking more – but place different emphasis on the role of individuals and society in bringing it about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.