The Dissenter

Nina Hartley, a veteran pornographic actress and sex educator, delves into the cultural significance of sex and its impacts on health and society. She explores the evolution of the porn industry since the 1980s and critiques sex-negative attitudes driven by religion and misogyny. Hartley champions sex-positive feminism and discusses the importance of sex education, consent, and empowerment in both the adult industry and personal relationships. She argues for the radical potential of porn to celebrate female desire without shame.

Dr. Ashley Randall, a Professor at Arizona State University, delves into the intricacies of romantic relationships among sexual minority and gender-diverse individuals. She explores minority stress theory, highlighting how discrimination impacts mental health and relationship dynamics. Ashley discusses the importance of effective communication for couples coping with stress and the unique challenges faced by same-sex partners. The dialogue emphasizes the role of dyadic coping to mitigate feelings of depression and anxiety, making this a thought-provoking listen for anyone interested in relationship science.

In this discussion, Peter Turchin, a complexity scientist and author, explores the dynamics behind the rise and fall of complex societies. He delves into the concept of elite overproduction and its link to social unrest, providing insights into rising inequality and its historical context. Turchin also forecasts potential political upheavals in the 2020s and examines the revolutionary movements, particularly the MAGA phenomenon, as a counter-elite response. He suggests reforms for nonviolent resolution of political conflict, drawing lessons from past redistribution efforts.

Alice Little, a legal sex worker and advocate from Nevada's Chicken Ranch, shares her insights on the realities of sex work. She debunks stereotypes, emphasizing diverse clientele and the benefits of decriminalization over legalization. Alice discusses the importance of understanding the historical context of sex work and combating stigma through open conversations. She offers practical advice for men to improve intimacy and clarifies misconceptions about feminism's relation to sex work, stressing agency and individual choices.

Olympia Campbell, a Research Fellow specializing in gender-biased outcomes, dives deep into the troubling prevalence of violence against women globally. She explores how intimate-partner, sexual, and honor-based violence manifest across cultures. Campbell contrasts human violence with primate behaviors, revealing unique societal pressures. She discusses the intricate role of cousin marriage in shaping kinship, trust, and even the enforcement of honor norms, linking these practices to patriarchal structures and contemporary gender inequalities.

Giovanni Rolla, a Professor of Philosophy at the Federal University of Bahia, dives into the world of enactivism, contrasting it with traditional cognitivism. He explains how enactivism, ecological psychology, and embodied cognition offer a more nuanced understanding of perception and knowledge. Rolla argues against representational frameworks, emphasizing the importance of embodied experience. He discusses how organisms shape their environments and introduces concepts like 'affordances' and 'niche construction,' painting a vibrant picture of cognition as an interactive, evolving process.

Maël Lemoine, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Bordeaux and author of Philosophy of Physiology, delves into the intricate relationship between health and disease. He explores the divide between naturalists and normativists in defining disease and contrasts the philosophy of medicine with the philosophy of physiology. Lemoine emphasizes viewing health as an evolved trait shaped by natural phenomena, challenges traditional notions of homeostasis, and advocates for a broader understanding of pathology. His insights bridge philosophy, science, and our understanding of well-being.

Marcela Alonso, an OnlyFans content creator and host of the Get Schooled Podcast, dives deep into the world of sex work, exploring its intersections with feminism and relationships. She discusses the diversity of sex workers' experiences, debunks stereotypes about trauma, and emphasizes how sex work can empower marginalized individuals. Marcela also shares insights on the unique dynamics with clients, the importance of consent, and her personal journey in the industry. Tune in for her perspectives on the role of sex work in society and her 'Mount Rushmore' of female porn stars!

Dries Bostyn, a social psychologist and moral cognition expert from Ghent University, delves into the fascinating world of trolley dilemmas. He breaks down how people make moral choices, comparing utilitarian and deontological responses. Discussing a striking experiment with real electroshocks, he reveals how motivations can vary greatly. Bostyn explores principles of action and intention, the role of cognitive ability, and even the implications of personality traits on moral decisions, leaving listeners questioning their own ethical frameworks.

Shinobu Kitayama, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, dives into cultural differences in the self and emotions. He explores how cultural tools shape brain activities, impacting mental processes. Kitayama highlights distinctions between independent and interdependent self-construals, revealing how these affect well-being across cultures. He also discusses cognitive differences rooted in farming practices, contrasting holistic and analytical thinking. Join in for fascinating insights into how culture influences our minds and emotions!