

The Dissenter
Ricardo Lopes
My name is Ricardo Lopes, and I’m from Portugal. Thank you for visiting my podcast.
Over the past few years, I have conducted and released more than 900 interviews and talks with experts and academics from a variety of areas and disciplines, ranging from the Arts and Philosophy to the Social Sciences and Biology. You will certainly find a subject of your interest covered here.
New interviews are released on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Over the past few years, I have conducted and released more than 900 interviews and talks with experts and academics from a variety of areas and disciplines, ranging from the Arts and Philosophy to the Social Sciences and Biology. You will certainly find a subject of your interest covered here.
New interviews are released on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 11min
#1196 Walter Veit: A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness
******Support the channel******Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedissenterPayPal: paypal.me/thedissenterPayPal Subscription 1 Dollar: https://tinyurl.com/yb3acuuyPayPal Subscription 3 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ybn6bg9lPayPal Subscription 5 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ycmr9gpzPayPal Subscription 10 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y9r3fc9mPayPal Subscription 20 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y95uvkao ******Follow me on******Website: https://www.thedissenter.net/The Dissenter Goodreads list: https://shorturl.at/7BMoBFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedissenteryt/Twitter: https://x.com/TheDissenterYT This show is sponsored by Enlites, Learning & Development done differently. Check the website here: http://enlites.com/ Dr. Walter Veit is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Philosophy at the University of Reading, where he is also the director of the PPE program as well as the philosophy MA program. His interests are broad, but he works primarily in and at the intersections of (i) the Philosophy of Cognitive and Biological Sciences, (ii) the Philosophy of Mind, and (iii) Applied Ethics. Much of his recent writing has been on animal minds, welfare, and ethics, as well as evolution. He is the author of A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness. In this episode, we focus on A Philosophy for the Science of Animal Consciousness. We talk about what the science of consciousness is lacking, and a Darwinian approach to consciousness. We discuss phenomenological complexity, and how we can explore the phenomenology of other animals. We discuss whether the hard problem of consciousness can be solved by science. We talk about the example of gastropods, and the challenge of arthropods. We discuss whether any current theory of consciousness is right.Finally, we talk about biopsychism.--A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS/SUPPORTERS: PER HELGE LARSEN, JERRY MULLER, BERNARDO SEIXAS, ADAM KESSEL, MATTHEW WHITINGBIRD, ARNAUD WOLFF, TIM HOLLOSY, HENRIK AHLENIUS, ROBERT WINDHAGER, RUI INACIO, ZOOP, MARCO NEVES, COLIN HOLBROOK, PHIL KAVANAGH, SAMUEL ANDREEFF, FRANCIS FORDE, TIAGO NUNES, FERGAL CUSSEN, HAL HERZOG, NUNO MACHADO, JONATHAN LEIBRANT, JOÃO LINHARES, STANTON T, SAMUEL CORREA, ERIK HAINES, MARK SMITH, JOÃO EIRA, TOM HUMMEL, SARDUS FRANCE, DAVID SLOAN WILSON, YACILA DEZA-ARAUJO, ROMAIN ROCH, YANICK PUNTER, CHARLOTTE BLEASE, NICOLE BARBARO, ADAM HUNT, PAWEL OSTASZEWSKI, NELLEKE BAK, GUY MADISON, GARY G HELLMANN, SAIMA AFZAL, ADRIAN JAEGGI, PAULO TOLENTINO, JOÃO BARBOSA, JULIAN PRICE, HEDIN BRØNNER, FRANCA BORTOLOTTI, GABRIEL PONS CORTÈS, URSULA LITZCKE, SCOTT, ZACHARY FISH, TIM DUFFY, SUNNY SMITH, JON WISMAN, WILLIAM BUCKNER, LUKE GLOWACKI, GEORGIOS THEOPHANOUS, CHRIS WILLIAMSON, PETER WOLOSZYN, DAVID WILLIAMS, DIOGO COSTA, ALEX CHAU, CORALIE CHEVALLIER, BANGALORE ATHEISTS, LARRY D. LEE JR., OLD HERRINGBONE, MICHAEL BAILEY, DAN SPERBER, ROBERT GRESSIS, JEFF MCMAHAN, JAKE ZUEHL, MARK CAMPBELL, TOMAS DAUBNER, LUKE NISSEN, KIMBERLY JOHNSON, JESSICA NOWICKI, LINDA BRANDIN, VALENTIN STEINMANN, ALEXANDER HUBBARD, BR, JONAS HERTNER, URSULA GOODENOUGH, DAVID PINSOF, SEAN NELSON, MIKE LAVIGNE, JOS KNECHT, LUCY, MANVIR SINGH, PETRA WEIMANN, CAROLA FEEST, MAURO JÚNIOR, 航 豊川, TONY BARRETT, NIKOLAI VISHNEVSKY, STEVEN GANGESTAD, TED FARRIS, HUGO B., JAMES, JORDAN MANSFIELD, CHARLOTTE ALLEN, PETER STOYKO, DAVID TONNER, LEE BECK, PATRICK DALTON-HOLMES, NICK KRASNEY, RACHEL ZAK, AND DENNIS XAVIER!A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PRODUCERS, YZAR WEHBE, JIM FRANK, ŁUKASZ STAFINIAK, TOM VANEGDOM, BERNARD HUGUENEY, CURTIS DIXON, BENEDIKT MUELLER, THOMAS TRUMBLE, KATHRINE AND PATRICK TOBIN, JONCARLO MONTENEGRO, NICK GOLDEN, CHRISTINE GLASS, IGOR NIKIFOROVSKI, AND PER KRAULIS!AND TO MY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS, MATTHEW LAVENDER, SERGIU CODREANU, AND GREGORY HASTINGS!

Dec 29, 2025 • 56min
#1195 Kaytlin Bailey: The History of Sex Work, and What Sex Workers Need Politically
Kaytlin Bailey, a sex worker rights advocate and founder of Old Pros, delves into the rich history of sex work dating back thousands of years. She critiques anti-sex-work feminists, emphasizing the importance of listening to sex workers. The conversation touches on the stigma they face, the impacts of platforms like OnlyFans, and the need for decriminalization over legalization. Kaytlin also discusses the diversity of motivations for sex work, consent, and the importance of legal protections to ensure safety and health for all workers.

Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 54min
#1194 Kah Dantas: Trabalho Sexual, Marxismo e Feminismo
Kah Dantas, a Brazilian writer and adult content creator, dives deep into the intersections of sex work, Marxism, and feminism. She discusses the complexities of sex work, debunks myths about porn addiction, and critiques hypocrisy from religious views. Kah emphasizes the importance of class solidarity among workers and critiques liberal feminism's focus on privileged women. The conversation also touches on how sex work can serve emotional needs and examines the political landscape in Brazil, including the rising influence of evangelicalism.

Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
#1193 Jennifer Nagel: Epistemic Intuitions, Knowledge, and Common Knowledge
In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Nagel, a philosopher from the University of Toronto, delves into the intricacies of epistemic intuitions and knowledge. She defines epistemic intuitions and explains their role in philosophical discourse, referencing both Western and South Asian traditions. Nagel contrasts philosophical and psychological perspectives on knowledge, discussing how common knowledge is formed in conversations. She also highlights the significance of reflection in understanding knowledge and encourages integrating empirical science with philosophy to enhance our grasp of these concepts.

Dec 22, 2025 • 57min
#1192 Ava Devine: A Legend of the Sex Industry
Ava Devine, a trailblazing adult film performer and host of the Ava Devine’s Bad Advice Podcast, shares insights from her 22-year career in the sex industry. She discusses the evolution of porn, the importance of emotional connection in her work, and how platforms like OnlyFans have empowered creators. Ava also tackles societal stigma, the variety of performers, and her advocacy for freedom and choice in relationships. With engaging anecdotes, she reflects on personal growth, industry friendships, and her passion for connecting with fans.

Dec 19, 2025 • 2h 11min
#1191 Keegan Kjeldsen - Nietzsche's Philosophy: Reason, Truth, Politics & More
Keegan Kjeldsen, a YouTuber, podcaster, and musician specializing in Nietzsche studies, dives deep into the complexities of Nietzsche's philosophy. He refutes the idea of Nietzsche as an irrationalist and explores the interplay between reason, morality, and truth. Keegan discusses the implications of Nietzsche's ideas on politics and the herd mentality, emphasizing the importance of authenticity amidst moral frameworks. The conversation touches on the relevance of Nietzsche's thought today, inviting personal transformation and a reevaluation of societal norms.

Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
#1190 Eric Storm - Nationalism: A World History
Eric Storm, an Associate Professor of History at Leiden University and author of Nationalism: A World History, explores the rise and evolution of nationalism. He discusses how nationalism originated during the age of revolutions, linking it to citizenship and popular sovereignty. Storm details the radicalization period before WWI, the impact of global conflicts, and the cultural factors shaping nationalist identities. He raises concerns about contemporary nationalism's ties to xenophobia and geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the risks posed by strengthened borders and climate denial.

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 26min
#1189 Nina Hartley: Pornography, Sex Education, and Feminism
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.

Dec 12, 2025 • 26min
#1188 Ashley Randall: Sexual Minority and Gender-Diverse Individuals in Romantic Relationships
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.

25 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 51min
#1187 Peter Turchin: The Collapse of Complex Societies, Elite Overproduction, and Social Unrest
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.


