Clancy Martin (professor of philosophy, multiple suicide survivor) has tried – unsuccessfully, obviously – to depart this mortal coil a dozen-plus times and has just published a book, How Not to Kill Yourself, that explores the complexity of one the most fundamental question we can ever ask – why live? Clancy teaches philosophy at the University of Missouri, is a Guggenheim Fellow, bestselling novelist, a father and… “suicide addict”. In the wake of having lost one of my closest friends to suicide, I reached out to Clancy to get his insights and wisdoms on this challenging topic. He shares the mindsets that can change a despairing person’s mind, how to deal with the sense of betrayal and anger after a loved one takes their life and how his own “suicidal addiction” started at 3. This beautiful conversation is mostly a reminder to live fully and wildly and… to care (particularly for those who care so deeply they despair).Get hold of Clancy’s book How Not to Kill Yourself: My life in suicide.If you or someone you know is struggling, the suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by diallingIn Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the Suicide Call Back Service on1300 659 467In the US, call 988 and you will be connected to the National Suicide and Crisis LifelineIn the UK, contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 0800 689 5652If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my “about” pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it’s where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet’s connect on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Neiman (world-leading moral philosopher, socialist, Einstein Forum director) joins me to clear up a wholly frustrating and destructive dialogue stopper – wokeism. Susan is the Director of the Einstein Forum, in Potsdam, Germany. She has a doctorate in philosophy from Harvard and has written big, influential tomes on German guilt, the value of evil and how we all need to grow up, all through a philosophical lens. Her latest book is titled Left is Not Woke and in this episode, she explains why woke has become a loaded term, weaponised by the Right and has inverted to contradict Left or progressive principles. Susan plants the wild idea we need to abandon wokeism and become truly awake to the threat so much infighting is distracting us (sigh) from the rise of fascism. Much as Left infighting enabled Hitler to rise to power in the 1930s.The Show NotesLeft is Not Woke is available nowSusan mentions Paul Robeson’s performance at the Sydney Opera HouseI mention my Substack post listing centre-right writers, you can read it hereIf you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it’s where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet’s connect on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower, discusses her motivation for exposing Facebook's negligence and the dangers of AI manipulation. They also explore the vulnerabilities of individuals to internet conspiracy theories and the limitations of Facebook's fact-checking program. The podcast covers the challenges of whistleblowing, the parallel between the media industry and AI, and the potential benefits of exposing Facebook's actions globally.

Bestselling travel writer Pico Iyer discusses the balance between global travel and inner stillness, reflecting on the paradox of moving to feel moved. He shares insights into Leonard Cohen's creation of 'Hallelujah' and concludes that paradise is mostly lost in our divided world.

Tyson Yunkaporta, an Aboriginal scholar and founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab, delves into how Indigenous wisdom offers essential solutions for today’s global crises. He critiques Western linear thinking, emphasizing the importance of interconnectedness and community responsibility. The conversation explores the impacts of narcissism on societal dynamics and highlights the significance of holistic recovery over apocalyptic narratives. Tyson’s insights challenge us to embrace complexity and redefine our relationship with the world around us.

Will Storr, award-winning UK journalist and author, explores the concept of status games and their influence on human behavior. They discuss selfie culture, the role of status in shaping behavior, the connection between social class and health, and the paradox of high-status individuals. The guest also talks about the power of personal stories and the push-pull between individualism and belonging.

Tim Winton, renowned Australian writer and climate activist, discusses topics such as toxic masculinity, fossil fuel sponsorship of the arts, and the preservation of Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef. They explore the influence of Australia's colonial past and capitalist fixation on its progression. The podcast also touches on the need to protect sacred places and highlights the ongoing fight to conserve Ningaloo Reef.

Ingrid Newkirk (founder of PETA, radical stuntwoman) is one of the most controversial – and wild - humans on the planet. After founding People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 1980 she campaigned to change animal cruelty laws, halted cosmetic and crash testing on animals and has largely rid the world of fur fashion.She didn’t take the mild, collaborative route, though. Ingrid has hung naked among pigs’ carcasses in London’s Smithfield market, famously raided Vogue HQ to protest their use of fur, along with a KKK meeting to stop the shooting of pigeons. Ingrid is now 74, her hobbies include Formula One racing (Michael Schumacher is a mate) and she is cited as a “hero” to countless celebrities, including Bill Maher (on her board) and Joaquin Phoenix (bought the film rights to her book Free the Animals). Ingrid reached out to me to chat on Wild. I’m not vegan and I wear wool. Our chat was both robustly challenging and moving.You can buy the 30th Anniversary Edition of Free the Animals here and read more about PETA Australia here.Here’s that Australian perspective data I mention, outlined in The Conversation essay and here’s a rebuttal written by another academic, also published in The Conversation.If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it’s where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet’s connect on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Silicon Valley futurist Genevieve Bell discusses the concerns about AI wiping out humanity, the need for a global pause in AI development, and how indigenous systems thinking can save us. The podcast explores cybernetics and its origins, the relationship between technology and imagination, and the importance of critically interrogating technologies. It also highlights the value of indigenous complexity theory and the ancient fish weir system as examples of alternative approaches to solving complex problems.

Psychologist Roy Baumeister discusses topics such as the psychology of human behavior, willpower, decision-making, decision fatigue, and the impact of technology on concentration and self-control. He also explores the influence of the industrial revolution on women's roles and sexual dynamics.