
PlasticPills - Philosophy & Critical Theory Podcast
The Pill Pod is hosted by a group of PhDs offering their irreverent (and unsolicited) takes on critical theory, philosophy, culture, and politics.
Latest episodes

May 16, 2025 • 1h 10min
Pill Pod 208 - Prime Minister Mark Carney: Vibes Banker
Dive into the world of Canadian politics as a new Prime Minister emerges, backed by his thought-provoking book. Explore the theatricality of political rituals in Canada versus the U.S., and uncover the complex dance between neoliberalism and corporate responsibility. Engage with the critical debate on carbon taxes and the implications of a finance-savvy leader in a populist era. Finally, dissect reactions from the far-right to the new Pope, bringing humor to an evolving political landscape.

May 8, 2025 • 1h 7min
Pill Pod 206 - Trump Declares War on Education
The conversation dives into the contentious relationship between Trump and higher education, shedding light on his claims of corruption in academia. They dissect the impact of political pressures on university policies and the complexities of diversity and equity initiatives. The dialogue also addresses market shifts influenced by political actions and the absurdities surrounding language restrictions in academia. With a mix of humor and critical analysis, the group examines the ideological struggles that shape contemporary educational discourse.

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 13min
Pill Pod 205 - PlasticPills Discovers Buddhism
After a long hiatus, Pills returns to the main show with some new musings over The Last Samurai, Buddhism and the phenomenology of religion. The Kyoto School and Nagarjuna were mentioned in the episode, but we didn't get into much depth this time round. Find everything we make at the feed at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 28min
True vs. False Prophets | Plastic Pills on Religion III
This is Part 3.What makes a prophet a prophet? As we are on the civilization decline hill, we are going to experience a higher volume of prophets than usual.Don't miss an episode https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 35min
Pill Pod 202 - Paradise has been Lost ft. Victor Hainagiu
The contemporary political situation has rendered Paradise Lost more relevant now than any time since it was penned by John Milton's daughters. It is an epic, revolutionary in both style and politics, and for this episode we have an expert, Victor Hainagiu, who is writing his dissertation on it. Check out William Blake's illustrations of the text: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Blake%27s_illustrations_of_Paradise_LostFind all the episodes ad-free at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
Cults of Cleansing | Plastic Pills on Religion II
The cults of COVID may never go away, but this is why they are to be expected.This is part II of the plasticpills diatribe on religion focusing on metaphor as the original decision making process in a world and specifically the metaphors of religious laws that begin with keeping your hands clean but end with the mass extermination of people.Listen ad free at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

Apr 5, 2025 • 1h 18min
Pill Pod 201 - Only German Idealism can save us ft. Christopher Satoor
So, after decrying philosophy last episode, we are back on it hard again in 201. The Pill Pod interviews Christopher Satoor on Schelling and his conception of freedom from "the freedom essay", also known as THE PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ESSENCE OF HUMAN FREEDOM. Chris also does a bunch of interview and video content on YouTube, at https://www.youtube.com/@UCjybB5M-knVLAvrohRXtklQget all our content at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

4 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h
Death Cult Logic | Plastic Pills on Religion I
Dive into the intriguing relationship between belief systems and societal structures, revealing how religion shapes our reality and values. Explore the impact of contemporary issues like fascist accelerationism on faith, along with the enduring relevance of spirituality in times of crisis. Discover the misunderstood connection between philosophy and religion, and how societal norms intertwine with cultural rituals. Finally, examine the evolution of religious identity amidst trauma, highlighting its role in maintaining social order during desperate times.

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 32min
Pill Pod 200 - Why has America Gone Insane?
A vibrant panel dives into the chaotic spectacle of modern America, questioning if digital distraction fuels societal insanity. They analyze how metrics of engagement manipulate relationships and critique capitalism's grip on media representation. With a humorous lens, the discussion touches on philosophy's fading influence amid performative politics. The evolution of empathy in an era of media overload, alongside the rising tide of epistemic populism, raises concerns about governance and the integrity of information. Join the conversation on the absurdities shaping our world!

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
Pill Pod 198 - Three Philosophies of Freedom
Dive into a humorous take on recent political antics, including Trump's comeback. The hosts reflect on leadership fatigue and the dangers of political maneuvering. Explore how classical architecture might symbolize political motives. Unpack the complex history and impact of politically charged symbols like the Nazi salute. Delve into existentialism’s view on freedom and the interplay of personal choices and societal constraints. Lastly, navigate the evolving definitions of freedom, revealing its paradoxical nature across cultures and ideologies.