The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

The hosts delve into Aquinas's view on will as a rational desire aimed at the good. They discuss how agency relates to internal action and examine the difference between human deliberation and instinct. The conversation covers how understanding enhances free will by enabling choice among alternatives. They also explore the nuances of passivity in the mind and how intellectual receptivity doesn’t lessen its capabilities. Finally, they tackle how circumstances influence deliberation and the ethics of compelled versus free will.

Mark and Mary are joined by improvisor-comedian-actress-filmmaker-host Vickie to talk about code switching and authenticity. Can you be authentic and still work a day job? Can Problem Solvers, Inc. solve the office restroom schedule? Are authentic hippies really beatniks? Also, displaying comic America on Korean talk shows, ethical pornography, commerce vs. art, granola in your hair, and more. Vickie sticks around for a bit of post-game (usually restricted to supporters but shared with you this time), where we talk about the improv lessons and techniques from the episode and refresh what the point of this podcast is. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast and listen ad-free at philosophyimprov.com/support.

The discussion dives deep into Thomas Aquinas's arguments for God's existence, including his famous Five Ways. The hosts critique the causality argument and explore self-causation and naturalistic alternatives to uncaused causes. They tackle the problem of evil while contemplating Aquinas's views on time and eternity. Also, there’s a fascinating debate on whether we can accurately describe God using analogical language and how we infer God's nature from the world around us. It's a rich conversation blending philosophy with modern science.

It's a special two-hander where Mark and Lawrence reflect on the appeal of horror and how the new Monster: Ed Gein Netflix show has to contribute, given that it is not merely a (very loose) presentation of real events, and itself a horror drama, but also a commentary on the Hollywood properties influenced by the Ed Gein murders, including Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Silence of the Lambs. We bring this up to date by including discussion of the Terrifier films as well as the work of Rob Zombie. Get an ad-free experience, plus bonus talking for nearly every episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop for only the tiniest per-month financial pledge, or you can sign up directly with Apple Podcasts for a subscription for ad-free and bonus material for three of Mark's podcasts together on the Mark Lintertainment Podcasts Channel. Sponsors: Get 50% off Claude AI Pro at Claude.ai/pmp. Go to surfshark.com/pmp or use code pmp at checkout to get 4 extra monthsof Surfshark VPN.

Jonathan Rundman, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, dives into his journey through indie rock and Finnish folk music. He shares insights on his unique recording process, from DIY beginnings to professional collaborations. They explore the emotional depth of his song "Diner by the Train" and its significance, while also discussing the nostalgia captured in his track "Tape." With reflections on balancing multiple musical identities, Rundman reveals how he engages with themes of church life in his work.

Explore the philosophical depths of Thomas Aquinas as hosts dissect his renowned writings. They debate whether the existence of God is self-evident, and analyze Anselm's ontological argument and Aquinas' rebuttals. The conversation dives into the complex relationship between human understanding, divine attributes, and the idea of proving God's existence through effects. Each of Aquinas' five ways to understand God is unpacked, alongside objections and modern challenges, setting the stage for a fascinating journey into metaphysics.

How does your body talk to you? Your favorite hosts-of-a-philosophy-and-improv-comedy show Mark Linsenmayer and Merry Mary Hynes re-connect after both being sick to get a bit Halloweeny so as to talk about various food-related monsters, experiencing art by disgraced creators, inner homunculi a la "Inside Out," movie talk, Nietzsche's nose fetish, and more. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast and listen ad-free at philosophyimprov.com/support. Sponsor: Get 15% off at MasterClass.com/IMPROV.

Exploring human solitude, the discussion delves into the existential dread we often avoid. Cioran's skepticism towards language and dreams reveals our struggle with definition. The hosts debate whether nihilism is a genuine stance or just frustrated idealism. Ennui and sloth are praised as noble defenses against falsely absolute ideals. The irony in art serves as a buffer against life’s futility, while the concept of being metaphysical traitors prompts reflections on the cultural urge for absolutes.

Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al watched Spinal Tap and its new sequel, and we throw these into a mix with K-Pop Demon Hunters and other films and shows involving made-for-TV (and film) bands, including We Are Lady Parts, That Thing You Do, Fear of a Black Hat, CB4, Atlanta, The Blues Brothers, The Commitments, Almost Famous, The Rutles, and The Monkees. Get an ad-free experience, plus bonus talking for this and nearly every episode at patreon.com/prettymuchpop for only the tiniest per-month financial pledge, or you can sign up directly with Apple Podcasts for a subscription for ad-free and bonus material for three of Mark's podcasts together on the Mark Lintertainment Podcasts Channel. Sponsors: Get 50% off Claude AI Pro at Claude.ai/pmp. Get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/PRETTY.

Adrian has applied his distinctive, spacey dub mixing techniques to numerous recordings since 1978 including Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Sinéad O'Connor, and Spoon and has released nine albums under his own name since 2003. He has effectively served as a key band member in several groups including Creation Rebel and African Head Charge. We discuss "Body Roll" from The Collapse of Everything (2025), "Starship Bahia" from Survival & Resistance (2012), and "Sharp as a Needle" by Barmy Army from The English Disease (1989). End song: "Make Up Your Mind" by Coldcut (Ninja Tunes), et al from Outside the Echo Chamber (2017). Intro: "Movement in Space" by Creation Rebel from Starship Africa (1980). More at adriansherwood.com. Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Support us on Patreon. Sponsor: Visit square.com/go/nem to learn about how Square helps local businesses.