The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast
Mark Linsenmayer, Wes Alwan, Seth Paskin, Dylan Casey
The Partially Examined Life is a podcast by some guys who were at one point set on doing philosophy for a living but then thought better of it. Each episode, we pick a short text and chat about it with some balance between insight and flippancy. You don't have to know any philosophy, or even to have read the text we're talking about to (mostly) follow and (hopefully) enjoy the discussion. For links to the texts we discuss and other info, check out www.partiallyexaminedlife.com.
We also feature episodes from other podcasts by our hosts to round out your partially examined life, including Pretty Much Pop (prettymuchpop.com, covering all media), Nakedly Examined Music (nakedlyexaminedmusic.com, deconstructing songs), Philosophy vs. Improv (philosophyimprov.com, fun with performance skills and philosophical ideas), and (sub)Text (subtextpodcast.com, looking deeply at lit and film). Learn about more network podcasts at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
We also feature episodes from other podcasts by our hosts to round out your partially examined life, including Pretty Much Pop (prettymuchpop.com, covering all media), Nakedly Examined Music (nakedlyexaminedmusic.com, deconstructing songs), Philosophy vs. Improv (philosophyimprov.com, fun with performance skills and philosophical ideas), and (sub)Text (subtextpodcast.com, looking deeply at lit and film). Learn about more network podcasts at partiallyexaminedlife.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 26, 2026 • 50min
Ep. 384: Graham Harman's Object-Oriented Ontology (Part One)
They debate a sprawling ontology that counts physical things, events, fictional characters, and sensual appearances as entities. They unpack a strange causal picture where real objects never directly touch one another. They preview a Kantian move that makes aesthetics and metaphor into indirect routes to reality.
Jan 23, 2026 • 47min
PEL Presents PvI#110: Memories of 2026 w/ Mark and Mary
A lively conversation about memory care, downsizing keepsakes, and arranging photos to orient loved ones. They riff on sentimental objects, puppets, and percussion as anchors of identity. Improvised scenes imagine womb nostalgia and a time-traveling descendant who affirms creative legacy. They also debate recording performances to preserve a professional life.
Jan 19, 2026 • 56min
Ep. 383: Freud on Love and the Primal Horde (Part Two)
The hosts dive into Freud's theories on group psychology and the dynamics of leadership. They debate whether humans are herd animals or political beings, discussing how identification with leaders can transform hostility into ethics. Freud's primal horde hypothesis is explored, linking it to evolutionary roots and chimpanzee behavior. The conversation touches on how contemporary leaders can serve as superego substitutes, with reflections on love, charisma, and political identification, raising profound questions about modern group dynamics.
Jan 17, 2026 • 1h 8min
PEL Presents NEM#245: Darren Michael Boyd's Guitar Instrumentals Beyond Metal
Ontario guitarist Darren has released six albums of concise instrumentals since 2019, often using metal guitar tones and tropes, but with a great range of tones and often catchy melodies. We discuss "The Day Beneath Yesterday" (and listen at the end to "Dangerous Curves") from Perpetual Night (2025), "Broken Glass and Disappointment" from Thoughts and Scares (2022), and "The Earth is B Flat" from Lifting the Curse (2019). Intro: The title track from Wonders of the Invisible World (2020). More at darrenboyd.com. Hear more Nakedly Examined Music at nakedlyexaminedmusic.com. Support us at patreon.com/nakedlyexaminedmusic.
Jan 15, 2026 • 53min
PEL Presents PMP#213: Stranger Things Grown Familiar
The hosts dive into the nostalgic appeal of the series, discussing how it resonated with viewers through its 80s references and D&D elements. They debate the true target audience, exploring generational gaps and emotional stakes. Critiques arise about the finale's length and emotional weight, with discussions on character arcs, especially Will's, and the show's declining coherence. Comparisons to earlier seasons reveal a shift in engagement, while audience reactions vary by age. Ultimately, they ponder what kept this cultural phenomenon alive.
8 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 42min
Ep. 383: Freud on Love and the Primal Horde (Part One)
The hosts dive into Freud's intriguing ideas on love and group psychology. They contrast passionate romantic relationships with the obligations of group life. The discussion highlights how intense love can blur moral lines, sometimes leading to drastic actions. They also explore connections between love, hypnosis, and group dynamics. The concept of the 'ego ideal' is scrutinized, revealing how group membership shapes personal identity. Lastly, the tension between individual agency and belonging is explored, making for a thought-provoking analysis.
Jan 10, 2026 • 49min
PEL Presents PvI#109: Choose Your Own Failure w/ Rich Baker
Rich Baker, an improv teacher and author of Improv Made Easier, discusses the valuable role of failure in learning and improvisation. He emphasizes the difference between personal and objective failure, and explores how context shapes our responses to humor. The conversation touches on the risks of public performance in the digital age and how modern improv navigates sensitive topics. They even create a comedic scene about stakes and expectations, while considering ‘yes-and’ as a tool for acceptance in creative settings. A fascinating blend of humor and philosophy!
Jan 5, 2026 • 42min
PEL 2026 Kickoff Nightcap
The hosts kick off the year with their philosophical bucket lists, diving into works like Merleau-Ponty's Being and Time and Bergson's exploration of memory. They discuss identity politics through Honneth's lens and Taylor’s insights on authenticity. Quantum mechanics raise metaphysical queries, while the philosophy of architecture and Chan Buddhism spark curiosity. Literature also features prominently, with proposals including Moby-Dick and Infinite Jest, while pessimism and radical empiricism invite deeper engagement. Suggestions from listeners are welcomed!
Dec 29, 2025 • 49min
Ep. 382: Freud on Group Psychology (Part Two)
Delve into Freud's fascinating insights on group psychology, where libidinal ties bind members through shared love for a leader. Explore how identification shapes group dynamics and cohesion, and discover the balance between healthy and extreme narcissism. The hosts compare the impact of different group formats, like rallies and concerts, on collective experiences. They also discuss the dynamics of panic following a leader's downfall and how ideals can replace leaders, maintaining social bonds. The interplay of discipline, shame, and identity in group actions adds another layer to this engaging discussion.
Dec 26, 2025 • 51min
PEL Presents PvI#108: Guess Who's Coming to Christmas Dinner... Lawrence Ware!
Philosopher and film critic Lawrence Ware joins the discussion to explore his journey from academia to public writing. He reflects on the nuances of judging art and film, particularly within the context of cultural identity. The conversation dives into the merits of live tutoring versus written works. Lawrence shares insights from his viral essay about leaving the Southern Baptist Convention to support LGBTQ individuals. They also engage in a humorous improv exercise about orphan greeting cards, blending philosophy with festive cheer.
