Alright, we’re Living in the End Times, the commons of our culture has been captured and this is the first episode in a series we’re doing on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, or as Žižek sometimes puts it, the Four Riders of the Apocalypse. This week we’re talking intellectual property and the economy. Žižek says we are approaching a whole series of critical points, and the question is: can the global liberal democratic system – the capitalist system – deal with them or not? SUPPORT US ON PATREON! See you in Paris! Ž&…

In this engaging discussion, Adrian Johnston, an author focused on Freudian and Marxist intersections, dives into his book, Infinite Greed. He explores the perplexing relationship between wealth and psychological desire, questioning if we really are worth our weight in gold. The conversation shifts to the dynamics of recognition under capitalism versus socialism and critiques philanthropy's true motives. Johnston also ponders whether we've transcended capitalism and teases an upcoming co-written work with Slavoj Žižek.

Adrian Johnston, a thought-provoking author, delves into his latest book on capitalism's inhuman selfishness. He paints a vivid picture of capitalism as a consumer of its own detriment, comparing it to absurd scenarios involving waste. The discussion links psychoanalysis to economic thought, questioning the essence of selfishness within capitalism. Insights into the moral dilemmas faced by CEOs depict the conflict between ethics and economic pressures, shedding light on wealth inequality and capitalism's failures in addressing the needs of the marginalized.

In this engaging discussion, Slavoj Žižek, a leading philosopher in psychoanalysis and ideology, and Adrian Johnston, known for his insights into materialism, delve into the intriguing connections between waste and capitalism. They explore why excrement holds symbolic value, highlighting Freud's perspective that links the highest forms of wealth to the lowest forms of waste. The conversation takes humorous turns, touching on topics like the political implications of toilet sanitation and even Japanese hamburgers, revealing how cultural practices shape our understanding of value and existence.

Todd McGowan, author of 'Embracing Alienation: Why We Shouldn't Try to Find Ourselves,' discusses the intriguing politics of non-belonging. He delves into the paradox of identity in contemporary culture and the role of alienation in cinema. McGowan critiques identitarian politics while highlighting how shared alienation can foster solidarity. The conversation also touches on determinism, the complexities of narrative, and the philosophical challenges of self-discovery. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how we relate to ourselves and society.

Todd McGowan, an author known for his insights on philosophy and psychoanalysis, discusses his latest work on alienation. He explores the complexities of societal disconnection amidst contemporary crises, emphasizing why embracing alienation can lead to true political emancipation. McGowan examines the intersection of alienation and creativity, sharing how personal writing influences narratives. The conversation also delves into the representation of alienation in cinema, linking it to broader themes of identity and community in modern society.

In this insightful discussion, Todd McGowan, an acclaimed author focused on alienation, explores his latest book, Embracing Alienation. He argues that alienation isn't a loss, but a vital aspect of personal freedom and identity. The conversation dives into how names and societal expectations shape our identities, blending humor with critical theory. From Toy Story references to the politics of separation, Todd reveals the complexities of belonging and identity, challenging listeners to rethink their relationship with alienation.

Associate Professor Rafael Winkler discusses Zizek's 'The Sublime Object of Ideology'. They explore Zizek's unique take on ideology and the sublime, his approach to ideology and psychoanalysis, and unraveling the layers of symptom meaning. They also delve into belief, ideology, and power dynamics, offering insights into Zizek's influential work.

Alright, this week on our PATREON we’re talking Fantasy & reading from Slavoj Žižek’s Plague of Fantasies. It’s coffin pillows, being there at your own conception, roguish reporters, and the most famous blanket in cinema.  HEAD TO OUR PATREON TO LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE! PATREON.COM/ZIZEKANDSOON Next week we have Rafael Winkler on to discuss the new Bloomsbury Reader’s Guide to Žižek’s Sublime Object of Ideology. Enjoy being dead, and we’ll see you in Paris.

Alright, we’re trying something different, a brand new monthly – or thereabouts – PATREON series on the podcast called SHORT SESSIONS…This week we're talking disaster films and the 2024 Netflix American adult animated apocalyptic comedy drama Carol & The End of the World. Is it subversive to NOT enjoy the end of the world? Through the usual suspects like Alenka Zupančič and Slavoj Žižek we discuss the ongoing Serial Crisis, Whistleblowers, the Biden v Trump debate, Bartleby Politics, Disavowal, the Production of Community, the Popular Attachment to Catastrophe...and why you should tell your loved ones you hate them when you're going to die in a plane crash. Big thanks to our Patreon @shitforbrains for the episode request, and if any of you out there have an idea for an episode email us at zizekandsoon@gmail.com  …Short sessions, variable length sessions, however you wanna put it, in these episodes we’ll wrap them up because of something that is said, rather than the tyranny of the clock… SUPPORT US ON PATREON! See you in Paris, Enjoy!