Very Bad Wizards

In this podcast, the hosts explore the mysteries of the film 'Oldboy' by Park Chan-wook, focusing on a man seeking revenge after being imprisoned for 15 years. They discuss the gender differences in vocabulary and the insights from a linguistics paper. The conversation touches on dark and twisted scenes in narratives, emotional complexities in movies, and themes of redemption and revenge in Asian cinema. The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the intense movie scenes, exploring themes of memory, psychological manipulation, and transformative character journeys.

Discussing the cultural differences between rice and wheat farming communities in China, highlighting the impact on collectivism and holistic thinking. Exploring a study on censorship and self-censorship among social psychologists. Delving into evolutionary implications of sexually coercive behavior and controversial views on biological sex in academia. Analyzing cultural influences on self-perception and research measures in cultural studies. Playful banter on dinner choices and individualism rounds out the engaging discussion.

Hosts discuss top 3 existentialist movies, lack of research on metaphysics of puns, and surprisingly positive opinions on recent paper. Delve into ontology of art and puns, challenge traditional views on language ontology, and explore flexibility of words. Light-hearted banter on puns and humor theories. Dive into existential movies shaping identity through choices, analyze Blade Runner themes, compare Double Indemnity vs Locke decisions, and explore genetic dreams in Gattaca.

Writer Caitrin Keiper joins the hosts to discuss the philosophical questions surrounding elephants - their mental states, language, and morality. They explore the taboo of anthropomorphizing elephants and the ethical duties towards them. Plus, a fun segment inventing German words for common experiences.

Detective Erik Lönnrot investigates a mysterious murder involving Kabbalistic texts; study reveals why men misinterpret women's flirting signals; unraveling the intricate narrative of betrayal and deception in 'Death and the Compass' by Borges

Analytic vs. continental philosophy rivalry discussed. The University of Austin's forbidden courses raise questions. Skepticism towards reported events and controversial figures. Choosing between controversial courses like 'Science and Christianity'. Contrasting analytic and continental philosophy approaches and biases. Analytic philosophy's paradigmatic nature and progress. Exploring psychological frameworks and artistic influences in philosophy.

Exploring Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Masque of the Red Death' with guests from Weird Studies podcast, they discuss weird fiction's allure and mood creation. The hosts also delve into a data-driven birthday orgy and explore the concept of modern sex symbols. From decadence in fiction to societal collapse, the podcast covers a wide range of intriguing topics.

The hosts discuss the hunger dance at twilight, Ben's greenhouse burning habit, Shin Hae-mi's disappearance, Lee Jong-su's quest for the truth, and the final scene of the film 'Burning'

Lee Chang-dong, Director of the movie Burning, discusses the captivating elements and universal themes of the film. They explore illusions, reflections, and perspective, as well as the importance of subjective analysis. They also talk about frustration and Schrödinger's concept, and delve into metaphors and ambiguity in the movie.

Podcast explores Thomas Nagel's surprising essay on sexual perversion and the nature of sexual desires. Discussion includes a new study on attitudes about sexual assault with sex robots. The hosts analyze Nagel's arguments against the notion of perversion and explore the complexities of hunger and sexual desire. They also discuss the concept of desire, the role of fantasy in sexual desire, and whether engaging in non-traditional sexual activities qualifies as perversion.