
Chasing Leviathan
Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.
Latest episodes

Jan 14, 2025 • 56min
The Genesis of Close Reading Poetry with Dr. Adam Walker
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Adam Walker discuss the purpose behind his YouTube Channel, Close Reading Poetry. They explore the role of community in literature, the importance of oral tradition in poetry, and the various critical lenses used in literary analysis. The conversation highlights the significance of language and sound in poetry, advocating for a more human and emotional engagement with literature. Walker discusses the significance of spirituality in Romantic poetry, and the evolution of poetry over time. He ends by encouraging readers to approach literature with an open mind.Make sure to check out Dr. Walker's YouTube channel: Close Reading Poetry 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@closereadingpoetryCheck out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Jan 7, 2025 • 52min
The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs & the Fight for American Democracy with Dr. Deondra Rose
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Deondra Rose discuss her book, 'The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy,' which explores the historical significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in promoting education, political engagement, and civil rights for Black Americans. Dr. Rose emphasizes the unique role of HBCUs in fostering leadership and challenging systemic racism, while also exploring the evolution of higher education's purpose from citizenship to employment. Their discussion also touches on the connection between religion and HBCUs, the future of democracy, and the need for critical thinking in the face of disinformation. Dr. Rose encourages listeners to support their local HBCUs as vital institutions for democracy and social progress.Make sure to check out Dr. Rose's book: The Power of Black Excellence: HBCUs and the Fight for American Democracy 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0197776590/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Dec 17, 2024 • 52min
Media Technologies and Practices of Hope with Dr. Jeff Bilbro
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Jeff Bilbro discuss his book 'Words for Conviviality: Media Technologies and Practices of Hope,' which examines how historical media technologies can inform our understanding of contemporary digital media. The discussion delves into the importance of literature in shaping communication, the non-neutrality of technology, and the need for practices that foster healthy relationships in a rapidly changing media landscape. Jeff and PJ explore the complexities of digital engagement, the pressures of public opinion, and the importance of conversation in navigating technology. They conclude with a call to seek truth and friendship amidst the imperfections of our media ecology.Make sure to check out Dr. Bilbro's book: Words for Conviviality: Media Technologies and Practices of Hope 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1481319825/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God with Justin Brierley
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Justin Brierley discuss his book 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers are Considering Christianity Again.' They discuss the evolution of atheism, the reconsideration of Christianity by secular thinkers, and the importance of community and repentance in modern faith. Brierley explores the challenge of objective morality in a materialistic worldview and the implications of determinism on morality.Make sure to check out Justin Brierley's book: The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God: Why New Atheism Grew Old and Secular Thinkers Are Considering Christianity Again 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1496466772/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Dec 3, 2024 • 57min
Political Eschatology with Dr. Sean McGrath
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Sean McGrath discuss his book 'Political Eschatology,' exploring the intersection of eschatological thought and political action. McGrath emphasizes the importance of understanding eschatology not just as a theological concept, but as a framework for political engagement and social justice. The discussion delves into the historical roots of eschatological thinking, the distinction between expectation and anticipation as articulated by Heidegger, and the implications of linear versus cyclical time. They end by delving into current environmental issues and a call to action.Make sure to check out Dr. McGrath's book: Political Eschatology 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPQ5YK9B/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 7min
Aquinas and the Early Chinese Masters with Dr. Joshua R. Brown
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Joshua R. Brown discuss his book 'Aquinas and the Early Chinese Masters,' exploring the intersection of Chinese philosophy and Catholic theology. Brown shares his personal journey from Southern Baptist to Catholic theologian, and his influence by his Malaysian-Chinese wife. Their discussion delves into the philosophical dialogue between Thomism and Confucianism, and they discuss how these traditions are similar. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding virtue in a broader context and encourages listeners to reflect on their own moral journeys. Make sure to check out Dr. Brown's book: Aquinas and the Early Chinese Masters: Chinese Philosophy and Catholic Theology 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0813238943/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Nov 19, 2024 • 56min
Heidegger on Thinking with Dr. Lee Braver
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lee Braver delve into the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, focusing on his views on thinking, the evolution of his ideas, and the significance of wonder and dwelling in philosophical inquiry. They explore the relationship between courage and confronting nihilism, the nature of questions, and the limits of explanation, ultimately emphasizing the interplay between existence and nothingness. In this conversation, Dr. Braver explores the philosophical themes of nothingness, dwelling, and the nature of thinking as a craft. He discusses how our experience of the world is intertwined with nothingness and challenges the prejudices surrounding existence. The conversation culminates in a discussion about Heidegger's evolving philosophy and the significance of staying with things to uncover deeper meanings.Make sure to check out Dr. Braver's book: Heidegger on Thinking (Elements in the Philosophy of Martin Heidegger) 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1009466941Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud.These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Nov 12, 2024 • 51min
Inference and Representation: A Study in Modeling Science with Dr. Mauricio Suarez
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Mauricio Suarez discuss the evolution of scientific representation, the shift from syntactic to semantic views, and the importance of pragmatism and deflationism in understanding models in science. Dr. Suarez draws parallels between the practices of science and art, emphasizing the need for philosophy to be responsive to actual scientific practices.Make sure to check out Dr. Suarez's book: Inference and Representation: A Study in Modeling Science 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226830047/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Nov 5, 2024 • 51min
Loss, Sovereignty, and the Sikh Tradition in Colonial South Asia with Dr. Rajbir Judge
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Rajbir Judge discuss the historical context of late 19th century Punjab, focusing on the figure of Duleep Singh. Dr. Judge delves into themes of myth-making, sovereignty, and the complexities of community and conversion within the Sikh tradition. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding loss, navigating fractured inheritances, and embracing the tensions inherent in historical narratives.Make sure to check out Dr. Judge's book: Prophetic Maharaja: Loss, Sovereignty, and the Sikh Tradition in Colonial South Asia 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0231214499/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Oct 29, 2024 • 51min
The Evolution of the Moral Mind with Dr. Victor Kumar
On this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Victor Kumar explore the evolution of morality, its components, and its critical role in human development. Dr. Kumar emphasizes the importance of moral emotions, norms, and reasoning, and how these elements have shaped human social structures and adaptability. They also touch on the evolution of altruism and the future moral challenges society faces.Make sure to check out Dr. Kumar's book: A Better Ape: The Evolution of the Moral Mind and How it Made us Human 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0197600123/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.comWho thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.