
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

Oct 17, 2023 • 57min
What Does "Why" Really Mean? with Dr. Philippe Huneman
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Philippe Huneman discuss one of humanity's most common questions: "Why?" Dr. Hunemann explores the various meanings of the question, complications in understanding it, and how to understand it within the context of evolutionary biology. For a deep dive into Philippe Huneman's work, check out his book: Why?: The Philosophy Behind the Question 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1503628906Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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 10, 2023 • 56min
Medicine and Religion in Carolingian Europe with Dr. Meg Leja
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Meg Leja discuss the transformation of medicine during the Carolingian empire, particularly how the practice of medicine became adopted as a Christian practice, despite its pagan associations. An often overlooked and misunderstood time of European history, Dr. Leja explains how these shifts in attitude towards medicine in Carolingian period reflect significant philosophical and scientific change that would affect the course of Western history.For a deep dive into Meg Leja's work, check out her book: Embodying the Soul: Medicine and Religion in Carolingian Europe 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0812253892/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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 3, 2023 • 54min
Brooklyn Crime Novel and the Art of Writing Hardboiled Detectives with Jonathan Lethem
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Jonathan Lethem discuss the themes and influences of Lethem's latest book, Brooklyn Crime Novel, as well as the process of writing hardboiled detective fiction.For a deep dive into Jonathan Lethem's work, check out his book: Brooklyn Crime Novel: A Novel 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSFSN49G/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Sep 26, 2023 • 50min
The 21st Century Young Adult Neo-Slave Narrative with Dr. Melanie Marotta
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Melanie Marotta discuss the integration of neo-slave narratives into contemporary works of young adult texts featuring female, adolescent protagonists of color. Dr. Marotta explores both slave and neo-slave narratives, shedding light on the evolution from the former to the latter. She also shares why understanding these particular works of young adult fiction is critical for today's classroom.For a deep dive into Melanie Marotta's work, check out her book: African American Adolescent Female Heroes: The Twenty-First-Century Young Adult Neo-Slave Narrative 👉 https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0BY3BHZN9/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Sep 19, 2023 • 54min
Russian Writers on the Timeless Questions and Why Their Answers Matter with Dr. Gary Morson
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Gary Morson discuss the Russian literary tradition, particularly as it relates to the "accursed questions" of life, morality, and the transcendent. For a deep dive into Gary Morson's work, check out his book: Wonder Confronts Certainty: Russian Writers on the Timeless Questions and Why Their Answers Matter 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674971809Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Sep 12, 2023 • 50min
A Call for Climate Resilience with Robert Verchick
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Robert Verchick discuss the adaptations we need to make, both globally and locally, to address the wide-sweeping effects of climate change. Though climate change presents us with an uphill battle, there is reason to be hopeful that we can make a positive impact for future generations.For a deep dive into Robert Verchick's work, check out his book: The Octopus in the Parking Garage: A Call for Climate Resilience 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCZB17HZCheck out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Sep 5, 2023 • 55min
Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition with Dr. Yvonne Chireau
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Yvonne Chireau discuss religion, magic, and syncretism in the context of the spiritualities that arose among enslaved Africans in the US and Caribbean. Dr. Chireau also explores the role that the Conjuring tradition had in shaping the African American experience, as well as our assumptions about the differences between "magic" and "religion."For a deep dive into Dr. Yvonne Chireau's work, check out her book: Black Magic: Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0520249887/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Aug 29, 2023 • 1h 6min
The New College Classroom with Dr. Christina Katopodis
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Christina Katopodis discuss the need for new ways of facilitating learning that help students develop vital skills and process knowledge, rather than continuing to educate students to be mere retainers of facts. They also share personal stories from the classroom that point to challenges and opportunities for transforming learning.For a deep dive into Dr. Christina Katopodis' work, check out her book: The New College Classroom, co-written with Dr. Cathy N. Davidson 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0674248856Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Aug 22, 2023 • 57min
What is Consciousness? with Dr. Amy Kind
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Amy Kind discuss her written debate with Daniel Stolijar on the nature of consciousness. Dr. Kind walks us through the secular dualist position that she defends and explains Dr. Stolijar's ignorance hypothesis. For those wondering if dualism is a purely religious position, Dr. Kind offers several helpful examples for why one need not appeal to the transcendent or "spooky" to adopt a dualist outlook.For a deep dive into Dr. Amy Kind's work, check out her book: What is Consciousness? (Little Debates about Big Questions), co-written with Daniel Stoljar 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0367332426Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 6min
Black Existentialism and Decolonizing Knowledge with Dr. Lewis Gordon
In this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Dr. Lewis Gordon discuss the intersections of philosophy, art, politics, and freedom. Dr. Gordon persuasively argues that art is a primary social good that has the power to elevate humanity, foster community accountability, and transform societies.For a deep dive into Dr. Lewis Gordon's work, check out his book: Black Existentialism and Decolonizing Knowledge: Writings of Lewis R. Gordon 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1350343773Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who 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.