Intellectual Freedom Podcast artwork

Intellectual Freedom Podcast

118 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago -

Intellectual freedom is not just a buzzword. It is a fundamental necessity for human civilization and your life's flourishing. It is the essence of the human spirit to question, explore, and seek answers to the most profound questions that confront us every day. 

Without intellectual freedom, we are but slaves to the whims of those in power, unable to challenge authority, push boundaries, or pursue truth. In our post-modern world, ignorance and oppression weigh heavy on all of us, stifling creativity, innovation, and progress. The quest for knowledge is not a luxury. It is a basic human need. Only through intellectual freedom can we unlock the full potential of our collective intellect and build a brighter future for all. 

This podcast explores topics in culture, philosophy, wisdom literature, and complex problems we all confront in life. 

Society & Culture News Politics politics culture education self-improvement personal growth independent voters
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Episodes

Episode #117: The Uniparty's Dirty Game: Create a Problem to Solve a Problem

October 27, 2023 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

Have you ever wondered why a government, a system of institutions specifically designed to solve problems, often preserves and worsens the problems they are supposed to solve? Buckle up as we dive into a lively discussion unraveling the Shirky Principle, which suggests governments are more prone to protect problems than solve them. We will break down a hilarious example involving the case of an Ontario-based carpooling site, PickUpPal.com, which was forced to shut down by the Canadian gove...

#116: Democracy is Dead While the Plutocracy and Uniparty are Thriving

October 20, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

In this episode, we delve deep into the heart of American democracy and confront a stark reality: Democracy is Dead. Join us as we explore the undeniable influence of economic elites, intellectual elites, and unelected officials in steering the course of our nation through the uniparty of Democrats and Republicans. We analyze eye-opening statistics and polls revealing how disillusioned Americans are with their elected officials. Explore the concept of a plutocracy, where the rule by wealth ...

#115: Degrees of Freedom: Navigating the College Maze

October 17, 2023 22:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

It is past time to challenge the age-old belief in the college dream. Join us in a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving landscape of higher education. As a seasoned educator, I take a holistic approach to this important decision for high school students, college students, or adults considering returning to college. I am neither anti-college nor blindly pro-college, but rather a staunch advocate for informed choices. In a world where college is often hailed as the ultimate path to s...

#114: Are You a Monothinker? The Democrats and Republicans Hope So.

October 11, 2023 21:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

Explore the world of "Mono-Thinking." Have you ever noticed how political affiliations often dictate people's stances on various issues? You can identify a mono thinker by the number of things or problems they explain with the same answer.  Mono-thinking individuals rigidly adhere to a single perspective, leading to oversimplification and tribalism. Discover why this mindset is so prevalent in today's polarized world and how it influences politics, media, and social dynamics. Explore the d...

#113: Conditioned for Mediocrity: Reclaiming Your Life in a Sedated and Superficial World

October 03, 2023 21:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

"People are happy; they get what they want, and they never want what they can't get... they're so conditioned that they practically can't help behaving as they ought to behave."  ~Aldous Huxley This quote from the dystopian novel Brave New World is playing itself out in the psyche of far too many in the United States of America and worldwide.  Join us to explore the roots of modern society's misplaced search for superficial happiness and comfort. Are we truly living fulfilling lives in a w...

# 112: The Doctor of Philosophy Committed Suicide. Nobody Noticed.

September 29, 2023 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

It's not a secret that higher education and the academic elites far too often do not serve the nation effectively.  The PhD is especially failing society in countless ways. More specifically, this podcast focuses on our philosophers and great thinkers.  I'm not interested in exploring fields such as educational leadership/administration or any other silly 21st-century doctorate fields made up by administrators and self-serving faculty committees to put students in debt so they can have "a ...

#111: Next Level Your Life: Be Process Oriented Not Goal Oriented

September 21, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MB

Welcome to a transformative episode where we unveil a life-changing perspective shift: Challenge Yourself to Be Process-Oriented, Not Goal-Oriented. Whether you're a student, professional, or retiree, this mindset can revolutionize your journey. Using real-life examples, we will discuss how a process-oriented mindset will bring physical and mental growth.  Why choose a process orientation versus a goal orientation mindset? We will show how this slight shift will align your actions with valu...

#110: The Horror Show of a Trump vs. Biden Rematch in 2024

September 19, 2023 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MB

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we tackle the looming specter of a Trump vs. Biden rematch in the 2024 election. Three fundamental characteristics of both candidates make this rematch a horror show nobody should want to watch. Plus, regardless of who wins, the aftermath of potential violence and an even greater divide make this rematch one that nobody should want to witness. We explore why a rematch is not in the nation's best interest and discuss the importance of considering a...

#109: The Power of Your Social Circle: Where Your Mind Goes, You Go

September 13, 2023 22:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

This thought-provoking podcast episode delves into the timeless wisdom of an ancient proverb attributed to King Solomon: "Walk with the wise and become wise. Associate with fools and become foolish." Join me on a journey of self-reflection as we explore the profound impact your social connections have on your life. Whether your friends, family, or social media all play a significant role in becoming your best self.  Learn how surrounding yourself with motivated and encouraging individuals g...

#108: The AI Revolution: Will Machines Outthink Humanity?

September 12, 2023 23:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MB

In this episode, we venture into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and its potential to reshape human thinking. We explore the intriguing question: Can machines learn to think and understand like humans, or even better? We delve into the Theory of Mind, a once exclusively human trait, and witness how AI, particularly very advanced systems like OpenAI's ChatGPT, is displaying striking human-like learning capabilities. As AI grasps nuances in language and context, it raise...

#107: Embracing Unpleasant Truths: Why Erasing History Isn’t the Answer

September 07, 2023 20:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MB

In this thought-provoking episode, we passionately explore history, culture, and the controversial topic of renaming military installations, sanitizing history, or downright removing history when it is uncomfortable. Buckle up for an engaging journey as we navigate the complexities of erasing or preserving history.  We address the recent renaming of Fort Hood, once named after a Confederate general and the motivations behind such changes. With unwavering candor, we will question whether alt...

#106: Whispers from the Grave: Life's Most Profound Lessons, Shared Simply

September 01, 2023 21:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

In this poignant episode we delve into the timeless concept that life's most profound wisdom can often be found in the simplest of moments. Join us as we explore the extraordinary story of  a life  cut short, but through death emerges new life, hope, and knowledge. We'll share the remarkable story of Holly Butcher, who, just 24 hours before her untimely passing, gifted the world with profound life lessons. Her wisdom, captured in her final words, serves as a reminder that we should cherish ...

#105: Shared Values: Exploring the Common Ground of Abrahamic Religions

April 15, 2023 00:00 - 51 minutes - 34.3 MB

The news headlines are admittedly ugly. War, hate, anger, and division, unfortunately, represent the interactions of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. But, if we deeply read the texts of these three great religions, there is deep wisdom to be uncovered.  For many, it may be shocking to see that the shared values and common ground of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are more numerous than the differences. At the heart of these Abrahamic religions lie powerful messages of compassion, love, and j...

#104: The Tragic Loss of the Foundation for Justice and Morality

April 06, 2023 19:00 - 59 minutes - 40.4 MB

The world is in a state of chaos, and one of the main reasons is the loss of a unifying system of justice and morality. It can be argued that long before the flowering of democracy and the idea of freedom sprung to life in the West, Thomas Aquinas' Natural Law Theory laid the foundation. However, this foundation is eroding in our post-modern era.  Aquinas believed there was an immutable natural order to the world and everything in it. This natural order unified all people. Furthermore, he a...

#103: Banning Tik Tok: National Security Risk or Another Big Government Power Grab?

April 01, 2023 20:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

TikTok, a seductive digital vortex, has been a source of amusement for many and terror for others. The app's algorithmic power to draw in users, particularly the impressionable young, has been a cause for deep concern as it exposes them to harmful and inappropriate content.  From sexually explicit dances to harmful challenges, TikTok has created a breeding ground for toxic and hazardous trends. In addition, the app's blatant disregard for user privacy and data protection has led to several ...

#102: The Decline of Religion: Why Faith Is So Hard in the Postmodern World

March 25, 2023 19:00 - 47 minutes - 31.8 MB

For an atheist, faith seems to be an impossibility. For a practitioner of Christianity or any religion for that matter, it is hard to maintain faith. But why? We live in a superficial world. In many ways, the religious institutions of the west mirror this superficiality. It has created lukewarm Christians—the Christmas and Easter-type practitioners of Christianity are a prime example. All religions appear to be facing similar problems.  A deep reverence for the immutable power of God is re...

#101: What the **Bleep** was I Thinking!?! Using Medieval Wisdom to Revolutionize Your Decision-Making in Three Simple Steps

March 17, 2023 17:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

We have all been there—bad decisions. Making bad decisions triggers negative consequences, such as financial loss, relationship damage, or missed opportunities. As we go through life and accumulate lousy decision after lousy decision, the baggage we carry around gets heavy—embarrassment, regret, anxiety, loss of self-confidence, and even fear that can paralyze us from stepping out of our comfort zone emerge.  We really only have two choices. Make bad mistakes, curl up in a ball, and give up...

#100: The American Dream Isn't Just Dead--It Was the Wrong Dream to Begin With

March 12, 2023 14:00 - 55 minutes - 36.2 MB

A recent YouGov survey found that only 30% of Americans overall believe in the American dream and see it as very or somewhat attainable for themselves. It is cliche now to say the American Dream is dead. You can read innumerable articles on the topic.  The surface reasons for the death of the American Dream are obvious, too—rocketing inflation, student loan debt, housing costs, medical costs, income inequality, and endless wars are apparent culprits.  But what if the American Dream wasn’t ...

#99: Ignorance is NOT Bliss! Why Civilizations Degrade Towards Evil & Division.

March 05, 2023 11:00 - 50 minutes - 34 MB

Subscribe for Free: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Examples are everywhere—social media, political soundbites, and cable TV demonstrate that ignorance is trending globally. We have all seen it. It is scary to watch.  Politicians boast, “I’m not a scientist,” or that people are “sick of the so-called experts.” Rather than expertise, lack of experience is explained as a positive thing, better than any credential. Healthy skepticism is important—but denying basic facts of the obvio...

#98: How Protestant Prosperity Gospel Pastors are Killing Christianity

February 27, 2023 20:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MB

Just twenty-two percent of the youngest adults describe themselves as Protestant  –  a more than fifty percent decline from the 1950s and 60s.  A cataclysmic decline if things do not change.   Gen Z is the most likely generation yet to say they don’t believe in God. They are also the least religiously affiliated and the least likely to attend church. Meantime, their rates of depression and anxiety are soaring. The Centers for Disease Control recently published a report stating that “almost...

#97: Beyond Christianity: How the teachings of Jesus Christ apply to everyone.

February 18, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MB

There is no easy way to slice it; religion is a challenging topic. This week we take on one of the most influential spiritual leaders to ever walk the planet earth and, arguably, one of the most influential people in the history of the world. That person is Jesus Christ.  In this episode, we discuss the person, the history, and most importantly, the wisdom to live life to the fullest. If you think this is only for Christians, I would challenge you to listen to this episode and read from the...

#96: Stoicism in the Age of Woke Culture

February 11, 2023 22:00 - 50 minutes - 34 MB

How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself? It is a fair question. It is a tough question.  The 21st century has been labeled as “The Age of Anxiety,” “The United States of Stress,” “The World of Worry,” to name just a few of the unflattering descriptors. The implication is that what we are experiencing—political extremism, deep cultural divisions, pandemics, terrorism, and economic turmoil, existential angst to name just a few.  It’s enough to drive anyone to a bottle o...

#95: The Antidote to Pain and Suffering in our Modern World

February 05, 2023 09:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MB

If there ever was a Donald Trump-like figure in Greek philosophy that evoked both love and hate it is probably Epicurus. He had a legion of fervent followers, but probably had equally as many detractors. Often he is over-simplified down to a person interested in little more than pleasure. This would be a mistake.  In the success-driven, outcomes-obsessed world we live Epicurus is often painted in a negative light. Yet, his approach to life may be a perfect antidote to much of the anger, fru...

#94: How practicing skepticism will make you a powerful thinker

January 27, 2023 22:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MB

One key characteristic of an independent mind is not in what it thinks, but in how it thinks.” This podcast discusses skepticism and the practical application of this ancient philosophy in our modern lives to make us better thinkers.  We go all the way back to Pyrrho, Sextus Empiricus, and other ancient Greek philosophers to look at the emergence of skepticism from around 360 BCE to the 3rd century CE.  Skepticism often gets a bad rap. It is much more than some cooky denying anything, and ...

# 93: "But I just want to be happy..."

January 21, 2023 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

American happiness has reached an all-time low.  I doubt too many are surprised when a random google search on 'happiness in America' yields horrifying results. Right now, America is about as angry, anxiety-riddled, stressed-out, and drugged-up as at any time in our history. In this episode, we deep-dive into Aristotle's monumental work: Nichomachean Ethics.  Specifically, we will break down happiness. What it is and how to achieve it. You will walk away from this episode with incredible i...

#92: Moral Relativism, Culture Wars and the Sophists

January 13, 2023 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

So excited to dive into Sophists in this episode of the Intellectual Freedom Podcast. We will analyze the philosophies and impact the Sophists have had on modern culture. Especially, looking at moral relativism which has reared its head in modern culture with a vengeance.  Moral relativism has set in so deeply that the upper crust of society has become incapable of discerning right from wrong. Everything can be explained away. Life is one great moral mush . Along the way analyzing the So...

#91: Is the Life You are Living REAL?

January 06, 2023 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

We do not like the idea that we are not in control of our life. However, what if the choices we make are an illusion created between those with power and those without?  It is a hard and difficult question to wrestle with. In this podcast episode, we continue our march through the genre known as wisdom literature by analyzing the great philosopher Plato. Specifically, we will be talking about his seminal work The Republic and the powerful and relevant "Allegory of the Cave." Come along t...

#90: Question Everything! Socrates and the path to becoming your best self.

December 29, 2022 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

Us humans are fickle creatures. We are prone to error, bias, irrational emotions and are easily duped.  We need to question everything. This episode analyzes cornerstone philosophical concepts of Socrates.  Socrates, pound for pound, was probably one of the greatest minds ever to walk the planet earth. He challenges us to think deeply and live of life of fulfillment. He lived in the 4th century BC, but his wisdom still strikes at the heart of so many problems in society today.  Through ...

#89: The Mystical Wisdom in Fables

July 08, 2022 12:29 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

“The smaller the mind, the greater the conceit.” Is just one of the great one-liners from the genius Aesop.  This podcast discusses the fables, Aesop, and finding wisdom to navigate an insane world.  Go even deeper by joining the Intellectual Freedom course for free! Website: https://www.daviddhopkins.com/ Newsletter: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

#88: Finding Peace in a Violent and Unsettled World

June 29, 2022 16:43 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MB

Subscribe for free to my wisdom literature talks!   We live in uncertain times. If we understand peace is within us which we can tap into for strength, life changes dramatically. Conversely, if we expect or believe that an external thing, whether a politician, law, job, or material thing from culture will make us happy, we will end up disappointed. Its almost guaranteed. This is just one piece of wisdom we can learn from studying Siddhartha Gautama, more commonly known as the great Buddh...

#87: Tapping into the God Within-The Philosophy of Mencius

June 17, 2022 13:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB

Mencius was a Chinese Confucian philosopher who has often been described as the Second Sage after only Confucius himself. He is part of Confucius’ fourth generation of disciples. Mencius inherited Confucius’ ideology and developed it further. A positive, strong undercurrent moves through his writings we can all embrace—all humans have innate but inborn tendencies toward benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and propriety. He teaches us how to foster the goodness and promote it in our lives, a w...

#86: The Master Sage of China-Confucius

June 10, 2022 12:30 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

In this lesson, you genuinely get a treat! We are studying an intellectual heavyweight considered the pinnacle of Chinese sages. His name is Master Kong, more commonly known as Confucius.Confucius’s teachings and philosophy underpin East Asian culture and society, remaining influential across China and East Asia to this day.Confucius had was obsessed with the practicality of philosophy in both moral and ethical behavior. This lesson we deep-dive into how we can use his sage wisdom in our ever...

#85: Finding ”The Way” in Daoism

June 03, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Laozi was one of the greatest minds to ever live. He wrote the venerable Tao Te Ching meaning "The Classic Way of Virtue." This work is the basis of the long-lost religion of Taoism (also known as 'Daoism' in Chinese), an official religion of China's Tang Dynasty in 500 BCE. The lesson covers the deep philosophical and political influence in humanity that still resonates today. Feel free to join the Intellectual Freedom Course for an even more detailed analysis and dive into Laozi, Daoism, ...

#84: The Wisdom in Indigenous Stories

May 27, 2022 12:29 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

It has been a very tough week, with yet another mass shooting in the United States. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted. I won’t even pretend to understand the pain of loss. It is perfect timing to be evaluating wisdom from indigenous cultures. There is so much we can apply to our current situation. A thriving civilization living, interacting, sacrificing, solving problems, celebrating success, and getting through loss and tragedy together is powerful. A dying civilization is...

#83: The Warrior Ethic

May 20, 2022 13:29 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MB

No one is born with the Warrior Ethic. It is taught through training and discipline. The warrior ethic is for everyone, whether winning on the battlefield or beating inner demons. Learn how to tap into it.  This podcast dives deep into the warrior ethic from our readings in Moral Wisdom Past and Present.  I invite you to listen in to the podcast and join our 100% free Intellectual Freedom Course where we read, study, and discuss some of the greatest wisdom texts to ever be written! https:/...

#82: The Wisdom in Proverbs

May 13, 2022 14:47 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MB

There is so much sound and fury from preening peacocks in the public sphere it takes wisdom to wade through the swamp of BS. The great thing is moral wisdom has been preserved in so many amazing shapes and forms across history. We just have to explore and use it. Proverbs, across many cultures, give us a bedrock of wisdom we can all use every day to stay grounded, make wise decisions, and be effective in all aspects of life. Follow, read, and interact with the wisdom text and podcast by j...

#81: The Wisdom in Customary Laws

May 06, 2022 15:51 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Join our Intellectual Freedom Course. This is lesson 1. We start our study thousands of years ago. The ethics of the tribal traditions, based on custom, found expression in many cultures as customary laws. We are going to study many of the earliest. Website: https://www.daviddhopkins.com/ Newsletter: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow Dr. Hopkins on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidDHopkins

#80: Moral Wisdom Past & Present

May 05, 2022 18:39 - 21 minutes - 15 MB

I'm back after a lengthy respite.  Life can be a winding road, and it was.  Health problems, work projects, etc., et., I don't need to bore you with my details.  However, I am happy to be back!   Every podcast I am now releasing is simultaneously being published on Substack as part of an Intellectual Freedom Course.  I would love to have you subscribe.  https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/  You will get the most out of these podcasts following along the book I am reading from called ...

#79: Talk with Ben Tanner--The Value of Intermittent Fasting

November 12, 2021 14:17 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

Intermittent fasting could be a transformational technique to boost your health.  Ben Tanner, a Physician Assistant, has been counseling patients needing to make lifestyle changes for years.  He discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating fasting into your life style.  You will be amazed how simple it is to take a couple baby steps that can have a huge impact on your health.  Website: https://www.daviddhopkins.com/ Newsletter: https://intellectualfreedom.substack.com/ Follow Dr...

#78: What will your ‘digital legacy‘ be when you die?

October 20, 2021 13:39 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

If you died today, and everything, I mean everything you ever viewed, posted, or commented online, is compiled in a book, how would you be remembered?It is an essential question because, first of all, you will die. And second of all, your digital footprint will be substantial. As a result, many will know more about you from your online impressions than your actions in the real world.No matter what you do or how you do it, you leave a tiny footprint with every action. Those actions will become...

#77: Talk with Deborah Driggs--from cover girl to broke to grace

October 13, 2021 10:24 - 58 minutes - 40 MB

I had the privilege to speak with Deborah Driggs in this podcast. From her start as a Playboy Centerfold and Covergirl to her life as a Screen Actors’ Guild member.  Later, she achieved success by being in the Top 5% in the real estate industry as a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. Deborah Driggs has cleared many hurdles in life. While it may seem like Deborah’s success came easy to her, nothing could be further from the truth. Rather, she has had to overcome a number of serious obsta...

#76: Luxury Beliefs and the Wealthy: Rich, Privileged, and “Friend of the Oppressed”

October 05, 2021 17:24 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

I recently heard a story about a wealthy student on campus. He got busted parking in a handicap-accessible parking spot. His rationale was, ”It‘s not illegal for me to park in handicap spaces.  It only costs $250 if I get caught.  I‘d rather pay the money and not deal with the rain today.” My first thought when I head this is how despicable. There has always been a segment of the wealthy and affluent who believe in their superiority over the rest of society.  It most often manifests itself in...

#75: Interview with Erik Allen

September 29, 2021 13:31 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MB

I had the opportunity to speak with the Top-Rated MMA podcast host, which is the #1 rated podcast in this genre, Erik Allen.  Beyond his success in business, his personal story of perseverance is incredible. From a broken home, beaten by mom‘s boyfriend, jailed at 18, bankrupt by 21, and battled addictions, his life was on a downward spiral quickly. Yet, he had the internal drive and discipline to break the chains of abuse and addiction. Eventually he gave his life to Christ, now married for ...

#74: How to Create Your Ideal Life

September 22, 2021 17:03 - 18 minutes - 13 MB

Fun fact of the day, Gallop conducted a poll and uncovered that out of the world‘s one billion full-time workers, an astronomical 85% are unhappy in their jobs. The usual suspects are present in the survey: domineering boss, annoying colleagues, type of work sucks, the commute, or no opportunity for growth.  We have heard all of these before.  Most of us have experienced them firsthand. In Episode #74 of the podcast, I don‘t discuss shedding one crappy job for another crappy job. Instead, I w...

#73: Confessions of an Ethical Drug Dealer

September 14, 2021 18:44 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MB

I can still see the TV public service announcements in my brain. ”This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs,” as the camera sweeps to an egg sizzling in a frying pan. I was an 80s child, and this was the message we were all taught. It has been 50 years and well over a trillion dollars spent since President Nixon declared war on drugs. Yet, drug problems have intensified and proliferated. In 1973, illegal drug use was largely an American sport; now it is global. The current approach by d...

#72: You are Running Out of Time!

September 08, 2021 13:16 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

Someday is not a day of the week. For the chronic procrastinator, this may come as a surprise.Yes, it is easy to joke about that certain person in your life being ‘time-challenged.‘ Sure, some claim that without the stress of a looming deadline they simply can‘t perform. Some believe they are genetically predisposed to be a procrastinator--its Mom or Dad‘s fault you can‘t hit a deadline or stay focused to get important things done.All of us suffer from procrastination in varying forms. If we ...

#71: Racial Healing-Interview w/ Milagros Phillips

August 31, 2021 20:11 - 1 hour - 44.3 MB

When a conversation turns to issues of race or identity politics things can heat up in a hurry. It doesn‘t have to be that way. The conversation is bigger & more nuanced than over-simplified, snide memes on critical race theory. It is possible to have an honest conversation, move past the emotion and negativity to racial healing if only we will put down the emotions and walls and listen to each other.In Episode #71 of the Intellectual Freedom Podcast, I speak with a 20+ year expert on race an...

#70: The Rise of Psychological Man

August 24, 2021 19:04 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

You need to 'do you' or 'focus on yourself first,' are common statements heard across society today. I recently read an article in the journal Public Discourse by Carl Trueman titled, "The Rise of Psychological Man."It is a good thing to pursue your goals, dreams, and aspirations; however, modern culture is pushing the self-centered focus to an extreme that can have dangerous repercussions for the nation. The traditional mindset values deferring personal ambitions for the family, friends, com...

# 69: Still Beautiful-Interview w/ Kelly Falardeau

August 17, 2021 10:44 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MB

Over 75% of Kelly's body was severely burned in a freak accident when she was two years old. Her life was forever changed at that moment. It led to over 40 painful surgeries.Because her scars were so profound and visible, she was often bullied, shunned, and avoided.  People were uncomfortable around her.  As she grew up, this lead to not feeling wanted, needed, or even loved.  The scars ran deep physically and psychologically. Her story is one of overcoming immense obstacles, but ultimately a...

#68: Know Thyself

August 10, 2021 13:46 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

On the windswept southern face of the Parnassos Mountain in Greece are the remains of the Temple to Apollo at Delphi. In the 7th century BC, it would have been a glorious sight to see. Once carved into stone at this temple were two simple words, "Know Thyself." It is easy to flippantly dismiss the words as we all think, "of course I know myself, I'm a father, mother, brother, sister, with X occupation, etc, etc." Yet, to truly know yourself beyond the image projected to society is not so easy...

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