Rationalish
84 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsTwo young researchers try to ask the right questions about world events and politics. Episodes every month. Come for the insight, stay for the puns.
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Episodes
73: Nathan Fielder
December 19, 2023 05:29 - 54 minutes - 50.8 MBDeadpan delivery. Monotonal narration. Provocateur. Brilliant cultural critic of postmodern America. Funniest man alive. Sound familiar? Perhaps you are thinking of one the hosts of this podcast. Or perhaps you are thinking of Nathan Fielder, the Canadian who got his start on "This Hour has 22 Minutes" then went onto the Comedy Central show "Nathan For You" then to the bright lights of HBO for "The Rehearsal". Now he's back with a new show: "The Curse" on Showtime. Listen to these two hand...
72: Killers of the Flower Moon
November 02, 2023 04:08 - 1 hour - 80.5 MBYou may be wondering whether this is a movie podcast now. Truth is: We don't know! The important thing is that Martin Scorsese has a new picture out: "Killers of the Flower Moon." It's a formidable film, one that warrants discussion. Please enjoy this conversation between two cinephiles. We reference the following resources in the episode: Martin Scorsese: I Said Marvel Movies Aren’t Cinema. Let Me Explain. Empire's Martin Scorsese Interview 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Sneaks Up on Key...
71: Oppenheimer
August 14, 2023 04:37 - 1 hour - 95.4 MBChristopher Nolan's latest film chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, aka "Father of the Atomic Bomb." Morgan and Eddie, film scholars as they are, reflect on the merits of the film, the life of its protagonist, the oeuvre of Nolan, interspersing witticisms and erudite musings along the way. Some of the materials were reference: Derek Thompson: Oppenheimer: The Genius, the Film, and the Project that Changed the World Adam Nayman: The Sheer Scale of Oppenheimer Like Stories of ...
70: Luddites!
May 17, 2023 03:50 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBIn this episode, your two favorite researchers talk about the Writers Guild of America's strike and some shocking comparisons to the Luddites, courtesy of The Atlantic: The Luddites of Hollywood - Gavin Mueller
69: How to Build a City
May 03, 2023 03:06 - 58 minutes - 54.1 MBIn this episode, our two favorite young researchers discuss how to improve cities through great ideas that are not widespread but should be. We talk about how to diversify police forces, intergenerational housing, proportional representation, publicly funded arts programs and many more ideas. Here are some pieces we reference: NY Times: Ireland Asks: What if Artists Could Ditch Their Day Jobs? PBS: Dutch nursing home offers rent-free housing to students
68: ChatGPT
February 03, 2023 06:04 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBI was too lazy to write cheeky show notes for this episode, so instead I asked ChatGPT (a machine-learning Artificial Intelligence) to write it for me. Here's what the AI wrote: "In today's episode, we have two brilliant young researchers who have taken it upon themselves to uncover the mystery behind ChatGPT, the language model of the future. After much research and deep diving into the vast expanse of the internet, they have finally discovered the truth about ChatGPT. It's not just a simp...
67: The Black List
January 22, 2023 07:17 - 53 minutes - 49.9 MBEver wonder how film executives find their material? Well, here's a peak behind the curtain. "The Black List" is a compilation of screenplays that are the most-mentioned by film executives. Three hundred film executives to be exact. Turns out, executives might have bad taste. Or maybe it's just really hard to write a great screenplay. Who knows. Gotta say, our socks were not blown off by the plot synopses of these films. But there were some gems. In this episode, Morgan and Eddie choose th...
66: Anecdotal Evidence
December 29, 2022 20:24 - 27 minutes - 25.7 MBNot all evidence is created equal. But in conversation it can appear that way.... In this episode we explore why anecdotal evidence is so appealing to people and how narrative and emotion speaks to human reasoning more than data and cold hard facts. We discuss the following article by Jens Eger, Sebastian H. Schneider, Martin Bruder and Solveig H. Gleser: Does Evidence Matter? The Impact of Evidence Regarding Aid Effectiveness on Attitudes Towards Aid And we quote the Wikipedia highligh...
65: Andor (Yeah - AGAIN)
December 19, 2022 02:56 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBI anticipate your eye-rolls and sighs of disgust. I get it. You don't think the world needs more Star Wars. Well -- turns out you are WRONG. This show rocks. It's the best thing on TV. 'Andor' is ten episodes of narrative perfection and exhilarating storytelling. Acting is pitch perfect. The scenes are shot on-location; the dialogue is whip-smart. Withhold your judgment until you watch the first episode. Then, the second one will begin and before you realize it, ten hours of your life will...
64: World Cup
December 04, 2022 04:20 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBThe World Cup is currently being played in Qatar, a country completely undeserving to host the event given that a reported 6,000 migrant workers died to build its stadiums. Also, they criminalized homosexuality. Also, they are terrible at soccer. And yet, here we are with the most important tournament being held in Doha. In this episode, we discuss Team USA's performance in the group stage and against Netherlands in the round of 16. We discuss the courage of the Iranian players as they dem...
63: 'The Banshees of Inisherin' PLUS 'Andor'
November 14, 2022 03:01 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBWhat's that? You couldn't wait for Morgan and Eddie to break down the new Martin McDonagh flick? Well you are in luck, mister! And we threw in a littel 'Andor' because it's the best thing to grace the small screen since 'Succession.' Morgan and Eddie descend into a civil war of friendship set on a remote Irish island. Will we leave with our hands? Will Morgan want to quit our friendship to focus more on his arty obsessions? It remains to be seen. At the end of the episode, we chat about t...
62: Qatar
October 18, 2022 04:10 - 41 minutes - 38.7 MBQatar is hosting the World Cup next month, human rights abuses be damned. In this episode, we discuss how human atrocities can happen in broad daylight as the Qatari regime bribed their way to hosting the 2022 World Cup. We discuss the term "sportswashing" and how authoritarian governments use a beloved sporting event to promote themselves, attract investors, or bury a negative reputation. We cover these two Guardian articles in this episode: Qatar World Cup accused of imposing ‘chilling’...
61: Formula 1 Check-in
September 19, 2022 02:13 - 35 minutes - 33.2 MBWe're about midway through the Formula 1 season. You must be wondering what's going on. You must be wondering what Morgan and I make of the Red Bull dominance and the Mercedes acquiescence. The Ferrari blunders and the Danny Ric/McLaren situation. Well, we touch on each of these in a crisp 35 minutes. Enjoy.
60: Nuclear Energy
July 26, 2022 01:51 - 37 minutes - 34.9 MBIn 2025, Diablo Canyon Power Plant on the central coast of California is scheduled to go off-line. Have we given up too soon on nuclear energy? We debate the dividends and drawbacks of nuclear power as a means of combatting climate change and kicking that nasty fossil fuel habit once and for all! In this episode, we discuss this insightful article by Ivan Penn: Nuclear Power Gets New Push in U.S., Winning Converts We also discuss this helpful video from Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell: Do we...
59: The Big Lebowski
June 08, 2022 17:52 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MBVietnam vets. German Nihilists. White Russians. Dance quintets. Kidnap. Ransom. Gulf War. The 1998 Coen Brothers' film "The Big Lebowski" has it all. This is one of the greatest American films ever made (but that's just, like, my opinion man). We analyze this absurdly entertaining film through the lens of the Gulf War, which is frequently referenced throughout the film, though often in the background. With this episode, we offer our humble contribution to the burgeoning field of Lebowski Stu...
58: Formula 1
May 06, 2022 03:59 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MBFast cars. Big money. International locations. Netflix. No, I am not talking about my personal life, I am talking about the competitive motorsport Formula 1. In this episode, we break down what this sport is and why you should watch it. We talk "Drive to Survive" and discuss all the recent drama. We make predictions and speculate. Join the fun.
57: Twilight Zone
April 25, 2022 01:41 - 42 minutes - 39.5 MB[Read the following sentences in the iconic tone of Twilight Zone narrator Rod Serling]: Are you aware of the fifth dimension? That of imagination? The place where 'The Twilight Zone' resides? In this episode, we discuss "The Monsters Are Due On Maple Street," an episode from the first season of 'The Twilight Zone,' an episode where aliens invade and need to only cut the lights for a few hours for families on a quiet suburban street to turn into violent factions.
56: Vonnegut
April 11, 2022 04:54 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBIf you had control of the world’s most powerful force, how would you use it? In this literary escapade, Morgan and Eddie discuss Kurt Vonnegut’s short story “Report on the Barnhouse Effect.” It’s a story about a “superweapon with a conscience.” Does it have espionage? Yes it does. Dynamopsychism? You bet. Bored thesis advisors? Sure thing. On this episode we ask the big questions. Here's a link to the letter Kurt Vonnegut wrote to his family, which is mentioned in the episode: Vonnegut Let...
55: History's Velocity
March 17, 2022 04:58 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBIs history linear? Are we making incremental improvements that are bettering humankind? Or are we repeating the same mistakes in an unending cycle? Morgan and Eddie answer all the big questions once and for all in this definitive episode. Listen to these young lads discuss Francis Fukuyama's theory of the "End of History" as well as what the great works of literature have to say on this question. Some background that was helpful for the hosts in framing this idea: History as a linear or a...
55: The End of History?
March 17, 2022 04:58 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBIs history linear? Are we making incremental improvements that are bettering humankind? Or are we repeating the same mistakes in an unending cycle? Morgan and Eddie answer all the big questions once and for all in this definitive episode. Listen to these young lads discuss Francis Fukuyama's theory of the "End of History" as well as what the great works of literature have to say on this question. Some background that was helpful for the hosts in framing this idea: History as a linear or a...
54: Ukraine
February 27, 2022 20:13 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBUkraine is being invaded by Russia under Vladimir Putin's dictatorship. We invited Dr. Allyson Edwards, Teaching Fellow at Warwick University, to discuss Putin's rise to power, the formation of Russian democracy in the 1990s, it's dissolution under Putin, and the historic myth-making of Russia's military that led to this moment. We cover the resilience of the Ukrainian people and mention several important voices to follow who are reporting on this war. The Guardian's reporting on Ukraine wa...
53: In Bruges
February 21, 2022 04:52 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MBIn 2008, British playwright Martin McDonagh released his first feature-length film ... and the world was never the same. Or, at least, Morgan and Eddie's world was never the same. Listen to an episode where they recount their favorite movie, one that chronicles the time two hitmen spent a Christmas weekend hiding out in Bruges, Belgium, waiting for the wrath of their boss and the atonement for their crimes.
52: Enneagram
February 10, 2022 03:15 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBWhat's the Enneagram, you ask? Well, it's a method for interpreting human personality. And it tracks (in my opinion, Eddie speaking here). In this episode, we give the rundown of the nine Enneagram "types" and the attributes of each, while doing a deep dive on Types 3, 4, and 5. Maybe you have that weird uncle who always starts conflicts and no one knows why and you just think he's crazy. Or maybe he's an unhealthy Type 8 and gets energy from conflict. Listen to learn more.... Here are some...
51: German Election
December 11, 2021 03:26 - 42 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode, Dr. Niko Switek joins us to discuss the transition of power Germany is currently experiencing. After 16 years of Angela Merkel as German Chancellor, there's a new sheriff in town, Olaf Scholz, with a new coalition government. Dr. Switek is an expert in Germany's green party and gives us some background on what this election means for the future of Germany. So grab your nearest Schnitzel or Bratwurst or Käsespätzle and settle in for a scholarly discussion.
50: Metaverse
November 11, 2021 03:01 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MBIn this episode, Morgan and Eddie discuss Facebook's rebrand as "Meta" a company that is seeking to create the next iteration of the internet, which they call the "metaverse." If you're as scared about Mark Zuckerberg being on the frontlines of the next wave of tech innovation, then you're in good company. We discuss the implications of what this means for society and for technology. We read and referenced the following article, which gives a good recap of what Meta is and what this could po...
49: Ross Ulbricht, Libertarianism, and the Silk Road
September 18, 2021 23:07 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBDrawing off an excellent article from Joshuah Bearman, Eddie and Morgan welcome special guest Carson Wack onto the podcast to discuss the trials and tribulations involved in Ross Ulbricht's development of the Silk Road. Along they way they touch on details about libertarianism, morality on the internet, and ... Solyndra?
49: The Silk Road
September 18, 2021 23:07 - 1 hour - 59.7 MBDrawing off an excellent article from Joshuah Bearman, Eddie and Morgan welcome special guest Carson Wack onto the podcast to discuss the trials and tribulations involved in Ross Ulbricht's development of the Silk Road. Along they way they touch on details about libertarianism, morality on the internet, and ... Solyndra?
48: "America Has a Drinking Problem"
June 11, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 74.1 MBIs drinking heavily an American phenomenon? No. Is drinking alone an American phenomenon? Perhaps. Morgan and Eddie discuss The Atlantic article titled "America Has a Drinking Problem", an essay that walks us through the historical use of alcohol as a socialization tool. They also discuss the 2020 Academy Award-nominated Danish film "Another Round", a movie with a fascinating premise where four middle-aged friends test out a Norwegian philosopher's theory that mankind was born with a BAC tha...
47: John Rabe
May 21, 2021 09:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBMusician and composer Jonny Pickett joins the podcast to tell the story behind his new album "Made in China." During the episode he tells the story behind the last song on the album, "John Rabe", named for a Nazi living in China during WWII who saved approximately 200,000 lives during a massacre by the Japanese army. Listen to the song here: John Rabe You can support Jonny's music here: Patreon
46: Gentrification
February 16, 2021 06:21 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBMorgan and Eddie speak with special guest and Portland resident/aficionado Tyler Green about gentrification and its impact on parks, businesses, and the local community.
45: Future of American Politics
January 31, 2021 18:40 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBMorgan and Eddie reflect on Trumpism and political activism and the implications this holds for American democracy moving forward.
44: Epigenetics and Vaccines
January 05, 2021 20:42 - 40 minutes - 37.8 MBEddie and Morgan are joined by Stanford immunology PhD student Hunter Martinez to discuss epigentics, vaccines, and collaboration in academia.
43: Fermi Paradox
December 15, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBThere are plenty of seemingly inhabitable planets, so why no evidence of other life? On this episode, Morgan and Eddie discuss the Fermi Paradox.
42: Election Reflection
November 23, 2020 10:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBJoe Biden won. And so did Mitch McConnell. So now Morgan and Eddie have to deal with what this means.
41: Academia
October 08, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBIn this episode, Morgan and Eddie talk about something they love; something they don't quite understand; something profoundly dysfunctional. No, this is not a reference to Morgan's high school dating life, rather, it is a reference to the beloved field of academia. They talk about what's wrong with the industry, how it exploits young people, and why it's worth redeeming. Support the show (https://twitter.com/rationalishpod)
41: Academia
October 08, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 48.1 MBMorgan and Eddie talk about academia, something they love like a relative they can't get rid of.
40: Effective Altruism
September 29, 2020 05:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBMorgan's sister, Demi, describes the hyper-rational Effective Altruism movement.
39: Online Gaming
August 30, 2020 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWe found a teenager to explain online gaming to us two has-been's.
38: Panama Papers
July 03, 2020 09:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBWhat happens when there is the biggest financial data leak in history? Listen to find out...
37: Conspiracy Theories
May 27, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBMorgan and Eddie discuss some of their favorite conspiracy theories. Turns out we only like the ones that don't hurt people, so that's nice. Get ready to hear about some Bigfoot sightings and Concave Earth theories... Support the show (https://twitter.com/rationalishpod)
37: Conspiracy Theories
May 27, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBEveryone has a soft spot for some conspiracy theory. Morgan & Eddie share theirs.
36: Debrief - Virtual Environmentalism
April 28, 2020 23:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBWhat is virtual environmentalism? Could it help with climate change? Listen & find out...
35: North(?) Macedonia
April 15, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBWhat is the rightful name of the country north of Greece? Listen to this episode to find out...
35: North(?) Macedonia
April 15, 2020 09:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBIn this very special episode, we invited their resident Macedonian, Nela, to come shed light on the dispute surrounding the name of her home country. Morgan, hailing as he does from the olive oil soaked fields of Greece, was keen to understand the etymological turmoil surrounding his homeland and Nela's. Support the show (https://twitter.com/rationalishpod)
34: More Online Dating
April 10, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBIn this episode, you get: a story of Tinder love, an update on Eddie's love life, and a memorable song.
33: Debrief - Working from Home
March 19, 2020 15:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBMorgan and Eddie discuss what we might learn from millions of Americans working from home.
32: Debrief - Tories
February 28, 2020 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBLearn how the Tory Party's free-wheeling style leads to victory in the U.K.
32: Debrief - Tories
February 28, 2020 16:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBBoris Johnson's Tory Party won big in the election last December because he seems to largely stick to the playbook. So what is the playbook? In this episode, Morgan and Eddie discuss the champaign-drinking, bridge-playing, history-making success of Britain's Tory party. Each of these adjectives was inspired by the following article which we debrief in the episode: The Economist - Britain’s Tories are the world’s most successful party. Here’s why Support the show (https://twitter.com/ratio...
31: CRISPR
February 21, 2020 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBMorgan and Eddie talk about CRISPR and why it's a BIG DEAL.
30: Secularization
February 07, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 44.7 MBIs America getting less religious? Listen to this episode to find out...