Smart talk about the stuff that matters most
Who are we? Why are we the way we are? How do we be the best possible versions of ourselves?
The Meaning of Everything is a podcast that explores new insights into our biggest questions and problems. Each week I chat with a person who has an impactful story or perspective and who is also often also a cutting-edge expert in psychology, history, religion, philosophy, science, or culture. Tune in and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of both yourself and your fellow humans, and maybe even be healed, inspired, and set free in the process.
Occasionally I am also entertaining.
Interview episodes air on Mondays and Q&As air on Thursdays. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify or watch on Youtube.
Are you here for the free stuff?
I give away a free book from my own library to one lucky listener every week. See here for a list of the books I like to give away.
Do this to be entered in the giveaway: Go here to write a review of the podcast; Take a screenshot of your review as you write it; email your screenshot to tmoeverything@gmail.com. Then you’ll be permanently entered into the drawing for one of my favorite free books on topics ranging from philosophy to happiness to postmodernism to sex to science to god and more.
#18x: The Problem with Political Correctness
Here’s the notes for episode #18x of The Meaning of Everything show. Frustrated with the debate on political correctness, I discuss what I perceive to be common blind spots on both the right and the left. I take the common ‘left’ view that taking care of others and...
#18: Free Speech and Winning in the Age of Trump with Finbarr Curtis
Here’s the notes for episode #18 of The Meaning of Everything show. Today’s topics: free speech, religious freedom, the decline of civility, and the culture of WINNING in the age of the Trump. What’s wrong with American political discourse today? How did we end up...
#17x: Do you have a Purpose?
Here’s the notes for episode #17x of The Meaning of Everything show. Do you have a purpose in life? Maybe! In today’s episode I take a look at the history of cultural factors that make us all feel like we need to find a “purpose” -- and why it might all be wrong. Be...
#17: Can Contemplative Practice Change the World? with Christopher Carter and Seth Schoen
Here’s the notes for episode #17 of The Meaning of Everything show. Can anyone become less racist? Can we teach people how to treat each other better? I was amazed to learn about the uniquely effective way of tackling racism and various injustices my guests...
16x: Narcissism and Social Media
Here’s the notes for episode #16x of The Meaning of Everything show. They often call us “Generation Me.” We are the generation that is selfish, narcissistic, and obsessed with getting Facebook likes. But why? Why are we this way? In this brief episode, I talk about...
#16: The Toxic Whiteness of Western Religion with Christopher Driscoll
Here’s the notes for episode #16 of The Meaning of Everything show. We usually think of religion as something that makes us good--but what happens when religion is something that enables us to be bad? In this eye-opening episode Professor Christopher Driscoll makes...