The Observing I Podcast
Episodes
097 The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our first episode of 2025, we dive deep into The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick - the sprawling, chaotic, and profoundly philosophical work of one of s...
The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
First episode of 2025, and we're not f*****g around. We're going straight into Philip K. Dick's Exegesis. Eight thousand pages of late-night scrawling...
096 Immanuel Kant, the OG over thinker
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're talking about Immanuel Kant, the philosopher with ideas so big, they’re still shaping how we think centuries later. We tak...
096 Immanuel Kant, the OG over thinker
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're talking about Immanuel Kant, the philosopher with ideas so big, they’re still shaping how we think centuries later. We tak...
095 Living Courageously in the Face of Mortality: A Tribute to Ernest Becker
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring Becker’s central ideas, we uncover how the awareness of mortality shapes human behaviour, fuels creativity, and drives us to seek meaning ...
095 Living Courageously in the Face of Mortality: A Tribute to Ernest Becker
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exploring Becker’s central ideas, we uncover how the awareness of mortality shapes human behaviour, fuels creativity, and drives us to seek meaning ...
094 The Collapse of Time: Dougles Rushkoff and the Age of Present Shock
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He's also one of the few living philosophers that we've covered so far (the other being Alain de Botton, go check out that episode as well).Have you e...
094 The Collapse of Time: Dougles Rushkoff and the Age of Present Shock
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He's also one of the few living philosophers that we've covered so far (the other being Alain de Botton, go check out that episode as well).Have you e...
093 Buer, the Demon of Philosophy
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if a demon could teach you philosophy? In today's episode, we delve into the world of Buer, the Demon of Philosophy, as described in the Ars Goet...
093 Buer, the Demon of Philosophy
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if a demon could teach you philosophy? In today's episode, we delve into the world of Buer, the Demon of Philosophy, as described in the Ars Goet...
092 Minecraft, but it's an Existential Crisis Simulator
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re getting into the voxel world of Minecraft. Far more than just a video game, Minecraft stands as a mirror to the human ex...
092 Minecraft, but it's an Existential Crisis Simulator
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re getting into the voxel world of Minecraft. Far more than just a video game, Minecraft stands as a mirror to the human ex...
091 Why you need a personal philosophy
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to craft a set of beliefs and values that truly reflect who you are? Why is it important in today’s fast-paced, often chaotic worl...
091 Why you need a personal philosophy
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to craft a set of beliefs and values that truly reflect who you are? Why is it important in today’s fast-paced, often chaotic worl...
090 The Problem with Modern Stoicism
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus practiced Stoicism as a guide to ethical living, duty, and interconnectedness, today’s interpretations ...
090 The Problem with Modern Stoicism
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus practiced Stoicism as a guide to ethical living, duty, and interconnectedness, today’s interpretations ...
089 Merkabah Mysticism: Aliens, Magic, and Consciousness
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we delve into the ancient world of Merkabah mysticism. Originally rooted in early Jewish mystical practices, the Merkabah—meanin...
089 Merkabah Mysticism: Aliens, Magic, and Consciousness
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we delve into the ancient world of Merkabah mysticism. Originally rooted in early Jewish mystical practices, the Merkabah—meanin...
088 Every major philosophical ideology in 30 minutes
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're doing a high speed birds-eye view of the major philosophies from the pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales and Pythagoras, through the mi...
088 Every major philosophical ideology in 30 minutes
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're doing a high speed birds-eye view of the major philosophies from the pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales and Pythagoras, through the mi...
087 The Hidden Dangers of the Self Help Industry
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the darker side of self-help culture. While the self-help industry promises growth, success, and happines...
087 The Hidden Dangers of the Self Help Industry
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the darker side of self-help culture. While the self-help industry promises growth, success, and happines...
086 Are you just a product of your mind?
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we'll look at the relationship between thoughts, identity, and self-perception, and the contrasts of Western philosophies, like Descartes' "I t...
086 Are you just a product of your mind?
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we'll look at the relationship between thoughts, identity, and self-perception, and the contrasts of Western philosophies, like Descartes' "I t...
085 Exploring the Dark Tetrad
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’ll break down the four traits that make up this shadowy quartet: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism.But ...
085 Exploring the Dark Tetrad
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’ll break down the four traits that make up this shadowy quartet: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism.But ...
084 Navigating Life with a Narcissist: Essential Strategies
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Narcissists can leave us feeling emotionally drained, manipulated, and doubting our own reality - but it doesn’t have to be this way.Join me as we d...
084 Navigating Life with a Narcissist: Essential Strategies
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Narcissists can leave us feeling emotionally drained, manipulated, and doubting our own reality - but it doesn’t have to be this way.Join me as we d...
083 BONUS: The story of Narcissus
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As you're having to wait until Sunday for the next episode rather than Friday, here's a bonus episode where I tell the Greek myth of Narcissus and Ech...
083 BONUS: The story of Narcissus
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As you're having to wait until Sunday for the next episode rather than Friday, here's a bonus episode where I tell the Greek myth of Narcissus and Ech...
082 Stop Trying so Hard: Lao Tzu and the art of Wu Wei
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how this philosophy invites us to let go of the need to control and force outcomes, and instead, flow with life’s natural rhythms.We’ll d...
082 Stop Trying so Hard: Lao Tzu and the art of Wu Wei
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how this philosophy invites us to let go of the need to control and force outcomes, and instead, flow with life’s natural rhythms.We’ll d...
081 The Coexistence of Dualism and Non-Dualism in Spiritual Thought
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll dive into their philosophical roots, psychological impact, and modern relevance in areas like politics, technology, and menta...
081 The Coexistence of Dualism and Non-Dualism in Spiritual Thought
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll dive into their philosophical roots, psychological impact, and modern relevance in areas like politics, technology, and menta...
080 Why Our Pain Defines Us: A Philosophical Look at Suffering
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From philosophical perspectives like existentialism and Stoicism to modern challenges such as social injustice, mental health, and the impact of techn...
080 Why Our Pain Defines Us: A Philosophical Look at Suffering
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From philosophical perspectives like existentialism and Stoicism to modern challenges such as social injustice, mental health, and the impact of techn...
079 The War for Your Mind: Unraveling Psychological Warfare
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychological warfare isn’t about guns, tanks, or bombs. It’s about winning the war for the mind. It’s the art of influencing thoughts, emotions...
079 The War for Your Mind: Unraveling Psychological Warfare
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychological warfare isn’t about guns, tanks, or bombs. It’s about winning the war for the mind. It’s the art of influencing thoughts, emotions...
078 Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis, and why you want to have sex with your mother
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He’s been called the father of psychoanalysis, the man who brought the unconscious mind to the forefront of our understanding of human behaviour. Hi...
078 Sigmund Freud, Psychoanalysis, and why you want to have sex with your mother
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
He’s been called the father of psychoanalysis, the man who brought the unconscious mind to the forefront of our understanding of human behaviour. Hi...
077 Decoding Carl Jung: Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're getting down into it with Carl Jung. We go on a deep exploration into his psychology, from dream interpretation, the power o...
077 Decoding Carl Jung: Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're getting down into it with Carl Jung. We go on a deep exploration into his psychology, from dream interpretation, the power o...
076 Occultism's influence on Modern Psychology
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we delve into the mysterious intersections between the occult and modern psychology.From the pioneering theories of Sigmund Freud ...
076 Occultism's influence on Modern Psychology
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we delve into the mysterious intersections between the occult and modern psychology.From the pioneering theories of Sigmund Freud ...
075 Cosmic Horror: The Psychology of H.P. Lovecraft
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we embark on a chilling journey into the life and mind of the writer H.P. Lovecraft.We'll explore his personal story and the philo...
075 Cosmic Horror: The Psychology of H.P. Lovecraft
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we embark on a chilling journey into the life and mind of the writer H.P. Lovecraft.We'll explore his personal story and the philo...
074 The Delusional Psychology of Consumerism
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep. Consume. Obey.We'll be looking at its historical roots, exploring the psychology behind our behaviour in relation to it, the role that advertis...
074 The Delusional Psychology of Consumerism
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sleep. Consume. Obey.We'll be looking at its historical roots, exploring the psychology behind our behaviour in relation to it, the role that advertis...
073 Abraham Maslow and his Theory of Human Motivation
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re delving into the life and works of one of the founders of humanistic psychology - Abraham Maslow.We’ll explore his hie...
073 Abraham Maslow and his Theory of Human Motivation
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re delving into the life and works of one of the founders of humanistic psychology - Abraham Maslow.We’ll explore his hie...
072 The Journey to Authentic Self Expression
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the nature of authenticity, delving into what it means to live a true and genuine life.Join us as we unravel t...
072 The Journey to Authentic Self Expression
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the nature of authenticity, delving into what it means to live a true and genuine life.Join us as we unravel t...
071 The Influence of Storytelling on Human Perception
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the ways in which narratives shape our minds, influence our beliefs, and connect us to our cultural heritage.W...
071 The Influence of Storytelling on Human Perception
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the ways in which narratives shape our minds, influence our beliefs, and connect us to our cultural heritage.W...
070 Embrace Your Mess: The Power of Accepting Imperfection
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the world of embracing our imperfections.We’ll look at what it means to be imperfect and what philosoph...
070 Embrace Your Mess: The Power of Accepting Imperfection
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the world of embracing our imperfections.We’ll look at what it means to be imperfect and what philosoph...
069 Find your talent, not your passion
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re challenging that common advice of “follow your passion” and looking at why focusing on your talents instead can lead...
069 Find your talent, not your passion
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re challenging that common advice of “follow your passion” and looking at why focusing on your talents instead can lead...
068 The paradox of Parasocial Relationships
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of parasocial relationships - those emotional connections we form with celebrities, influence...
068 The paradox of Parasocial Relationships
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of parasocial relationships - those emotional connections we form with celebrities, influence...
067 "The Observing I" book has launched
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re going to be taking a deviation from our usual transmission.This Monday, which was a bank holiday for all of you in the UK, a ...
067 "The Observing I" book has launched
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re going to be taking a deviation from our usual transmission.This Monday, which was a bank holiday for all of you in the UK, a ...
066 Beyond the Brain: Understanding Consciousness
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re getting into the esoteric realm of thought and consciousness. What is thought, and how does it shape our experience? Wha...
066 Beyond the Brain: Understanding Consciousness
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re getting into the esoteric realm of thought and consciousness. What is thought, and how does it shape our experience? Wha...
065 The Power of Empathy and Sympathy
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we are getting into the world of empathy and sympathy. These two emotions play crucial roles in our social interactions, relatio...
065 The Power of Empathy and Sympathy
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we are getting into the world of empathy and sympathy. These two emotions play crucial roles in our social interactions, relatio...
064 The modern wisdom of Alain de Botton
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're exploring the world of Alain de Botton, the philosopher who makes old ideas feel fresh. We'll explore how he takes complex c...
064 The modern wisdom of Alain de Botton
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're exploring the world of Alain de Botton, the philosopher who makes old ideas feel fresh. We'll explore how he takes complex c...
063 The Way of Zen: Alan Watts' Legacy
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we delve into the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of one my favourite modern philosophers - Alan Watts. He was an incre...
063 The Way of Zen: Alan Watts' Legacy
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we delve into the life, philosophy, and enduring influence of one my favourite modern philosophers - Alan Watts. He was an incre...
062 The philosophy of Diogenes of Sinope, the man who lived in a jar
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the life and philosophy of the famous cynic Diogenes of Sinope, possibly one of the most eccentric philosopher...
062 The philosophy of Diogenes of Sinope, the man who lived in a jar
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re exploring the life and philosophy of the famous cynic Diogenes of Sinope, possibly one of the most eccentric philosopher...
061 David Hume: The Philosopher who shook the world
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the sceptical world of the 18th Century philosopher David Hume.Hume shook the foundations of science, mor...
061 David Hume: The Philosopher who shook the world
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the sceptical world of the 18th Century philosopher David Hume.Hume shook the foundations of science, mor...
060 Hermes Trismegistus Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We'll explore who this mysterious figure might have been (*clue: it wasn’t Thoth), the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, and how they've shape...
060 Hermes Trismegistus Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We'll explore who this mysterious figure might have been (*clue: it wasn’t Thoth), the core principles of Hermetic philosophy, and how they've shape...
059 The Pursuit of Authenticity: Exploring Nietzsche's Philosophy
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we explore the life and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century thinker who challenged traditional morality and cham...
059 The Pursuit of Authenticity: Exploring Nietzsche's Philosophy
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, we explore the life and philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th-century thinker who challenged traditional morality and cham...
058 Albert Camus, The Stranger, and absurd existentialism
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel lost in a universe that seems indifferent to your existence? This week on The Observing I, we delve into the world of existentialism and the...
058 Albert Camus, The Stranger, and absurd existentialism
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever feel lost in a universe that seems indifferent to your existence? This week on The Observing I, we delve into the world of existentialism and the...
057 A crash course in Stoicism
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for a change in direction.Today marks the first episode in our Philosophical Deep Dives, where I pick a certain school of thought and expl...
057 A crash course in Stoicism
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for a change in direction.Today marks the first episode in our Philosophical Deep Dives, where I pick a certain school of thought and expl...
056 Mastering self control
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m doing my damnedest to help you take control over what can be our biggest adversary - our “self”. I'll be exploring the bene...
056 Mastering self control
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m doing my damnedest to help you take control over what can be our biggest adversary - our “self”. I'll be exploring the bene...
055 Developing a growth mindset
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re getting into the belly of the growth mindset. It’s all about the power of “if I’m consistent and put the effort in, I c...
055 Developing a growth mindset
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re getting into the belly of the growth mindset. It’s all about the power of “if I’m consistent and put the effort in, I c...
054 A deep dive into procrastination
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the topic of procrastination, examining its psychological underpinnings and the effects it has on our mental health, perso...
054 A deep dive into procrastination
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the topic of procrastination, examining its psychological underpinnings and the effects it has on our mental health, perso...
053 Exploring emotional intelligence
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re diving into the depths of emotional intelligence. We’ll explore what it means, give it some philosophical and cultural cont...
053 Exploring emotional intelligence
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re diving into the depths of emotional intelligence. We’ll explore what it means, give it some philosophical and cultural cont...
052 Overcoming the fear of failure
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re going to unravel the fear of failure.We’ll explore its evolutionary and societal roots, its psychological impact, and how i...
052 Overcoming the fear of failure
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re going to unravel the fear of failure.We’ll explore its evolutionary and societal roots, its psychological impact, and how i...
051 Blueprints for Better Habits
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m unpacking the intricacies of habit formation, examining the habit loop's cue-routine-reward structure, and the neuroscience tha...
051 Blueprints for Better Habits
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m unpacking the intricacies of habit formation, examining the habit loop's cue-routine-reward structure, and the neuroscience tha...
050 The philosophy of happiness
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Firstly, it’s episode 50. That feels like a milestone.It also feels like the time since episode one has gone incredibly quickly. I should celebrate,...
050 The philosophy of happiness
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Firstly, it’s episode 50. That feels like a milestone.It also feels like the time since episode one has gone incredibly quickly. I should celebrate,...
049 Holding yourself accountable
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm talking all about accountability.I look at both the philosophical and psychological perspectives of what it means to be accountab...
049 Holding yourself accountable
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm talking all about accountability.I look at both the philosophical and psychological perspectives of what it means to be accountab...
048 Creating your personal manifesto
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re continuing with the theme of supporting your resolutions this year.As part of that, I’m delving into the transformative pow...
048 Creating your personal manifesto
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re continuing with the theme of supporting your resolutions this year.As part of that, I’m delving into the transformative pow...