The Makers Rage Podcast

Darren Koolman

5.0 (1)
BOOKS
UPDATED MONTHLY

A podcast exploring the history of ideas and creativity with topics chosen from the Arts, Sciences, and "everything in between." Upcoming episodes will include the following titles: What Is Enlightenment, Western Canons, Accidental Genius and a series on Muses. Please feel free to suggest topics on IG, Twitter, or Facebook.

JAN 28

Thought Experiments: Relativity and the Quantum

In this episode of The Maker’s Rage, I follow a simple but dangerous question: what happens when we trust our imagination enough to let it challenge reality? Starting with a 16-year-old Einstein riding a beam of light, I explore how thought experiments—humble acts of imagination bound by physical law—reshaped our understanding of space, time, and ultimately reality itself. Along the way, I revisit the great intellectual duels of 20th-century physics: Einstein versus Bohr, relativity versus quantum mechanics, clarity versus strangeness. This isn’t a technical lecture, and it isn’t a victory lap for genius. It’s a human story—of curiosity, doubt, stubbornness, and wonder. I reflect on the communicators who first opened these ideas to me, from Jacob Bronowski to Carl Sagan, and on why scientists kept arguing long after the experiments seemed settled. If you’ve ever felt both thrilled and unsettled by ideas like time dilation, Schrödinger’s cat, or “spooky action at a distance,” this episode is for you. I don’t promise easy answers—only an invitation to think alongside some of the greatest minds who ever tried to understand what kind of universe we’re actually living in. https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

52 min
12/30/2025

Amadeus (2025): Artistic Licence or Cultural Gaslighting?

Amadeus (2025) reignites a cultural fault line: who gets to rewrite history, and who doesn’t. Using the new miniseries as a starting point, I challenge the claim that race-swapping white historical figures is “harmless artistic licence” while similar changes elsewhere are branded as propaganda. https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

8 min
12/29/2025

The Muses: Terpsichore or Dance

In this episode, I turn to Terpsichore, the Muse who delights in dance, to ask a deceptively simple question: what is dance, really? Is it ritual, seduction, discipline, freedom—or something far older than language itself? I trace dance from the ancient Greek chorus and mythic sirens to nightclub chaos at 2 a.m., from courtship rituals in birds to the whirling transcendence of Sufis. Along the way, dance becomes my lens for exploring imitation, sexuality, ritual, power, leisure, and culture itself—how movement encodes who we are long before we can explain it. Drawing on mythology, anthropology, poetry, and music history, I reflect on why dance resists capture, why it survives prohibition, and why it may be the most democratic of all the arts—requiring no instrument other than the body. From cave paintings to TikTok, from metallurgy to choreography, from Yeats to Nietzsche, Terpsichore reveals dance as both primal impulse and refined discipline: the soul clapping its hands and singing. https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

13 min
01/18/2025

New Years Resolutions: Why We Fail

In this episode, I explore why most New Year’s resolutions fail. Happy New Year! :D #NewYearsResolutions #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #Mindfulness #Habits #MakersRagePodcast https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

9 min
12/28/2024

Great Things Series: Christmas

Five and a Half Great Things About Christmas | Maker's Rage Podcast Join Darren in the Maker's Rage podcast as he explores five fascinating aspects of Christmas and one not-so-great aspect in this seasonal episode. Discover the historical, cultural, and mythological roots of Christmas, from its early Christian origins and pagan influences to the traditions of gift-giving, winter festivities, and the commercialization of the holiday. Dive deep into interesting insights about iconic Christmas elements like Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and the celebrated story 'A Christmas Carol.' Like, subscribe, and enjoy a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 00:00 Introduction to the Maker's Rage Podcast 00:47 The Origins of Christmas 02:40 Winter: The First Great Thing About Christmas 03:56 The Heroic Age of Exploration 04:47 The Evolution of Santa Claus 09:34 Giving and Receiving: The Second Great Thing About Christmas 14:34 A Christmas Carol: The Third Great Thing About Christmas 17:29 Pagan Origins: The Fourth Great Thing About Christmas 22:09 Commercialization: The Not So Great Thing About Christmas 25:53 The True Meaning of Christmas 27:28 Personal Reflections and Conclusion https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

28 min
11/27/2024

Western Canons

In this episode of The Makers Rage Podcast, Darren tackles the concept of the Western Canon—a collection of literature, music, philosophy, and art considered essential to Western culture. What makes a work canonical? Who decides? From its origins in religious texts like the Bible to Harold Bloom’s defense of aesthetic greatness, Darren explores how consensus, selection bias, and cultural politics shape our understanding of greatness. This episode examines debates about inclusivity, the evolution of multiculturalism, and the impact of colonization on canon formation. Through engaging analysis of figures like Shakespeare, Dante, and Chopin, Darren explores how canons have been shaped by both tradition and challenge. Canons, Darren argues, are not fixed monuments but evolving dialogues enriched by diverse voices and perspectives. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of what it means to preserve, challenge, and expand our cultural treasures. #WesternCanon #CulturalHeritage #Literature #ArtHistory #Philosophy #MusicHistory #Inclusivity #Multiculturalism #GreatBooks #Podcast https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

36 min
09/25/2024

The Muses: Urania or Astronomy

In this episode of The Makers Rage Podcast, I explore Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, and her influence on the intersection of art, science, and creativity. From ancient beliefs about the music of the spheres to Johannes Kepler’s view of celestial harmonies, I examine how the study of the stars evolved from mystical art to empirical science. I also discuss Urania’s role in poetry, her symbolism through the globe and compass, and the historical significance of constellations, the Zodiac, and astrology. Join me as I trace the fascinating connection between astronomy, philosophy, and mathematics across cultures and eras. https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

20 min
08/14/2024

Great Things Series: The Olympics

Welcome to the new series on the Makers Rage podcast, where we explore "Five and a Half Great Things" that have defined the Olympic Games across history. We’ll journey back to 776 BCE, when the Olympic flame was first lit, and the stadion race marked the beginning of an era. Discover how the games evolved, from the introduction of the pentathlon and hoplitodromos to the creation of the Panhellenic games, uniting Greek city-states in friendly competition. We’ll note the impact of the Roman conquest, which saw the games banned in 394 AD, only to be revived over a thousand years later in 1896. Explore the significance of the Olympic creed, the origins of the marathon, and the ongoing discussions around fairness, including the impact of doping and modern controversies. Join us as we uncover how these traditions have shaped not only sports but also cultural and historical identities across the world. https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

22 min

TRAILER

The Makers Rage Trailer

Trailer for The Makers Rage Podcast on the history of ideas and creativity. Host: DarrenPodcast Title: Makers RageTheme: Exploring the history of ideas, creative impulses, and manifestations in arts and sciences.Inspiration for the title: Wallace Stevens' poem 'An Idea of Order at Key West.'The podcast delves into the innate desire to create, referred to as "the makers rage."Key Points: Defining the Makers Rage:Darren introduces the concept of "the makers rage" as the innate proclivity to create something personal and unique.Describes it as an extension of oneself, voluntarily undertaken, and intrinsically rewarding.Creativity as Play:Expresses the idea that creativity is a form of play, emphasizing its natural connection with children.Highlights the voluntary and rewarding nature of creative endeavors.Title Inspiration: Wallace Stevens' Poem:Discusses the influence of Wallace Stevens' poem on the podcast title.Shares a metaphorical passage from the poem about ordering the words of the sea, connecting it to the drive behind creativity.Purpose of the Podcast:Emphasizes that the podcast isn't a guide on unleashing inner genius or daily creativity tips.Aims to inspire through exploration of various topics and discussions about creative individuals, both living and deceased.Teasing Upcoming Episodes:Previews upcoming episodes with titles such as 'Inspiration,' 'Thought Experiments,' 'What Is Enlightenment,' 'Pacts with the Devil,' 'The Limitations of Human Achievement,' and 'The Hero's Journey.'Mentions a series on the 9 Greek muses.Acknowledging Diversity in Creativity:Challenges the idea that everyone is a Mozart or Da Vinci, celebrating the diversity in creative expression.Notes that creativity is not exclusive to humans and mentions the ingenuity of non-human beings like puffer fish and Bower Birds.Engaging Audience:Encourages audience participation and feedback.Invites listeners to follow the Makers Rage Facebook page and Instagram for clips and updates.Teases the first episode titled "The Makers Rage" where Darren will elaborate on his motivation for starting the podcast. https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

09/27/2023

•

5 min

A podcast exploring the history of ideas and creativity with topics chosen from the Arts, Sciences, and "everything in between." Upcoming episodes will include the following titles: What Is Enlightenment, Western Canons, Accidental Genius and a series on Muses. Please feel free to suggest topics on IG, Twitter, or Facebook.

Creator

Darren Koolman
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

19
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The Makers Rage Podcast
Show Website

The Makers Rage Podcast