Beyond The Surface

Mo Solomon
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  • SOCIAL SCIENCES

Welcome to Beyond The Surface 🎙️ A space where we slow down, think deeper, and explore the parts of life we usually rush past. Philosophy, psychology, mental health, identity and all the things that shape us, quietly or loudly. I’m Mohammad, and I’m here to have the conversations I’ve always looked for but rarely found… I’ve always been drawn to depth; in people, in ideas, in the way we use language to show who we are. But expressing that depth hasn’t always been easy. I grew up moving between languages and cultures, and each one brings out a different version of me. Arabic, English, Turkish… sometimes they feel like superpowers, and other times they feel like weight I have to carry. But they’ve all shaped the way I think, the way I feel, and the way I try to make sense of the world. Like many of you, I’ve spent years trying to understand not just who I am, but how to be. How to speak up. How to stay curious. How to believe in something without losing myself in the noise around me. And honestly, I’m still figuring it out (:  This podcast isn’t about pretending I have the answers. It’s about exploring the questions that actually matter !!! purpose, identity, emotion, language, fear, growth and seeing what we can learn along the way. It’s about being honest, even when it’s messy. It’s about going deeper than the small talk we’re all tired of. I’ve struggled with articulation, with self-doubt, with the pressure of cultural expectations. I’ve felt torn between worlds, and sometimes even between versions of myself. But every struggle has pushed me a little closer to clarity and to courage. So if you’re someone who sometimes overthinks, who feels caught between cultures or ideas, who wants meaning but refuses to lose your authenticity; trust me, you’re in the right place. This is where we begin. Not with perfection. Not with certainty. But with honesty and a willingness to go beyond the surface 😊🤓

  1. Beyond The Inherited Definitions: Conformity

    5D AGO

    Beyond The Inherited Definitions: Conformity

    For Feedbacks We inherit more than eye color and last names.  We inherit definitions. Definitions of success.  Of morality.  Of masculinity and femininity.  Of obedience.  Of what is “normal.”  Of what is “right.” But what if many of these definitions were never truly ours? In this episode of Beyond The Surface, we go beyond the inherited definitions that quietly shape our identities and decisions. Through some of the most famous psychological experiments in history, we explore how easily human perception, morality, and behavior can be influenced by group pressure, authority, and assigned roles. We’ll reflect on: Conformity and the power of the group — inspired by the experiments of Solomon AschObedience to authority — through the controversial work of Stanley MilgramThe psychology of roles and power — examined in the Stanford Prison Experiment led by Philip ZimbardoIf ordinary people can conform, obey, and transform under pressure…  How much of what we call “our personality” is truly chosen? There's insightful breakdowns by Vsauce (Michael Stevens), whose videos beautifully unpack these psychological experiments and their implications. Recommended videos: Conformity (Asch Experiment) – https://youtu.be/fbyIYXEu-nQ?si=wnH9XrfMrbvIIwzQ Obedience to Authority (Milgram Experiment) – https://youtu.be/vuMt8b4UrcI?si=NCJvUtfhUtnIeOgl Stanford Prison Experiment – https://youtu.be/KND_bBDE8RQ?si=sAOWf9j9j-RyR2M_This episode is not about judging the past.  It’s about questioning what we’ve quietly accepted... Because sometimes growth begins when we ask:  Who defined this for me? Support the show

    18 min
  2. Why do we dream ? | Episode 3

    12/16/2025

    Why do we dream ? | Episode 3

    For Feedbacks What happens to consciousness when we fall asleep?  And why does the mind keep creating stories when the body is at rest? In this episode, we explore dreaming as one of the most mysterious expressions of consciousness. From vivid narratives to fragmented images, dreams reveal a version of the mind that feels both familiar and completely foreign.. We talk about what dreams might tell us about awareness, identity, memory, and the unconscious; and whether dreaming is a different state of consciousness or simply consciousness without external limits ? Rather than searching for definitive answers, this episode invites curiosity. Because maybe dreams aren’t meant to be solved. Only experienced. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at (muhamoet4@gmail.com) Support the show

    22 min
  3. Do we have free will ? | Episode 2

    12/12/2025

    Do we have free will ? | Episode 2

    For Feedbacks In this second episode of our mind series, we explore one of the most debated questions in human thought: How much of our “free will” is actually ours? From the shaping force of our upbringing to the subtle expectations of society, we reflect on how environments sculpt our choices long before we’re aware of them. We discuss Robert Sapolsky’s provocative challenge to free will; drawing from his book Determined, and contrast it with Daniel Dennett’s more hopeful, compatibilist view... Together, these perspectives open a deeper conversation about agency, responsibility, and the invisible threads that guide our decisions. Rather than offering a final answer, this episode invites you to rethink what it truly means to choose 🙌 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at (muhamoet4@gmail.com) Support the show

    37 min
  4. Are we really conscious ? | Episode 1

    12/09/2025

    Are we really conscious ? | Episode 1

    For Feedbacks In this first episode of our three-part series on consciousness, we open the door to one of the oldest and most mysterious questions humans have ever asked: What does it really mean to be aware? Together, we explore the layers of the conscious and unconscious mind, how our perceptions are shaped, and why understanding our inner world matters more than we think. This isn’t a lecture; it’s a gentle, reflective conversation, grounded in philosophy, psychology, and some neuroscience. Whether you’re here to question everything or simply to understand yourself a little better, this episode sets the foundation for a deeper journey. The next two episodes will take us further beneath the surface 🙌 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at (muhamoet4@gmail.com) Support the show

    35 min
  5. Why can't we read anymore ?

    12/04/2025

    Why can't we read anymore ?

    For Feedbacks In this episode, we dive into a question almost everyone quietly asks themselves: why is reading becoming so hard? We explore it from every angle ; from the history of how humans first started reading, to how our brains evolved with storytelling, to the modern distractions that pull our attention in a hundred different directions... We talk about how technology reshaped our reading habits, how the paradox of choice leaves us overwhelmed before we even pick up a book, and why deep reading feels almost impossible in an age of endless notifications. We even look at the cultural shifts, the psychology behind attention, and how reading used to be a slow, communal act rather than a productivity goal.  This episode isn’t a preachy READ MORE lecture; it’s a journey. A colorful one. A mix of history, a bit of science, personal reflection, and honest conversation about the state of our minds today. If you’ve ever wondered why you can binge a 3 hour podcast but struggle to read 3 pages, this one will make you feel seen 😊 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at (muhamoet4@gmail.com) Support the show

    26 min
  6. Why do humans talk? And what does our language say about us?

    12/01/2025

    Why do humans talk? And what does our language say about us?

    For Feedbacks Language is one of the most human things about us; but we rarely stop to think about how it actually works. In this episode, we explore language from every angle: how writing changed the way we think, how our biology shaped the way we tell stories, and how culture, identity, and even power are woven into the words we use every day. We touch on the big ideas from linguistics in simple, human language; how children learn to speak, why every language has its own rhythm, and why multilingual people sometimes feel like different versions of themselves. We also talk about storytelling, memory, and the invisible rules our brains follow whenever we speak. If you’ve ever wondered why language feels so natural yet so complicated, or how it shapes the person you’ve become, this episode is for you 🫶🏿 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at (muhamoet4@gmail.com) Support the show

    28 min
  7. What does it mean to be human ?

    11/29/2025

    What does it mean to be human ?

    For Feedbacks In this episode of Beyond The Surface, we explore one of the oldest and most intimate questions: What does it actually mean to be human? Not in a philosophical textbook sense; but in a real, lived, everyday way... We talk about self-awareness, deep emotions, the messiness of being alive, and that quiet inner tension W.E.B. Du Bois once called double consciousness  'The feeling of seeing yourself through your own eyes and the world’s eyes at the same time.' From the beauty of vulnerability to the weight of insecurity, from identity to connection, this episode is an invitation to reflect on the parts of ourselves we often ignore. It’s honest, grounded, and rooted in real human experience. If you’ve ever paused for a second and wondered who you are beneath all the roles, expectations, and noise; This conversation is for you 🫶🏿 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at (muhamoet4@gmail.com) Support the show

    27 min
  8. Alone Together “ The New Communication Crisis “

    11/17/2025

    Alone Together “ The New Communication Crisis “

    For Feedbacks In this episode of Beyond The Surface, we dive into how social media is quietly reshaping the way we talk, listen, and connect. From the illusion of “being connected” to the rise of shallow conversations, we unpack the subtle shifts happening in our communication today. Drawing on Sherry Turkle’s powerful insights and Paul Grice’s conversational maxims, we explore why our interactions feel more fragmented, why attention has become a rare currency, and how digital habits influence the quality of our relationships. Together, we break down the psychology, the philosophy, and the real-life consequences of living in a world where online presence often replaces genuine presence. Whether you’re a creator, a thinker, or just someone trying to communicate better, this episode will make you rethink the way you talk to the people you care about... If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give us a 5-star review and follow Beyond The Surface for more deep and thought-provoking conversations. Your support helps us grow and bring you even better content 😊  I'd love to hear what you think; feel free to reach out at muhamoet4@gmail.com Support the show

    29 min
See All (28)

About

Welcome to Beyond The Surface 🎙️ A space where we slow down, think deeper, and explore the parts of life we usually rush past. Philosophy, psychology, mental health, identity and all the things that shape us, quietly or loudly. I’m Mohammad, and I’m here to have the conversations I’ve always looked for but rarely found… I’ve always been drawn to depth; in people, in ideas, in the way we use language to show who we are. But expressing that depth hasn’t always been easy. I grew up moving between languages and cultures, and each one brings out a different version of me. Arabic, English, Turkish… sometimes they feel like superpowers, and other times they feel like weight I have to carry. But they’ve all shaped the way I think, the way I feel, and the way I try to make sense of the world. Like many of you, I’ve spent years trying to understand not just who I am, but how to be. How to speak up. How to stay curious. How to believe in something without losing myself in the noise around me. And honestly, I’m still figuring it out (:  This podcast isn’t about pretending I have the answers. It’s about exploring the questions that actually matter !!! purpose, identity, emotion, language, fear, growth and seeing what we can learn along the way. It’s about being honest, even when it’s messy. It’s about going deeper than the small talk we’re all tired of. I’ve struggled with articulation, with self-doubt, with the pressure of cultural expectations. I’ve felt torn between worlds, and sometimes even between versions of myself. But every struggle has pushed me a little closer to clarity and to courage. So if you’re someone who sometimes overthinks, who feels caught between cultures or ideas, who wants meaning but refuses to lose your authenticity; trust me, you’re in the right place. This is where we begin. Not with perfection. Not with certainty. But with honesty and a willingness to go beyond the surface 😊🤓

Information

  • Creator
    Mo Solomon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The Surface
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Surface