The Great Dangerous Books Podcast

gdbookspodcast
  • 4.9 (18)
  • PHILOSOPHY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Great Dangerous Books Podcast is hosted by Dr. Jim Madden and Dr. Jared Zimmerer. Both Jim and Jared have a deep interest in philosophy, psycho-analysis, metaphysics, religion, martial arts, fitness, and anything weird. This show is dedicated to reading and discussing many of the works often deemed dangerous to analyze them on their own terms within the Great Books tradition. What started off as Jim and Jared’s weekly front porch coffee conversations is now being recorded. You’ve been warned. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheGreatDangerousBooksPodcast

  1. FEB 10

    Nietzsche: On the Use and Abuse of History for Life

    In this conversation, Jim and Jared delve into Nietzsche's perspectives on historical consciousness in his essay, 'On the Use and Abuse of History for Life.' The dialogue emphasizes the importance of balancing different types of historical narratives—monumental, antiquarian, and critical—and the implications of these perspectives for cultural innovation and action. The conversation also touches on the dangers of nostalgia and the need for a nuanced understanding of cultural heroes and their legacies.

    46 min

  2. JAN 26

    Nietzsche's "On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense"

    In this episode, Jared and Jim return from a hiatus to discuss their favorite episodes, current readings, and delve into Nietzsche's philosophy, particularly his essay 'On Truth and Lie in an Extra-Moral Sense.' They explore themes of truth, deception, the nature of knowledge, and the role of language and metaphor in understanding reality. The conversation highlights the importance of idiosyncratic experiences and critiques modernity's tendency to suppress individuality and creativity.   https://dn790002.ca.archive.org/0/items/NietzscheTruthLiesInANonmoralSense1873/Nietzsche%20-%20Truth%20%26%20Lies%20in%20a%20Nonmoral%20Sense%20%281873%29.pdf

    49 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    The Illusion of War: Baudrillard's Insights

    (This is a special release of an episode we did for our Patreon Supporters)  In this episode, Jared and Jim discuss the implications of Jean Baudrillard's essays on the Gulf War, exploring themes of media representation, simulation, and the impact of capitalism on our perception of reality. They delve into how media shapes our understanding of events, the nature of identity in the age of social media, and the consequences of living in a world dominated by images and brands. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the constructed nature of our realities and the need for critical engagement with the narratives presented to us.

    1h 1m

  4. 12/08/2025

    Erich Fromm's Mechanisms for Escape

    In this conversation, Jim and Jared continue Fromm's 'Escape from Freedom,' focusing on the mechanisms of escape that individuals employ in response to the anxiety of freedom. They explore themes of authoritarianism, destructiveness, and conformity, discussing how these mechanisms manifest in modern society and impact individual identity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding meaningful work and community as a way to counteract the hypnotic influences of consumerism and societal pressures.

    51 min

  5. 12/01/2025

    Can We Really Be Free?: Fromm's "Escape" Part One

    In this episode, Jim and Jared dive into Eric Fromm's 'Escape from Freedom', exploring the complex relationship between freedom and authority in modern society. They discuss the historical context of modernity, the psychological implications of authoritarianism, and the impact of capitalism on human relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the need for meaningful work and community in navigating the challenges of freedom.

    56 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Fantasy and The Real: Mindhunter

    In this episode, Jim and Jared delve into the complexities of narratives surrounding violence, particularly focusing on figures like Charles Manson. They explore the themes of authenticity, the role of environment in shaping behavior, and the blurred lines between good and evil in society. Through the lens of the TV show Mindhunter, they analyze the psychology of serial killers and the societal implications of their actions, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the narratives we construct around it.

    58 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    The Alienation of Oedipus

    In this conversation, Jim and Jared explore the themes of alienation and human subjectivity through the lens of Oedipus at Colonus. They discuss how Oedipus's acknowledgment of his crimes allows him to reflect on his actions, highlighting the complex relationship between identity and wrongdoing.

    44 min

  8. 10/25/2025

    Law vs. Love: The Antigone Dilemma

    In this conversation, Jim and Jared continue to dive into Sophocles' trilogy with 'Antigone', exploring its themes of law, passion, and the human condition. They discuss the tragic arc of Antigone and Creon, contrasting interpretations from Hegel and Lacan, and the implications of the death drive in Antigone's rebellion. The conversation highlights the contradictions inherent in law and passion, and the interplay of Eros and Thanatos in the narrative, ultimately reflecting on the unresolved tensions within the play and its relevance to contemporary issues.

    40 min
See All (28)

4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The Great Dangerous Books Podcast is hosted by Dr. Jim Madden and Dr. Jared Zimmerer. Both Jim and Jared have a deep interest in philosophy, psycho-analysis, metaphysics, religion, martial arts, fitness, and anything weird. This show is dedicated to reading and discussing many of the works often deemed dangerous to analyze them on their own terms within the Great Books tradition. What started off as Jim and Jared’s weekly front porch coffee conversations is now being recorded. You’ve been warned. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/c/TheGreatDangerousBooksPodcast

Information

You Might Also Like