Feasts of Reason

Matt Ward
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Philosophy

Lively, respectful discussions even when, especially when, there's disagreement. No shouting, no talking over each other, no straw man or ad hoc arguments. Reason baby, it's what's for dinner! To learn more about New Atenism please visit our website,

  1. 1d ago

    Can We Really Think for Ourselves? | Damien Dubose

    Can We Really Think for Ourselves? | Damien Dubose How much of what we believe comes from independent thought—and how much is shaped by personality, culture, institutions, and the people around us? Damien Dubose, author of America’s Ethical Archetype and host of the iNTv podcast, joins me to explore the relationship between personality, philosophy, and individualism. Drawing on Carl Jung, Ayn Rand, and theories of adult development, Damien argues for a society built around rational, self-directed individuals. We explore Jung and personality types, the limits of individual reasoning, the difference between consensus and collective knowledge, the role of education, individual rights and government, and whether stronger individuals or stronger institutions are ultimately the better path to human progress. Along the way, we find some real areas of agreement—and some important differences over just how much faith we should place in our ability to reason for ourselves. For information about Damien go to https://damientdubose.com/

  2. Aug 3

    How Did Matter Learn to Care? | Jeremy Sherman on Consciousness, Meaning & Emergence

    If the universe is just matter and energy, where do meaning, purpose, and consciousness come from? In this episode of Feasts of Reason, biophilosopher Jeremy Sherman joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about one of philosophy and science's biggest questions: how "mattering" emerges from matter. We explore the origins of interpretation, the nature of the self, free will, consciousness, religion, and why humans are so remarkably good at fooling themselves. Rather than debating slogans, we examine where the evidence ends, where interpretation begins, and what it means to live thoughtfully in a world still full of unanswered questions. Topics include: How meaning emerges from chemistryConsciousness and the hard problemMaterialism vs. panpsychismFree will and the nature of the selfThe role of religion in a scientific ageWhy intelligent people fool themselvesThe importance of intellectual humility Jeremy Sherman is the author of Neither Ghost Nor Machine and has written more than 1,000 articles for Psychology Today. His work explores how life, meaning, and interpretation emerge through entirely natural processes. You can learn more about Jeremy and his work at: FaceBook; https://www.facebook.com/jeremysherm YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@jeremyshermanPhD His Website; https://jeremysherman.com/ If you enjoy thoughtful conversations that value curiosity over certainty, please like, subscribe, and share the episode. #FeastsOfReason #JeremySherman #Consciousness #Philosophy #Biology #Emergence #Materialism #Meaning #FreeWill #Religion #CriticalThinking #Science #Epistemology #KnowledgeFork #NewAtenism

  3. Jul 24

    Can Science Fully Explain the Self?

    The conversation delves into the topics of consciousness, personal identity, and the nature of the self, exploring the relationship between these concepts and their philosophical implications. The discussion also touches on the role of science and philosophy in understanding these complex phenomena. The conversation delves into the philosophical exploration of consciousness, epistemology, and the unseen realm, emphasizing the foundational nature of first-person experience and the implications for understanding the world. The discussion also touches on the impact of technology on perception and the significance of consciousness in the context of AI. To learn more about Dr. Farris work, where you can buy his book and find him on social media, visit https://soulscienceministries.com/ Key Takeaways Consciousness as a foundational aspect of personal identityThe intersection of philosophy and science in understanding consciousness and the self Consciousness as a foundational aspect of human experienceThe significance of first-person experience in understanding the world Chapters 00:00 Defining Consciousness05:41 The Self and Consciousness16:12 The Soul and Personal Identity25:54 Science, Philosophy, and Understanding38:52 The Nature of Consciousness40:13 Epistemic Relationship and Panpsychism41:20 First-Person Experience and Epistemology01:01:50 Unseen Realms and the Meaning of Consciousness

  4. Jul 9

    Can AI Make Us Better Thinkers? | Mohamed Nabil on AIDOP, Truth & Intellectual Humility

    Most people use AI to reinforce their beliefs. Mohamed Nabil wants to use it to challenge them. Mohamed is the creator of AIDOP (AI Debates on One's Publications), a framework that invites AI to rigorously criticize an author's own work before it's published—and then publishes the entire, unedited debate for readers to see. In this conversation, we explore whether AI can become a genuine tool for intellectual humility, how it compares to human criticism, and what it means to seek truth in an age of increasingly powerful language models. Along the way, we discuss collective knowledge, the limits of individual reasoning, Enlightened Populism, direct democracy, world government, climate change, and why exposing our ideas to criticism may be one of the most important habits of a free society. Whether you agree with Mohamed's conclusions or not, his commitment to making his reasoning transparent raises fascinating questions about how humans—and AI—can work together in the pursuit of better ideas. Topics include: AIDOP (AI Debates on One's Publications)Using AI as a philosophical criticIntellectual humilityCollective knowledge and reasonEnlightened PopulismDirect democracy and citizen assembliesWorld governmentClimate change and expert consensusThe future of AI and human reasoningLearn more about Mohamed Nabil: https://mohamednabil.world If you enjoy thoughtful conversations that prioritize curiosity over certainty, please like, subscribe, and join us for future episodes of Feasts of Reason.

  5. Jun 26

    Why Insight Isn't Enough

    Most of us already know what we're supposed to do. Eat better. Exercise more. Stop procrastinating. Have the difficult conversation. Break the habit. Yet somehow, knowing rarely seems to be enough. In this episode of Feasts of Reason, therapist and neurodivergence specialist Becca Gregory joins me to explore the gap between insight and action. Drawing on her work with ADHD, autism, rejection sensitivity, and emotional regulation, Becca offers a fascinating perspective on why human beings so often struggle to do what they know they should do. We discuss the relationship between reason and emotion, why insight alone rarely creates lasting change, and the roles that biology, environment, and past experiences play in shaping our behavior. Along the way, we explore procrastination, people-pleasing, addiction, rejection sensitivity, and the limits of willpower. One of the most interesting themes of the conversation is the idea that neurodivergence can provide a particularly vivid window into challenges that all humans face. The same forces that make change difficult for people with ADHD or autism — emotion, habit, identity, fear, and social belonging — are at work in all of us, even if they manifest differently. If you've ever wondered why insight doesn't automatically become action, this episode is for you. #FeastsOfReason #Psychology #MentalHealth #BehaviorChange #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #HumanNature #ADHD #Autism #Neurodivergent #RejectionSensitivity #Therapy #DBT #Mindset For more information on Ms. Gregory and her work: https://www.flowforwardcounseling.com/ For more information on New Atenism: https://newatenism.org/

  6. Jun 19

    Theism, Atheism, and the Limits of Reason with Jamey Hecht

    What do we mean when we say "God"? Can reason take us all the way to theism, or are there limits to what reason can tell us about ultimate reality? My guest is psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, and author Jamey Hecht. In his forthcoming book, Into Theism: Overcoming Obstacles to Belief in God, Jamey draws on psychology, philosophy, literature, religion, and the work of Iain McGilchrist to argue that human experience points toward a reality deeper than a purely material description of the world. We explore consciousness, mysticism, near-death experiences, the psychology of belief and disbelief, the role of religious stories, and whether the search for meaning reveals something fundamental about the nature of reality. Along the way we discuss William James, Kant, Shakespeare, Spinoza, the limits of scientific explanation, and the question at the heart of so many philosophical and religious debates: How do we distinguish between what feels meaningful and what is actually true? For more information about Jamey Hecht: https://www.jameyhechtauthor.com/ For more information about New Atenism: https://newatenism.org/ #FeastsOfReason #JameyHecht #Theism #Atheism #Philosophy #Religion #Consciousness #Mysticism #WilliamJames #Psychology #Spinoza #Kant #MeaningOfLife #CriticalThinking #Podcast

  7. Jun 12

    Why Smart People Self-Sabotage | Dr. Albert Bramante

    Why do intelligent people repeatedly act against their own interests? If human beings are rational creatures, why do we procrastinate, avoid opportunities, stay stuck in destructive patterns, and sabotage our own success? In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Matt Ward sits down with psychologist, therapist, and veteran talent agent Dr. Albert Bramante to explore the psychology of self-sabotage. Drawing on decades of experience working with performers, Bramante explains why insight alone often fails to change behavior, how fear disguises itself as logic, why we cling to limiting identities, and what self-sabotage reveals about human nature. Topics include: • Why knowledge doesn't automatically produce better behavior • Fear of failure vs. fear of success • The brain's negativity bias • Catastrophizing and worst-case thinking • Comfort zones and personal growth • Why actors provide a fascinating window into human psychology • Hypnosis, subconscious beliefs, and self-awareness • The relationship between reason, emotion, and behavior If you've ever known exactly what you should do and still failed to do it, this conversation is for you.

  8. Jun 5

    Why Good Ideas Sometimes Don't Spread: Dyslexia with Russell Van Brocklen

    The conversation delves into the topic of dyslexia and its treatment, highlighting the lack of change in dyslexia treatment since the 1950s and the potential for success in treating dyslexia with the right approach. The conversation delves into the craft of research and data analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'how' and 'why' questions. It then explores the challenges of knowledge creation and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance productivity. The discussion shifts to the changing institutional framework for teaching dyslexia and the impact of social norms on perceptions of dyslexia. Takeaways Dyslexia treatment has not changed much since the 1950sSuccess in treating dyslexia is possible with the right approach Understanding the 'how' and 'why' questions is crucial in research and data analysis.The use of artificial intelligence can significantly enhance productivity and effectiveness in written work. Chapters 00:00 Success in Treating Dyslexia32:31 Craft of Research and Data Analysis39:15 Challenges with Knowledge Creation and Artificial Intelligence44:54 Changing Institutional Framework for Teaching Dyslexia56:04 Social Norms and Dyslexia

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About

Lively, respectful discussions even when, especially when, there's disagreement. No shouting, no talking over each other, no straw man or ad hoc arguments. Reason baby, it's what's for dinner! To learn more about New Atenism please visit our website,

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Ward
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Matt Ward