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. 2d ago

    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.

    1h 2m

  2. 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/

    1h 11m

  3. 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

    1h 24m

  4. 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.

    57 min

  5. 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

    1h 1m

  6. May 29

    USAID Insider: What Happens When Countries Collapse?

    For nearly 30 years, Clifford Brown worked for USAID in some of the world's most unstable regions, witnessing coups, revolutions, corruption, humanitarian crises, and the collapse of governments firsthand. In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Brown shares stories from Latin America, Africa, Central Asia, and the former Soviet Union, explaining what happens when trust disappears, institutions fail, and social order breaks down. We discuss: ·       Why some societies remain stable while others collapse ·       Whether foreign aid actually works ·       Corruption, democracy, and unintended consequences ·       The destruction of USAID and its global impact ·       Human tribalism and the future of national borders ·       Why civilization may be more fragile than most people realize Whether you support foreign aid or oppose it, this conversation offers a rare look inside the machinery of international development and the challenges of building trust in a divided world. #FeastsOfReason #USAID #ForeignAid #Trust #Democracy #Civilization #Politics #Development #HumanNature #InternationalRelations Link to 2009 WP article: https://www.meforum.org/campus-watch/in-fighting-radical-islam-tricky-course-for-us-aid Cliff’s website: www.cliffordhbrown.com

    1h 6m

  7. May 22

    When Does a Pattern Become Proof? | John Zachery on Biblical Prophecy

    In this episode of Feasts of Reason, Matt Ward sits down with John Zachery to explore a fascinating and controversial question: At what point does pattern recognition become proof? Drawing on astronomy, historical chronology, ancient calendars, and statistical analysis, Zachery argues that the Book of Daniel contains a genuine prophecy predicting the destruction of Herod’s Temple centuries before it occurred — and that this supports the Christian worldview. The conversation dives deep into: • Biblical prophecy and the Book of Daniel • Historical dating using astronomical records • The destruction of Herod’s Temple in AD 70 • Pattern recognition, numerology, and statistical confidence • The difference between prediction and interpretation • Whether complicated models can produce certainty • The role of belief in shaping scientific inquiry While Matt accepts much of the underlying historical and astronomical dating, he repeatedly presses on a central question: Does the text itself clearly predict the event — or are modern interpretations and numerical models being layered onto ambiguous language after the fact? A civil but deeply probing conversation about faith, evidence, interpretation, and the limits of human reasoning. Feasts of Reason is a podcast for curious minds exploring philosophy, religion, science, psychology, and the ideas shaping human flourishing.

    52 min

  8. May 15

    Dreams: Window to the Unconscious or Divine Messages?

    Ever wonder if your dreams are just random mind movies or if they could be a message from something greater? Dreams are often thought of as our subconscious stories, but my guest this week believes they’re also a way God communicates with us. Psychotherapist Ara Trembly, shares his thoughts about why dreams are more than psychology — they are divine whispers. He shares stories of dreams that predicted shipwrecks and healed traumas — and why understanding your dreams could unlock spiritual insights. Are dreams just personal truths or signals from beyond? That is the subject of this week’s Feast of Reason.

    57 min
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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
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Matt Ward