Ideas Matter

Louis Devine and Alex B.
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PHILOSOPHY

A podcast where two mates discuss philosophy, politics and intellectual history, because Ideas Matter. Ideas Matter is hosted by Louis, a PhD student in political theory, and Alex, a humanities teacher. Each episode is structured around the work of a great thinker. We aim to explore their ideas in an accessible manner, without dumbing them down. No topic is off limits: the theology of Saint Augustine, Lenin's revolutionary theory, Marx's critique of capitalism, Platonic discussions on love, or Nietzsche's metaphysical musings. Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod

  1. 12/06/2025

    What Post-Liberals Get Right (and Wrong) About Liberalism

    What is post-liberalism, that strange ideology which unites figures as disparate as JD Vance, Patrick Deneen, Maurice Glasman, and Adrian Vermeule? Political theorist Paul Kelly joins Ideas Matter to help make sense of post-liberalism, as well as expose some of its internal contradictions. Paul Kelly is a political theorist at the London School of Economics, and author of several books - including his most recent publication: Against Post-Liberalism (2025) published by Polity Press. You can follow Paul Kelly on Bluesky at @pjthinker.bsky.social Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod Follow the host, Louis Devine, on Bluesky @louissdevine Reach out via email: ideasmatterpod@gmail.com

    1h 5m

  2. 09/28/2025

    Chinese Cosmopolitanism | An Interview with Shuchen Xiang

    The Western world has had a catastrophic experience with difference. Colonialism, racism and imperialism are all uniquely Western phenomena, at least according to today's guest, Professor Shuchen Xiang. China, conversely, has an alternative history - one that embraces and assimilates difference. This is China's cosmopolitan tradition. Shuchen Xiang is Mount Hua Professor of Philosophy at Xidian University, China. I interviewed her about her latest book, Chinese Cosmopolitanism: The History and Philosophy of an Idea (2023) published by Princeton University Press. If you enjoy listening to the show, don't forget to give us a rating. You can contact the show via email, at ideasmatterpod@gmail.com, or follow the host on Bluesky (@louissdevine) or Instagram (@ideasmatterpod).

    1h 13m
  3. A History of Trade Unionism in Australia, feat. Dr Liam Byrne

    06/20/2025

    A History of Trade Unionism in Australia, feat. Dr Liam Byrne

    Dr Liam Byrne is a political biographer and historian. He is author of several books, both published by Melbourne University Press: "Becoming John Curtin and James Scullin: The Making of the Modern Labor Party" and "No Power Greater: A History of Union Action in Australia". I recently interviewed Liam to talk about the history of trade unionism in Australia. In this far-reaching discussion, we touch on the values of unionism, how the labour movement responded to the neoliberalism of the 1980s, and some of the unique features of Australia's industrial relations framework. Get in touch with the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod, or with the host on Bluesky @louissdevine

    1h 28m
  4. Liberal Socialism: Oxymoron or Overdue Ideology? Feat. Matt McManus

    02/02/2025

    Liberal Socialism: Oxymoron or Overdue Ideology? Feat. Matt McManus

    What do John Stuart Mill, John Rawls, and Chantal Mouffe all have in common? They are all representatives of a distinct liberal socialist tradition, according to today's guest, Matthew McManus. Matt is a lecturer in political science at the University of Michigan, and author of several books on political theory. Today we are discussing his most recent work, The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism. Liberal Socialism seeks to combine the best insights of either tradition, merging strong protections for individual liberties with a more democratic and redistributive economy. So, is it an oxymoron or an idea whose time has come? Let us know what you think! Follow Matt on Bluesky Contact Ideas Matter via email: ideasmatterpod@gmail.com Follow the show on Instagram

    58 min
  5. Incels, Masculinities and the Manosphere: A Conversation with Claudia Young

    01/14/2025

    Incels, Masculinities and the Manosphere: A Conversation with Claudia Young

    What are the ideologies of the Manosphere, and how are they being mainstreamed? Claudia Young, a PhD Candidate at the University of Melbourne, is researching these very questions. In this wide-ranging conversation, we discuss what it means to be 'black-pilled' versus 'red-pilled', how Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson are popularising misogynistic ideas, as well as Raewyn Connell's path-breaking book, Masculinities. You can follow Claudia's writing on Substack or stay up to date via Bluesky Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod Email at ideasmatterpod@gmail.com

    1h 14m
  6. Liberalism as a Way of Life | An Interview with Professor Alexandre Lefebvre

    10/20/2024

    Liberalism as a Way of Life | An Interview with Professor Alexandre Lefebvre

    Can becoming a better liberal really increase your wellbeing? That is the argument made by today's guest, Alexandre Lefebvre, in his latest book: Liberalism as a Way of Life (2024). Liberalism is the hegemonic morality of our times. Rather than despairing at this fact, as many on the post-liberal right do, we should double down on our ideals and strive to become better liberals. A fairer, more playful and fun world awaits us if we do. Lefebvre is Professor of Politics and Philosophy at the University of Sydney. Find out more about his work here. If you enjoy the show, please give us a rating wherever you happen to be listening. Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod

    45 min
  7. What Can Chinese Academia Teach Us About Chinese Politics? An Interview with Professor Daniel A. Bell

    09/21/2024

    What Can Chinese Academia Teach Us About Chinese Politics? An Interview with Professor Daniel A. Bell

    Kickstarting a new era of Ideas Matter, Louis interviews Canadian-born political theorist Daniel Bell about his latest book, The Dean of Shandong: Confessions of a Minor Bureaucrat at a Chinese University (2023). Bell is currently Chair Professor of Political Theory at the University of Hong Kong. Prior to that, he served as the Dean of Shandong University's Department of Political Science and Public Administration - the first non-Chinese to ever hold such a position. Bell's academic work focusses on Confucianism and how it can be applied to contemporary Chinese politics. He makes a number of controversial but interesting claims, including that Western-style liberal democracy may not be the best way forward for China. Instead, he favours what he calls 'Confucian Political Meritocracy'. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a rating. You can reach out on Instagram @ideasmatterpod, or contact the show via email at ideasmatterpod@gmail.com Enjoy!

    52 min
  8. Civilisation and its Discontents by Sigmund Freud

    08/26/2023

    Civilisation and its Discontents by Sigmund Freud

    Sex. The Ego. Repression. Sublimation. The Death Drive. That's right, we're reading Freud. Specifically we are reading two essays by Freud, "Civilised Sexuality Morality and Modern Nervous Illness" (1908) and "Civilisation and its Discontents" (1930). These works provide a brief introduction to core Freudian concepts such as repression and sublimation. Join us for a critical reading of one of the twentieth century's most important thinkers. Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod Follow co-host Louis on Bluesky @louissdevine Email the show: ideasmatterpod@gmail.com

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A podcast where two mates discuss philosophy, politics and intellectual history, because Ideas Matter. Ideas Matter is hosted by Louis, a PhD student in political theory, and Alex, a humanities teacher. Each episode is structured around the work of a great thinker. We aim to explore their ideas in an accessible manner, without dumbing them down. No topic is off limits: the theology of Saint Augustine, Lenin's revolutionary theory, Marx's critique of capitalism, Platonic discussions on love, or Nietzsche's metaphysical musings. Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod

Information

  • Creator
    Louis Devine and Alex B.
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Louis Devine and Alex B.
  • Show Website
    Ideas Matter