reeducated

Goutham Yegappan
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
reeducated

Conversations reimagining, rethinking, and reinventing modern education.

  1. APR 18

    Between Science and Spirit: How the Brain Meets Religion | Patrick McNamara | Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northcentral University | Season 8 Episode 6 | #129

    In this episode, I speak with Dr. Patrick McNamara, a pioneering neuroscientist studying the intersection of religion, mystical experience, and the human brain. We start with the question of why something as central to human history and culture as religion hasn’t traditionally been studied through a scientific lens—and what happens when it is. Patrick walks me through how religious rituals engage specific brain networks, and how our beliefs—whether they open us up to awe or close us off in dogma—are reflected in distinct neurological patterns. We go deep into the terrain of mystical states, what they feel like, what the brain is doing during those experiences, and how they compare to flow states or psychedelic trips. Patrick shares how these states of intense bliss, self-transcendence, and insight often leave people permanently transformed. We also touch on the relationship between dreaming and religion, exploring how REM sleep, daydreaming, and nightmares are all neural gateways to creativity and meaning-making. Through this conversation, I was left wondering: can greater scientific understanding deepen rather than diminish our sense of mystery? Whether you're curious about spirituality, skeptical of religion, or just fascinated by the frontiers of neuroscience, this episode offers a rich, layered conversation on how faith, dreams, and the brain intersect—and what that means for how we live, learn, and grow.

    1h 1m

  2. MAR 10

    How Tools Shape Thought: A Deep Dive into Cognitive Archaeology | Karenleigh A. Overmann | Director of Center for Cognitive Archeology at University of Colorado | Season 8 Episode 5 | #128

    What can ancient tools, symbols, and writing systems tell us about the evolution of human thought? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Karenleigh A. Overmann, a cognitive archaeologist, to explore how our ancestors' interactions with the material world fundamentally shaped the way we think. From the earliest stone tools to the development of writing, we discuss how changes in human behavior reflect changes in cognition—and how these interactions continue to shape us today. We dive into fascinating topics, such as how the visual system evolved alongside tool-making, why early scripts became more abstract over time, and how the very concept of numbers and zero took centuries to develop. We also explore the implications of modern technologies, from social media to artificial intelligence, and how they might be reshaping cognition in ways we don’t fully understand yet. If you’ve ever wondered how the mind extends beyond the brain and into the tools we use, this conversation is for you.

    1h 5m

  3. MAR 6

    The Courage to Create: Fear, Faith, and Following Your Passion | Tanya Keggin | Artist, Former Lawyer | Season 8 Episode 4 | #127

    In this episode, I sit down with Tanya Keggin to explore her incredible transformation from lawyer to artist and the deep self-reflection that led her there. She shares how societal expectations and the pursuit of success once kept her in the legal profession, despite her underlying passion for creativity. We discuss the fears that held her back—fear of failure, of judgment, of creating something "garbage"—and how she overcame them through faith in herself and the artistic process. Tanya’s story is one of courage, vulnerability, and the rediscovery of a long-buried creative voice. We also dive into the broader themes of identity, the emotional power of art, and the need for self-reflection in both career and life. Tanya describes how art is more than just expression—it is a way to connect with ourselves and others, to translate emotions into something tangible. We talk about the difficulty of shedding an old identity and stepping into the unknown, the importance of trusting the process, and the role of aesthetics in shaping our experiences. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, exploring your creative side, or simply searching for deeper meaning, this episode offers an inspiring perspective on transformation, authenticity, and the power of art to change lives.

    1h 12m

  4. MAR 1

    A New Year's in Thailand | Goutham Yegappan | #126

    In this episode, I share a deeply personal journey that kicked off my 2025 with an unexpected challenge and plenty of travel adventures. While sitting at a familiar Starbucks in Pattaya, Thailand, I struck up a conversation with a fascinating Canadian businessman that lasted for hours. Our dialogue—filled with reflections on life, the fear of not fully living, and the pursuit of passion—ignited an idea that would reshape my approach for the year. He challenged me to record an episode a day for 2025, and that moment, in the midst of travel and spontaneous connection, made me question my boundaries and the sacrifices I’m willing to make for my craft. I then take you along through my New Year’s experience in Bangkok, where the vibrant chaos of Khao San Road and the stark contrasts of daily life left me with a mix of awe and introspection. I reflect on the pressures of social expectations during New Year’s celebrations, the beauty of raw, unfiltered moments, and the lessons I’ve learned about celebrating intentionally—without alienating others in the process. From managing a radical shift in my lifestyle to embracing the responsibility of sharing my personal and educational insights, this episode is an honest exploration of how travel, chance encounters, and the courage to push myself can redefine what it means to be re-educated.

    45 min

  5. FEB 24

    The Silent Experts: Why We Should Listen to Children | Céline Benoit | Assistant Professor at University of Nottingham | Season 8 Episode 3 | #125

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Celine Benoit, an assistant professor in sociology at the University of Nottingham, to discuss a topic that often gets overlooked—how children themselves perceive education, autonomy, and the systems designed for their growth. We dive into the sociological constructs of childhood, exploring how cultural, historical, and societal norms shape our understanding of what it means to be a child. Dr. Benoit sheds light on why it’s crucial to involve young voices in conversations about their own learning environments and why the traditional distinction between childhood and adulthood might be holding us back from truly transformative education. We also tackle the intersection of education and religion, examining how various systems approach religious instruction and the often-overlooked autonomy children possess in navigating these experiences. From discussing the innate curiosity of children to questioning how our school systems suppress autonomy, this conversation challenges the norms of what education should look like. Together, we unpack the importance of allowing young people to participate in decisions about their lives, fostering an inclusive space where children aren’t just passive recipients of knowledge but active contributors to their own development. If you’ve ever questioned the structure of modern education or wondered what it would mean to truly listen to children’s voices, this episode offers a fresh, thought-provoking perspective that might just change the way you view learning, growth, and what it means to "become."

    58 min

  6. FEB 10

    Who Controls Knowledge and What Does It Mean To Know? | Marcel Parent | Lecturer at Concordia University | Season 8 Episode 2 | #124

    In this episode, I sit down with Marcel Parent, a lecturer in the Religions and Cultures program at Concordia University, to explore the deep structures that shape how we think about the world. We dive into postcolonial theory, the ways in which colonial history still influences modern knowledge systems, and the biases we unknowingly inherit. Marcel unpacks how Western thought has constructed the idea of "the East" and how these ideological frameworks continue to shape global perspectives on culture, religion, and education. We also discuss the tension between intellectualizing a subject and actually experiencing it, using examples from travel, academia, and personal transformation. How do our preconceived notions shape the way we engage with the world? Can we ever experience something without the filter of our learned biases? Marcel challenges conventional ways of thinking, revealing how power, history, and discourse dictate what we accept as knowledge. If you’ve ever questioned the foundation of what you know, this episode is for you.

    1h 27m

  7. FEB 4

    Faith in the Future: Why Education Exists | David Lewin | Professor of Philosophy of Education at University of Strathclyde | Season 8 Episode 1 | #123

    In this episode, we dive into the profound intersection of education, philosophy, technology, and religion with Dr. David Lewin, a senior lecturer in philosophy of education at the University of Strathclyde. Our conversation explores the fundamental questions underpinning education: What is it? What is it good for? How do we distinguish between education and other forms of influence, such as indoctrination or manipulation? These questions guide us through an exploration of what makes education distinct from mere learning and why it plays a crucial role in shaping our future.We also discuss the role of technology—not just digital tools but any mechanism of influence—in shaping educational experiences. David challenges the assumption that education is just about knowledge transmission and instead presents it as a dialectical process between theory and practice, requiring deep reflection. Our discussion takes a philosophical turn as we examine the broader purpose of education in the context of human mortality. Why do we educate at all? Does education rely on an implicit faith in the future? And what if that future itself is uncertain? Through Heidegger, Tillich, and Teilhard de Chardin, we reflect on the meaning of human progress, questioning whether it’s simply movement for the sake of movement or if it’s leading toward something greater.

    1h 18m

  8. FEB 3

    Lost and Found in Japan: Exploring Culture, Fear, and Connection | Goutham Yegappan | #122

    In this episode, I reflect on my three-month journey through Japan—a trip that felt both like a lucid dream and one of the most emotionally intense experiences of my life. I explore the stark contrasts of living in Japan, from its unparalleled cleanliness and safety to the deep sense of isolation and disconnection I felt as a traveler. I unpack how my understanding of fear transformed during a late-night bike ride through a jungle, how the strict adherence to rules shaped my perception of order and discipline, and why the country’s structured work culture left me questioning the balance between security and spontaneity. Beyond the cultural observations, I delve into more personal realizations—how fleeting our memories become, why Polaroids feel like proof of existence, and what traveling alone teaches about love, intimacy, and human connection. I also explore how aesthetic intentionality in Japanese craftsmanship inspired me to rethink creativity and purpose in my own work. Whether you're drawn to travel, philosophy, or the search for meaning in the everyday, this episode offers an unfiltered look into the complexities of navigating a foreign culture and the unexpected lessons that stay with you long after the trip is over.

    56 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Conversations reimagining, rethinking, and reinventing modern education.

Information

  • Creator
    Goutham Yegappan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Goutham Yegappan
  • Show Website
    reeducated

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