FULL EPISODE: Rome Dethroned, One Road at a Time - September 21, 2026

Writer and bioethicist Jessica Pierce explains how – with an ultrasonic bark deterrent – your neighbor could be armed with a weapon for dogs that you can't hear. Classical archaeology professor Tom Brughmans declares the cliché "all roads lead to Rome" dead: Rome wasn't the ancient empire's main hub. Teacher, author, and psychological healer Paul Dunion reveals why you shouldn't be a people-pleaser and how actually choosing yourself can strengthen bonds with others. Then, put that glass of beer down because clinical psychologist Isabelle Baltariu describes how even a moderate dose of beer reduces your willingness to help others in pain. Marketing professor Mathieu Lajante outlines how advertising turns our insecurities into profit, and how you can resist the manipulation. AI ethics researcher and professor Reneé Sieber discusses the Anthropic researcher who resigned with a warning of the dangers of AI development. Protect your privacy. Sign up for Incogni with this link for 60% off your first year. Segments: (00:00) Introduction (01:17) Jessica Pierce pt. 1 (10:00) Jessica Pierce pt. 2 (20:00) Tom Brughmans (30:00) Paul Dunion (39:50) Isabelle Baltariu (49:50) Mathieu Lajante (59:50) Reneé Sieber pt. 1 (1:09:50) Reneé Sieber pt. 2 (1:19:01) Sign-off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices