PODCAST · society
Learn with Leshley
by Lyon Leshley
In this series of lectures, Lyon will guide listeners on a journey of discovery through critical thinking, culture, history, language, math, and science. From the intricacies of ancient Greek philosophy to the latest breakthroughs in modern science, these lectures will provide a comprehensive education that will challenge listeners’ perspectives and inspire new insights.
Episodes
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Kanada and the Vaisesika System
What if I told you one of ancient India’s greatest thinkers was literally nicknamed “the atom-eater”? Kaṇāda — founder of the Vaiśeṣika school — built a systematic, almost scientific account of reality starting from indivisible particles (paramāṇu) centuries before modern chemistry. But he didn’t...
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Jaimini and the Mimamsa-Sutra: The Philosophy of Sacred Action
Most philosophy curriculums stop at Plato and Kant, leaving out one of the most rigorous, sophisticated, and world-altering traditions in human history. Today, we step into the world of Jaimini, an ancient Indian philosopher (4th–2nd century BCE) who asked a question so precise it launched a…
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Patanjali and the Yoga-Sutra
In this lecture, we explore Patañjali’s Yoga-Sūtra — one of the most rigorous philosophies of mind ever produced in the ancient world. What you’ll discover: • Why modern yoga bears almost no resemblance to what Patañjali actually wrote • The shocking truth: only 3 out of 196 aphorisms address...
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Guatama: Founder of Nyaya- India's Science of Logic and Reasoning.
How do you know what you know? Not what you believe, but what you actually know with confidence. In this lecture, we explore the life and work of Akṣapāda Gautama, the founder of the Nyāya school—one of the six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy and ancient India’s most sophisticated system of...
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Badarayana's Vedanta Sutra
You’ve heard of Plato, Confucius, and Kant. But what about Bādarāyaṇa? He wrote one of the most influential texts in human history—the Vedānta-Sūtra—yet historians know almost nothing about his life. Did he even exist as a single person? Or is “Bādarāyaṇa” actually a code name for an entire…
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Zhang Zai: The Architect of Neo-Confucian Metaphysics
Zhang Zai: The Architect of Neo-Confucian Metaphysics | Philosophy Documentary In this deep dive, we explore the remarkable story of Zhang Zai (1020-1077 CE), one of the most original metaphysical minds in human history—yet a thinker most people in the West have never heard of. From ambitious…
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Xunzi: The Architect of Confucian Order
We remember the optimists in philosophy—the ones who tell us we’re fundamentally good, that virtue comes naturally. Then there’s Xunzi. This 3rd-century BCE Chinese thinker looked at human nature and said: “No. We’re selfish, envious, and left alone, we’d tear civilization apart.” While Mencius...
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Han Fei: The Architect of Legalism
🏛️ Han Fei: The Philosopher Who Built Empires (And Died for His Ideas) Can you run a government without good people? Not “should you” — can you? In this deep dive, we explore the life and philosophy of Han Fei, the ancient Chinese thinker who rejected virtue as the foundation of government and...
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Iamblichus: The Architect of Theurgical Neoplatonism
Meet Iamblichus of Chalcis—the philosopher who transformed Neoplatonism forever but rarely gets the spotlight he deserves. Born around 242 CE in the Roman Empire’s eastern provinces, Iamblichus created one of the most comprehensive philosophical systems in ancient history, bridging reason and...
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The Philosophy of Confucius: Foundations of Harmony and Virtue
Who Was Confucius? A 2,500-Year-Old Philosophy That Still Shapes Our World Step back over 2,500 years to a time of chaos and war in ancient China. Into this turmoil walked a man with no army, no divine mandate, and no magical powers—yet his ideas would shape the moral foundations of East Asian...
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Aristotle: The Architect of Western Thought
What if I told you that one man invented how we think — not just what we think about, but the very structure of rational thought itself? In this lecture, we explore the life, method, and enduring legacy of Aristotle (384–322 BCE) — the polymath who built the foundations of Western civilization....
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Plato: The Architect of Western Philosophy
Why are we still arguing about a guy who died 2,347 years ago? We don’t use ancient Greek medicine. We don’t build bridges with their engineering. But Plato? He’s impossible to ignore. The philosopher Alfred North Whitehead famously said all of European philosophy is just “a series of footnotes…
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Socrates: The Man who Changed Philosophy Forever
2,400 years ago, a barefoot philosopher walked the streets of Athens asking questions that would change the world. He never wrote a book. He never published a paper. He left behind zero words of his own. And yet, we’re still talking about him today. In this video, we explore the enigmatic life of...
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The Philosophy of Mahavira: Path to Liberation through Truth and Nonviolence
Explore the life and teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism and one of history’s most influential spiritual revolutionaries. Born a prince in 599 B.C., Mahavira renounced his royal life to seek Moksha (liberation) through extreme asceticism and the pursuit of absolute truth. This...
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The Philosophy of Uddalaka Aruni: Pioneer of Indian Metaphysics
Dive into the mind‑blowing story of Uddalaka Aruni, the 8th‑century BCE Vedic sage who blended rigorous observation with deep metaphysical inquiry—centuries before Socrates, Galileo or Newton. In this video we’ll explore: Who Aruni was – his life, his role as teacher of the legendary Yajnavalkya,...
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The Philosophy of Kapila: Father of Sankhya and Cosmic Evolution
Imagine a time 2,500 years ago, before modern science, when a single thinker was mapping the architecture of reality with the precision of a physicist and the depth of a mystic. That thinker was Kapila. In this video, we dive deep into the life and revolutionary philosophy of Kapila, the founder…
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The Philosophy of Leucippus: Father of Atomism
Welcome to a deep‑dive into Leucippus, the enigmatic “father of atomism” whose daring ideas reshaped philosophy and laid the groundwork for modern science. In this video we’ll: Explore the mysterious life of Leucippus and why scholars once doubted his existence. Unpack his bold solution to the...
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The Philosophy of Yajnavalkya: Vedic Sage and Visionary Thinker
Dive into the astonishing story of Yajnavalkya, the 700 BCE philosopher‑king who turned ancient Indian ritualism on its head and laid the groundwork for non‑dual thought. In this video we’ll explore: How Yajnavalkya challenged the priestly elite at King Janaka’s court His legendary debates with...
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Philosophy of Zeno of Elea: Paradoxes that Shaped Thought
In this video we dive into the mind‑bending world of Zeno of Elea, the ancient Greek philosopher whose “impossible” puzzles have haunted thinkers for 2,500 years. From the classic Dichotomy and Achilles‑and‑the‑Tortoise to the unsettling Arrow and the lesser‑known Stadium paradox, we break down...
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Marcus Aurelius' Meditations — A Conversation with Translator Aaron Poochigian
What does it take to translate the most powerful private journal ever written? In this episode I sit down with Aaron Poochigian — poet, classicist, and translator based in New York City — to discuss his remarkable new translation of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, out now from Liveright...
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Marcus Aurelius: The Philosopher Emperor of Rome
What happens when the most powerful man in the world chooses virtue over glory? Marcus Aurelius was Emperor of Rome — absolute ruler of an empire stretching from Britain to the Euphrates. He had unlimited power, wealth beyond imagination, and the ability to do whatever he wanted with zero...
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The Philosophy of Parmenides: The Unchanged Reality
Hey there, I’m Lyon – teacher, philosophy enthusiast, and lover of all things ancient Greece. 🎓✨ In this video we dive deep into the mind‑bending world of Parmenides of Elea, the 5th‑century BCE thinker who turned philosophy on its head by arguing that change, motion, and plurality are mere...
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The Philosophy of Empedocles: Elements Forces, and Eternal Cycles
Hey everyone, it’s Lyon here! As a teacher, I love bringing ancient ideas to life, and in this video we dive into the vibrant world of Empedocles—a 5th‑century Sicilian philosopher‑poet who blended science, poetry, medicine, and mysticism into a single, unforgettable vision. 🔹 Four Eternal Roots…
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The Philosophy of Epictetus: Freedom through Stoic Wisdom
In this video we dive deep into the life and teachings of Epictetus, the former slave whose Stoic wisdom still powers modern psychotherapy, leadership, and everyday resilience. 🔹 From Slavery to Sage – Discover how a man born into bondage rose to mentor Roman emperors and inspired generations of...
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The Philosophy of Heraclitus: The Ever Changing Cosmos
Step into the mind of the “Dark Philosopher of Ephesus” and discover why his ancient fragments still echo in modern physics, Buddhism, and everyday life. In this video we explore: 1️⃣ The Man Behind the Myth – Born into wealth, he abandoned aristocratic privilege and retreated into solitary...
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The Philosophy of Nagarjuna:The Middle Way of Emptiness
Dive into the life and thought of Nāgārjuna (c. 150–250 CE), the Indian scholar‑monk whose revolutionary “Middle Way” philosophy reshaped Mahāyāna Buddhism. This video explores his groundbreaking Mūlamadhyamakakārikā—the foundational text of the Madhyamaka school—where he argues that all…
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Pythagoras: The Man, The Myth, The Mathematician
When you hear a² + b² = c², you probably picture a high‑school geometry lesson. But Pythagoras was far more than a theorem‑maker. He was a traveler, a philosopher, a mystic, and the founder of a community that blended mathematics, music, and spirituality into a single vision of the universe. In…
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Anaximander: Pioneer Western Philosophy
Welcome! In today’s episode we dive into the mind of Anaximander, one of the earliest Greek thinkers and a key figure of the Milesian school. Living around 610–546 BC, Anaximander went beyond his teacher Thales’ idea that water is the fundamental substance and introduced the concept of the...
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Anaximenes of Miletus: Pioneer of Natural Philosophy
Welcome, everyone! Today we travel back over 2,500 years to ancient Miletus, where a pioneering mind named Anaximenes set out to answer one of humanity’s oldest questions: What is everything made of? While his predecessor Thales pointed to water and his fellow Milesian, Anaximander, invoked the...
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The Philosophy of Sextus Empiricus: Master of Ancient Scepticism
Explore the skeptical philosophy of Sextus Empiricus, the ancient Greek thinker whose works laid the foundations for Pyrrhonian skepticism. This overview delves into his major texts—Outlines of Pyrrhonism and Against the Professors—examining how he challenged dogmatic claims, advocated for...
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The Philosophy of Philo of Alexandria: Bridging Worlds
We’re talking about a philosopher you’ve probably never heard of, living in a city that no longer exists, writing in a language most of us can’t read, about 2,000 years ago. And yet—and this is what blows my mind—his ideas are everywhere around you. In the Gospel of John. In Christian theology.…
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The Philosophy of Hippocrates
You’ve heard of Hippocrates, right? “Father of Medicine.” Maybe you know about the Hippocratic Oath - doctors still swear some version of it today. But here’s what nobody tells you: this guy didn’t just invent some medical techniques. He fundamentally transformed how human beings understand…
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The Philosophy of Mozi: China's First Consequentialist Thinker
“China’s First Consequentialist Thinker.” Now, that’s a loaded phrase. We’re talking about someone who, over two thousand years ago, developed an ethical framework that judges actions based on their outcomes - their consequences - rather than on adherence to tradition or ritual. This is…
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The Philosophy of Epicurus : The Pursuit of Tranquility
And into this world of grinding, suffocating anxiety walks a man who says something absolutely radical: “What if you could be free?” Not free someday. Not free in the afterlife. Free now. Free from the gods’ anger. Free from death’s terror. Free from the endless treadmill of desire that never...
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The Philosophy of Lao-zi: The Sage of the Dao
Lao-zi asks questions we’re all wrestling with in our modern world: What if you’re trying too hard? What if the secret to real power isn’t force, but flexibility? What if success doesn’t come from pushing harder, but from flowing better? “Hello, curious minds! I’m Lyon Leshley, a passionate...
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The Philosophy of Democritus: The Laughing Philosopher and father of Atomism
Alright, I want you to imagine something with me. It’s the 5th century BCE. You’re living in a world where everything—and I mean everything—gets explained by gods. Thunder? Zeus is angry. Earthquake? Poseidon’s having a bad day. Disease? You’ve offended Apollo. The universe is basically one giant...
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The Philosophy of Appollonius of Myndus
Alright, I need to tell you about someone who was right about something for two thousand years before anyone could prove it. Two. Thousand. Years. Imagine that. Imagine seeing something so clearly, understanding something so profoundly, that you’re correct about a fundamental truth of the…
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The Philosophy of Anaxagoras
Picture this: Athens, 450 BCE. The most powerful democracy in the ancient world. The cultural and intellectual center of civilization. Philosophy, drama, art—everything that will define Western culture for the next two thousand years is happening right here, right now. And in the middle of all…
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Introduction to logic
Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being here today as we embark on a fascinating journey into the world of logic. In a world awash with information and diverse viewpoints, the ability to think clearly and reason effectively has never been more critical. Logic is the foundation upon which we...
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Thales of Miletus: The First Greek Philosopher
Come discover the fascinating world of Thales of Miletus (c. 624‑546 BC), the man widely regarded as the father of Western philosophy and one of the earliest scientists. In this video we explore how Thales broke from mythological thinking, proposed water as the fundamental substance of the…
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The Landscape of Ethical Philosophy
Each of you carries within yourself a moral compass, shaped by family, culture, religion, and personal experience. But have you ever stopped to ask: Where did these beliefs come from? Are they universally true? Are there moral facts as concrete as mathematical theorems, or is morality simply a...
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Axiology: The Philosophy of Value
Axiology emerges from the Greek terms “axios,” meaning worth, and “logos,” denoting systematic study. This philosophical discipline investigates the fundamental nature of value itself, examining what makes something valuable, good, or beautiful, and exploring how these determinations shape both...
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The Journey of Aesthtics Philosophy
The exploration of aesthetics has been a profound and ongoing endeavor, spanning over 2,500 years, during which philosophers have delved into the nature of beauty, art, and sensory experience. This discipline serves as a bridge that connects perception, emotion, and understanding, allowing for a...
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The Quest for Understanding Reality: The Philosophy of Metaphysics
Metaphysics takes us beyond the visible world into the deepest questions of existence. This philosophical journey bridges ancient wisdom with modern scientific inquiry. It invites us to consider what lies beyond our sensory perceptions and invites us to grapple with inquiry into the very fabric…
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The Essence of Political Science Philosophy
Political science philosophy embarks on a profound exploration of humanity’s quest to define ideal governance, probing the intricate mechanisms through which societies organize power, establish justice, and harmonize the delicate interplay between individual freedoms and collective needs. It...
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Introduction to Rhetoric
Welcome to our presentation on the art and science of rhetoric. Throughout history, rhetoric has been the cornerstone of effective communication, empowering speakers and writers to persuade, inform, and move audiences to action. It is the craft that weaves together our thoughts, emotions, and...
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The Quest for Knowledge: An Epistemological Journey
Let us begin with a foundational question posed in one of the great dialogues of Western philosophy: What is knowledge? The inquiry into this question traverses centuries, starting with Plato’s dialogue Theaetetus. In this text, Plato grapples with the concept of knowledge, ultimately concluding...
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Introduction to the History of Philosophy
Welcome, everyone, to our exploration of the rich and intricate history of philosophy. Today, we embark on a journey through the philosophical traditions that have emerged over the millennia, tracing the intellectual evolution that has shaped human understanding and continues to resonate in our...
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The History of Occult Magic
As we embark on this exploration, it is crucial to understand that the term “occult,” derived from the Latin “occultus,” signifies that which is hidden, secret, or not readily apparent. Therefore, occult magic, in its broadest sense, pertains to systems of knowledge and practice that aim to…
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Christianity: An Exploration of Faith and Beliefs
Today, we embark on an enlightening journey through one of the world’s most influential religions: Christianity. With over two billion adherents spread across the globe, Christianity is not just a set of beliefs; it is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of faith, tradition, and cultural...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
In this series of lectures, Lyon will guide listeners on a journey of discovery through critical thinking, culture, history, language, math, and science. From the intricacies of ancient Greek philosophy to the latest breakthroughs in modern science, these lectures will provide a comprehensive education that will challenge listeners’ perspectives and inspire new insights.
HOSTED BY
Lyon Leshley
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Learn with Leshley have?
Learn with Leshley currently has 139 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Learn with Leshley about?
In this series of lectures, Lyon will guide listeners on a journey of discovery through critical thinking, culture, history, language, math, and science. From the intricacies of ancient Greek philosophy to the latest breakthroughs in modern science, these lectures will provide a comprehensive...
How often does Learn with Leshley release new episodes?
Learn with Leshley publishes regularly with 139 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Learn with Leshley?
You can listen to Learn with Leshley on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Learn with Leshley?
Learn with Leshley is created and hosted by Lyon Leshley.
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