PODCAST · society
Protect Your Noggin
by Stacie and Jeff Mallinson
Hosts are Stacie Mallinson (educator, death doula and yogini) and Jeff Mallinson (D.Phil., Oxford, historian of philosophy and religion). This is usually a conversation with the news in one hand and the Tao Te Ching in the other, but the history of ideas and the wisdom of various traditions are also regular topics.
Episodes
-
Adaptability in Precarious Times (Riffing on Tao Te Ching 78)
Flow like water. If you've been studying the Tao Te Ching with us, this image and indeed concrete wisdom is familiar to you. But in this episode we discuss why it has been incredibly practical and arguably life saving wisdom for us. When things get tough, having a minimalist but life affirming...
-
It is Expensive to be Poor (Riffing on Tao Te Ching 77)
We catch the audience up on our summer long quest for a new van for our adventures. Discussion of the Tao Te Ching's concept that a world with simultaneously extreme poverty and extreme wealth is unhealthy and that it is in the best interest of the super rich (albeit not for immediate capitalist...
-
Reflections on the Flow of Water
This is a sort of book report Jeff brings after reading Sarah Allen, The Way of Water and Sprouts of Virtue (Chinese Philosophy Culture). We discuss how in ancient China, the root metaphor of water was the focus itself. It's not as if water is a metaphor for an abstract reality. Its flow is the...
-
Soften to Stay Strong
It is important to be flexible rather than brittle in life, in our families, at work, and when it comes to entire nations. After discussing several recent events in the world news and our lives, we discuss the principle in Tao Te Ching 76 that flexibility is related to youth and life but rigidity...
-
Are We on the Brink of Revolution?
It seems to many that we in the USA are on the precipice of something like a civil war. But then, when asked, the vast majority reject the idea of political violence. What conditions might exist where that changes, according to Tao Te Ching chapter 75?
-
How States Use the Fear of Death
Tao Te Ching 74 starts by suggesting that people don't naturally fear death. Then it suggests that nefarious leaders try to instill a fear of death in those they dominate in order to control them. We discuss how this applies to contemporary times. Then Jeff shares some of the emerging research…
more -
Are We in Hopeless Times?
We start with a parable about being at peace with reality and not overreacting. Then there's chapter 73 of the Tao Te Ching that says that the Tao will ultimately bring everything along in its cosmic net. In other words, nature ensures that things are brought to balance in the end. The question…
more -
How to Be Happy according to Aristotle and Lao Tzu
The similarities and differences between the perspectives of Aristotle and Lao Tzu on the nature of happiness and how this relates to the ways in which we might navigate our precarious times. Inspired by Tao Te Ching chapter 72. We also spend some time discussing how this is all related to the…
more -
Letting Go of Dogmatism
Drawing from Tao Te Ching 71, we discuss the ways in which dogmatism can lead to madness but recognizing truths, even the truth that we do not know things with certainty, can bring us to a place of sanity. We talk about a poet named Theodore Beza who traded in his love of classical poetry and...
-
A Taosurfer's Buyer's Guide
We discuss why the Sage doesn't seem to be a winner in the minds of many "successful" people. But we also find that the Sage can have better quality items and quality of life by following the way of minimalism, compassion, and non-domination. After we discuss the meaning of Tao Te Ching chapter…
more -
Gaining Ground without Marching
Drawing from Tao Te Ching chapter 69, we discuss the history and philosophy of restraint. Jeff provides three historical examples when not acting led to catastrophe and three where it just might have saved the world from nuclear annihilation. How does all this relate to the ways in which we deal...
-
The Art of De-Escalation
Inspired by Tao Te Ching chapter 68, and drawing from our work with sport stadium security, elementary students, comedy show door work, and event lead roles with concerts, we discuss the idea that the best warrior is not warlike. Even if you don't usually vibe with this, consider listening to…
more -
The Difference between Deepak Chopra and Lao Tzu
We explore the ways in which New Age spiritualities and gurus might lead to disengagement from issues that matter in the world. Using chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching, we contrast this with an engaged spirituality based on minimalism, compassion, and the way of non-domination. We also mention the...
-
The Mother Road
We attempt to weave together the history of Route 66 (The Mother Road) and Tao Te Ching chapter 66 in order to answer a listener question. Whether we pull it off or not, we at least address a few key ways in which the Tao Te Ching can shed light on global issues of our day, especially the ways in...
-
Should We Try to Enlighten the Masses? (Tao Te Ching 65)
We aren't sure what this chapter is saying. We think we might disagree with what it's saying. This week, we discuss how we read the Tao Te Ching differently than we read the Bible during our youth in Evangelical youth groups and why indoctrination of even something we think is true is not helpful...
-
What is Your Master Plan?
We discuss Tao Te Ching 63, which encourages us to tackle major projects by focusing on one component part at a time. Applied to our lives and community building projects, instead of focusing on grand ideological constructs, it might be best for us to ask whether each small action we take serves...
-
The Taijitu Symbol is About Flow Not Balance
Alongside our discussion of Tao Te Ching Chapter 62, we contrast New Age interpretations of the yin-yang symbol that is so familiar today. It turns out to be more about the ebbs and flows of existence and less about fining symmetry, balance, or moderation. Surfing the Tao also provides a...
-
Drawing All Sentient Beings into The Good Country
A discussion of Tao Te Ching 61 and the ways in which larger countries, or leaders of large groups can benefit from a way of yin-like humility and the feminine principle. taosurfers.com protectyournoggin.org Buy our rendition of the Tao Te Ching online today.
-
Til We All Free with Micah Bournes
Friend of the pod, poet and rapper Micah Bournes is back at it with another powerful protest album. On it, he challenges us to consider seeking the freedom of even those who've committed crimes against humanity. This is a challenging but timely conversation, given our recent discussions of parts…
more -
What Batteries are You Charging?
Instead of going on to a new Tao Te Ching chapter, we address a superb comment from a listener about feeding a zeitgeist of resistance. We conclude by discussing the unique character of proto-Taoist shamanism.
-
Exorcising Cultural Demons (Tao Te Ching 60)
Lao Tzu explains how to cook a small fish and govern a great nation. A discussion of how the Tao Te Ching has been seen differently over the ages, due to different emphases throughout the commentary traditions. Regardless of whether one assumes that the ghosts of our ancestors and the demons of…
more -
The Longevity of Roots and Culture
Drawing from Tao Te Ching 59, we critique the idea that cultures have a fixed life span. Surveying the longevity of various societies from the Indigenous Australians to the end of Imperial China in the twentieth century, we suggest that Lao Tzu was right that a deeply rooted, maternal, nurturing...
-
No Inevitable Future
Jeff and Stacie discuss Tao Te Ching 58's second half, which says the experts don't even know how history will play out in a certain situation. They share their plan for surviving the economic challenges ahead. Jeff explains the concept of "late stage capitalism." By the way, if you are serious...
-
When Governments Renounce Intrusiveness
Jeff and Stacie share what’s been going on in their lives since their last episode. Then they launch into part one of a discussion of TTC 58 and it’s relevance these days. What if libertarians of various stripes banded together to resist authoritarianism and build networks to care for all members...
-
Happiness, Freedom, & the Gig Economy
How might working with the gig economy factor into the pursuit of happiness and freedom? What are the similarities and differences between the Aristotelian tradition on happiness and that of Lao Tzu?
-
Finding Your Voice with Jenna
Singer and songwriter Jenna joins us to discuss finding one's voice and addressing life traumas with the healing medicine of music. We share her newly released single "Trigger" which is now available online. https://www.instagram.com/jennna.wav/ www.protectyournoggin.org
-
The Warrior Pt 2
A survey of several issues in the news and reflection on how a warrior perspective might help us think about engaging issues of our day, albeit in nonviolent forms of "battle." Why the culture wars matter. Sinead O'Connor, and the hearings regaring UAE (UFO) technology.
-
The Warrior Part 1
The warrior archetype and why peace loving people might need to be ready to be more engaged on behalf of vulnerable groups in our precarious times. Part one is a general discussion of the theme and what the Tao Te Ching teaches about engagement with an enemy. Part two will survey some current...
-
The Mysterious Mother
Stacie leads us through three chapters from the Tao Te Ching that discuss the mysterious mother. What does this archetype and symbol say about our perspectives on femininity, society and the sacred? How does this differ from traditional American evangelical views of women and feminine...
-
Spiritual Anarchist Poetry
A discussion of some of Jeff’s recent poetry related to the ways in which spirituality can influence ideas about political freedom and unpacking authoritarian ideology can help understand the ways in which religion can endorse and prop up unjust systems.
-
Another World Is Possible With Micah Bournes
Micah Bournes is a poet, rapper, singer and speaker. He stopped by our place to perform a house show along the route of his Simple Dreams Tour. For this episode, we first discuss the history of Moody Bible Institute’s compromises related to race. This serves as a microcosm of a problem found...
-
The Valley
A reflection on the power of receptivity as illustrated by the valley, which is an important symbol throughout the Tao Te Ching and philosophical Taoism. This is also an episode about the power of yin, and the concept of the mother goddess.
-
Why Mexico Matters
Reflecting in the wake of a wave of border traffic, Jeff and Stacie explore how what's going on at the US's southern border illustrates a global sickness that will continue to lead to immigration and refugee crises around the world. Couple capitalism with climate change and we can only expect…
more -
The Path
The path. The way. The journey. Such concepts shift our focus from dogma and religious hierarchies, which helps us get out of the way of the way (tao). Behind all of this is a discussion of Guy Debord, the Situationists,the dérive, and psychogeography. We explore meditation through wandering and...
-
Natural Wood
The importance of natural wood (also rendered as the uncarved block) and undyed or unbleached silk for aesthetics and mindfulness techniques in the ancient Taoist tradition. What does this have to say for meditation practices within our modern anxieties, clothing, and values? It may seem too...
-
Why Israel Matters
Political turmoil surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu, American attitudes about Israel and Palestine, Dispensationalism, and Orthodox services in the Holy Land. We end with inspiration drawn from principled opponents of authoritarianism and defenders of judicial review. CW: short, ghastly holocaust...
-
Why Ukraine Matters
Why does the invasion of Ukraine matter? How does the history of religion and anarchism intersect with this question? How does this relate to the persecution of trans people in the US? How ought we confront seemingly endless threats to liberty in our world? We discuss these and other...
-
The Twisted Tree
We examine the significance of the symbol of a twisted tree described in the Taoist text known as the Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) and a related set of stories about deformed sages. This is a discussion about recognizing the beauty and intrinsic value of things and people who might seem unimportant at...
-
The Great Peng
The Great Peng is a mythical bird that transforms from a giant fish and then into a winged beast that can fly for a year and a half, to the southern sea, stirring up the oceans and propelling the cycles of nature. The cicada and the dove are skeptical about this massive bird’s existence, since…
more -
Inner Alchemy
We discuss the concept of the inner alchemist, which is a metaphor for the process of spiritual transformation. First, Jeff sets up the conversation with some historical background about failed Western alchemists like Anna Maria Zieglerin (1550-75) and the demise of Chinese emperors who drank…
more -
Wisdom Is Justified by Her Children
Casual reflections on Jesus’ statement that is roughly the equivalent of the adage “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” the nature of the Jerusalem community under Jesus’ brother James, and resonant themes in the Tao Te Ching. We meander a bit, so if you want something to the point, you...
-
#EXLUTHERAN
A discussion of what it’s like to deconstruct conservative Lutheranism. Lutherans tend to be a decade behind trends in American evangelicalism. Perhaps, therefore, it isn’t surprising that there isn’t as much public discourse among #exlutheran folks as there is for those who describe themselves…
more -
Facing Night Time Fears
Jeff, Stacie, and Sydnie sit down with some old timey English ales after a long day’s work to solve a recent family mystery that intersects with a recent urban legend. Enjoy this peak into the whimsical, witchy and mystical conversations that tend to happen on tipsy evenings at the family’s old...
-
MORTALITY CONCIERGE (AKA DEATH DOULA)
Stacie helps Jeff and listeners work through some of the important questions we might have and asks questions we ought to ponder about our relationship with our own mortality. She also shares wisdom she’s learned from those who are on the precipice of death that can help us all be present in the...
-
Float Tank Therapy As A Meditation Hack
In 1954, physician and psychonaut John C. Lilly invented a floatation tank that provided sensory attenuation and isolation. It involves a tub filled with loads of epsom salt, with water heated to skin temperature. This allows for an amazing entry into a meditative state. In our experience, an…
more -
Meditation Hacks for Slackers
Sometimes we fail to get into a rhythm with regular meditation because we think we have to perfect our practice from the very start. We believe it’s better to start with an imperfect practice than to never start at all. Moreover, we discuss various ways to jump into a state of mindfulness so you...
-
Why We Should Dismantle Christian Universities Part 2
A two-part conversation about why evangelical Christian higher education is a project all people of good will should abandon. We aren’t calling for heavy-handed measures from the state but for the voluntary societal decision to treat this project sort of like circuses: by refusing to patronize...
-
Why We Should Dismantle Christian Universities Part 1
A two-part conversation about why evangelical Christian higher education is a project all people of good will should abandon. We aren’t calling for heavy-handed measures from the state but for the voluntary societal decision to treat this project sort of like circuses: by refusing to patronize...
-
Tao Te Ching: Meditative Selections
A half hour of readings from our recent publication, Tao Te Ching: A Playfully Sincere Rendition with some nature sounds in the back. Take some time out from an anxious day to reflect on some ancient wisdom. We pulled out some of the grooviest selections for you this winter solstice. If you dig…
more -
is ai god
With the rise of artificial intelligence, and its exponential development, might we think of this super intelligence as the consciousness of a pantheistic God. We use this language playfully but sincerely. But using this language helps us understand how the rise of AI might help us understand how...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosts are Stacie Mallinson (educator, death doula and yogini) and Jeff Mallinson (D.Phil., Oxford, historian of philosophy and religion). This is usually a conversation with the news in one hand and the Tao Te Ching in the other, but the history of ideas and the wisdom of various traditions are also regular topics.
HOSTED BY
Stacie and Jeff Mallinson
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Protect Your Noggin have?
Protect Your Noggin currently has 224 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Protect Your Noggin about?
Hosts are Stacie Mallinson (educator, death doula and yogini) and Jeff Mallinson (D.Phil., Oxford, historian of philosophy and religion). This is usually a conversation with the news in one hand and the Tao Te Ching in the other, but the history of ideas and the wisdom of various traditions are...
How often does Protect Your Noggin release new episodes?
Protect Your Noggin publishes regularly with 224 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Protect Your Noggin?
You can listen to Protect Your Noggin 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 Protect Your Noggin?
Protect Your Noggin is created and hosted by Stacie and Jeff Mallinson.
URL copied to clipboard!