PODCAST · society
uPhilosopher
by Nicolas Michaud
A podcast dedicated to discussion of ideas and questions raised by popular culture, the media, current events, and politics. In it Nicolas Michaud, EdD discusses multiple perspectives on questions directly relevant to contemporary society. To continue the discussion, Dr. Michaud welcomes emails with questions or comments: [email protected]
Episodes
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uPhilosopher - Did Mr. Rogers Destroy a Generation
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss criticisms of Mr. Rogers and his show Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. Did Mr. Roger's treatment of children as special lead to entitlement? Does his show encourage weak behaviors? And is forgiveness really all that great? SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter: @LearnPhilosophy...
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uPhilosopher - Why Rey is Better than Luke
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss Star Wars and the ways in which Rey is criticized for not earning her "hero" status. But can't those same criticisms be leveled at Luke Skywalker? How should we judge heroes and the fantasy narratives that create them? SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter:...
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uPhilosopher - The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Love, and Power
In this episode of uPhilosopher, we discuss The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and whether or not it is better to choose love or power. We ask what is the nature of love? Is it worth giving up great power for relationships? And is love even real? Should Sabrina choose Harvey or the great power...
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uPhilosopher - Blackmirror: Bandersnatch
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss the episode of Blackmirror "Bandersnatch." Specifically, we discuss what the episode is telling us about our own freedom. We consider the question of if we are fated to the same ending, what it means to be free, and if we can be held responsible for murder.
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uPhilosopher Are We Bad People If We Don't Vote
In this episode of uPhilosopher, we discuss the arguments for voting. Is there a non-traditional argument for voting? Is there more to be said than it is our civic duty? Is it immoral to not vote?
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uPhilosopher Immigration, Separating Families, and Immigrant Caravans
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss the issue of separating families at the boarder and U.S. immigration concerns. We consider the morality of taking children from their parents and the consequences of these actions for everyone involved. Not only must we wonder if it is right or wrong…
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uPhilosopher What Our President Got Wrong About the Civil War
In this episode of uPhilosopher, we discuss Generals Grant and Lee and how they are presented to us by politicians. Recently President Trump gave a speech in which he mentions both Grant and Lee as great generals. We will ask, "Why is Lee so lauded?" "Was Lee truly a great general?" and "Why is...
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uPhilosopher, Why Don't We Stop Sexual Assault?
In this episode of uPhilosopher we explore the fact that 55 percent of Republicans currently believe Judge Brett Kavanaugh should be on the Supreme Court even if he committed sexual assault. Why doesn't our society make a bigger deal out of sexual assault? And why do people treat the #metoo...
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uPhilosopher, The Problems of Pain and Suicide
In this episode inspired by recent celebrity suicides we talk about the increasing suicide rate in the U.S. We consider the similarities and differences between suicide and Euthanasia. We also investigate the different kinds of suffering that may cause suicidal thoughts.
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uPhilosopher, "What is 'This is America', by Childish Gambino. telling us?"
In this episode of uPhilosopher we talk about Childish Gambino's song "This is America." Here we try to develop an understanding of what "This is America" is saying "is America." We deal with questions of, "Can a white man talk about the black experience?" "What does the song say about poverty?"...
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uPhilosopher Was Thanos Really a Villian?
In this episode of uPhilosopher, we discuss Thanos from Infinity War. Was Thanos really such a bad guy? Did his motivations absolve him in some way for mass genocide? Was he really capable of love?
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uPhilosopher: Avengers, Loki, and Dangers to Democracy
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss the dangers to Democracy presented by personalities like Loki. We ask are they wrong in their belief that humans are better off when lead by a tyrant. We consider the danger to democracy presented by the Dark Enlightenment movement, and consider what it...
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uPhilosopher, Was the Black Panther Villian Right?
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss the film "Black Panther." The question we focus on is whether or not the villain "Killmonger" is in fact wrong in his motivations? Here we also ask if the film is pro-isolation. Finally, the question of our own social perspective on civil rights…
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uPhilosopher, When is Suicide Moral? Moby Dick and Human Suffering
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss social treatment of people who are suicidal. We reflect on how suicidal feelings and reflected in literature, particular in Moby Dick. We address a series of questions such as, "Do we mistreat suicidal individuals?" "Is suicide justifiable?" And, "Is…
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uPhilosopher, School Shootings and Gun Control
In this episode of uPhilosopher, we explore the questions and problems that arise when trying to figure out the solutions to school shootings. Do we need more Gun Control? What kind? Should we arm teachers? Is the problem a lack of God in Schools? And where is the research on the issue?
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uPhilosopher, "Five (More) Things the Last Jedi Got Right"
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss a few common arguments about why the Last Jedi is a bad Star Wars film. The questions of whether or not Rey is a "Mary Sue", The "Mary Poppins" scene, The treatment of capitalism, Admiral Holdo, and whether or not Luke is the Luke we remember are all...
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uPhilosopher, What the Last Jedi Got Right
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss The Last Jedi and two criticisms of the film. We discuss the question of if Star Wars is pandering to diversity advocates in a way that is out of character for the franchise as well as the philosophy developed in the film.
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uPhilosopher Holiday Special, "The REAL War on Christmas"
In this episode of uPhilosopher we discuss the idea of the "war on Christmas." Is there a war on Christmas? Were people not allowed to say, "Merry Christmas?" Is it possible that even if we say, "Merry Christmas" we still destroy what it really means?
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uPhilosopher Star Wars, Jedi, and Brainwashing Children
In this episode of uPhilosopher, we discuss whether or not the Jedi are villainous by taking children from their parents. What right do they have to do so? This leads to the question of whether or not our own educational system is a kind of brainwashing and whether or not parents should decide…
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uPhilosopher Halloween Special - How does the Rocky Horror Picture Show Reflect on Relationships
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the motivations behind the killing of Eddie in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Why does Frankie hate him enough to kill him? What does this mean about love an relationships as depicted in the film? Is the film endorsing or criticizing...
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uPhilosopher Stranger Things - How Bad are the Bad Men
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud considers the mistreatment of Eleven. How wrong were the Bad men to turn her into a weapon? Is tormenting one child worth ending the Cold War?
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uPhilosopher Special Edition - Geraldo, John Oliver, and Enjoying Death in News
In this Special Edition of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the argument between Geraldo Rivera and John Oliver and the MOAB drop. Fox news showed video of the dropping of the bomb with a patriotic sound track playing in the background.. Is it ok to enjoy watching other people die? Should…
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uPhilosopher - What's Wrong with Saying "Good Girl"
In this episode of uPhilosopher, Nicolas Michaud discusses a prom poster posted by a local high school. That poster was removed and apologies issued by the school because the poster seemed to suggest that women who follow the prom dress code are "good girls." Did the public over react to this...
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uPhilosopher - 1984...Does Barack Obama Lead a Shadow Government
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the accusations by some news outlets that former President Obama is now leading a secret shadow government intended to overthrow President Trump. Have we become the world predicted by George Orwell in his novel, 1984?
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uPhilosopher - Is Lego Batman Really a Batman Film?
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the film "Lego Batman." Does the film stay true to the spirit of Batman? Can Batman be a family man? What responsibility does Batman have to those whom he loves?
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uPhilosopher - Rage, Hate, and Equal Education
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the implications of the idea of "equal educational opportunities." The new secretary of education was promoted with a commercial arguing that those who did not support her also do not support poor children. What do we have to do to provide...
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uPhilosopher - Valentines Day Special
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the production of chocolate made my child slaves. Does using slaves for cheaper chocolate diminish the value of Valentine's Day and the tradition of giving sweets to our loved ones?
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uPhilosopher - 'Logan,' Is there a Point to Life When We Grow Old?
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud reflects on the film "Logan." What is the point to life when we are past our prime? Does the film provide us an answer to the problems of pointlessness and old age? Is there a point to fighting for the rights of others when we knew we won't live to...
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uPhilosopher - Anti-Education and Betsy DeVos
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the growing trend of divisiveness towards education and the skill sets of others. Is the nomination of candidates with no experience in their field to positions of power in government a symptom of society's growing distaste for education?
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uPhilosopher - The Denial of Death
In this episode of uPhilosopher, Nicolas Michaud discusses the notion of death and our ability to deal with it. How does death influence our politics? How does death influence the way we deal with business and the future?
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uPhilosopher - March for Women: Is Sexism Still a Problem?
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the question of sexism today. After millions of people marched for women world wide, some may ask if it is unnecessary. Are people overreacting? Isn't sexism basically not a problem any more?
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uPhilosopher - Inauguration Special - Fear and Love in Politics
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses fear in politics and in our elections. "How can we combat fear?" and "How can we talk with people who are moved by fear?
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uPhilosopher - Love and Owning Others
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the idea of belonging to someone else in terms of love and relationships. The episode addresses a question brought up by the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" regarding how much we owe those who love us. The questions brought to light by this...
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uPhilosopher - New Year's Special - How to Live with Dead Celebrities
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the loss of Carrie Fischer and other beloved childood icons and the impacr their deaths have on New Year's resolutions and the way we think about mortality.
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uPhilosopher - Rogue One
In this episode of uPhilosopher Nicolas Michaud discusses the controversy over the new Star Wars film, Rogue One, and the alt right movement. Questions of whether or not Star Wars is anti-Donald Trump as well as if the U.S. is reflected in the Empire are considered.
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uPhilosopher - Pokemon Go and Economics
In this episode we discuss how Pokemon Go reflects on our economy and the possibility of actually achieving the "American Dream."
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uPhilosopher - Uncivil Discourse and the Presidency
This episode of uPhilosopher considers uncivil discourse in politics and the brief history of uncivil presidents. The work of Mark Twain is used to help address the questions raised by politicians who "speak their minds."
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uPhilosopher - #PoliticsatDinner
This episode addresses the issue of race relations and whether they are improving in the U.S. It also considers the importance of seeking out others of differing viewpoints for #politicsatthedinnertable. Brief consideration is given to the Dakota Pipeline and its moral implications.
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uPhilosopher - Thanksgiving Special
This episode of uPhilosopher explores the question of Thanksgiving as a story told today in the U.S. How does it relate to the emergence of the White Nationalist movement?
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uPhilosopher - Why Compromise
First episode in the series uPhilosopher. In this epsiode, Nicolas Michaud discusses compromise and civil discussion.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast dedicated to discussion of ideas and questions raised by popular culture, the media, current events, and politics. In it Nicolas Michaud, EdD discusses multiple perspectives on questions directly relevant to contemporary society. To continue the discussion, Dr. Michaud welcomes emails with questions or comments: [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Nicolas Michaud
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