Meaningless Problems

What happens when a well known comedian accidentally discovers the secret of the universe?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    How would your life change if you knew that you literally were everyone who has ever lived?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  The Egg by Andy Weir Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Reincarnation Ricky Gervais The Buddha Jesus Christ Bluewater Shopping Centre  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2026

Alan lands a job at the world’s happiest company. What could possibly go wrong?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    How does monitoring emotions affect our emotions?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Happiness Companies Invasions of privacy  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry   Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2026

Governments are always promising to make things better. What would happen if they actively tried to make things worse?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Have you ever noticed that trying to force something to happen can make it less likely?    Come and see my new play - While We Wait - on at Arches Lane Theatre 3rd-7th March 2026. Tickets here: https://buytickets.at/waitwithme/1962304    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Governments Tyrannical Robots Invasions of privacy  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2026

Kenny finds church to be a mystical experience - but not for the reasons you might expect.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Is there a single truth that connects religions, psychedelic experiences, and near enough every story ever told?    Come and see my new play - While We Wait - on at Arches Lane Theatre 3rd-7th March 2026. Tickets here: https://buytickets.at/waitwithme/1962304    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Church Drugs Nuns Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2026

A new technology makes it possible for a mother and father to forgive their son’s killer. Should they use it?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Given the possibility to let it go, can it ever be right to hold on to hatred?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Happiness Political debates Vegetarian shepherd’s pie  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

For ten years, Eric has cared for his vegetative state brother with no hope he’ll ever recover. A scientific breakthrough changes everything.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Would you accept a blissful inner life if it meant no interaction with the outside world?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Shoes Ventilators Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at Craig @loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

Sylvia’s understanding of reality is shaken by an encounter with her dressing gown cord, a padlock and a snake.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Can evolutionary psychology fully explain human behaviour or is there something deeper at play?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Sheds Snakes Dressing gown cords  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

A new technology turns every human being into a super genius, ushering in heaven on earth. There’s just one problem: it doesn’t work in Liverpool.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    If it’s possible to use technology to increase our intellectual and emotional intelligence, does this destroy the idea that certain people are ‘good’ and others are ‘bad’?     You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  John Wyndham  Liverpool Brains Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thank you to Ryan Hurst for performing the episode. Ryan is a British actor, born in Liverpool. He attended Formby High School and was a member of the Manchester Youth Theatre, English National Ballet and National Youth Theatre. Ryan trained at Rose Bruford College and has over 30 years experience in the arts industry: theatre (classical and contemporary), film and TV (domestic and international), and directing. His UK TV credits include roles in 'Casualty', 'Brookside', 'Emmerdale' and 'City Central'. Ryan gained international recognition starring as the lead role of James Steven Dyer in the acclaimed award winning Polish drama series 'Londynczycy' (Londoners). Ryan has recently returned to acting following a life changing cycling accident and is working on a number of theatre and TV projects.   Ryan’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6620532/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm   Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Websites:   Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written by Doe Wilmann   Performed by Ryan Hurst   Thanks to Ryan Hurst for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

What happens when every married woman on earth wakes up with the desire to divorce her husband?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Where do your desires come from?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  John Wyndham  Spur of the moment decisions Marriages Divorces  Talking about free will Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry  Thank you to Kirsten Callaghan for performing the episode. Kirsten is an actor, writer and musician best known for playing the lead role in award-winning feature film Vindication Swim which is currently available on Prime Video. You can follow Kirsten on Instagram at kirstenscallaghan  Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.   And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com / Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written by Doe Wilmann   Performed by Kirsten Callaghan and Doe Wilmann    Thanks to Katie Empett and Kirsten Callaghan for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

He’s given his daughter an imaginary friend and she’s become quite attached. Does this make him a bad dad?   Something to consider when reading/listening:    Do you think there’s any harm in kids having an imaginary friend?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Imaginary friends Kids Swings Roundabouts  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening!    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com / Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

Jerry’s new boyfriend appears to be perfect in every way. But he has a dark secret at the bottom of his garden.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Can an argument be logically correct but still ultimately wrong?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Carl Jung  Cows Sheds  Veganism  Morality  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening!    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com / Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

This is a story about two people called Brian. One is spiritually enlightened. The other is depressed. But do they have more in common than they realise?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    What are the two different versions of you? And do they ever have differing interpretations of the same event?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Spiritual Enlightenment  Depression  People called Brian  Beards  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening!    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected] (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)     Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com / Loveyourwork.uk    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

Some theories about the existence of god are silly. This one is literally… silly.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    What other qualities would a maximally great god have?    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  God Atheism Stephen Fry Christopher Hitchens  Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Jokes Skin cancer in children  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Thanks very much for listening!    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

In the near future, it is widely agreed that children would be better off if they never learnt how to speak.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Would you sacrifice your ability to speak if it meant never having another negative or stressful thought?    Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2024   You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast  Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Silence Children Silent children  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry 

If life is a game, Harvey Rain is determined to win. But what does winning actually look like? And what does this mean for the other players?   Something to consider when reading/listening: Is it true that the only thing worse than not getting what you want is getting it?   You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think Philosophical fiction Speculative fiction Chicken farming Lab grown meat World domination Contemplating the meaning of life Any form of philosophical enquiry   Thank you for listening. Please follow the podcast to stay up to date with the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]  Website: Meaninglessproblems.com  Thanks for listening  Credits: Written and performed by Doe Wilmann Thanks to Katie Empett for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.  Artwork by Katie Empett Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.  A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.  Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2025

When Poppy announces she wants to kill herself, her playwright husband employs a peculiar coping technique.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    To what extent does negative visualisation make you grateful for what you have?    Comedy - Philosophy - Stoicism     If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast  Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Plays The Shard Hoping for the worst  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2024

Having spent a year writing short stories for a podcast, the writer wonders what was the point.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    What was the point of this short story podcast?    Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast  ‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’ Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Artificial intelligence  The afterlife Simulations  Narcissism  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry  Episode #3 of this podcast Episode #13 of this podcast  Episode #44 of this podcast  Speaking/listening to plumbers     Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2024

Lost in thought at a funeral, our narrator sets out a compelling case for why we should never ask anyone what they do for a living.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    To what extent does your job define who you are?    What Do You Do is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes  Spirituality  Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Graveyards  Headstones Not talking about work  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2024

Businessman Nathan Norrie calls upon a spiritual guide to help improve the atmosphere among his work colleagues. The guide offers three peals of wisdom.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    If a message is true, does it matter if the messenger is dishonest?    It Might as Well Be is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes  Spirituality  Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Corporate retreats Mansions Instant hot water Maseratis  Cinema rooms  Teamwork Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2024

The prime minister is facing the biggest strike in British history. But the strikers are the last people she’d expect to strike. And their reason for striking is even more surprising.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Can you truly be rich if your life lacks meaning?    The Meaning of Work is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Yes, Prime Minister The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #25 of this podcast Episode #42 of this podcast  Prime ministers  Politics  Meaning  Jobs Jugglers Clowns   Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Tony’s tried everything to make himself more employable, more dateable, more popular. He’s tried life coaches, elocution coaches, therapists, personal trainers but he’s looking in the wrong place. He’s not the problem. I am. I am Tony’s vibe.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    To what extent can a person be aware of their own vibe?    Comedy - Philosophy - Politics    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Dramatic monologues Comedic monologues Politics Vibes Introspection Jobs Dates Rejections Tiger Woods’ trustworthiness Lindsay Lohan’s innocence Russell Brand’s sex appeal Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry   Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023   

Member of Parliament Lawrence Sitwell is frustrated by the failure of his political career. A conversation with an old friend causes him to rethink everything.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    When politicians try to make something better, are they more likely to make it worse?    Comedy - Philosophy - Politics    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Dramatic monologues Comedic monologues Politics Intentions v outcomes Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry  Plays Pubs Snakes Politicians   Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

In Bernard’s local pub, everyone carries their life’s achievements with them in a big black bag.    Philosophy - Spirituality - Absurdism    The Weight of Achievement is an original short story by Doe Wilmann   Something to consider when reading/listening:    If you were never allowed to tell anyone about your successes, which of your current goals would you continue to pursue?    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes Spirituality  Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Pubs Pints of Bitter  Achievements  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2024  

A writer is slightly concerned about his short story podcast. He shares these concerns with a plumber and is surprised by his response.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    How do you know for certain that you are not a fictional creation dreamt up by somebody else?    Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast  ‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’ Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Alternate universes The Titanic Morgan Robertson Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry  Episode #3 of this podcast Episode #13 of this podcast  Speaking/listening to plumbers   Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

The top five short stories from 2023. If you’re new to Meaningless Problems, this might be a good place to start.   These are the stories with the timestamps for each:   It Wasn’t Me - 1.30 - Kimi is delighted with Su-Z, a new personal assistant software that can send and respond to emails on her behalf. But her delight is punctured when her boyfriend receives a message from one of her email contacts claiming that he and Kimi have fallen in love. Will Kimi’s boyfriend believe her when she pins the blame on Su-Z? And what exactly has her personal assistant been saying in those messages?  The Guru - 17.10 - After many years searching for a guru, the narrator finally finds one in an unexpected place.  Skipping Through Life - 23.51 - Faced with the prospect of making half his workforce redundant, Mr Pomeroy is offered the chance to skip the experience by travelling twelve hours into his own future. He accepts the offer and, twelve hours later, finds he still has all the memories of having experienced the day. So how is ‘time skipping’ any different from living?  Plonker - 37.37 - On the verge of becoming a grandparent for the first time, Irene reflects on her relationship with her husband aka ‘Plonker’.   They’ll Have to Kill Me - 48.33 - The prime minister wakes up in his country residence to find that everyone thinks he’s gone completely mad. So did he really speak to those men in black raincoats who told him he needs to follow their orders? Who can you trust when you can no longer trust the voice in your own head?    If you’d like to read the script of these episodes go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A silly story, especially for Christmas. Working the early-turn Christmas Eve shift, Sergeant Rod just wants to finish at five, collect his daughter’s bizarre choice of present and go home. But his boss, the local drug lord and south London’s canine population have other ideas.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Are you feeling Christmassy?    Comedy - Family - Christmas    A Wise Man is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Comedic Monologues  Silly stories  Tom Sharpe PG Wodehouse  Police  Dogs Police dogs  Criminals  Gluten-free, fat-free, sugar-free brownies  Christmas    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Thanks to developments in AI and VR, every voter now has the right to meet their political candidates one-on-one. These hyper-realistic chat bots look and sound exactly like their real-life equivalents and they answer questions with 99.9% accuracy. So what happens when the British primer minister’s chat bot starts making some very provocative statements?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Would this type of hyper realistic chatbot enhance our elections?     Prime Minister’s Questions is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #25 of this podcast Prime ministers  Politics  War France  War with France  Technology   Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.  If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A new medical procedure will remove anxiety and allow you to live perfectly in the moment. The only downside? You have to give up your ability to comprehend language.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    What would you be prepared to give up in exchange for perfect peace of mind?   No Words is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #2 of this podcast Episode #7 of this podcast Episode #28 of this podcast Episode #37 of this podcast Episode #40 of this podcast Words Silence Family  Technology   Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Like most of his friends, Burt hates his job and lives for the weekend. And when his friends start installing modules into their brains that make them enjoy their work, Burt is furious with them. What’s the point of escapism if there’s nothing to escape?    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Could you live a good life if you enjoyed every part of it?    The Meaning of Love is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #2 of this podcast Episode #7 of this podcast Episode #28 of this podcast Episode #37 of this podcast Work Weekends  Relationships Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

After a mental breakdown, Michael reconsiders his entire perception of the world.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Are there any narratives in your own life that you’d be better off without?   Losing the Plot is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads Non Duality Spirituality  Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Narratives Plots Brexit  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

On your deathbed, in agonising pain, you are given the chance to reduce your suffering. But in order to do so, you must reduce your worldly success by the same amount.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Would you sacrifice the present for the sake of the past?    Your Final Ambition is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #2 of this podcast Episode #7 of this podcast Episode #28 of this podcast Episode #36 of this podcast Deathbeds Nurses  Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

In the near future, virtual reality allows couples to meet their potential children before they’ve been conceived.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Does having more options make us more free?    Don’t Blame The Children is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror The podcast 'Modern Wisdom' Sci-fi VR technology  The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #2 of this podcast Episode #7 of this podcast Episode #28 of this podcast Babies Breaking Up  Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A therapist is tasked with convincing a very clever eleven year old that there is a difference between fact and fiction.     Something to consider when reading/listening:    If all of your experiences take place in your mind, how can you be certain anything is real?    Iguana is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads The Twilight Zone  Philosophical fiction  Episode #2 of this podcast Episode #7 of this podcast Episode #28 of this podcast Iguanas  The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe  Fish tanks  Contemplating the nature of existence Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A widower uses an AR filter to make his new girlfriend look exactly like his ex wife.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    Is it possible to have a truthful relationship with someone if your perception of them is totally different to how they perceive themselves?    Sc-fi - Augmented Reality - Family      Just Like Her is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi Technology Memory   Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Augmented Reality  Episode #26 of this podcast Contemplating the future  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Casting director Lydia has invited an actress along to a family meet-up so that the actress can model her next character on Lydia’s twin sister Tania. But Lydia soon realises that one Tania is quite enough.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    To what extent are we all actors playing characters?    Dramatic Monologue - Comedy - Family     Inside Voices is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Dramatic Monologues  Comedic Monologues  Fiction that makes you think  Psychological fiction  Philosophical fiction  Parks Prosecco  Running  Episode #5 of this podcast (’Silly Old Trick’)  Episode #10 of this podcast (‘Plonker’) Episode #30 of this podcast (‘Cheek Biter’)  Episode #33 of this podcast (‘A Bench in West London)  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written by Doe Wilmann   Performed by Tamsin Dowsett   Edited by Sebsatian Brown   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Tania’s twin sister Lydia has bought a memorial bench for their mum in the family’s local park. There’s just one problem: their mum is still very much alive (Lydia was unaware that memorial benches are exclusively for the dead). Cue a series of tributes from people who want to pay their respects, including a man whose connection to Tania and Lydia’s mum threatens to completely undermine who they thought she was.   Something to consider when reading/listening:    How fragile is our understanding of ourselves and those close to us? Are we only ever one discovery away from reconsidering everything?   Dramatic Monologue - Comedy - Family     A Bench in West London is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Dramatic Monologues  Comedic Monologues  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Parks Benches Episode #5 of this podcast (’Silly Old Trick’)  Episode #10 of this podcast (‘Plonker’) Episode #30 of this podcast (‘Cheek Biter’)  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A married man purchases a memory of himself having sex with another woman. His wife finds out and kicks him out. He returns to the memory shop to try and put things right.     Something to consider when reading/listening:    Picture something you’ve always wanted to do. Would you rather do it and have no memory of having done so, or not do it but have a false memory of having done so?    Sc-fi - Memory - Family      As It Should Be is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi Technology Memory   Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Episode #31 of the podcast  Episode #29 of this podcast Episode #21 of this podcast Episode #16 of this podcast  Episode #5 of this podcast  Contemplating the future  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A father with a terminal illness has the chance to spare his young daughter from the pain of his death by erasing her memories of the times they’ve spent together.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    How far would you go to save someone you love from grief?    Sc-fi - Memory - Family      Tell Her I Was Kind is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi Technology Memory   Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Episode #29 of this podcast Episode #21 of this podcast Episode #16 of this podcast  Episode #5 of this podcast  Contemplating the future  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written and performed by Doe Wilmann    Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

An offhand remark from his dentist makes Mark question his entire existence.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    To what extent does our identity depend on other people's perceptions? Who are we when no one is looking?    Dramatic Monologue - Psychological - Relationships    Cheek Biter is an original short story by Doe Wilmann, performed by Sebastian Brown (sbvoices.co.uk)    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Dramatic Monologues  Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Fiction that makes you think  Psychological fiction  Philosophical fiction  Sebastian Brown Dentists Cheeks Biting  Episode #10 of this podcast (‘Plonker’) Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann @ outlook .com    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written by Doe Wilmann   Performed by Sebastian Brown   Edited by Sebastian Brown    Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Gina has a fantastic relationship with her seven-year-old son, James. The trouble is James is actually an adult and this seven-year-old is simply a perfect VR simulation of how he used to be. And adult James isn’t willing to share his mummy with anyone - even himself.    Something to consider when reading/listening:    If someone created a perfect VR simulation of you as a child, would you be happy for it to interact with your loved ones?    Sc-fi - Absurdism - Family      A Backup is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi VR technology  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the future  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Faced with the prospect of making half his workforce redundant, Mr Pomeroy is offered the chance to skip the experience by travelling twelve hours into his own future. He accepts the offer and, twelve hours later, finds he still has all the memories of having experienced the day. So how is ‘time skipping’ any different from our normal experience of life?   Something to consider when reading/listening:    How do you know your past isn’t simply a series of implanted memories? And would it make any difference if it were?    Philosophy - Time - Memory    Skipping Through Life is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/    For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes  Time Skipping Fancy ties  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

An old man is troubled by the fact that his late wife spent her final years reminiscing about memories that never actually took place. A doctor visits him with some unorthodox advice.    Philosophy - Spirituality - Memory    Dreams and Memories is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes Dreams Memories Travelling Aberdeen New Zealand  Typhoid Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    A question to consider when listening:    If something happened that only you know about, in what sense is it more real than a dream?    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

A new augmented reality app allows everyone to look beautiful. This makes Gary, who refuses to use any form of AR, the ugliest person in the world. He’s never been a particularly bad-looking bloke so how will he adapt to his new reality?    Sc-fi - Comedy - Dating      The World’s Ugliest Person is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Sci-fi Augmented Reality Dating Apps Men called Gary  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the future  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    In a world where everyone was beautiful, would we be more or less shallow than we are now? Would you sign up to the Fitter AR app? (Shut up, of course you bloody well would!) What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Kimi is delighted with Su-Z, a new personal assistant software that can send and respond to emails on her behalf. But her delight is punctured when her boyfriend receives a message from one of her email contacts claiming that he and Kimi have fallen in love. Will Kimi’s boyfriend believe her when she pins the blame on Su-Z? And what exactly has her personal assistant been saying in those messages?    Sc-fi - Comedy - Relationships      It Wasn’t Me is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror The Twilight Zone Episode 21 of this podcast  Sci-fi Personal Assistant Software Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the future  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    If an AI was perfectly modelled on your brain, would you have to accept culpability for its actions? Would you use a Su-Z in your place of work? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Lee has a strong memory of his dad’s last moments on this earth. Only it’s not his memory, it’s his dad’s. Somehow he can picture, with perfect clarity, the final thing his dad saw before he passed away. Is this just a trick of Lee’s imagination or is it pointing towards something deeper?    Philosophy - Spirituality - Non-Duality    The Light Without The Filter is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Non Duality Spirituality  Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  Talking Heads by Alan Bennett  Alan Watts Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Lights Filters Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    Do you find Lee’s ‘discovery’ convincing? If not, what is your understanding of consciousness? And do you really believe you wouldn’t be having any form of conscious experience if one specific sperm hadn’t fertilised one specific egg? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

Harry Bow (aka Starmix), a part-time waiter and full-time life coach, has discovered the secret of the universe. Namely, that every living being shares the same consciousness. And now it is his mission to correct the bad behaviour of everyone he meets.    Philosophy - Spirituality - Comedy    Starmix and The Runaway Table is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   PG Wodehouse  Tom Sharpe Spirituality  Absurdism  Non Duality  Restaurants Neck Tattoos Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    How would you change your behaviour if it was proven that all human beings shared a single consciousness? What is it about your consciousness that makes you think it is unique to you? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast.    Website:   Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

There’s a secret that may well blow your entire world apart. ‘You wouldn’t recognise me but you have seen me,’ says the narrator of this story. ‘You’ve seen me many times. The day your partner left you. When you were fired from your job. The time you felt like you couldn’t go on…’ So who are they? And what is their secret?    Philosophy - Spirituality - Absurdism    Making You Feel Better is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes  Spirituality  Reincarnation Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    Does the misfortune of others ever make you feel better? If not, what do you mean when you say ‘well it could be worse’? Would you rather live in a world where everyone was happier than you or a world where you were happier than everyone else? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at [email protected]    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them.    Website:   Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023    ebdb469e7ac511886ac9afebd3a36d74b5f279c5

There’s a new dating app that cuts out the dating. It connects two compatible people and implants a love story into their memories, while removing any recollection of ever having signed up to the service. As far as the two lovers are concerned, they met and fell in love in a totally normal, natural way. So when Selina’s best friend suddenly announces she’s getting married to a woman Selina has never heard of before, you can understand why she might be suspicious.     Taj Atwal is a Bafta-nominated actress best known for her roles in Hullraisers, Memory, In The Club and Line of Duty.    Sc-fi - Comedy - Relationships      Instant Connect is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads  Taj Atwal Dating Apps  Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    If someone changed your memory, would you still be you? What if they replaced your memories in their entirety with someone else’s? What do you mean by ‘you’? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com   For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them.    Website:   Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Written by Doe Wilmann Performed by Taj Atwal   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

When her teenage son experiences failure, Gina is annoyed by her husband’s indifference. But did Martin secretly hope their son would fail all along?     Philosophy - Comedy - Domesticity    Failing Our Son is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Fiction that makes you think  Philosophical fiction  Rugby Fruit Bowls  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    How can failure be beneficial? Is it wrong to tell your child they can achieve great things? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?    This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com   For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them.    Website:   Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023 

When we die, we come back as the person to whom we’ve caused the most harm. At least that’s what the plumber says…    Philosophy - Spirituality - Absurdism    The Loop is an original short story by Doe Wilmann    If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast.    You might enjoy this episode if you like:   Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman  A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes Reincarnation Fiction that makes you think  Short stories with a twist Philosophical fiction  Speculative fiction  Contemplating the meaning of life  Any form of philosophical enquiry    Things to consider when listening:    Who is the person to whom you have caused the most harm? What do you think happens after you die? What if you’re wrong? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with?   This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends.    If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK.    And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com   For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)   I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them.    Website:   Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com    Thanks for listening    Credits:   Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes.    Artwork by Katie Empett   Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5.    A license to use the media ((Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein.    Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann (C) 2023