Podcast
The New Thinkery
Hosted by The New Thinkery · EN
The New Thinkery is a podcast devoted to political philosophy and its history, along with its many guises in literature, film, and human experience generally. Named after Socrates' infamous "Thinkery" in Aristophanes' Clouds, The New Thinkery strikes a balance between the seriousness of academia and the playfulness of casual conversation among friends.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Bernard J. Dobski on Mark Twain's Recollections of Joan of Arc
Apr 30, 202501:02:53Tap to summarizeProfessor B.J. Dobski joins Greg and David this week to examine Mark Twain's Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, a work that stands in stark contrast to Twain's more familiar satirical writings. Through careful analysis, and using his latest book—Mark Twain's Joan of Arc: Political Wisdom, Divine Justice, and the Origins of Modernity—as a backdrop, Dobski illuminates Twain's treatment of virtue, heroism, and historical memory, as well as the novel's philosophical and political dimensions. The conversation situates Twain's Joan within broader questions of leadership, sainthood, and the moral imagination.
Transcribe →Spencer Klavan on Epicureanism
Feb 26, 2025Tap to summarizeA full complement of the guys are joined by Spencer Klavan, repeat offender on the show, host of Young Heretics, newly minted lecturer in the Classica and Languages programs at New College, associate editor at the Claremont Review of Books, and author most recently of Gateway to the Epicureans: Epicurus, Lecretius, and their Modern Heirs. The group sit down to unpack the concept of epicureanism, its progenitor, and how it has expanded from a fringe philosophy of the ancient world into a belief system that governs nearly everyone, even if most people don't know it.
Transcribe →The New Thinkery at 200
May 22, 2024Tap to summarizeThe New Thinkery is celebrating its 200th episode this week. To celebrate, the guys convene to do a retrospective of sorts. They take the opportunity to thank listeners, guests, and others, answer listener-submitted questions, give you a peek behind the curtain, and compared to a usual week are a little more... unhinged. Tune in for a fun one! Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!
Transcribe →Dickens' A Christmas Carol
Dec 20, 2023Tap to summarizeIn this week's classic episode of The New Thinkery, the guys discuss the Christmas classic: A Christmas Carol. They go through the book's plot, themes, underlying philosophical points, and talk about the cultural impact the book has had since its publication in the nineteenth century.
Transcribe →Spencer Klavan on Euripides' The Bacchae
Apr 26, 2023Tap to summarizeThis week, the guys are joined by David's colleague and friend, Spencer Klavan. Together, the group discuss the overarchiing themes, influence, and historical context of Euripides' The Bacchae. Plus: an analysis of uniquely feminine power.
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Happy Halloween from The New Thinkery!
Oct 31, 2022Tap to summarizeFrom all of here at The New Thinekry, we wish you a Happy Halloween! To celebrate, Alex has prepared a special treat: a dramatic reading of Edgar Allen Poe's classic poem, "The Raven" from memory.
Transcribe →Interview: Jerry Weinberger on Ben Franklin's Autobiography
Aug 24, 2022Tap to summarizeIn this week's installment of The New Thinkery, the guys are joined by Michigan State's distinguished professor emeritus Jerry Weinberger. The group discuss Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, its importance, and whether and to what extent Fraknlin is an esoteric writer.
Transcribe →Aristotle on Friendship ft. Producer Jake
Jun 15, 2022Tap to summarizeThis week The New Thinkery celebrates its 100th episode! To mark the occasion, the guys invite on Producer Jake to chime in for an analysis of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Books 8 and 9, which focus on the nature and types of friendships.
Transcribe →Interview: Dr. Michael P. Zuckert on Lincoln's Statecraft | The New Thinkery Ep. 83
Feb 16, 2022Tap to summarizeIn a first for The New Thinkery, the guys are joined for a threepeat guest appearance by Dr. Michael P. Zuckert. Together, the guys discuss the three elements of statecraft, and to what extent Lincoln hit the marks. Shoutout to Davenant Hall for sponsoring!
Transcribe →Interview: Dr. Joshua Parens on the Philosophy of Maimonides | The New Thinkery Ep. 51
Jul 14, 2021Tap to summarizeIn this edition of The New Thinkery, the guys are joined by Dr. Joshua Parens, Dean of the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts and Professor of Philosophy and Politics, to discuss the philosophy of Maimonides from law to politics.
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