For most of us, the jobs and roles we take on in society are dictated or suggested. Maybe our aptitudes are noticed early on by instructors, employers or mentors. Maybe we have a particular comfort or curiosity that’s well suited to a distinct field of work. But what if we conceived of jobs differently? Especially in this modern chapter of turmoil influenced by the intersection of increasing AI capabilities and the globalized internet, what sort of jobs and work would we wish our society contained? Are there roles that don’t yet exist but should? This week, with Julia Pelton, we discuss potential jobs that we imagined for our society.
Episode 274: "How Many Listeners Do You Have?"
It’s a familiar question to many podcasters, but this ask often strikes a particularly vulnerable chord in our comparative and competitive culture. Implied within it is a number worth caring about, a baseline of significance. Unfortunately, this is a belief we typically level at our fellow human beings.
Episode 273: TV as Rich Media
In the many decades since the advent of television, TV shows have prompted all sorts of commentary and critique. Some audiences rave over shows that others never quite get into. Parents perpetually worry about their children’s TV consumption and generational, once-in-a-lifetime events glue many to the silver screen. But, perhaps because of their relative recency in human history, TV shows are rarely discussed or lauded to the same degree as literature, cinema and other narrative forms. How do we juxtapose our private consumption with our public dismissal? What thoughts and feelings do TV shows elicit in us as viewers? How is television a unique medium for stories and other communication?
Episode 272: Between These Eyes of Ink VII
“Maturity: the confidence to have no opinions on many things”
This week, we return to "Between These Eyes of Ink," a series which dissects and considers quotations and the insights they contain. For our seventh episode, we welcome Sam Whipple to help explore the idea that “Maturity: the confidence to have no opinions on many things”. What are the implications of this idea in a modern, highly-opinionated world? What is the difference between having opinions and sharing them? Can we engage without opinion?
Episode 271: Our Seventh Anniversary
In spite of the unexpected shifts in recent years, this week nonetheless marks the seventh anniversary of the podcast. It’s a strange time but also quite hopeful. While this is formally Kathleen’s final episode as a co-host, I remain optimistic about how future conversations will further illuminate our grand map of what it means to be a human being. My thanks to those who provide the space, compassion and curiosity to listen. It is a real honor to produce this show for you and I look forward to bringing you more thought-provoking and introspective conversations.
Yours, in shared humanity,
Kip
