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Feeding Curiosity

Feeding Curiosity

By Erich Wenzel

Feeding Curiosity explores the human experience through conversation hosted by Erich Wenzel. We try to understand the habits and routines that allow us to interact with the world. Over time, we aim to provide blueprints, built by others, that we may use to live a better life.
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Rachel Thomas: The Collateral Damage of Addiction

Feeding CuriosityApr 01, 2019

00:00
01:36:19
Film Deep Dive | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Jul 05, 202301:39:59
Joe Jackowski on Apotheosis and The Parodies
May 24, 202301:50:30
Joey and Drew on Few Will Hunt

Joey and Drew on Few Will Hunt

"Everybody wants to eat, but Few Will Hunt."


Today on the podcast with Joey Bowen and Drew Beech, co-founders of the apparel brand and community Few Will Hunt.

Joey and Drew spent their daily commutes through the gritty streets of Philadelphia on the phone for a year straight.

On these calls, they talked about business and life — especially the trends of self-entitlement and shortcut-seeking they witnessed in society.

These trends made them feel alone in an ever-softening world. “Are we the only ones that still believe in the power of hard work?” Drew asked. Joey responded, “It’s like we say at my hunting cabin — everybody wants to eat, but few will hunt.”

This statement perfectly summed up their frustrations with society. It became their mantra.


Website: https://fewwillhunt.com/


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(02:18) Where Did This Start for Them

(04:15) Loving the Process

(05:38) Finding A Purpose

(06:32) Finding Mentors

(08:21) Alex Hormozi and Warren Buffet

(09:27) The Shortcuts are Already There

(10:06) Guns Germs and Steel

(11:13) Mental Frameworks

(14:12) Contacting Reality

(18:15) Life Lessons from Sport

(21:32) Super Power to Direct Your Attention

(24:11) Information Diet

(27:05) The Power of Community

(30:37) Challenge Yourself to Find Differing Viewpoints

(31:08) Strong Convictions but Loosely Held

(32:15) Life is in the Gray

(33:26) Andrew Wakefield and Anti Vax

(35:22) Uncomfortable Conversations

(38:01) Parenting and Resilience

(40:11) Recommended Books

(43:23) Advice to a driven person

(48:01) Outro

Support our content on Patreon or on Spotify!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/feedingcuriosity/suppor

Check out the Range Blueprint!

https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprint-range

This blueprint will break down the core ideas, connect ideas outside the book, and apply these ideas in your life!

May 09, 202348:52
Jordan Criss on Fulfillment, Imposter Syndrome, Procrastination and Eulogy Virtues

Jordan Criss on Fulfillment, Imposter Syndrome, Procrastination and Eulogy Virtues

On this podcast episode, Jordan Criss returns for a long-overdue discussion on Life and Fulfillment. We start the conversation with the idea that most people are actively disengaged with what they spend most of their time. From there, we cover imposter syndrome, healthy habits, procrastination, and focusing on what matters most to you regardless of the current outcome. Life is about playing a long game. Toward the end of the conversation, I was reminded of a book called The Road to Character. One of the core messages is to think more deeply about the eulogy virtues than resume virtues since modern life is more focused on the latter. Ultimately, each of us has to figure out what fits best for our life; no matter what, it will be a process. The faster you embrace the process, the less painful it will be. So with that, I pass this off to the listener. What else can we explore if you've encountered the mentioned sources, your experiences, or other related ideas? Support our content on Patreon or Spotify!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/feedingcuriosity/support


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(04:02) People are Disengaged with What They Do

(07:48) Why Do you Choose to Be Healthy

(13:24) Calling Yourself on Procrastinating

(15:00) We're All Addicted to Something

(17:.34) Society Pushes You to Give Up on Your Curiosity

(21:50) Imposter Syndrome

(24:31) The War on Art

(28:21) Beating Yourself Up on Rest Days

(32:14) Negative Self Talk

(35:27) Affirmations

(36:59) There's No End Point to a Better Quality of Life

(42:00) Layers of Paint

(45:18) Bet on Yourself

(47:44) Anxiety Around Performing

(50:53) Running and the Mental Game

(55:55) Checking Out Of Your Life

(58:43) What's the Smallest Step You Can Take

(01:01:04) Does Your Passion Have To Make Money?

(01:05:23) Die With Zero

(01:08:48) Checking In With Your Progress

(01:12:09) Do What You Can Where You Are Right Now

(01:14:27) Looking for the Quick Fix

(01:18:24) Creating Feedback Loops

(01:22:11) Implementing a new habit

(01:25:21) Three Ways to Push Yourself to Find What Fulfills You

(01:27:54) Reflecting on the Path Forward

(01:33:44) Resume and Eulogy Virtues

(01:36:50) Outro

Apr 23, 202301:38:13
Karlee Owens on Natural Movement, Spirals and Listening to Your Body

Karlee Owens on Natural Movement, Spirals and Listening to Your Body

Coach Karlee is a movement coach who teaches her athletes to move their bodies as nature designed: strong, secure, pain-free, and forward. Utilizing slow-motion video assessment, she can assess, address, and correct pattern errors that are causing pain and/or hindering performance goals. With a background in soccer, endurance running, and strength and conditioning, Karlee takes an intense passion for competition and athletics into her coaching style to help build mentally and physically capable athletes, regardless of age, gender, sport, or background. She prioritizes foundations for durability through awareness and integration of pain-free movement practices to maximize performance and longevity. Are you ready to unlock your INNER ATHLETE? CONTACT INFO: INSTAGRAM

INNER ATHLETE: RECLAIM PAIN-FREE, ATHLETIC MOVEMENT WITH ME

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(03:26) Getting Interested in Natural Movement

(04:10) How does Karlee describe her methods

(07:12) Narratives around declining movement

(08:56) Erich's Assessment

(11:21) Injuries and Finding the Gym

(13:07) What actually improves performance

(15:56) The Paradigm Shift in Endurance and Strength

(18:32) Muscle Mass doesn't equal health

(25:18) Making Exercise One Dimensional

(29:00) Back Chain Dominant

(30:35) What are the smallest habits you can change

(35:51) Listening to Your Body

(41:54) How well you move at a young age sets you up for later in life

(45:17) Treat first before prevent needs to change

(47:48) What is the Spiral?

(56:35) Your body optimizes for its environment

(58:23) Recommended Books

(01:01:10) Advice for someone who is driven or looking to pivot

(01:03:26) Where to connect with Karlee

(01:04:48) Outro

Support our content on Patreon! ⁠patreon.com/feedingcurioisity⁠

Apr 15, 202301:06:36
The Last of Us Episode 9 | TV Show Breakdown

The Last of Us Episode 9 | TV Show Breakdown

Finally, we come to the season finale of The Last of Us, season 1. Since starting our breakdowns, we have been excited about this very conversation. Would viewers of the show be challenged with the ending as much as the game challenged audiences over a decade ago? Would audiences be given enough to connect with to feel for Joel's position in the story? Ultimately, the story of The Last of Us boils down to this last episode. It asks audiences what they would do if this were their life and the life of someone they have come to care about. So much moral ambiguity makes this season finale one of the best and remains hotly debated. So in closing, does the show do the game justice, and what is your feeling on the actions Joel takes? Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Last of Us Breakdowns Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_DdLZFt1Y&list=PLK40BMdw20kRhBc4_LRLO_hgqXNXZZJiq


Last of Us Part 1 | Playthrough Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_yhcSe6a0&list=PLK40BMdw20kS2njzNVufy3kob23QbKhG3

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(02:28) Ellie is still dealing with the trauma of the previous episode

(08:27) Changed by the Journey

(15:02) Joel in the hospital

(17:35) Ellie's Mom and relationship with Marlene

(23:31) Joel Becoming the Anti Hero

(26:06) Starting the Morality Discussion

(31:17) Ellie didn't get to choose

(34:31) Joel's decision feels foundational

(44:17) The Second Game

(46:39) Final Assessments of the Whole Season

(51:21) Two Voices in the Writing

(56:30) The Emotional Differences Between the Show and the Game

(01:00:38) Part 3?

(01:03:05) Adapting Games to TV

(01:04:43) Where Would You Expect Season 2 to Go

(01:06:08) Talking about game 2 in the near future

(01:08:49) Speculating on what is to come

Apr 14, 202301:12:42
Gina Iaffaldano on Life Lessons Overcoming Guillain Barre Syndrome

Gina Iaffaldano on Life Lessons Overcoming Guillain Barre Syndrome

Gina Iaffaldano is a legal operations professional, writer, and everyday athlete. She has recently relocated back to the Chicagoland area. She is working on her first book, Little Gifts, which covers much of her experience with overcoming Guillain-Barré syndrome - a rare autoimmune syndrome that caused her to be neurologically paralyzed. Gina is two years in remission and is in training for her second Spartan competition post-recovery.


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(03:07) Who is Gina

(04:37) Life before Diagnose of Guillain-Barré syndrome

(08:44) Getting to a diagnosis

(11:26) Initial Thoughts on Recovery

(15:54) Uncertainty of Diagnosis

(18:39) The Recovery Process and Getting to Walking

(19:25) Mental Bad Days

(22:52) Support System from Friends and Family

(25:42) Tracking Progress

(28:56) Be Where Your Feet Are

(30:46) Exercises to Get Movement Back

(32:44) Out Patient Therapy

(35:32) Goals for Getting Out of Therapy

(38:47) What Did Gina Learn About Herself

(43:22) Coming Together To Help Each Other

(47:33) How Does Gina Define Happiness

(53:11) The Shortness of Life

(01:07:15) Rebuilding Your Habits

(01:12:28) What is Legacy to Gina

(01:15:14) Where to connect with Gina

(01:16:25) Outro

Apr 07, 202301:17:24
The Last of Us Episode 7 and 8 | TV Show Breakdown

The Last of Us Episode 7 and 8 | TV Show Breakdown

Today's podcast continues our breakdown of The Last of Us on HBO with episodes seven and eight. Episode seven dives into more of Ellie's past and gives the audience a view of what Ellie said when it wasn't the first time she had used a gun. Living in this world is harsh for even the youngest people. There isn't much hope to spare. Picking up with episode 8 drops us right back into the urgency of Joel's condition. Episode 8 feels pivotal in many ways. The first gives us a face to evil in the show, quickly capturing the audience. Also, giving Ellie the challenge of her life; can she survive without Joel? But not without Ellie being traumatized dramatically by the experience. While the audience is led to believe Joel will make a heroic rescue, we don't get that exactly, but Joel saves Ellie's soul right when she's about to fall over the edge.


Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity


Last of Us Breakdowns Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_DdLZFt1Y&list=PLK40BMdw20kRhBc4_LRLO_hgqXNXZZJiq


Last of Us Part 1 | Playthrough Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_yhcSe6a0&list=PLK40BMdw20kS2njzNVufy3kob23QbKhG3


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Episode 7

(04:24) A Lull in Pacing

(06:52) Comparing to Bill and Frank

(10:13) Keeping the tension

(14:26) Let the audience live with the consequences

(17:03) Transition to episode 8

(21:28) The Villain of Episode 8

(26:57) Culty Vibes

(29:30) What is David's Motivation

(36:30) Joel's Survivor Moment

(39:32) Ellie's Capture

(41:44) The Donner Party

(45:57) How David Talked to Ellie

(48:48) Ellie Making Her Escape

(53:26) The Climax

(01:00:56) Why Joel and Ellie Connect

(01:02:25) A Heart-Breaking Coming of Age

(01:06:14) Hype for Where the Story Goes

(01:07:03) Wrapping Up

Apr 05, 202301:14:30
Zach Wagner on Non Toxic Masculinity

Zach Wagner on Non Toxic Masculinity

ZACHARY WAGNER is a writer, researcher, ordained minister––thinker of thoughts and feeler of feelings. Originally from the Chicagoland area, he now lives in Oxford, England, where he is pursuing a DPhil (PhD) in New Testament studies at Keble College, University of Oxford. He also serves as the editorial director of the Center for Pastor Theologians, where he co-hosts the CPT Podcast. His research interests include economics in the ancient world, divine wages in Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity, Pauline epistles, the Gospel of Matthew, and New Testament masculinities. His first book, Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality, was published in 2023 with Intervarsity Press. Zach’s other writing interests include evangelical and “post-vangelical” Christian discipleship, theological formation, and speaking against church-based abuse.

Get a copy of the book here: Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality (Amazon Affiliate Link) Connect with Zach:

Website https://www.zacharycwagner.com/

Twitter https://twitter.com/zacharycwagner


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(03:51) Motivation to Write the Book

(09:14) Signaling Attraction is Dangerous

(13:21) Fear of Sexuality

(16:54) Christianity Navigating Body and Spirit

(22:41) Gnosticism and Christianity

(25:46) Docetism

(28:11) The Master and His Emissary

(33:08) The Romans and Sexual Promiscuity

(40:15) Lineage of Evangelical Christianity

(49:11) Purity Culture

(56:11) Fantasy is a Recipe for Disaster

(57:49) We Still Behave Like Alchemists

(01:03:21) How do we course correct?

(01:08:21) Where to connect with Zach

(01:09:31) Outro

Mar 26, 202301:10:47
The Last of Us Episode 6 | TV Show Breakdown

The Last of Us Episode 6 | TV Show Breakdown

Today's podcast continues our breakdown of The Last of Us on HBO with episode six. Episode six continues the journey of Ellie and Joel, but they have moved much further west with a time jump of three months. We find them in the snowy mountains as they are nearing where Tommy's last location. Ellie and Joel are stopped on the road by a group of people with horses, but they are not immediately hostile. They are brought to the town of Jackson, a safe haven community that seems more self-sufficient and free than FEDRA or the Fireflies have shown was possible thus far. Tommy is found living among them, better off than Joel thought possible. Without the goal to save his brother, Joel begins to doubt he can see the mission through to get Ellie to the Fireflies and asks Tommy to complete the journey. Joel is confronted with self-doubt but doesn't give Ellie a choice of who should finish the journey until near the end of the episode, and we see a massive shift in trust between them as they set back out on their journey. The episode concludes with Joel being injured by scavengers leaving Ellie alone to fend for herself and attempt to save Joel's life. Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Last of Us Breakdowns Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_DdLZFt1Y&list=PLK40BMdw20kRhBc4_LRLO_hgqXNXZZJiq

Last of Us Part 1 | Playthrough Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_yhcSe6a0&list=PLK40BMdw20kS2njzNVufy3kob23QbKhG3 Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(00:48) Time Skip

(04:39) The Old Couple

(08:52) Building Communities

(11:26) First Meeting the People of Jackson

(16:33) Meeting Tommy

(21:04 )Having Tommy Finish the Journey

(25:48) Ellie gets to choose

(29:12) Leaving Jackson and Looking for the Fireflies

(34:17) Cliff Hanger Ending

(38:33) Ellie learning about Sara

Mar 19, 202340:18
James Calmese Jr on Music Promoting and Betting on Yourself

James Calmese Jr on Music Promoting and Betting on Yourself

James Calmese Jr. Is a WIU graduate who works in financing and in shipping. Being the founder of Good Vibes, M.I. Edition LLC, a live entertainment entity involved in the underground music scene, the early stages of the music business process, and sports is what keeps him going in the day-to-day. His artist has amassed streams of 15,000 or more. Worked behind the scenes as an artist partner to JoeL Stevenson, Khamarry, AyeBee, & Lil Sizzerr, as a talent Buyer, promoter, and more. He’s booked shows with Montana of 300, Jarren Benton, Big Baby Scumbag & Kirko Bangz. Reach James for Artist consultations, Ad Campaigns, or song pitching at james@goodvibesmi.com

In this conversation, we cover how James thinks about finding artists and how to get them on stage. What habits or easy actions can upcoming artists take to jump-start in building a dedicated audience who are all in making music their full-time career. Out of the music sphere, we talk about more general advice on building skills when building something that is your passion. We close with ideas on betting on yourself, why it's meaningful, and what it means to lead by example for future generations. And much more!

Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(02:07) Who is James?

(03:08) What was school like and how did he get into his current interests

(07:29) Real Life MBA

(08:45) The Business Side of Music

(12:28) Choosing the pain you are most comfortable with

(15:21) Music is Universal

(17:10) Riot Fest

(18:19) How Do You Get On Stage

(23:55) Take Something to Sell

(26:00) Back to Crowd Surfing

(27:56) Recommendations to New Artists

(30:21) A Good Show Is Most Important

(33:00) Building a mountain one layer at a time

(36:02) Authentic impressions of people

(39:19) The Invisible Work

(41:23) What skills have you learned?

(43:36) Negative connotations around Rap Still

(47:57) 1000 True Fans

(51:06) Building Reach

(55:29) Advertisement

(01:01:44) Mentors

(01:05:53) Sobriety

(01:07:44) Super Power of Directing attention

(01:15:02) Being a Father

(01:17:25) Favorite Quote

(01:21:54) Where can people connect?

(01:22:43) Outro


Mar 10, 202301:23:41
The Last of Us Episode 5 | TV Show Breakdown

The Last of Us Episode 5 | TV Show Breakdown

Today's podcast continues our breakdown of The Last of Us on HBO with episode five. Episode five continues by giving us the backstory on Sam and Henry shortly after the FEDRA are overthrown in the city. From that, we catch up to the present, where the previous episode left off with Joel and Ellie. From there, we are given more information on Kathleen and the group. Much of our contention in this episode was how convincing the motivations of Kathleen were. The episode's climax is the confrontation from Kathleen's group as they catch up with Joel and the crew and attempt to flee the city. Everything erupts in chaos, with the infected being released from underground. We had some minor issues with how the lead-up to the climax was presented. All of our problems aside, the core of this episode was the emotional story between Sam and Henry. They were presented as a possible future of how Ellie and Joel may one day end up. This point is driven home in the closing scene as the group doesn't escape unscathed. The big question in this episode is would you want to continue living after losing the one you care about most?


Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Last of Us Breakdowns Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_DdLZFt1Y&list=PLK40BMdw20kRhBc4_LRLO_hgqXNXZZJiq

Last of Us Part 1 | Playthrough Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_yhcSe6a0&list=PLK40BMdw20kS2njzNVufy3kob23QbKhG3

Show Notes:

(00:00) Initial Thoughts

(02:57) Kathleen's Character

(12:10) Not Enough Time

(14:13) Kathleen is the Sub Plot

(17:33) The Emotional Story of Duos

(22:48) Production Meetings

(24:59) Slow Moments and Beings Kids

(29:33) The Bloater Suit

(34:40) Sniper Sequence

(41:16) Kathleen's Monologue

(47:13) The Sound Design

(49:09) The Closing Scene

(55:30) Sam Turning

(01:01:37) Can You Live Without the Person you Care About Most

Mar 05, 202301:02:24
Matt Vincent on Shedding Past Identities and Routine is the Fast Track to Dying Quicker

Matt Vincent on Shedding Past Identities and Routine is the Fast Track to Dying Quicker

Matt Vincent is a strength athlete, two-time Highland Games World Champion, and founder of HVIII Brand Goods, now rebranded to Not Dead Yet. Through his travels, Matt was lucky enough to spend time with exceptional people chasing strength, fulfillment, and personal growth in every imaginable way. In Matt's first book, Training Lab, he spelled out the philosophy of "The HVIII," and tried to capture the spirit of self-improvement through self-loathing. This idea would be the spark that led to HVIII Brand Goods and many adventures afterward. Matt chronicles his travels and conversations with people in the strength game and beyond on his podcast NDY.

In this conversation, we cover many grounds for aiming at what you find important in your life. Matt has evolved many times in his life and continues to evolve. You can expect to learn more about the risk of clinging to an identity or group of friends. Why routine is a trap for stagnation and speeding up how fast your life passes by. The trap of expectations you put on yourself or what your society and culture project onto you. And much more!

Connect with Matt:

Website https://www.notdeadyet.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewpvincent/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewpvincent

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(02:29)Where does Matt's Story Start

(06:31) Highland Games

(09:09) People cling to identity

(11:43) Talking about the first notable accomplishment

(13:52) Did Matt expect to become a writer

(17:35) Rebuilding himself after the Highland Games

(27:26) Stay Away from Mundane Routine

(29:01) Letting go of relationships

(34:21) The Gravity Well of Routine

(36:58) Leaning into discomfort

(38:41) Where did your parents come from

(41:53) Escaping the misunderstanding of others

(44:48) Getting Used to No

(46:31) Find your tribe

(49:40) Change your expectation

(52:59) Taking the perspective of others

(57:47) Underestimating what you can accomplish

(01:01:17) Community Building

(01:02:40) Running

(01:06:36) Taking action

(01:10:46) The Four Agreements

(01:13:26) Finding Balance

(01:18:36) Where to connect?

(01:21:08) Outro

Feb 23, 202301:22:24
The Last of Us Episode 4 | TV Show Breakdown
Feb 19, 202350:39
The Psychology of Moral Reasoning Part 2

The Psychology of Moral Reasoning Part 2

In this podcast episode, we continue our discussion on moral reasoning. After laying out the groundwork in the first part of this discussion, we dive deeper into moral foundations theory and break down the characteristics of each foundation. Finally, we round out the discussion closing on the wisdom process.


If you missed part 1, you could find it here!

YouTube: https://youtu.be/NsbGEEird1I

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3lm9AAK


Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(05:28) Moral Foundations Theory

(08:20) Care and Harm

(11:54) Attachment

(19:37) Fairness and Cheating

(28:47) Loyalty and Betrayal

(32:06) Authority and Subversion

(46:01) Sanctity and Degradation

(58:37) Tangent into sexual relationships and cultural shifts

(01:04:21) Die With Zero

(01:06:13) Back to Sanctity and Degradation

(01:12:07) Liberty and Oppression

(01:17:25) The Wisdom Process

(01:30:02) Closing Thoughts

Feb 14, 202301:33:38
Last of Us Episode 3 | TV Show Breakdown

Last of Us Episode 3 | TV Show Breakdown

Today's podcast continues our breakdown of The Last of Us on HBO with episode three. Episode three is, so far, the most significant departure from what those familiar with the game will see. While Joel and Ellie are still featured in the episode, we mostly follow the lives of two other survivors, Bill and Frank. Instead of facing the grim reality that the end of the world has in store for our characters, we face a different story. Can you still find love, keep your humanity and protect someone when it would be easier just to be alone?

Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Last of Us Breakdowns Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_DdLZFt1Y&list=PLK40BMdw20kRhBc4_LRLO_hgqXNXZZJiq

Last of Us Part 1 | Playthrough Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_yhcSe6a0&list=PLK40BMdw20kS2njzNVufy3kob23QbKhG3

Show Notes:

(00:00) Initial Thoughts

(06:37) Can Someone Live a Normal Life at the End of the World

(09:19) The Flashback Transition

(11:16) The Start of the Infection

(14:02) Meeting Bill

(22:24) Normalcy of dinner

(25:04) Appreciating the Finer Things

(35:33) Dehumanizing as Society Collapses

(37:36) The Attack

(41:43) The 10 Year Jump

(47:18) The Final Dinner

(49:53 )Jumping back to Joel and Ellie

(56:52)) Closing Thoughts

Episode Summary:

Joel and Ellie begin the hike to meet with Bill and Frank. Ellie sees evidence of the government's execution of innocents during the early days of the pandemic. Back in 2007, Frank leaves Baltimore and stumbles upon the compound of Bill, a paranoid survivalist who reluctantly takes him in. The men begin a romance, sharing a love of music and food. Years later, Frank contacts Tess by radio and the two groups enter a tenuous friendship. In the present, Frank is terminally ill and asks Bill to assist his suicide after they marry. Bill, not wanting to live without Frank, kills himself as well. When Joel and Ellie arrive, they discover a letter Bill left for Joel. Bill wrote that protecting Frank gave his life meaning and that he has left Joel his supplies. Unbeknownst to Joel, Ellie takes Frank's pistol. They take Bill's truck and set out to find Tommy.

Feb 10, 202301:03:19
The Psychology of Moral Reasoning Part 1

The Psychology of Moral Reasoning Part 1

In this podcast episode, we sit with Joe Jackowski to discuss the foundational ideas and philosophers behind moral reasoning.

Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(03:13) Lawrence Kohlberg

(08:54) Elliot Turiel

(10:31) Rousseau

(22:19) Hobbes

(32:08) Utilitarianism - Bentham

(34:54) John Stewart Mill

(36:46) Critique of Hedonism

(39:31) Impossible Arithmetic

(41:36) Pragmatism

(56:07) Closing

Feb 06, 202358:32
The Last of Us Episode 2 | TV Show Breakdown

The Last of Us Episode 2 | TV Show Breakdown

Today's podcast continues our breakdown of The Last of Us on HBO with episode two! We discussed what we liked, what had changed from the game, and other details that caught our attention while watching the episode.

Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Last of Us Breakdowns Playlist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os_DdLZFt1Y&list=PLK40BMdw20kRhBc4_LRLO_hgqXNXZZJiq

Last of Us Part 1 | Playthrough Live Streams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_yhcSe6a0&list=PLK40BMdw20kS2njzNVufy3kob23QbKhG3

Show Notes:

(00:00) Recap Episode 1

(01:50) Opening to Episode 2

(03:32) A Prequel Series Could Work

(06:34) Change to the Infection

For an interesting piece on the Wood Wide Web go to this New Yorker pieces

https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-secrets-of-the-wood-wide-web

Paul Stamets

https://paulstamets.com/

(09:45) Ellie Waking Up

(12:21) The Creators Love the Source

(15:11) Changing  your expectations between mediums

(18:26) Hotel Scene

(22:46) Joel Doesn't Want to Be Left With Ellie

(23:53) Tess has Hope

(26:28) The Museum and the Clickers

(35:24) Somebody Got Bit

(40:53) Juxtaposition of Beauty

(43:47) Waking up the Horde

(48:59) Closing Scene

(53:55) Outro

Feb 03, 202358:00
In Pursuit of Goggins
Jan 28, 202312:16
The Last of Us Episode 1 | TV Show Breakdown

The Last of Us Episode 1 | TV Show Breakdown

In today's episode, we are starting our breakdown of the newly released series The Last of Us based on the game of the same name! For those who want to remain entirely spoiler-free, this is not for you, but given the game has been out for some time, we assume most casual audiences will be curious enough to learn more about the source material. In this episode, we cover the major story beats, what we enjoyed and what we hope is to come in the story. Finally, we try to dive a little bit deeper into the show. As fans of the game, seeing an adaption done well is refreshing for us. Please enjoy this breakdown in episode one of The Last of Us! Let us know what you think!

Summary of episode one:

In 2003, a mass fungal infection sparked a global pandemic. Joel flees with his daughter, Sarah, and brother, Tommy; a soldier kills Sarah. Twenty years later, Joel lives in the Boston quarantine zone managed by the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA), working as a smuggler with his partner, Tess. When Tommy fails to contact them from Wyoming, they buy a car battery from a local dealer, Robert, but are double-crossed when he sells it to the Fireflies, a rebel group in open opposition against FEDRA. Attempting to retrieve it, Joel and Tess discover Marlene, the Fireflies' leader, who begs them to take Ellie to the Massachusetts State House in exchange for a working truck. While sneaking out, the three are caught by a soldier who tests them for the infection, revealing Ellie to be positive. Joel kills the soldier while Ellie claims to be immune.

This episode was directed by Craig Mazin and co-written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie.

Support our content on Patreon!

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Show Notes:

(00:00) Hype for the Show

(01:08) First Impressions

(02:40) Focus on the Daughter

(04:52) Grounding the Outbreak

(05:41) Sarah felt like the Protagonist

(07:22) Gritty Survival Story

(08:45) The Opening

(12:49) Hope for Video Game Adaptations

(13:48) 20 Years Later

(18:55) How far do you differ from the Source

(23:24) Joel is numbing Himself

(25:33) Introducing Tess

(31:19) Introduction of Ellie

(37:13) The Closing Scenes to meet the fireflies

(41:10) Nuanced Groups

(43:14) Closing Out the Episode

(48:22) Set Design and Infected

(50:15) Nature is a Character

(55:11) Final Thoughts

(58:40) Outro

Jan 25, 202301:00:00
Film Deep Dive | The Whale

Film Deep Dive | The Whale

In this week's episode, we break down the film The Whale. The film is directed by Darren Aronofsky, written by Samuel D. Hunter, and stars Brendan Fraser. The film is an emotional rollercoaster and leaves all of us feeling something. At the movie's core, we tried to determine whether this was a tragedy or a comedy. The result will vary for everyone but somewhere in the middle, leaving you conflicted. We spent a good time working on what the core theme of the film was, and we came to the conclusion it was gravitating toward honesty. The film calls for the characters to be honest with themselves and those closest to them. If you can do that from the heart, your life starts to fit together. As a call to action, I know that all of us have something left unsaid to someone important to us, so at the very least, saying something from the heart to someone who matters to you can be a gateway towards something better. Without further preamble, please enjoy this deep dive into The Whale!

Brendan Fraser’s emotional acceptance speech

Support our content on Patreon!

patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(04:03) Initial Impressions of the Film

(06:08) Is The Whale Film for Everyone

(08:30) Darren Aronofsky

(08:59) Roller Coaster of Emotion

(10:53) Disappoints to Excitement

(16:40) Layers of Story

(19:05) Getting Lost in Emotions

(20:43) Playing with the Audience

(23:43) Getting to Honesty

(25:48) Be Real

(29:00) The Pizza Delivery Guy

(31:15) Could Charlie Have Been Saved?

(32:16) Choosing Not to See the Consequences

(35:11) The Daughter's Essay

(37:10) Empathy and Anger

(39:04) The Daughter

(43:11) She represents Truth

(46:54) Climax and finally being honest

(49:12) The Whale

(50:33) Originally a Play

(57:34) What Could Have Been

(59:42) A Comedy or a Tragedy?

(01:02:59) Closing

(01:08:57) Outro

Jan 21, 202301:10:49
Film Deep Dive | Everything Everywhere All At Once

Film Deep Dive | Everything Everywhere All At Once

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Brandon Wenzel to discuss the film Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film was written and directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Key Huy Quan. We had recorded this conversation earlier in the year, and since then, the film has gone on to be nominated six times for the golden globes, winning two of them, one for best actress and one for best actor. I couldn't be more excited for the recognition this film is getting, as I couldn't help but share thoughts on how this film impacted me. At its core, I believe this film is a major step in describing the experience of being online and how we can be bombarded with anything simultaneously. Life to those online is too much, with no context to put it in its proper place. So please enjoy this deep dive into Everything Everywhere All At Once without further preamble!

You can read more of my thoughts on this film here:

https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog/everything-everywhere-all-at-once

Watch Everything Everywhere All At Once Now: (Affiliate Link)

https://amzn.to/3H39THZ

Golden Globe Speeches

Ke Huy Quan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIFvInRA2xQ

Michelle Yeoh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHpDqn0nlK8


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(03:01) How Everything Everywhere All At Once Stacks Up

(04:13) Waymond's Character

(08:32) Not Hearing About the Film

(11:07) The Rock Scenes

(12:40) The Fight Scenes

(16:52) Problem and Solution for Fight Sequences

(18:20) Origins of Stunt Performers

(21:33) Top Gun Maverick and Real Jets

(23:25) How Does Everything Everywhere All At Once Capture Something Real?

(26:15) Not Every Story Has To Be Contemporary

(27:35) Reaction Videos to Movies

(29:18) A Smaller Scope Movie

(31:11) Playing with Fate and Destiny

(34:03) Could the story have been just in Evelyn's Head?

(37:11) The Everything Bagel

(39:53) Remembering the Past

(42:10) Quality of Life Today

(48:45) Nostalgia and Context

(51:09) SLC Punk

(55:16) Closing

Jan 15, 202358:19
Reflecting on 2022

Reflecting on 2022

In this episode, Joe and Erich reflect on 2022 and their direction in 2023. For a portion of this conversation, we take a step back to go over how the previous few years felt stagnant to lay the groundwork for the reemergence that started in late 2022. Around the middle of 2022, starting live streams with Joe since he moved to Nashville began to shift momentum. Erich continues to push himself psychically with runs and rides, which has led to a commitment to run in the Chicago Marathon in 2023. One big driving factor was the book The Comfort Crisis. The book's core is to get yourself more comfortable with the uncomfortable. From there, we see what Joe explores with his master's and Ph.D. We must zoom out and look at human culture, be critical, and ask what is working. Joe believes that each of us should aspire to aim for something greater. Meaning the goal should be aspirational. The likelihood you will accomplish the goal is small, but in setting the bar, you may embody the goal you set for yourself.

Erich's Marathon Sponsor is Our Lady of Angels. https://secure.qgiv.com/event/teamola2023/account/1402109

Team Our Lady of the Angels will be running in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon to support the Mission of Our Lady of the Angels!

Mission of Our Lady of the Angels is a Catholic outreach to those in need in W. Humboldt Park, Chicago- one of the most challenged neighborhoods in the US. The Mission feeds about 3000 families a month.

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(06:24) Applying to Grad School

(15:17) Getting Help from the VA

(20:02) Applying to Vanderbilt in 2021

(24:21) Settling into Nashville

(26:05) A Lack of Momentum in 2021

(29:53) Re Learning How to Learn

(32:25) How to Stay Sane

(37:52) AI Art

(41:55) Chicago Marathon 2023

(44:53) Finding the Spark

(47:03) The Comfort Crisis

(52:09) What Does Next Year Training Look Like

(55:23) Supplements

(59:57) Joe's Conference and talking about your interests

(1:04:31) Five Years of Podcasting

(1:06:27) Pushing Your Boundaries

(1:08:58) Everyone Has 600,000 Hours

(1:10:09) What is Enlightenment?

(1:13:50) Constructing a Value System

(1:18:54) Diving into Films

(1:20:02) The Rescue

(1:22:46) Updating Humanities Value System

(1:29:40) Imaging a Life Worth Living

Jan 04, 202301:37:06
AI Art and Ethics

AI Art and Ethics

In today's podcast, we are continuing our discussion on AI art. We covered more technical ground last week but barely scratched the surface of what people are worried about on the ethical side of this new technology. As with any new technology, there will be growing pains, and in the world of art, many living artists have voiced concern about being drowned out by the flood of AI-generated pieces that could pass off as originals. So join us as we wade into this complex and evolving topic of AI art!

Dec 11, 202201:13:47
Discussing Generative Art

Discussing Generative Art

Today's podcast will discuss generative art, such as Mid Journey. Over the last few months, generative art has exploded with DALL-E 2, followed by more open platforms. But, as with any new technology, there are a lot of grey areas to explore.   Join us as we explore the hopes, dreams, and problems of new technology!

Dec 04, 202201:33:28
Book Discussion | Icarus Fallen

Book Discussion | Icarus Fallen

Today's podcast will discuss the book Icarus Fallen: Search For Meaning In An Uncertain World by Chantal Delsol.

An overview of the book:

It would be difficult to find a more perceptive description of Western man and the world he now inhabits than that provided by Chantal Delsol in Icarus Fallen: The Search for Meaning in an Uncertain World. With style and clarity, Delsol likens contemporary Western man to the mythical figure Icarus, fallen back to earth after trying to reach the sun, alive but badly shaken and confused. During the twentieth century, Delsol argues, man flew too close to the sun of utopian ideology. Having been burned, he is now groping for a way to orient himself. But the ideas he once held so dear--inevitable progress, the possibility of limitless social and self-transformation--are no longer believable, and he has, for the most part, long since rejected the religious tradition that might have provided an anchor. Delsol's portrait is fascinating. She explains how we have come simultaneously to embrace the good but reject the truth; we have sacralized rights and democracy, lost our sense of tragedy, and embraced the idea of zero risk. Already a well-known political thinker in her native France, this is Delsol's first book to appear in English. Icarus Fallen should establish her as one of the most insightful social and cultural writers working on either side of the Atlantic.

If you'd like to read the book, you can use our affiliate link here:

https://amzn.to/3Exkef4

Nov 19, 202201:30:43
Cyberpunk and How Do We Imagine Something Better Than Dystopia

Cyberpunk and How Do We Imagine Something Better Than Dystopia

On today's podcast, we are back talking cyberpunk! We've been discussing it off the air and realized we had more to say on a broader level than what we've talked about from Edgerunner's show. What do you think a positive world with technology looks like? How does humanity positively explore possible futures? In contrast to all of the negative varieties that we see.

If you want to listen to our first conversation on cyberpunk, check it out below:

Discussing Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a 2022 Polish–Japanese cyberpunk web anime series based on the video game Cyberpunk 2077 by CD Projekt Red. The series was animated by Studio Trigger under the supervision of CD Projekt and premiered on Netflix in September 2022. Set in the Cyberpunk universe created by Mike Pondsmith, the anime serves as a prequel to the game and takes place about a year before the events of Cyberpunk 2077.  A street kid tries to survive in the technology and body modification-obsessed future city. With everything to lose, he chooses to stay alive by becoming an edge runner: a mercenary outlaw known as a cyberpunk.

Nov 15, 202201:42:38
Dr. Justin Ternes on Breathwork, Learning and Coaching

Dr. Justin Ternes on Breathwork, Learning and Coaching

Dr. Justin Ternes is a Doctor of Physiotherapy, Breath & Mindset Coach, and Human Performance Optimizer. His work is centered on three main pillars: mind/body, breath work, and performance. Dr. Ternes is passionate about helping high-level humans take their mental health and wellness to another level! He regularly hosts men's groups and breath workshops and leads athletic/executive teams in Breath and Meditation practices. Residing in San Diego, CA, Justin is a sports lover, community builder, and passionate teacher of his work.

For show notes, head to the website here: https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast/justin-ternes

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(02:31) Justin's Intro

(04:40) Michael Gervais and other Mentors

(8:19) Breathwork Variability

(11:03) How to Implement Teaching

(20:55) Trusting how you feel

(26:16) Extracting Meaning From Data

(29:49) Synthesizing Information

(31:23) Eric Musselman

(39:07) Being Intentional

(41:41) The Body Optimizing Itself

(44:52) Erwan Le Corre and MovNat

(49:50) Physical and Mental Toughness

(53:12) There is no silver bullet to health

(54:17) Recommended Books

(55:40) Advice to someone entering the real world or looking to pivot

(57:51) Rules for Life

(58:37) Where to connect with Justin

(59:59) Evryman

Nov 07, 202201:00:48
Book Discussion | Range By David Epstein
Oct 30, 202201:34:49
Philosophy Deep Dive | Nietzsche on Resentment

Philosophy Deep Dive | Nietzsche on Resentment

In today's podcast, we are diving into Nietzsche on Resentment. The book we will explore is On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche.

Oct 22, 202201:16:46
Deep Dive | Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Deep Dive | Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Hello everyone. And welcome back to another episode of feeding curiosity. In today's episode, we dive deeply into Netflix anime Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

I think we talked about many things that are important to us from the elements of the story, like myth and what they represent in the hero's journey or, rather, a failed hero's journey. On my end of the spectrum, has an interest in technology. We get into wearables and transhumanism and where that all goes. If we continue to play with our technology like we are.

Oct 14, 202201:30:55
Book Discussion | Immoderate Greatness: Why Civilizations Fail
Oct 06, 202201:12:22
Top Gun and The State of Hollywood

Top Gun and The State of Hollywood

In today's episode, We start with a discussion around Top Gun Maverick. And why this film, in particular, feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other sequels. Many sequels over the last decade, but a lack of the essence of what made the original films massive successes that have shaped our culture.

The criticism we have of other films, like Star Wars, may seem harsh, but for many people, the stories have been ingrained into them. So when you get a highly anticipated sequel that the viewer's imagination has built upon over time. The filmmakers almost have no hope of meeting those expectations, but it doesn't mean it can't be done.

To illustrate the essence capture idea. I'll turn to another foundational character Spider-Man. The most recent film Spider-Man away from home. It is an equal parts sequel but also taps into the nostalgia of past Spider-Man films, but what sets it apart is the nostalgia isn't only done in fan service but also serves the characters in the story. The story honored the past Spiderman and gave them a sense of closure from their original films.

Telling a story isn't about power dynamics or some fractal in time but hints at something universal to our human experience. So the story of Peter Parker resonates with us, not because we know what it's like to have spider powers, but because we can relate to the sense of overwhelming responsibility and stumbling through our lives.

Bring us back to Top Gun. The film works for many of the same reasons. Above, but it was not the sequel we wanted, but it was a sequel to the story Top Gun deserved. The bonus is that the filmmakers cared enough about the story to make it as immersive as possible, no matter how difficult it was to capture. Modern CGI is a great tool, but capturing real F-eighteens on camera will always be a more visceral experience.

To that end, I will pass this off to you, the Listener. What are your thoughts on the currency of Hollywood? We are under the impression that we're on the edge of a creative Renaissance. We are rediscovering how to add meaning to our stories and hopefully lead to a world that is less cynical and empathetic to our current state. And with that, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this conversation on Top Gun in the state of Hollywood.


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(03:08) Sequel Expectations

(06:37) The Star Wars Sequels

(09:25) Chinese Influence on Filmmaking

(14:10) Selecting for Vapid Aspirations

(17:16) Diving into Top Gun

(21:45) Why Star War Feels like Pandering

(24:33) Stories forget about heart

(31:29) Toxic Fan Base

(35:08) Positive Feedback

(38:53) Spiderman No Way Home

(41:29) Art is the first pass at an idea

(45:56) DaVinci

(50:45) A new era is emerging


More content:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Jun 26, 202259:23
Ed Latimore on Stress, Complexity of Technology, Scientific Thinking and Improving Your Writing

Ed Latimore on Stress, Complexity of Technology, Scientific Thinking and Improving Your Writing

In this episode, we are joined by Ed Latimore. Ed is a former professional heavyweight boxer, a competitive chess player, and a bestselling author. His writing focuses on self-development, realizing your potential, and sobriety—all of which he approaches from personal experience, overcoming poverty and addiction. Check out his blog at edlatimore.com

Links here https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast/ed-latimore

Show Notes:

(00:00) Ed Latimore on Stress, Complexity of Technology, Scientific Thinking, and Improving Your Writing

(02:53) How does Ed describe himself?

(06:19) Stress Purifies

(09:31) If you don't figure out what to do with your time, something else will

(13:13) Acceleration is key

(15:44) Forging your character

(19:02) Should we always aim for efficiency?

(22:55) The combination of intelligence and ability

(25:28) Training as a heavy fighter vs. post-retirement

(30:39) How long would it take to build a computer if human civilization was reset

(36:23) How Technology Evolves

(38:45) The Intelligent Individual

(40:54) You can be anything but you can't be everything

(45:56) Trade off between Duty and Honor

(48:59) Why communicating in quotes is valuable

(52:23) Investing Time and learning Calculus

(56:12) Abuse of Power

(59:49) Tutoring Story

(01:03:47) Fixed Mind Set

(01:05:54) What improved writing skill level?

(01:09:45) The Mind Body Connection

(01:14:23) Don't talk about what you're going to do

(01:17:39) Where did stoic philosophy come from?

(01:19:44) Book Recommendations

(01:24:12) If you had a billboard what your message be?

(01:24:53) Advice to young people?


Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Apr 30, 202201:31:31
Film Deep Dive - The Batman

Film Deep Dive - The Batman

In this episode, Erich and Jordan discuss Matt Reeves' The Batman. We discussed what we enjoyed about different aspects of the film and compared it to its other superhero films. Naturally, we can't escape comparing it to the Nolan trilogy of Batman films. Overall, we enjoyed the film and looked forward to what comes next for this version of Batman. With that, we pass this off to you. What did you think of the film, and what are you hoping for next?

You can watch The Batman on HBO Max on April 18th!

This conversation was recorded before the deleted scene of the Joker was released. Erich had thought the character was two faces, given the scarred face seen in shadow.

Watch the additional scene here The Batman - Arkham Deleted Scene (2022)

For links from this episode head to https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast/the-batman

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(02:19) Initial Thoughts

(04:41) The Daredevil of DECU

(08:03) Comparing other superheroes

(09:00) Gritty Tone

(10:53) A Noir Film

(13:56) Collin Farrell as Penguin

(14:48) Falcone and the mob

(18:23) Gotham as a Character

(19:35) This version of Bruce Wayne

(22:15) The Batman and Riddler

(26:13) Jordan's Favorite Batman Villain in Film

(28:03) Did Bruce need to confront Falcone

(31:50) Struggles working with Cat woman

(35:24) Grounding Characters

(36:46) Thoughts on the Music

(37:45) The Batmobile

(39:48) Amateur Moments

(42:45) Comparing to previous Batman Films

(45:43) Snyder Cut

(46:25) What the Symbol of Batman Means

(49:05) Will we see Robin?

(51:05) Bane Easter Egg

(52:08) Immersive Theater Experience

(53:04) Power of Sale

(53:48) The Bat Cave

(57:01) What we can learn from the film

(58:12) Closing


Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Apr 12, 202201:01:25
Deep Dive: Euphoria - Art is Meant to be Dangerous
Mar 21, 202201:03:51
The Oscars, Spiderman and Euphoria (#173)

The Oscars, Spiderman and Euphoria (#173)

In today's episode, I am joined by returning friend and guest Jordan Criss, and as always, we have a great conversation centered around Jordan's interests, film, and TV. Of course, that means it's Oscar season, so we dive into the current controversy around the Oscars. Mainly with Spider-Man No Way Home, not having as many awards as one might expect when it garners over $1 billion at the theaters. From there we highlight films we are looking forward to this year. We finally closed discussing our thoughts on the controversy around Euphoria.

Show Notes

(00:00) Intro

(03:18) Life Update

(05:04) The Oscars

(06:55) Cinephile or Cineaholics

(08:08) Where should superhero films stand?

(10:18) Should there be the best blockbuster award?

(16:39) Spoilers on the Internet

(18:37) Pay attention to the audience

(20:33) Hype for this next phase of Marvel films

(23:31) The Batman

(28:19) Super Heroes have grown up with modern generations

(30:59) Revitalize the foundation

(34:31) Moonknight

(36:36) Nostalgia

(41:45) The Best Stunt Award

(44:41) The Northman

(47:07) Are theaters going to die

(51:09) Joaquin Phoenix's Joker

(52:42) Euphoria

(56:58) Asking the hard questions

(59:50) Compared to Breaking Bad

(01:02:27) Being ok with the uncomfortable

(01:05:13) Showing you how to be compassionate

(01:07:54) Steve Jobs is an example of the complexity of a human life

(01:11:40) Banning is a great way to increase interest

(01:15:10) The goal of art is to ask a question

(01:16:57) Euphoria Breakdown Coming

(01:18:17) Closing


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Feb 27, 202201:29:49
The Philosophy of Feeding Curiosity
Feb 12, 202211:01
Creative Risk Taking, Information Overload, Meaning, and Find Your Frontier

Creative Risk Taking, Information Overload, Meaning, and Find Your Frontier

I'm joined by returning guests and friend Joe Jackowski in today's episode. First, we go deep on all of the psychological and philosophical ideas Joe has explored. Then, we discuss the role consciousness and identity play in forming society, where society may be heading, and what we can do to steer this society in the right direction.

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(01:38) Where are the creative risks being taken?

(03:29) A loss of meaning

(05:41) The Paradox of Choice

(07:01) John Vervaeke - Meaning Crisis

(10:21) Casual conversation is not the same on the internet

(15:52) Strong convictions loosely held

(21:58) Ideological Islands

(27:24)The Objective Observer

(30:580 Notice that you don't see your head

(34:14) Taking a limited perspective and Free Will

(38:23) Limitation is the most foundational

(42:02) Consciousness is the most fundamental piece of identity

(44:32 )Identify As and Identify With

(46:490 Mythologies are low resolution concepts

(50:48) Losing touch with our ancient parts of our brain

(51:55) If you want to know where the future is going, look to the past

(56:24) Collapse of the Roman Empire

(01:01:42) Judge’s harsher sentencing before lunch

(01:06:29) The Road to Character

(01:14:32) Creating a filter for your attention

(01:23:33) Hyperreality

(01:27:25) People write code

(01:32:30) Man Machine Symbiosis

(01:36:51) Aim for beauty

(01:40:56) The Hope

(01:44:06) The best way to create to the future is to live in it

(01:48:24) The West needs to wake up

(01:51:39) Novelty and Newness


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Photo Credit Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/I1Lv2yX67GI

Feb 07, 202202:02:40
The Emperor's Peace | Foundation Breakdown Ep. 1

The Emperor's Peace | Foundation Breakdown Ep. 1

Erich and Jordan begin a new breakdown series for the Apple TV exclusive Foundation.  The Foundation was originally a science fiction book written by Isaac Asimov.  The series was initially published as a trilogy from 1951-53. It won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. The books recount the fall of a vast interstellar empire and the establishment of its eventual successor. They also feature his fictional science of psychohistory, in which the future course of the history of large populations can be predicted. The adaptation for the show is helmed by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman.  Asimov's daughter, Robyn Asimov serves as an executive producer. Casting includes Jared Harris as Hari Seldon, Lou Lobell as Gaal Dornick, and Lee Pace as Brother Day.

Watch Foundation here: https://apple.co/3ubiXpm

Watch a trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4QYV5GTz7c

Show Notes

(00:00)  Intro - Who was Issac Asimov

(03:30) Imagine these ideas with only words

(05:13) World Building

(08:22) Exposition

(11:17) Costume Design and small details

(13:47) The Grand Opening

(19:15) The Space Elevator

(22:44) The Empire

(28:20) How clones would learn

(29:41) Inciting Incident

(33:07) Psychohistory

(36:54) The only option is to recover faster

(40:26) Display Technology

(41:51) Gifts to the Empire

(45:38) The Terror Attack

(47:26) The Creative Team

(51:30) How the climax sets the tone

(54:20) Closing

Jan 29, 202259:52
Sarry Ibrahim on Financial Habits, Systems and Getting Started

Sarry Ibrahim on Financial Habits, Systems and Getting Started

Sarry Ibrahim founded Financial Asset Protection after learning about the Infinite Banking Concept (also known as the Bank On Yourself Concept). He saw this as an opportunity to save retirement accounts, real estate properties, and businesses from market failures and other risks. Sarry believes the number 1 rule to your money is to make sure it lives somewhere safe and accessible.

Sarry earned his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago, IL, and has consulted companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allstate Insurance, Humana, and Cigna Healthspring.

Website Financial Asset Protection

Podcast: Think Like A Bank

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(00:37) Sarry's Background

(04:02) Common Bad Habits and How to break them

(07:11) Create your own systems

(09:17) Remote Work

(12:12) What beliefs do you have?

(13:49) Avoid the hype train

(17:33) Effect of Social Media

(19:55) What gets measured gets managed

(23:05) Mentors

(24:55) Thinking Like a Bank Podcast

(27:15) Recommendations to getting started

(29:35) Recommended Books

(30:23) Advice to someone looking to pivot?

(31:47) Habits or beliefs that have greatly impacted the quality of your life

(34:20) Where to connect?


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Jan 11, 202236:42
The House of Enlightenment (Episode 8) | See Breakdown
Jan 03, 202201:10:16
Magi on Becoming a Digital Nomad, Solo Travel and Costa Rica

Magi on Becoming a Digital Nomad, Solo Travel and Costa Rica

In this conversation, I am joined by Magi. Magi is an avid traveler, photographer, and, more recently, digital nomad. As travel opened up this year and through conversations with like-minded travelers on the app Clubhouse, the idea of becoming a digital nomad began to take shape. One of the silver linings of the last year is that the world is more accepting of such a hybrid lifestyle. We cover Magi's most recent adventure of a month-long solo backpacking trip to Costa Rica!

You can follow along with Magi's adventures on her Instagram @heradventurestory

Show Notes:

(00:00) Leave room for flexibility

(01:04) Intro

(02:22) Why is Costa Rica Important

(03:43) Longest Solo Trip

(07:55) Staying in Hostels

(10:24) Adjusting to privacy difference

(12:17) How much of the country did you see?

(15:09) Wildlife

(17:26) Working Remote

(18:48) Selina Hostels

(20:53) Digital Nomad

(23:32) Travel Tips and Tricks

(25:17) Solo Travel Tips

(26:55) Open space

(27:58) Planning for the trip

(31:27) What led up to this solo trip

(36:18) Perspective shifts and daily routines?

(38:11) Caribbean Side and made them feel more unique

(41:28) Advice to new travelers?


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Dec 16, 202144:55
See Breakdown | Episode 7 The Lavender Road

See Breakdown | Episode 7 The Lavender Road

In this episode, we see all the threads beginning to come together. Maghra and Queen Kane connect after being rescued by Tamacti Jun. We see a new side of Maghra as a ruler that will likely be contested by Queen Kane in the future. Tamacti Jun, the ever dutiful soldier, earns even more points as a loyal general and fighter. Baba Voss and the children continue on to the end of the journey. Baba is torn by bringing the kids he raised to a man that didn't want to be in their life. The episode ends at the edge of the unknown utopia of Jerlamarel.

For the rest of the breakdown down head here: https://feedingcuriosity.net/see-breakdown

Watch See Here:  https://apple.co/3aJCWQU


Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(01:00) How is the story coming together

(03:27) Tables Turned on the Shadows

(05:50) Maghra and lying

(09:01) Differences in the sister's leadership

(14:09) Parallels between the sisters and the children

(16:45) Change in the power dynamic

(19:53) Rescuing Queen Kane

(22:04) Tamacti Jun's Role

(25:35) Tamacti Jun Challenging Queen Kane's Power

(28:40) Two stories to enjoy

(31:00) Back to the kids

(36:17) Baba's Struggle

(42:11) The Shrine

(44:27) The Last Stretch

(46:08) Letting the kids go

(49:14) Paris' Quote

(52:05) Baba and Tamacti Jun

(54:25) Breakdown as a whole

(01:01:04) Closing


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Dec 08, 202101:03:16
See Breakdown | Episode 6 Silk

See Breakdown | Episode 6 Silk

In this episode, we learn more about Maghra's past and why she exiled herself. Boot's plays both sides of the leaving Baba Voss and his family trapped in a cave. Meanwhile, we see how Queen Kane is adjusting to her capture. Finally, the episode ends with Boot's making a powerplay to solidify his position as Maghra's right hand.

For more head to the website https://feedingcuriosity.net/see-breakdown/ep-5

For the rest of the breakdown down head here: https://feedingcuriosity.net/see-breakdown

Watch See Here:  https://apple.co/3aJCWQU


Show Notes:

(00:00) Recap of Episode 5

(02:40) What is Boots Playing At?

(06:56) How Tamacti Jun Character has evolved

(09:46) Queen Kane at an all time low

(19:30) The Story is more complicated now

(23:27) The reaction to the capture

(25:41) Smart use of time to develop more characters

(27:53) Betrayal Theme

(32:58) What Boot's Wants

(36:30) Maghra Gaining Power

(39:38) Closing the episode

(44:22) Planting Seeds for Future Conflicts


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Nov 28, 202146:58
Film Deep Dive | Dune

Film Deep Dive | Dune

The crew sits down to discuss Denis Villeneuve's Dune! We break down the story of the film by combining our unique interests. Jordan brings his love of dialogue and understanding of film. Joe brings his view of psychology and symbolism to the characters and ideas presented. Finally, Erich brings attention to the technical aspects of the film. Overall Dune, is sci-fi masterfully executed with depth at many levels; you'll find a place for you to enjoy the movie.

Plot Synopsis:

Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence, only those who can conquer their own fear will survive.

Brief Backstory:

Dune is based on the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert released in 1965. The novel was brought to film in 1984 but fell short of its mark due to the scope of ambition of the film. With this new adaptation, technology has caught up to the point we can bring aspects to the big screen that weren't possible technically prior to computer graphics.

For links in show notes head here https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast/dune

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) Casting overlap with Denis Villeneuve

(02:24) No prior exposure to Dune

(04:10) Casting Choices

(06:50) Architecture Design

(09:14) Symbolism of Baron Vladimir

(12:32) Immersive Experience

(14:41) Bene Gesserit Test

(18:22) Frank Herbert's Influences

(19:36) The Women of Dune

(24:21) Duke Leto

(29:53) Familiar Universe But Feel Dangerous and Serious

(34:54) The Chosen One

(39:35) Arriving to Dune

(45: 12) Leto's Leadership

(47:56) Ornithopter or Dragonfly Vehicle

(50:07) The Sandworm First Appearance

(59:37) Why Archetypal Characters Work

(01:03:17) Paul's Reaction to the Spice

(01:08:39) Tension was missing before the ambush

(01:13:05) The Shield Breaking Effect

(01:15:53) Why don't they have guns anymore?

(01:18:38) Leto's Capture

(01:24:19) Jessica Caught Between Two Roles

(01:26:27) This is only part one

(01:31:03) Paul and Jessica Escaping

(01:37:06) Paul's Visions and Mentors

(01:43:21) Paul's Story

(01:47:15) Destiny

(01:51:43) Closing

For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Nov 20, 202101:55:51
See Breakdown | Episode 5 Plastic

See Breakdown | Episode 5 Plastic

The breakdown of See continues with episode 5, "Plastic." The episode continues the repercussions of Queen Kane's choices. Baba Voss and his family get their stolen supplies back from a scavenger with an unlikely connection. The episode ends with Tamacti Jun's army catching up and Maghra's past being revealed.

For the rest of the breakdown down head here: https://feedingcuriosity.net/see-breakdown

Watch See Here:  https://apple.co/3aJCWQU

Show notes:

(00:14) Challenging the Audience

(02:14) Queen Kane's Breaking Point

(06:33) Writing Villains

(12:14) Sympathy for Queen Kane

(14:50) Getting back stolen supplies

(18:09) Scavenger's Hut

(20:14) Mysterious scavenger

(23:10) Boba Voss' Choice

(26:02) Kofun and Bow

(29:15) Kofun and violence

(33:26) Protagonist Shift

(34:44) The World Feels Real

(35:42) Is Queen Kane Still A Queen

(39:19) The City of Worms

(46:17) Maghra's Secret

(51:20) The Plot Thickens

(53:22) Pacing of the episode

(53:59) What makes a good story

(56:13) The Dune Breakdown Soon

(58:50) See Midpoint Review

(01:04:34) Breaking Bad Breakdown?

(01:05:27) Jordan's Other Top 5

(01:08:51) Closing


For more content checkout:

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Nov 10, 202101:12:49
Jordan Criss and Joe Jackowski on Sustaining Creativity

Jordan Criss and Joe Jackowski on Sustaining Creativity

On this episode, we are joined by my friends, Joe Jackowski and Jordan Criss, and in this particular episode, I wanted to talk to them about the act of being creative. Most specifically, one of the aspects I haven't covered because I let it go. But the fact that I didn't post anything on the podcasting front for almost a month. So partly, that is a lack of motivation on my part. And it's also, to be completely honest, not being completely prepared. But, it's not an excuse by any means because if you care about something, you take the time to do it, and you put in the effort to continue to do it.

But in any case, these things will ebb and flow with time. I completely understand that. But I did want to have a conversation with my two friends, who in many ways share the same creative leanings and yearnings as I do.

We had a great conversation about how individuals create, why they make it, and how embedding creativity into something bigger than yourself is seemingly a better way to be sustained or fueled by the things you're driven to put into the world. It's not a specific format by any means for me. It happens to be podcasts.

I wanted to talk about, the spark or the fire seems to dwindle a little bit. And so with that, everyone, please enjoy this conversation with Joe Jackowski and Jordan Criss.

Show Notes:

(00:00) Selfish Dedication

(01:13) Intro

(04:43) Riding the Waves of Creativity

(05:45) Pushing through after boredom

(08:49) Solitude

(10:36) Attention Interruption and Texts

(13:47) Resistance

(16:58) Channeling the Muse

(18:50) Not Using External Substances to Quiet the Ego

(23:41) Social Environments and Alcohol

(26:11) In search of an ideal non-dependence

(30:18) Rationalizing away what you want to do

(35: 27) Don't Abdicate Responsibility

(37:21) Being Creative for a Gain in Status

(42:57) Putting Status Gain to High

(45:23) Too much instant gratification

(48:04) Creating something to remember in 1000 years

(53:47) Mandelbrot set

(56:51) Story of the Quarrymen


For more content checkout

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Oct 27, 202159:57
See Breakdown | Episode 4 The River

See Breakdown | Episode 4 The River

The breakdown continues with episode 4 four, "The River" The village is attacked by the Witchfinder Army and pushes Baba Voss' family to make sacrifices and face new challenges. Meanwhile, Queen Kane faces struggles closer to home that will shape the fate of her people. Also notable in this episode are Kofun and Haniwa seeing how they navigate the world differently.

For the rest of the breakdown down head here: https://feedingcuriosity.net/see-breakdown

Watch See here.

“See” takes place in the distant future, after a deadly virus decimated humankind. Those who survived emerged blind. Jason Momoa stars as Baba Voss — the father of twins born centuries later with the mythic ability to see — who must protect his tribe against a powerful yet desperate queen who wants the twins destroyed. Alfre Woodard stars as Paris, Baba Voss’s spiritual leader.

Show Notes:

(00:00) Intro

(00:16) CGI Eye Effect

(02:25) The Start of Episode 4

(06:23) The rivalry between Baba and Jerlamarel

(07:26) Green Knight and making sure the story doesn't get too heavy

(09:47) Developing the differences between the children

(12:20) The tension of the river scene

(14:46) Tamacti Jun a Villain well Written

(17:30) Water fight Scene

(20:02) The vote on what path to take

(23:37) Haniwa's Rant

(24:54) Queen Kane's Ordeal

(27:18) What others think of Queen Kane

(31:16) Stolen Supplies and Maghra's Important Pouch

(32:10) Haniwa's Softer Side

(32:50) The Retaliation of Queen Kane

(34:50) The pacing of the show

(37:05) Passing the time Creatively

(38:21) Closing and what are your thoughts?


For more content checkout

Podcast - https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast

Blogs - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog

Blueprints - https://feedingcuriosity.net/blueprints

Oct 18, 202145:29
Alec Eickert on Lessons from the Pain Cave

Alec Eickert on Lessons from the Pain Cave

Alec returns to the podcast! This time to share his journey and lessons from ultra running. We had this conversation just days before he would attempt the Stagecoach 100. 

About Alec:

Alec is a business owner, entrepreneur, ultra-runner, mountaineer, and travel fanatic. He believes in the power and resilience of the human spirit and one who perpetually seeks to optimize life in all of its pillars.

Professionally, Alec is currently the Managing Partner of BDV Capital Group, a boutique capital advisory firm that works with select investment groups, largely focused in the real estate private equity space. Alec comes from an entrepreneurial family and a real-estate-focused family business in recent years.

Personally, he is a former Division One athlete for the University of Oregon, and now an ultra-marathoner and an avid mountaineer.

First podcast:

https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast/alec-eickert

Show Notes:

(00:00) Anything Seems Everything

(00:58) Intro

(02:25) Born to Run

(04:31) Why Alec started Ultra Running

(07:23) The first half marathon

(10:41) Death Valley Marathon

(21:05) Changing from a sprinters mentality

(23:18) What ultras or prolonged discomfort can teach you?

(27:33) Chicago 50K and 50 Mile Monument Valley

(33:20) 100K Blue Ridge Mountains

(35:17) Sky Runners

(37:21) Relativity of the experience and pushing the edge

(40:30) Committing to Character

(47:09) Stagecoach 100

(53:54) Courtney Dauwalter and MOAB 240

(58:11) The Pain Cave

Oct 08, 202101:06:16