In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss The Cynic Philosophers: From Diogenes to Julian , edited by Robert Dobbin. The conversation centers on the core tenets of Cynicism, such as radical self-sufficiency, rejection of societal norms, and public acts meant to provoke reflection. The hosts explore how cynics challenged conventions through deliberately outrageous behavior, like Diogenes’ public defecation or spitting on opulence, aiming to expose hypocrisy and dependency. They contrast Cynicism ...
Jun 05, 2025•50 min•Ep. 94
Jerry and Stably discuss The Unaccountability Machine by Dan Davies, a book exploring why large systems often produce irrational outcomes. While the subtitle promises insight into how “the world lost its mind,” the hosts note the book leans heavily into cybernetics and systems theory, which was unexpected. They reflect on a shared cultural sense that “something has gone wrong,” but critique the book for offering a diffuse diagnosis—pointing vaguely at free market capitalism and systemic complexi...
May 18, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 93
In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss The Art of Happiness by Epicurus, specifically the Penguin Classics edition that compiles Epicurean texts alongside interpretations by editors like Dan Klein and George K. Strodach. They clarify that Epicurus never authored a book by that title; rather, it is a curated volume of letters, aphorisms, and summaries of his philosophy. The hosts highlight how the book heavily features commentary by Strodach, which at times overtakes the original texts. They e...
May 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 92
The episode continues Jerry and Stably’s deep dive into Huey Long by T. Harry Williams, covering the second half of the biography of the controversial Louisiana politician. Picking up after Long’s first gubernatorial win, the discussion traces his aggressive consolidation of power, his near-impeachment, and the establishment of a political machine that blurred the line between populist governance and autocracy. Jerry and Stably emphasize Long’s command over the state legislature and his manipula...
Apr 17, 2025•57 min•Ep. 91
The episode features hosts Jerry and Stably engaging in a discussion about Huey Long: A Biography by T. Harry Williams. The conversation begins with Jerry expressing his frustration with the book’s length and dense formatting, noting that it was difficult to obtain digitally. Stably acknowledges the challenge but defends the book’s depth and significance. They proceed to explore the life and political career of Huey Long, the populist governor and senator from Louisiana, whose ambitions and poli...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 90
In this episode we discuss A Generation of Sociopaths: How the Baby Boomers Betrayed America by Bruce Cannon Gibney. Jerry selected the book as a deep dive into the behaviors and societal impact of the baby boomer generation, a topic that both hosts had discussed in passing. The conversation explores Gibney’s central thesis that baby boomers, as a generational cohort, have demonstrated extreme selfishness and short-sighted governance, prioritizing their own interests at the expense of younger ge...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, Jerry and Stably dive into Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Play Football by Rob Smyth, a fascinating exploration of the life and myth of Carlos Kaiser. Known for his extraordinary ability to avoid playing professional football while maintaining a high-profile “career,” Kaiser’s story blends deception, charisma, and ingenuity. The hosts discuss how Kaiser leveraged charm, fake injuries, and carefully orchestrated media coverage to sustain his reputation in the elite worl...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 88
The podcast episode explores Fat Leonard: The Con Man Who Corrupted the US Navy by Craig Whitlock, focusing on the astonishing true story of Leonard Glenn Francis and his large-scale corruption scandal involving the U.S. Navy. Hosts Jerry and Stably delve into the book’s narrative, beginning with Francis’s origins as a Malaysian entrepreneur and his rise as a defense contractor, where he exploited weaknesses in Navy operations. Through bribes, lavish gifts, and manipulation, Francis secured lucr...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 87
The episode opens with Jerry and Stably greeting each other warmly after a holiday break, reflecting on the New Year and its opportunities for renewal. They segue into the central discussion, focusing on “ Heart of a Dog ” by Mikhail Bulgakov, a novella set in 1920s Moscow. Stably introduces the story, describing it as a satirical exploration of Soviet society through the transformation of Sharik, a stray dog, into a human following an experimental surgery conducted by a renowned doctor, Profess...
Jan 02, 2025•45 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America by Daniel J. Boorstin, a book that explores the construction of unreality in American media and culture. Jerry introduces the book as his pick and notes its thematic resonance with previous discussions, particularly those around Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death . The hosts agree that Boorstin’s work predates many of Postman’s arguments and, in some ways, anticipates the cultural shift toward media-d...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, Jerry and Stably engage in a thoughtful discussion about The Theological Origins of Modernity by Michael Allen Gillespie. The hosts delve into the book’s central thesis that the modern world, often perceived as secular and rational, has deep roots in theological and metaphysical ideas. They explore how Gillespie traces the evolution of modernity back to debates between medieval theologians and their reinterpretation of ancient Greek philosophy. The conversation begins with a rec...
Nov 24, 2024•52 min•Ep. 84
In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss “ Prophets of Doom ” by Neema Parvini, a book that delves into societal power dynamics and the mechanisms by which elites maintain control. The discussion begins with an overview of Parvini’s intellectual background and his previous work on elite theory, which provides a foundation for this latest exploration. Jerry and Stably explain how “Prophets of Doom” builds on these ideas, focusing on the interplay between cultural narratives and elite influence. ...
Nov 07, 2024•43 min•Ep. 83
The episode focuses on a discussion between Jerry and Stably about Ruchir Sharma’s book What Went Wrong With Capitalism . The hosts delve into the central themes of the book, including the rise of economic inequality, the stagnation of middle-class wages, and the growing influence of monopolies in global markets. Sharma critiques how capitalism, once a system driving innovation and widespread prosperity, has transformed into one that increasingly benefits the few at the expense of the many. Jerr...
Oct 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 82
The episode features Jerry and Stably discussing the book The Case Against Reality by Donald Hoffman. Jerry introduces the book as a thought-provoking exploration of perception, reality, and consciousness, inspired by a personal recommendation. The hosts delve into Hoffman’s central argument that our perceptions of the world are not objective reflections of reality but evolved constructs designed to maximize survival rather than convey truth. The conversation begins with Stably reflecting on the...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 81
The episode centers on a discussion of Losing the Long Game: The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East by Philip H. Gordon, a book selected by Stably. The hosts examine Gordon’s analysis of the United States’ history of regime change in the Middle East, highlighting the recurring failures of such policies and their often devastating consequences. Jerry and Stably explore the core arguments presented in the book, particularly Gordon’s assertion that regime change efforts, while someti...
Sep 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 80
The episode features a discussion of Ben Steil The World That Wasn’t: Henry Wallace and the Fate of the American Century , focusing on the life and legacy of Henry Wallace, a controversial figure in mid-20th century American politics. Jerry and Stably explore the book’s central themes, including Wallace’s vision for a progressive, egalitarian future and the historical forces that ultimately marginalized his ideas. Jerry introduces Wallace as a pivotal yet often overlooked figure, detailing his r...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 79
The episode centers on a discussion of Matthew B. Crawford’s The World Beyond Your Head: On Becoming an Individual in an Age of Distraction , selected by Stably. The hosts delve into Crawford’s exploration of attention, individuality, and the challenges posed by the modern, hyper-stimulating environment. Jerry and Stably reflect on how the book critiques the pervasive influence of consumer culture and technology on our capacity to focus, connect with others, and engage meaningfully with the worl...
Jul 25, 2024•57 min•Ep. 78
In this episode of the podcast, Jerry and Stably delve into a discussion of Jesse Walker’s book, The United States of Paranoia: A Conspiracy Theory . The hosts begin by sharing their initial reactions to the book, noting its length and distinct structural halves. Jerry and Stably express differing preferences for the sections, with Jerry favoring the latter half and Stably finding the entire work thought-provoking. The book’s central premise revolves around the history and culture of conspiracy ...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, Jerry and Stably engage in a thoughtful discussion about The Populist Delusion by Neema Parvini. The book examines the mechanics of political power and challenges prevailing democratic narratives by highlighting the influence of elites in shaping societal structures. Stably, who selected the book for this episode, shares his enthusiasm for its content, emphasizing how it ties into themes explored in previous episodes. Jerry also expresses his appreciation for the book, noting it...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, Jerry and Stably embark on a lively discussion that begins with their initial intention to review Cicero’s On Duties but ultimately pivots to John Sellars’ Lessons in Stoicism: What Ancient Philosophers Teach Us about How to Live . The shift reflects their candid admission that Cicero’s dense philosophical treatise posed challenges in accessibility and relevance for the conversation, prompting a move to the more concise and approachable modern work. This transition sets the tone...
Jun 14, 2024•51 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, hosts Jerry and Stably delve into " The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World's Fastest Growing Sport ," authored by Joshua Robinson and Jonathon Clegg. The discussion centers on the transformation of Formula One (F1) from a niche motorsport into a global phenomenon, emphasizing the strategic decisions, key personalities, and cultural shifts that propelled this change. Jerry begins by highlighting the book's exploration of F1's history, n...
May 17, 2024•57 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, Jerry and Stably engage in a thought-provoking discussion centered on the book Virtue Hoarders: The Case against the Professional Managerial Class by Catherine Liu. The conversation examines the core arguments presented in the book, delving into the societal and economic implications of the professional managerial class (PMC) and its role in perpetuating inequality under the guise of progressive values. The hosts begin by outlining Liu’s central thesis, which critiques the PMC f...
May 03, 2024•48 min•Ep. 73
In this episode, Jerry and Stably engage in an insightful discussion on Joseph A. Tainter’s seminal work, The Collapse of Complex Societies . The conversation unpacks Tainter’s central arguments, exploring the reasons behind the decline of complex societies and the factors that make collapse a recurring phenomenon in human history. The hosts begin by outlining Tainter’s definition of societal complexity, highlighting how societies evolve into intricate systems with specialized roles, institution...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, Jerry and Stabley delve into Neil Postman’s book Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology . The discussion begins with their impressions of the book, with both hosts acknowledging its engaging yet at times polemical tone. They highlight how Postman’s central argument critiques the uncritical acceptance of technology as the organizing principle of culture, warning against its potential to erode traditional structures of meaning and authority. The conversation explores P...
Mar 21, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 71
In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss How the World Really Works: The Science Behind How We Got Here and Where We're Going by Vaclav Smil. The conversation explores how technological advancements and societal behaviors intersect with environmental and economic realities. The hosts reflect on the book's central themes, including the intricate interdependence of modern systems, the hidden costs of technological progress, and the difficult trade-offs inherent in addressing global challenges. On...
Mar 05, 2024•55 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, Jerry and Stably discuss A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through? by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith. The hosts discuss the parallels between space settlement and other forms of human endeavor, emphasizing the mixture of curiosity, ambition, and practical considerations that drive humanity to venture into the unknown. The conversation touches on the metaphorical comparison of space exploration to buying a hot tub—an act tha...
Feb 15, 2024•44 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, Jerry and Stably engage in a dynamic discussion about the themes and concepts in the book Digital Future in the Rearview Mirror: Jaspers’ Axial Age and Logan’s Alphabet Effect by Andrey Mir. As a friend of the podcast, Mir’s work provides a fascinating lens through which to explore the intersection of media theory, historical analysis, and the impact of communication technologies on society. The conversation opens with an acknowledgment of the unique position they find themselve...
Jan 30, 2024•58 min•Ep. 68
In this podcast episode, hosts Jerry and Stably engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the book The Rise and Decline of Nations: Economic Growth, Stagflation, and Social Rigidities by Mancur Olson. The book serves as a foundation for their exploration of the interplay between economic dynamics, institutional behavior, and societal structures, particularly focusing on how nations evolve and encounter periods of growth and decline. The hosts begin by reflecting on the relevance of Olson’s the...
Jan 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, hosts Jerry and Stably delve into Michael R.J. Bonner’s book In Defense of Civilization: How Our Past Can Renew Our Present , a thought-provoking exploration of history’s lessons and their relevance to contemporary challenges. Stably, who selected the book, introduces Bonner as a Canadian scholar specializing in ancient and medieval Persia, Iran, and the Near East. Known for his academic rigor and right-of-center perspective, Bonner’s work reflects a deep concern for the state o...
Nov 28, 2023•44 min•Ep. 66
In this episode, Jerry and Stably dive into a discussion about the book Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism by André Markovits and Steven L. Hellerin. The conversation begins with a lighthearted exchange, setting an informal tone as the hosts express their initial reactions to the book. Jerry introduces the book as his pick and jokingly mentions some regret over choosing it, hinting at its dense academic style. Stably agrees, remarking on the challenges of engaging with an academic text,...
Nov 07, 2023•49 min•Ep. 65
