Socrates, Wisdom, and Thinking Critically: Philosophy for Everyday Life

Who was Socrates, and why does he still matter today? In this short episode of Good Is In The Details, Gwendolyn explore Socrates' understanding of wisdom and virtue through Plato's Apology, and why philosophy sees critical thinking as a path toward the good life. Gwendolyn gives an accessible introduction of what critical thinking is, why it matters beyond the classroom, and how we've practiced public philosophy throughout 2025 with our guests. This episode is perfect for listeners searching for philosophy podcasts, educational podcasts, public philosophy, or a deeper understanding of how learning to think well can shape a meaningful life. Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get our latest publication: Interview With Intention Get discussion questions and classroom ideas for more in depth analysis of Philosophy and thinking well in a noisy world: Philosophy Unplugged Let's connect: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com. 

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome founder/president of Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center, Dr. Dermell Brunson.  In this episode we focus on the importance of the arts in education, how it contributes to creative skills, connection with community, and self-esteem. Dr. Brunson debunks the myth that the arts are tangential to a good education.  Quite the opposite!  Students learn the value of discipline through the process of artistic expression and this paves the way for improved mental health and career opportunities.    We address several common questions like: How does arts education benefit children? Is arts education linked to academic success?  What skills do students learn from arts?  How do the arts support social and emotional learning? Learn more about Dermell's work: https://www.ltyc.net/our-history Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged:  Classroom Guide to Good Is In The Details. Philosophy Podcast Discussion Questions Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com Join our Book Club on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get your copy of Interview with Intention. 

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Psychology Professor Dr. Bruno De Oliveira to unpack the real problems with the modern self-help industry. Why does self-help culture thrive despite offering oversimplified advice? How does it ignore the structural forces that shape mental distress? And what does evidence-based psychology actually say about wellbeing? We discuss the rise of pseudo-psychology, the limits of mindset-based advice, and how institutional practices, social inequality, and lived experiences contribute to mental distress. A thoughtful conversation for listeners interested in critical psychology, philosophy, ethics, and the science behind wellbeing. Drawing from critical community psychology, critical realism, and interdisciplinary research, Dr. De Oliveira explores how institutional practices, social inequality, and lived experiences, especially among those facing homelessness or welfare systems, challenge the myth that personal mindset alone determines success. We examine:  limits of positive thinking, pseudo-psychology in the self-help space, the wellness industry vs. scientific psychology, how social economics shape mental distress, and why individualistic advice often fails marginalized communities. Learn more about Dr. Bruno: https://www.chi.ac.uk/people/dr-bruno-de-oliveira/ Get Dr. Bruno's Book: The Self Help Industry: Is The Self-Help Industry Really Helping or Are We Being Mislead?  Interview like a Pro! Get Dr. Dolske's book for podcasters: Interview With Intention Join our Patreon and get extra GIID + a copy of Philosophy Unplugged when you join the 2nd tier Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com.  

Gwendolyn Dolske interviews Philosophy Professor Benjamin Libscomb (The Women Are Up To Something). How did four women philosophers, Murdoch, Anscombe, Foot, and Midgley shape Ethical Theory?  What was the historical context of their work?  How did they uniquely engage in philosophical discourse and contribute to exploring concrete ethical dilemmas? Get your dose of Philosophy and History with this discussion about these incredible thinkers.  Learn more about Professor Libscomb's work: https://www.houghton.edu/staff-members/benjamin-lipscomb/ Support the pod and get extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Professor Neil McArthur (University of Manitoba) about his work on the ethics of sexbots. Are sexbots the future of human connection or a threat to it? Explore the fascinating intersection of ethics, technology, and intimacy. Together, they unpack cultural anxieties, philosophical implications, and the surprising ways AI companions might actually be good for society. From the film Ex Machina to real-world robotics, this conversation examines what it means to be human when machines start to mimic love, emotion, and desire. Whether you're curious about AI ethics, the philosophy of technology, or how innovation challenges our moral compass, this episode invites you to think deeper.  What you'll learn: Why fears around sexbots may be misplaced, how technology redefines intimacy and autonomy, and what philosophy teaches us about love, consent, and machine ethics. Follow GIID on Instagram: @GoodIsInTheDetailsPod Join our Patreon & support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo invite Physicist Samir Varma (The Science of Free Will) to discuss how AI reveals our understanding of the classical philosophical debate: Free Will vs Determinism.  What are the possibilities with AI and how can it be useful without disrupting our humanity?  Are we purely material beings interacting with an "alien" intelligence?  If all of our actions and thoughts are caused does that necessarily mean we are not free? Critical Thinking + Practical Philosophy + Science.  Get Samir's book: The Science of Free Will. Join our Patreon for more Good Is In The Details and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Subscribe to our Substack: https://giitd.substack.com Check out the pod's Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Pod music by Rich Balling.

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome author of Human is the New Vinyl, Micah Voraritskul.  How can the metaphor of vinyl help us understand our humanity? What can humans do that leave AI underwhelming?  How should we interact with AI and keep our humanity in tact? Practical Philosophy and Critical Thinking is employed to appreciate the uniqueness of our being and the role of AI in our lives.   Learn more about Micah and get his book: https://www.micahvoraritskul.com Thank you to Rich Balling for the pod music! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome philosophers Dr. Alex Madva and Dr. Daniel Kelly, co-authors of the book Somebody Should Do Something. Together, we explore one of social psychology's most famous concepts: the fundamental attribution error.  How does misunderstanding human behavior, responsibility, and government investment lead us to the wrong solutions for the world's biggest problems? Why do we so often blame individuals instead of recognizing the systems, structures, and environments shaping their actions? And why do so many attempts at social change fail when they focus solely on individual choice rather than collective action? This episode examines: • The psychology behind blaming individuals • Why structural problems require structural solutions • How small choices and large systems interact • Practical ways to design meaningful, long-term social change • Why philosophical thinking matters for public policy and everyday life If you've ever wondered "How do we actually change society?", "Why do people behave the way they do?", or "Why do good solutions fail?", this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a fresh way to understand the complexity of social life. Perfect for listeners interested in philosophy, social psychology, bias, ethics, behavioral science, and critical thinking.   Learn more about Dr. Madva and Dr. Kelly and get their book!  Read Dr. Madva's OpEd in The NY Times: Guest Essay Join our Patreon for more GIID content: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails  

Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo explore the rise of Red Pill content, the "anger economy," and modern dating myths with guest Rafael Gomez, creator of the Women on Men podcast. We break down the narratives shaping online masculinity, why certain influencers profit from outrage, and how these messages impact real relationships. What exactly is Red Pill ideology? Why is it so effective at keeping audiences angry and engaged? And how do gender stereotypes, dating expectations, and the myth of the "alpha male" distort how men and women relate to one another? Together, we discuss: The psychology of the anger economy Misogyny and gender essentialism in Red Pill spaces Why outrage-based content keeps people hooked Modern masculinity and cultural expectations What women actually say they want in dating How critical thinking helps us navigate online gender narratives Strategies for healthier conversations around dating and relationships Perfect for listeners interested in gender studies, modern masculinity, psychology of online culture, philosophy, and critical analysis of social media narratives. Listen to Rafael's podcast: Women on Men Join Good Is In The Details on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Instagram: GoodIsInTheDetailsPod TikTok: ProfDolske Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged.  Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com Pod music by Rich Balling.

Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back friend, third time guest of the pod, expert in Fitness, Education for Sports Medicine, Rich Fahmy (National Academy of Sports Medicine).  We dive into the world of influence, social media, and marketing tricks that intentionally mislead consumers.  From our Critical Thinking tool box, Rich breaks down the importance of science based research for health and how we can distinguish truth from rhetoric.   Learn more about Rich Fahmy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-fahmy/ Bioethicist mentioned in the Introduction: Evan Thornburg. Shoutout to our friend & podcast guru, Greg Wasserman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/ Music for GIID by Rich Balling. Get more of GIID: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com