• Exploring Awe, Meaning, and Dynamic Systems in Life
    Jan 5 2025

    In this episode of Feeding Curiosity, the hosts discuss topics ranging from personal updates, such as Joe's application to PhD positions, to the significance of interdisciplinary thinking in academia. They delve into the podcast of Andrew Huberman and his father, exploring their differing graduate school experiences. The conversation roams through biopsychology, cognition, awe, and the dynamic nature of human knowledge. The hosts tie these ideas into a broader philosophical discussion about the pursuit of meaning, the necessity of allowing oneself to wander intellectually, and the interplay of dynamic systems in personal relationships and life. They conclude with reflections on personal growth, hustle culture, and maintaining authenticity and balance.


    00:00 Welcome Back and Catching Up


    00:18 Discussing Andrew Huberman and Graduate School Experiences


    00:57 Exploring Biopsychology and Physiological Responses


    03:00 The Concept of Awe and Its Psychological Impact


    05:24 Synthesizing Ideas Across Different Domains


    06:33 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches


    11:57 University of Chicago and Meaning in Life Research


    22:25 The Role of Enthusiasm and Encouragement in Education


    28:31 Zone 2 Training and Physical Fitness


    36:18 Embracing Slowness and Balance


    36:49 The Quarter System Concept


    38:02 Hustle Culture and Self-Understanding


    43:14 The Limits of Science in Understanding Humanity


    46:15 Dynamic Systems and Human Experience


    01:03:19 Relationships and Negotiation


    01:12:28 Reflections and Future Plans

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Mind Over Miles: Reflections from the Marathon
    Dec 3 2024

    In this episode of Feeding Curiosity, host Erich Wenzel reflects on the journey and insights from training for and completing two marathons. He discusses the challenges and sacrifices involved, including balancing marathon training with a full-time job and transitioning to a new career. Erich emphasizes the importance of building new experiences, pushing personal limits, and the mental and physical discipline required for such a demanding goal. He shares practical tips on endurance training, managing expectations, and the broader life lessons from this transformative experience.


    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

    00:34 Marathon Training Journey

    02:41 Challenges and Adaptations

    05:46 Training Strategies and Insights

    12:24 Race Day Experiences

    18:26 Reflections and Future Plans

    25:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

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    26 mins
  • Arcane Season 2 Act 3: Transformation and Perfection Explored
    Nov 28 2024

    In this in-depth discussion of Act 3 of Arcane Season 2, the hosts analyze the central theme of transformation for each character, particularly the core 'good' characters who evolve into different versions of themselves. They elaborate on the positive and negative transformations, using characters like Vander and Victor as primary examples. The conversation deepens into the narrative, symbolism, and philosophical implications of transformation, chaos, and perfection. Key plot points and character arcs are discussed, such as Jayce and Victor's complex relationship, Jinx's internal struggle and eventual climax, and the larger narrative frame involving characters like Echo, Mel, and Heimerdinger. The show makers' meticulous attention to detail and the balance between 3D and 2D animation are praised, emphasizing the series' impact and future potential.


    00:00 Introduction and Theme of Transformation

    02:06 Character Transformations and Predictions

    04:07 Jinx's Arc and Symbolism

    09:29 Echo and Parallel Realities

    11:25 Victor's Philosophical Transformation

    27:18 Mel's Insight and the Battle Sequence

    43:22 The Cognitive Structure of Symbols

    43:44 Mel's Magic and Her Role

    45:20 Powder's Transformation and Echo's Return

    46:44 The Climactic Battle and Victor's Influence

    49:21 The Symbolism of Light and Darkness

    01:08:26 The Tragic Fate of Jinx and Vi

    01:11:58 Final Reflections and Series Conclusion

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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Arcane Season 2 Act 2: Deep Dive into Symbolism, Archetypes, and the Unconscious
    Nov 25 2024

    We discuss 'Arcane' in Season 2, Act 2 in this episode. They explore the breathing room provided in this segment, examining Jinx's transformation and symbolic role in the undercity. The discussion covers character arcs, including the intricate relationship between Jinx, Vi, and Isha, with Isha representing Jinx's inner child. Further, they analyze Vander's metamorphosis into Warwick and Victor's role as a Christ-like figure. The hosts explore Jungian psychology, alchemy, and broader philosophical themes, linking these to the narrative. The episode ends on a speculative note, considering future plot possibilities and character trajectories.

    Show Notes:

    (00:00) Introduction and Initial Impressions

    (00:37) Jinx's Transformation and Symbolism

    (03:21) Jinx's Actions and Public Perception

    (15:12) Caitlyn and Mel's Storylines

    (18:25) Victor's Arc and Alchemical Themes

    (36:56) Jayce's Transformation and Symbolism

    (45:38)A Dream of Gold and Guidance

    (47:32) The Anima's Role in Dreams

    (48:23) Victor and the Hex Core

    (54:09) The Good Father Archetype

    (01:00:29) The Symbolism of Vander and Silco

    (01:07:52) The Consequences of Jayce's Actions

    (01:10:53) The Future of Arcane

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Arcane Season 2 Act 1: A Deep Dive into Themes, Characters, and Cultural Commentary
    Nov 15 2024

    In this podcast episode, the hosts return after a hiatus to discuss the highly anticipated second season of 'Arcane.' They explore the show's unique release format while reflecting on its first season. The conversation delves into first impressions of the new episodes, analyzing the animation, plot developments, and thematic elements. Key points include the portrayal of masculine and feminine archetypes, the cultural impact of the 'reluctant dad' trope, and exploring archetypal experiences. The hosts also critique the show's handling of masculinity and femininity, noting the absence of traditional masculine figures and the prevalence of strong female characters. They examine character arcs, such as Victor's transformation, Jinx's chaotic nature, and Vi's internal conflict. The episode concludes with predictions for future episodes and an invitation for listener feedback.

    Show Notes:

    (00:00) Welcome Back to the Podcast

    (00:29) First Impressions of Arcane Season 2

    (00:49) Critique on Gender Representation

    (02:32) Archetypes and Cultural Commentary

    (08:50) Character Analysis: Vander and Masculinity

    (16:05) Jinx's Journey and Symbolism

    (24:57) Season 2: Themes of Grief and Conflict

    (30:31) Technological Progress and Consequences

    (37:06 The Carbonite Transformation

    (37:25) Layered Voices and Pure Truth

    (38:11) Jayce's Realization and Divergence

    (39:34) Victor's Mystical Journey

    (40:00) The Anima and Archetypal Figures

    (42:38) Jinx and the Undercity

    (47:19) The Symbolism of Light and Darkness

    (58:36) The Hex Core and Transformation

    (01:05:16) Ambessa's Power Play

    (01:10:47) Concluding Thoughts and Predictions

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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Film Deep Dive | Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
    Jul 5 2023

    Today on the podcast, we are back with a film deep dive discussing Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse! In these podcasts, we try to cover different aspects of the film and story to understand more deeply what worked or didn't from as many angles as possible.

    This podcast is a bit special for Erich, as Spider-Man has been his favorite super for as long as he can remember. As far as Feeding Curiosity goes, the idea of being able to share your passions with others is a core driver that fuels these episodes.

    Quick Summary:

    After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn's full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

    Support our content on Patreon or on Spotify!

    • patreon.com/feedingcurioisity
    • https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/feedingcuriosity/support


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    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Joe Jackowski on Apotheosis and The Parodies
    May 24 2023

    Today on the podcast, we are joined by Joe Jackowski. Joe is a Marine Corps veteran and current graduate student at Vanderbilt University in the Cognitive Psychology in Context program. His primary interest is meaning in life, which broadly extends to problems in ethics, A.I., and culture. In this episode, we sit down to discuss his first long-form article on his new sub stack, Apotheosis: A Philosophy for Influencers (https://bit.ly/4309lw6).


    Find The Parodies Here:https://theparodies.substack.com/

    Or his latest piece on Feeding Curiosity - Archetypes: The Bull

    https://feedingcuriosity.net/blog//archetypes-the-meaning-of-the-bull


    Support our content on Patreon or on Spotify!

    patreon.com/feedingcurioisity

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

    Song used from Epidemic Sound:

    No Alarm by AuxJack

    https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/3hywl7ns1V/

    Use Epidemic Sound in Your Content:https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/lahdiq

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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Joey and Drew on Few Will Hunt
    May 9 2023

    "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!

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    49 mins