Preconceived

302. Defensive Pessimism - Are There Some Benefits to Negative Thinking?

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of happiness and melancholy with Professor Julie Norem, a psychology expert from Wellesley College. They delve into the strategy of defensive pessimism, discussing how it can be a beneficial approach for managing anxiety and achieving goals. The conversation also touches on societal pressures to maintain constant happiness and the value of embracing negative emotions as part of a rich, authentic life.Check out Julie's book at https://www.amazon.ca/Positive-Power-Negative-Thinking/dp/0465051391 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

301. Is Democracy Dying?

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of democracy and its current state in the world, particularly in the United States. He is joined by Peter Biro, a lawyer, writer, and NGO leader, who discusses the importance of not taking democracy for granted and the potential threats it faces. The conversation delves into the meaning of democracy, its perceived sanctity, and the role of liberal constitutionalism in combating democratic backsliding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

300. The Wokeness Debate - Unpacking Gender Identity and Cultural Shifts

In this 300th episode of Preconceived, we dive deep into the intricate world of wokeness—a term that has sparked both fervent support and intense debate. What does it truly mean to be 'woke'? How has this cultural phenomenon reshaped our conversations around identity, free speech, and societal norms? Join us as we unravel these questions with our guest, Eric Kaufman, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a critical eye to the discussion. Check out Eric's latest book Third Awokening at https://www.amazon.ca/Third-Awokening-12-Point-Progressive-Extremism/dp/B0D459XT8N Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

299. The Essence of Invention

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale sits down with Dr. Kieran Murphy, a renowned inventor and professor of radiology, to explore the essence of invention and creativity in medicine. Dr. Murphy shares his journey from medical innovations to his thoughts on the socio-economic factors that influence creativity. Discover how invention is not just about genius but a mindset, and learn about the challenges and triumphs in the world of medical creativity. Dr. Kieran Murphy's Book - https://www.amazon.ca/Essence-Invention-Medicine-Joy-Creativity/dp/1459754034 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

298. Forced Fatherhood - Male Reproductive Rights

In this episode of the podcast, Zale has a discussion with Laurie Shrage about the often-overlooked topic of male reproductive rights. The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding male reproductive autonomy, contrasting it with the more widely discussed female reproductive rights. Ultimately, this episode gets at the question of whether or not men should be able to opt out of fatherhood if it is early on enough in the pregnancy when the female could still get an abortion. Laurie highlights historical legal cases like Roe v. Wade and Gomez v. Perez, exploring their implications on both male and female reproductive responsibilities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.