In today's episode, we explore the raw power of having a personal philosophy. What does it mean to craft a set of beliefs and values that truly reflect who you are? Why is it important in today’s fast-paced, often chaotic world? And how can it help you navigate life with more clarity, purpose, and resilience? Join me as we dive deep into the process of developing a personal philosophy, the challenges you might face along the way, and how to bring it to life in your everyday actions....

In today's episode, we dive into the modern resurgence of Stoicism and explore why today’s self-help versions of the philosophy often feel incomplete. While Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus practiced Stoicism as a guide to ethical living, duty, and interconnectedness, today’s interpretations frequently reduce it to a toolkit for personal resilience and self-mastery, often leaving out its core values of community and service. Join me as we go back to the roots of Stoicism to uncover...

In today's episode, we delve into the ancient world of Merkabah mysticism. Originally rooted in early Jewish mystical practices, the Merkabah—meaning “chariot”—has captivated spiritual seekers, philosophers, and even modern New Age practitioners for centuries. But what is the Merkabah, really? Is it a symbolic pathway to the divine, a powerful tool for psychic awakening, or even a connection to realms beyond our own? Join me as we explore the mystery of the Merkabah, uncovering its sacred...

What have I let myself in for this week? We're doing a high speed birds-eye view of the major philosophies from the pre-Socratic philosophers like Thales and Pythagoras, through the middle ages, into the renaissance and enlightenment, and all the way up to the contemporary philosophers of the 21st century. We'll look at how philosophy has changed over the years, and how it's both influenced the society of the times and been influenced by it. And we touch on a bit of contemporary...

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the darker side of self-help culture. While the self-help industry promises growth, success, and happiness, it can also set unrealistic expectations, create toxic perfectionism, and leave us feeling more isolated than empowered. We’ll explore the false promise of quick fixes, the overwhelming pressure to constantly improve, and the commercialization of personal growth. I also dive into the mental health risks of self-help, including the dangers of...

In this week's episode, we're exploring a rather dramatic and powerful question -"Are you the product of your mind?" We'll look at the relationship between thoughts, identity, and self-perception, and the contrasts of Western philosophies, like Descartes' "I think, therefore I am," with Eastern views, such as Buddhism's concept of the self as an illusion. We'll discuss how our minds filter sensory data and shape our realities, often trapping us in limiting narratives, and the influence that...

In this episode of The Observing I, we’re diving deep into the darker side of human nature—what psychologists call the Dark Tetrad. We’ll break down the four traits that make up this shadowy quartet: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism. But we’re not just here to talk theory—we’ll explore how these traits show up in real life, from personal relationships to workplace dynamics, and offer practical strategies for protecting yourself when you come across someone who thrives...

In this episode of The Observing I, we explore the complexities of navigating relationships with narcissists, whether they’re romantic partners, family members, or colleagues. Narcissists can leave us feeling emotionally drained, manipulated, and doubting our own reality - but it doesn’t have to be this way. Join me as we dive deep into understanding narcissistic behaviour, the emotional toll it can take, and most importantly, practical strategies to protect your mental health. We’ll cover...

This is not the full episode for this week - don't panic. Since we started back in January 2023, we've released an episode (most) Fridays. However, the episodes back then were 15 minutes long, then they crept up to 30 minutes. Now they're sitting at around an hour. That takes more time, more research, more editing. More of all the things, as I'm sure you can appreciate. With the burden of having to actually earn money in the real world, I'm finding it a challenge to get the episodes out on...

In this episode, we explore the ancient wisdom of wu wei—the art of non-striving, as taught by Lao Tzu in the Tao Te Ching. Discover how this philosophy invites us to let go of the need to control and force outcomes, and instead, flow with life’s natural rhythms. We’ll dive into how wu wei applies to modern challenges like burnout, creativity, and mindfulness, and discuss the powerful psychological benefits of surrender and trust. If you’re looking for more ease, clarity, and peace in...

In this episode, we explore the paradoxical relationship between dualism and non-dualism in spiritual thought, examining how these seemingly opposing perspectives coexist and shape our understanding of reality. We’ll dive into their philosophical roots, psychological impact, and modern relevance in areas like politics, technology, and mental health. I’ll also share personal reflections on how these concepts play out in daily life and discuss spiritual practices that help bridge the gap...

In today's episode, we explore the ways that suffering shapes our lives, identities, and connections with others. From philosophical perspectives like existentialism and Stoicism to modern challenges such as social injustice, mental health, and the impact of technology, we examine why pain is an inevitable part of the human experience. We also discuss how suffering can inspire creativity, foster empathy, and even lead to personal growth. Join us on this journey to discover how we can find...

Psychological warfare isn’t about guns, tanks, or bombs. It’s about winning the war for the mind. It’s the art of influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours using tactics like propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation. In this episode, we'll explore what psychological warfare is, why it's so effective, the ethical implications of using it, and some tools and techniques that you can try at home to keep you safe from the agents of MK Ultra. This episode is sponsored by my...

Freud is a name that almost everyone recognizes, even if they don’t know much about psychology. He’s been called the father of psychoanalysis, the man who brought the unconscious mind to the forefront of our understanding of human behaviour. His ideas about dreams, childhood development, and the structure of the mind have left an indelible mark not just on psychology, but on our culture as a whole. In this episode, we’re going to take a comprehensive look at Freud’s life and work, but we’re...

In today's episode, we're getting down into it with Carl Jung. We go on a deep exploration into his psychology, from dream interpretation, the power of the collective unconscious, and how we can relate to the symbolism of Jungian archetypes. We'll also take a look at how Jung's influence persists today, and some of the criticisms and controversies surrounding his ideas. Please also excuse the background crows. This episode is sponsored by my book ⁠The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More...

In today's episode, we delve into the mysterious intersections between the occult and modern psychology. From the pioneering theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to the emergence of transpersonal psychology in the 1960s, we explore how ancient mystical traditions have shaped contemporary psychological practices. Join us as we discuss compelling case studies, examine both the support and criticism of these influences, and uncover the ways in which the wisdom of the occult continues to...

In today's episode, we embark on a chilling journey into the life and mind of the writer H.P. Lovecraft. We'll explore his personal story and the philosophies behind his writng. We'll look at the psychological methodologies employed in his work, and how these techniques impact us as the reader. Finally, we get a taste of Lovecraft's cosmic horror as I read his short story "Dagon". This episode is sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a More Authentic Life, available now on...

In this episode, we're going to peel back the layers of consumerism. We'll be lookking at its historical roots, exploring the psychology behind our behaviour in relation to it, the role that advertising and media plays in our consumer culture, and the impact that it can have on our mental health. I'll also be looking at ways that we can break free from the cycle, and be more considered in our approach to materialism. This episode is sponsored by my book The Observing I: A Guide to Living a...

In today’s episode, we’re delving into the life and works of one of the founders of humanistic psychology - Abraham Maslow. We’ll explore his hierarchy of needs and how it relates to our day to day lives, the influence that it’s had on modern psychology, and the broader impact of his ideas on business, design, and education. We’ll dive into what it means to “self actualise” and give some examples of how you can work towards it. Plus, I’ll be sharing my own personal reflections on Maslow’s...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the nature of authenticity, delving into what it means to live a true and genuine life. Join us as we unravel the concept of authenticity through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, and theology, and discover what each of these disciplines has to teach us about aligning our actions with our values. In our final segment, we integrate the insights from philosophy, psychology, and theology to create a holistic understanding of authenticity. Discover how...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring the ways in which narratives shape our minds, influence our beliefs, and connect us to our cultural heritage. We’ll examine the psychological impact and ideas around storytelling and the human experience, what philosophy has to say on the matter, and the importance of mythology in conveying our cultural history. We’ll look at how media and technology has changed the landscape of storytelling, including the emergence of transmedia narratives, and we’ll dive...

In today’s episode, we’re venturing into the world of embracing our imperfections. We’ll look at what it means to be imperfect and what philosophy has to say on the matter, from Aristotle’s idea of Eudaimonia to Buddhism’s teachings on impermanence. We’ll explore what psychology has to teach us about the damaging effects of perfectionism, drawing on the wisdom of Carl Rogers, and the popular CBT framework, to come up with practical strategies for moving away from “getting it right” and having...

In today’s episode, we’re challenging that common advice of “follow your passion” and looking at why focusing on your talents instead can lead to greater fulfilment and success. Is there a point where, if we focus on our talents enough, they can become our passions? And what happens to our passions if, after years of effort, they never come to fruition? These are questions that I am hoping to answer. By the end of this episode, my hope is that you’ll see the value in finding and nurturing...

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the world of parasocial relationships - those emotional connections we form with celebrities, influencers, streamers, and YouTubers. We’ll explore what a parasocial relationship is, and some of the psychological motivators behind them. We’ll weigh up whether they’re beneficial to us or harmful, and take a look at two real life examples from each side of the coin. This one’s a bit meatier than usual, so I decided to start doing a few episodes every...