Aleks Listens

Abbie Chatfield is a public figure: social critic, political activist, radio/tv presenter, podcaster, and business woman. I ask Abbie about being a celebrity, what it means to have 400k+ followers on Instagram, and how stardom impacts mental health. I also ask Abbie to define the meaning of life. TW: Suicide ~ Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  —Instagram @alekshammo —TikTok @alekshammo —Twitter @alekshammo

I sat down and chatted with Anjelica Angwin of CLUB NITE. CLUB NITE is a piercing, tongue-in-cheek analysis of Melbourne's distinct party scenes; a live-action meme filled with banter, rainbow lighting, dance, certified bangers, and a cathartic commentary on Zoomer self-exploration and current social-woke-politics. Get tickets to CLUB NITE Follow CLUB NITE on Instagram ~ Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Follow Aleks on: —Instagram @alekshammo —TikTok @alekshammo —Twitter @alekshammo

Dr. Mehreen Faruqi is a Senator for NSW who represents The Greens. ~ Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Follow @alekshammo on Instagram Follow @alekslistens on TikTok Get tickets to my public interview with Philosopher Justin Clemens   

I talk about the loss of hope that comes with full-time work. ~ Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Follow @alekshammo on Instagram Follow @alekslistens on TikTok Shop my handmade t-shirts 

Depressed people are often described as being melancholic. What does this mean? This episode focusses on Freud's essay "Mourning and Melancholia," where he seeks to define both experiences with reference to each other.  I break down some confusing Freudian language and apply Freud's theory to everyday life. ~ Shop my handmade t-shirts  Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course Follow @alekshammo on Instagram About me

Everyone is always like "Metaverse this, metaverse that.." But, does anyone actually know what they're talking about? In this episode, I dive deep into some big questions about the metaverse: what is it, is it good or bad, how can it help us, and what is the philosophy that underpins it. ~ Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok My website

I sat down with the anonymous administrator of the notorious meme page @Merrellectuals2.0. Together, Merrell and I dove deep into Melbourne culture, Meme culture, Australian/UK/US politics, progressivism and conservatism, patronage and how to keep the arts afloat. I will not comment on whether this interview reveals any information about who may be behind @Merrellectuals2.0. ~ Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok My website  

Conversation around phone addiction is stilted and infrequent. What are our reasons for losing ourselves in our phones, and how can we hope to change our relationship to them? Also, I mention and misquote an article about phone addiction. Correct stats are here: "the average smartphone user rarely goes two hours without using her device, unlocks her device 50 or more times a day, and swipes or taps on it as many as 2,617 times in the process." ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course My website

Simon Critchley is a Philosopher at The New School (NYC), an author, and a writer/moderator at The New York Times. Simon and I spoke about the nature of philosophy, life before philosophy (which included punk music and an interesting evening with Lemmy of Motörhead), the current state of world politics, as well as how scenes, communities, and new ideas develop. ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok See the clothes I make  Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course My website

2021 is winding up and I take a moment to reflect on the changes to my "philosophy of life," and I also ask the question of what we become when we are so plugged in (social media, internet, etc.) You can also watch this episode on YouTube. ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok Check out my shop  Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course More of my work on my website

Flex Mami / Lil Ahenkan is a Ghanaian-Australian Entrepreneur, Author (The Success Experiment), Podcaster, DJ, and TV Presenter. Flex and I explore the marvels and perils of online life, influencing, setting boundaries, communicating with strangers, creating the world in one's image, and selling/commodifying the self.  Follow @flex.mami on Instagram. ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course More of my work on my website

Moktar is an Egyptian / Australian producer based in Naarm / Melbourne. Moktar's recent EP “Silk” is a  meditation on Arabness, otherness,  and self-discovery. “Silk” represents a shift in  Moktar's sound which echoes his identity as a Middle-Easterner, an Egyptian, and an Arab. Moktar and I discussed our experiences as Arabs in Australia, the changes in Moktar's sound, and what it takes to get in touch with one's history. Follow Moktar on Instagram, and listen to his EP "Silk" here ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course See more of my work on my website

Becoming a social media influencer is a very strange phenomenon. You have incredible control over the priorities and beliefs or your audience. But, at what cost? Have you ever thought about what it actually means to represent yourself online? How personally impactful is it when we develop an online personality? Is there a way to ethically influence people? ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course See more of my work on my website

Why is the West fanatical with productivity? Why are we always pushing to become more, to make more, to produce more? Today I consider a simple question: are we losing our sense of self by over-identifying with the things we make? ~ Follow @alekslistens on Instagram and @alekslistens on TikTok Watch this episode on YouTube  Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course See more of my work on my website

After 6 months off Antidepressants, I'm back on them. In this episode, I reflect on what the past 6 months have been like, and what it's been like returning to antidepressants. Love, Aleks x ~ You are not alone: Lifeline (24hrs): 13 11 14 - www.lifeline.org.au Kids' Helpline (24hrs): 1800 55 1800 - www.kidshelp.com.au BeyondBlue (24hrs): 1300 22 4636 - www.beyondblue.org.au  ~ Watch this episode on YouTube  Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course Follow @alekslistens on Instagram, or @alekslistens on TikTok See more of my work on my website

Jess Zanoni is a musician and writer living in Naarm. Jess is the singer and bassist of alt-rock band Arbes, and is currently working on a solo project called Za Noon. Jess and I spoke about work, time, the infinite quest of establishing a routine, being creative (Jess does loads of creative stuff), escapism, distractions, and music.  Thanks for listening. Love, Aleks x ~ Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal  Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course Follow @alekslistens for updates See more of my work on my website

I reflect on the changes to my life since coming off antidepressants. One of the biggest changes has been the blurred lines between my depression before, during, and after antidepressant use. It will be helpful (but not essential) for you to listen to Parts 1 and 2 before listening to this episode.  ~ Support Aleks Listens via PayPal or Patreon. Follow Aleks Listens on Instagram Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course See more of my work on my website  

Gregor is a progressive pop musician based in Naarm (Melbourne).  We spoke about the changing nature of Gregor's music, music as a form of therapy, perfectionism and validation, as well as multiculturalism and the creative scene in Naarm. You can listen to Gregor's music on Spotify or Bandcamp. ~ Support Aleks Listens via PayPal or Patreon. Follow Aleks Listens on Instagram Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course See more of my work on my website

Berislav Marušić is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at The University of Edinburgh. We discussed Beri's work on grief, love, and existentialism. I also asked Beri about the limits of neuroscience, the uniqueness of the human experience, and what it's like being a philosopher.  ~ To support Aleks Listens, visit PayPal or Patreon. Follow Aleks Listens on Instagram Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course

Raymond Tallis is a philosopher, clinical neuroscientist, poet, novelist, and retired medical physician.   We spoke about free will, identity, the goal of philosophy, the limits of science and philosophy, and how our relationship to our goals/values change over time. ~ To support Aleks Listens, visit PayPal or Patreon. Follow Aleks Listens on Instagram Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course

You asked me a bunch of questions and I answered them through the lens of philosophy. The two questions I responded to in this episode are: 1) Is Instagram a tool for meaningful change? 2) What is our purpose in life? If you'd like to submit a question for the next episode of Aleks Answers, please send me a message on Instagram or send me an email. You can also watch this episode on YouTube.   ~ To support Aleks Listens, visit PayPal or Patreon. Follow Aleks Listens on Instagram Enrol in my Beginners Philosophy Course

It's been 6 weeks since I came off antidepressants. In this episode, I explore some of the twists and turns of life without antidepressants.  Support Aleks Listens via Patreon or PayPal Follow me on Instagram @alekslistens or visit www.aleks.co/podcast ~~ You are not alone: Lifeline (24hrs): 13 11 14 - www.lifeline.org.au Kids' Helpline (24hrs): 1800 55 1800 - www.kidshelp.com.au BeyondBlue (24hrs): 1300 22 4636 - www.beyondblue.org.au 

How, if at all, can we conceptualise cancel culture to clearly promote social justice? To support Aleks Listens, visit PayPal or Patreon. Follow Aleks Listens on Instagram

I discuss my experience after, beyond, and without antidepressants. For more

A discussion of perfectionism, how it manifests, how it feels, and how it can impact one's life.   *Content Warning: this episode covers potentially distressing and upsetting topics. Themes include mental illness, depression, and anxiety*   For more, visit www.aleks.co/ Follow me on instagram @alekslistens 

I discuss some helpful (and some less helpful) ways of thinking about the questions 'what is meaning?' and 'what is meaningful?' I also talk about how depression stifles experiences of meaningfulness. For more, visit www.aleks.co/ or check out my instagram @alekslistens

I explore the nature of grief, why we grieve, whether we can rationalise grief, and if we can reasonably say that grief serves a particular purpose. 

Kelly Herbison is a Philosopher at The University of Melbourne, where she recently received funding to do a Postgrad Research Project.Paul Podosky is a PhD at The University of Melbourne with an especial interest inSocial and Political Philosophy and Conceptual Engineering. Both Kelly and Paul also run the Minorities and Philosophy Chapter at The University of Melbourne.The three of us chatted about all kinds of things related to philosophy, from the nature of philosophy, to injustices in the academy, to the shortcomings of philosophical writing. For more, visit www.aleks.co/ 

Dr. Graham Priest is a Professor of Philosophy at CUNY. We spoke ab out all kinds of things, from the nature of philosophy, to buddhism and its personal and political implications, and to political philosophy itself and the state of the world.  For more about Graham, visit his website: http://grahampriest.net/For more about me, visit www.aleks.coTo support the podcast, visit www.aleks.co/support 

I sat down with Dr. Charlie Bresler, Exec. Director of The Life You Can Save, a charity founded by Peter Singer to advance the ideas of his book under the same title.We chatted about the act of giving, why we do and don't give, and negotiating the space between building a career, financial security, and marginal returns. For more, visit www.aleks.co/ 

An introduction to one of the most important philosophers... ever... Wittgenstein talks about language, sense, meaning, and the responsibility of language users to use language properly. For more, visit www.aleks.co/hey

This episode explores sobriety and alcoholism in anglo society. I talk about my reasons for being sober. I also talk about depression, hangovers, and alcohol as a social lubricant. For more, visit www.aleks.co/ 

I saw down with Dr. Paul Cammell and spoke about the relationship between psychiatry and philosophy, the origins of depression, and the nature of therapy. To support Aleks Listens, visit www.aleks.co/contribute For more, visit www.aleks.co/ and my instagram @alekslistens

I ask whether it is possible to think of morality as something that is entirely subjective.For more, visit www.aleks.coTo support Aleks Listens, visit www.aleks.co/contribute 

I talk about the dull and plain moments of depression that make it very difficult to find reasons to do anything.

I reflect on my depression and how it impacts my everyday experience of the world. Sending love your way. If you're enjoying Aleks Listens, you can support it by visiting www.aleks.co/contribute. If you are struggling, or know someone who is, remember that there are services in place to support you. Lifeline (24hrs): 13 11 14 - www.lifeline.org.au, Kids' Helpline (24hrs): 1800 55 1800 - www.kidshelp.com.au, BeyondBlue (24hrs): 1300 22 4636 - www.beyondblue.org.au 

Back in October 2018, my friend Liam and I sat down with Julian Burnside AO QC. Julian is a barrister, human rights and asylum seeker advocate, and has recently turned to politics as a way of making change.What's most curious about our interview with Julian is that he told us again and again that he wasn't interested in politics, and that he wasn't willing to comment on political topics (outside human rights and asylum seeker related themes).  

In this episode, I explore what it means to be happy, what form happiness takes, and whether it's a meaningful thing for us to strive towards.Click here to read my essay on happiness.Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon  — or PayPal — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — follow me on instagram @alekslistens or Facebook — subscribe on YouTube ~ sending love your way, Aleks x

I regularly ask myself something along the lines of "F*ck, why do I wake up in the morning? Is it always going to be this cyclical?" At the moment, I feel aimless; directionless; purposeless; confused; displaced; uprooted. I feel very uncertain about my past, present, and future. Is it ok to feel this way? Probably? Will my life be punctuated by these crises? Probably? I reflect on all of these things in this episode.Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon,  — or PayPal — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — follow me on instagram @alekslistens or Facebook — subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

I sat down with political philosopher Dan Halliday, lecturer at the The University of Melbourne, and spoke about Capitalism. We begin by defining Capitalism, then discuss its relationship to feudalism and socialism, and interrogate capitalism through a number of different lenses. We spoke about various policies which have traditionally been understood as 'capitalist' or 'neoliberal', and how they are in fact more closely aligned with other economic frameworks. For more about Dan, visit: http://www.danhalliday.net.For more about Dan's book, visit: https://www.ethicsofcapitalism.comEnjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — or PayPal — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens or Facebook — subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

I sat down with Shahar Avin, a Senior Research Associate at The Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (@ The University of Cambridge). We spoke about short-to-near term risks associated with AI, smartphones, algorithms, and pandemics. We simultaneously tried to make connections to the way politics and education can be reconfigured in order to normalise and generate true and helpful discussion on these topics. For more about Shahar, visit his website: https://www.shaharavin.com. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — or PayPal — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens or Facebook — subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

I had a chat with Jess @drjesseggy about all kinds of cool and colourful things. We spoke about the strange relationships, depression, anxiety, and I told Jess that I really hate cereal. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

People always talk about cancelled people or cancelling people. People also tend towards other people who agree with the big things they agree with. I talk about these things. I ask whether they're good, whether they're bad, how to engage with others, and that kinda stuff. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

In light of the recent (proposed) price increases for humanities degrees in Australia, I thought I'd make an episode to reflect on what this could actually mean. Can the price increases be justified? Are they a waste of time? (What the f do you think!?) Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

Aleks Listens turned ONE yesterday. So, I decided to sit down and think about what I've discovered about myself, and about others. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

Today I talk about normativity and what it means and what it is and why you should know about it and why you should care about it. That's pretty much everything.

Today I discuss whether or not we can draw a clear line between morality and the act of giving. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

I reflect on the past three weeks and its cognitive curveballs. This episode isn't very political, and I don't reflect on acknowledge the impact of world politics on my wellbeing (I'm saving that for my next interview). Instead, this episode is a meditation on what can go wrong when you're overwhelmed, and some things that I've been doing to stay afloat. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks x

Today I spoke with Greg Restall, Professor of Philosophy and Logic at The University of Melbourne. The conversation began with me asking Greg to explain what 'Philosophical Logic' even is. Then, we moved onto some stuff about how we ought to think about the relationship between logic and belief, why thought and social progress is at risk of (if it isn't already enduring) a steep decline, where we can turn to inform and configure our morals. For more about Greg, visit his website. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks 

Existentialism is one of the most important elements of Being a person. Whether we like it or not, we are constantly grappling with existential questions — What does it mean to be? Who am I? How free am I? What impact does history/culture/society have on me? These are the kinds of things I talk about in this episode. The amazing artwork is by my friend Jericho. You can find him @jericho_marcel or @delicatessen____. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks 

Today I spoke with Steph. Steph is one of my closest friends. We talk about power dynamics in relationships, what it's like having Dads who want to tell you What and Who to Become, why we think freedom is good, and what value we have drawn from meditation. You can find Steph on instagram @gutgrenade. Enjoying Aleks Listens? You can support it on Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/join/alekslistens — or follow me on instagram @alekslistens https://www.instagram.com/alekslistens — or subscribe on YouTube — for more of my work, visit https://www.aleks.co ~~~~ sending love your way, Aleks