The Here and Now Podcast

You are an experience machine, everything that has ever happened to you and everything that will ever happen to you is experience. Reflecting on your experience offers a unique insight into the nature of reality and forms the basis for the philosophical methodology of phenomenology. In this episode we explore phenomenology from its inception by Edmund Husserl in the early 20th century, to Martin Heidegger's exploration of being-in-the-world, the embodiment of phenomenology as described by Maurice Merleau-Ponty and its influence on the applied phenomenology of Iris Marion Young's work on femininity.Show notesPhenomenology - Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy Edmund HusserlMartin Heidegger - Being and TimeInterpretive Phenomenological Analysis - Jonathan SmithMaurice Merleau-PontyIris Marion Young - Throwing like a girlThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show

In this brief reflection, I consider the idea of psychological sanctuary, it's importance and its dangers. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

The cognitive revolution in psychology began in the mid 20th century and supplanted behaviourism as the dominant theoretical paradigm explaining human cognition and behaviour which continues today. We explore the origins of cognitive psychology, what it has revealed about the workings of the mind, cognitive maps and mental models, why it is like a computer but not like a computer, neural networks, and why despite great advances, it fails to capture the totality of what it means to be human.Show notesCognitive psychology - E. Bruce Goldstein  (2018)Cognitive psychology and its implications - John Anderson (2020)A common neural code for similar conscious experiences in different individuals - Naci et al. (2014)Bang! You're dead - Alfred Hitchcock (1985)Edward TolmanGeorge MillerDonald BroadbentKenneth CraikSaul SternbergActs of meaning - Jerome Bruner (1993)The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Behaviorism is a tradition within the field of psychology which came to prominence during the early to mid 20th century through the work of John B. Watson and B. F. Skinner. It includes the theories of classical and operant conditioning and was considered to explain all of human behavior. It has since been superseded by the cognitive revolution, however the principles of behaviorism can be found throughout modern psychology and society itself which we explore in this episode. Show notesIvan PavlovJohn B. WatsonB. F. SkinnerEdward ThorndikeAlbert BanduraClassical conditioningLittle Albert experimentOperant conditioningPigeon operant conditioning - YouTube Social Learning TheoryBobo doll experiment - YouTubeThe social dilemmaSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

The prevailing philosophical paradigm underpinning the physical sciences is materialism, also known as physicalism. Simply, everything that exists is material in some sense. However there are many concepts which seem immaterial so how are these reconciled? In this episode we briefly explore materialism and it's issues. Show notes https://www.britannica.com/topic/On-the-Nature-of-Things-by-Lucretiushttps://www.britannica.com/topic/materialism-philosophyhttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnint.2013.00065/fullSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

To kick off the new year I recently spoke with philosopher James Tartaglia, a professor at Keele University, about nihilism and the meaning of life. It turns out, there isn't one. But all hope is not lost as we also discuss what a modern day philosopher does, what nihilism means for everyday life, how to situate ethics in a meaningless universe, the paradox of absurdism, how to respect the views of others, the difference between evaluative and descriptive statements, the sense of self, and why seeing life as nihilistic is not as bad as it seems. Show notesProfessor James TartaligaPhilosophy in a meaningless life: A system of nihilism, consciousness and realityA defence of nihilism with Tracey LlaneraPhilosophy in a technological world: Gods and TitansThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

We conclude our brief exploration of existentialism with this final chapter on its darkest philosophical interpretation, nihilism. Nihilism means literally, an ideology of nothing, which has led philosophers to a range of conclusions from the destruction of everything to the, whatever. We briefly consider the implications of nihilism, whether it is really that bad, and finally conclude with a few thoughts on what to fill the emptiness of an meaningless existence with. Happy new year!Show notesMacbethNihilism - The internet encyclopaedia of philosophyA defence of nihilism - J Tartaglia and T LlanThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

An area of existentialist philosophy is absurdism which considers the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the inability to find these with any certainty. The work of French nobel prize winning writer and philosopher Albert Camus' forms the source material for this episode, specifically his most well known essay The Myth of Sisyphus.  Show notesAbsurdismAlbert CamusThe myth of Sisyphus – Albert CamusBand of Brothers hopeless speech The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Existentialism is a philosophy which inquires into the nature of human existence and what it means to live an authentic life. While its concepts can be traced as far back as ancient Greece, it came to prominence during the immediate post second world War period through the work of the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and his partner Simone de Beauvoir. In this episode we explore the key concepts of existentialism and the nature of essence and existence. Show notesExistentialism is a humanism - J P Sartre Nausea – J P SartreNotes from the underground – Dostoyevsky Existentialism: A very short introduction – Thomas FlynnExistentialism – Stanford Encyclopaedia of PhilosophySøren Kierkegaard Jean-Paul SartreThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Brownnosing, bootlicking, apple polishing and sucking up are among many the synonyms for the term sycophancy. Psychologists also know it as ingratiation. In this episode we explore several types of ingratiation and learn that while true sycophancy requires talent, it may be intrinsic to our social behavior. Show notesIngratiation - A social psychological analysis - Edward E. Jones (1964) The Slime Effect: Suspicion and Dislike of Likeable Behavior Toward Superiors - Roos Vonk (1998) Ingratiation and Gratuity: The Effect of Complimenting Customers on Tipping Behavior in Restaurants - John Seiter (2007)The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Libertarianism is a political philosophy based on John Locke's philosophy of natural law, that each is entitled to freedom for oneself and ones property and society should require minimal intervention by government. It is closely associated with individualism but its origins can be traced to ancient China. We explore contemporary principles of libertarianism and offer a brief critical reflection on what is seems to be missing. Show notesLibertarianism: A Primer – David BoazLibertarianism - WikipediaLibertarianism.orgKey concepts of libertarianismThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In this reflective episode I discuss something that bugs me - the always or never fallacy. We often exaggerated and use hyperbole to emphasis our stories, but society is often a reflection of our complacency at recognising the things that make us unique and the grey areas of life most of us inhabit. We consider Kenneth Feinberg's unenviable role in the aftermath of 9/11 and how recognising the nuance that makes us unique is in conflict with the need to generalise. Show notesWhat if life worth? The unprecedented effort to compensate the victims of 9/11 - Kenneth FeinbergThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

David Latchman is a science communicator and host of the Science Bloggers Podcast. He trained as a physicist before becoming a full time science journalist and freelance science writer. He is passionate about sharing ideas from science with a general audience and making the STEM fields a more diverse and inclusive space for minorities and people of colour. We talk a little about his background and work as a science communicator, some of the issues surrounding a lack of diversity in science and how these can be addressed.  Show NotesThe Science Bloggers PodcastDavid Latchman on TwitterSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

It might feel like you are a distinct and continuous identity, but the theory of the dialogical self asserts that you inhabit many different I-positions that represent different aspects of You. In this episode, we briefly explore the origins of dialogical self theory and how the person you are is manifest both internally and externally through many voices engaged in continual dialogue. Remember, you can get in touch on Facebook or at emailthehereandnow@gmail.comShow notesThe dialogical self - WikipediaWilliam James - Stanford  Encyclopaedia of PhilosophyHubert HermansThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an email Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Utilitarianism is a principle of ethical philosophy which considers that the most morally correct action is one that produces the most good. This idea was first tackled seriously by 18th century philosopher Jeremy Bentham, however it is not without complications. In this episode we explore utilitarianism and consider how it can be applied to making both everyday decisions and ones of crucial social importance ones as well. Show NotesUtilitarianismThe felicific calculusJeremy Bentham at UCLThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

The concept of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been growing in popularity so I decided to explore it for a recent research project. I began as a sceptic but after considering a variety of social justice arguments I now believe a UBI should be an policy goal for societies who wish to reduce inequality and achiever greater social justice.  But UBI is not just about helping those worst off, it can benefit everyone in a range of ways which we explore in this episode. Show NotesBasic Income NetworkBasic income – A guide for the open minded – Guy StandingResults of Finland's basic income experimentSpain UBI projectEverywhere basic income has been tried in one mapPublic equity and tax benefit reform – Keith RankinUBI: A policy for social justice – D MondsThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Societal and community psychologist Professor Darrin Hodgetts joins me to discuss his work with marginalised communities most affected by social injustice and structural violence.  Prof Hodgetts is a highly respected figure in New Zealand community psychology circles having advanced ethnographic and action oriented research to engage directly with those most affected by urban poverty, homelessness, and other social issues. We discuss structural violence, equality of opportunity and outcome, why resolving inequalities benefits all members of society, and how applied psychologists tackle social justice issues and help to shape policy that improves well-being across society. Show notesProfessor Darrin Hodgetts - Massey University profileProfessor Hodgetts - Nga Pae Ote Bio (NZ Maori centre of research excellence)The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In this episode we consider the limits of wealth distribution in society, inherent inequalities to life and the role of luck. We also explore the economic ideas of the commons and public goods and the role these play in free market and state capitalist societies. We also take a look at the social protection floor and why it is often conceptualised by society as something to be ashamed of. This leads us to consider the tight coupling of labour and income and the subsequent vulnerability of those without a job or in casual work, a class known as the precariat. All of this leads us to question social justice in wealth distribution and ask the question; could be another way to smooth the edges of income precarity?Show notesInequality in nature and society – Scheffer et al. 2017Iron & steel industry in Middlesbrough's historyTeesside Steel Works - WikipediaPlunder of the commons – Guy StandingWe're all state capitalists now – Niall Ferguson, Foreign PolicyThe Precariat: A dangerous new class – Guy StandingThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In this episode we explore social justice, namely: what is it, why is it so contested, and why are you probably sick of hearing about. It has taken a while to write this episode, largely because it is a challenging topic which introduces politics and confronts our worldviews.  It is not meant to be divisive or inflammatory, its purpose is to open minds and approach social justice issues with compassion and rationality.  This episode also draws together a few threads to set the stage for the next episodes which will cover social justice issues more fully.  Show NotesThe Universal Declaration of Human RightsThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

What is the role of government? Should it exist to provide safety and security for its citizens or to maintain order because humans are fundamentally selfish? Is an equitable society possible? What would such a society look like? Episode 73 is the first of a mini-series on social justice in which we consider the social contract that exists between a state and its people according to the divergent views of four political philosophers.We ExploreThe United States Declaration of IndependenceThe natural state and natural lawSocial Contract Theory according to Hobbes and LeviathanLocke's second treatise of government The Social Contract according to RousseauA theory of justice by RawlsShow NotesEpisode 45 - Moral relativism Leviathan – Thomas HobbesTwo Treatises of Government – John LockeThe Social Contract – Jean-Jacques RousseauRosseau and Locke on Property and the State – Matt SchrageA Theory of Justice – John RawlsThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Integrity is one of the most hallowed virtues but is it one we can ever truly attain? Is acting with integrity always the best path to follow? We explore integrity and its opposite in this episode and find that integrity may be more complicated than it seems and often when we think we act with integrity, we may actually be lying to ourselves. Show NotesThe Prince – Niccolò Machiavelli Hypocrisy and integrity – Ruth W. GrantJean-Jacques Rousseau Integrity: Its causes and cures – David LubanStanford Prison experimentThe Stanford Prison Experiment Film (2015)Hippocratic oathThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

What is the meaning of life? That age old, philosophical cliché has had no shortage of answers but what if there isn't one? What if life is pointless?  Philosopher Rivka Weinberg presents a compelling argument for the pointlessness of life which I explore in this episode. But don't be alarmed, there is a bright side! (Spoiler alert: there may not be a bright side).We exploreThe myth of SisyphusThe journal of controversial ideasThe notions of telic and atelic meaning Why a valued end can only be external to an enterpriseWhy life can have no ultimate meaningWhy an afterlife doesn't change anythingWhy goals give us an illusory sense of purpose Are you making a categorical error by asking the question: what is the meaning of life?Why the scale of the universe does not diminish our significance The importance of everyday meaning Why we are better off  forgetting the question Whether it is right or wrong to live a pointless lifeWe're here, now what?The ultimate choice Show NotesThe Myth of Sisyphus Weinberg, R. (2021). Ultimate Meaning: We don't have it, we can't get it, and we should be very, very sad. Journal of controversial ideas, 1(1), 4.Making Sense Podcast 245 – Can we talk about scary ideas?Finding Meaning in an Imperfect World - Iddo Landau, 2017The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

We often struggle to find a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives. In this episode we consider the psychology of how we find meaning and consider a few strategies to help to you find meaning and purpose in both your professional and private life. I'd love to hear your story so reach out if you are searching for meaning and purpose, or if you've found it!Show notesThe SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Psychology - Edited by K. O'Doherty & D. HodgettsSocial Cognition and the Workplace: The Future of Research on the Meaning of Work - Paul J. Maher, Deirdre O'Shea and Eric R. IgouThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an email Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Bruce Grierson is a social science writer whose work has featured in many well known print and online publications including New York Magazine, Popular Science, Time Magazine, Psychology Today and Scientific American. He is a five times Canadian National Magazine Award winning feature writer and has written the books U-Turn: What if you woke up one morning and realised you were living the wrong life? and What makes Olga run?: The mystery of the 90-something track star and what she can teach us about living longer, happier lives. We discuss both of Bruce's books, topics from psychology and social science, creativity and writing and one of my favourite subjects, space exploration.Show Noteshttp://brucegrierson.com/https://twitter.com/BruceGriersonU-Turn: What if you woke up one morning and realised you were living the wrong life?What makes Olga run?: The mystery of the 90-something track star and what she can teach us about living longer, happier lives.Dear Moon ProjectThe Carpe Diem Project - Psychology TodayThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

We conclude the language series by considering the final question: Do words actually mean anything? This may sound like a strange question to ask, considering the many aspects of language we've covered over the last eight episodes, but when we look closely at language and words, the answer is not obvious. We unpack the question from the perspective of Jacques Derrida, the 20th century French philosopher whose work established the controversial field of deconstruction. Show NotesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesDerrida on Language – Philosophy NowDeconstruction - WikipediaDerrida and Words – Philosophize This! Stephen WestHow to deconstruct almost anything – Chip MorningstarThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In the third and final part of our series on language we consider the philosophical question: Do we need language to think? This question is often articulated as the Sapir Whorf hypothesis. We examine the question from its historical perspective, Boas, Sapir and Whorf's anthropological investigations, Lenneberg's formulation of a strong and weak version of the hypothesis, the relationship between language and cognition, what we've learned from Piaget's study of childhood development, how bilingualism and translatability inform thought and how this leads us to our old friend, culture. Spoiler alert: the conclusion is unsatisfying (at least to me), but we still uncover some interesting aspects of human cognition and language along the way.Show notesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesArrival Imdb Linguistic relativity - WikipediaWilhelm von Humboldt - WikipediaFranz Boas - WikipediaEdward Sapir - WikipediaBenjamin Lee Whorf - WikipediaThe Language Animal - Charles TaylorChange of language, change of personality? – Psychology Today20 words that don't exist in English but really should - InsiderFive ways of learning how to talk about events – Berman & SlobinFrog, where are you?The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

To conclude part two of the series we consider pragmatics, the linguistic field that deals with context and how language is used. We take a look at 'why' we have language and the subtle and not so subtle ways we communicate. We consider different types of dialects, turn taking and the power of language to shape the way we think. We then conclude the episode with a look at one of the superpowers of language, swearing. Show NotesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesThe Social Origins of Language – Dor D, Knight C & Lewis J.Why We Talk – DessallesLanguage and Situation – Gregory M & Carroll SLanguage as a Social Action – Holtgraves THow to do Things with Words – John AustinSpeech Act Theory – John AustinJohn Searle – PhilosopherA Simplest Systematics for the Organization of Turn Taking for Conversation – Sacks H, Schleghoff E & Jefferson G1984 – George OrwellLanguages don't all have the same number of terms for colorsJocko Podcast #263 on 1984 and NewspeakSwearing is good for you: The amazing science of bad language – Byrne ESwearing as a response to pain – Dr. Richard StephensSwearing is a sign of more intelligence not lessYour cursing cortexThe Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Part two of our series on language considers the question: How do we use language? In this episode we look at the field of linguistics known as semantics which considers how words represent tangible and abstract meanings. We also see how much of what we say is metaphor and how culture informs how we create mental maps of meaning which we use to communicate and share ideas. Show notesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesA Basic Course in Anthropological Linguistics – Marcel Danesi (2004)Pidgins - WikipediaMetaphors We Live By – Lakeoff G & Johnson MDo Inuits really have 50 words for snow?The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Professor Quentin Atkinson of the University of Auckland joins me to discuss his work on the origins of language and the evolution of culture. Professor Atkinson gained widespread recognition for his 2011 paper in the journal Science in which he used modeling techniques from evolutionary biology to show how human language can be traced to its origins on the west coast of Africa. I discussed this briefly in the last episode Language V - The Great Leap.In our conversation we discuss this work and how understanding the core elements of languages can tell us about the movements and histories of human populations, how cultures are shaped by folktales and stories, the importance of connecting the past with the present as we attempt to understand ancient cultures and how the big questions in science can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach which applies diverse problem solving techniques to problems both old and new. The Here and Now Podcast Language Serieshttps://www.quentinatkinson.com/Phonemic diversity supports a serial founder effect model of language expansion from Africa. Q. Atkinson (2011).Pagel, M., Atkinson, Q. D., Calude, A., & Meade (2013). Ultraconserved words point to deep language ancestry across Eurasia. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 110(21):8471–8476. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1218726110Ross, R. M. & Atkinson, Q. D. (2016). Folktale transmission in the Arctic provides evidence for high bandwidth social learning among hunter-gatherer groups. Evolution and Human Behavior, 37(1):47-53. DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.08.001The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In this final episode of part I of our series on language, we examine the non-gradualist theory of the emergence of language, also referred to as The Great Leap theory which argues that complex human language appeared suddenly around 50,000 years ago.  We consider the evidence and arguments for and against this theory made by archeologists, linguists and anthropologists and briefly introduce several of MIT linguist Noam Chomsky's theories and Professor Quentin Atkinson's intriguing theory of a serial-founder effect of language.  Show NotesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesOldest cave art found in Sulawesi – A. Brumm et al. (2021)45,500 year old Sulawesi warty pig painting found in Indonesian caveWhy only us: Language and evolution. R. Berwick & N. Chomsky (2017)Masters of the planet: The search for our human origins. I. Tatersall (2012)The dawn of human culture. R. Klein (2007)The truth about language: What it is and where it came from. M. Corballis (2017)Natural language and natural selection. S. Pinker & P. Bloom (1990)On nature and language. N. Chomsky with A. Belletti & L. Rizzi. (2002)What exactly is Universal Grammar and has anyone seen it?Principles and parameters Language: The cultural tool. D. Everett (2012)Lascaux cave complex – Wikipedia The revolution that wasn't: A new interpretation of the origin of modern human behaviour. S. Mcbrearty & S. Brooks (2000)When humans became human Phonemic diversity supports a serial founder effect model of language expansion from Africa. Q. Atkinson (2011). The Here and Now Podcast on FacebookThe Here and Now Podcast on TwitterSend me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

We get more technical in this fourth episode of our series on language. We continue with the gradualist theory of the origins of language by looking at three key areas: the brain, speech production and gestures. We consider whether there are regions of the brain associated with language, whether there is a language gene and how the speech apparatus works. We also consider sign language and gestures and discuss whether these could have been the origins of language in humans and hominids like Homo erectus.  Show notesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesThe human language faculty as an organ. S. Anderson & D. Lightfoot (2000)Masters of the planet: The search for our human origins. I. Tattersall (2013)Natural language and natural selection. S. Pinker & P. Bloom (1990)The evolution of language – W. T. Fitch (2010)The faculty of language: What is it, who has it and how did it evolve? (Hauser, Chomsky & Fitch, 2002)Internal cranial features of the Mojokerto child fossil (East Java, Indonesia) (2005)Broca's area network in language function. B. Bernal, A. Ardila & M. Rosselli (2015)Birds share language gene with humansFOXP2 - WikipediaLanguage is in the genes Diverse genome upends understanding of how language evolvedEvolution of a single gene led to language Mirror neurons and the evolution of language. M. Corballis (2009)How language began: Gesture and speech in human evolution. D. McNeill (2012)The descended larynx is not uniquely human. W. T. Fitch & D. Reby (2001)From grunting to grabbing: Why humans can talk The truth about language: What it is and where it came from. M. Corballis (2017)The HeSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Dr. Trevor Harley is an Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Dundee University, Scotland specialising in cognitive psychology. He has authored eight books including the best selling textbook, The Psychology of Language, currently in its fourth edition, as well as his gentler introduction to the topic, Talking the Talk. His other works include The Psychology of Weather, Science and Psychology and a soon to be released textbook on the psychology of consciousness. Despite his many academic achievements, Dr. Harley has battled with mental illness throughout his life. In our conversation we discuss a range of topics from cognitive psychology including the parallels between consciousness and language, the features of language which make humans unique, language and consciousness in animals, the function of the brain as a filter and what this means for dreams, non-verbal communication and its myths, slips of the tongue and how he has managed his challenges with mental illness. The Here and Now Podcast Language Serieshttp://www.trevorharley.comTrevor A. Harley - Amazon Author PageWhat is the meaning of my life? - Dr. Harley's blog on mental healthTalking the Talk - Language, Psychology and Science The Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Animals are capable of many amazing feats. Some even have remarkable learning and communication abilities, but do they have language? In part three of our series on language we take a look at the linguistic abilities of several animals and highlight a few of the distinctions between animal communication and human language. Show notesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesAlex - The Genius Grey Parrot (YouTube)Washoe the signing chimpanzee (YouTube)Kanzi the bonobo who can talk (YouTube)Talking the Talk: Language Psychology and Science – Trevor Harley (2017)The Evolution of Language – W. Tecumseh Fitch (2010)The Language Instinct - Steven Pinker (2010)The Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

The origins of language are unknown. Now that's out of the way we can get on with investigating several of the possibilities in this second episode of our series on language. This episode considers Daniel Everett's gradualism thesis that the hominid Homo erectus  was an early adopter of language as evidenced by their extensive travels and creation of icons and symbols. We explore this thesis, Pierces' semiotics model, and evidence from the fossil record. Remember, this is a gentle introduction to the topic which fills volumes. You can find much more detail in the reading list below. Show NotesThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesHow Language Began – Daniel Everett (2017)How Language Began – Daniel Everett TED talk (YouTube)Language: The cultural tool - Daniel Everett (2012)The Evolution of Language – W. Tecumseh Fitch (2010)Talking the Talk: Language Psychology and Science – Trevor Harley (2017)Homo erectus - WikipediaHomo erectus may have been a sailor and able to speak – The Guardian (2018)Homo floresiensis - making sense of the small bodied hominin fossils from Flores - K. Baab (2012) Oldowan tools Charles Pierce's Semiotic Theory of SignsThe Makapangskat Pebble The Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Is there a quality more uniquely human than language? The domain of language is vast and complex and involves many disciplines. In this series we will explore many of the big questions about language and cover a range of topics from evolution, biology, linguistics, anthropology, psychology and philosophy. On our search for answers we'll gain a deeper understanding of what language is, how it emerged in humans, and how it functions in individuals and society.In this first episode of the series, I introduce the topic of language, raise several of the big questions and attempt to understand what language is. We also take our first tentative steps toward answering the biggest question of all: how did language emerge in homo sapiens?Show notes and further readingThe Here and Now Podcast Language SeriesLanguage – Collins Online DictionaryGenesis Chapter 11, verses 1 - 9Talking the Talk: Language Psychology and Science – Trevor Harley (2017)Daniel EverettHow Language Began – Daniel Everett (2017)A Basic Course in Anthropological Linguistics – Marcel Danesi (2004)Max MüllerOn the origin of species – Charles Darwin (1859)Psamtik I and the babies talk of breadKing James IV and the island experiment – BBC HistoryThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Nathalie Wendt is a performing artist, puppeteer and all round creative talent based in Berlin. She is host of The Bullet by Nathalie Wendt, an intriguing podcast which explores philosophy and the nature of reality through the medium of performance audio. We discuss Nathalie's background and approach to the performing arts, the blurring of lines between the real and the imagined, the nature of objective and subjective reality and more.https://nathaliewendt.weebly.com/     The Bullet by Nathalie WendtNathalie Wendt InstagramThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

This is one of my favourite episodes and I refer to its themes regularly. I still can't stand the sound of eating, but I try to deal with it. In a year where we've seen the full range of human behaviour from the self-centred to the selfless, perhaps end the year by taking a step back and reflecting on how you come across in the world and what version of you you'd like to present in the future.Our ego can be the source of our confidence or our biggest weakness. We explore the ego, ask some hard questions, and talk about chewing.SocratesRené DescartesAnatta – the absence of self in BuddhismHume's Bundle theoryFreud – Id, ego and superegoMisophonia – If you can't stand the sound of people chewing, blame your brainThe Here and Now Bloghttps://www.facebook.com/thehereandnowpodcast/emailthehereandnow@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Merry Christmas! I wrote and recorded this episode of The Here and Now Podcast in a hotel room in Shanghai about a year ago. A lot has changed since then but my thoughts are more or less the same. While not exactly in the holiday spirit, many people struggle at this time of year for different reasons so I hope this message finds someone who needs to hear it.Some days are harder than others but there is good news and bad news. The good news is, it's all in your head. The bad news is, it's all in your head. Here is a little advice to help you manage those dark days we all have sometimes that just seem too hard. Understanding where negative thoughts come from is the first step in moving past them. Rate or review the show at Apple Podcasts!Show notesThe Prefrontal CortexSSRI'sSSRI's (2 minute neuroscience)Eckhart Tolle – Awakening to your life's purposeCognitive Behavioural TherapyThe Here and Now Bloghttps://www.facebook.com/thehereandnowpodcast/emailthehereandnow@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

I saw a meme recently that read, "anything that costs you your peace of mind is too expensive". At first glance it made sense, but something about it didn't feel right so I decided to explore that feeling in this final episode for 2020. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In this episode, organisational psychologist Dr Austin Tay of Omnipsi Consulting and the podcast, PsyChat, joins me to discuss psychology in the workplace. We discuss a range of timely and important topics including: The psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our professional lives and what this might mean for a future version of 'normal'. The relevance of personality when recruiting employees and building teams, How corporate culture can both help and hinder employee performance and job satisfaction.  How to deal with setbacks at work. Rethinking Maslow's Theory of motivation.   What motivates high performers to aim high and succeed.How to optimise relationships in the modern, multicultural, workplace. Omnipsi ConsultingPsyChat Podcast with Dr Austin TayThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Doctor Dave Baldwin is a GP and Aviation Medical Examiner known for his 'not-so-royal' flying doctor service and 'Healthy Bastards' campaign, which promotes men's health and well-being. We cover Dave's spiritual journey, his work in aviation and private medical practice, how he finds creative freedom, his thoughts on a devastating personal tragedy, his passion for flying and the outdoors and more in this engaging and at times hilarious conversation. About Dr DaveHealthy BastardsThe Flying DoctorThe Bushman's BibleThe Western Wall / Wailing WallCamino de Santiago The Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Who are you? Identity is about who we are but we are all made up of many parts. We develop a sense of individual identity during adolescence then begin to inhabit social worlds which inform our identity in ways that can be highly rewarding but leave us vulnerable when our life circumstances change. In this episode we explore the problem of building one's sense of self around a social identity and consider ways to overcome it. The Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

It's been one year of weekly episodes of The Here and Now Podcast so I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey and what it has meant for me and to acknowledge the eight guests who have graciously shared their stories and time with me over this past year. Thanks also to you for listening and inspiring me to keep thinking, writing and recording. The Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Tim Davies served for twenty years as a fighter pilot and flying instructor in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. In addition to consulting to a number of private companies, Tim runs one-on-one and group training sessions through his company, Fast Jet Performance, where he helps people of all backgrounds find meaning and purpose using lessons he has learnt from his time operating high performance military aircraft. Our conversation is wide ranging and covers some of the challenges he faced during his military career including the importance of taking accountability for self actualisation through a focus on mental and physical health. This recording was made via a Zoom video call which you can find on YouTube at the link below. Be sure to check out Tim's awesome YouTube channel for videos from the cockpit of a Hawk jet trainer among other goodies and visit his page to get in touch if you want to get in touch. Show notesBeyond the battlefield with Tim Davies - This episode on YouTubeFast Jet Performance websiteFast Jet Performance YouTube ChannelThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Ollie Martin spent 10 years as a constable with the Sussex police force operating in high risk covert surveillance and intelligence roles. After suffering burnout, Ollie resigned from the force and has since developed a range of programmes and peer support groups to help police officers and men from all walks of life 'get curious' about their own mental health and start talking. We discuss Ollie's journey from his career in the police, to the emotional impact of a traumatic event he witnessed on the job, to how he rekindled his spirit and has used that experience to help other men to open up, share their stories, and improve their mental and physical health.Show Noteswww.ollie-Martin.comhttps://www.facebook.com/getcurioustalk/get-curious.orgollie@get-curious.orgThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

It seems there has been a lot of focus on personal accountability in recent years. I've personally found this helpful for making improvements in my own life but I'm also conflicted about what the limits of personal accountability are. I explore that question in this more conversational type of episode. I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on the topic. Show notesSam Harris – Jocko Willink interviewDavid Goggins – JRE PodcastCan't Hurt Me (Audiobook) – David GogginsMoab 240 (2020)Courtney Dauwalter (Red Bull article)Bigs Backyard Ultra 2020Touching the Void (Book) – Joe SimpsonThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

In philosophy, the Other is the conception of the self as a distinct entity, but it is has another more sinister connotation in psychology and sociology as the subjugated altern characterised by difference. We explore the Other through the lenses of colonisation and neoliberalism and discuss how the western history of othering has influenced society in myriad ways, from racism and inequality to world war. I've included chapter markers in this episode so you can navigate your way to the sections that interest you or skip the long reading from James Bradley's ‘Flyboys'. Let me know if you'd like me to add markers in future episodes. Show notesOther - WikipediaThe problem of othering – Powell and MenendianOrientalism – Edward W. Said (1978)Edward Said and the production of knowledge (author unknown)Flyboys – James Bradley (2003)A critique of postcolonial reason: Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak (1999)Structural discrimination in New Zealand - WikipediaThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

We all have regrets in life but it's the things we didn't do that affect us the most. In this episode we take a look at the psychology of regret and learn from those reflecting upon their lives in their final days.Show NotesThe Temporal Pattern to the Experience of Regret – Golivich and Medvec (1994)The ideal road not taken: The self-discrepancies involved in people's most enduring regrets. – Davidai and Gilovich (2018).Self-Discrepancy Theory – Higgins Top Five Regrets of the Dying – Bronnie WareRegret Free Living – Bronnie Ware TEDx Talkhttps://bronnieware.com/regrets-of-the-dying/Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

We all experience anxiety at different times throughout our lives but for many people it becomes a serious issue requiring treatment. There are five types of anxiety disorder and together they are the most commonly diagnosed mental health issues. In this episode we take a look at what causes anxiety and consider two specific anxiety disorders, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder and discuss the forms of treatment available. Show notesAnxiety - HealthlinePanic attacks and panic disorderGeneralised anxiety disorderCognitive Behavioural TherapyExposure therapyThe Here and Now Podcast on Facebook The Here and Now Podcast on Twitter Send me an emailSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

Are there universal moral absolutes or does right and wrong vary by culture, society, or individuality? We delve into the complex and challenging philosophical topic of moral relativism to try to make sense of this question. Some of the examples will be hard to to stomach, but in order to understand how we should think about moral questions for everyone, we must first consider how they feel to us. Show NotesAll Blacks Kapa o Pango Haka (YouTube)Moral Relativism – Internet Encyclopedia of PhilosophyMoral Relativism – Steven LukesThe Righteous Mind – Johnathan HaidtEffect of Feeling Good on Helping: Cookies and Kindness – Isen and LevinIf This is a Man – Primo Levi United Nations Declaration of Human Rightshttps://www.facebook.com/thehereandnowpodcast/ https://twitter.com/herenowpodcast emailthehereandnow@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)

The Five Factor Model of personality, also known as the big five, is the mostly widely accepted model of personality in psychology. We explore the origins of the FFM, evidence of its validity, how it has informed theories of personality and what a model of personality means for the individual. Show NotesBig 5 Personality TraitsThe HEXACO model of personalityhttps://www.facebook.com/thehereandnowpodcast/ https://twitter.com/herenowpodcast emailthehereandnow@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/thehereandnowpodcast)