Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Veridical
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP43: David Edmonds on Derek Parfit, his life, and normative ethics | 24 Jan 2026 | 01:00:09 | |
In this episode I speak with Dr. David Edmonds regarding his biography of Derek Parfit, my philosophical hero. Parfit lived a fascinating life marked by massive success, but also tragedy. We explore these finer points and explore Parfit's approach to ethics. | |||
| EP42: What Matters? Speaking With an Epicurean (Jonny Thomson) | 19 Sep 2025 | 00:42:54 | |
In this episode, I speak with Jonny Thomson, a former Oxford philosophy professor who now hosts PhilosophyMinis on social media and writes for BigThinkers. Jonny is a philosopher interested in an array of topics, particularly Epicureanism. We speak on a variety of topics but morality and meaning in particular. | |||
| EP33: Anthony Graves: 18 Years on Death Row | 30 Jan 2025 | 01:27:19 | |
In this episode I speak with Anthony Graves, who was on death row for 18 years before being found innocent. We explore the ideas behind the death penalty, his experience, and the road ahead. | |||
| EP32: Richard Rothstein- How we can fight current de facto racism: Redlining, taxes, and community | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:50:57 | |
In this episode I speak with Richard Rothstein, author of Color of Law and Just Action. We speak about redlining, the history of de facto and de jure racism, and the current effects of institutionalized racism. | |||
| EP31: End of Year Debrief: The Middle East, Donald Trump, and You! | 31 Dec 2024 | 00:50:14 | |
I look back at some of the major touch points of this year and the optics of 2025. I discuss normative ethics, applied ethics, just war theory, and Donald Trump. I also discuss Trumpism as an ideology and how to combat it. | |||
| EP30: Post Election Debrief with Dr. Michael Lundie | 11 Dec 2024 | 02:37:15 | |
In this episode I discuss the results of the 2024 election with Dr. Michael Lundie, the first return guest. We remark on Trump's campaign, the effect it had on others, the political discourse today, and looking forward. My Substack: https://jacksezer.substack.com/publish/home?utm_source=menu | |||
| EP29: Brian Becker: Martin Heidegger, phenomenology, and religion | 28 Oct 2024 | 01:33:07 | |
In this episode I speak with Dr. Brian Becker. We explore Martin Heidegger's Being and Time, his goals and philosophy, and more. We explore Descartes and the self as well as religion. Becker has a youtube channel approaching 10,000 subscribers and we would love to help him reach that goal so click the link and subscribe. | |||
| EP28: Robin Maher: The Death Penalty | 05 Oct 2024 | 01:14:20 | |
In this episode I speak with Robin Maher, the director for the Death Penalty Information Center. We explore the history, ongoing practices, and legal theory behind the death penalty. Support DPI and stay up to date on relevant death penalty information. | |||
| EP27: Derek Maus: Postmodernism, Philosophy of Literature, Fiction, History, and Politics | 16 Sep 2024 | 02:51:39 | |
In this episode I speak with Dr. Derek Maus about Postmodernism, philosophies regarding various aspects of literature, how we read literature, poetic aspects of our political landscape, and other topics. Derek's page: https://www.potsdam.edu/about/directory/faculty/mausdc | |||
| EP26: Oobah Butler: The Great Amazon Heist, Comedy, and New Journalism | 02 Sep 2024 | 01:22:49 | |
In this episode I speak with Oobah Butler. Oobah has made waves on the internet with his unique and daring ideas. From turning his shed into the number one restaurant on trip advisor to infiltrating the business conglomerate Amazon to expose its terrible working conditions. Oobah is a fascinating man who is navigating his unique space exceptionally well. This is a nice break from the typical conversations held on this podcast and is a welcomed comedic relief. | |||
| EP25: Connor Murray: A Sanity Check On Nuclear War | 21 Aug 2024 | 01:29:30 | |
I speak with Connor Murray on the current state of nuclear-political affairs in the world. Connor reveals the political process of nuclear de-proliferation and efforts towards peace. We speak about the nature of nuclear war and how political affairs can heighten that risk. Connor's Council For A Livable World Page: https://livableworld.org/about/meet-the-staff/connor-murray/ | |||
| EP24: Donald Trump the Martyr | 17 Jul 2024 | 00:21:45 | |
| EP41: UnFu*king America with Zee Cohen-Sanchez | 17 Aug 2025 | 01:13:28 | |
In this episode, I speak with Zee Cohen-Sanchez about politics, organizations, mobilization, Trump, and more. | |||
| EP 23: David Kipping: Cool Worlds, Fermi paradox, aliens, NASA, and astrophysics | 10 Jun 2024 | 01:34:58 | |
I speak with David Kipping, the host of the very successful Youtube channel, Cool Worlds. We speak on various topics regarding astronomy, aliens, and physics, with an important conversation on the political and economic ramifications on space exploration. Forgive me for my shaky audio in this episode. Intro/Outro music by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay | |||
| EP 22: Jeff Schoep: leaving the Neo-Nazis, hatred, extremism, and anti-semitism | 15 May 2024 | 01:55:11 | |
In this episode I walk through the journey and context of Jeff Schoep's life. We discuss his role in the American National Socialist Movement, the way he left the movement, and the work he is doing today. We explore various topics of extremism and hatred and I strongly encourage you to support the work he is now doing at Beyond Barriers. Beyond Barriers: https://beyondbarriersusa.org/ Simon Wiesenthal Center: https://www.wiesenthal.com/ White Right: Meeting the Enemy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ0rhh5mbnA&t=1039s Intro/Outro Music Credit: Music by Sergii Pavkin from Pixabay | |||
| EP 21: PreachersNSneakers (Ben Kirby): Christian wealth and ethics | 27 Apr 2024 | 01:48:58 | |
In this episode I speak with Ben Kirby, the founder of Preachers N Sneakers, a social media sensation, podcast host, and controversial figure in the Christian wealth debate. We speak briefly on various subjects related to wealth, inequality, and morality. I was happy to speak with Ben and I urge you to read his book linked here. PreachersNSneakers: https://preachersnsneakers.com/ PreachersNSneakers insta: https://www.instagram.com/preachersnsneakers/?hl=en Intro/Outro Music: Music by Pumpupthemind from Pixabay | |||
| EP 20: Genocide: The Hollow Word | 03 Apr 2024 | 00:28:21 | |
In this episode I read my Substack essay, Genocide: The Hollow Word. I speak about Aaron Bushnell and how purpose can be given to his vain death, the value of language and the need to preserve it, and the notion of 'genocide' in Israel/Palestine. Music by Isaiah Mathew from Pixabay | |||
| EP19: Dr. David Patterson: Judaism, Nazism, The Holocaust, Terrorism, and Islam | 20 Mar 2024 | 01:52:38 | |
In this episode I speak with Dr. David Patterson about the Jewish faith, the history of anti-semitism, the Nazis, and the moral relativism surrounding the conflict in Israel. Dr. David Patterson is well read on the subject and is an esteemed academic in the sector of Jewish studies. We reveal the linkage of ancient anti-semitism to the nazis and then to modern day terrorist sympathies. I hope to have more conversations like this and am grateful for the opportunity to learn. Here are links relevant to the episode https://support.memri.org/site/SSurvey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=1620 Dr. David Patterson's page: https://profiles.utdallas.edu/david.patterson My Instagram: Brilly_jack As always, a huge thank you to the SmallWorld team! | |||
| EP18: Shirley Roper and Westboro Baptist: A Productive Conversation | 24 Feb 2024 | 02:05:53 | |
In this episode I have a difficult and stifling conversation with the daughter of the founder of the Westboro Baptist Church, Shirley Roper. The Westboro Baptist Church is infamous around the world, and though few in number, they manage to cause quite the controversy. Though interesting, this conversation is stifling, difficult, and quite circular. I hope to improve my craft with every episode. Thank you for sticking with me on this journey. Music by Virtuosound Studio from Pixabay | |||
| EP17: Dr. Michael Lundie: Identity Politics, Confirmation Bias, Metacognitive Sensitivity, and Belief | 17 Feb 2024 | 01:46:16 | |
Bio: In this episode I interview Dr. Michael Lundie. We discuss various philosophical and political topics, attempting to find valuable and practical solutions to our current political divide. Michael provides us with tangible avenues to navigating our political landscape and shares thoughts on religion and free will. As always, thank you to the wonderful men at SmallWorld Media for making Veridical possible. Michaels Instagram: @warrior_poet_bjj Productive Politics: https://www.youtube.com/@ProductivePolitics Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org/ Music by Pumpupthemind from Pixabay | |||
| EP16: Epistemology and Our New Year | 01 Jan 2024 | 00:34:28 | |
Another year is upon us, and many of us have failed to account for the processes and capabilities of our minds. We need a radical transformation of our willingness to digest reality. Happy New Year.
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| EP15: Hunter Rees and Race, Religion, Israel, and Palestine | 28 Dec 2023 | 02:33:28 | |
In this episode I speak with Hunter Rees. Hunter is well versed in the geopolitical tension, history, and context of the Israel region. We discuss the differences of race and religion, the role of religion, the philosophy behind the state of Israel, and its current response to the Oct. 7th attacks. | |||
| EP14: How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything | 10 Nov 2023 | 01:17:17 | |
In this episode I walk through Rosa Brooks' book, How Everything Became War and the Military Became Everything. I discuss the value of linguistics and terminology, military operations other than war or MOOTW (moot-wah), the role that America plays in other countries' conflicts, the blurriness between war and peace, the increasing role of American military forces in jobs that should be allocated to civilian agencies, and other topics. As usual, thank you for listening. My instagram bio: Brilly_Jack SmallWorld's instagram bio: smallworldcast | |||
| EP40: Minor Spats(1) w/ Drew Mills fighting about Christian Ethics and Politics | 27 Jul 2025 | 04:35:39 | |
I begin a new series, Minor Spats, where I engage with individuals on their beliefs that I find repugnant, undemocratic, or blatantly immoral. In this episode, I speak with Drew Mills, a former political campaign worker and now ideological opponent. | |||
| EP13: Abraham Quinones and the Southern Border | 07 Sep 2023 | 01:47:47 | |
In this episode, I speak with Veridical's first guest, Abraham Quinones. Abraham is a good friend of mine and we discuss immigration both legal and illegal, cartels, U.S. involvement, practical solutions, the philosophy of U.S. military intervention, and other relevant topics.
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| EP12: Better Never to Have Been | 12 Aug 2023 | 01:15:37 | |
In this episode I walk through David Benatar's Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming Into Existence. I discuss his arguments and philosophical assumptions about human dignity, our quality of life, and why we should have a proper phased out extinction. I always discuss relevant topics such as abortion, infanticide, and rearing children in extreme circumstances. As always, I appreciate your willingness to join me in these book reviews. Thank you to the Small World Media team for making this podcast possible.
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| EP11: Reflections on Charlie Kirk Event | 10 May 2023 | 00:52:24 | |
In this episode I take a moment to reflect on my experience of the Turning Point USA event that was held at TCU. I play the audio of my interaction with Charlie Kirk and break down our conversation and provide my rebuttals. I discuss my challenges with having peers who support Kirk and individuals like him, and I also discuss ways I (and all of us) should be viewing our 'enemies'. | |||
| EP10: Jesus and John Wayne | 08 May 2023 | 01:31:27 | |
In this episode I cover Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Kristen Kobes Du Mez This book covers the history and attempts to answer the question of 'How did we get here'? Doing a historical unearthing of the relationship between evangelical culture to far right politics. How can we prevent this from occurring again? By learning this history and looking for repeating signs in the culture today. | |||
| EP9: All Quiet on the Western Front | 31 Jan 2023 | 01:07:20 | |
In this episode, I discuss both the World War 1 2022 film and the 1928 novel, All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, a former World War 1 veteran. In light of the Oscar season and the 8 nominations this film racked up, I want to make the case for why this movie deserves an Oscar and why this should be required reading at some point in the education system. This movie is my second favorite movie of all time only falling short of Nolan's Interstellar. | |||
| EP8: Thoughts for a New Year | 31 Dec 2022 | 00:29:17 | |
As 2023 comes around the corner, I want to take some time for sporadic reflections and optimistic ambitions for the coming year.
Happy New Year.
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| EP7: The Moral Landscape | 29 Dec 2022 | 01:07:50 | |
In this episode I cover The Moral Landscape by Sam Harris. As a neuroscientist and philosopher, Sam offers many key insights into refining how we think and define morality itself. The book presents many great thought experiments, philosophical insights, and scientific observations that help put our moral conscience into a more clear presentation. I try a different format that is less rigid and more organic this episode, discussing the topics personally and objectively while walking through the book.
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| EP6: AMA Episode 1 | 25 Oct 2022 | 01:04:14 | |
This is my first ask me anything (AMA). I will broadcast when more ask me anythings are in que via my instagram. In this episode I answer questions regarding reprobation/predestination/freewill, murderers in Heaven and the atonement, and modern day pagan practices such as energy stones, witchcraft, and its fallibility. Link to my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brilly_jack/ | |||
| EP5: Trumpocracy | 20 Sep 2022 | 00:55:47 | |
In this episode I cover David Frum’s book: Trumpocracy. Though I concede that Trump is a passed on topic, his identity cult and pseudo-religious clan is here to stay. With Liz Cheney losing the nominations to more Trump puppets, something must be said for the current state of affairs and our future. | |||
| EP4: Homo Deus: A brief History of Tomorrow | 03 Aug 2022 | 01:52:44 | |
In this episode we explore the foreshadowed reality of our future with Yuval Noah Harari's book: Homo Deus: A brief History of Tomorrow. This book is a very turbulent venture through our history as homo sapiens, and challenges the reader to ponder how they want the future to look in the age of technology. The new age of technology is at our doorstep, and it is not going anywhere, we must embrace it but also learn how to ethically handle all the new power. Yuval believes that humans will replace God and achieve the status of divinity, his hypothesis is supported greatly throughout the book, though there are areas to challenge it. This book is one of the most powerful reads I have ever consumed, and I encourage everyone to buy the book! | |||
| EP39: Fixing the Message w/ Notsoerudite politics, rhetoric, philosophy, and more | 23 Jul 2025 | 01:44:44 | |
In this episode, I speak with political streamer Notsoerudite (Kyla Turner). We discuss the state of the two parties, the effective or ineffective messaging of both parties, the issue of male loneliness, and conspiracy theories. | |||
| EP3: The Composure of Hell | 24 Jul 2022 | 01:24:08 | |
In this episode I read one of my academic papers for an eschatology class. I felt my glossing over of Hell in the previous episode left this podcast in a precarious position and I did not do the topic justice. For those that care for the inquiry, here is my full findings, and personal opinion on the Composure of Hell. | |||
| EP2: Heaven By Randy Alcorn | 11 Jul 2022 | 01:01:50 | |
The book we discuss today is Heaven, by Randy Alcorn. Randy has personally impacted me beyond expectations with his direct writing style and hopeful speculations of our immortality. We walk through a lot of the book while not exhausting it’s whole narrative. Randy exhumes the existential anxiety for anyone suppressing the reality of death, we must confront the existence of our demise. I encourage the reading of this book! | |||
| EP:1 Welcome to Veridical | 02 Jul 2022 | 00:14:21 | |
Welcome to Veridical! This is the first episode of the journey that is Veridical. In this episode you will get to know your host Jack Sezer and learn what Veridical is all about. | |||
| EP38: Inventing the Suicide Pod: Dr. Nitschke and Voluntary Euthanasia | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:57:47 | |
In this episode I speak with Dr. Philip Nitschke about his work at Exit International, the Sarco Pod, and the philosophical arguments around voluntary euthanasia. | |||
| EP37: Philosophy and Abortion with Luke Roelofs | 19 May 2025 | 01:31:33 | |
In this episode I speak with Dr. Luke Roelofs about abortion, identity, continuity, ethics, and politics. | |||
| EP36: Alec MacGillis: Private Schools, Vouchers, Taxpayer Dollars, and Chaos | 16 May 2025 | 01:00:43 | |
I speak with Alec MacGillis regarding his recent writing at ProPublica. We discuss private schools, taxpayer dollars, private vouchers, the education system, and more. | |||
| EP35: Tim Whitaker: What the Heck is Going On With Christian Nationalism | 17 Mar 2025 | 01:08:32 | |
In this episode I speak with Tim Whitaker from The New Evangelicals. We talk about the current state of U.S. politics, the rise of Christian Nationalism, Donald Trump, and other topics. Support Tim and TNE below. This episode was recorded before the GRACE investigations. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, Tim demonstrated valuable knowledge and a critical perspective on the topics at hand. Recording this podcast does not bear any connection to the matters of investigation. | |||
| EP34: Ukrainian Ana: The Ukrainian War and the Information Battlefield | 17 Feb 2025 | 02:08:37 | |
In this belated episode, I speak with Ukrainian Ana regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, the role of the United States on the world stage, the personalities of Putin and Trump, and how we should view democracy in the context of war. | |||