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Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)

Robert Harrison
Philosophy
Dante's Inferno
Destructive Character
Digital Age
Ulysses
Modernism
Guido Da Montefeltro
Literature
Meditation
Artificial Intelligence
Nature
Wind
William James
Death
Rainer Maria Rilke
Divine Comedy
Christianity
Dante Alighieri
Shakespeare
Existentialism

The narcotic of intelligent conversation

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes300Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CulturePhilosophy

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Latest Episodes

In this episode Werner Herzog speaks with Robert about the future of truth, which is the subject and title of Herzog’s new book, published in 2025. Songs in this episode: “Moby Dick” by Glass Wave, and “Balena” by Glass Wave.

Entitled Opinions is pleased to air Robert Harrison’s interview with Masud Gaziyev, which aired on the YouTube channel of “Philosophy Everyday” earlier this month. Inspired by Robert’s book “The Dominion of the Dead”, the interview centered around th... more

In this show Robert Harrison and Ato Quayson discuss tragedy and postcolonial literature (the topic of Professor Quayson’s 2021 book of the same title). Ato Quayson is the Jean G. and Morris M. Dolye Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies and English... more

In this show Robert Harrison and Dr. Miles Osgood from The Ho Center For Buddhist Studies discuss the figure of Ulysses as he appears in Homer and many subsequent incarnations, especially in literary modernism. Songs in this episode: “Nausicaa” by Gl... more

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Recent Guests

Werner Herzog
Author and filmmaker
Self-identified author/filmmaker
Episode: Werner Herzog on Truth
Ato Quayson
Author and professor of interdisciplinary studies and English at Stanford
Stanford University
Episode: Tragedy and Postcolonial Literature with Ato Quayson
Miles Osgood
Professor, Stanford English; expert on Ulysses and modern literature
Stanford University (Ho Center for Buddhist Studies)
Episode: The Many Lives of Ulysses with Miles Osgood
Dr. Adrienne Corn
A social scientist and founder of HumanTalented who is writing a book about aging.
HumanTalented
Episode: On Aging with Adrienne Corn
Mark Gonnerman
Philosopher with degrees in Religion and East Asian Studies; expert on comparative philosophy of religions.
Harvard and Stanford
Episode: On William James with Mark Gonnerman
Robert Harrison
Professor of Italian and French literature, host of Entitled Opinions about Life and Literature
Stanford University
Episode: An Offering for the Winter Solstice with Abby Walthausen
Crystal Cassidy
Founder and CEO of SoulPod, exploring structured ritual, breathwork, and contemplative practices
SoulPod
Episode: What is Meditation? A conversation with Crystal Cassidy
Michaela Hulstyn
Lecturer at Stanford and author of "Unselfing, Global French Literature at the Limits of Consciousness"
Stanford University
Episode: Unselfing the Self with Michaela Hulstyn
Grant Dowling
A wide-ranging thinker who is finishing his Ph.D. in philosophy at Stanford.
Stanford University
Episode: The Philosophy of Inaction with Grant Dowling

Host

Robert Harrison
Host of Entitled Opinions about Life and Literature; long-running interviewer known for erudite, contemplative conversations.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 966 ratings
  • cringe

    the author is the most self-absorbed know-nothing i’ve ever heard, which is really saying something. a pity and a waste as some of the guests are quite interesting.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Charon96
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • In defense of aristocracy

    No not that aristocracy in which we mistake the wealthy—the oligarchs—for some kind of quality…rather Entitled Opinions and professor Harrison evolved that word in its most clarifying truth; aristos, the finest the most excellence. See also arete.

    Professor Harrison may you never go dark in these darkened times.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    da-sein
    United Statesa year ago
  • Some fine discussions and some unfortunate woo woo

    There’s a lot of interesting exploration of ideas here but on occasion it veers into territory that does not stand up to any critical analysis.

    Specifically I am thinking of the episodes on Garry Nolan (UFOs etc) and Peter Kingsley (woolly headed sanctimonious mysticism), though doubtless there are other examples I have not heard.

    Perhaps it should be ascribed to tendencies related to the counter culture of the 60s. Listen with a grain of salt imo.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Hmarkoi
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • A Breath of Fresh Air

    A wonderful podcast for thinking people, and a calming antidote to the present moment. If there is such a thing as “slow podcasting,” (like slow food, slow reading, etc.) this is surely it. It’s a stimulating mix of good conversation and the host’s reflections, music, and readings that embodies a genuine love for a life of the mind without being pretentious. A throwback in a way, like listening to good radio from a simpler time. Highly recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DavidBWriter
    United Statesa year ago
  • EO forever

    I myself tend to love the heavy philosophical episodes !!! I also love it when Thomas Sheehan comes on and really lets it rip!!

    There’s too many great things to share about Entitled Opinions- the above is but a snapshot. But nevertheless I feel part of a silent community of thinkers united by this awesome show - where we all put “the garments of court and palace” on and retreat into the realm of thinking :)

    Thank you for this amazing show!

    Liam McVea from Canada

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fluentlyliam
    Canadaa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Thoughtful and nourishing for thinkers, with insightful guests and calm pacing.
Some episodes feel slower; great interludes and readings boost the experience.
Can be deeply dense but rewarding for fans of philosophy and literature.
Host's voice and interview style are often described as clear and engaging.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tragedy and Postcolonial Literature with Ato Quayson
Q: What parallels do you draw between Beckett's themes of waiting and the experience of migrants seeking asylum in Europe?
Beckett's waiting becomes a metaphor for the bureaucratic limbo migrants face, where time itself becomes a burden and the possibility of meaningful action is deferred, mirroring the migrants' precarious searches for status, safety, and dignity.
Tragedy and Postcolonial Literature with Ato Quayson
Q: How does postcolonial literature complicate the traditional models of tragedy beyond oppression and resistance?
Postcolonial literature destabilizes neat binaries by showing how colonialism corrupts heroism and communal values, producing ambiguous characters who struggle with conflicting loyalties, ethics, and identities rather than presenting a straightforward moral plot.
Tragedy and Postcolonial Literature with Ato Quayson
Q: Could you remind listeners who Ken Saro-Wiwa was and explain how his hanging influenced your thinking about tragedy?
Saro-Wiwa was a Nigerian writer-activist whose execution highlighted the way political action and environmental struggle are deeply entangled with cultural and personal tragedy, pushing me to see tragedy as a tool to illuminate life beyond aesthetic form.
On Aging with Adrienne Corn
Q: How can we educate the younger generations about aging?
Dr. Corn emphasized the importance of informal learning and intergenerational communities to share wisdom and understanding about aging.
On Aging with Adrienne Corn
Q: How do you foresee the social problems given the demographics of an aging population?
Dr. Corn noted that while aging is a triumph, it brings challenges like healthcare issues, including Alzheimer's, that society is not prepared to address.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Entitled Opinions

What is Entitled Opinions about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Thoughtful, language-rich conversations traverse philosophy, literature, and culture with a steady, meditative pace. Episodes thread through mortality, truth, aging, spirituality, and the humanities, often featuring scholars, authors, and philosophers connected to Stanford or broader intellectual circles. A recurring strength is the host's ability to braid literary and philosophical context with contemporary concerns, producing a modern salon atmosphere that rewards attentive listening and insider references. Noteworthy traits include musical interludes, erudite readings, and a penchant for exploring big questions with nuance rather than sensationalism.

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Which podcasts are similar to Entitled Opinions?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Entitled Opinions:

1. Hermitix
2. London Review Bookshop Podcast
3. Acid Horizon
4. The LRB Podcast
5. The History of Literature

How many episodes of Entitled Opinions are there?

Entitled Opinions launched 21 years ago and published 300 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Entitled Opinions?

Recent guests on Entitled Opinions include:

1. Werner Herzog
2. Ato Quayson
3. Miles Osgood
4. Dr. Adrienne Corn
5. Mark Gonnerman
6. Robert Harrison
7. Crystal Cassidy
8. Michaela Hulstyn

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