
The Gray Area with Sean Illing takes a philosophy-minded look at culture, technology, politics, and the world of ideas. Each week, we invite a guest to explore a question or topic that matters. From the the state of democracy, to the struggle with depression and anxiety, to the nature of identity in the digital age, each episode looks for nuance and honesty in the most important conversations of o... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 739 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PoliticsPhilosophySociety & CultureNews | |||

Why is it so hard for America to build things?
Bridges take years to construct. Housing costs are soaring. Transit systems are crumbling. And we’re struggling to update our infrastructure to prepare for the climate crisis. Even when there’s broad ag... more
It’s not always the most wonderful time of the year.
Every December, we’re told to be merry and stay positive. But a lot of us don’t feel that way. And when we don’t, the pressure to be happy makes everything worse. Sadness feels like failure. Grief... more
You have to forgive people who wrong you…right? The world is filled with injustice and wrongdoing, and to live in the world — to not be consumed by anger — forgiveness is necessary. At least that’s what we’re told over and over again: By forgiving, w... more
Sean’s guest today is Daniel Kolitz, author of a remarkable Harper’s story on “gooning.”
They talk about this emerging subculture and how it reflects back on the larger world, from the economics of attention to the rise of short-form everything. Kol... more
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Thoughtful and insightful discussions.
The part where Sean isn’t aware of what a misogynist Orwell is before introducing him as his own hero was hilarious. I read 1984 as a child and could tell from that alone that he doesn’t see women as people, but also looking at Orwell’s basic bio would tell you he was not intersectional.
Probably should have re read 1984 before this episode, and if you did, then you really do have some work to do on yourself. Could be a great topic for you to lead by example on: we all deal with men not knowin... more
I’m really lost listening nowadays
Is this just a book club judging people
Love the topics. i listen each week.. really good stuff.. a bit over the top, but very entertaining. I’ve recommended to a lot of people.. only down side is Sean seems like he just lost 8 puppies in a fire. Always depressed or woeful. You dont have to be a comedian, but cheer up just a bit. its not a detention center you are working from….
Fantastic podcast- insightful, thoughtful, curious, and balanced. Covers a wide variety of interesting topics that are contemporary as well as timeless. Sean is a great interviewer who consistently gets smart and enjoyable guests.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #209 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Engaging in thought-provoking discussions, the content encapsulates a blend of philosophy, culture, technology, and contemporary socio-political issues. Each episode features meaningful conversations with guests from diverse fields, tackling topics ranging from democracy and identity to mental health challenges and societal norms. The exploration of complex ideas is paired with a commitment to honesty and nuance, aiming to deepen listeners' understanding of the world around them. This podcast seeks to illuminate critical questions of our time, allowing for accessible yet intellectually stimulating dialogue that resonates with informed audiences.
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The Gray Area with Sean Illing launched 10 years ago and published 739 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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Recent guests on The Gray Area with Sean Illing include:
1. Myisha Cherry
2. Daniel Kolitz
3. Laura Beers
4. Robert Sapolsky
5. Barbara Walter
6. Charan Ranganath
7. Emily Baker-White
8. Bill McKibben
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