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The Ralston College Podcast

Ralston College
Philosophy
Play
Language
Education
Wittgenstein
Culture
Metaphysics
Human Nature
Huizinga
Augustine
The Last Judgement
Imagination
Renaissance
Aesthetics
Consciousness
Inner Word
Christian Imagery
Medieval Iconography
Symbolism
Higher Education

The Ralston College Podcast delivers a series of conversations and lectures aimed at fostering a deeper, livelier, and freer intellectual culture for us all.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes69Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsEducation

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Artwork for The Ralston College Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this wide-ranging conversation with students at Ralston College, evolutionary biologists Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying reflect on how to live well in the modern world, biologically, philosophically, and spiritually. Moving from Aristotle's De ... more

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In the fourth and final lecture of the 2025 Sophia Lecture series, Dr Bret Weinstein explores how humanity's evolutionary inheritance, both genetic and cultural, has enabled us to navigate an extraordinary range of ecological and social niches. They ... more

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In this third lecture, Dr Heather Heying turns to the conditions sufficient for the emergence of sentient consciousness, exploring how life evolves the capacity to perceive, learn, and create. Drawing on the examples of primates, corvids, dolphins, e... more

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In his lecture Biological Nature to What End?, Dr Bret Weinstein explores the principles of evolution as a lens for understanding human nature, culture, and the pursuit of well-being. Moving from the biotic and abiotic universes to the subtle dynamic... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Heather Heying
Evolutionary biologist and lecturer
Ralston College
Episode: The Sophia Lectures With Bret Weinstein - Lecture 4: The Relationship Between Culture and Genes
Bret Weinstein
Evolutionary biologist and educator
Episode: Making Sense of Complex Systems with Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying
Mari Otsu
Graduate of Ralston College's MA in the Humanities program and former fellow
Ralston College
Episode: Katabasis and Return: A Conversation With Mari Otsu About Her Time at Ralston College
Douglas Murray
Cultural critic and author
Episode: Douglas Murray: Reconstructing our Culture | Renewal and Renaissance: A Ralston Symposium
Dr. Iain McGilchrist
A psychiatrist, philosopher, and theologian known for his interdisciplinary contributions
Episode: Dr Iain McGilchrist on the Cultivation of Wisdom
Iain McGilchrist
Philosopher, theologian, neuroscientist, and psychiatrist
Episode: The Education of Iain McGilchrist, Part I: From Winchester College to All Souls
Jay Parini
Celebrated poet, teacher, novelist, and screenwriter
Middlebury College
Episode: Jay Parini on Why Poetry Matters
Douglas Hedley
Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge
Episode: The Spirit of Play: A Conversation with Professor Douglas Hedley and Dr Stephen Blackwood

Host

Stephen Blackwood
Host of the discussions, engaging deeply with intellectual themes, and serving also as the President of Ralston College.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 171 ratings
  • Superb

    A whirlwind of invigorating thought in a world so ready to cocoon us in inanity and ideological groupthink. Every lecture is worth listening to over and over again. I am just now returning to the delightful spiky wit and poignant insights of Alexander Stoddart.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aleksandra Tintinfan i UK
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Excellent

    The lectures by Iain McGilchrist are especially recommended! Beautiful and very important.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tobar03
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Top notch educational podcast

    This is a podcast for the thinking, self-reflective person. If you enjoy learning deep things, the “ancient truths” as Antigone put it, then this intellectually-stimulating podcast is for you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gregorius Maximus Music
    United States3 years ago
  • Absolutely Outstanding

    It’s difficult to conceive of a higher aim than ralston college. The quality of the guest, host, conversation, and production is second to none whatsoever. I hope they keep it up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pope John Oil
    United States3 years ago
  • McGilchrist one of the best

    This in the level of podcast you can learn from. Steven Blackwood does a great job of speaking with McGilchrist. So much insight from the questions.

    Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CheckpointC
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Many reviews highlight the excellent quality of guests and the engaging discussion style of the host.
The podcast is seen as a valuable resource for those seeking deeper understanding of philosophy and culture.
Listeners appreciate the thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating conversations.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Drs Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying in Conversation with Ralston College's Students
Q: At what point does sentience or consciousness enter into the cosmos?
We don't know, and we may never know, but it is likely tied to the combination of selection and some form of heredity.
Drs Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying in Conversation with Ralston College's Students
Q: What does it mean to live within the limits of our biology?
It invites us to explore how we might extend care, imagination, and intelligence for the generations to come.
The Sophia Lectures With Bret Weinstein - Lecture 4: The Relationship Between Culture and Genes
Q: How would you account for the mechanistic ideology in science?
It fails to recognize that certain important questions have immeasurable answers and that we must embrace uncertainty.
The Sophia Lectures With Bret Weinstein - Lecture 4: The Relationship Between Culture and Genes
Q: What ideas do you have about what a culture that prepares generations for hyper novelty could look like?
We need to reign in the rate of change and create a new kind of education that builds resilience to new conditions.
The Sophia Lectures With Bret Weinstein - Lecture 2: Biological Nature to What End?
Q: How does language differentiate humans from other species in terms of evolutionary adaptation?
Language has precursors in other creatures but is so radically augmented in humans that it opens the door to profound cultural evolution not seen in other species, making it a special feature of humankind.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ralston College Podcast

What is The Ralston College Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging in profound discussions, the content often revolves around themes of consciousness, culture, evolution, education, and the interplay of art and philosophy. Conversations typically explore the depths of human experience, societal challenges, and the importance of intellectual independence amidst a rapidly changing world. With a focus on classical literature, moral philosophy, and the understanding of human nature, the episodes invite listeners to reflect on their own values and beliefs in relation to current cultural dynamics, aiming to inspire meaningful engagement and personal growth.

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1. The Symbolic World
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How many episodes of The Ralston College Podcast are there?

The Ralston College Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 69 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 The Ralston College Podcast?

Recent guests on The Ralston College Podcast include:

1. Heather Heying
2. Bret Weinstein
3. Mari Otsu
4. Douglas Murray
5. Dr. Iain McGilchrist
6. Iain McGilchrist
7. Jay Parini
8. Douglas Hedley

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