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Why Theory

Why Theory
Psychoanalysis
Subjectivity
Capitalism
Blue Velvet
Kant
David Lynch
Lacan's Seminar 11
Discourse On Method
Rene Descartes
Symbolic Castration
Slavoj Žižek
Sublime
Aesthetic Judgment
Desire
Equality
Modern Philosophy
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Social Media
Hegel
Dialectical Reversal

Why Theory brings continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory together to examine cultural phenomena.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes208Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
TV & Film

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Artwork for Why Theory

Latest Episodes

On this year’s exploration of the Christmas film genre, Ryan and Todd look to three films from the early-2000s: The Family Stone, Love Actually, and The Family Man (but not Elf, to one host’s disappointment). The hosts theorize two core concepts acro... more

On this episode, Ryan and Todd discuss the episode--a fading television art. Beginning with a brief history of what early American Broadcasting aestheticized about television as form (e.g., its liveness), the hosts theorize the unique cut of the tele... more

In this episode, Ryan and Todd continue their commentaries on Jacques Lacan's seminars by turning their attention to Seminar XIX: ...or Worse. Lacan deepens his consideration of the non-relation in this seminar, further breaking from the signifying c... more

On this episode, Ryan and Todd continue their series of commentaries on Lacan's Seminars, this time bringing their attention to Seminar XVIII: On a Discourse that Might not Be a Semblance, which was recently published in an official English translati... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Richard Boothby
Author of *Embracing the Void*, focused on psychoanalytic theory and its relation to religion
Episode: Embracing the Void

Hosts

Ryan Engley
Host of discussions focusing on psychoanalysis and cultural criticism, often integrating complex theoretical frameworks into contemporary media analysis.
Todd McGowan
Co-host specializing in critical theory and psychoanalytic perspectives, engaging listeners in rich dialogues about cultural phenomena relevant to cinema and theory.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 2k ratings
  • Why is This so good?

    Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    the other Victor
    Germany2 months ago
  • Re: Best TV Series of 21st c

    How many times should 2 PhDs use the word “great” in an hour? These guys completely lack an evaluative-analytical vocabulary. They talk like undergrads or pseuds who think of their audience as dorm-dwellers. It would be “great” if they didn’t name drop Lacan without any attempt to explain the relevance. Very disappointing superficiality.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Clancularius1
    United States2 months ago
  • Critques without basis

    Please stop talking about "Marxism" if you don't know what it is.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Ajam1986
    Canada3 months ago
  • So good

    An invaluable podcast. Great at teaching/discussing so that people who are experts understand without not reducing the complexity of concepts. If I had heard this podcast in college, i would have studied psychoanalysis earlier

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JoshMac2
    United States5 months ago
  • Just wanted to give them a review

    The show brings me a lot of joy even though they say be wary of stuff that makes you feel good. I guess I like it because it makes me feel smarter…

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Babyannika
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

The chemistry between the hosts is frequently noted, creating engaging dialogues that keep the audience captivated.
Some listeners express concerns over the accessibility of the content, feeling that certain discussions may alienate those unfamiliar with the material.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful and in-depth analysis of complex philosophical and cultural topics discussed with clarity.
Overall, the podcast is well-received for its ability to make intricate ideas comprehensible and relevant to contemporary discourse.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#107
United Kingdom/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#214
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#75
Germany/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#195
Australia/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#178
Finland/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#5
Finland/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Lacan's Seminar 16: From an Other...
Q: What was shaping about Lacan's Seminar XVI for you?
It was influential in conceptualizing surplus enjoyment and its impact on capitalism and psychoanalysis.
Lacan's Seminar 7: The Ethics of Psychoanalysis
Q: Can a social be sustained if everyone is acting in accordance with the ethics of psychoanalysis as Lacan lays it out here?
The discussion reveals that while Lacan's concept might work on an individual level, it raises questions about social fabric and whether society can function if everyone acted purely according to their own desires without consideration for social responsibilities.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Why Theory

What is Why Theory about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast presents a fusion of continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory, focusing specifically on the exploration of cultural phenomena, particularly in areas such as film and television. The hosts guide listeners through intricate discussions that combine deep philosophical insights with contemporary media analysis, discussing various themes that range from psychoanalytic concepts to critiques of societal narratives in cinema. Unique aspects include engaging debates on notable figures such as Jacques Lacan and significant cinematic works, allowing the audience to grasp complex ideas while appreciating cultural contexts. This podcast appears to be particularly appealing to those with a keen interest in both philosophy and media s... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Why Theory?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Why Theory:

1. Acid Horizon
2. What's Left of Philosophy
3. Ordinary Unhappiness
4. Hermitix
5. New Books in Critical Theory

How many episodes of Why Theory are there?

Why Theory launched 8 years ago and published 208 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 Why Theory?

Recent guests on Why Theory include:

1. Richard Boothby

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