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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
Aesthetic Judgment
Sublime
Desire
Modern Philosophy
Equality
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Dialectical Reversal
Social Media
Lacanian Psychoanalysis

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes202Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
TV & Film

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Artwork for Why Theory

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Ryan and Todd conclude their Marx duology by working through the excellent Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte. The hosts focus on Marx's narrative and progressive understanding of history as well as the famous notion of repetitio... more

In this episode, Ryan and Todd discuss Karl Marx's posthumously published Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, colloquially known as the 1844 Manuscripts. They begin by discussing how teachable and approachable the text is before underlining... more

In this episode, Ryan and Todd discuss the so-called "End of History" in Hegel's thought. Francis Fukuyama's 1989 essay "The End of History?" thrust Hegel unexpectedly into mainstream political conversation. The first half of the episode discusses th... more

In episode 201, Ryan and Todd work their lists of the Top 10 Television Series of the 21st Century. The hosts operated by the following rules:

1. Only completed series. No currently in production series.

2. No series could be included, even if com... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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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 multiple episodes, Ryan is known for his engaging dialogue and insightful analysis, often bringing contemporary relevance to complex philosophical ideas.
Todd McGowan
Co-host who provides a critical and often humorous lens on complex topics, enriching the conversation with his expertise in psychoanalysis and cultural analysis.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.9k ratings
  • 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 States2 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 States2 months ago
  • American blinkers

    Perhaps if you showed greater understanding and knowledge of cinema in the rest of the world, you would not be so inclined to see issues like the history and significance of black and white cinema through the corporatized and exceptionalist view so typical of American commentators. Your difference from Trump and his ilk is less than you imagine.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    AntonvdH
    South Africa2 months ago
  • Interesting discussions

    Can Ryan let Todd talk a bit more without interrupting him as much?

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    cityinwhich143
    United States3 months ago
  • Great show

    Does anyone know if Ryan ever had a real working class job, say like working for Walmart or something? If he did it would be great if he could mention it at least once cause ive never ever heard him say it on the Pod before. It think it would really give what they’re saying some legitimacy and it would let me know that they’re not just ivory tower academics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shrek life
    Austria4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the intellectual depth and accessibility of complex concepts, often highlighting the engaging chemistry between the hosts.
Some express desires for greater inclusion of diverse perspectives in discussions of cinema and cultural phenomena.
The humor and relatable nature of the conversations make sophisticated themes feel approachable and relevant.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#73
United Kingdom/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#197
Canada/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#64
Germany/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#116
Australia/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#9
Sweden/TV & Film
Apple Podcasts
#11
Norway/TV & Film

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Seminar 16
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.
Seminar 7
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?

Engaging with the intersections of continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory, the content offers deep explorations of significant cultural phenomena, including film, literature, and political thought. The discussions often intertwine theoretical insights with contemporary issues, critically reflecting on the impact of cinematic narratives and historical events. This approach not only sheds light on well-known philosophical texts but also delves into how these ideas manifest in various aspects of society, making complex theories accessible to a wider audience. Noteworthy aspects include frequent references to key philosophers like Marx and Freud, along with discussions that provoke thought on current sociopolitical climates.

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How many listeners does Why Theory get?

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How many subscribers and views does Why Theory have?

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Which podcasts are similar to Why Theory?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Why Theory:

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

How many episodes of Why Theory are there?

Why Theory launched 8 years ago and published 202 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Why Theory?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Why Theory?

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What guests have appeared on Why Theory?

Recent guests on Why Theory include:

1. Richard Boothby

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