Chasing Leviathan

Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.

Chasing Leviathan is a religion podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 84. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Chasing Leviathan, a religion show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #255

  Who's a Good Human? Practical Exercises for Living Mindfully with Dogs | Dr. Jessica Pierce

  Aug 18, 202658 min

  Why do we claim to love our dogs while breeding them for dependence and keeping them in environments that strip away their daily choices? Bioethicist and author Dr. Jessica Pierce joins host PJ Wehry on Chasing Leviathan to discuss human-animal relationships and the profound interconnections between ecosystems and health. Dr. Pierce explores the ethics of our canine bonds in her book, Who's a Good Human? Practical Exercises for Living Mindfully with Dogs. They examine how an ethical relationship isn't about demanding strict obedience from a "pet," but rather requires the skills of curiosity, collaboration, and care. In this conversation they explore: Why the standard model of viewing dogs simply as pets is flawed, and how to embrace the collaborative, often messy project of living together. The concept of "experiential ethics"—or embodied ethics—and how mucking through complex life experiences teaches us more than abstract philosophical principles. How a scientific thought experiment about dogs surviving a human-erasing rapture revealed that dogs might actually be better off without us. The "phenomenological recalibration" Dr. Pierce experienced after becoming a volunteer firefighter in her mountain community, and how it radically shifted her perception of the natural world. The dark side of modern dog breeding, the cultural obsession with unhealthy breeds like pugs and French Bulldogs, and why humans are psychologically drawn to canine dependence. Why we should view modern companion dogs as "captive animals" and how introducing micro-choices into their daily routines can profoundly improve their welfare. How applying the Zen Buddhist concept of "beginner's mind" and practicing deep curiosity can transform our knee-jerk annoyances—like a dog barking—into moments of mindful communication. This is a conversation for anyone interested in bioethics, dog ethology, and mindfulness who wants to understand how to sincerely navigate our relationship with animals while honoring their fundamental needs and agency. Make sure to check out Dr. Pierce's book: Who's a Good Human? Practical Exercises for Living Mindfully with Dogs https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226854213/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Timestamps 00:00:00 Introducing Dr. Jessica Pierce 00:04:08 Experiential Ethics and Training Attention 00:05:22 Would Dogs Survive Without Humans? 00:07:30 Firefighting and Phenomenological Recalibration 00:16:00 The Problem with Armchair Philosophy 00:19:21 Navigating Imperfect Moral Choices 00:23:42 The Dark Side of Dog Breeding 00:26:18 The Environmental Impact of Healthcare 00:29:26 Navigating End of Life Pet Care 00:33:51 Ethical Complications of Owning Dogs 00:40:36 Recognizing Dogs as Captive Animals 00:43:10 Providing Choices for Captive Dogs 00:45:32 Engaging with Anti-Dog Sentiments 00:51:00 Why Dogs Deserve Meaningful Work 00:54:19 Applying Beginners Mind and Curiosity

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  Episode #254

  Hegel's Soul Idea: The Last Great Metaphysical System | Dr. Mark Alznauer

  Aug 4, 20261h 3m

  Why did one of the most famous and ambitious philosophers in European history fall completely out of favor in just a few decades, and why is his totalizing view of reality still relevant today? Northwestern University's associate professor of philosophy and president of the Hegel Society of America, Dr. Mark Alznauer, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the breathtaking scope and historical impact of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Dr. Alznauer explores Hegel's attempt to map the entire cosmos, human civilization, and religion from a single logical concept in his book, Hegel's Soul Idea: The Last Great Metaphysical System. They examine how Hegel's "encyclopedia system" served as the last grand metaphysical project in Western thought, why his immediate successors violently rejected it, and how his legacy continues to shape our modern historical awareness. In this conversation they explore: Why Hegel’s system is comparable to monumental literary works like Dante's Divine Comedy or Tolstoy's War and Peace in its attempt to provide a comprehensive, organized worldview. The provocative way Hegel positioned his philosophy as the "Holy Spirit," claiming it could conceptually prove the theological truths that Christianity only provided in pictures or representations. The swift collapse of Hegel's reputation after his death in 1831, leading to the deep divide between the Right and Left Hegelians, including the materialist critiques of Ludwig Feuerbach and Karl Marx. Søren Kierkegaard's fierce rejection of Hegel's objective system, arguing that true Christianity requires a passionate, existential decision rather than cold, speculative contemplation. How Hegel’s philosophy of history—arguing that human epochs unfold with internal, logical necessity toward freedom—differs radically from the contingent, sociological explanations we rely on today. The neo-Hegelian influence on Francis Fukuyama’s "End of History," and how questioning the ultimate direction of political history remains deeply relevant as our democratic landscapes continue to evolve. This is a conversation for anyone interested in philosophy, history, and theology who wants to understand the dizzying ambition of the last great metaphysical system and the profound ways its failure shaped the modern intellectual landscape. Make sure to check out Dr. Alznauer's book: Hegel's Soul Idea: The Last Great Metaphysical System https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226853675/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Timestamps 0:00 Introducing Mark Alznauer 00:01:08 Why Hegel's Encyclopedia System Matters Today 00:04:18 Comparing Hegel to Dante and Tolstoy 00:12:47 Understanding the Logos and Absolute Idea 00:17:15 How Philosophy Replaces Religion in Hegelian Thought 00:20:07 Karl Marx and the Left Hegelian Critique 00:26:54 Kierkegaard's Existential Rebellion against Hegel 00:33:56 The Ultimate Failure of Western Metaphysics 00:39:16 Charles Taylor and the Neo Hegelian Historical Method 00:44:46 Historical Necessity Versus Sociological Contingency 00:47:56 Francis Fukuyama and the End of History 00:58:40 How Hegel Influenced the Modern Social Sciences 01:00:53 Closing Thoughts

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  Episode #253

  How to Change Minds Without Lies, Bullshit, or Moral Compromise | Dr. Colin Marshall

  Jul 21, 202654 min

  Why do morally good people often hesitate to change other people's minds, viewing persuasion as presumptuous, obnoxious, or downright creepy? The University of Washington's professor of philosophy, Dr. Colin Marshall, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss how to successfully bridge deep divides in our highly polarized climate. Dr. Marshall explores the ethics and psychology of civil persuasion in his book, Just Hear Me Out: How to Change Minds Without Lies, Bullshit, or Moral Compromise . They examine how genuine persuasion isn't about manipulation or aggressive takedowns , but rather requires a delicate balance of respect, compassion, and the right environment. In this conversation they explore: Why the fallout of the 2016 US presidential election pushed Dr. Marshall from pure theoretical philosophy into finding practical tools for civil engagement. The crucial difference between manipulative persuasion—where people are treated as obstacles to maneuver—and civil persuasion that honors a person's complete humanity. How combining Immanuel Kant's emphasis on rational respect with Arthur Schopenhauer's focus on deep compassion creates a coherent framework for changing minds. Why attempting to persuade someone at the Thanksgiving table almost always fails, and the importance of establishing an "attention-friendly context" like grabbing a coffee or a beer. Incredible real-world examples of successful persuasion, including Daryl Davis persuading extremists to leave the KKK and Megan Phelps-Roper leaving the Westboro Baptist Church after patient, charitable interactions on Twitter. The concept of "moral myopia"—the deeply human tendency to become so hyper-focused on one moral issue or our own self-respect that we lose sight of the other person's bandwidth and feelings. The psychology of building trust, and why establishing warmth and shared humanity must always come before proving your intellectual competence. This is a conversation for anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, and healthy communication who wants to understand how to sincerely navigate our modern disagreements without sacrificing their own moral integrity. Make sure to check out Dr. Marshall's book: Just Hear Me Out: How to Change Minds without Lies, Bullshit, or Moral Compromise https://www.amazon.com/dp/0226842002/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Timestamps 0:00 Introducing Dr. Colin Marshall 1:17 Why Good People Avoid Persuasion After the 2016 Election 4:32 Respect and Compassion in Kant and Schopenhauer 6:16 Balancing Respect and Compassion in Difficult Conversations 8:38 Thanksgiving, Arguments, and Creating Better Conversation Contexts 9:09 Daryl Davis, Jane Addams, and Megan Phelps Roper as Persuasion Case Studies 13:17 Curiosity, Compassion, and Seeing People You Disagree With 15:57 Self Respect, Boundaries, and When to Disengage or Walk Away 18:15 Mr. Rogers' Congress Testimony and Quiet Moral Confidence 19:35 Manipulation Versus Civil Persuasion and the Marionette Metaphor 24:32 Attention Friendly Contexts and Why Rushing Arguments Fails 33:42 Moral Myopia and Missing Key Ethical Pieces in Arguments 40:34 Respect Versus Trust and When Not to Trust Someone 44:44 Warmth, Competence, and the Psychology of Building Trust 47:53 Practical Ways to Build Trust and Show You Know What You are Talking About 52:02 Closing Thoughts

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  Episode #252

  Chasing Leviathan Goes on a New Schedule

  Jul 14, 20261 min

  In this quick update, host PJ Weary shares some news about the future production schedule of the podcast. Thank you all for your continued support. We continue to having you join us for the next conversation. Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #251

  Loneliness in World History | Dr. Katie Barclay

  Jul 7, 202651 min

  What happens when a feeling we assume is a universal human experience is actually shaped, defined, and even created by our specific cultural language and material conditions? Macquarie University's Future Fellow at the School of Humanities, Dr. Katie Barclay, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked complexities of a deeply human emotion. Dr. Barclay explores the history and cultural variety of this feeling in her book, Loneliness in World History . They examine how loneliness is frequently not just an internal psychological state, but rather a reflection of our relationships with our environment, our community, and the specific language we use to make sense of our world. In this conversation they explore: How the "language trap" challenges our ability to compare emotions across cultures, and why translating words for love and loneliness requires understanding their thick cultural context. The surprising nighttime weeping rituals of the Kaluli people in Papua New Guinea, where singing about loneliness serves as a cathartic communal release of pain. Why the historical narrative of human "modernization"—moving from supposedly primitive communal selves to modern individualized subjects—carries deeply colonial and problematic assumptions. The physiological elements of isolation, including "touch hunger" and how the modern internet trend of Mukbang satiates the deep-seated desire to eat alongside a community. How physical places and material architecture—from fairy-tale forests to utopian high-rise flats and car-centric suburbs—actively teach us to feel isolated and shape our emotional experiences. The paradox of the "lonely genius," revealing how the supposedly solitary pursuit of art and creativity is fundamentally dependent on an unseen network of community support and labor. This is a conversation for anyone interested in world history, anthropology, and the humanities who wants to understand the cultural weight behind our everyday emotions and how we can navigate our increasingly isolated, digital modern age. Make sure to check out Dr. Barclay's book: Loneliness in World History 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1032359811/ Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Timestamps 0:00 Introducing Dr. Katie Barclay 0:48 Why a Love Historian Studied Loneliness 2:07 How to Study Loneliness Across Cultures 4:03 The Language Trap in Emotion and Translation 5:34 Imperialism, Medicine, and Measuring Pain 7:01 Thick Cultural Definitions of Emotion 8:43 Humor, Culture, and Everyday Misunderstandings 10:34 Defining Loneliness as Pain and Social Mismatch 13:01 Questioning Modern Western Psychology on Loneliness 14:07 Kaluli Ritual of Shared Grief and Loneliness 16:44 Community Survival and Existential Loneliness 20:15 Modernization Narratives and the Communal Self 23:36 East/West Stereotypes about Self and Loneliness 27:17 Philosophers, Hunger, and the Limits of Elite Theory 30:45 Bodies, Touch, Hunger, and the Physiology of Loneliness 32:22 Forests, Liminal Spaces, and Emotional Landscapes 36:03 Colonization, Land Displacement, and Indigenous Loneliness 38:12 Suburbs, High Rise Flats, and Designed Isolation 44:48 Solitude, Creativity, and the Myth of the Lone Genius 49:08 Closing Thoughts

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