#17 - The Less We Will Communicate

Famed philosopher and spiritual orator Alan Watts said that the more technologically advanced we became with communication, the less we would actually “communicate.”

Was he right?

#16 - We Have to Hear the Other Side

We’re on the brink of cultural, political, and environmental disaster. The only way out is through — and it’s by learning to hear one another again, learning to see the point of view of those who disagree with you.

This isn’t “bothsideism” or false equivalence. We have to transcend the my-side-versus-your-side that continues to grow and metastasize in American life and politics. It’s profit-driven infotainment and it’s tearing us to pieces.

#13 - You Are Not The Initiator of Anything (Free Will is a Myth Part 1)

I’ve been thinking / talking / writing about free will for a few years now. It’s become a bit of an obsession. Here I discuss how the capriciousness of memory retrieval is another indication that free will doesn’t exist. The episode starts with me referencing wanting to finally write my book on this topic, and that my daughter got me thinking about it that morning when she forgot where she’d left her boots.

#12 - Lao Tzu

A clip from a movie — Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot — when a dying alcoholic, played by Jonah Hill, quotes Lao Tzu.

#11 - Thanksgiving

Humans have made an impact on the planet. No question. Some of us are trying to do something about it. But it’s not about virtue, it’s not about comparing contributions.

Here’s why I’m thankful:

#9 - God is Comfort

I debated including this one. Well, okay, I debate most of these. Maybe all of them. And then something gives me a little push and I say, okay. Let’s do it.

I feel like this idea is fully expressed, insofar as its a simple idea, but, I think, profound in its implications. I shall say no more. I hope you enjoy:

#6 - I'm British, innit?

At some point, my 16 year-old son started saying “I’m British, innit?” with a British accent. For fun. Naturally, I started doing it, too. And then we came up with a story for a superhero teenager who’s big power is that he’s secretly British.

But look out… he has a nemesis…

#5 - Creativity and Commerce

I recorded this and called it “I don’t know.” Which makes sense, because there’s so much I don’t know. But as it took shape I seemed to be saying something about creativity and commerce. What it’s like to be an artist in a capitalist society.

#2 - The Two Types of Religion

Ever wonder why one type of religion seems to serve the ego while the other seeks to transcend it? Or maybe that’s a false dichotomy? Let’s break it down and find out.

THE MICRO - Episode #1

THE MICRO PODCAST

Uncut, unfettered and straight from the heart, author TJ Brearton shares thoughts on God, politics, the media, the planet, the future and more in these 5-10 minute “micro” podcasts.

Photo by Jason Rosewell on Unsplash