Very Bad Wizards podcast cover art

Best Very Bad Wizards Episodes

ByTamler Sommers & David Pizarro
314 episodes

Very Bad Wizards is a podcast featuring a philosopher (Tamler Sommers) and a psychologist (David Pizarro), who share a love for ethics, pop culture, and cognitive science, and who have a marked inability to distinguish sacred from profane. Each podcast includes discussions of moral philosophy, recent work on moral psychology and neuroscience, and the overlap between the two.

#1

Episode 309: Dissolving Into the One

Dive deep into the realm of mythology with David and Tamler as they explore the unifying elements of myths and religions through the lens of Joseph Campbell. This episode offers a profound look at how myth connects us to the cosmic forces of the universe, making it a captivating listen for anyone interested in philosophy and spirituality.

2025-05-271h 23m
#2

Episode 300: If We Only Had A Brain

Celebrate a milestone with the 300th episode as David and Tamler examine the cultural impact of 'The Wizard of Oz.' This engaging discussion not only reflects on the film's timeless themes but also connects them to collective psychology, making it a must-listen for both film buffs and philosophy enthusiasts.

2025-01-141h 48m
#3

Episode 305: Emile Is the Name of the Goat (with Paul Bloom)

Join popular guest Paul Bloom as he dissects the finale of 'Severance' alongside fascinating discussions about human behavior and evolutionary psychology. This episode is a great introduction to the podcast’s blend of pop culture and deep philosophical inquiry.

2025-03-251h 44m

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#4

Episode 306: What to Expect When You're Expecting (David Lynch's 'Eraserhead' with Barry Lam)

In this episode, David and Tamler are joined by Barry Lam to explore the surreal world of David Lynch's 'Eraserhead.' The discussion delves deep into the film’s themes, offering a rich analysis that blends film theory with philosophical insights, making it perfect for new listeners interested in cinema.

2025-04-082h 4m
#5

Episode 307: What's in the BOX?

This episode tackles famous puzzles that challenge rational thought, such as the Monty Hall Problem. David and Tamler’s engaging banter and exploration of cognitive biases make this an entertaining and enlightening listen, perfect for newcomers curious about the intersection of psychology and logic.

2025-04-221h 16m
#6

Bonus Episode: Va Va Boom (Robert Aldrich's 'Kiss Me Deadly')

Kick off the 'Noir Summer' series with this free bonus episode discussing Robert Aldrich's classic film 'Kiss Me Deadly.' This engaging conversation about film noir not only entertains but also provides insightful commentary on genre and storytelling, making it a great entry point for new listeners.

2025-05-201h 14m
#7

Episode 304: The Planes Don't Land

Explore the philosophical implications of a priori arguments for the Trinity and Richard Feynman’s insights in this thought-provoking episode. The combination of theology and science offers a unique perspective that will intrigue new listeners interested in the complexities of human thought.

2025-03-111h 40m
#8

Episode 303: Measure This

Delve into how metrics and data shape our values in this engaging episode that examines C. Thi Nguyen's paper 'Value Capture.' This discussion is particularly relevant in today's data-driven world, making it a fantastic listen for those interested in ethics and social psychology.

2025-02-251h 26m
#9

Episode 302: Metaphysical Edging

Join David and Tamler as they explore the concepts of weirdness and eeriness through Mark Fisher’s theories. This episode promises to stretch your imagination and provoke thought, making it an engaging listen for newcomers intrigued by the philosophical underpinnings of art and culture.

2025-02-111h 17m
#10

Episode 299: Oh the Humility!

Wrap up the year with a reflective discussion on intellectual humility and its role in knowledge and understanding. This episode's exploration of complex ideas in an accessible way makes it perfect for new listeners seeking to engage with ethical and philosophical questions.

2024-12-242h 6m