When you think of some of the most brutal 20th century dictators, your mind likely conjures up images of ruthlessness, mass death, and anything associated with evil. And while there is no doubt that these dictators committed evil atrocities that are tough to comprehend, it’s reasonable to wonder, ‘how did such people come to be?’. Is it enough to just say they were inherently evil, or as with most things, is there a larger story to be told? Is there way to understand the actions of these dictators in, dare I say, an empathetic way? Is there a way to try and understand what led them to their tyranny while not excusing their actions? Brandon Gauthier, author of 'Before Evil', joins the podcast. https://beforeevil.com

One of the paradoxes of sex is that while it is so common, it’s something we often feel uncomfortable talking about. Especially when it comes to sexual experimentation, there is a certain stigma that exists. But to an extent, that is changing, as new initiatives are being undertaken to reimagine sex’s place in society. The New Society for Wellness (NSFW), a Sex Club in New York City, seeks to change the way we view sex. NSFW CEO and co-founder Daniel Saynt joins the podcast.

For decades, there has been substantial stigma associated with psychedelic drugs. After psychedelics’ association with counterculture in the 1960s, much of the medical research into the therapeutic effects of psychedelics was terminated. But over the last 10-20 years, much of the research into the healing powers of psychedelics has resumed. Stemming from this research, many psychedelics companies have emerged and clinics have opened that offer patients the opportunity to experience the powers of such psychedelics. In this episode, we will shift our focus specifically to mushrooms, and its active ingredient psilocybin, as we try to dissect some of our preconceptions regarding its growing use alongside other psychedelics. Matt Zemon joins the podcast. Matt Zemon - https://www.mattzemon.com

We learn from an early age that it’s not acceptable to harm others. Many would say it’s something we don’t even need to really learn – that it’s a natural human instinct to not want to cause harm. With that perspective, it’s natural that it would be extremely challenging for people to understand why someone would harm themselves. Why would some voluntarily elect to hurt themselves? Non-suicidal self injury refers to this practice, encompassing the terms self-harm, cutting, and other harmful practices. Dr. Chris Simpson, author of 'Cutting and Self Harm', joins the podcast. Check out Chris's book, 'Cutting and Self Harm', at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cutting-and-self-harm-chris-simpson-phd/1121005370

The Aztec Empire famously fell following the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century. Much of what we know about the Aztecs – including their rise, the nature of the empire, and its eventual fall, comes strictly from European accounts. But what did the Aztecs themselves think? The narrative has almost solely been shaped by the European perspective – but how did the Aztecs view the Europeans who eventually conquered them? Professor Camilla Townsend joins the podcast. Camilla's Book - Fifth Sun https://www.amazon.ca/Fifth-Sun-New-History-Aztecs/dp/0190673060/ref=asc_df_0190673060/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=411041496657&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2406240501790207548&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000956&hvtargid=pla-715823711027&psc=1This episode is sponsored by Discover More Podcast - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/discover-more-benoit-kim-w1KlycAfQGB/

For many years, depression has been treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, better known by its short form, SSRIs. Serotonin, of course, lies at the core of these medications, with the long-held belief that serotonin levels are lower in patients who suffer from depression. But how strong is the correlation between low serotonin levels and depression? Is the neurobiological basis of low serotonin being associated with depression as strong as we think? Some recent research has come out that perhaps casts the serotonin theory in doubt, and with it, our preconception that serotonin truly lies at the core of depression. Psychiatrist Dr. Joel Paris joins the podcast. This episode is sponsored by the podcast, Discover More. Check it out here - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/discover-more/id1478666639

We are told from a very young age that being honest is a good thing. But most of us don’t really believe that honesty is always the best policy. Most of us allow for exceptions, omissions, and the occasional white lie, if it means sparing someone hurt feelings or avoiding an awkward conversation. Michael Leviton, author of "To Be Honest", spent most of his life not making such exceptions, and being honest to a fault, completely devoted to the truth. He joins the podcast to share the beauties and perils of such honesty.Michael's Websitehttp://michaelleviton.com

Antarctica is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places on Earth. One of Earth’s seven continents, it is easily the least inhabited, and in many ways, the least known about. To many, the preconception is that Antarctica is this cold, frozen, and desolate places, not fit for human living. But what exactly do we know about this remote continent? Is this unique landscape as inhospitable as one might expect, and what can we learn about humankind and the Earth at large from exploring its frontiers? Jean de Pomereu and Daniella McCahey, authors of 'Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects', join the podcast. Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects https://www.amazon.ca/Antarctica-History-Objects-Jean-Pomereu/dp/1844866211/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29JN3AHDMAEQS&keywords=antarctica+a+history+in+100&qid=1675552629&sprefix=antarctica+a+history+in+100%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1

We all know about the potential abuse and addiction associated with alcohol and other drugs. Yet despite this, alcohol has persisted since the dawn of human societies. Does its persistence suggest that alcohol may actually be an important factor in the history of our civilization? In Edward Slingerland's book, 'Drunk', he explores the social benefits of alcohol and intoxication. He joins the podcast to share his insights. Check out 'Drunk' at https://www.amazon.ca/Drunk-Sipped-Danced-Stumbled-Civilization/dp/0316453382

There is a preconception that once a romantic relationship ends, the whole relationship ends. Is that always a good thing? And should it be considered the norm, or is the status of the post-breakup relationship something that people should give more conscious thought to? A Little Nudge founder, Erika Ettin, joins the podcast to discuss how we might move forward, if at all, in staying friends with exes. The conversation then pivots to online dating and how people can better optimize their chances of finding a romantic partner through 'The Apps'. Check out A Little Nudge at https://www.alittlenudge.com