In this episode, the Front Porch Philosophers talk about the idea of white ignorance, race, racism in America (including scientific, cultural, and economic racism). Jared, Michael, and Raymond are not black, nor do they feel as though they can speak on behalf of black people (or anyone else but themselves for that matter), but they are white, southern, and have been known to be ignorant white people on many occasions. If you want to hear three philosophers talk about their understanding of racism and white ignorance, especially their experiences from their hometowns in the American South, then pull up a chair and turn on the radio (or your favorite place to get podcasts). They don't have all the answers but you might learn something despite their ignorance.   Join The Discussion: Twitter l Facebook Support FPPhilosophers: Patreon

Front Porch Philosophers

White ignorance.

In this episode, the Front Porch Philosophers talk about politics and the upcoming election. Raymond asks Jared and Mike questions about their incentives for voting and their perspectives on several political topics including money in politics, the electoral college, voting in the South, and their perspectives on the current political parties. Most importantly, Jared discusses the duties that come with being a citizen in a democracy. If you have questions or would like to hear more about these topics then feel free to tweet at us, send us a DM, or message us on Facebook.Join The Discussion: Twitter l Facebook l Patreon

Political AMA

In this episode, the Front Porch Philosophers reflect on the exceptional work of the late Chadwick Boseman. Specifically, they discuss the importance and gravity of his work as the Marvel hero Black Panther. Topics of discussion include themes dealing with colonialism, black masculinity, and personal stories about how the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman impacted young fans. Rest in power Chadwick Boseman. May your artistic legacy live on in the hearts and minds of those you inspired.  Join the Discussion: Twitter l Facebook l Patreon

Chadwick Forever: Black Panther and Philosophy

In this follow up episode, the Front Porch Philosophers discuss the idea of transhumanism. They frame this discussion by examining the TV series Upload. What is transhumanism? (You might ask.) Well, its best explained as a theory that technology can be used to free and save humanity from its limitations. Transhumanists are especially concerned with death and the possibility of cheating it by using technology. Join Jared, Michael, and Raymond on the front porch to learn more about this strange and mesmerizing subject.    Join The Discussion: Facebook l Twitter Support Us: Patreon

Transhumanism...wait...what?

In this episode, the Front Porch Philosophers discuss the idea of 'humanism'. Humanism is a philosophical movement that seeks to understand what it means to be human. Your hosts (Jared, Michael, and Raymond) discuss this broad-reaching idea by talking about a few important points: 1) what is 'humanism' (what is the goal?), 2) how does it work, 3) why is it important (if it is at all), 4) how does it apply to discussions about politics, ethics, morality, and social theory at large. Join them on the front porch. They don't have all the answers, but they always enjoy the conversation.  If you like the podcast, then check out our blog for free! Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Facebook

What does it mean to be a humanist?

In this episode, Mike wants to talk about the apocalypse or at least apocalyptic literature and thinking. Join the Front Porch Philosophers as they discuss the history, development, and logic of apocalyptic thinking. Mike begins by discussing the nature of time, beginning in Augustinian thinking, and explains how the ideas surrounding time have changed and slowly impacted apocalyptic thinking. Jared gives us a view into the early Christian mindset before turning to the American evangelical mindset, while Raymond draws connections between apocalypse and fatalistic thinking. It's the end of the world...or is it? Join them on the front porch where complex concepts and ideas get discussed casually.  Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Facebook

End of the World

With all the hype from American politics, especially from Berniecrats, the new political question is what does democratic socialism mean? In this episode, Jared, Michael, and Raymond have an in-depth conversation about the nature of democratic socialism. They lay out the history of the idea of socialism, the bad versions, the good versions, and all the negative stereotypes. More importantly, they shed light on the difference between revolutionary socialism and democratic socialism--this is the key distinction between Communist China and Denmark. In a follow-up episode, the hosts will focus on Bernie Sanders's version of democratic socialism and how it compares with Elizabeth Warren's capitalist...socialism??? Anyways, if you want to learn more about political philosophy and the current context in American politics, then we welcome you to this conversation on the front porch. Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Facebook 

Democratic Socialism Explained

The hosts of the Front Porch Philosophers podcast are in sunny California with special guests Kirsten Gerdes and Lucas Scott Wright. Jared and Raymond look to the expertise of these two scholars for insight into the global phenomenon: identity politics. What are identity politics? When and where did this idea originate? Is it inevitable that our politics will be grounded in identity? And how does American identity politics compare with other countries? We ask Kirsten and Lucas these questions and more. If you want to understand the philosophical background of this idea and learn where it came from, then check out this episode of the Front Porch Philosophers. Thanks again to Kirsten Gerdes and Lucas Scott Wright for joining the conversation!  Join The Discussion: Twitter, Facebook, and Patreon

Let's Talk Identity Politics (With Kirsten Gerdes and Lucas Scott Wright)

Do you think aliens exist? Or maybe you do already and think that they have already visited us! In this episode, Jared, Michael, and Raymond debate the existence of alien life forms and talk about the evidence that supports the UFO=alien connection. Michael is a die-hard 'hopeful' that aliens have in fact visited this planet, but Jared and Raymond are more skeptical. So listen to this episode and see what you think! They will get into all of the nitty-gritty details and theories: the Drake Equation, the USS Nimitz Incident, the Fermi Paradox, and whether or not Bruce Willis is personally hunting down earth-killing-asteroids as we speak! If you have comments, then check out our Patreon page or Tweet us. Don't forget to hit subscribe, follow us, and/or like us so we know you're there.   Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Facebook l Youtube

Do aliens exist? Have they visited us?

In this episode of the Front Porch Philosophers podcast, we've invited a special guest on to talk about Post-modernism. You may have heard of this term 'post-modernity'. Maybe you've heard critiques blame post-modernist for the 'post-truth era'. Or maybe you learned about some of these intellectuals from your introduction to philosophy class in College. But, honestly, it's just as likely that you don't know what 'post-modern' means, which is why we brought on an expert. Join Jared, Michael, and Raymond on the front porch as they discuss post-modernism with Josiah Solis, a PhD student at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, CA.  Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Facebook l YouTube

Post-modernism and post-truth (Interview with Josiah Solis)

Do you ever wonder about cults? You watch an episode of your favorite TV drama and low and behold its another cult murder or mass cult suicide. Today, the Front Porch Philosophers podcast is joined by Cameron, a cult expert. Cameron is currently working on his PhD and has made cults the centerpiece of his research. Jared, Michael, and Raymond are very excited to invite Cameron to the front porch, and they hope that you enjoy this front porch discussion about cults. Join the Discussion:  Twitter l Facebook l Patreon

Cults with Cameron

All hallows eve is a special time of year that brings up spooky stories about ghosts, ghouls, and everything paranormal you can imagine. In this bonus episode, Jared, Michael, and Raymond talk about their beliefs about ghosts, and what philosophical principles and concepts are at the roots of America's cultural obsession with the paranormal. Join them on the front porch to talk about this scary philosophical subject, and be safe this year as you venture out into the world for candy and frights!!  Join The Dicussion: Twitter l Patreon l Facebook l Website l YouTube

Let's Talk Ghosts. (Happy Halloween!!!)

Welcome back to another episode of the Front Porch Philosophers podcast! Jared, Michael, and Raymond look into popular superhero lore and the political ideology called fascism. For decades there have been occasional critiques raised against superheroes for portraying images of fascism. They explore this critique and try to add some much-needed nuance to the conversation. They mostly talk about Batman, Ironman, and Captain America, but the hosts of the Front Porch Philosophers also briefly talk about Black Panther (which will get its own episode in the future!). Pull up a chair and join the conversation! Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Website l YouTube l Facebook

Superheroes are fascist? Wait...what?

Hey everyone! Jared, Michael, and Raymond are back with an episode on the subject/topic of ethics. The debate is on as Jared and Raymond try to convince the very skeptical and typically contrarian in spirit--obviously Michael--that ethics is actually important for the average individual. Join them on the front porch as they layout a variety of different ethical ideas and examples. They don't always disagree, but it's fun to hear academics argue. Don't forget to push that subscribe button! (Pardon any audio issues in this episode.) Join the discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Website l Facebook 

What is ethics?

In this episode, Jared, Michael, and Raymond continue their debate about free will and determinism. Raymond took notes from the previous discussion and posed several questions to Jared and Michael. Can we still talk about free will in an age of neuroscience and biology? Can we ever avoid arguments regarding determinism? Is it possible to conceive of a concept of freedom without having a "free will"? Join them in this episode to find out answers to these questions and more.  Join The Discussion: Twitter l Patreon l Website l Facebook

Free Will and Determinism Pt 2

Join three scholars in conversation about some of the hot philosophical, ethical, political, and religious topics of our day. They don't always agree, and they don't have all the answers, but you might learn something you never knew. In the least, you might get a laugh while three academics struggle to speak plainly and casually. Join them on the front porch!