WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life

Latest Episodes:

The Ethics of Speaking for Others Sep 13, 2026

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What does it mean to speak for someone else, and when do we have the right to do so? Host Jack Russell Weinstein speaks with philosopher Wendy Salkin about the ethics of speaking on behalf of others, political movements and public advocacy, and the informal ways people claim to represent communities they belong to or sometimes don’t.

In Tribute to Gloria Steinem: Gloria Steinem and Suzanne Braun Levine on the Philosophy of Feminism Sep 11, 2026

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Host Jack Russell Weinstein visits with Ms. Magazine co-founder Gloria Steinem, and the magazine's first editor, Suzanne Braun Levine.

What is Jewish Philosophy? Aug 09, 2026

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On Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, host Jack Russell Weinstein speaks with philosophers Paul W. Franks and Yitzhak Y. Melamed about the history of Jewish philosophy, its central questions and how marginalized thinkers can challenge assumptions we may not realize we hold.

WHY? Celebrates 200 Episodes Aug 04, 2026

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The 200th episode of “Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life” premieres this Sunday. Ahead of the milestone, Erik Deatherage sits down with host Jack Russell Weinstein and his wife, Kim Donehower, a professor in the University of North Dakota’s Department of English. Friends and colleagues also join the celebration as we turn the tables on Jack and ask him questions, and give those he has impacted a chance to tell him “Why?” it all matters.

How Do Philosophers Talk About Suicide? Jul 12, 2026

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Host Jack Russell Weinstein welcomes philosophers Michael Cholbi and Paolo Stellino for a conversation on one of the most difficult subjects: suicide.

A Philosophical Look at Addiction Jun 14, 2026

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Jack Russell Weinstein sits down with philosopher and neurobiologist Owen Flanagan to examine addiction through the lenses of philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience. Owen discusses responsibility, recovery, social influences, and the challenges of confronting addiction.

What is Agriculture For? May 10, 2026

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In this episode of WHY: Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, host Jack Russell Weinstein explores one of humanity’s oldest and most consequential questions: What is agriculture for?

Is Freud Still Relevant? Apr 12, 2026

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In this episode of Why? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life, host Jack Russell Weinstein and guest Susan Sugarman explore the enduring legacy of Sigmund Freud, one of the most recognizable and controversial figures in psychology.

The Cost of Moving Up Mar 19, 2026

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Drawing from Jennifer Morton’s work on the ethical dilemmas faced by first-generation and low-income students, this episode examines the personal costs of pursuing higher education—fractured family ties, difficult tradeoffs, and the quiet loss of identity that can accompany social mobility. Together, they reflect on why we sometimes deny uncomfortable realities and what those choices reveal about who we are and who we hope to become.

What Things Are Worth Saving? Feb 08, 2026

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How do we place a value on the things we keep and pass down? Objects can be timeless and multi-generational or they can be a burden to bear. Jack Russell Weinstein and his guest, Wellesley philosophy professor Erich Hatala Matthes explore the question, why should we save for posterity?