Gwendolyn Dolske

Philosophy has long sought ways to reach beyond the university (through literature, film, and public dialogue, for instance) to invite broader audiences into reflection about meaning, ethics, and the good life. In recent years, podcasting has emerged as a powerful new space for this work. In this talk, I explore podcasting as a contemporary form of public philosophy, one that revives philosophy’s dialogical roots while expanding access to philosophical inquiry beyond academic journals and classrooms. Drawing on my experience producing the long-running philosophy podcast Good Is In The Details, I examine how podcasting creates a unique environment for philosophical engagement: conversational rather than confrontational, rigorous yet accessible, and grounded in curiosity rather than expertise alone. Podcasting, I argue, is not a dilution of philosophy but a return to its origins. From Socrates onward, philosophy has been an invitation, an activity practiced with others, not merely a body of knowledge to be mastered. Through dialogue, disagreement, and attentive listening, philosophical thinking becomes something lived rather than merely studied. This presentation addresses ongoing debates about whether public philosophy “counts” as philosophy at all. While some worry that engaging broad audiences risks oversimplification, I suggest that public philosophy operates on a different (but no less meaningful) register. Just as thinkers such as Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sartre expressed philosophy through novels, plays, and essays alongside formal theory, podcasting offers a medium that can reveal dimensions of philosophical inquiry that written analysis alone cannot. Podcasting encourages philosophers to communicate ideas clearly, listen across disciplines, and engage perspectives that challenge academic insularity. It brings the university to the individual, rather than requiring individuals to cross institutional gates to access philosophical ideas. In doing so, it helps address a growing disconnect between higher education and the public at a time when philosophy departments face shrinking budgets and questions about relevance. The talk also highlights podcasting’s pedagogical value. Podcast episodes can be paired with classical texts in course syllabi, allowing students to hear contemporary philosophers apply ideas to real-world questions. This approach helps demystify difficult material while strengthening students’ critical thinking skills and sense of philosophical agency. Ultimately, podcasting as public philosophy is not about turning everyone into professional philosophers. It is about fostering the habits of reflection, humility, and shared inquiry that philosophy has always sought to cultivate. Philosophy, practiced publicly, becomes a communal activity, one that shapes how we think, listen, and live together. Key Themes Public philosophy and accessibility Dialogue as philosophical practice Podcasting as contemporary pedagogy Philosophy beyond the university Ethics, inquiry, and civic imagination Participants will leave with: A clearer understanding of what public philosophy is and why it matters Insight into how podcasting supports philosophical dialogue and access Practical ideas for integrating public-facing work into teaching and scholarship A renewed sense of philosophy as a living, communal practice

What does it truly mean to be empowered? This talk explores the stories we tell about power, and how those narratives can clash with authentic empowerment. Without a grounded sense of genuine power, it’s easy to get swept up in performative ideas about how to look powerful rather than how to be powerful. Are you chasing the appearance of power, or cultivating the real thing? Understanding this difference can ignite both imagination and self-worth, transforming how we live and work. Attendees will gain: Insight into how to align their talents with an authentic sense of self The ability to recognize and rise above external “shoulds” in favor of genuine joy Tools for connecting with others through collaboration rather than competition A deeper understanding of the "why" behind their passions and creative energy Confidence to trust their value and contribution Inspiration to chart a personalized path to success in both personal and professional life