Would you please have Katherine Stewart on with her new book Money, Lies and God. You do a great job asking insightful questions. Thanks

I look forward to every episode released. I listen to a LOT of podcasts shows and this is the one I’ve notice myself getting the most excited for. They always cover such interesting topics deeply and things that I believe people are wondering about in their own heads.

Poignant, clarifying and muddling, gracias!

Sean brings guests to the show with unique insights into current societal conditions. Love it.

What role does lying play in the broken system? Reagan said government is the problem. Since that time, republicans have chipped away at making these institutions less effective. If congress worked, the systems would work.

Is America Broken? In my own opinion, this may sound contradictory. There are times in the past this country HAD been broken, and it has managed, so far. Yet at present, it may seem somewhat broken - depending on whom you ask - but I believe it’s only in need of a lot of fixing, along with some change. Some things take work TO work. Others may seem somewhat outdated, and may need to catch up with the changing - society, generations, industries. It’s no doubt a strong system that’s proven for some centuries. I just would not choose to see it - although I’ll never live to witness - become one of those lost civilizations, with only artifacts and concrete, to leave one to wonder, of what once may have been. - s. jxn- ga

A show that contextualizes philosophical thought (and other vital disciplines of mind and action) for our modern world. The host and guests are always enjoyable and entertaining.

This podcast never fails to engage me on a very personal level. These are discussions I “take home”, mull over for days. Sean has erudite guests on who could talk philosophy on a level that would leave me behind, but they don’t do that. They always include me. I feel very much richer because of this podcast.

Fantastic conversations filled with nuance and depth—it’s like the opposite of social media. Sean is a phenomenal interviewer. Very sincere, thoughtful and well researched, while also not afraid to push back and challenge his interviewees. Highly recommended!

Not only is this the podcast I most refer people to, promoted or not, but Sean Illing has a well calibrated vibe-meter for current socio-emotional climate. Just when I thought he couldn’t be more tuned in with solutions, this weeks episode was something I’ve ruminated about but only recently have been able to conceptualize- in part because of the excellent, tangible conversations i am thankful to be privy to here. It makes me look forward to Monday’s.

I like that the shower invite real experts and thinkers to discuss in most cases real topics

I always look forward to the thoughtful, provocative, conversations on the Gray Area. These are the ideas that propel humans toward more dimensional, and thereby functional, ends.

Great podcast and very relevant today.

Really resonated. Great points about the advantages and disadvantages of stoicism and how to accept, then overcome our dark moods!👏🏾

Thanks Sean for airing, once again, Mariana Alessandri for the holidays. As a person of faith who sees suffering, personal or collective, as part of the human condition not to be sugar coated or pathologized, I found in your conversation with Mariana a third (or middle) path that is neither rigidly stoic or superficially sanguine. I appreciate how your show probes for sanity and kindness that lies below the surface of our weary lives.

the episode about whether or not men are okay. Some good points were made, especially about good role models in early adolescence. However, suggesting voluntary national service was an odd suggestion. What finally did it for me was suggesting that the IDF in Israel builds character and creates structure for young people. Nope. There are so many issues with that viewpoint. Instilling a sense of weird nationalism through a propaganda system that essentially forces teenagers to oppress a native population isn’t something to idolize. No mention of the nuances of this at all, what the heck Vox. I’m not going to go further into how bizarre and wrong this example was. I’ll quietly go now.

I used to listen to them for a long, long time until the 2024 election cycle, when their discreet political messages started creeping in often, portraying Republicans as Hitler and monster and whatnot and Democrats as angels from heaven. I always knew very well Vox is strongly aligned with Democrats, but still loved the Gray Area podcast because I like philosophy, but I guess Vox will be Vox in its entirety - a yet another paid media from Democrats.

Thanks very informative my children lost their dad as teenagers not sure I was able to fill dad void but certainly tried 😊

Crazy good!

Why is everything ‘value’ based? Ick. He literally said this unironically. Think about it ‘you’ ‘add’ ‘real’ ‘value’. The shallowness of humanity is breathtakingly shocking. No wonder men are flailing.

His whole thesis of men facing “headwinds” is misogynistic himpathetic nonsense. Men are doing just as well as anyone else and their negative outcomes are due to patriarchy, not women doing better. I’m normally pretty into this show but you got me to unsubscribe. I’ll check back in in a few months and see if the guests improve. I’d recommend maybe having Kate Manne on for a more balanced perspective.

I did enjoy the podcast. I enjoyed what seemed to be his reasonable questioning and introspection on so many topics. However, his latest episode with Ta Nehisi Coates felt like it lacked introspection. It didn’t seem like he really read up on the history of the current conflict and the fact that he could make it seem like there was nuance or gray or not enough information to make an informed opinion about the subjugation of a people for 75+ years by settlers/colonists, is wrong. Apartheid is wrong and the gen0cide against P@lestinians is wrong. The IDF/IOF are immoral, occupying forces. Listening just doesn’t feel right anymore.

I felt compelled to write a review as this topic (episode name in title) discusses how in the current state of society we can better reach men. What I hoped would have been discussed is the bigger picture of society’s structure that creates the environmental norms & pressures that are the “cause” of how young men feel today & what solutions are available beyond mentoring.

Apparently the problem of young men falling for fascist ideas can be solved by military conscription. So that American men can be more like IDF soldiers??? Cause they are so fit and so good at using guns?? Being thin and having discipline does not insulate you from hideous ideologies. See IDF. What a ridiculous conversation. Clearly men are not ok.

Zack Beauchamp seems like a smart guy with a lot to say. But by asking “right?” in the middle of virtually every sentence, it becomes so distracting that he sounds like word vomit. This is not eighth grade – show some discipline.

Too leftist and political. Touting journalistic echo chamber brainwashing. There are MANY intellectual republicans that have better ethics and are not discriminatory, iys interesting how leftist propaganda is so discriminatory yet bullies and blames others with different views.

I deeply enjoyed the interview with Musa al-Gharbi, whose thinking and speaking about wokeness not only provided a much needed historical view and broad context, but also showed a rare quality of fair-mindedness and deep reflection.

Has your guest not ever heard of hegemonic cycles? You cannot start your analysis of our crumbling empire at 2016. The US is an inherently fascist colonial project that is overdue to collapse - Harris is a genocidal puppet for Bibi and Trump is deranged - yet Vox still pretends one is more evil than the other….

The best interview about this book I’ve heard yet. Sean was so open and it felt like listening to a real, raw conversation between caring and passionate people.

Love the show and in depth discussions. I just listened to the cynicism episode. I know it’s not a political show or discussion but I found it really interesting that US cynicism indicators rose in 2018. There was a crucial change in 2016 that was feeding into the cynical world view, and it’s closely repeated to the rise of fascism, which needs a cynical population that will stop trusting institutions so that an authoritarian can come into power. The second thing of note was the countries that tend to have lower cynicism and are generally happier. I knew before they said it that it would be Nordic countries. Countries with strong social safety nets, which one political party in the US has spent decades making into a bad thing. A party rooted in the dog eat dog, robber baron history.

This is a stimulating, engrossing podcast covering a really wide range of topics. The host is excellent, and a lot of great guests.

Show features thoughtful discussions on many issues of the day - often from a creative angle. Definitely a refreshing alternative to the so many self-involved podcasts out there.

I adore this podcast- it is a relaxing listen but also provides insight and thoughtful debate on a wide variety of issues. I wish everyone would listen and then spend more time THINKING! Our world would be so much better off!

Sean’s point of view as a host may not be for everyone, but I love it. He asks great questions, allows plenty of time for the guest to answer, and explores life’s big questions. It’s a must for podcast fans who like considering the tough issues.

In latest podcast discussing the Supreme Court, Sean has conflated oral arguments about Seal Team 6 and the final rulings which preclude such immunity for those sort of acts. There was no credence paid to the majority opinion which detail how such acts would be extra-official. Just feels like an unthought fun, uncritical, left leaning echo chamber complaint fest about the Court. I’m a leftist institutionalist. I very much agree with the political arguments, but this just misled and omitted context to the actual constitutional matters. Really disappointed that this thoughtful podcast has taken such a political turn on a serious matter.

Illuminating & sobering episode. Chemerinsky explained the inherent threats in the constitution to our present democracy in a way that was accessible & understandable. Really appreciate that clarity. Terrific podcast-thank you for this.

Excellent Podcast. Highly recommend the episode with Writer John Ganz - 1992: The year politics broke. Might be the only real explanation of how we got to where we are with our politics.

But some are so profound it’s hard to believe they exist. Gaza, Camus and the Logic of Violence is one. Deadly serious and profound moral debate for those who wrestle with God. Sean Illing and Robert Zartasky, wide awake, walking Camus’ terrible path, confront the terror of history while the Sam Harris’ of the world turn around and throw up a puppet show for idiots. When Ezra and Vox get it right, they get it very right.

Take a listen for a nice trip out of the comments section - brilliant guests and excellent host. I learn so much every time I listen

They scoured resumes to find a host with one original thought in their head and this is the best they could come up with.

Overall the topics are excellent and conversations engaging and provocative.

I just finished the episode with Sebastian Junger. I have been a listener for a long time. I would recommend this show to people who enjoy The Ezra Klein show. The episodes tackle topics that can be difficult to pin down. The most recent episode discussed the topic of the afterlife or lack there of, and as a secular Buddhist, I had chills a few times during the episode. The first was when Sebastian described an episode of “communication” that happened while he was dreaming. His dad was experiencing a medical crisis as I recall and he had a dream about it as it was happening. This happened to me with my cousin. He had a PTSD episode and rolled out of a moving vehicle. As this happened, I had a dream that I was in the desert being shot at. In the dream, I rolled out of a vehicle. I can still hear the voice in my head yelling that we were under fire. I woke up in a cold sweat, and I almost never have dreams that vivid. My mom described something similar with my aunt. She had a dream that my aunt was in trouble. It turns out my aunt had been mugged and left for dead by a river. I never have found a good explanation for these events, but it seems strange that events this specific could happen to multiple people, and it does suggest that we are missing at least part of the picture. Anyway, I love these conversations. I always feel more enlightened after each episode. Thank you for all you do!

Always thoughtful- such a wonderful way to start my day.

Interesting and high quality listening

Nutritious and delicious brain food served up with excellent guests. Highly recommend.

Makes other philosophy podcasts seem superficial

Sean is a really thoughtful, empathetic interviewer and the conversations he has with guests are insightful. Even when an episode title doesn’t immediately capture my interest, I always end up enjoying each one.

Just listen.

Each episode is so revealing and insightful that it’s difficult to describe how well prepared and executed this show is. Always worth the wait each week.

This is BY FAR the best podcast for people who think! Thanks to Sean and the entire crew. Each episode seems to be better than the last!