What is it about 'cults of personality' that affects humans so much? When a leader of a group or someone famous uses their platform to promote a particular stance, we are unable to separate the idea from the person. Because religion is supposed to equate to 'truth' we can't seem to sift the good ideas from the bad ones. When someone we admire or like takes a stance, we either love or hate that person just because of that one stance. Join Cole and Shawn as they delve into this fascinating aspect of our culture.

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One thing humans are good at is pattern recognition, so good that we often see patterns where none exist. On top of seeing patterns, we often move to assign some kind of agency or sentience to the patterns as if they were caused by some outward force. Can we truly experience true random events that exist outside of cause-effect relationships? If not, then what happens to our illusion of free will? 

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In an attempt to break from the normal heavy topics, Cole and Shawn discuss the Wizard of Oz and the meanings each of them were able to gather from it. It didn't take long before they found themselves deep within the rabbit hole discussing arbritrary authority, role of metaphors in our cultural language and Star Trek. Join them in their journey down the yellow brick road to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz. 

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Almost every culture has/had a story to answer some of our 'original questions', why are we here and where do we come from. While most of these stories have faded into obscurity, certain myths carry on. What makes them carry on and why do we still believe them? Our particular focus will be on the story of the Garden of Eden. Despite being non believers, Cole and Shawn find that if you suspend the belief that these events really happened and search for deeper meaning in the story, the impact is surprising. What did they discover and what conclusions will this discussion lead you to?Only one way to find out, tune in and enjoy!

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We all know of several animals that are considered domesticated. Cole and Shawn take a look at the emergent properties of domestication, both in animals and humans. What do we still have in common with violent primates and how can we combat this trait? What do 'domesticates' have in common with humans? Who is domesticating humans and why? Tune in to hear the answers.

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Cole and Shawn continue their discussion around their journey into dissent, focusing on the bedrock principles that form the core of their beliefs. Self-ownership, owning the product of your labor and morality top the bill as primary topics. Also addressed is a listener supplied question, "Is democracy a failed experiment?" Join us for the in-depth discussion.

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Cole and Shawn take a look at the journey that they both undertook into Dissent. coming from completely and often opposing backgrounds, they both find a similar destination. What possibly could a Mormon Republican and a Catholic Liberal possibly have in common? With the application of sound logic and skepticism, more than either would have previously believed possible.

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