Owls at Dawn

Austin chats with Colin Drumm about money and philosophy and history and debt and more

The dudes chat with friend-of-the-show Macon Holt about the sonic shimmer within popular music, Afropessimism, and political possibility. Plus, Austin rants about Earth and time and clocks, and Troy recommends y'all watch Reservation Dogs.

The dudes chat about Wendy Brown's book Nihilistic Times and wonder what it means to live in a nihilistic age. Plus, Troy rants about Francis Schaeffer, and Austin recommends Justin Taylor's new book Reboot (and his first novel The Gospel of Anarchy).

The dudes chat about sex and film through the essay The Puritanical Eye, and they ask the simple question, "Is there enough sex in movies these days?" Plus, Austin rants about aggressive drivers in Sydney, and Troy recommends the series The Curse.

The dudes chat about if and when it's right to rebel by looking at Tommie Shelby's seminal article "Justice, Deviance, and the Dark Ghetto." Plus, Troy rants about the problem with absolutizing asymmetrical power relations, and Austin gets stoked for Keanu Reeves' upcoming novel.

The dudes chat about Paul Livingston's book The Politics of Logic and discuss the 4 orientations of thought. Plus, Austin rants about liking things, and Troy recommends Flora and Son.

The dudes chat about Austin's recent article in Jacobin on how elites are silencing criticism of Israel. Plus, Troy rants about political realism in the wake of Kissinger's death, and Austin enjoys Christmas.

The dudes chat about Ayaan Hirsi Ali's article "Why I am now a Christian." They discuss her reasons for becoming a Christian and discuss the clash of civilizations that seems to be the basis of her conversion. Plus, Austin rants about the trend towards silencing the feelable, and Troy recommends Godzilla Minus One.

The dudes do a Part Two, of sorts, tackling another Walzer piece on the obligations of oppressed people; but this is from 50 years ago! And, of course, they tie it in with last episode and the ongoing military operation in Gaza. Plus, Troy rants about shallow politics and pleas for internationalism, and Austin recommends getting involved with some nice community members where you can really have some deep convos.

The dudes work through an article by Michael Walzer on whether or not the oppressed have obligations or impunity to do what they deem right and necessary. Plus, Austin rants about American Evangelicals' support of Israel, even though they believe Jews are going to hell, and Troy recommends Killers of the Flower Moon.

The dudes chat about the nature philosophy of John Muir. Plus, Troy rants about sports gambling, and Austin recommends the film, Perfect Days.

The dudes chat about one of the greatest tv series in recent memory, Better Call Saul. Plus, Austin rants about the usefulness and value of studying philosophy, and Troy recommends The Bear.

The dudes get into the show Winning Time on HBO, which was made for them to enjoy. Plus, Troy has found a new level of bad dialogue in movies, and Austin is almost finished with Better Call Saul.

The guys discuss the expectation of desire fulfillment and desire as an independent variable, contestable and changeable. Plus, a shitty minute to talk about the repetitive and seemingly fruitless nature of discourse on social media, and a recommendation for Heavy Metal Gangs of Wadeye.

The dudes discuss "Actually Existing Nuance" vs. the negative tendencies of the "nuance-promoting theorist," as introduced in Kieran Healy's "Fuck Nuance." Plus, Troy goes back and forth on his support for Draymond Green's podcast, and Austin is reading The Empty Space.

The dudes get into the second patron-chosen topic and ask if it's possible to be an ethical boss, using William Shaw's "Marxism, Business Ethics, and Corporate Responsibility" as framework. Plus, the toxicity of celebrity obsession and unexplained Youth behavior.

The guys discuss the show Severance. Plus, Troy says it's okay to feel hopeless - maybe even necessary - and Austin has finally gotten into Veep.

The dudes discuss The Book of Job in a way that may differ from your middle school religious studies... Plus, The Self-Assessment Society and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

The boys discuss the origins of nihilism and existential crises within the framework of the movie Everything Everywhere All At Once. Plus, Troy considers the political inclinations of crypto ads, and Austin enjoys some historical non-fiction reading.

The dudes discuss Eric Schwitzgebel's article "The COVID Jerk" and what it means to be a Jerk and a Sweetheart, as well as the difference between niceness and kindness. Plus, there's no need to be so sour towards Bernie Sanders, but there IS a need to watch Everything Everywhere All At Once.

The dudes discuss a blog post by philosopher of science Liam Bright, which explores the genealogy of Liberalism and what it means to not identify as such in today's society. Plus, the hedonism of music festivals and a potentially "great" review of Severance.

The dudes discuss fascism, nihilism, Prozorov's false universalism, and Alexandr Dugin's concept of the "Russian Truth." Plus, the absurdity of wanting a return to "normalcy" post-war, and the AppleTV series For All Mankind.

The guys sit down with author and scholar Sergei Prozorov to discuss the Russia-Ukraine War.

The dudes discuss Adam Kotsko's article pondering Giorgio Agamben's pandemic writings, and whether or not they have permanently tarnished his legacy. Plus, Troy critiques the critiques of modern punk music, and Austin is finally watching The Night Of.

The dudes talk about the importance and meaning of art in the HBO series 'Station Eleven,' based on the novel of the same name by Emily St. John Mandel. Plus, Austin expresses political anguish and Troy is excited for Adam McKay's 'Winning Time.'

The guys chat about Freud's death drive theory in response to Patrick Blanchfield's reexamination of the topic. They also promote reading in bars and watching Station Eleven.

The dudes discuss whether virtual realities can hold the same meaning as our current reality. Plus, Austin questions Neil Young's choices and Troy reminisces on Dumb Starbucks.

The dudes chat about Don't Look Up and ask if it's a successful satire. Plus, Troy rants about some criticisms of Dune, and Austin recommends campervans.

The dudes chat about Andreas Malm's controversial ideas from his book *How to Blow Up a Pipeline* and ask if it's every morally right to engage in sabotage for political purposes. Plus, Austin rants about some bad takes on the Metaverse, and Troy recommends Station Eleven.

The dudes pay respect to the recently departed Charles Mills, whose work on ethics shaped the landscape for much of what we now know as critical race theory and the philosophy of race. The dudes walk step-by-step through his essay "'Ideal Theory' as Ideology," and ponder over the value (or lack thereof) of idealizing when doing ethics. Plus, Troy rants about the phrase "doing my own research," and Austin recommends Pandora Sykes' book How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?

The dudes tackle the patron-chosen topic: philosophy of education. But, per usual, they bs beyond the normal bounds of this discussion and somehow tantra gets brought into the chat. Plus, Austin rants about the political blame game, and Troy recommends Pig

The dudes chat about if we should collectively just calm the eff down and let people enjoy things without being so damned critical all the time. Plus, Troy rants and Austin recs.

The dudes chat about how the health industry targets us. While it makes all of us feel shitty, the dudes chat specifically about the male wellness industry targeting dudes for not ever being Dude enough. Plus Austin rants and Troy recs.

The dudes chat about a blog post from Matt Bruenig on streaming services and living in a post-scarcity world (or is it?)... Plus, Troy rants about "The Hot Hand Fallacy" and Austin and Troy talk about the NBA Finals.

The dudes chat about an article by Wendy Brown on resisting left melancholy and how melancholy differs from mourning. Plus, Austin rants about 'going back to normal', and Troy recommends the original Space Jam.

In this ep, the dudes look over a study that showed correlations between one's psychological traits and philosophical views. Plus, Troy talks about the Lakers Podcast Catfish story, and Austin recommends Nomadland,

The dudes chat about an angle in the Georgia Shooting event that hasn't been examined as much: his Christian religion, and the possibility of this being a causal factor in driving him to perpetuate such a heinous act. Plus, Austin rants about TikTok and Troy recommends music-related goodies.

NFTs are all the rage at the moment. The dudes chat about what they are and then give a few ways we can think critically about this fad. Plus, Troy rants about the NCAA tournament, and Austin gushes about new media.

Austin's YouTube channel is relaunched and LIVE. He'll be doing videos every Monday and Thursday, bringing you the same content you've come to expect from him but in smaller and snappier form. Check out Austin Hayden's channel and spread the word!

Dr. Kamasi Hill joins the dudes to chat about Judas and the Black Messiah. They delve into the history of the black radical tradition, discuss youthful zeal, and ask what this film means for us in the 21st century. Plus, rants about pop psychology, and Troy recommends the KSR book Ministry for the Future.

The dudes chat with Jacobin editor/publisher and author of The Socialist Manifesto Bhaskar Sunkara. They discuss the relevance of socialism and/or Marxism in the 21st century... and they chat a little basketball at the end as well ;) Plus, Troy rants about the Netflix film Moxie, and Austin is all excited about his new veggie box subscription.

The dudes tackle the patron-chosen topic: capitalism as religion. They use two essays on the subject to navigate the topic: one by Walter Benjamin and the other by Giorgio Agamben. Plus Austin rants about a tweet by Daniel Bessner and Troy recommend the music of Richard Dawson.

SPECIAL EPISODE: Some Thoughts After a Family Tragedy

The dudes chat with journalist and author Sarah Jaffe about social unions, art collectives, and the future of work and burnout

The dudes chat about the play True West by Sam Shepard. Plus, Austin rants about a recent audition experience, and Troy recommends the video game Outer Wilds.

The dudes chat about burnout. What it means What causes it. And what can be done about it. Plus, Troy rants about "Vanilla ISIS," and Austin gushes about some football.

The dudes chat about... the other dudes: Bill and Ted. They discuss the pretty sick ethics of the Bill and Ted franchise, focusing mainly on the first and third films. Plus, Austin rants about Instagram, and Troy recommends the film 'Another Round'.

The dudes share their biggest rants and recs from the year

Adam Beddawi joins Austin to chat about how datafication and financialization are taking over more and more spheres of life. They chat about the NBA and explore how it's a perfect example of this tendency.

The dudes chat with Macon Holt about music festivals, sound, and freedom. Plus, Troy rants about Nu Metal (but maybe not how you'd expect), and Austin recommends some meditation apps (not ones you might expect...).

Our merch is finally here. Mugs, totes, phone cases, shirts, stickers, etc: owlsatdawn.com/merch

The dudes take on chapter five in Gabriel's Fields of Sense

The dudes chat about the life and work of David Graeber, focusing on an essay he wrote called "Army of Atruists." Plus, Austin rants about the election and popular politics, and Troy recommends the TV show Ramy.

The dudes jump back into their book club going through Markus Gabriel's *Fields of Sense*. This week they go through chapter 4, and discuss set theory, ontotheology, disenchantment, scientific nihilism, etc etc. Plus, Troy rants about Dune being pushed back and Austin recommends some foot pampering.

The dudes chat about QAnon. Plus, Austin rants about the left using certain words willy-nilly, and Troy recs more Phil Elverum music.

The dudes chat about The Last of Us (mostly part 2), and discuss empathy, trauma, and artistic responsibility. Plus, Troy chats about asterisks in sports, and Austin recommends reading plays.

The dudes are back!!!! Jumping back into Markus Gabriel's Fields of Sense, the dudes get into chapter 3 on why Kant and Frege are both wrong (according to Gabriel). Plus, Austin rants about Troy and OnlyFans, and Troy recommends some British TV.

The dudes jump back into Gabriel's Fields of Sense. Plus Austin rants about 'cottagecore', and Troy recs some great music (Lingua Ignota), per usual ;)

The dudes chat about the BLM protests, paying particular attention to the logic(s) of tearing down statues. Plus, Troy rants about 'respect', and Austin recs the new Run the Jewels album

The dudes jump back into their journey through Gabriels Fields of Sense, this time tackling the first chapter on 'zoontology'. Plus, Austin and Troy do some ranting about discourses surrounding the BLM protests, and Troy recommends the zombie film One Cut of the Dead.

The dudes welcome back their longtime friend, Matthew Telle, to chat about the Espn/Netflix docuseries The Last Dance.

The dudes start up a new Parliamentary Book Club, this time going through Markus Gabriel's tome *Fields of Sense*. Join us as we begin this pretty heft journey through some central questions in the history of Western Philosophy. Plus, Troy rants about "The Real Lord of the Flies," and Austin gushes about the sunrise.

We work through an essay by Orthodox theologian David Bentley Hart on Socialism, and think about the limits and value of his 'Romantic' and 'Christian' critique of capitalism. Plus, Austin rants about 'This is the moment', and Troy recs some music.

The dudes tackle the patron-chosen topic on political certainty versus uncertainty. Plus, Troy rants about "we are the virus," and Austin gushes about surfing.

The dudes chat about the cinematic adaptation of the best-selling book Inventing the Future: Postcapitalism and a World Without Work. Plus, Austin rants about Bernie dropping out and Troy recommends Succession.

The dudes chat about the global pandemic and the social, political, and economic impact it is/will/might have.

The dudes welcome Macon Holt to chat about his new book. Plus, Troy rants about the Democratic Primary and Austin recs iPads (kinda)

This week the dudes chat about an essay by a former academic who explains why he's leaving the world of professional philosophy. Plus, Austin rants about a power outage and Troy recs some hip hop.

The dude's chat about a Frank Ruda article called "Courage." It's really accessible and available open access online. Check it out! Plus, Troy rants about a tv show "Don't F*ck with Cats" and Austin recommends working with your hands.

Lars Iyer joins the dudes to chat about his new book *Nietzsche and the Burbs*. Lars' novels have been favs of our for a while so this was a great opportunity to chat with one of our favorite and most insightful writers... plus the book is FUNNY AF. Also, Austin rants about the Bernie-Joe Rogan kerfuffle, and Troy talks about building coalitions.

The dudes chat about Eugene McCarraher's essay "We Have Never Been Disenchanted" and discuss just how far we can take his Romantic critique of capitalism before it falls into mere theological assertion. Plus, Troy rants about philosophy profs on TV/film, and Austin recommends Malick's latest masterpiece, A Hidden Life.

The dudes welcome a guest who requested to keep her identity anonymous so as to not incriminate her family in Iran or to jeopardize her own future upon her return to the country, people, and culture she loves. She is an Iranian scholar currently living abroad who gives us unique insight into the Iranian mindset during these tumultuous times. Plus, Austin rants some more about the internet, and Troy recommends some philosophy haiku.

The dudes chat about the new Star Wars flick. Good? Bad? Hot takes? Is it just a financial instrument? Is there still value in it despite any possible criticisms? Plus, Troy rants about Obama's end of the year lists, and Austin recommends Enchantments of Mammon.

The dudes get personal and address an email question about the meaninglessness of life and the anxieties such a thought might bring up.

The dudes ask each other questions ranging from philosophy, to sports, to cooking, to film/music/etc etc... it gets a little deep and a little shallow – the perfect way to wrap up the 2010s.

The dudes chat about the upcoming US elections and the political climate. Plus, they welcome Jon AKA The Lit Crit Guy on to debrief us about what happened in the UK's election last week.

The dudes jump back into some ETHICS. This is basically a part two (check out last week's for the first part), but works as a stand alone episode. Troy and Austin tackle Parfit's Repugnant Conclusion and explore what it means for life to valuable/worth living/etc. Plus, Troy rants about Buttigieg, and Austin coos over his swimming obsession.

The dudes jump into a couple sections in Derek Parfit's renown tome Reasons and Persons and address the issue of identity and how it relates to our ethical responsibility to future persons. Plus, Austin rants about YouTubers daily eating vlogs, and Troy recommends Jeffrey Lewis.

The dudes chat about anti-natalism and work through the various suppositions that define this, perhaps, controversial position. Plus, Troy rants about "Ok, Boomer" and Austin recommends some Walt Whitman.

The dude's do some proper BSing about Andrea Long Chu's new book Females. We discuss self-negation, weakness/meekness, capitalism, etc etc. Plus, Austin rants about BCE and Troy recommends the new Watchmen tv series.

The dudes chat about Parasite!!!! Is it the best film of the year? Regardless, it's deep, profound, funny af, and will leave you with more than enough to chew on for a while. Plus, Troy rants about people getting all huffy over Scorcese's remarks on Marvel films, and Austin extols the virtues of moshpits.

Dean Dettloff of The Magnificast podcast joins the dudes to chat about an article he wrote that caused a little stir: "The Catholic Case for Communism." They chat about faith, doubt, Marx, The Pope, differences between Caths and Prots, and a whole lot more. Plus, Austin rants about TikTok, and Troy recommends Mr. Bungle.

This week, Isabel Millar joins the dudes to address the Patron-chosen topic: the philosophy of psychoanalysis (even though we kinda contest that phrasing a bit through the discussion). They chat about enjoyment, sex, AI, sex robots, etc etc etc. Plus Troy rants about the phrase "art is subjective," and Austin talks about how much he loves swimming... and his new speedo shorts.

Austin chats with Chilean Political Economist David Aviles about the crisis in Chile. They discuss David's background, Chile's history, and the economic and political underpinning that has led to the current wave of protests.

Special announcement letting y'all know about Austin's "An Apostate's Bible Read-through" on YouTube and Insta. Make sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel and follow his Insta to follow along. https://www.youtube.com/user/austinhayden https://www.instagram.com/aus_hay/

The dudes chat about the clown movie (Joker) and muse through the political lines that have been drawn, of course pressing the conversation into deeper (and more interesting) terrain. Plus, Austin takes time to consider political doubt, and Troy talks about the value of suffering... Yeah, it's a heavy episode ;)

The dudes discuss the nature of belief, using Williams James' classic lecture "The Will to Believe" as their guide. Plus, Troy rants about the China-NBA scuffle, and Austin talks about his new daily routine of drinking bone broth.

The dudes work through a term that is often presumed to have a simple meaning: empirical. With the help of an essay by Jacob Loewenberg, they unpack this term and consider various ways this adjective is used. Plus, Austin rants about Argan Oil and Troy chats about the Hegel husband meme that caught the philosophy world by storm.

This week, the dudes chat about care, ethics, and justice. Plus, Troy rants about comedians, and Austin gushes about his new tattoo (and just the whole tat process).

Does the world really suck? This week, the dudes work through Schopenhauer's essay "On the Suffering of the World" and put his metaphysical pessimism to the test. Plus, Austin rants about theatre demographics and Troy recommends Fleabag.

The dudes chat about nature, capital, the nation state and how we can think critically and philosophically about the environment. Plus, Troy rants about The Golden Rule, and Austin talks about his Baby Shark Ab challenge.

It's the 100th episode mofos!!! We answer your questions, from the ethics of ass eating, to the Hong Kong protests, to how we got into philosophy, to whether or not we believe in God still... It was a great chat filled with both fun and some profundity.

TROY IS BACK!!! And this week, we chat about what it means to lose one's faith, whether in God, a political ideology or otherwise. We take the public announcement of a prominent US pastor and writer named Josh Harris as an example to help us think through this issue. Plus, Austin rants about the world passing him by, and Troy recommends The Beastie Boys Book

This week, Austin sits down with researcher Jay Tharappel to discuss Stalinism and post-colonial theory.

This week, Austin is joined by Laruelle translator and philosopher Taylor Adkins to explore the enigmatic musings of François Laruelle's non-philosophical project. Is it meta-philosophy? anti-philosophy? does it have a political project? and more!

The dudes chat about what racism is, and about what it means for someone to be a racist. Plus, Troy rants about the word "interesting," and Austin gushes about the release of the long-anticipated trailer for the cinematic adaptation of Inventing the Future.

The dudes chat about the mini series Chernobyl and some of the surrounding themes. Plus, Austin rants about superlatives, and Troy recommends some Japanese music.

Philosopher-poet, Tim Lavenz, joins the dudes to pick up where he left off the last time he graced OaD with his presence. Then, the topic was non-religious Messianism. Now, the conversation shifts to poetry and how this artistic form opens up thought to the beyond. Plus, Troy rants about... Austin, and Austin recommends some films from the Sydney Film Fest.

We had so much fun chatting with Heidi and Dave last week about the event that we just needed to do one more episode covering the Zizek-Peterson debate. Plus, Austin rants about Mark Zuckerberg and Troy recaps a great sports story which confirms a long-held conspiracy theory.