Episodes

  • A Bahian trance reflecting the best & worse of Brazilian childhood.

    'Capitães Da Areia' by Jorge Amado ('Captains Of The Sands' in English) is a coming of age story set in a 1930's Brazilian beach town. We follow a group orphaned adolescents who live without care under a pier. They know the streets better than anyone and are a menace to the city authorities. Under the leadership of their chief Pedro Bala we see them grow from young teenagers into young men through a haze of good & bad experiences.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (2:21) - Themes/Questions

    (17:20) - Author & Extras

    (21:35) - Summary

    (23:54) - Value 4 Value

    (25:44) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Who is to blame if the leader can never be wrong?

    'Tragedy Without Consequences' by Frank Dikötter is a historical book looking at the famine that was caused during China's 'Great Leap Forward'. It showcases the period from 1958-62 and why a series of decisions stemming from Chairman Mao resulted in the death of 30-45 million people. A reoccurring theme was being out of touch with reality, whether it be untested agricultural reforms, distorted data collection or continual lies bouncing from top to bottom. A truly sad period of history.

    Massive thanks to Petar & Queen Mother for the support. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (2:18) - Themes/Questions

    (28:36) - Author & Extras

    (32:21) - Summary

    (35:06) - Value 4 Value

    (38:03) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • Praise be to the philosophers for the hard sciences!

    'The Problems Of Philosophy' by Bertrand Russell is his attempt at explaining basic philosophy as well as giving a brief history of philosophical thought. He starts with questions about reality before expanding out with more and more questions. He covers the writings of some famous philosophers (Descartes, Kant, Hume, etc.,) and gives his own thoughts on why they were right or wrong.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (1:49) - Themes/Questions

    (13:18) - Author & Extras

    (17:09) - Summary

    (21:59) - Value 4 Value

    (23:32) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Mr. Sandman, bring me some freedom.

    'The Woman In The Dunes' by Kobo Abe is a rather simple story of a Japanese man who becomes trapped in the sand dunes. He is led into a large hole where a woman lives and is forced to help her keep sand from encroaching onto the nearby village. We witness his escape attempts and gradual process of getting accustomed to his new environment. It's told from his POV with snippets of external newspaper clippings.

    Huge thanks to BitpunkFM for supporting the podcast. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (2:00) - Themes/Questions

    (13:34) - Author & Extras

    (16:32) - Summary

    (18:02) - Value 4 Value

    (21:05) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Welcome back to Mere Mortals book reviews! Today, we dive into the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." I'll share key learnings from the Penguin Classics edition. Join me as we explore profound Stoic insights that are just as relevant today as they were in ancient Rome. Don't miss out on these gems!

    (00:00) - Introduction and Overview

    (00:24) - Highlighting Key Learnings

    (01:04) - The Importance of Not Putting Things Off

    (02:18) - Embracing Present Tasks with Determination

    (03:48) - Urgency in Becoming Good

    (04:54) - Judging Events by Your Own Terms

    (06:14) - Welcoming Death as Part of Nature

    (07:12) - Reflecting on the Loss Through Death

    (08:04) - Final Thoughts and Viewer Engagement

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Welcome back to Mere Mortals book reviews! Today, we're diving into Stoicism from the top with Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." I'll share my thoughts and some interesting insights from the Penguin Classics edition. If you're new to Stoicism or curious about the Roman Emperor's personal reflections, this one's for you!

    (00:00) - Introduction and Overview

    (00:33) - Context and Historical Background

    (01:44) - The Purpose of "Meditations"

    (02:29) - Marcus Aurelius' Commitment to Stoicism

    (03:26) - Structure of the Penguin Classics Edition

    (04:51) - Notes and Annotations in the Book

    (05:35) - Personal Reflections and Journaling

    (07:03) - Timeless Wisdom and Relevance

    (08:31) - Marcus Aurelius' Writing Style

    (10:01) - Private Journal and Unique Perspective

    (11:17) - Reading Recommendations and Final Thoughts

    (12:30) - Closing Remarks and Viewer Engagement

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • In this learnings episode, I delve deeper into the lessons and philosophical insights from 'The Little Prince,' sharing my experience of reading it in French. Join me for a thoughtful exploration of this timeless classic.

    Timeline:

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:00 - Reading Experience

    02:00 - Key Learnings

    03:00 - Reflections and Advice

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • In this review, I delve into the enchanting world of 'The Little Prince,' uncovering its profound lessons wrapped in a whimsical, childlike narrative. Join me as I explore its timeless themes and delightful illustrations.

    Timeline:

    00:00 - Introduction

    01:00 - Plot Summary

    02:00 - Themes and Insights

    03:00 - Personal Reflections

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Philosophy that is actually fun to read & contemplate!

    'Lila: An Inquiry Into Morals' by Robert M. Pirsig is a sequel to his very popular 'Zen & The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance'. We follow Phaedrus this time sailing to New York and Florida. He meets an interesting lady called Lila who joins him on his adventure but causes him trouble. He's an intellectual philosopher and she's an emotional wild cat. It expands upon the metaphysics of quality and provides examples of his differentiation between Dynamic & Static Quality.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (3:25) - Themes/Questions

    (16:57) - Author & Extras

    (23:33) - Summary

    (26:37) - Value 4 Value

    (28:14) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Future predictions that have NOT come true ..... kind of.

    'The Iron Heel' by Jack London is a dystopian novel with a heavy political undertone (maybe even overtone) that wrongly might be called science fiction. Starts in 1900 America and told from the point of view of Avis who is seduced from her privileged upper class world by Ernest Everhard and his socialist philosophy. Increasing tensions occur between the dying middle/lower class and the capitalistic upper class, which results in revolution and an underground war. The Iron Heel oligarchs vs the Revolutionary socialists.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (3:49) - Themes/Questions

    (11:22) - Author & Extras

    (18:38) - Summary

    (22:03) - Value 4 Value

    (23:01) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Future predictions that have come true ..... kind of.

    'New Rules For The New Economy' by Kevin Kelly are 10 rules that he predicted would change the world just as the internet was coming of age. Most of these are related to networks, increasing adoption of technology and the ability for information to spread cheaply. He makes a lot of generalities that did indeed seem to predict massive trends like social media and businesses like Amazon built from user data. However, the book is not specific in it's predictions, making them appear smarter with hindsight.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (1:56) - Themes/Questions

    (8:42) - Author & Extras

    (10:49) - Summary

    (13:28) - Value 4 Value

    (15:02) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • What is Open Source and why is it changing the world?

    'The Cathedral & The Bazaar' by Eric S. Raymond is a collection of essays describing the ethics, philosophy, history and implementation of the Open Source movement. As computer hardware became available to larger groups many wanted to play & tinker with their devices. Closed Source software (owned by companies) was restrictive so people worldwide began to collaborate on projects that was free to download and use. This resulted in a unique culture and economic incentives that gave rise to hugely influential software like the Linux operating system.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (1:45) - Themes/Questions

    (9:02) - Personal Lessons

    (17:41) - Author & Extras

    (21:33) - Summary

    (24:12) - Value 4 Value

    (26:13) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • As I revisited "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, I discovered a wealth of insights and practical philosophies that deeply resonated with me. From understanding the importance of being a willing participant in life to the power of endurance and self-restraint, the book offers timeless wisdom for personal growth. Each philosopher's life story and teachings provided valuable lessons on how to navigate challenges and live a virtuous life. Join me as I share the key learnings that stood out and how they can be applied to our everyday lives.

    Timeline:

    (00:00) - Introduction to Learnings

    (00:37) - Fate and Willingness

    (02:16) - Be Wary of Ambition

    (03:23) - Anger and Patience

    (05:13) - Training vs. Resume Building

    (10:04) - Action Over Knowledge

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • As I delved into "Lives of the Stoics" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman, I was taken on a journey through the lives of Stoicism's greatest philosophers. From the foundational teachings of Zeno to the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, this book offers a practical guide to applying Stoic philosophy in everyday life. The chronological structure, detailed biographies, and insightful reflections made it a compelling read that not only provided historical context but also offered valuable lessons on resilience and greatness.

    Timeline:

    (00:00) - Discovering Timeless Wisdom

    (00:09) - Introduction to Book Review

    (00:30) - Ryan Holiday’s Opening

    (01:36) - Stoic Philosophers' Contributions

    (02:53) - Chronological Journey

    (06:12) - Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • We must blah blah the blah in order to blah the blah from blah.

    'The Tyranny Of Words' by Stuart Chase is his attempt at furthering the field of semantics to the general public. He takes us through the general theory, how language is used compared to cats or primitive people, areas of human conversation that contain more precise meaning and plenty of examples of unclear language. It's split into 19 chapters and worth noting he was writing this in a time of great confusion. Communism, capitalism, fascism were all hot topics being argued fiercely in the build up to the subsequent war.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (1:54) - Themes/Questions

    (12:49) - Author & Extras

    (17:36) - Summary

    (21:41) - Value 4 Value

    (23:03) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • To quote the great philosopher Judge Dredd .... "I am the law".

    'The Law' by Frédéric Bastiat is a philosophical treatise that might get confused as political writing due to the subtitle. Bastiat argues that the law should be limited to a narrow subset of protection of natural rights, not to be philanthropic & interfere in people's lives. Mini sections are all throughout with plenty of quotes from the French Revolution and other French notables. I found it to be useful in thinking about how governments should use laws and agree with most of the principles within.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (3:07) - Themes/Questions

    (12:59) - Author & Extras

    (17:51) - Summary

    (22:51) - Value 4 Value

    (24:49) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Who is to blame for all the financial turmoil?

    'More Money Than God' by Sebastian Mallaby is a history of US hedge funds. It details how they were created, notable people who worked in them and some of the legendary trades that occurred. It also goes over some of the larger financial bubbles (and subsequent crashes) that happened and contributions that hedge funds played in them.

    Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Intro

    (2:08) - Themes/Questions

    (12:01) - Author & Extras

    (13:25) - Summary

    (17:56) - Value 4 Value

    (18:49) - Join Live!

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Be Useful extends beyond mere autobiography to offer a blueprint for practical action and personal success. "Be Useful" is structured around pivotal themes like having a clear vision, the power of persistence, and the importance of community and support networks.

    Join us as we take a look at the memorable, key takeaways from the book tody!

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Introduction

    (1:05) - Clear vision

    (3:06) - Winners circle

    (5:30) - Work hard

    (6:32) - Follow through

    (9:18) - Summary

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Be Useful extends beyond mere autobiography to offer a blueprint for practical action and personal success. "Be Useful" is structured around pivotal themes like having a clear vision, the power of persistence, and the importance of community and support networks. At 260 pages, the book is an engaging read filled with actionable advice, personal anecdotes from Schwarzenegger's multifaceted life as a bodybuilder, actor, and governor, and reflections on setbacks and strategic successes. While it intertwines stories of resilience and the joys of giving back, Schwarzenegger emphasizes that everyone can make impactful contributions, not just celebrities. This book is recommended for those seeking a blend of motivation and real-world strategies to enhance their effectiveness and purpose in life.

    Timeline:

    (0:00) - Introduction

    (1:22) - Core themes

    (3:14) - Insights on success

    (5:15) - Stories of resilience

    (6:31) - Strategic success and influence

    (9:19) - Conclusion

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect with Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast

  • Dive into the core lessons extracted from Cameron Hanes's "Endure" in this special edition of Mere Mortals. From embracing the grind to finding strength in suffering, we explore six pivotal takeaways that resonate beyond the realms of ultra-running and bow hunting. Whether it's the power of action over words, the unforeseen teachings of life's dark moments, or the essence of unwavering commitment, these insights challenge us to reflect on our personal journeys. Join us as we dissect the nuances of perseverance, discipline, and the mental fortitude required to push beyond our limits. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!

    00:23: Learning #1: The Power of Action and Living in the Present

    01:33: Learning #2: Life's Unpredictable Struggles and Dark Lessons

    03:37: Learning #3: The Significance of Work Ethic and Loyalty

    06:05: Learning #4: Misery Loves Company - Shared Suffering as Connection

    09:11: Learning #5: Perseverance and the Joy of the Chase in Running

    13:14: Learning #6: Mental Strength and Overcoming Invisible Barriers

    17:21: Reflections and Closing Thoughts on "Endure"

    Value 4 Value Support:

    Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support

    Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

    Connect With the Mere Mortals:

    Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU

    Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspod

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast