Backyard Philosophy Podcast

Julius Caesar Roman Debacles

Julius Caesar... emperor of Rome. Through out his time as ruler and the rise to become ruler, Caesar had some interesting.... side quests. Join Nick and Mike as they talk about some of the interesting and hilarious conundrums that Caesar found himself through out his life time.

Art Vs Artists ... Separating Art From The Artists

Do we judge music by the personality of the composer? Do we judge paintings by the artists? Do we judge movies on the actors? Do we judge works of art not just the art themselves but who artists as well? Join Nick and Mike as they try to find the line when the artists is more important than the art and is it possible to separate the art from the artists.

How The Fez Changed Empires

Symbols, languages, and stories change from culture to culture. Whether it be adaptation to the new times or be another culture trying to understand a way of life, about people in a faraway land. Either way time and distance can create large misunderstandings between the origins and meaning of a people’s way of life. And one prominent in the western world that misunderstands a symbol in the eastern world… the all mighty fez. Yes, that red hat that many of us have seen in movies, comics, and television. The fezzes history and meaning is complex and full of rises and falls. This is how a hat changed religions, empires and the world itself.

Animal Testing In America

Many creatures including human are guinea pigs. Mice, dogs, monkeys and yes actual guinea pigs. All are creatures that are used in both to better humanity and in cruelty. But what is the line? Is developing cures for cancer worth tens of thousands of mice? Is using animals to test how poisonous something cruel? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the ins and outs of animal testing. The industries it has been and is used in, some of the history and laws in place, and greatest things found through animal testing and the worst things. Join us in the dark world of animal testing.

The Mad Queen Of Spain

Madness… some are born in the darkness of insanity, others are forced into it. Some use their insanity to their benefit, of going against the grain, having new ideas and being un-predictable. While others are hindered by it, drag into the depths of their own mind. In the tale of Joanna perhaps better known as the Mad Queen it is a bit of all of the above.

The National Debt

Almost every country in the world has some form of national debt. Whether it be from internal or foreign debt, national debt place an importance on a countries spending, development and how it operates. But how important is the national debt? Does changing the debt ceiling cause economic turmoil? How does governments become in debt to itself? And how does nations get out of debt? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss national debt in America and how it works, forms and what it possibly mean for the future.

The Honey War

Borders have solidified, empires, kingdoms, and territories. In the modern era it outlines, countries, districts, and states. And when land is being carved up, humans have always tried to get the biggest piece of the pie. More resources, more space, more money. But what happens when a supposedly simple land survey, turns into the dividing factor that pushes indigenous tribes a certain direction, separates a country into two halves and cause neighbors to go to war with one another over honey. You get one of the most important land surveys in American history that few know about. You get the Honey War.

How The Internet Works

The internet is used daily in most peoples lives, from phones to desktops. In most aspects of lives from communication to work to travel and based on society the internet isn't going anywhere anytime soon. But a quest arises, how does the internet work? How does something that nearly everyone use work? Where did it come from? When was it invented? And what is the difference between internet and web? Join Nick and Mike as they discuss the internet, the aspects involved in it and the people who control the internet? 

Stealing Einstein’s Brain

Great scientists, engineers and inventors are always concerned with others stealing their thoughts and ideas. Taking what is inside their skull and claiming it as theirs, but what happens when fanatics and delusional people don’t try to take your ideas but flat out steal your physical brain. In this tale Mike tells Nick the story of when a mad man steals Albert Einstein's Brain.

The Art Of Nothingness

Boredom, meditation, tranquility all related to nothingness. Is nothing good or is it bad? Is boredom and meditation different sides of the same coin? Join Nick and Mike this episode as they discuss the importance of nothingness. Needing more nothingness and the different attributes of boredom that very from generation. Discussing topic from how boredom increases mental creativity to how meditation may save your life.