Podcast

Slightly Tofu — The only podcast on veganism in Chinese I came across a Chinese podcast on veganism called Slightly Tofu/有点豆腐, hosted by two women who are both well-read, intelligent, and remarkably sympathetic. I particularly admire their latest episode which delves into the peculiar frustration and subtle discrimination one faces as a vegan in this meat-obsessed world. There’s something uniquely exhausting about being the lone herbivore at the carnivorous table, isn’t there? I share many of their sentiments personally, finding their conversation both inspiring and their courage rather admirable in the face of endless beef jokes and that tiresome “plants also have feelings” sophistry that seems to be the intellectual equivalent of a participation trophy. Highly recommended for anyone who’s ever sighed deeply while explaining, yet again, that yes, plants actually do not feel pain, and no, your uncle’s cousin’s neighbour did not wither away and die after becoming vegan for three weeks. ...

My favourite philosopher, Peter Singer, has, like many in today’s world, ventured into the realm of podcasting with Live Well Lived, alongside his collaborator, Kasia de Lazari Radek. Together, they have engaged in conversations with experts from diverse fields. For instance, they spoke with psychiatrist Murali Doraiswamy about tackling global mental health challenges. I found the following exchange both succinct and remarkably pertinent to the podcast’s theme — Kasia de Lazari Radek: Okay, so now I should ask you, do you believe that we can train our brain to be happier on its own without any drugs, any psychedelics and any psychiatric drugs? ...

I have been staying at home and teaching online for nearly a month and half now. During this time, I picked up my old hobby of listening to podcasts. Don’t get me wrong. I never stopped listening to news. But recent global events made me feel that it is probably not a good idea to consume too much news. So I switched to listening to some more educational and entertaining podcasts. Here are what I am listening to. ...