The Philosopher's Nest: Recent Episodes
Lewis Williams and Kyle van Oosterum
The Philosopher's Nest is a podcast created by Kyle van Oosterum and Lewis Williams, two graduate students in philosophy at the University of Oxford. Our podcast is dedicated to showcasing the work, insights, and experiences of graduate students in philosophy. In each episode we talk with a different graduate philosophy student about their research and their views on the discipline of philosophy as it is practised today.
In this third bonus episode of The Philosopher's Nest, we've asked each of our last 12 guests the same question, and we've compiled each of these answers into a single episode.
We'll be hearing 12 Philosophy PhD students answer: "What's the most underrated part of doing a PhD?"
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Joe Schmid is a PhD student at Princeton University. We'll be talking about Joseph's Christian upbringing and how it brought him to philosophy, what he thinks the best argument is for theism and the best argument against it. We also discuss how he got his 2023 book 'Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs' published. Joe is also the host of the very popular Majesty of Reason YouTube channel and a blog by the same name.
If you'd like to find out more about his work, check out his website www.josephschmid.com and you can get in touch with him at js9105@princeton.edu
David Domínguez is a PhD candidate at the Complutense University of Madrid. We'll be talking about David's experiences as a schoolteacher in philosophy as well as his doctoral research on the Zetetic turn in epistemology. If you'd like to get in touch with David, you can reach him via email at davdom04@ucm.es and you can also read his publications linked on his PhilPapers profile.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we’re joined by Cindy Friedman, a PhD candidate at Utrecht University. We’ll be talking about Cindy's work on the ethics of humanoid robots and ubuntu ethics. If you'd like to get in touch with Cindy, you can reach her at c.friedman@uu.nl or on LinkedIn and ResearchGate.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Asia Sakchatchawan is a PhD candidate at the University of Oxford. We’ll be talking about Asia’s background in professional tennis and her research on authenticity. If you'd like to get in touch with Asia, you can email her at asia.sakchatchawan@queens.ox.ac.uk or on Twitter(X) at @AsiaLeeSak
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we're joined by Kenny Novis, a DPhil candidate at the University of Oxford. We'll be talking about Kenny's experiences podcasting with Zer0 Books and Repeater Media, his research on Marxism, as well as his research on Spinoza. If you'd like to get in touch with Kenny, you can reach him via email at kenneth.novis@gmail.com, or on Twitter at @saditious.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we're going to be joined by Madeleine Parkinson, a DPhil candidate at The University of Oxford. We'll be talking about how Madeleine grew up in a philosophy household, her research on erotic love and beauty, and her thoughts on the admissions process in the UK and the US.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Cayla Clinkenbeard is a PhD candidate at the New School for Social Research. We'll be talking about Cayla's doctoral research on trust and epistemic responsibility, as well as her experiences publishing an article in a topical collection. If you'd like to get in touch with Cayla, you can reach out to her via email at clinc719@newschool.edu.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Facundo Rodriguez is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge. We'll be talking about Facundo's background in philosophy, the 'interpersonal' side of Kant's moral philosophy and the value of the history of philosophy. If you'd like to get in touch with Facundo, you can find him on:
Twitter: @frodriguezx2E-mail: fr374@cam.ac.ukWebsite: www.facundorodriguez.site
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we're joined by Alexander Stooshinoff, a PhD student at McGill University. We'll be talking about Alexander’s former life as a touring musician, his master’s studies at KU Leuven and the University of Oxford, and his doctoral work on the philosophy of nature. You can find snippets of Alex’s music on his Instagram page Patient_Hands, and if you'd like to get in touch with Alex, you can Email him at alexander.stooshinoff@mcgill.ca.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we're going to be joined by Danny Wardle, a PhD student at The Dianoia Institute at the Australian Catholic University. We'll be talking about Danny’s experience undertaking a research master's, his work on social ontology, and his view from the inside on the proposed redundancies at ACU. If you'd like to get in touch with Danny, you can follow him on Twitter at @maximalworm or on BlueSky at dannywardle.org.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we're joined by Declan O’Gara, a PhD student at The University of Edinburgh. We'll be talking about Declan’s experience of the PhD life as a student from a working class background, his research on the provocative moral error theory, and his experiences running a work-in-progress seminar. If you'd like to get in touch with Declan, you can DM him on his Twitter account @Declan_OGara, or email him at s2184877@ed.ac.uk.
Music credit: @progressivaudio
Today we're going to be joined by Nicholas Drake, a PhD student at The Australian National University. We'll be talking about Nicholas' previous self-sufficient life in the forest, his thoughts on the aim of philosophy, and his research on government measures of national wellbeing. If you'd like to get in touch with Nicholas, you can email him at nicholas.drake@anu.edu.au, and you can read more about his research on his website: www.nicholasdrake.org.
Thanks for listening to the first season of The Philosopher’s Nest. We’ve really enjoyed interviewing these brilliant up-and-coming philosophers and learning about their unique research areas and personal experiences with the discipline.
The first episode of season 2 will be released on the first Monday of September. Going forward, each season will consist of 13 tri-weekly episodes followed by a 13-week summer break. Thanks again for listening, and we’ll look forward to seeing you in September.
In this second special bonus episode of The Philosopher's Nest, we've asked each of our last 12 guests the same question, and we've compiled each of these answers into a single episode.
We'll be hearing the following 12 Philosophy PhD students answer this question: "What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started your PhD?"
Linds Whittaker, University of Washington (S01E20)Dario Vaccaro, University of Tenessee, Knoxville (S01E21)Cara-Julie Kather, Leuphana University of Lüneberg (S01E22)Logan Mitchell, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (S01E23)Sophie Gibert, MIT (S01E24)Kerry Langsdale, University of Nottingham (S01E25)Alice Harberd, University College London (S01E26)Jack Symes, Durham University (S01E27)Levin Güver, University College London (S01E28)Elizabeth Cantalamessa, University of Miami (S01E29)Deryn Thomas, University of St Andrews (S01E30)Elliott Thornley, University of Oxford (S01E31)
This episode was sponsored by Effective Thesis. Click here to learn more about Effective Thesis.
Today we're going to be joined by Elliott Thornley, a DPhil student at the University of Oxford. We'll be talking about Elliott’s work on population ethics and global priorities research, as well as his thoughts on writing an integrated thesis rather than a monograph thesis. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Elliott, you can find his email address on his website: www.elliott-thornley.com, and you can follow him on twitter at @ElliottThornley.
Click here to learn more about Effective Thesis
Today we're going to be joined by Deryn Thomas, a PhD student at the University of St Andrews. We'll be talking about Deryn's work farming in Montana, her recent viva (PhD defence), and her work on the philosophy of work. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch, you can email Deryn at dmt8@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Elizabeth Cantalamessa is a PhD student at the University of Miami. We'll be talking about Elizabeth's background in philosophy, her time in Wyoming, her stint as an adjunct professor before commencing her doctoral studies, and, of course, her doctoral research in the philosophy of humour. If, after listening, you would like to get in touch with Elizabeth, you can email her at eac164@miami.edu.
Today we're going to be joined by Levin Güver, a PhD student at University College London. We'll be talking about Levin’s segue from a career in law to academic philosophy and his research on action and intention in the philosophy of law. If, after listening, you'd like to find out more about Levin’s work, you can find his website at www.levinguever.com, or you can get in touch at levin.guever@gmail.com.
Jack Symes is a PhD student at Durham University, producer and co-host of The Panpsycast, and editor of the Talking about Philosophy book series. We'll be talking about Jacks thoughts on and experiences in public philosophy and his doctoral research on the evil God challenge. Click here to find out more about Jack's book series: Talking about Philosophy.
Alice Harberd is a PhD student at the University College London. We'll be talking about Alice's background in classics, her aesthetics experiences (or lack thereof)in the civil services and her research on the value of art.
Her email: alice.harberd.19@ucl.ac.uk
Her website: https://www.aliceharberd.com/
https://aestheticsforbirds.com/
Kerry Langsdale is a PhD student at the Uni of Nottingham. We'll be talking about Kerry's background transitioning from the private sector to a PhD in philosophy, her experiences as a self-funded PhD student and her work, both public-facing and academic, on the philosophy of time. Kerry is always open to new collaborations and ideas, especially on her interdisciplinary project, the art of time. You can find more details on her website: www.kerrylangsdale.co.uk/collaborations or email her at kerry.langsdale@nottingham.ac.uk .
Today we're going to be joined by Sophie Gibert, a PhD student at MIT. We'll be talking about Sophie’s background transitioning from medicine to philosophy, her doctoral research on the ethics of influencing the behaviour of others, and her thoughts and experiences on the teaching side of things. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Sophie, you can email her at sgibert@mit.edu, and you can read more about Sophie’s research on her website: www.sophiegibert.com.
Today we're going to be joined by Logan Mitchell, a PhD student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We'll be talking about Logan’s segue from a career in musical theatre to academic philosophy and their research on mindfulness as it relates to moral philosophy and moral psychology. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Logan, you can email them at lmitchell@unc.edu.
Today we're going to be joined by Cara-Julie Kather, a PhD student at the Leuphana University of Lüneburg. We'll be talking about Cara's experiences doing philosophy in a cultural studies department, her feminist take on the epistemic practices of mathematics, and her thoughts on sexual harrassment and violence in academia. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Cara, you can email her at carajulie.kather@gmail.com, or you can follow her on Twitter: @CaraKather.
Dario Vaccaro is a PhD student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. We'll be talking about Dario's thoughts on fundamentality and how that brought him to philosophy, the difference between the analytic and continental styles of philosophy, and his research on knowledge and reliability. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Dario, you can email him at: dvaccar1@vols.utk.edu.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Today we're going to be joined by Linds Whittaker, a PhD student at the University of Washington. We'll be talking about Linds’ thoughts on the admissions process and his valuable work on the admissions spreadsheet, as well as his innovative research on pet food ethics. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Linds, you can drop him an email at lmwhitta@uw.edu.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
In this special bonus episode of The Philosopher’s Nest, we’ve asked each of our last 12 guests the same question, and we’ve compiled each of these answers into a single episode.
We’ll be hearing the following 12 Philosophy PhD students answer this question: “What advice would you give to students who are thinking of applying to PhD programmes in Philosophy?”.
Alexandra Gustafson, University of Toronto (S01E07) Riana Popat, University of Nottingham (S01E08) Emily Lawson, University of British Columbia (S01E09) Jack Beaulieu, University of Toronto (S01E10) Casey Landers, University of Miami (S01E11) Mira Hannegard, Uppsala University (S01E12) Mary Peterson, University of Hamburg (S01E13) Eli Benjamin Israel, Temple University (S01E14) Lysette Chaproniere, University of Glasgow (S01E15) Mitchell Barrington, University of Southern California (S01E16) Atay Kozlovski, University of Zurich (S01E17) Lorenzo Elijah, University of Oxford (S01E18)
The parentheses refer to their episode number. If you haven't listened to them already, check them out for a wide-ranging interview on a variety of topics!
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Lorenzo Elijah is a PhD student at the University of Oxford. We'll be talking about Lorenzo's pre-philosophical background, his research on political obligation and why we should obey the law, and his thoughts on the importance of mentors and community while doing a PhD. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Lorenzo, you can find email him at: lorenzo.elijah@philosophy.ox.ac.uk.
Click here to get a free copy of 80,000 Hours' career guide.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Today we're going to be joined by Atay Kozlovski, a PhD student at the University of Zurich. We'll be talking about Atay's pre-philosophical background, his experiences at a Swiss university, his research into the notion of 'parity of values' and its practical implications too. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Atay, you can drop him an email at Ataykoz@gmail.com.
Click here to get a free copy of 80,000 Hours' free career guide.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Today we're going to be joined by Mitchell Barrington, a PhD student at the University of Southern California. Mitchell had some interesting experiences going through 2 rounds of the graduate admissions cycle before ending up at USC, so he’s agreed to come on the show to talk about his experiences, what did and didn’t work for him, and his advice for prospective graduate applicants. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Mitchell, you can find add him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mhbarrington, or you can drop him an email at mitchell.barrington@usc.edu.
Click here to receive a free copy of 80,000 Hours' free career guide.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Lysette Chaproniere is a PhD student at the University of Glasgow. We'll be talking about primarily about her experiences navigating disability in academia and her research on the relationship between disability and human enhancement. If, after listening, you'd like to find out more about Lysette’s work you can find her website at www.lysettechaprioniere.com, or you can email her at lysette@lysettechaproniere.com.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Eli Benjamin Israel is a PhD student at Temple University. We'll be talking about his experiences moving to the US as an international student with a family, his research on Kant and the sublime, and his work putting together interdisciplinary public philosophy events. If, after listening, you'd like to find out more about Eli’s work you can find his website at www.eli-benjamin.com, or you can email him at elibenjamin@temple.edu.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Mary Peterson is a PhD student at the University of Hamburg. We'll be talking about her research on Spinoza and free will, as well as her thoughts on the problem of sexual harassment in academia. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Mary, you can email her at: Mary.Peterson@studium.Uni-Hamburg.de
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Today we're going to be joined by Mira Hannegard,a former PhD student at the University of Uppsala. We'll be talking about her experiences as a graduate student at a Swedish PhD programme, her research on social epistemology and mansplaining, as well as her decision to quit her PhD programme. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Mira, you can email her at hannegardmvl@gmail.com.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Casey Landers is a PhD student soon to graduate from the University of Miami. We'll be talking about her experiences raising a family as a graduate student, her research on the philosophy of perception and its relation to sexism, and going on the academic job market. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Casey, you can email her at caseyleelanders@gmail.com.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Jack Beaulieu is a PhD student at the University of Toronto. We'll be talking primarily about his research in Sanskrit philosophy, advice on publishing in non-western philosophical traditions, and neurodiversity in the field of philosophy. If, after listening, you’d like to get in touch with Jack, you can email him at jack.beaulieu@mail.utoronto.ca.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Emily Lawson is a PhD student at the University of British Columbia. We'll be talking primarily about her research in Indian philosophy and its relationship to Western Philosophy with respect to the philosophy of imagination and the philosophy of death. If, after listening, you’d like to get in touch with Emily, you can email her at emlawson@student.ubc.ca or you can follow her on Twitter @emilylawsonpoet.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Today we're joined by Riana Popat, a PhD student at the University of Nottingham. We’ll be talking about her experiences in teaching and particularly in outreach, her research on the relationship between metaethics and mental health, and her thoughts on the value of philosophy. If, after listening, you’d like to get in touch with Riana, you can email her at riana.popat@nottingham.ac.uk. We also have a transcript available here if you want to read along.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Alexandra Gustafson is a graduate philosophy student at the University of Toronto. We’ll be talking about Alexandra's work on the philosophy of love, her experiences writing public philosophy, and her thoughts on managing and accommodating disabilities in academia. If, after listening, you’d like to get in touch with Alexandra, you can email her at a.gustafson@mail.utoronto.ca, and Alexandra is also active on Twitter at @alexxguss.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Tomy Ames is a graduate student in the Philosophy, Neuroscience and Psychology (PNP) program at Washington University in St Louis (WUSTL). We’ll be talking about Tomy’s transition from a career in business to graduate philosophy, his experiences in the PNP program at WUSTL, and his research on aphantasia and episodic memory. If, after listening, you’d like to get in touch with Tomy, you can find his email address listed on his website: www.tomyames.com, and Tomy is also active on Twitter at @tomyames.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Virginie Simoneau-Gilbert is a graduate philosophy student at the University of Oxford. We’ll be talking about her research in animal ethics, applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, and her experiences with public philosophy. If, after listening, you'd like to get in touch with Virginie, you can find her email address listed on her website: www.virginiesimoneaugilbert.com.
Find out more about our podcast at www.philosophersnest.com.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Eric Shoemaker is a graduate student at the University of Toronto. We’ll be talking about Eric’s background in philosophy and his extensive experience presenting at conferences, as well as his research on random selection in democratic representation. If, after listening, you’d like to get in touch with Eric, you can reach him at eric.shoemaker@mail.utoronto.ca.
Find out more at www.philosophersnest.com
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Emma Curran is a graduate philosophy student at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on the ethics of 'doing less than best' and how that maps onto our obligations to future people. In this episode, we discuss her research as well as her views on the practical relevance of philosophy.
You can learn more about Emma's research on her website www.emmajcurran.co.uk or get in contact at ejc97@cam.ac.uk.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Jen Semler is a graduate philosophy student at the University of Oxford. Jen's research is focussed on the moral status of AI and population ethics. In this episode, we discuss Jen's work on AI and moral agency, her experiences studying Medieval Icelandic Literature, her experiences as a woman in philosophy, and her thoughts on publishing as an incoming graduate student.
You can find Jen at www.jensemler.com, on Twitter at @jensemler, or via email at jen.semler@philosophy.ox.ac.uk.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
Jordan Scott is a graduate philosophy student at Rutgers University. Jordan's research is focussed on the philosophy of race, epistemic normativity, and the relationship between the two. In this episode, we discuss Jordan's experiences as a British student studying in the USA, his work on defining racism, and his experiences publishing in Analysis as a first-year graduate student.
If you want to get in touch with Jordan, you can find his email address listed on the graduate students page on the Rutgers Philosophy website.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com
The Philosopher's Nest is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the work, insights, and experiences of graduate students in philosophy. This podcast is generously supported by the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and Linacre College, Oxford.
Find out more at http://www.philosophersnest.com