Thoughts For Free Podcast: Recent Episodes
Thoughts For Free
Documentation of thoughts, ideas, and theories no matter how vague or unexplored these are. We will talk about and question anything. :)
Hey guys! An episode outlining the differences between decriminalisation and legalisation of drugs. The possible benefits and challenges. We also discussed drug dealers and how these concepts could affect them. Thank you Criodan, it was awesome talking to you again! :)
Notes from the episode!
02:30 Injection Centres.
05:40 Shaming people with drug addiction.
09:45 Drug testing at music festivals.
13:00 Feeding the pockets of criminals (Follower Question) What do the dealers do after we decriminalise drugs?
15:20 Can the drug market be a free market?
17:30 Can we tax drug dealers and make money like with smokes and alcohol? (Follower Questions)
20:50 Decriminalising all drugs?
24:00 Are there any drugs Criodan wouldn’t decriminalise?
25:45 Possible confusion of the difference between decriminalisation and legalisation.
31:30 Possible negatives of decriminalising drugs.
33:10 Portugal was successful with drug decriminalisation. Or were they? And if they are why aren’t other countries trying the same or similar methods.
Do you need to listen to music when you’re eating breakfast? Do you need a car to get to work? Do you need to be on social media 8 hours a day?
These would be the kind questions that my guest, Ross would ask himself.
This way of thinking is associated with a Minimalistic Lifestyle. Do you want to find out more? Great, listen to the podcast and let me know what you think of this concept. Is it useful? Is it difficult to execute? Is it rewarding enough to try? Let’s get thinking about it!
1:10 What is Minimalism?
3:20 Are people who live Minimalistic lives admirable?
6:40 What about using apps to help you to get into Minimalism? Should you need an App?
7:45 How do you use the concept of Minimalism in your life?
10:20 Negative effects of Minimalism?
11:10 Did you even associate the removal of people from your life with Minimalism? (Inspired by a comment)
14:00 Using things till they break. (Inspired by a comment)
15:35 Letting go of memories to create new ones.
16:50 Living below your means. (Inspired by a comment)
18:30 Do you ever think of the extra time that you have because of Minimalism? What do you do with it?
21:00 Exploring using more laptops than books. A modern take on Minimalism? :D
22:00 Environmental and Economic impacts of Minimalism?
29:30 Is there anything that you have seen as a luxury and now see as a necessity? (Follower question)
33:45 What is the most common misconception regarding Minimalism?
37:45 Can Minimalism go too far? (Follower question)
39:00 What are my thoughts on the concept? (Follower question)
41:45 Does a Minimalistic Lifestyle use less plastic? (Follower question)
Any questions, thoughts, opinions? Send them onto to me on Instagram @thoughtsforfree_insta
Want to be on the podcast? Great! Get in touch!
In this podcast, Niall, who was a seminarian for 3 and a half years, talks about his transition into the Catholic Church. I could tell that he has thought about the reasons behind this transition. This made the conversation super interesting and engaging.—— He was also really open-minded to allow me to dig deep and question his faith.—— It is hard to explain but I felt a connection with a lot of what Niall was saying on this podcast. You can see it for yourself ;).—— Any questions you may have you can send them to ---- mcdonagh.nial@gmail.com ---- or on my Instagram @thoughtsforfree_insta. Niall said he would be happy to answer any questions and to not be afraid to ask anything.——
Not much else to say, hope you enjoy it! —— These are the notes for this podcast. —— 1:00 What was Niall doing in America? 3:30 Why does Niall chat with strangers on the street? 5:00 Example of how powerful it can be to remember somebody's name. 7:00 If Niall’s Life gone another way, would he still have the drive towards Religion and God? 9:20 What about other Religions? Why this one? 13:30 Is Niall a better person after transitioning into Religion? (My take on it) 17:00 Niall on empathy and how he sees himself in everyone. 20:00 Do I need to have a relationship with God, here myself and Niall analyse my life a little bit 😊 26:00 What if we 100% knew that God exists? What if we 100% knew that God doesn’t exist? (Here, I’m bringing up a thought experiment I did on my Instagram Page) 31.00 Let’s put on some skeptical lenses here. What does Niall think about the fact that he had experiences with God only because he wanted to have them? To put it bluntly, did he make them up? 😊 We explore this a lot! 40:30 Niall touches on why he is Catholic and how he questions this a lot. Here he talks about his explorations of all religions. 42:00- 48:20The church Scandals. 45:40 I talk about my experience of serving at Mass as a child. 50:20 What do you think is the significance of wearing a robe. Talking about materialism and detachment. 1:00:40 What does Niall think about charismatic prayer? (Follower Question) 1:06:20 What does Niall think about Locutions? (Follower Question) 1:08:40 Was Niall an Atheist before his transition? (Follower Question) 1:10:00 I was graded on my confession skills in school, what does Niall think about this? 😊 1:13:45 Should Priests advise families even though they don’t have families themselves?
Hey guys!
This podcast is based on Roger's thought experiment on how to determine people's value. This experiment is yet to be properly run so you can be a little test rabbit today! Essentially the experiment states that any person is worth 30,000 dollars. We go to the experiment at minute 29. Listen, think for yourself and get back to me or Roger. I hope you enjoy, happy thinking!
Notes from the episode.
01:15 Why do you think we should look for ways to determine people’s value?
05:35 Where does the base value come from? Is it based on what people can do?
07:40 Two workers working for a company. One attracts more business and makes more money than the other. Is this worker more valuable?
10:35 You only pay for what they do for you.
14:10 Exploring if more experienced workers should get paid more than new workers…
17:50 Can your base value change?
19:00 Talking about murder, does that affect your base value?
21:50 Are we worthless, priceless or something in between?
29:10 THOUGHT EXPERIMENT
37:30 Listen to me struggle with a “simple” math equation on business evaluation. Maybe you learn with me 😉
39:00 Roger’s reason why a person is worth 30 thousand dollars.
48:00 Your stories and contributions!
51:30 My thoughts on my podcast.
53:30 Debating is a fun game to play. What’s wrong with our society? Why does everyone want to debate and argue?
1:03:00 Roller coaster scenario (submitted by a follower).
1:13:00 Death penalty.
1:17:00 Quick plug time and opportunity for you to get involved with Ideatrek!
Hey guys! This is something different and lighter to what you are seeing on the news and all over social media. This podcast is on a story that is used to teach future teachers on what to do or how to react in a classroom setting when faced with a child that has a "diverse need". This comes from my college course. I study Children Studies and have a module on "Children with Diverse Needs". I think this story is great. I think it has a great message. Do I think its probably? No! I explore this topic through the lens of determinism. Listening back to it when I was editing I realized that there was still so much to say, so if you have any questions or theories of your own send them onto me. I mainly operate on Instagram @thoughtsforfree_insta or email thoughtsforfree123@gmail.com
Notes from the Episode
Paper Crane Story
01:00 Story
08:00 Start of analyses.
10:00 Everything had to line up perfectly for this to work.
11:00 The paper Crane story had to happen for any of this to happen.
11:40 No book equals no change?
12:40 Where would this situation go if it wasn’t for the book?
13:25 Bringing up the concept of determinism.
15:35 On the judgment of other teachers. You meet a teacher at a specific point of their journey.
16:20 What if those teachers, that you’re calling not passionate, not hardworking, maybe they’re waiting for their paper crane moment?
17:00 Questions for you to consider.
A discussion with a person who only two years ago was both Atheist and Pro-Choice, now Catholic and Pro-Life. The podcast isn't only about her transition but I found it really interesting. Below are my notes on everything we talked about. Not a Debate, no shouting, no scoring points just a conversation on a topical and controversial topic. It can be done. I really enjoyed it, thank you, Sandra. Get in touch with us on Instagram @thoughtsforfree_insta ! :) 00:40 Transition from Pro-Choice to Pro-Life 01:30 Future Goals? Working with children… 4:00 Is the abortion debate getting out of hand? Is it too much shouting? 05:50 My body my choice. 08:30 Both sides are making a noble stance. 10:00 Science 14:20 Rape 18:00 What should we do about this situation? Can both sides agree that abortion is not desirable? 21:00 My viewpoint yay! (Not my idea :P) 23:30 How are we having sex? 24:10 Baby making robot analogy from Sandra. 29:30 As a society are we confused as to when human life begins? 30:40 Seeing visually how abortions are performed started the transition from Pro-Choice to Pro-Life for Sandra. 31:55 Bringing in my favorite bias to the abortion discussion, Determinism. Plus listen to be butcher science :D. 35:30 Still me talking :D Now I explain my passion for the abortion discussion. 36:00 Can you be in the middle? Or do you have to choose a side? 38:20 What are the kind of Abortions that Sandra would support? (Inspired by a follower question) 41:10 Does Religion influence Sandra’s views? 42:10 What is preventing the two sides from reaching an agreement? 44:00 2 years ago Sandra was an Atheist and Pro-Choice. Religion shouldn’t come into the discussion. 47:10 On not shaming people that had abortions
I chatted with Roger Hunt from Ideatrek. It resulted in a really thought-provoking podcast on the philosophy behind using the 5 million lifetime earnings as a metric for success in life.
Why 5 million and not 4 or 6?
Should the amount of money a person makes be a determining factor to establish whether that person is successful or not?
What about people that die young? Was their life not a success if they didn’t reach the 5 million mark?
What about Buddhist monks? They make little to no money, how they failed at life? And much more on the podcast.
Follow the page on Instagram @thoughtsforfree_insta , for updates, discussion posts and much more.
Episode 20 – Nicola Lavin
Amazing episode. I had so much fun recording this and you can really tell as the recording went on myself, Nicola and her partner got on better and better. Great episode for anyone who is struggling with a disease that greatly affects your life. It is filled with insights and tips which will hopefully help you understand these kinds of situations more, whether you are the person who is struggling, you are their mom, friend, boyfriend or just a person online reading a blog post.
I could write a lot more but … just have a listen! :D
Here is a summary of what we went through.
00:30 Summary of Nicola’s Story,
04:10 How was it for Ronan to turn from a lover to a carer? Doing things you don’t usually do early in a relationship/marriage.
07:00 Spoon theory.
09:15 Does food play part in the battle with Lyme Disease?
10:20 How is traveling for Nicola now? Can she do it carefree? What’s on her mind when she travels?
14:00 How much do Thoughts For Free followers know about Lyme Disease, let’s look at the data.
16:00 Why is it that Nicola wants to see the whole world? J
17:00 My Bosnian Trip Experience
17:40 Nicola’s experience of staying at home and not being able to do anything.
19:20 What made Nicola keep on fighting for all these years. Why did she not give up? Ronan’s perspective.
21:30 More on the Lyme Disease itself.
23:00 The need to find an answer to everything. A scientists mind. Raising money for research.
25:40 Nicola’s experience of people with Lyme Disease and how their mindset can differ. Here we explore both the positive and negative minded people. Comparing each other’s illness.
27:50 Is Lyme Disease not being taken seriously by doctors?
29:15 (Follower Questions) Did Nicola get threated in Ireland or abroad, which experience was better?
30:20 Is Lyme Disease not treated seriously because of Politics?
37:50 Can animals can Lyme Disease? How are they treated?
42:00 Thoughts on “Insta Famous” places that everyone wants to go to.
47:00 Cooking on holidays.
48:57 Can Nicola drink with Lyme Disease? Does she get drunk :D?
49:50 Ronan’s advice for someone who lives with a partner or a friend who is ill, or if they can’t eat certain foods.
51:00 Final Thoughts, tips, advice.
A great episode so much was talked about. What I really enjoyed is acquiring a new perspective. Sinead has done and does things that are a lot harder than she makes them look. A lot of work, planning, and priority setting goes into the things she does in the music industry. I think this podcast will be great for anyone that is either in music or thinking about getting into it professionally. Some great tips and insights. Here are the notes from this podcast, enjoy! :) 01:10 How is music working out for Sinead. Festivals, busking, gigs? Busking in Germany!? 01:50 Living of busking in Germany? Is that even possible? How to plan it? 03:30 What’s walking around with a big bag of coins like? Getting constantly rejected from shops. 04:10 Busking alone as a woman. (Fan Question) Does gender play a role in how much you earn as a busker? 06:10 What is the difference between busking here in Ireland compared to Germany? 08:20 What is the best spot on shop street to busk for sound? 09:35 How welcoming is the current busking community to new acts? 11:20 Should buskers be playing more original songs rather than covers? Short term and long term profit in busking. Can everyone write songs? 14:40 What’s the best song to get a crowd going? 16:00 Best advice/nicest thing you heard when busking? 16:20 Start of By-Laws talk. 20:00 Bands are lauder than solo amplified buskers. 21:30 Without saying it, the By-Laws banned certain instruments. 26:00 Why are the restriction on busking happening now? Galway 2020 is just around the corner. 28:30 What are the By-Laws like in Dublin and why are they better? 30:30 Possible problem with the idea of using a permit for busking? 32:00 What’s going to happen next? 33:30 What can you do to support the buskers? 33:50 No real discussion was had… 36:00 Past or present, who is your favourite busker? 36:50 Sam’s questions, risk vs reward when going 100% into music… Here Sinead opens about work ethic, finding opportunities, motivation, mentality and much more. 39:40 Setting your priorities straight. Setting goals. What do you want from music? Enjoyment? Money? 42:05 Sinead is a secret genius?
What should a session musician do? How to be ready to play for anyone?
How much has busking done for Galway to get the European Capital of Culture 2020?
Stories about Lorcan in school and how he didn’t fail school but the school failed him?
Finding the positives in Lorcan’s way of thinking and living, seeing the good in people.
Threating busking like religion or sub-culture.
By-laws, are they too harsh, is it what the people of Galway want? If the By-lays were taken down today what should be put in place?
What about the people who support the by-laws?
What’s next?
Loads in this episode guys. Lorcan was a great guest. Hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think.
Why did Maria get into Modelling? Was it a positively challenging experience?
How can a person be into modeling, fashion but also biomedical engineering?
Taking into account what you are going to use a degree in the future when decided what to study at College.
How constantly having something to work on motivates Maria in life?
Really nice conversation with Maria that hopefully gives you a new perspective on working hard, setting goals and opportunity taking. Hope you enjoy it.
If you have any thoughts of your own on the topics discussed in this podcast then don't hesitate to get in touch. :)
Toolbox Fallacy the idea that you need X to do Y. You need a treadmill to start running. You need the best camera to make a great film.
I think this is an interesting discussion especially now at the start of the year when people make New Year Goals. Shops are filled with people buying new equipment, sports clothes, protein shakes, and gym memberships. In this episode, we question this and discuss a possible way of living where you are not trapped by excuses. A way of living in which you get creative and explore new ways of reaching your goals.
Give it a listen. Tell us what you think. Send us on your own examples of when you had to deal with the Toolbox Fallacy.
Get in touch on our Instagram page @thoughtsforfree_insta
Thank you! :)
Fascinating discussion with Colm on the preservation of Irish architecture and heritage. Some really interesting ideas to promote tourism in local areas are included in this episode. Colm is very well-spoken and really has thought about this topic. There is a lot more in this episode but it is difficult to summarise. Have a listen yourself and let us know what you think:)--- Have thoughts of your own on the topic? Great, get in touch with us on our Instagram page @thoughtsforfree_insta
A lot is included in this conversation. The design of chairs, tables, laptops, phones, websites and newspaper cover pages. How does design affect our choices on what to buy or where to sit. Also, the importance of designers is at the core of this conversation and Paola does a fantastic job to raise awareness for the vital role of designers in today's world. Hope you enjoy and your mind gets blown away :D Have any questions get in touch, we are on Instagram :) @thoughtsforfree_insta What to get on the podcast? Its very easy, message us :)
This is Thoughts For Free and these are Your questions.
Peter, Sam, and Sarah are here to read out and comment on all of your responses on love and its importance.
Loads of questions and responses from yee guys, thank you so much. It makes this so much more engaging. :)
Get in touch if we have misrepresented your point.
Get in touch if you'd like to respond to our responses.
Get in touch if you want to get on the podcast.
At a young age, are relationships worth the commitment? How serious are young relationships? Is sex important in a "healthy" relationship?
This and much more on the podcast!
Wait, you have your own opinion on love? Great! Get on our Instagram Page @thoughtsforfree_insta and send on your thoughts! Who knows maybe it'll start a discussion and show people different perspectives. All anonymously.
Thanks for listening.
What would you say to somebody that is struggling with an eating disorder? What are some of the ways to make it easier? How does yoga motivate you? What are some of the benefits of yoga?
Quick disclaimer - This is not your usual podcast episode. I lost the original file, so I made a little solo podcast summarising how the conversation went.
Any thoughts? Visit our Instagram page @thoughtsforfree_insta
Thank you for listening
How big is the Refugee Crises in Ireland? What can we do (even as students) do to help? Why should we help? What are some of the arguments for not letting or limiting numbers of Refugees coming into a particular country?
Have you got any questions or thoughts on the topic? Send them onto out Instagram page @thoughtsforfree_insta and I can share them onto Christian.
Thank you for listening.
What is so interesting about maths? How can we improve? Maths in school, the way it is taught and the way it is examed? How can maths be seen as art and can you compare it to other forms of art such as music?
What was your experience of maths in school? Good? Bad? Let us know on our Instagram page @thoughtsforfree_insta
Thank you for listening.
How can therapy be helpful? When is it the right time for therapy? What to do before or during your first session? Does the relationship with your therapist affect the sessions? Can relying on therapy sessions be bad for you?
Have you got any stories relating to this topic? Let us know on our Instagram page @thoughtsforfree_insta
Thank you for listening.
Is testing on animals morally wrong? Is it a “necessary evil”? What about eating meat? What about simply having a pet? This episode we explore all of these boundaries and pose questions for you to think about.
Discussion of the difference between classical and modern theatre. How to get into theatre both performing and as an audience member and Rena’s theatre company Eva’s Echo Theatre company.
This episode we question some of the ethics problems behind allowing A.I. to develop further. We also talk about the possible mentality we need to be in to be able to use A.I. And human capabilities together.
Lowering the voting age to 16? Should 16 year olds be allowed to vote? We explore arguments for and against. I really enjoyed this episode as it changed my understanding of the topic and made me lean towards thinking that 16 years should be allowed to vote under the current democratic voting system.
Do young people have enough to be doing? Do they have the necessary space or facilities? Does their day need to be fully planned? And what do they do when they are not doing anything?
What happens to our family after they die? What about us?
In this episode Roisin shares some of her beliefs on the afterlife.
Posing questions on the topic of gene editing. Imagining and discussing future boundaries and limits of gene editing. Interesting stuff I tell ya. If you have any opinions of your own on the topic please get in touch with us on our Instagram - Thoughtsforfree_insta.