Thought Fuzz

On a very special episode of Thought Fuzz, Mike and Aaron shift gears and discuss the controversial finale of Game of Thrones, one of the world’s most popular prestige television shows, by asking to what extent the fans own the story and to what extent power is a kind of storytelling. Join them as they take a deep dive and say good bye to one of their most beloved long form series ever. Valar Morghulis: all shows must end. #TFThursdays Check us out in the links below: Twitter:...

"I am the State," Louis XIV said. "I am the Podcast," Michael replied. So began a debate for our times, on a very special, very Canadian episode of Thought Fuzz, in which our hosts tackle one of the most esteemed of national institutions -- no, not maple syrup, not hockey, nor even socialized healthcare. The subject: the House of Windsor, the monarchy of Canada. What is it good for? Why have it? Canadians tell themselves their country is celebrated the world over for its progressive leaning,...

In a democracy, leaders are ostensibly elected on their ability to deliver results to their own constituents. But if no man is an island, so it is that no nation is truly isolated; what happens if one affects another? Are an elected official's responsibilities confined to the jurisdiction of their voters? Or must they go farther? This week, Mike and Aaron take sides on this issue and hash it out. #TFThursdays Check us out in the links below: Twitter: twitter.com/thoughtfuzzcast Facebook:...

Lying facedown on the floor of the Roman Senate, one wonders if Julius Caesar spent his final moments reconsidering his decision to champion 'the common people', rather than the Senate class. He wanted to rule Rome, but his participation in public life lead him to a bloody end. One gets the feeling that 'Sic Semper Tyrannis' would surely have become a viral tweet... Democracy demands public participation; public participation invites public inquiry; and, in the internet age, public inquiry...

You've likely seen the story before: an academic or public intellectual on a speaking tour makes a scheduled stop at a university, somewhere in North America, to give a talk on his or her particular vision of the world. Feathers are ruffled, a protest is organized, and the talk becomes a battleground (literal or otherwise) of ideas. ​ Disruptors then manage to delay or interrupt the talk with such effectiveness that it's closed down early, and the guest speaker is whisked away by campus...

Populism is popular -- like really, really popular. Voters throughout the developed world have been energized by politicians who claim to champion the cause of the 'little guy'. They might announce themselves as standing up to those who wish to uphold a system which keeps all but a select few down and under. In this age of rage, Mike and Aaron take a minute to ask, "What is the value of elites?" ​ After all, if they have existed for so long, surely it must be that they bring something to the...

Episode Seven! With her new show Netflix streaming series "Tidying Up," Marie Kondo espouses her philosophy of "sparking joy" by ridding oneself of unnecessary clutter; and, in this simple act of cleaning, she's taken the world by storm. Marie Kondo takes a thoughtful, empathetic approach to her clients, recognizing that their attachments to belongings comes as much from a sense of real need as it does from emotions and sentimentality. In the age of moral empathy, Kondo's style has won her...

"Trust...but verify". Can love possibly exist in politics - either in whole or in part? When our western political systems are founded on debate, ideological conflict, and political contest...what possible room is there for love? In this special Valentines Day episode, Mike and Aaron discuss the nature of love and human affection. Does it have any place in the conflict of ideas? Are there things we can learn from the expression of love between private individuals to improve politics? Is...

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them". Who leads us, who ought to lead us, and why? What qualities identify someone has a good leader...a good representative...a good head of state? In this episode, we discuss political leadership and what is at stake when choosing a leader for both political parties and as heads of state. Mike and Aaron take each other to task on their list of ideal political leadership traits...and on what they believe is...

Politics in the age of mass media, the internet, and social media; what is at stake? What happens when presidents and prime ministers have Twitter accounts? In this episode, we discuss the nature of rhetoric in politics and whether its possible to guard against the worst excesses of political speech. Incensed by the speech of a certain president, Aaron attempts to make a case for rhetorical censorship, while Mike puts up a redoubtable defense. ​ Let us know what you think on social media,...

Spies, poison, border conflict, election-hacking...in this world of grand geopolitical struggle what qualifies as an 'Act of War'? In this episode, we discuss warfare in our modern political context. When can a government declare they have suffered an act of war? What is at stake - in our modern world - when world powers flirt with or threaten war? ​ Let us know what you think on social media, and share it if you like it! ​ #TFThursdays Check us out in the links below: Twitter:...

Episode Two! Fake news, the internet, rhetoric and political agenda; how to tell what is true and what is not? In this episode, we discuss the modern problem of perspective - is it possible to think and see things from someone else's point of view? In our time in history, is this easier or harder than its ever been? Let us know what you think on social media, and share it if you like it! ​ #TFThursdays Check us out in the links below: Twitter: https://twitter.com/thoughtfuzzcast Facebook:...

Our First Episode! In this episode, we challenge our basic notions of conspiracy. What about conspiracies are good? What about them are bad? Are we exercising our intelligence or indulging our ignorance? Let us know what you think on social media, and share it if you like it! #TFThursdays Twitter: https://twitter.com/thoughtfuzzcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfuzzcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thought_fuzz_podcast itunes:...

Hello Everyone! Welcome to 2019. We have a brand new podcast coming your way - Thought Fuzz! Join us every Thursday as we raise an eyebrow towards politics and culture. Catch our cast on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thought_fuzz Join our conversation and share your opinions with us: #TFThursdays Twitter: https://twitter.com/thoughtfuzzcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtfuzzcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxdNgJitwwmZVT9OC9JHKjQ/ Instagram:...