This podcast will be the vocalized rendition of a series of essays I am writing. This is to be a personal project which will discuss the concepts of information, beliefs, goodness, and ideas as-such.
15. The Problem With 'Your Fault' Political Rhetoric
In Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine wrote the frantic song “Your Fault,” where characters spiral into blame as their world collapses around them.
That moment feels strangely familiar today.
From reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, to debates surrounding the war in Ukraine, the conflict in Gaza Strip, and the political rise of Zohran Mamdani, public discourse often follows the same pattern: each side insists the other must “learn their lesson.”
But what if that mindset is exactly what keeps the cycle going?
This video explores the dangers of blame-driven politics, the logic of punitive rhetoric, and whether a healthier political culture—one that separates critique from condemnation—is still possible.
#Philosophy #Politics #PoliticalPolarization #IntoTheWoods #StephenSondheim
23 Nov 2025
14. Eternal Recurrence, and Theories of Time
In The Gay Science Friedrich Nietzsche introduces a thought experiment of Eternal Recurrence. Here, for fun, I discuss how, if taken seriously, the reality of time under Eternal Recurrence would compare against contemporary theories of time; in particular, J.M.E. McTaggart’s A, B, and C theories of time.This is a hybrid philosophical and creative essay designed for viewers who enjoy analytic philosophy, Nietzsche studies, metaphysics of time, and conceptual thought experiments.
5 Nov 2025
The Jack Lawrence Interview | Just Thinking | #13
Jack Lawrence is a content creator and a philosopher of science. In this conversation we discuss university education, epistemology and thought experiments, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.Though I am early in my own content-creation journey I can safely say this was one of the most fun I’ve had in an interview / conversation so far. Thank you Jack for your time and perspective, and openness to ideas.Socials:https://johnhoelzer.substack.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552940388004https://x.com/JohnHoelzer1Outro Sound Credit - SC: Password Infinity - music by EvgenyBardyuzha
16 Sept 2025
12. Why You Vote Matters
I’ve started seeing electoral YouTube ads again, so I’ve decided to write an essay on the topic of voting. I believe the act of voting should be an intentional considered event and try to make this case to you here.
A vote isn’t just a filled in circle on a ballot. It’s a reflection of the values and reasoning of the voter behind it. Let’s talk about why that matters.
The music in the intro and outro are from a recital I gave earlier this year, summer 2025.
Minute Waltz,, Chopin
Warmest regards - John
-
Socials:
https://johnhoelzer.substack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552940388004
https://twitter.com/JohnHoelzer1
15 Sept 2025
11. The BenTbeyondrepair Interview
Recently I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Challenger League of Legends player BenTbeyondrepair. We discuss Riot Games implementing WASD controls, True Skill 2 vs. the ELO rating system, toxicity in gaming, and YouTube content creation.Thank you Ben for sharing your time and insights.Ben’s Socials:YT: http://www.youtube.com/@bentbeyondrepairTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bentbeyondrepairMy Socials:https://johnhoelzer.substack.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552940388004https://twitter.com/JohnHoelzer1https://open.spotify.com/show/6uoa4v10W5YX4SVN5n9JPXThank you.SC: Password Infinity - music by EvgenyBardyuzha
31 Aug 2025
10. On Spirituality, and Materialism
Over the course of my life, I have at times been more of a spiritualist or more of a materialist. Here I aim to articulate my journey, for I wonder how many others have had experiences like I’ve had. The music in the intro and outro are from a recital I gave earlier this year, summer 2025. Prelude in C Major, ChopinPrelude in C Major, ScriabinWarmest regards - John
31 Aug 2025
6. On Life and Love, The Julia B. Hoelzer Interview
Recently I sat down with my sister Julia Hoelzer to talk about education, work, and more broadly the paths of our lives. Thank you Julia, for a pleasant conversation, and for your time and advice.
30 Jun 2025
7. On The Possibility of Time Travel
John Hoelzer contemplates the theoretical and practical implications of time travel, examining the preparations and motivations required for future visitors.
John Hoelzer presents solutions to thirteen complex philosophical dilemmas, offering clarity on humanity's most perplexing questions.
17 Jul 2024
How We Get Information
In this essay, I discuss the function of the body’s senses, their contribution to the function of consciousness, and their influence on consideration of the nature of consciousness.
Serious consideration of the physical senses is critical to any consideration of the truth value of either mind-body dualism or physicalism and materialism. This essay is to serve as a record of my thought on this topic for future reference.
Thank you very much for listening!
27 Mar 2024
Advice From Mom | Just Thinking
On Saturday, March 16th, 2013, I sat down with my mother, Jill Hoelzer, to talk about education, work, parenting, and life advice. Thank you, Mom, for a pleasant conversation, and for your wisdom and grace.
Socials:
https://substack.com/@johnhoelzer
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552940388004
https://twitter.com/JohnHoelzer1
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnhoelzer1
https://open.spotify.com/show/6uoa4v10W5YX4SVN5n9JPX?si=f65ccc87087b4284
Thank you.
SC: Password Infinity - music by EvgenyBardyuzha
11 Mar 2024
4. The Space of Ideas, Abstraction
In this video, I expand on the idea that ‘Abstract’ and ‘Tangible’ are opposite parameters of concepts as such, which can be reasonably grouped together as one axis, which I choose to refer to as ‘Abstraction.’ This is an expansion on the Space of Ideas, first discussed here:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX0Z2_iSbNM
SubStack: https://johnhoelzer.substack.com/p/the-space-of-ideas
Socials:
https://johnhoelzer.substack.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552940388004
https://twitter.com/JohnHoelzer1
https://open.spotify.com/show/6uoa4v10W5YX4SVN5n9JPX
SC: Password Infinity - music by EvgenyBardyuzha
26 Nov 2023
3. The Space of Ideas, Congruence
In this essay I expand on the idea that ‘True’ and ‘False’ are opposite parameters of concepts as such, which can be reasonably grouped together as one axis, which I choose to refer to as ‘Congruence.’
This is an expansion on the Space of Ideas, first discussed here:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX0Z2... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX0Z2_iSbNM&t=0s)
SubStack: https://johnhoelzer.substack.com/p/the-space-of-ideas
Socials:
https://substack.com/@johnhoelzer
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552940388004
https://twitter.com/JohnHoelzer1
https://www.tiktok.com/@johnhoelzer1
https://open.spotify.com/show/6uoa4v10W5YX4SVN5n9JPX?si=f65ccc87087b4284
Thank you.
SC: Password Infinity - music by EvgenyBardyuzha
9 Nov 2023
Choosing Attentiion
On conflict in the Middle East, and the world.
https://substack.com/home/post/p-138694407?source=queue (https://substack.com/home/post/p-138694407?source=queue)
28 Dec 2022
2. The Space of Ideas, Introduction
In this essay, I outline the preliminary concepts of The Space of Ideas, a model I’ve been thinking about for a while now which can be used to evaluate ideas as-such.
SC: Password Infinity - music by EvgenyBardyuzha
5 Dec 2022
1. Why Do Anything, Ever?
This is the first essay in my project which will be the public discussion of the concepts of information, beliefs, goodness, and ideas as-such.
Many of us have had the experience of freezing before the beginning of a new undertaking, because we struggle to answer the question, 'Why?' I am no stranger to this. This essay is how I've become convinced of overcoming that paralysis.
Podcast Authority Score: 21 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
32
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
27
Contact Just Thinking with John Hoelzer
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Just Thinking with John Hoelzer?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
