Possessed: the historical ideas that haunt us
Claim This Podcastby USC Faculty: Andrew Berns, Matt Kisner, Mary Nickel
Podcast Overview
<p><strong>We are possessed by our pasts. Yesterday's ideas haunt us today, exerting a powerful influence on us, shaping how we think about and engage with the world. This podcast critically investigates the histories that possess us—and their afterlives. </strong>Our hosts (and occasional exorcists) are a minister, an atheist, and a Jew, who are also researchers in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and History. Between Andrew’s historical expertise, Matt’s philosophical dexterity, and Mary’s training in theology and ethics, we so enjoy chopping it up and sharing what we’ve learned with you.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/22/2025
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Recent Episodes
October 21, 2025
Season 1 Teaser Trailer
<p>An introduction to Possessed</p>
August 23, 2025
Civil Disobedience
<p>Civil disobedience is taught widely in American schools as an integral part of the American story. Henry David Thoreau is honored as a civil hero. Susan B. Anthony earned placement on American coinage, and Martin Luther King received a holiday in his honor. But what counts as civil disobedience? What makes it civil, and what makes it disobedient? For this episode, we explore the the concept of civil disobedience in the United States, with a special attention to the religious and philosophical contexts in which it emerged.</p><p>Guests: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://government.cornell.edu/alexander-livingston">Alexander Livingston</a>, associate professor at Cornell University</p>
August 22, 2025
The Nuclear Family
<p>As David Brooks has written, the nuclear family was a blip in human history, not a regulating norm. Yet many of us continue to think that the nuclear family is the way that family ought to be—and, importantly, that care ought to be provided for children and others. Why do we think this way? And what other ways might we provide care for the young and others in need of care?</p><p>Guests: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/sociology/our_people/faculty_staff_directory/augustine_jennifer.php">Jennifer Augustine</a> + <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/sociology/our_people/faculty_staff_directory/dunatchik_allison.php">Allison Dunatchik</a></p><p>Cited in the show:</p><p>David Brooks' Atlantic article: "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/03/the-nuclear-family-was-a-mistake/605536/">The Nuclear Family Was a Mistake</a>"</p><p> </p>
7 total episodes available
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- What is Possessed: the historical ideas that haunt us?
<p><strong>We are possessed by our pasts. Yesterday's ideas haunt us today, exerting a powerful influence on us, shaping how we think about and engage with the world. This podcast critically investigates the histories that possess us—and their afterlives. </strong>Our hosts (and occasional exorcists) are a minister, an atheist, and a Jew, who are also researchers in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and History. Between Andrew’s historical expertise, Matt’s philosophical dexterity, and Mary’s training in theology and ethics, we so enjoy chopping it up and sharing what we’ve learned with you.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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