Good Is In The Details is a Philosophy podcast hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D and Rudy Salo. We believe that being curious and satisfying your curiosity is a pillar of happiness. Every episode features a discussion with an expert in Ethics, History, Culture, Epistemology, Sociology and more. Learn what you didn't know you didn't know, engage your Critical Thinking skills, and addi a philosophical lens to everyday topics . Join us in gaining a bit of wisdom, question the ordinary, thrive in areas of self-improvement, and laugh in between.
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Psychology Professor Dr. Bruno De Oliveira to unpack the real problems with the modern self-help industry. Why does self-help culture thrive despite offering oversimplified advice? How does it ignore the structural forces that shape mental distress? And what does evidence-based psychology actually say about wellbeing? We discuss the rise of pseudo-psychology, the limits of mindset-based advice, and how institutional practices, social inequality, and lived experiences contribute to mental distress. A thoughtful conversation for listeners interested in critical psychology, philosophy, ethics, and the science behind wellbeing. Drawing from critical community psychology, critical realism, and interdisciplinary research, Dr. De Oliveira explores how institutional practices, social inequality, and lived experiences, especially among those facing homelessness or welfare systems, challenge the myth that personal mindset alone determines success. We examine: limits of positive thinking, pseudo-psychology in the self-help space, the wellness industry vs. scientific psychology, how social economics shape mental distress, and why individualistic advice often fails marginalized communities. Learn more about Dr. Bruno: https://www.chi.ac.uk/people/dr-bruno-de-oliveira/ Get Dr. Bruno's Book: The Self Help Industry: Is The Self-Help Industry Really Helping or Are We Being Mislead? Interview like a Pro! Get Dr. Dolske's book for podcasters: Interview With Intention Join our Patreon and get extra GIID + a copy of Philosophy Unplugged when you join the 2nd tier Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com.
11/30/25 • 51:46
Gwendolyn Dolske interviews Philosophy Professor Benjamin Libscomb (The Women Are Up To Something). How did four women philosophers, Murdoch, Anscombe, Foot, and Midgley shape Ethical Theory? What was the historical context of their work? How did they uniquely engage in philosophical discourse and contribute to exploring concrete ethical dilemmas? Get your dose of Philosophy and History with this discussion about these incredible thinkers. Learn more about Professor Libscomb's work: https://www.houghton.edu/staff-members/benjamin-lipscomb/ Support the pod and get extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com
11/13/25 • 33:02
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo talk with Professor Neil McArthur (University of Manitoba) about his work on the ethics of sexbots. Are sexbots the future of human connection or a threat to it? Explore the fascinating intersection of ethics, technology, and intimacy. Together, they unpack cultural anxieties, philosophical implications, and the surprising ways AI companions might actually be good for society. From the film Ex Machina to real-world robotics, this conversation examines what it means to be human when machines start to mimic love, emotion, and desire. Whether you're curious about AI ethics, the philosophy of technology, or how innovation challenges our moral compass, this episode invites you to think deeper. What you'll learn: Why fears around sexbots may be misplaced, how technology redefines intimacy and autonomy, and what philosophy teaches us about love, consent, and machine ethics. Follow GIID on Instagram: @GoodIsInTheDetailsPod Join our Patreon & support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails
10/28/25 • 50:47
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo invite Physicist Samir Varma (The Science of Free Will) to discuss how AI reveals our understanding of the classical philosophical debate: Free Will vs Determinism. What are the possibilities with AI and how can it be useful without disrupting our humanity? Are we purely material beings interacting with an "alien" intelligence? If all of our actions and thoughts are caused does that necessarily mean we are not free? Critical Thinking + Practical Philosophy + Science. Get Samir's book: The Science of Free Will. Join our Patreon for more Good Is In The Details and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Subscribe to our Substack: https://giitd.substack.com Check out the pod's Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Pod music by Rich Balling.
10/16/25 • 43:54
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome author of Human is the New Vinyl, Micah Voraritskul. How can the metaphor of vinyl help us understand our humanity? What can humans do that leave AI underwhelming? How should we interact with AI and keep our humanity in tact? Practical Philosophy and Critical Thinking is employed to appreciate the uniqueness of our being and the role of AI in our lives. Learn more about Micah and get his book: https://www.micahvoraritskul.com Thank you to Rich Balling for the pod music! Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails
9/29/25 • 48:29
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome philosophers Dr. Alex Madva and Dr. Daniel Kelly, co-authors of the book Somebody Should Do Something. Together, we explore one of social psychology's most famous concepts: the fundamental attribution error. How does misunderstanding human behavior, responsibility, and government investment lead us to the wrong solutions for the world's biggest problems? Why do we so often blame individuals instead of recognizing the systems, structures, and environments shaping their actions? And why do so many attempts at social change fail when they focus solely on individual choice rather than collective action? This episode examines: • The psychology behind blaming individuals • Why structural problems require structural solutions • How small choices and large systems interact • Practical ways to design meaningful, long-term social change • Why philosophical thinking matters for public policy and everyday life If you've ever wondered "How do we actually change society?", "Why do people behave the way they do?", or "Why do good solutions fail?", this conversation offers insight, clarity, and a fresh way to understand the complexity of social life. Perfect for listeners interested in philosophy, social psychology, bias, ethics, behavioral science, and critical thinking. Learn more about Dr. Madva and Dr. Kelly and get their book! Read Dr. Madva's OpEd in The NY Times: Guest Essay Join our Patreon for more GIID content: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails
9/17/25 • 50:23
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo explore the rise of Red Pill content, the "anger economy," and modern dating myths with guest Rafael Gomez, creator of the Women on Men podcast. We break down the narratives shaping online masculinity, why certain influencers profit from outrage, and how these messages impact real relationships. What exactly is Red Pill ideology? Why is it so effective at keeping audiences angry and engaged? And how do gender stereotypes, dating expectations, and the myth of the "alpha male" distort how men and women relate to one another? Together, we discuss: The psychology of the anger economy Misogyny and gender essentialism in Red Pill spaces Why outrage-based content keeps people hooked Modern masculinity and cultural expectations What women actually say they want in dating How critical thinking helps us navigate online gender narratives Strategies for healthier conversations around dating and relationships Perfect for listeners interested in gender studies, modern masculinity, psychology of online culture, philosophy, and critical analysis of social media narratives. Listen to Rafael's podcast: Women on Men Join Good Is In The Details on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Instagram: GoodIsInTheDetailsPod TikTok: ProfDolske Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged. Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com Pod music by Rich Balling.
8/30/25 • 43:40
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back friend, third time guest of the pod, expert in Fitness, Education for Sports Medicine, Rich Fahmy (National Academy of Sports Medicine). We dive into the world of influence, social media, and marketing tricks that intentionally mislead consumers. From our Critical Thinking tool box, Rich breaks down the importance of science based research for health and how we can distinguish truth from rhetoric. Learn more about Rich Fahmy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-fahmy/ Bioethicist mentioned in the Introduction: Evan Thornburg. Shoutout to our friend & podcast guru, Greg Wasserman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwasserman/ Music for GIID by Rich Balling. Get more of GIID: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
8/21/25 • 45:02
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome journalist Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling (The Ghost Lab). What does it mean to be in the paranormal space? How do we understand belief, religion, and spirits? What cultural and economic factors are considered when we examine mediums, Tarot, Ghost Hunters, and all things UFO? What does Rudy really think about aliens? Learn more about Matt's work and get his book: https://www.matt-hongoltzhetling.com Check out Rudy's Substack: https://thecommute.substack.com/?utm_medium=podcast Check out the pod's new Pinterest page! https://www.pinterest.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
7/30/25 • 39:23
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome Professor/Author Desiree Zamorano (Cal State Long Beach). We learn about the history of Los Angeles in the 1930s. What cultural and economic forces brought about mass deportations? What does it mean to be Mexican-American? How does media reflect ideas about Mexican-Americans? How do generations of immigants deal with integration and other-ing? And how can fiction foster a better understanding of the Mexican-American experience? (Read Dispossessed by Zamorano!) Thank you to Rich Balling, the Rockstar Educator, for producing music for Good Is In The Details! Learn more about Desiree's novel Dispossessed: https://desireezamorano.com/dispossessed/ Get extra content and support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Deepen your knowledge of Philosophy with Philosophy Unplugged Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
7/10/25 • 36:34
Gwendolyn welcomes owner of Master Your Presence and fellow podcaster, Kate Ziuz. In partnership with Modern Day Wife, Good Is In The Details brings you Business Details! Kate offers advice for women on how to speak and present themselves with confidence. What is presence? How do our gestures and attire impact our ability to communicate expertise? Learn concrete tips for your next presentation. Learn more about Kate's work: https://masteryourpresence.com Check out Gwendolyn's interview on Kate's podcast Confidence Secrets. Join our Patreon and get more out of GIID: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
6/26/25 • 28:07
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back finance and relationship expert Brian Page of Modern Husbands. In honor of Father's Day we're diving into the meaning of fatherhood. How has the role changed? What should one prioritize as a father? How can stress be managed? What cultural dynamics impact ideas of fatherhood? Learn more about Brian Page's work: https://www.modernhusbands.com Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged. Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Check out Matt Ritter's podcast: Man of the Year Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
6/16/25 • 37:04
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome Philosophy Professor and author of Fewer Rules Better People, Dr. Barry Lam (UC Riverside). When do rules conflict with justice? What is the role of discretion in moral decisions? When should context be taken into consideration over an existing law? Get your dose of practical philosophy and critical thinking as we dive into the relationship between law, power, and the individual. Check out Professor Lam's podcast: https://hiphination.org Get your copy of Fewer Rules Better People: Amazon Get Philosophy Unplugged Discussion guide for Good Is In The Details. Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
5/29/25 • 46:28
Gwendolyn Dolske welcomes Philosophers Luke Brunning and Natasha McKeever join Good Is In The Details to discuss their research on asexuality, published in the Journal of Applied Philosophy. This episode unpacks myths surrounding asexuality, explores the spectrum (ace, graysexuality, demisexuality), and examines how understanding asexuality deepens our understanding of romantic love, desire, and human connection. A thoughtful, nuanced conversation for listeners interested in sexuality, philosophy of love, relationship studies, and critical thinking. Learn more about Dr. Brunning's and Dr. Mckeever's work: https://www.ethicaldatingonline.com/team Support the pod and get extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get Philosophy Unplugged: Discussion Questions Digital Copy on Amazon Contact us: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
5/13/25 • 47:29
Gwendolyn Dolske and guest co-host Konstantin Hatcher welcome Historian and Legal Scholar Dr. Martha Jones to discuss her incredible book: The Trouble of Color An American Family Memoir. We learn how Professor Jones's research into her own family lineage tells a richer story of American society, culture, and complexities about color. What does Blackness mean in America? How does our emboddied experience reveal the story of our ancestors? Learn more about Martha's work and get her book: https://www.marthasjones.com/bio Get your copy of Philosophy Unplugged on Amazon. Join our Patreon (and you can get a printable version of Philosophy Unplugged here): https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
4/30/25 • 53:12
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Philosophy Professor Dr Lewis Gordon. What does it mean to flourish? What role does Philosophy play in our everyday life? How do myths and story telling connect us to philosophical ideas and our humanity? Will Gwendolyn finally agree to watch Night of the Living Dead? Learn more about Professor Gordon: https://philosophy.uconn.edu/person/lewis-gordon/ https://www.goodisinthedetails.com Join our Patreon for extra content: Patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
4/15/25 • 64:07
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Prosecutor and author of The Book of Murder, Matt Murphy (17 years as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in the OCDA Homicide Unit). Matt shares his insight on crime, causal factors, and policies/law in Orange County and Los Angeles. We learn about the process of justice and delve into the case of Rodney Alcala (the subject of Anna Kendrick's film Woman of the Hour). Learn more about Matt Murphy: https://www.mattmurphylaw.com/about-matt-murphy-law/ Join our Patreon for extra content and support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Book your next photo shoot with Jamie! https://www.fishyfoto.com Thank you to: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
3/27/25 • 69:37
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back documentarian George Siegal (The Last House Standing and Built to Last: Buyer Beware). George helps us navigate questions around disasters: What is the responsibility of the individual, the community, and the state? What can people do to prepare? What things should one be mindful of when buying or securing property? What are the steps post disaster? Learn more about George Siegal's work: https://www.thelasthousestanding.org/about Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodisinthedetails.bsky.social Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
3/6/25 • 52:05
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back former FBI agent, Law Enforcement Analyst, and author, Jeff Cortese. Jeff helps us understand the history and purpose of the FBI and the relationship between politics, public trust, and law enforcement. Learn more about Jeff Cortese's work: https://www.jeffcortese.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get your Magic Mind and join the 7 day challenge! Use offer code GIID20: Magic Mind shots! Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com
2/24/25 • 38:25
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Spinoza Scholar Dr. Steven Barbone (SDSU Philosophy). Enjoy learning from the same professor who taught Gwendolyn 25 + years ago! Who was Spinoza? How can we understand God and Ethics? What is the purpose of prayer? Is Philosophy silly? Check out Professor Barbone's work: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Steven-Barbone/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASteven%2BBarbone Get your Magic Mind Bundle! 45% off with GIIDJAN offer code! Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Get the GIIID Substack: https://giitd.substack.com/p/this-california-town-felt-the-economic?r=1uuomd&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true Subscribe to Rev Dr Angela Gorrell's podcast: More Human Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/goodisinthedetails.bsky.social Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
2/8/25 • 34:32
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Philosopher Constantine Sandis (Founding Director, Lex Academic) to discuss his book From Acton to Ethics. What makes an action ethical? What is the relationship between Psychology and Philosophy? What is the difference between motive and intention? Learn more about Professor Sandis: https://www.constantinesandis.com Get 45% of your Magic Mind bundle!: Click here for GIID coupon! Read Rudy's Substack: https://thecommute.substack.com/p/mid-month-anti-special-noir-and-the?r=18kfdj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true Follow on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/profdolske.bsky.social Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails GIID made the list for top Philosophy Podcasts! Check it out: https://podcast.feedspot.com/philosophy_podcasts/?feedid=5596031&_src=f1_featured_email
1/25/25 • 45:18
Enjoy a few behind the scenes clips and segments from guests of 2024! GIID guests in this episode: https://www.profmdwhite.com https://meganmaemiami.com https://jaaronsimmons.com/camping-with-kierkegaard https://saraprotasi.weebly.com https://www.bu.edu/law/profile/robert-l-tsai/ https://www.toritelfer.com Join our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Check out Dolske's interview on Podcasting for Business and Growth: Click to watch
1/11/25 • 15:24
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome executive producer, writer, and podcaster Jason Cavanagh. We discuss his True Crime podcast Son of a Hitman, the story of Charles Harrelson. How can we discern truth from conspiracy? What are the methods and critical thinking skills for navigating different angles and revealing the truth of a story? What makes a source credible? How can we spot bias in information? Learn more about Jason and listen to his podcast: https://www.jason-cavanagh.com Check out GIID substack: https://giitd.substack.com Connect with us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/profdolske.bsky.social More on Charles Harrelson from the Disgraceland Podcast: Conspiracy & Contract Killers Get extra content and support GIID: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
12/27/24 • 53:29
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome History Professor Dr Peter Norton (University of Virginia). We discuss the relationship between Engineering, Law, Culture, and Ethics when it comes to the vehicle and traffic. How are our ideas of freedom wrapped up in the way we speak of cars? What does traffic tell us about the broader issues of the way transportation is designed? Given the history of the car, what can we expect in the future? Get Peter Norton's book: Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City Join our Patreon and enter our giveaway: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Connect with us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/profdolske.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/rudysalo.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/goodisinthedetails.bsky.social Read Rudy's work on Forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rudysalo/
12/9/24 • 48:26
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome Professor Dr. Krista Noble to discuss her book One With The Force, 18 Universal Truths in Star Wars. We learn about the underscoring spiritual themes in Star Wars, specifically concerning the Vedic Tradition (Indian Philosophy). What is the meaning of "the force"? How do the Star Wars films illustrate Eastern Philosophical ideas about consciousness, connection, meditation, and happiness? Learn more about Dr. Noble's work and get her book: https://www.kristanoble.com Get extra content: https://www.patreon.com/c/goodisinthedetails Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com Get in touch: https://www.goodisinthedetails.com
11/21/24 • 47:36
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome award winning author, Marnie Maton. We discuss her book on navigating the work space, Vote For You. How can we show up for work in a way that is meaningful, aligned with our values, and set us on a path of happiness. What are sociological and cultural issues to consider in the work place? Learn more about Marnie and get her book: https://www.marniematon.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Read Rudy's "The Commute" and subscribe for all the details on transportation. Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
11/8/24 • 51:44
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back Sociology Professor Dr. Jack Fong to discuss his book Reconfiguring Global Societies in the Pre Vaccination Phase of the Covid-19 Pandemic. How did the change to public spaces impact us sociologically? How do we navigate interactions with each other, with strangers, with people who hold different political ideologies? How are virtual spaces impacting us? Learn more about Professor Fong: https://csupomona-fong.org Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/GoodIsInTheDetails Take Gwendolyn's course on How To Create Your Podcast. https://www.goodisinthedetails.com Thank you to our sponsor: http://www.avonmoreinc.com
10/18/24 • 51:30
Our hearts and minds are with the people who've been devasted by the hurricanes in Florida, NC, and surrounding areas. GIID is donating for disaster relief. Thank you to our patrons who've made this platform possible to not only educate but to also contribute to those in need. Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome documentarian/podcaster, George Siegal (Make It Better Podcast). We discuss George's film The Last House Standing, an examination of the way in which homes have been designed and ways in which homes can be designed given the impact of natural disasters. What questions should home buyers be asking? What is the responsibility of the individual, the community, and the government? Check out George Siegal's documentary: The Last House Standing. Join our patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails
10/11/24 • 50:14
Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo welcome back Philosophy Professors Joshua Heter and Richard Greene to discuss their book Post Punk and Philosophy. Rip It Up and Think Again. What exactly is post punk rock? How does the shift in the music genre make us think about culture, emotions, and politics? What philosophical texts lend insight to the meaning and significance of the music? What music is giving us pause to reflect on philosophy? Get your copy of this wonderful collection of essays: Post Punk and Philosophy. Get more content and support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Take Gwendolyn's course: How To Create Your Podcast. https://www.goodisinthedetails.com Thank you to our partner for this episode: https://studioqueenhair.com
10/2/24 • 43:58
Gwendolyn and Rudy welcome back author/podcaster Tori Telfer to discuss her book Confident Women. What does it mean to be a Con Artist? How can we learn about sorting through relevant information, fact, and fiction? Are women con artists different? What are the legal and moral lines when it comes to a con or scam? Learn more about Tori's work: https://www.toritelfer.com Get extra content and support the pod: https://www.patreon.com/GoodIsInTheDetails Get Gwendolyn's online course How To Create Your Podcast. Vote for Good Is In The Details in the Education Category for the Women in Podcasting Awards.
9/16/24 • 50:48
