Challenge Your Mind, Inspire Your Soul, and Hear Stories That Speak to You

Start listening
Listen on :
Spotify

Listen to it now

The
Cultured
Sloth

0
M+
Monthly Listener
0
%
Success Rate

Cultured Sloth Conversations

Cultured Sloth

Art and Identity: The Zombie Art Debate

January 25, 2025

Join us as we explore Raamy Majeed's groundbreaking ideas on “zombie art” and the philosophy of aesthetics written by Andrey Nekhaev. This episode explores his provocative argument that severely damaged artworks—often dismissed as “dead art”—retain their identity as artifacts. Challenging traditional theories, Majeed's radical physicalism...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Universities and the Free Speech Paradox

December 21, 2024

In this episode, we explore Amy Lai’s compelling examination of free speech on university campuses in her book “In Defense of Free Speech in Universities: A Study of Three Jurisdictions.” Lai analyzes the complex challenges surrounding freedom of expression in the academic environment, exploring issues...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Climate Justice: How Courts Shape Environmental Policy

December 19, 2024

In this episode, we explore “Environment in the Courtroom, Volume II,” edited by Alastair Lucas and Allan E. Ingelson. This insightful book brings together top experts in environmental law and policy to examine the crucial role courts and tribunals play in shaping environmental outcomes. From...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Bigamy, Adultery, and Holiness: The Church’s Battle with Desire

December 17, 2024

What did sex, desire, and morality look like in early Christian communities? In this episode, we explore “Desire and Disunity: Christian Communities and Sexual Norms in the Late Antique West” by Ulriika Vihervalli. We unpack the struggles of Christian leaders in the fourth to sixth...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Transforming Research: Lessons from the Global South

December 15, 2024

What does it take to truly democratize research and create pathways to social justice? In “Democratising Participatory Research: Pathways to Social Justice from the South,” Carmen Martinez-Vargas challenges us to rethink the way we approach participatory research. This episode explores her innovative ideas, including the...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Seeing Animals Differently: The Power of Art and Ethics

December 13, 2024

What do art and animal ethics have in common? In this episode, we unpack “Das Tier im Bild” by Friederike Zenker, a fascinating exploration of how animals are portrayed in art and what these images reveal about our moral and emotional connections to them. Join...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Redefining Security in an Unstable Cyber World

December 11, 2024

What’s really happening behind the scenes of cyber security? In this episode, we tackle the fascinating themes from “Cyber Security Politics: Socio-Technological Transformations and Political Fragmentation,” edited by Myriam Dunn Cavelty and Andreas Wenger. From cyber operations shaping global conflicts to the tug-of-war over digital...

Read More
Cultured Sloth

Creating the Perfect Child: The Future of Genetic Selection

December 9, 2024

In this episode, we explore “Creating Future People: The Science and Ethics of Genetic Enhancement” by Jonathan Anomaly, a thought-provoking exploration of the powerful role genetics will soon play in shaping our future. From gene editing to embryo selection, Anomaly takes us through the cutting-edge...

Read More

Podcast

Beyond the Mainstream, Into the Unspoken

Image © Cultured Sloth

Sweet Success: Beekeeping Practices for the Tropics

In this episode, we explore L’apiculture by Peter David Paterson, a comprehensive guide to beekeeping in tropical regions with a special focus on African practices. The book offers valuable insights into the biology of bees, hive construction, and the harvesting and processing of honey and...

Read More
Image © Cultured Sloth

The Universe and Us: Exploring the Cosmic Connection

In this episode, we explore the fascinating intersections of cosmology, society, and human understanding through insights from KOSMOS: Vom Umgang mit der Welt zwischen Ausdruck und Ordnung, edited by Peter König and Oliver Schlaudt. This collection spans disciplines and historical eras, examining how humanity’s understanding...

Read More
Image © Cultured Sloth

Bally’s Footwear Revolution: From Utility to Chic

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Bally, the renowned Swiss shoe company, during the interwar period through insights from Bally—A History of Footwear in the Interwar Period, edited by Anna-Brigitte Schlittler and Katharina Tietze. We examine Bally’s innovative design strategies, production methods,...

Read More
Image © Cultured Sloth

A Sip Through Time: The Story of Japanese Tea

In this episode, we explore the rich history of Japanese tea through A Bowl for a Coin: A Commodity History of Japanese Tea by William Wayne Farris. This book traces the journey of tea, from its introduction in the 8th century as a medicinal drink...

Read More
Image © Cultured Sloth

Faces of the Unknown: The History and Meaning of Masks

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of masks, inspired by T.H.M. Gellar-Goad’s book Masks. The author traces the history and cultural significance of masks across different societies and time periods, revealing their roles in rituals, theater, art, and everyday life. We examine how...

Read More

Carved Creatures: Mammals in Indian Sculpture and Folklore

In this episode, we explore Animals in Stone: Indian Mammals Sculptured Through Time by Alexandra van der Geer, a detailed examination of how animals are portrayed in Indian stone sculptures. The book delves into the zoological characteristics of these animals and their deep-rooted connections to...

Read More

Intellectual Network

Global Inquiry

Engaged Minds

Knowledge Seekers

Intellectual Engagement

98K

Active Minds

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cultured Sloth Podcast?
The Cultured Sloth Podcast explores a wide range of topics, from scientific breakthroughs and cultural history to art and today’s pressing global issues—such as sustainability, conservation, food security, human rights, and climate change. We also focus on foundational ideas like philosophy, ethics, classical literature, and ancient history that continue to shape our understanding of society, human behavior, and complex issues like governance and technology. By blending fresh perspectives with timeless wisdom, the podcast encourages curiosity and sparks meaningful conversations.
How do you select the books and journals you review?
Our selections feature a thoughtful mix of contemporary and classic works. We carefully choose materials based on their current relevance, listener suggestions, and enduring ideas from fields like science, history, education, and philosophy. Whether exploring a groundbreaking new discovery or revisiting a centuries-old text, we aim to highlight works that challenge conventional thinking and spark meaningful conversations.
Do you feature debates or discussions on controversial topics?
Yes, we don’t shy away from exploring challenging or controversial subjects. Our episodes often tackle thought-provoking issues, encouraging open dialogue and presenting diverse perspectives. We believe that discussing difficult issues helps create more meaningful connections and better understanding.
Do you cover global issues like sustainability or climate change?

Absolutely. Global issues like sustainability, climate change, and environmental preservation are central to some of our discussions. We explore these topics from various angles—scientific, cultural, and ethical—highlighting the challenges and innovations shaping the future. Our goal is to raise awareness and inspire positive action through informed conversations.

What is the Cultured Sloth Podcast's approach to complex topics?
We break down complex topics in a way that’s both engaging and easy to understand. Our objective is to make even the most intricate subjects accessible to everyone by exploring them through clear explanations, thoughtful analysis, and real-world examples. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just curious, we strive to spark interest and understanding in every listener.
Do you offer educational resources or further reading?
We typically provide information about the books or papers we review for listeners keen to learn more about the topics discussed on the podcast.
How do I listen to the podcast?

You can listen to the Cultured Sloth Podcast directly on Nonsuch Foundation or through Spotify.

Do I need an account to listen?
No account is required to listen to the episodes on our website or via streaming platforms
How often do new episodes come out?
We release new episodes every day. You can check our website or subscribe for updates.
How do I get notified when new episodes are released?

You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow the Cultured Sloth on Spotify and other podcast platforms to receive notifications about new episodes.

Skip to content