Best Socratic Method Podcasts (2025)

1
Using LLMs To Expand Your Working Vocabulary 13:26

Play Pause

1d ago13:26

13:26

This episode explores the fundamental mindset of building your vocabulary, extending beyond literal words to conceptual understanding and mental models, and how Large Language Models (LLMs) can be a powerful tool for expanding and refining this crucial skill for career growth, clarity, and navigating disruptions. Uncover why building your vocabular…

1
Great Reviews and Terrible Tacos - Sharpening Substitute Questions with Counterfactuals 23:28

12d ago23:28

23:28

This episode delves into the use of substitute questions—simpler queries we use to answer more complex ones—and the crucial concept of cohesion between these substitutes and our true objectives. You'll learn how to leverage counterfactual thinking to scrutinize your assumptions and enhance the effectiveness of your decisions. Discover two powerful …

1
Why Maintenance Matters Now - Construal Level Theory, Marshmallows, and Hyperbolic Discounting 22:57

17d ago22:57

22:57

This episode explores why maintenance tasks, despite their fundamental importance, are often neglected or deprioritised in our daily lives and professional work. It delves into the psychological biases that make consistent maintenance challenging, such as hyperbolic discounting, where immediate gratification is valued over future gains, and the con…

1
NEW PODCAST: Your Philosophical Approach to Podcast Flourishing 2:31

18d ago2:31

2:31

Imagine the Agora in Ancient Athens: a bustling marketplace of citizens and slaves living their lives. The chipping of ceramics echo across the square, the shuffling feet of crowds across cobbled streets, the tinkle of coins changing hands... and you may even hear Socrates, a philosopher known to walk the streets engaging in his infamous dialogic t…

1
Follow This Principle - Establish Your Baselines 8:00

25d ago8:00

8:00

This episode introduces a profound yet simple principle: knowing your baselines. This concept is crucial for effectively detecting and measuring change in your life and career. Uncover the fundamental idea that to recognise when something has changed, you must first understand what things were like before the change occurred. Often, people haven't …

1
Islamic Occultism: The ‘Hidden’ Sciences of the Premodern Muslim World 1:04:15

28d ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Islam and the occult may seem like odd bedfellows. But during the medieval and early modern periods, Muslim thinkers wrote vast numbers of manuscripts on a panoply of occult sciences, ranging from numerology and astrology to alchemy and lettrism. Just as the English word occult derives from the Latin occultus (meaning ‘hidden’), so in Arabic were t…

1
Advice on Advice - Taking Everything with a Grain of Salt 13:54

1M ago13:54

13:54

This episode explores the complex landscape of receiving advice in your career, particularly during uncertain times. It offers insights on how to critically evaluate feedback and external information, prepare for potential negative outcomes outside of your control, and adapt your focus to thrive in a changing industry. Explore why the vast amount o…

1
280: Raskolnikov and Narcissism 1:01:43

1M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

In this episode, Graeme tells us of the Narcissism of Raskolnikov. I mean, Graeme tells you, but A.J. had all the ideas (please give him validation).By Well, three guys, but only one had all the ideas.

1
Career Advice for Surviving AI Outsourcing 13:09

2M ago13:09

13:09

This episode addresses the fear surrounding industry changes, such as AI and potential outsourcing, and offers actionable advice for engineers, managers, and leaders to navigate these challenges. You'll learn why shifting your focus from just developing skills to embracing ownership and responsibility is crucial for long-term career resilience and …

1
279: Aesop's Fables 43:12

2M ago43:12

43:12

In this episode, we talk about ants, grasshoppers, scorpions, and a fish named Chris.By A frog, a scorpion, and a hedgehog

1
The Muslim World: The History of an Idea 1:00:39

2M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Whether in newspaper articles, books, or conversations about Islam, the ‘Muslim world’ is a commonplace term. Yet it was only coined in the late nineteenth century, and didn’t gain wider currency till the 1920s. Moreover, the ‘Muslim world’ wasn’t even a Muslim invention. In this episode, we trace the history of this term which, over the course of …

1
Take Back Your Time - Volatility, Pliability, and Agency and Your Obligations.mp3 14:30

2M ago14:30

14:30

This episode provides tactical ways to own your time, reduce meeting load and obligations, and regain agency, especially when feeling burnt out. You'll learn how to use a simple two-part model focusing on Pliability and Volatility to evaluate your tasks and meetings and make intentional choices about how you spend your time. Learn how owning your t…

1
Iteration or Target State Planning 15:29

2M ago15:29

15:29

This episode explores the dichotomy between iterative planning and target state planning in software development, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and providing decision factors to help you choose the most appropriate method for your situation. Understand the core difference between iterative planning, which emphasises agility…

1
278: Marcus Aurelius's "Meditations" 1:06:52

2M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

Ever feel like reading the diary of a Roman emperor? Boy have I got the book for you.By The Perception, Action, and Will. You pick who is who.

1
Three Principles of Preparedness - Mitigate Risks and Capitalize On Opportunities 15:02

2M ago15:02

15:02

This episode delves into practical principles for navigating the unexpected in your life and career. Rather than attempting to predict specific events, the focus is on cultivating resilience and optionality by identifying vulnerabilities in your systems and adopting a proactive mindset to transform potential challenges into strategic advantages. • …

1
Did I Get That Right? - A High Leverage Habit that Requires Virtually Zero Skill 13:28

3M ago13:28

13:28

This episode introduces a simple yet highly effective communication habit that can be adopted by anyone to significantly reduce the risk of misunderstandings and enhance connection. It explores how this practice, which requires thoughtful communication but no special skills, can benefit individuals at all career levels. Discover why misunderstandin…

1
Meta Models - Logarithmic Returns 12:08

3M ago12:08

12:08

This episode introduces a valuable meta-tool for understanding the generic shapes of models, focusing specifically on the concept of logarithmic relationships and how they manifest as diminishing returns in various aspects of our lives and work. Understanding these patterns can help us make more informed decisions about where to invest our time and…

1
The Muslim Veneration of Christian Saints: Arabic Accounts of the Excellence of Christians 59:31

3M ago59:31

59:31

As anyone will know who has so much has flicked through the pages of the Quran, the Islamic scripture contain many discussions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. Yet Muslim tradition also venerates many Christian saints. The model was set by the Quran itself, in the chapter al-Kahf (‘The Cave’), which alludes to the Christian story of the Seven Sleepers…

1
Dimensional Reframing - Think Along a New Axis 12:57

3M ago12:57

12:57

This episode introduces the concept of dimensional reframing as a tool to gain new perspectives on problems and facilitate decision-making by considering a new dimension. • Learn how adding a new dimension to a problem can overcome limited perception and lead to new insights. • Discover how applying the dimension of time to bug management can help …

1
Chesterton's Fence - Why You Should Think Twice Before Rewriting That Project 8:50

3M ago8:50

8:50

This episode explores the concept of Chesterton's fence, a principle that advises against removing or altering something without first understanding its original purpose. • Understand the core message of Chesterton's fence: before getting rid of an existing system, process, or code, take the time to understand why it was put there in the first plac…

1
277: "Emma," by Jane Austen 1:02:10

3M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this episode, Graeme tells us the story of Emma, a meddler, someone who doesn't know as much as she thinks she does. Join us, listener, as we take a journey with a socialite.By Three men who are as cool as Knightley.

1
Reframing Areas of Growth to Your Manager 11:50

4M ago11:50

11:50

This episode discusses how to reframe areas of growth identified in performance reviews with your manager, turning potential weaknesses into strategic strengths. It emphasizes focusing on excelling in your existing strengths rather than spreading efforts thinly across all areas of improvement. Understand why it's misguided to immediately convert a …

1
276: Dyskolos (my favorite DJ) 58:26

4M ago58:26

58:26

In this episode, A.J. is a grouch and falls in a well, Graeme is lovestruck, and Thomas talks us through Menander's play "Dyskolos."By A grouch, a lover, and the smart one

1
Owning and Requesting Forward-Framed Feedback 9:12

4M ago9:12

9:12

This episode provides a tactical question to elicit useful feedback by taking responsibility for seeking it out and framing the request in a way that encourages advice rather than judgment. Understand that your manager giving you feedback is your responsibility, which means you should actively seek it out rather than waiting. Discover how a simple …

1
275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener" 1:03:32

4M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

I would love to give you a summary of the episode, but I prefer not to.By Nippers, Turkey, and Ginger Nut

1
Plumbing the Depths of Existence: Ibn Arabi on Human and Divine Being 1:03:43

4M ago1:03:43

1:03:43

The influence of the great medieval mystic Ibn ‘Arabi is immeasurable, reaching from his home city of Murcia in Andalusia to Aceh in Indonesia and just about everywhere in between. His teachings similarly try to encompass, or at least articulate, the unfathomable depths of being, both human and divine, together with the links between God’s ultimate…

1
Work Modes Using Autonomy and Definition Clarity Quadrant - Manager Frameworks and Tools Series 16:06

4M ago16:06

16:06

This episode introduces a simple quadrant tool to visualise different working modes that a team or individual task might be in, based on levels of autonomy and definition. Understand how the quadrant is built using the X-axis of dependency (high to low) and the Y-axis of definition (high to low) to visualise different work modes. Explore how the bo…

1
Is It Really Just Lord of the Flies? 40:49

4M ago40:49

40:49

What does it take to truly foster self-governance in a learner-driven community? This episode dives deep into the essential skills of self-awareness, self-management, and ultimately, self-governance. We explore the transformative power of Town Hall—a critical, real-world mechanism where young heroes practice decision-making, leadership, and collect…

1
Manager Frameworks and Models - Product Lifecycle Governance 13:52

4M ago13:52

13:52

This episode introduces product lifecycle governance, offering practical techniques for engineering managers to tackle challenges like backlog prioritisation and leadership misunderstandings, helping turn potential problems into strategic advantages. Uncover how to use product lifecycle governance to expose vulnerabilities in your product developme…

1
How to Chase a Shadow 52:15

4M ago52:15

52:15

Do certain behaviors in others make you instantly see red? In today’s episode we dive into the fascinating world of button-pushing and shadows—those behaviors that trigger us most and what they reveal about ourselves. This episode unpacks why some things bother us so deeply, how to turn our frustrations into opportunities for growth, and what it me…

1
Philosophical Frameworks that Inform Your Decisions (Without You Even Knowing It) 24:51

4M ago24:51

24:51

This episode explores philosophical frameworks—ontology, teleology, and dynamism—to inform decision-making in uncertain situations, providing practical advice for applying these concepts in your professional and personal life. Understand how ontology, teleology, and dynamism can help you navigate conversations about future actions for teams, compan…

1
Feedback Cafe: Recipes for Growth 29:53

5M ago29:53

29:53

What if feedback wasn’t a chore but a deliciously crafted experience? In this episode, we’re stepping into the Feedback Café, where feedback isn’t just given—it’s served. Drawing from our learner-driven community, we explore a menu of feedback recipes, from the "Cup o' Soup" to the "Challenge Sundae". Whether you’re guiding young heroes, coaching a…

1
274: The Lord of the Flies 56:24

5M ago56:24

56:24

So I MAY have missed that Satan is sometimes called the Lord of the Flies. I see that now. I admit I make mistakes. But hey, at least I caught on to the rest of the biblical imagery.By Three guys who would mostly go swimming if left on a desert island.

1
How Can You Prepare for High-Impact Unknown Events? 25:26

5M ago25:26

25:26

This episode includes practical techniques to prepare for the unexpected by identifying vulnerabilities and building resilience, using the "curse question" and the "assumption audit" to help you turn potential problems into strategic advantages. • Uncover how to use a "curse question" to expose vulnerabilities you didn't know you had, by imagining …

1
Feedback Cafe: Quality Ingredients 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

In this episode, we explore the art of giving and receiving qualitative feedback in a way that builds trust, clarity, and growth. Together, we unpack three key ingredients of delicious and nutritious feedback—Warm, Cool, and Challenge—and reflect on how they can create a powerful cycle of recognition, reflection, and action. From recognizing effort…

1
273: Against Christian Civilization 58:32

5M ago58:32

58:32

In this episode, we discuss Paul Kingsnorth's lecture about Christian civilization. Some are for it. Some against it. Settle it with a boxing match? Yes please.By Three men who have retreated from society

1
The Swahili Poetry of Mozambique: A Muslim World Literature from Southeast Africa 56:31

5M ago56:31

56:31

Meaning ‘language of the coasts’ in Arabic, Swahili emerged in East Africa many centuries ago through contact with the wider Muslim world. Although the language is most often linked with Kenya and Tanzania, Swahili was also used as a lingua franca as far north as Somalia and as far south as Mozambique—a country whose name derives from that of a fif…

1
Saturnian Greetings 25:58

5M ago25:58

25:58

Welcome to the new podcast! Master Saturn is thrilled to kick off our series, exploring intriguing topics and fostering meaningful discussions. Our aim is to inspire you to think differently and build a community of curious minds. Join us as we learn from diverse voices and grow together. Thanks for tuning in, and let's enjoy this new beginning!…

1
Misconceptions about Exceptions and Cultural Shifts - Invisible Inertia 23:37

5M ago23:37

23:37

In this episode, we discuss how invisible inertia can cause us to misinterpret our reality in work scenarios. • Discover why common misconceptions about behaviour are so difficult to spot. • Explore why your "unique" situation might be a common trap, a "uniqueness bias". • Learn how exceptional states can become the norm and impact your life. • Unc…

1
What is a Challenge Donut? 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

What do donuts and personal growth have in common? In today’s episode, Andrew and I explore the Challenge Donut, a visual framework for navigating comfort, challenge, and panic zones in life. We break down the layers: the cozy comforts in the center, the sweet spot of growth in the challenge zone, and the often overwhelming edges of the panic zone.…

1
Action Orientation and Making Faster Decisions 25:48

5M ago25:48

25:48

Time-crunched and data-scarce? Learn how the RPD model can leverage expertise and intuition to speed up decision-making, and how the 'Rubicon' moment can make your team more action-oriented. Stop endless planning and start doing: Learn how understanding action phases can help your team move faster from discussion to delivery. • Is your team stuck i…

1
272: Sir Thomas More 1:01:09

5M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

"Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat?"By Because the law almost saves you sometimes.