Best Peter Johansen Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 106: Karl Popper and God 1:25:05

6d ago1:25:05

1:25:05

This week we discuss a short interview with Karl Popper from 1969 where he discusses God and religion. Specifically, he makes a case for agnosticism, asserts that all men are religious, and discusses the problem of evil. We use this as a starting point to consider if we live in an inherently meaningful universe or one ruled by something like entrop…

1
367 - The Minecraft Movie & The Amateur 1:32:45

14d ago1:32:45

1:32:45

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss films we like that most people hate. The new trailers for Predator: Killer of Killers, Tron: Ares, and The Naked Gun. The news of a Killer Klowns from Outer Space remake, Until Dawn, Godzilla x Kong 3, and a bunch of Warner Bros. sequels. Movies reviewed are The Minecraft Movie (2025) a…

1
366 - The Electric State 2:02:26

23d ago2:02:26

2:02:26

In this extra long episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss the new look of Toxie from The Toxic Avenger. Plus, the news of Avengers: Doomsday, Val Kilmer, and more. The movie reviewed is The Electric State (2025). Enjoy!

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Episode 105: Michael Levin's Unseen World of Cell Cognition 1:51:55

28d ago1:51:55

1:51:55

This week Bruce speaks about the work or Michael Levin, who is a biologist know for his work on cell cognition and collective intelligence or the idea that electrical signals between cells influence the formation of biological systems. His work has potentially massive implications in cancer research and other fields. Though rarely identified with 3…

1
365 - Back in Action & The Gray Man 1:16:49

1M ago1:16:49

1:16:49

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss gender and race-swapping in movies. The new trailers for Ftoys and Stan Lee: The Final Chapter. The news of disc rot, Spider-Man 4 casting, and Captain America is a flop. Movies reviewed are Back in Action (2024) and The Gray Man (2022). Enjoy!…

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Episode 104: 3rd Way Evolution vs the Critics 1:57:37

2M ago1:57:37

1:57:37

How well do the collection of assertions called “3rd way evolution” stand up to criticism? Here, in our second of at least 3 episodes on this topic, Bruce considers the criticisms of Denis Noble and James Shapiro by YouTuber and evolutionary biologist Zach Hancock in his epic video on the subject. Perhaps the role of epigenetics is overstated, Lama…

1
364 - The Net & Demolition Man 1:13:15

2M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss what movies are secretly connected. New trailers for Nicolas Cage of The Surfer and Gunslingers, Clown in a Cornfield, Popeye: The Slayer Man, and Popeye's Revenge. Remembering Gene Hackman and Michelle Trachtenberg. The movies reviewed are Sandy B in The Net (1995) and Demolition Man (…

1
Episode 103: Neo-Darwinism vs Post-Darwinism 1:53:36

2M ago1:53:36

1:53:36

This week we discuss neo-Darwinism vs post-Darwinism. Neo-Darwinism meaning a gene centric view of evolution, which is also called the great synthesis since it unifies natural selection with genetics and paleontology and perhaps even human psychology. Post-Darwinism is a view that emphasizes factors outside random mutation, like epigenetics or the …

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363 - You're Cordially Invited & Blink Twice 1:20:34

2M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss some big trailers like The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Jurassic World Rebirth, and Final Destination Bloodlines. The news of why Ivan Reitman never made a Ghostbusters 3, Gears of War, and Matthew Lillard casting. Movies reviewed are You're Cordially Invited (2025) and Blink Twice (202…

1
362 - Smile 2 & Den of Thieves 2 Pantera 1:21:21

3M ago1:21:21

1:21:21

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss the Superbowl. Trailers for Riff Raff, Dark Match, and The Calendar Killer. Plus a quick review of David Howard Thornton as the Joker in the short film Jokers Wild. The news of Flight Risk being a flop and Terrifier 4. Reviews for Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (2025) and Smile 2 (2024). Enj…

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Episode 102: Is IQ a Bit Scientifically Valid? 1:25:51

3M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

This time we discuss Nassim Nicholas Taleb's article "IQ is Largely a Pseudoscientific Swindle" -- a title whose compliment is that he's claiming IQ is a bit scientifically valid. But which bits does he claim are valid? We use this article as a springboard to consider: Do the numbers produced by an IQ test say something meaningful or useful about h…

1
361 - Rebel Ridge & Subservience 1:10:18

3M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss what movies they are excited to see in 2024 and their favorite cruise ship movies. New trailers for Daredevil Reborn Drop, In The Lost Lands, and Until Dawn. New news of the Toxic Avenger release, The Accountant 2, Sonic 4 release date, and a new Labyrinth. Movies reviewed are Rebel Rid…

1
360 - Sonic 3, Carry-On, & Mufasa 1:42:24

4M ago1:42:24

1:42:24

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss their favorite movies of 2024. New trailers for Superman Legacy, Karate Kid Legacy, and Death of a Unicorn. The news of a Sonic 4 and DC castings. Movies reviewed are Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024), Carry-On (2024), and Mufasa (2024). Enjoy!…

1
Episode 101: Wolfram, Rucker, and the Computational Nature of Reality 2:16:27

4M ago2:16:27

2:16:27

Bruce takes a deep dive into Stephen Wolfram’s ideas regarding computational universality, which may go further than the Church-Turing-Deutsch thesis in that Wolfram’s theories imply that all of nature could be simulated even by relatively simple systems, so even nature itself may be computational rather than something that can just be simulated on…

1
359 - Venom The Last Dance & On the Line 1:31:19

4M ago1:31:19

1:31:19

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss streaming. The new trailers for Heart Eyes and 28 Years Later. The news of the Kraven The Hunter reviews , American Psycho remake, Sonic 3 reactions, and Chris Evans joining Doomsday cast. Movies reviewed are Venom The Last Dance (2024) and On the Line (2022). Enjoy!…

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Episode 100: Interview with David Deutsch 2:27:25

4M ago2:27:25

2:27:25

Our Christmas gift to you this year is episode 100: an interview with The Man (TM) himself! Bruce stumbles over himself fan-boying as he asks all his burning (but geeky) questions about cosmology, the omega point, and probability. How do Deutsch and Tipler differ on optimistic end-time cosmology? Is the Omega point refuted by observation (Deutsch) …

1
Episode 99: Critical Rationalism and Solipsism 1:31:31

5M ago1:31:31

1:31:31

AKA "David Deutsch DESTORYS the Simulation Hypothesis" Bruce take a deep dive into solipsism in the form of the brain in a vat thought experiment, Nick Bostrom’s simulation hypothesis, and related ideas. Does the Church-Turing-Deutsch thesis suggest we could live in a simulation? What does critical rationalism say about these theories? Support us o…

1
Episode 98: Objectively Beautiful Flowers? 1:58:05

5M ago1:58:05

1:58:05

This week we discuss the chapter “Why are Flowers Beautiful?” from the book Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch. Through our discussion we consider: Does relativism make any sense? Is preferring Mozart to a child banging on a piano really just an arbitrary preference? If progress in art is real, will human minds ever stop increasing the level of…

1
358 - The Substance & Demon House 1:12:44

6M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss what franchise studios need to stop rebooting/recreating/recasting. The news of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, James Bond, and Denzel Washington possibly joining the MCU. New trailers for Dear Santa, Thunderbolt*, and Captain America: Brave New World. Movies reviewed are The Substance (2024) and…

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Episode 97: Karl Popper On Conservatism in Music (w/Chris Johansen) 1:31:41

6M ago1:31:41

1:31:41

We take a deep dive into Karl Popper’s philosophical ideas about music that he outlines in four chapters in this intellectual autobiography Unended Quest: “Music,” Speculations about the Rise of Polyphonic Music,” “Two Kinds of Music,” and “Progressivism in Art, Especially in Music.” We are joined by Peter’s brother, Chris Johansen, who is a straig…

1
Episode 96: Kenneth Stanley on the Pursuit of What’s Interesting 1:28:33

6M ago1:28:33

1:28:33

Here we interview AI researcher Kenneth Stanley, who makes the case that in complex systems, pursing specific objectives can actually be counterproductive. Instead, whether in machine learning, business, science, education, or art, we should pursue what is interesting. It is in this search for novelty—fueled by curiosity—where innovation and open-e…

1
357 - Terrifier 3 & Tarot 1:11:42

6M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss which film series could use a book to bridge the gap between films. Trailers for The Monkey, Mickey 17, and Carry-On. Plus the news of Terrifier 3 making a killing at the box office, Krypto, and a new Batman book. The terrifying movies reviewed are Terrifier 3 (2024) and Tarot (2024). E…

1
356 - Jonah Hex 1:13:15

7M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss what factors lead to a movie flop. The news of Joker 2 failing at the box office and the immergence of a new clown prince. Trailers for Thunderbolts*, Ballerina, Gremlins: The Wild Batch, and The Last of Us season 2. They review the terrible Jonah Hex (2010), DC's attempt at a western. …

1
Episode 95: On Morality, Moralizing, and Elephant Jockeys (Round Table) 2:48:50

7M ago2:48:50

2:48:50

This time we invited some of the coolest and smartest people we know to have a freewheeling discussion on morality loosely centered on Jonathan Haidt's “rider and the elephant” metaphor. We take a deep dive into this idea that moral reasoning is a slave to our passions. Guests: • Lulie Tanett (https://open.spotify.com/show/6OPFnEt6uTOTGeSpnZ1YDp?si…

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Episode 94: Stephen Hicks on Critical Rationalism vs Objectivism 1:01:44

7M ago1:01:44

1:01:44

This episode we interview Professor of Philosophy Stephen Hicks. In his excellent books Explaining Postmodernism and Nietzsche and the Nazis it becomes clear that the history of bad and good ideas—which he sees through the lens of Enlightenment and counter-Enlightenment philosophers—is more than an academic issue but something with monumental impor…

1
355 - Beetlejuice Beetlejuice & Twisters 1:25:49

7M ago1:25:49

1:25:49

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss what franchise they want to have a vehicle wrap of. Plus, trailers for Venom: The Last Dance and Spin the Bottle. The news of John Cena in a Matchbox Car movie and remembering James Earl Jones. Movies reviewed are Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024) and Twisters (2024). Enjoy!…

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Episode 93: Philosophical Theories vs Bad Explanations 2:07:05

8M ago2:07:05

2:07:05

Can philosophical theories be refuted? What is a bad explanation? Can all theories be made more empirical? In search of an answer to these questions, Bruce takes a deep dive into what he believes is the correct way to apply “Popper’s ratchet” to metaphysical or philosophical theories. Along the way, Bruce puts forward a generalization of testabilit…

1
354-Alien Romulus & Knights of the Zodiac 1:33:27

8M ago1:33:27

1:33:27

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss streaming services we want see developed. New trailers for Y2K, Frankie Freake, and The Red. The news of pictures of George Miller's Justice League development, banning real guns on The Crow reboot, and Nicolas Cage's new role. Movies reviewed are Alien Romulus (2024) and Knights of the…

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Episode 92: Popper on Philosophical Theories 1:55:50

8M ago1:55:50

1:55:50

Continuing from episode 91, we continue our deep dive into Popper's Conjectures and Refutations Chapter 8 where Popper explains how to use his epistemology on philosophical theories that (by definition) can't be 'refuted'. Despite agreeing with most of Popper's specific arguments, we offer some considerable criticisms to Popper's approach to critic…

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Episode 91: The Critical Rationalist Case For Induction!? 1:45:46

9M ago1:45:46

1:45:46

Forgive the clickbait title. The episode should probably actually be called "The (Lack of) Problem of Induction" because we primarily cover Popper's refutation of induction in C&R Chapter 8. This episode starts our deep dive into answering the question "What is the difference between a good philosophical explanation and a bad explanation?" To answe…

1
353-Upgrade & Boogeyman 57:11

9M ago57:11

57:11

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss if it is ok for studios to spoil their own movies, plus a spoiler free review of Deadpool and Wolverine. The news and trailers from San Diego Comic-Con like Creature Commandos, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, the unveiling of Doctor Doom, and so much more! Movies reviewed are Upgrade (2018) a…

1
352-Green Lantern 1:28:28

9M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss when trailers spoil a movie. Plus, the new trailer for Terrifier 3, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Joker Folie A Deux. They talk about the Spawn movie update. Lastly, in honor of Deadpool and Wolverine, they review one of the early attempts of Ryan Reynolds being a huge superhero for DC i…

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Episode 90: Bayesianism for Critical Rationalists!? 2:55:47

9M ago2:55:47

2:55:47

Today our guest Ivan Phillips methodically explains what Bayesianism is and is not. Along the way we discuss the validity of critiques made by critical rationalists of the worldview that is derived from Thomas Bayes’s 1763 theorem. Ivan is a Bayesian that is very familiar with Karl Popper's writings and even admires Popper's epistemology. Ivan make…

1
351-Judge Dredd 1:37:17

10M ago1:37:17

1:37:17

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan go back to 1995 to review Sylvester Stallone trying to recreate Demolition Man in Judge Dredd. Plus, we discuss our comfort movies. New trailers for Captain America: Brave New World, Monster Summer, and Terminator Zero. The news of Longlegs box office success, Russo brothers coming back for Ave…

1
350-Waterworld 1:31:43

10M ago1:31:43

1:31:43

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan go to the distant future of a world submerged in water to review the most expensive movie ever made at the time, the mutant Kevin Costner's Waterworld. Plus, what songs make us think of specific movies. New trailers for Bando Stone & The New World, Gladiator 2, and Jackpot. The news of Inside O…

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Episode 89: Tradition as a Source of Knowledge: Popper vs. Chesterton 1:26:19

10M ago1:26:19

1:26:19

This week we discuss the book Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (1908), perhaps the most famous defense of the Christian tradition. We contrast this with Karl Popper’s talk, “Towards a Rational Theory of Tradition” (1948), from his collection of essays, Conjectures and Refutations. We consider: What is the role of tradition in science and knowledge? Is …

1
349-Inside Out 2 & Ghostbusters Answer the Call 1:27:35

10M ago1:27:35

1:27:35

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss poorly handled or wasted in-movie universes. New trailers for Heretic, Red One, and Smile 2. The news of the cursed Blade movie, box office milestones for Inside Out 2, NSFW popcorn buckets, Marvel Comics & Godzilla collaboration, and Terrifier 2 on VHS at Walmart. Movies reviewed are I…

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Episode 88: The Myth of the Objective 1:25:37

11M ago1:25:37

1:25:37

Here Bruce reflects on AI researcher Kenneth Stanley’s assertion that setting specific, measurable goals may actually hinder discovery and innovation, which he writes about in his book, Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned: The Myth of the Objective. How does Stanley’s insight relate to critical rationalism, education, and life in general? We cover topi…

1
348-Under Paris and Furiosa A Mad Max Saga 1:32:57

11M ago1:32:57

1:32:57

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan if watching dubbed movie ok to do for foreign movies. Plus new trailers for Venom The Last Dance and The Killer's Game as well as the news of Star Wars and the cursed Blade movie. Movies reviewed are Under Paris (2024) and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024). Enjoy!…

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Episode 87: Is the Universal Explainer Hypothesis Falsifiable? 2:06:33

11M ago2:06:33

2:06:33

Is the universal explainer hypothesis falsifiable? How does the concept of universality relate to human minds? Is anything truly beyond human comprehension? And how would you frame universality as an interesting topic at a party? This week we also feature a guest, Dan Gish, a fellow traveler Bruce has connected with on Twitter. Dan (on Twitter) had…

1
347 - The Fall Guy & Night Swim 1:32:44

11M ago1:32:44

1:32:44

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss their favorite and least favorite actors recast in a role. Movies reviewed are The Fall Guy (2024) and Night Swim (2024). Plus, there are some new trailers and news. Enjoy!

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Episode 86: Fuzzy Categories, Essentialism, and Epistemology (Hofstadter Part 2) 1:42:39

11M ago1:42:39

1:42:39

How do humans form 'fuzzy categories'? How does this all relate to essentialism? Is essentialism false? Or is it partially true? And how does this all relate to Critical Rationalism? Picking up where we left off last week, Bruce getsdeeper into Douglas Hofstadter’s ideas on language and the mind and his assertion that “analogy-making lies at the he…

1
346 - X-Men '97 1:41:53

12M ago1:41:53

1:41:53

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan are joined by Justin to review the X-Men ‘97 series! Plus they discuss which franchise robot they want in real life and irreplaceable movie character performances. New trailers for The Exorcism, Twisters, and Killer Body Count. The news of a Happy Gilmore sequel, Mortal Kombat 2 release date, R…

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Episode 85: Critical Rationalism and Douglas Hofstadter (Part 1) 1:49:52

12M ago1:49:52

1:49:52

This is the first of our two part series (that may or may not be released back-to-back) where Bruce delves into the work Douglas Hofstadter, specifically the book Surfaces and Essences. We consider what is the relationship—if there is any—between critical rationalism and Hofstadter's idea that analogy is a core mechanism of human cognition. Is it f…

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345 - Knuckles & Raiders of the Lost Ark 1:21:52

12M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss what pop culture franchise Airbnb should make a house about. The new trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King. The news of Terrifier 3's release date, the Masters of the Universe movie update, and Rebel Moon's director's cut. Plus, the iHorror Award winners! Movies reviewed are the warrior ser…

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344 - Haunt & Monkey Man 1:33:16

1y ago1:33:16

1:33:16

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss if movie trilogies and/or anthologies should return to the big screen for a second run. New trailers for upcoming movies such as Deadpool & Wolverine, Transformers One, Joker: Folie à Deux, Trap, and more . Additionally, the news of Quentin Tarantino’s canceled final film, the box offic…

1
Episode 84: Are Video Games Harmful to Children? 1:27:46

1y ago1:27:46

1:27:46

Here we discuss a 1992 interview with David Deutsch where he makes the case that video games are inherently educational, not addictive, and that children should not be stopped from playing as much as they want. We contrast the view of humans, science, and knowledge promoted there by David Deutsch with the more pessimistic view of thinkers such as J…

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343 - Road House & Civil War 1:19:53

1y ago1:19:53

1:19:53

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan discuss the history of The Real Ghostbusters. The new trailers for Krazy House, Monster Mash, Under Paris, MaXXXine, and STREAM. The news of a potential Barbella reboot, Godzilla Minus One release date, and the voice of Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Movies reviewed are Civil War (2024) and Ro…

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Episode 83: Popper's Second Axis (aka Bruce's Epistemology?) 2:01:24

1y ago2:01:24

2:01:24

Bruce summarizes his (unique?) understanding of Karl Popper’s epistemology that (possibly?) straddles the line between orthodox and unorthodox and is Influenced both by Deutsch, more old school Popperians, and his own unique interpretation of critical rationalism. Bruce claims that the key difference between regular "folk epistemology" (i.e. how hu…

1
342 - Ghostbusters Frozen Empire 1:17:51

1y ago1:17:51

1:17:51

In this episode of B Movies and Beyond, Peter and Ryan saw Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire!!! They ask the question which ghost they would like to meet. The new trailers for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and Unfrosted. The news of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and the Poohenverse. Enjoy!

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Peter Johansen Podcasts

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