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PODCAST

Preconceived

Preconceived, hosted by Zale Mednick, dives deep into the intricacies of human experience, challenging the assumptions that shape our understanding of the world. In each episode, Zale engages with leading experts, thought leaders, and individuals with unique perspectives to uncover the layers beneath societal norms and expectations. From exploring cultural phenomena to dissecting scientific breakthroughs, Preconceived invites its listeners to question their preconceptions about love, life,

society & culture self-improvement

All Episodes

46:57

304. Do People Feel Guilty After Cheating?

Preconceived ·

2026/02/10

In this episode ofPreconceived, Zale explores the often misunderstood topic of infidelity, revealing why cheating is more common and psychologically complex than it appears on the surface. Joined by Dr. Dylan Selterman, a Johns Hopkins psychology professor, this discussion uncovers the motivations, psychological factors, and societal influences around cheating in relationships. Notably, the episode delves into the surprising revelation that many individuals do not regret cheating, examining the

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58:29

What Is Life Really Like In North Korea?

Preconceived ·

2026/02/03

There is perhaps no country in the world more perplexing and bewildering than North Korea. Considered by many as a silo shut off from the rest of the world, much of North Korea is shrouded in mystery. Unfortunately, much of that mystery involves a dictatorial regime and severe oppression of its peoples. But what exactly does it look like inside of North Korea? What are our preconceptions about North Korea, and equally important, what are the preconceptions that North Koreans might hold about the

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44:48

303. Why Do People Become War Journalists - and What...

Preconceived ·

2026/01/27

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale engages with Dr. Anthony Feinstein to explore the intricate world of war journalism. They discuss the psychological hurdles faced by war correspondents, the motivations that drive them into conflict zones, and the unique challenges they encounter compared to military personnel. Dr. Feinstein shares insights from his pioneering research on the mental health of journalists, highlighting the importance of understanding trauma and the moral responsibilities of news

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31:44

302. Defensive Pessimism - Are There Some Benefits to...

Preconceived ·

2026/01/13

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of happiness and melancholy with Professor Julie Norem, a psychology expert from Wellesley College. They delve into the strategy of defensive pessimism, discussing how it can be a beneficial approach for managing anxiety and achieving goals. The conversation also touches on societal pressures to maintain constant happiness and the value of embracing negative emotions as part of a rich, authentic life.Check out Julie's book at

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55:42

301. Is Democracy Dying?

Preconceived ·

2026/01/06

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the concept of democracy and its current state in the world, particularly in the United States. He is joined by Peter Biro, a lawyer, writer, and NGO leader, who discusses the importance of not taking democracy for granted and the potential threats it faces. The conversation delves into the meaning of democracy, its perceived sanctity, and the role of liberal constitutionalism in combating democratic backsliding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

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1:05:15

300. The Wokeness Debate - Unpacking Gender Identity...

Preconceived ·

2025/12/16

In this 300th episode of Preconceived, we dive deep into the intricate world of wokeness—a term that has sparked both fervent support and intense debate. What does it truly mean to be 'woke'? How has this cultural phenomenon reshaped our conversations around identity, free speech, and societal norms? Join us as we unravel these questions with our guest, Eric Kaufman, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a critical eye to the discussion. Check out Eric's latest book Third Awokening at

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46:31

299. The Essence of Invention

Preconceived ·

2025/12/02

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale sits down with Dr. Kieran Murphy, a renowned inventor and professor of radiology, to explore the essence of invention and creativity in medicine. Dr. Murphy shares his journey from medical innovations to his thoughts on the socio-economic factors that influence creativity. Discover how invention is not just about genius but a mindset, and learn about the challenges and triumphs in the world of medical creativity. Dr. Kieran Murphy's Book -

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59:04

298. Forced Fatherhood - Male Reproductive Rights

Preconceived ·

2025/11/25

In this episode of the podcast, Zale has a discussion with Laurie Shrage about the often-overlooked topic of male reproductive rights. The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding male reproductive autonomy, contrasting it with the more widely discussed female reproductive rights. Ultimately, this episode gets at the question of whether or not men should be able to opt out of fatherhood if it is early on enough in the pregnancy when the female could still get an abortion. Laurie

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54:22

297. Good Vibrations - The Neuroscience of Music

Preconceived ·

2025/11/11

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale explores the profound impact of music on our emotions and well-being with guest Stefan Kölsch, a renowned psychologist and neuroscientist. They discuss the science behind music's ability to evoke emotions, enhance mood, and even offer therapeutic benefits. Stefan shares insights from his book "Good Vibrations," highlighting how music can be used intentionally to foster mental resilience and social connection.Good Vibrations -

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49:32

296. BDSM - More Common Than You Think

Preconceived ·

2025/11/04

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale delves into the often misunderstood world of BDSM with guest Alicia Walker, an associate professor of sociology. They explore the complexities of bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism, and masochism, discussing why these practices appeal to many, and how they contribute to personal happiness. Zale tries to understand why the idea of being humiliated would appeal to some, while the act of inflicting pain would appeal to others. Alicia shares lessons

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50:04

Taylor Swift - In a League of Her Own

Preconceived ·

2025/10/28

Taylor Swift is arguably the most famous person in the world – a pop star the likes of whom many of us haven’t seen in our lifetimes. Especially over the past year with the release of her latest album Midnights and her record-breaking The Eras Tour, it’s not crazy to wonder if what we are witnessing right now is somewhat analogous to the Beatlemania of the 1960s. So what exactly is the phenomenon of Taylor Swift? Why has she risen to the heights that she has and captivated so many people like few

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48:25

295. Achieving Elite Performance

Preconceived ·

2025/10/21

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale interviews Dr. Cassidy Preston, a high-performance coach who works with professional athletes and surgeons. They discuss the importance of mindset, dealing with stress, and achieving high performance in high-pressure environments. Cassidy shares insights on the inside-out approach to mindset, the role of acceptance, and the significance of routines and preparation.Learn more about Dr. Cassidy Preston -https://drcassidypreston.com/ Hosted on Acast. See

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50:01

294. History's Famous Druggies

Preconceived ·

2025/10/14

In this episode, Zale is joined by Sam Kelly, author of 'Human History on Drugs', to explore the complex morality surrounding drug use throughout history. They discuss the historical context of drug perception, the stigmatization of drug use, and the philosophical views on drugs. The conversation delves into notable historical figures such as Freud, Marcus Aurelius, Shakespeare, and Alexander the Great, examining their relationships with drugs and how these experiences shaped their legacies. Human

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50:30

293. Love isn't Always Magic - And That's Okay

Preconceived ·

2025/09/30

In this episode, Zale engages with social psychologist Pamela Regan to explore the complexities of modern love, including the romantic ideal, different love styles, and the impact of societal expectations on relationships. They discuss the validity of arranged marriages, the burden of expecting one partner to fulfill all emotional needs, and the importance of recognizing the fluctuations in love and commitment over time. The conversation emphasizes that love is multifaceted and can take many forms,

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59:52

292. Titanic - A Tragedy of Hubris?

Preconceived ·

2025/09/16

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale delves into the enduring fascination with the Titanic disaster, exploring themes of hubris, human nature, and historical myth-making. Joined by Professor Stephanie Barczewski, a specialist in modern British history, they unravel the complex narratives surrounding the Titanic's ill-fated voyage, examining the decisions made, the societal norms of the time, and the compelling stories of heroism and tragedy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more

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44:10

291. Protecting Kids in the Digital Age

Preconceived ·

2025/09/09

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted impact of technology on modern parenting. Our discussion covers a range of topics, including the challenges of limiting technology use, which tech platforms are less harmful than others, and which facets of technology are most detrimental to childhood development. Tune in for practical advice, real-life stories, and a thoughtful examination of how technology is influencing the way we raise our children. Katy Albert joins the podcast. Katy Albert's Website

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47:59

Christianity - Compelling Truth or Indoctrination?

Preconceived ·

2025/09/02

With over two billion followers worldwide, Christianity is the most popular religion in the world. For some, the preconception is ‘of course Christianity is the correct religious view’, with so many people subscribing to it. For others, the preconception might be, ‘how is it possible that so many people believe in a religion defined by a historical event that nobody can prove?’. Because in contrast to many other religions and worldviews, Christianity is perhaps more predicated than any on a specific

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49:26

290. Born Remembering - When Kids Recall Past Lives

Preconceived ·

2025/08/26

In this episode of Preconceived, Zale discusses the phenomenon of Past Life Memories (PLMs) with Marietta Pehlivanova, a research assistant professor at the University of Virginia's Division of Perceptual Studies. The conversation primarily focuses on children who recount having memories of past lives. Marietta explains the research approaches, highlights compelling cases, and discusses the challenges of verifying these memories. The episode delves into specific cases, such as that of a young boy

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39:07

289. Genocide in Gaza? (Part 2 - An Argument in...

Preconceived ·

2025/08/19

In this second episode of the two-part mini-series on the war in Gaza, Jeffrey Herf shares his point of view on why Israel is NOT committing genocide in Gaza. He provides a historical definition of genocide, contrasting it with the current situation, which he argues is a war rather than an act of genocide. Herf emphasizes the role of Hamas as the aggressor and the complexities of civilian casualties in warfare. He also addresses the moral dilemmas faced by Israel and the need for a stable post-war

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1:06:04

288. Genocide in Gaza? (Part 1 - An Argument Against...

Preconceived ·

2025/08/12

In this two part mini-series of Preconceived, we explore the question of whether or not Israel's war with Gaza qualifies as a genocide. We delve into the complex and sensitive topic of genocide, focusing on the role of intent and context in its definition. Joined by Professor Omer Bartov, we explore the historical and legal frameworks that shape our understanding of genocide, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Bartov, an Israeli historian and former IDF

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352 results

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