In this episode, I explore why most New Year’s resolutions fail. Happy New Year! :D #NewYearsResolutions #SelfImprovement #PersonalGrowth #Motivation #Mindfulness #Habits #MakersRagePodcast https://www.facebook.com/TheMakersRage/ https://www.instagram.com/themakersrage/ Music by LiteSaturation from Pixabay

Five and a Half Great Things About Christmas | Maker's Rage Podcast Join Darren in the Maker's Rage podcast as he explores five fascinating aspects of Christmas and one not-so-great aspect in this seasonal episode. Discover the historical, cultural, and mythological roots of Christmas, from its early Christian origins and pagan influences to the traditions of gift-giving, winter festivities, and the commercialization of the holiday. Dive deep into interesting insights about iconic Christmas...

In this episode of The Makers Rage Podcast, Darren tackles the concept of the Western Canon—a collection of literature, music, philosophy, and art considered essential to Western culture. What makes a work canonical? Who decides? From its origins in religious texts like the Bible to Harold Bloom’s defense of aesthetic greatness, Darren explores how consensus, selection bias, and cultural politics shape our understanding of greatness. This episode examines debates about inclusivity, the evolut...

In this episode of The Makers Rage Podcast, I explore Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, and her influence on the intersection of art, science, and creativity. From ancient beliefs about the music of the spheres to Johannes Kepler’s view of celestial harmonies, I examine how the study of the stars evolved from mystical art to empirical science. I also discuss Urania’s role in poetry, her symbolism through the globe and compass, and the historical significance of constellations, the Zod...

Welcome to the new series on the Makers Rage podcast, where we explore "Five and a Half Great Things" that have defined the Olympic Games across history. We’ll journey back to 776 BCE, when the Olympic flame was first lit, and the stadion race marked the beginning of an era. Discover how the games evolved, from the introduction of the pentathlon and hoplitodromos to the creation of the Panhellenic games, uniting Greek city-states in friendly competition. We’ll note the impact of the Rom...

In this episode, we delve into the Hero's Journey, focusing on Joseph Campbell's famous excursus. As an addendum to our previous discussion on epics, we'll explore Campbell's three main stages of storytelling: 'departure or separation,' 'initiation,' and 'return,' which he calls the "nuclear unit of the monomyth." This episode examines how Campbell's seventeen-step breakdown accommodates variations in stories, myths, and fables across cultures and time. We'll also discuss rites of passage, hi...

In this episode of The Makers Rage Podcast, I'll be continuing my series on the Muses by discussing the chief of the nine sister, Calliope, who presides over the Epic. I'll therefore exploring this vast and enduring genre in literature and its powerful influence across time. From the ancient verses of the Iliad and the Mahabharata to the groundbreaking narrative techniques in James Joyce's Ulysses, I'll explore how these monumental works have shaped storytelling and how the epic genre p...

Today, let's explore Immanuel Kant's "What is Enlightenment?" This 1784 essay questioned our perception of enlightenment itself. Kant suggested that enlightenment emerges from self-imposed immaturity, urging us to "Dare to Know." He criticized reliance on external guidance, advocating for independent thinking. Kant warned against surrendering autonomy to societal guardians, urging us to challenge complacency. Reflecting on his essay, I wonder if Enlightenment is ongoing. Despite revolutions a...

In this Introductory episode on a new series, I delve into the intricate evolution of our perception of muses, focusing particularly on the ancient Greek Nine Muses. I challenge traditional notions, questioning the gendered and divine characteristics attributed to muses, while reflecting on their absence in certain artistic domains. Tracing historical references from Homer to Shakespeare, I examine how various artists invoked muses through history. The podcast explores the challenges of prese...

Discussing examples of how the human body has been depicted in the visual arts throughout history, from the ancient world through the middle ages and Renaissance to the present. Introduction: In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of the human body in art, exploring its evolution, representations, and significance across various historical periods and cultures. From the idealized forms of ancient Greece to the raw realism of the Renaissance and the challenging perspectives of c...

A reading of Samuel Johnson's brief essay on the limitations of human achievement with commentary and discussion of his life and times. Introduction: Talent Alone Doesn’t Guarantee Success Host: DarrenWelcome to the Makers Rage PodcastDiscussion of Samuel Johnson's essay on "The Limits of Human Achievement"Emphasis on the theme of self-reproach for lack of application and lazinessSamuel Johnson: A Productive Genius Overview of Samuel Johnson's prolific work, particularly the Dictionary...

Discussing the role of A.I. in human creativity and its future implications. Also, will a computer ever become conscious, be able to create original art, literature, music, etc.? I. The Luddites and Historical Resistance to Technology Description of the Luddite movement during the Napoleonic WarsIntroduction of the Lace Frame machine and its impact on textile workersWorkers' protests and destruction of machinesGovernment response and the ensuing conflictII. The Writer’s Strike 2023: A Modern...

When Einstein was 16, he appears to have conducted his first thought experiment, imagining what things would look like if he travelled on a beam of light. This was an approach he'd continue to use throughout his career of using thought experiments to investigate the mysteries of the universe, an approach other great Theoretical Physicists of the 20th century like Bohr and Schrodinger would emulate to explore the mysteries of the quantum. Indeed some of the greatest experiments of the 20th cen...

The pros and cons of making a deal with the devil, particularly for musical talent. Introduction: Host: DarrenTopic: Pacts with the DevilFocus: Examining the folklore and cultural significance of making deals with the devilSegment 1: Adam, Eve, Jesus Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by the devil before his crucifixionReflection on Adam and Eve's original sin in the Garden of EdenLucifer's rebellion and temptation, leading to his fallThe enduring theme of trading something for forb...

What is it? Where does it come from? 1. What is Inspiration? Dreams: Our journey begins with the surreal landscapes of dreams. How do these nocturnal adventures contribute to the wellspring of inspiration? We explore the connection between dreams and creative insights, examining the role of the subconscious mind in shaping innovative thoughts. Muses and Daemons: Delving into ancient mythology, we uncover the concept of muses and daemons as sources of inspiration. From the inspirational whisp...

Introductory episode endeavoring to answer what I mean by 'the makers rage' and its relation to creativity. 1. The Maker’s Rage Introduction to the concept of "The Maker’s Rage."Exploring the driving force behind creativity and the intense passion that fuels the creative process. 2. What’s In a Name Delving into the significance of names and how they can influence the creative process.Understanding the power of language and its impact on the artistic expression. 3. Creativity Today Examini...

Trailer for The Makers Rage Podcast on the history of ideas and creativity. Host: DarrenPodcast Title: Makers RageTheme: Exploring the history of ideas, creative impulses, and manifestations in arts and sciences.Inspiration for the title: Wallace Stevens' poem 'An Idea of Order at Key West.'The podcast delves into the innate desire to create, referred to as "the makers rage."Key Points: Defining the Makers Rage:Darren introduces the concept of "the makers rage" as the innate proclivity to c...