Feeding Curiosity cover art

Feeding Curiosity

Feeding Curiosity

Written by: Erich Wenzel
Listen for free

About this listen

This podcast is a space for slow, curious conversations about the stories shaping our inner lives. We explore symbolism, archetypes, faith, philosophy, and thought experiments hidden inside film, anime, sci-fi, and modern myth. Using pop culture as a starting point—not the destination—we ask what these stories reveal about meaning, morality, identity, and being human in a chaotic world.Erich Wenzel Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Frankenstein: A Timeless Allegory in the Age of AI
    Jan 27 2026

    This episode delves into the timeless story of Frankenstein through the lens of Guillermo del Toro's cinematic adaptation, emphasizing the symbolic and philosophical depth of Mary Shelley's original work. The discussion highlights parallels between Victor Frankenstein's rationalist worldview and contemporary issues surrounding artificial intelligence and technological advancements. The conversation explores themes such as the historical context of the Enlightenment, the mechanization of society, ethical dilemmas in AI, and the spiritual and cultural implications of our modern-day Faustian pursuits.


    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction to Frankenstein

    00:03 Del Toro's Unique Approach

    01:38 The Symbolism in Frankenstein

    01:58 Victor Frankenstein's Early Life

    04:16 Historical Context and Rationality

    05:03 The Rise of German Intellectualism

    08:07 Alchemy and the Myth of Faust

    12:34 The Split Between Rationality and Emotion

    16:54 Victor's Ambition and Downfall

    21:00 The Monster's Perspective

    44:05 The Paperclip Problem and Rationality

    45:38 Urbanization and Its Impact

    46:49 The Shift to Urban Living

    47:08 The Rise of Cities Globally

    48:11 Artists and Intuition

    48:53 The Rationalistic Worldview

    49:07 Medieval Era and Symbolism

    51:24 The Decline of Spirituality

    55:14 AI and the Future of Humanity

    57:12 The Ethical Dilemmas of AI

    01:00:16 The Power and Resource Dilemma

    01:13:32 The Philosophical Implications of AI

    01:29:26 The Future of Civilization


    For more, head to our website: https://feedingcuriosity.net/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 32 mins
  • Delving Deep Into "Chainsaw Man": Symbolism, Archetypes, and the Hero’s Journey
    Jan 6 2026

    Chainsaw Man looks like chaos—but beneath the blood and devils lies a mythic story about fear, control, and the cost of desire. In this episode, we break down the symbolism, archetypes, and psychological journey that turn Chainsaw Man into one of the most compelling modern anime narratives.


    Show Notes:

    00:00 Introduction and Setup

    00:17 Diving into Chainsaw Man

    02:30 Understanding the Devils

    05:35 Symbolism and Real-World Parallels

    12:44 The Chain of Being

    30:42 Character Analysis: Denji, Aki, and Power

    35:30 The Great Mother Archetype

    37:29 Power Moves In

    38:43 Chainsaw Man's Deeper Resonance

    41:07 Reze Arc: A Turning Point

    44:17 First Love and Betrayal

    52:48 The Role of Angels and Demons

    01:05:11 Power's Transformation ( Spoilers Start Now)

    01:08:08 Adolescence and the Fantasy of Youth

    01:08:51 The Dangers of Escaping into Fantasy

    01:09:29 The Perils of Modern Medicine

    01:12:09 Chainsaw Man: The Control Devil

    01:13:12 The Dark Side of Femininity

    01:17:15 The Tragic Story of Aki

    01:18:37 The Philosophy of Power and Control

    01:25:34 The Hero's Journey and Cultural Narratives

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 40 mins
  • Exploring AI's Role and Limitations: From Corporate Automation to Human Creativity
    Feb 23 2025

    In this episode of Feeding Curiosity, the hosts explore the implications of AI technology, discussing concerns about AI replacing human productivity; they debate the potential and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT. The conversation covers corporate automation, the dangers of over-reliance on AI, and its inability to generate original thought or creativity. They examine how AI's capacity to reorganize known information could transform industries while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human consciousness and creativity in problem-solving. The discussion concludes by urging a balanced perspective on AI, advocating for its use as a complementary tool rather than a solution to all problems.


    00:00 Introduction and Context

    00:40 Concerns About AI and Human Flourishing

    02:13 The Role of AI in Corporate Communication

    03:09 The Nature of ChatGPT and Its Limitations

    04:29 The Evolution of Industrial Revolutions and AI

    05:45 Challenges and Opportunities with AI

    06:46 The Importance of Asking Good Questions

    09:52 ChatGPT's Understanding of Language

    22:41 Art, Consciousness, and AI

    26:44 Future Prospects of AI

    29:36 Understanding Semantic and Procedural Memory

    30:13 Challenges in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

    32:10 The Role of Episodic Memory

    33:30 AI and the Future of Work

    34:45 The Power of Dreams and Visionary Experiences

    37:15 The Unique Human Ability to Process Information

    39:04 The Risks of Over-Reliance on AI

    41:23 The Promise and Pitfalls of AI Integration

    45:30 The Importance of Genuine Communication

    53:57 Concluding Thoughts on AI and Human Interaction

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
No reviews yet