Best Alex Chau Podcasts (2025)

1
Caylee So - Filmmaker 1:04:41

20h ago1:04:41

1:04:41

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, I sit down with Caylee So, a Cambodian-American filmmaker, veteran, and co-founder of the Cambodian Town Film Festival. Born in a refugee camp after her parents fled the Khmer Rouge, Caylee shares her incredible journey from growing up in Virginia to serving in the Army National Guard and ultim…

1
Ray Bradbury's The Veldt 46:33

5d ago46:33

46:33

Imagine a Jetsons-esque home that attempts to meet all of your needs while also featuring a room that makes your imagination into reality. Add some behaviorally troubled children imagining bloodthirsty lions into the mix, and you have the setup for Ray Bradbury's The Veldt. In a dystopian tale that would make an excellent episode of Black Mirror, B…

1
Michael McShane on Shakespeare's King Lear 1:21:58

12d ago1:21:58

1:21:58

Recorded at the most recent ACTC conference, this episode features Michael McShane—educator, writer, and Shakespearean interlocutor—in a wide-ranging discussion of King Lear with both Greg and Alex. The group examine the play’s structural and philosophical dimensions, from the politics of authority and the aesthetics of suffering to questions of ju…

1
Deacon Harrison Garlick on Gorgias, Part III 1:21:26

19d ago1:21:26

1:21:26

To celebrate The New Thinkery's 250th episode... David and Alex take the week off. Instead, Greg joins Deacon Harrison Garlick of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, to take a closer look at the third section of Plato's Gorgias which centers on a dialogue between Socrates and Calicles. The pair follow Socrates as he dismantles the arguments of Callic…

1
Bernard J. Dobski on Mark Twain's Recollections of Joan of Arc 1:02:53

26d ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Professor B.J. Dobski joins Greg and David this week to examine Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, a work that stands in stark contrast to Twain’s more familiar satirical writings. Through careful analysis, and using his latest book—Mark Twain’s Joan of Arc: Political Wisdom, Divine Justice, and the Origins of Modernity—as a backdr…

1
Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God 50:48

1M ago50:48

50:48

This week, Alex and Greg dive into Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God, unraveling its haunting exploration of madness, ambition, and the human condition. They trace the film’s philosophical undercurrents—from existential isolation to the limits of power—set against the backdrop of the unforgiving Amazon. Through sharp analysis and reflective…

1
Kierkegaard's Philosophical Fragments with Rob Wyllie & Matt Dinan 1:09:40

1M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

This week, Greg has locked David and Alex out of the recording room, and replaced them with Kierkegaard scholars Rob Wyllie & Matt Dinan. Together, they dive into Kierkegaard's Philosophical Fragments to examine what it means to become a self, whether truth can be received as a gift, and why Socrates might need a divine upgrade. It’s a lively explo…

1
Loung Ung - Author of "First They Killed My Father" 42:02

1M ago42:02

42:02

With the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge upon us, I’m honored to share a conversation that holds so much weight, truth, and heart. In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, I sit down with Loung Ung, Cambodian-American author, activist, and survivor. You probably know Loung from her memoir First They Killed My Father, which tells t…

1
Eric Adler on Language Studies & "Decolonizing the Curriculum" 1:08:35

2M ago1:08:35

1:08:35

With the stock market tanking, Alex has fled the country to verify family artifacts are still in a vault in case we go back to bartering. Meanwhile, David and Greg have replaced him this week with The New Thinkery's most prolific guest, Eric Adler, professor of classics and chair of the department at the University of Maryland at College Park. The …

1
Jean Renoir's Rules of the Game 48:29

2M ago48:29

48:29

Jean Renoir’s Rules of the Game isn’t just a classic film—it’s a sharp critique of society, morality, and the masks we wear. In this episode, all three of the guys sit down to break down how the film exposes the illusions of class, love, and human nature, all under the guise of a lighthearted, bordering on flippant comedy that ends with a homicide.…

1
Jean-Baptiste Phou - Author of “Coming Out of My Skin” 1:05:53

2M ago1:05:53

1:05:53

French-Cambodian artist Jean-Baptiste Phou joins Death in Cambodia, Life in America Podcast for a powerful conversation about identity, creative expression, and the journey of reconnection. Born in Paris and now based in Phnom Penh, Jean-Baptiste reflects on growing up as a Cambodian immigrant in France, grappling with cultural disconnection, and u…

1
Patrick Callahan on Pindar 1:08:32

2M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

This week, a full complement of hosts is joined by Prof. Patrick Callahan, Assistant Professor of English and Humanities at St. Gregory the Great Seminary to discuss Pindar's The Odes. A Theban poet for hire, Pindar's works present some unique challenges in disentangling their true meaning, and what he was actually like. Fortunately, Prof. Callahan…

1
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part III 43:58

2M ago43:58

43:58

Alex sits down with Brian Chau of From the New World for an extended discussion on a range of topics, from building up UATX, to the Online Right, to Strauss on reactionary thought and esoteric writing. The pair tackle it all. In this closing episode, Brian and Alex focus on interpretations of Bronze Age Pervert, including critique of the man himsel…

1
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part II 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

Alex sits down with Brian Chau of From the New World for an extended discussion on a range of topics, from building up UATX, to the Online Right, to Strauss on reactionary thought and esoteric writing. The pair tackle it all. This week, the focus shifts to a look at Hobbesian philosophy and Machiavellianism.…

1
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part I 59:15

3M ago59:15

59:15

This week, Alex sits down with Brian Chau of From the New World for an extended discussion on a range of topics, from building up UATX, to the Online Right, to Strauss on reactionary thought and esoteric writing. The pair tackle it all. Plus, is Gen Z the most esoteric generation to date?By The New Thinkery

1
Spencer Klavan on Epicureanism 1:06:34

3M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

A full complement of the guys are joined by Spencer Klavan, repeat offender on the show, host of Young Heretics, newly minted lecturer in the Classica and Languages programs at New College, associate editor at the Claremont Review of Books, and author most recently of Gateway to the Epicureans: Epicurus, Lecretius, and their Modern Heirs. The group…

1
Zena Hitz on Plato's Charmides 1:00:50

3M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

In this episode, the guys are all here, and joined by Zena Hitz of St. John's College. Together, the group dive into Plato’s Charmides. What does true wisdom look like? Can self-knowledge lead to a well-ordered soul? Listen in as the cast explore the dialogue’s reflections on temperance, philosophy, and the limits of human understanding. Plato’s in…

1
Richard Velkley on Heidegger and Strauss 1:08:37

3M ago1:08:37

1:08:37

In this rerelease of The New Thinkery, the guys are back to help bring in the new year, and are joined by Dr. Richard Velkley, the Celia Scott Weatherhead Professor of Philosophy at Tulane University. They discuss Heidegger, Leo Strauss, and the underlying premises of philosophy. After you've heard the serious stuff, stick around for the lightning …

1
Patricia McCormick - Author of Never Fall Down 51:01

4M ago51:01

51:01

In this episode of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, we sit down with Patricia McCormick, a two-time National Book Award finalist and the acclaimed author of Never Fall Down, a powerful novel based on the true story of Arne Chorn-Pond, a boy who survived the Khmer Rouge by playing music. With a background in journalism and a passion for storytell…

1
Averroes and al-Ghazali 1:07:03

4M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

In this rerun of the inaugural episode of The New Thinkery, join the guys as they analyze Averroes' Decisive Treatise and al-Ghazali's Decisive Criterion. Their readings of these great works of medieval Islamic philosophy illuminate the relationship between reason and revelation. If you enjoyed the decisive treatise, check out Charles Butterworth's…

1
Devin Stauffer on Leo Strauss' Natural Right & History, Chapter 4 1:03:18

4M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

This week, David has once again died, but Alex and Greg have brought back Dr. Devin Stauffer, Professor and Associate Chair of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. Together, the group dive into chapter four of Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History. Stauffer unpacks Strauss' critique of relativism, his reflections on modernity, and his …

1
Christopher Nadon On Classical Education and Why Kids Can't Read Good No More 58:40

4M ago58:40

58:40

This week, Alex and Greg meet up at UATX and are joined by Dr. Christopher Nadon, Associate Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College and teacher of Western Civilization and humanities at Emet Classical Academy in New York. The group touch on Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind before delving into Dr. Nadon's experience with j…

1
Sin Setsochhata - Singer/Songwriter 1:00:25

4M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

We’re back with Season 3 of Death in Cambodia, Life in America, and we’re still going strong with incredible interviews! This week, we’re joined by Sin Setsochhata, a rising singer-songwriter from Phnom Penh and the granddaughter of the legendary Sinn Sisamouth—Cambodia’s “Elvis” and a trailblazer of Khmer rock. Setsochhata opens up about growing u…

1
Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on Strauss' Debate with Jacob Klein 1:19:21

4M ago1:19:21

1:19:21

This week, the guys are back and joined once again by Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov to further discuss their latest edited volume, Leo Strauss' Published but Uncollected English Writings, which serves as the backdrop for this episode. This time around, the group primarily analyze Strauss' debate with Jacob Klein before turning to a quick look at…

1
Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on the Intention of Rousseau 47:18

5M ago47:18

47:18

This week, David has been brought back from the dead, but that didn't stop Greg and Alex from bringing two guests on for the show this week: Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov. The two have a new volume out Leo Strauss' Published but Uncollected English Writings that collects Strauss' essays that had previously been circulated mostly in scattered, on…

1
Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part II 53:16

5M ago53:16

53:16

Happy New Year from The New Thinkery! This week concludes the Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium panel from two weeks ago. The group jumps right into it with questions on tragedy and comedy, explores the definition of eros, and more, before wrapping up with the tiny little question, "what is philosophy?" If you haven't already, listen to the first pa…

1
Adam Carrington on John Ford's Three Godfathers 46:42

5M ago46:42

46:42

In this special Christmas edition, Greg and Alex delve into John Ford’s poignant Western, Three Godfathers. A tale of redemption, faith, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season, the film offers a unique lens on themes of sacrifice and grace. We’re joined by Professor Adam Carrington, who brings his thoughtful perspective to this timeless stor…

1
Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part I 1:01:52

5M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

This week, Greg and David take a break and let Alex do the talking, joined by multiple respected academics as the group gather to discuss Strauss' views on Plato's symposium, in part informed by panelist Rasoul Namazi and Svetozar Minkov's latest book, Leo Strauss on Religion: Writings and Interpretations. This episode includes an homage to Christo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Alex Chau Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Geeks in a Pod

Derek Wong, Jeff Wang, Arthur Hsiao & Alex Chau

1
The New Thinkery

The New Thinkery

1
Death in Cambodia, Life in America

Dorothy Chow

1
The Discourse

The Discourse

1
Caylee So - Filmmaker 1:04:41

1
Ray Bradbury's The Veldt 46:33

1
Michael McShane on Shakespeare's King Lear 1:21:58

1
Deacon Harrison Garlick on Gorgias, Part III 1:21:26

1
Bernard J. Dobski on Mark Twain's Recollections of Joan of Arc 1:02:53

1
Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God 50:48

1
Kierkegaard's Philosophical Fragments with Rob Wyllie & Matt Dinan 1:09:40

1
Loung Ung - Author of "First They Killed My Father" 42:02

1
Eric Adler on Language Studies & "Decolonizing the Curriculum" 1:08:35

1
Jean Renoir's Rules of the Game 48:29

1
Jean-Baptiste Phou - Author of “Coming Out of My Skin” 1:05:53

1
Patrick Callahan on Pindar 1:08:32

1
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part III 43:58

1
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part II 59:07

1
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part I 59:15

1
Spencer Klavan on Epicureanism 1:06:34

1
Zena Hitz on Plato's Charmides 1:00:50

1
Richard Velkley on Heidegger and Strauss 1:08:37

1
Patricia McCormick - Author of Never Fall Down 51:01

1
Averroes and al-Ghazali 1:07:03

1
Devin Stauffer on Leo Strauss' Natural Right & History, Chapter 4 1:03:18

1
Christopher Nadon On Classical Education and Why Kids Can't Read Good No More 58:40

1
Sin Setsochhata - Singer/Songwriter 1:00:25

1
Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on Strauss' Debate with Jacob Klein 1:19:21

1
Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on the Intention of Rousseau 47:18

1
Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part II 53:16

1
Adam Carrington on John Ford's Three Godfathers 46:42

1
Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part I 1:01:52

Quick Reference Guide