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Intellectual Freedom Podcast

Intellectual Freedom Podcast

By: David D. Hopkins PhD
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About this listen

Intellectual freedom is not just a buzzword. It is a fundamental necessity for human civilization and your life's flourishing. It is the essence of the human spirit to question, explore, and seek answers to the most profound questions that confront us every day.

Without intellectual freedom, we are but slaves to the whims of those in power, unable to challenge authority, push boundaries, or pursue truth. In our post-modern world, ignorance and oppression weigh heavy on all of us, stifling creativity, innovation, and progress. The quest for knowledge is not a luxury. It is a basic human need. Only through intellectual freedom can we unlock the full potential of our collective intellect and build a brighter future for all.

This podcast explores topics in culture, philosophy, wisdom literature, and complex problems we all confront in life.

© 2025 Intellectual Freedom Podcast
Personal Development Personal Success Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • #126: Student Loans Don’t Care About Your "Dream College" Feelings
    Sep 16 2025

    Stop letting your emotions make six-figure decisions. Choosing a college isn’t like buying a car. But too often, that’s how it’s sold—on vibes, not value. In this episode, Dr. David D. Hopkins unpacks how emotional decision-making can lead to lifelong debt and why parents need to think (and act) strategically before signing off on six-figure loans.

    You'll hear a real-world case: a father whose son wants to take out $85K for a criminal justice degree—because the campus "feels right." Dr. Hopkins breaks down why that’s a financial trap, how to reframe the conversation, and why saying “no” might be the most loving thing you can do.

    💡 Perfect for parents, students, and anyone questioning whether college is a wise investment—or an emotional landmine.

    Visit my website at davidhopkins.com.

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    27 mins
  • #125: From Dream to Scam? Rethinking College in America
    Sep 8 2025

    College is sold as the golden ticket—but is it? In this episode, David D. Hopkins unpacks the promises and pitfalls of higher education in America. From soaring tuition costs and crushing student debt to the shifting value of degrees in today’s job market, we cut through the hype and ask the hard questions: Is college still worth it? Or has it become one of the biggest scams of our time?

    Whether you’re a student, parent, or lifelong learner, this episode will give you the tools to rethink what education should look like—and how to make smarter choices about your future.

    Visit my website at davidhopkins.com.

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    28 mins
  • #124: Echoes of Tyranny: The Seduction of Safety and the Price of Freedom (Part 7)
    Oct 18 2024

    In this final episode of the Echoes of Tyranny series, we delve deep into the chilling conclusions of George Orwell's '1984' and Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', exploring their haunting relevance in today’s world. We break down the different forms of control portrayed in these dystopian classics—Orwell's brutal force through fear and Huxley's seductive oppression through comfort—and how they reflect the ways power manipulates society now.

    Drawing comparisons between these novels and our current reality, we discuss how government surveillance, censorship, and corporate control over information have crept into modern life, often justified as "for our own good." With references to C.S. Lewis's warning about the tyranny of moral busybodies, we uncover how well-intentioned actions can turn into dangerous tools of oppression.

    From thought-policing to the rise of the nanny state, this episode is a call to stay vigilant, resist complacency, and safeguard our freedom—before we lose it, one "good intention" at a time. If you’ve ever wondered how Orwell and Huxley’s warnings apply to today’s world, this episode ties it all together.

    Maximize Your Learning: Reading Along with the Series

    To get the most out of this series, we recommend reading 1984 and Brave New World along with us. This will deepen your understanding and help you critically engage with the parallels between fiction and reality.

    • 1984, George Orwell: Finish the book!
    • Brave New World, Aldous Huxley: Finish the book!

    Visit my website at davidhopkins.com.

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    32 mins
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