Hi-Phi Nation

A philosophy podcast that turns stories into ideas.

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About the Show

Hi-Phi Nation is philosophy in story form, integrating narrative journalism with big ideas. We look at stories from everyday life, law, science, popular culture, and strange corners of human experiences that raise thought-provoking questions about things like justice, knowledge, the self, morality, and existence. We then seek answers with the help of academics and philosophers. The show is produced and hosted by Barry Lam of Vassar College.

Host

  • Barry Lam is host and producer of Hi-Phi Nation and Professor of Philosophy at UC Riverside, and Visiting Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University.

Rise of the Music Machines

Exploring A.I. vocal mimicry, music generation, and musical improvisation.

Effective Altruism and its Critics

How to give to charity ethically.

The Problem with Gig Work

Looking for Fairness in the Gig Economy

Love in the Time of Replika

A.I. lets you design your perfect companion. What happens when you fall in love with it?

Living in a Zoopolis

What’s next for the legal recognition of animals?

The Digital Future of Grief

If you create an A.I. version of a dying loved one, do you ever really grieve?

Cannibals

Why the consumption of human flesh gives God such a headache.

Zombies

This undead monster is the central figure for thinking about human consciousness.

Vampires

What a seductive demon teaches us about making life-changing decisions.

How We Memorialize Tragic Events

When respecting and remembering loss collides with the demands of history and politics.

Life, Edited

Genetically modified wildlife is ready to be released.

The Selfless Kidney Donor

Are humans evolving to become altruistic?

The Man of Many Worlds, Part 4

The last year of David Lewis’ life, God, and his legacy.

The Man of Many Worlds, Part 3

David Lewis argues for the existence of possible other worlds.

The Man of Many Worlds, Part 2

The life and works of philosopher David Lewis.

The Man of Many Worlds, Part 1

A mini-series about the life and works of philosopher David Lewis.

Justice and Retribution

Why punish at all?
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Two Justice Systems

Kimberly Kessler Ferzan on why criminal prevention and criminal punishment should be separate.

The Loophole

When an acquittal isn’t really an acquittal.

Punishment Without End

The collateral consequences of felony convictions.

Redemption in Solitary Confinement

Inside solitary confinement at a Massachusetts prison.
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Inside Solitary Confinement

The story of a man who spent 13 years in solitary.