Only in a country which believes in the superiority of its own people does the word foreigner become an insult. In Sweden, it is taboo to claim or imply that someone is not Swedish. New words for "immigrants" are made up, presumably in order no

On Values and Game Theory

Sep 10th, 2018 26m 29s

Have we run amok chasing short-term gain over long-term vision? Do we hold yourself accountable to our principles? The (Un)cultured Hypothesis is a show about the things in culture and society you’ve always wondered about but have never really

Jordan Peterson and the Bigger Picture

Aug 27th, 2018 36m 6s

The increasing rate of specialisation creates a fragmented world view, a microscopic view which limits our understanding, our grasp of the totality. We could all need to zoom out intellectually - lest we get lost in detail.In this episode, Ja

Long Live the Underdog

Aug 13th, 2018 31m 40s

In this episode, Johannes points to the important role of the underdog on a psychological as well as societal level: We root for the underdog, and underdogs band together because it's a classic David and Goliath tale, but it's also a symptom of

The Abolition of Man

Jul 29th, 2018 33m 50s

In this episode, Jacob laments the loss of human interaction thanks to the increase in automation in virtually every area of human life. Self checkouts in grocery stores, restaurants that force you to download their app to order food etc - thin

Multitasking is a Farce

Jul 16th, 2018 31m 41s

Will multitasking lead to humanity's extinction? In this episode, Johannes claims that multitasking doesn't really exist. We are made to focus on one thing at a time, and our attempt to ignore this may well lead to our demise. Artwork Designe

Existential Anxiety and Food

Jul 1st, 2018 21m 43s

Is the boom of dietary trends an expression of existential anxiety? In this episode, Jacob wonders whether the rise in awareness of diet and exercise in actual fact is a replacement for previously held religious beliefs. It has all the trademar

The Slaves of Time

Jun 17th, 2018 24m 2s

I this episode, Johannes argues that the West's obsession with punctuality compromises relationships. In fact, in Germany it borders on the ridiculous – people actually lose friendships over being a couple of minutes late. Punctuality is to tim

A Critique of Pure Reason

Jun 3rd, 2018 27m 10s

Humans are not entirely rational - and perhaps that's not even desirable. Or is it? In this episode, Jacob outlines his irrational fear of flying (when he becomes extra religious - to the point of southern baptism), and then proceeds to make th

Repressed and Naked

May 20th, 2018 21m 18s

Lots of nudity in this episode. Johannes makes the case that repressed societies are more likely to produce nudist beach goers since nudity is a way of stripping oneself of status. And is it true that Americans conceive of Europe as one big nud

The illusion of justice - with special guest Aron Flam

May 7th, 2018 59m 20s

Are Swedes only concerned with the illusion of justice rather than real justice, focusing on "millimeter justice" and the equality of outcome? Comedian Aron Flam joins the show to discuss the view on gender that permeates the public discourse i

The German recycling obsession

Apr 23rd, 2018 28m 36s

Germans religiously follow the recycling dictates of the authorities and get chastised by their neighbors if they don't flatten their cardboard packages. Johannes argues that recycling is a German obsession - but also an act of humanism. Jaco

Swedish weather is a heroin addict

Apr 7th, 2018 29m 16s

The unpredictable Swedish weather makes Swedes always ready for changes, waiting for the right moment to put on swimsuits or skis. Does this in part explain why Swedes are so trend sensitive? And what on earth does that have to do with heroin a

Du & Sie, You & You

Mar 26th, 2018 28m 23s

Germans use the formal "Sie" and the informal "Du" to describe someone but is the latter slowly eroding the former and what does this mean for Europe? Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German

Instant Gratification

Mar 12th, 2018 34m 41s

Are we sacrificing our future by constantly seeking immediate gratification on our smartphones?Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German journalist. Together they hypothesize, entertain and enl

Humor Unraveled

Feb 26th, 2018 29m 41s

The German psyche may lack the concept of randomness, a central ingredient to being funny.Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German journalist. Together they hypothesize, entertain and enlighte

Abolition of the Past

Feb 12th, 2018 31m 42s

Will Sweden rid itself of potentially obsolete and dangerous ideas by abolishing the past?Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German journalist. Together they hypothesize, entertain and enlighte

Intro

Feb 3rd, 2018 14m 57s

How Jacob and Johannes came up with the ludicrous concept of the (un)cultured hypothesis and other secrets about who they are.Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German journalist. Together they

The Royalty Complex

Feb 3rd, 2018 22m 18s

Why do Swedes call their children “prince” and “princess”? Does it have anything to do with their desperate urge to break free from a consensus dystopia? Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German

Passive-Aggressive

Feb 3rd, 2018 25m 14s

Do Germans avoid confrontation with tiny passive-aggressive acts to keep psychotic tendencies at bay and maintain order in an otherwise chaotic world? Jacob Sundberg is a Swedish author (http://jacobsundberg.se) and Johannes Koch is a German jo

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