The Control Myth - How Empowerment Narratives Keep Us Isolated
In this episode of The Loneliness Industry, we unpack how “control” is sold as empowerment in Western capitalist culture—but often acts as a hidden tool of ideological control and social division.
We explore how the pursuit of control offers comfort, but also fuels toxic self-blame, empathy gaps, and the myth that people ‘deserve’ their suffering. This episode challenges the narrative that personal failure is always personal—and asks what happens when we stop pretending that life is fair.
If you've ever felt alone, ashamed, or like you're just “not doing healing right,” this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in for thought-provoking insights, biting commentary, and a crummy dating story—because philosophy's better with a bit of mess.
Authors/ Philosophers/ Psychologists mentioned:
Marcus Aurelius
Epictetus
Albert Bandura
Michel Foucault
Slavoj Zizek
Richard Stankovic
Judith Butler
Charles Taylor
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The Loneliness Industry
Welcome to a podcast about loneliness.
Loneliness is not a personal failing, despite what we’re told. It’s woven into the fabric of the world we live in, yet the very values that drive loneliness also tell us we are to blame.
We’re here to unpack the real causes of isolation: late-stage capitalism, disconnection culture, performative relationships, and more.
If you’ve ever felt alone in a hyperconnected world, you’re not alone — this podcast is for you.
We’ll explore loneliness and social isolation through the lenses of philosophy, mental health, cultural critique, and the deep human need for
- No. of episodes: 10
- Latest episode: 2025-08-02
- Society & Culture Philosophy
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