Something Different
A short-format podcast on philosophy, art, culture, and ideas. Sip liberal arts like a fine coffee - think freely, question deeply.
A podcast series by Bicerin
Welcome to Something Different, the official podcast by Bicerin Literature – a liberal arts project dedicated to thoughtful conversation and creative exploration.
Each episode is a short, strong sip of ideas – just like the Bicerin itself. We explore the threads that connect Philosophy, Spirituality, Sociology, History, Literature, and the arts, one espresso-sized moment at a time.
Perfect for thinkers, wanderers, creatives, and the curious – join us for something a little different.
A Bicerin series, delivered by Edward Breen and Antonello Mirone. Take a sip. Think again.
Copyright 2025 - All rights reserved.
Episode 1: First Sip
Take a sip!
Episode 1 Description
In this short and thoughtful podcast, we explore what makes art feel authentic and meaningful. From Plato’s philosophy to modern ideas, it’s a fresh take on the role of spirituality in our lives. Perfect for anyone into philosophy, culture, or the liberal arts—like a quick coffee break for curious minds.
Episode 2: Too hot, then it burns!
Episode 2 content
Some truths come like coffee—hot, bitter, and hard to swallow.
In this episode of Something Different, we sit with the sting of spiritual suffering. Not the clean pain of a scraped knee, but the slow, existential burn that philosophers, mystics, and seekers have wrestled with for centuries.
From the Buddhist idea of dukkha, the inherent suffering of existence, to Nietzsche’s call to embrace life’s chaos as the seed of strength, we trace the shape of the soul under pressure.
Krishnamurti warned that it is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a sick society—so what happens when your awakening feels more like a breakdown? When the heat of insight burns through your illusions?
We sip through moments of raw vulnerability, ancient wisdom, and personal stories that ask: is pain a doorway to truth? Or just a fire with no purpose?
This isn’t suffering for suffering’s sake. It’s an exploration of the burn that transforms—of learning to hold the cup even when it scorches.
So take a breath. Pour something strong. And join us as we explore what it means to be undone, remade, and fully, painfully, awake.
#pain #suffering #sprirituality #philosophy #zen #life
References mentioned:
Episode 3: Different Blends, but still coffee
Episode 3 content
In this episode, we explore the many different paths that can lead to spiritual awakening. From Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam to art, philosophy, and literature, we look at how diverse worldviews often guide us toward similar inner truths.
We reflect on the timeless relevance of Plato’s Allegory of the Cave—especially in today’s world of distraction, misinformation, and personal transformation. We also dive into the deep spiritual and existential themes found in Russian literature, drawing from the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Mikhail Bulgakov, whose stories continue to challenge and inspire seekers across cultures.
Whether you’re walking a religious path, exploring through creativity and philosophy, or getting lost in powerful novels, this episode invites you to see how all these “blends” point to something shared. Because in the end, it’s still coffee.
Discussed Links
Edward's Zen course- Zenways
The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov
Episode 4: On Education
Episode 4 Content
What’s the true purpose of education?
Is it to prepare us for a job, or to help us discover who we really are? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how different systems — from Italy’s broad classical studies, to the UK’s career-driven universities, to Germany’s middle ground — shape the way we learn, think, and live.
We discuss why modern schooling often asks “what do you want to be?” instead of “who are you?”, and how this mindset narrows creativity, meaning, and freedom. Along the way we tackle the impact of tuition fees, the decline of the liberal arts, and how universities are increasingly run like businesses. We also ask: can AI disrupt education in a positive way, and what would it mean to build a system focused on curiosity, critical thinking, and the love of learning?
From personal experiences as immigrants and students to reflections on philosophy, culture, and the value of hands-on skills, this conversation challenges the way we see knowledge itself. Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, or lifelong learner, you’ll find fresh insights on why education matters more than ever.
🎧 Listen now and rethink what learning should truly mean.
#Education #Learning #CriticalThinking #EducationReform #Philosophy #LiberalArts #AIinEducation #BeSerenePodcast
Useful Links
Edward's Franciscan Gardens Meditation
Krishnamurti on Education PDF
Richard Rohr - Centre for Action and ContemplationAlan Watts - What is Money?