Beyond the Walled Garden Podcast

Ancient Philosophy for Today: Why Epicureanism Deserves Your Attention

In this episode of Beyond the Walled Garden, I'm joined by Anthony David Vernon, adjunct professor of philosophy at St. Thomas University and Miami Dade College, to explore Epicureanism, an ancient Greek philosophy that offers surprising wisdom for our modern struggles. While stoicism dominates social media feeds, Epicureanism provides a refreshing alternative focused on finding pleasure through simplicity, friendship, and the removal of unnecessary pain.
Anthony helps us understand how Epicurean principles might combat today's challenges of hyper-consumerism, social media anxiety, and the constant pursuit of productivity. We discuss practical applications, misconceptions about pleasure vs. hedonism, and why this forgotten philosophy might be exactly what we need in our chaotic modern world.
📙 More from this episode: - Anthony and I's I Ching episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-rjMNUMOUM- Anthony's Mixtapes: https://www.winamop.com/av2400.htm- Anthony's Work Pt. 1: https://www.pw.org/directory/writers/anthony_david_vernon- Anthony's Work Pt. 2: https://medium.com/@antmanvernon305- Contrapoints conspiracy video: https://youtu.be/teqkK0RLNkI?si=CWqAl0aAyktIKKyn- The Art of Happiness: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Happiness-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143107216
▶️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭     ⭐ More about Joel Austin:    - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1  - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social   - IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%2520austin  - Site: https://joel-austin.com
⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden:  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkghuyUIQo2L5-X-gsEDwoVKDYuCYruc4  - Podcast Platforms: https://beyond-walled-garden.podbean.com/
#AncientPhilosophy #Epicureanism #ModernLife
 

Why Choose an Artistic Life? Filmmaking, Retro Horror & Creativity

In this episode of Beyond the Walled Garden, I speak with indie filmmaker Ashton Livingston about the rewards and challenges of pursuing a creative life through filmmaking. Ashton shares insights from making his 80s-inspired horror comedy "Rat Problem" and discusses how independent films are filling the void left by struggling studio productions. 
Learn about crowdfunding strategies, artistic fulfillment, and why the joy of creation outweighs the financial uncertainties.
In this conversation about the artistic life, we also explore how the film industry is evolving, why indie film is making a comeback, and the fulfillment that comes from creative expression even amid challenges.
🐀 Ashton's stuff mentioned in this episode: - Rat Problem Trailer: https://youtu.be/ESyShZKq_GU- Rat Problem Crowdfunding: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-rat-problems-postproduction-journey?attribution_id=sl:94b9a102-1303-46b8-9060-c5b4b2eb8bd1&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link- Rat Problem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rat_problem_film/ - Internalized: https://www.instagram.com/internalizedfilm/- What We Create: https://www.instagram.com/whatwecreatefilm/
🧛 My stuff mentioned in this episode: - Sara and the Animals: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10843588/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_1_in_0_q_sara%2520and%2520the%2520animals- 15 to Sunrise: https://www.instagram.com/15tosunrise- California tax rebate article: https://film.ca.gov/marking-the-largest-round-in-state-history-51-films-selected-for-film-television-tax-credit-program/
▶️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the channel for more: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭    ⭐ More about Joel Austin:  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1  - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social  - IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%2520austin  - Site: https://joel-austin.com
⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden:  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkghuyUIQo2L5-X-gsEDwoVKDYuCYruc4  - Podcast Platforms: https://beyond-walled-garden.podbean.com/
#IndieFilmmaking #CreativeLife #HorrorComedy
 

Remake the Rules: Finding Meaning Amidst Information Overload

In this episode of Beyond the Walled Garden, Joel explores how to navigate our information-rich world with guest Emily Pabst, founder of Remake the Rules. Emily reveals strategies for managing information overload, making better decisions, and finding meaning amid digital chaos. From online dating to business leadership, discover how to use technology as a tool without letting it define your life.
Emily shares her expertise as an Information Specialist who helps individuals and organizations process complex data systems more effectively. Learn practical approaches to reduce overwhelm, prioritize what matters, and reclaim your relationship with technology.
⭐ More from Emily Pabst & Remake the Rules: - Remake the Rules: https://remaketherules.com/- Astrology as a social technology: https://remaketherules.com/blog/astrology-social-technology- Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-pabst/
- Connect with Remake the Rules: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remaketherules/- Remake the Rules on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RemakeTheRules- Remake the Rules on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remaketherules
▶️ If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing for more.
 
🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭
 
⭐ More about Joel Austin:  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1  - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social  - IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%20austin  - Site: https://joel-austin.com
⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden:  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkghuyUIQo2L5-X-gsEDwoVKDYuCYruc4  - Podcast Platforms: https://beyond-walled-garden.podbean.com/
#InformationOverload #DecisionMaking #Meaning
 

Inside Modern Policing: Patrol Commander on Police Reform from Within

This episode of Beyond the Walled Garden features Diego Zanella, a Patrol Commander in Washington state with over 20 years of policing experience. Diego discusses his mission to reform law enforcement from within by moving away from traditional paramilitary structures toward community-focused service.
Learn how modern police departments are integrating social workers, improving mental health response, and reimagining what effective policing looks like.
 
👮‍♂️ About Today's Guest: 
Originally from Florence, Italy, Diego Zanella moved to the United States 25 years ago. Over the past 20 years, he has built a diverse career in law enforcement, serving as a patrol officer, school resource officer, detective, special operations officer, supervisor and mentor. Currently, he holds the position of patrol commander at a police department in Washington State.
 
👮‍♂️ Connect with Diego: 
- Check out Diego's Podcast Lo Scudo Blu (The Blue Shield): https://loscudoblu.libsyn.com
- Chat with Diego: loscudoblu@gmail.com
 
🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭
⭐ More about Joel Austin:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%2520austin
Site: https://joel-austin.com
⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkghuyUIQo2L5-X-gsEDwoVKDYuCYruc4
Podcast Platforms: https://beyond-walled-garden.podbean.com/
#PolicingReform #CommunityPolicing #LawEnforcementReform
 

What is Beyond the Walled Garden?

Check out my new podcast challenging the conventional self-help industry that merely helps us adapt to late-stage capitalism. "Beyond the Walled Garden" offers an alternative perspective focused on creating cultural change rather than just personal optimization.
In this introduction episode, I talk a bit about my background, then go into my vision for a show that helps viewers become agents of change. Featuring upcoming discussions on philosophy, art, spirituality, and politics, this podcast aims to provide functional takeaways for those concerned about our cultural direction.
▶️ Check out the show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1
🎭 Joel Austin is an actor, writer, filmmaker, and podcaster living in Los Angeles, CA. He teaches at UCLA Ext. and produces Beyond the Walled Garden with Joel Austin. He releases multiple videos and shorts every week. Find more about him below. 🎭     ⭐ More about Joel Austin:    - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joel_austin?sub_confirmation=1  - Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joelaustin.bsky.social   - IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1792430/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_joel%2520austin  - Site: https://joel-austin.com
⭐ More about Beyond the Walled Garden:  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkghuyUIQo2L5-X-gsEDwoVKDYuCYruc4  - Podcast Platforms: https://beyond-walled-garden.podbean.com/
#newpodcast  #SelfHelp #CulturalChange