Episode 1 – How to Think by Alan Jacobs

There’s a common assumption that being open-minded is an end in itself, but what comes after that openness? The Close Minded Podcast starts from a provocative place, inspired by G.K. Chesterton’s idea that the purpose of an open mind is to eventually close it on something solid and true. This isn’t about being narrow or negative; it’s about the necessary act of commitment, judgment, and discernment in a world overflowing with endless options and opinions. Each episode is a deliberate step away from perpetual curiosity and toward meaningful conclusions. We wander through conversations about society, culture, and the arts, examining books, ideas, and creative works not just to explore them, but to evaluate and understand what within them is worth holding onto. You’ll hear thoughtful discussions that aren’t afraid to land on an opinion, arguing that conviction, when thoughtfully arrived at, is a virtue. This podcast offers a space for people tired of shallow takes and interested in deeper engagement, where the goal is to sift through the noise and find substance. It’s for those who believe that thinking things through means eventually reaching a conclusion worth defending.