A Life Under Construction

Season 6, Episode 6

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A Life Under Construction

Rethinking Identity, Technology and Personal Evolution with Stu Gray

In this episode, we talk with Stu Gray, associate professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, whose winding journey from West Point to political theory is a story of risk, reflection and relentless curiosity. Gray shares how his fascination with both Western and Eastern traditions reshaped his understanding of identity, meaning and what it truly means to live a good life. We explore the philosophy behind his popular courses, including one inspired by “Black Mirror,” and how he invites students to unplug, look inward and critically examine the role technology plays in shaping modern identity. From the allure of “becoming” over “being” to the quiet power of awe, this conversation delves into questions that linger long after the classroom. Whether you’re interested in politics, philosophy or simply navigating a digital world more mindfully, this episode will leave you thinking deeply and seeing differently.

Recorded: July 3, 2025
Aired: July 8, 2025

“There is no core self to discover that’s authentic… Who you are is always fundamentally under construction, and it’s fundamentally relational.”

- Stuart Gray, Associate Professor of Politics