Meaningless Problems

#52 Hope for the Worst

When Poppy announces she wants to kill herself, her playwright husband employs a peculiar coping technique. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
To what extent does negative visualisation make you grateful for what you have? 
 
Comedy - Philosophy - Stoicism  
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads 
Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast 
Alan Watts
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Plays
The Shard
Hoping for the worst 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2024

#51 What Was the Point?

Having spent a year writing short stories for a podcast, the writer wonders what was the point. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
What was the point of this short story podcast? 
 
Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast
Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast 
‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’
Alan Watts
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Artificial intelligence 
The afterlife
Simulations 
Narcissism 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
Episode #3 of this podcast
Episode #13 of this podcast 
Episode #44 of this podcast 
Speaking/listening to plumbers
 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2024

#50 What Do You Do?

Lost in thought at a funeral, our narrator sets out a compelling case for why we should never ask anyone what they do for a living. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
To what extent does your job define who you are? 
 
What Do You Do is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes 
Spirituality 
Fiction that makes you think 
Short stories with a twist
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Graveyards 
Headstones
Not talking about work 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2024

#49 It Might as Well Be

Businessman Nathan Norrie calls upon a spiritual guide to help improve the atmosphere among his work colleagues. The guide offers three peals of wisdom. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
If a message is true, does it matter if the messenger is dishonest? 
 
It Might as Well Be is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes 
Spirituality 
Fiction that makes you think 
Short stories with a twist
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Corporate retreats
Mansions
Instant hot water
Maseratis 
Cinema rooms 
Teamwork
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2024

#48 The Meaning of Work

The prime minister is facing the biggest strike in British history. But the strikers are the last people she’d expect to strike. And their reason for striking is even more surprising. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Can you truly be rich if your life lacks meaning? 
 
The Meaning of Work is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Yes, Prime Minister
The Twilight Zone 
Philosophical fiction 
Episode #25 of this podcast
Episode #42 of this podcast 
Prime ministers 
Politics 
Meaning 
Jobs
Jugglers
Clowns  
Contemplating the nature of existence
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2023 

#47 Tony’s Vibe

Tony’s tried everything to make himself more employable, more dateable, more popular. He’s tried life coaches, elocution coaches, therapists, personal trainers but he’s looking in the wrong place. He’s not the problem. I am. I am Tony’s vibe. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
To what extent can a person be aware of their own vibe? 
 
Comedy - Philosophy - Politics 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads 
Dramatic monologues
Comedic monologues
Politics
Vibes
Introspection
Jobs
Dates
Rejections
Tiger Woods’ trustworthiness
Lindsay Lohan’s innocence
Russell Brand’s sex appeal
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2023 
 

#46 Culling Cobras

Member of Parliament Lawrence Sitwell is frustrated by the failure of his political career. A conversation with an old friend causes him to rethink everything. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
When politicians try to make something better, are they more likely to make it worse? 
 
Comedy - Philosophy - Politics 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads 
Dramatic monologues
Comedic monologues
Politics
Intentions v outcomes
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
Plays
Pubs
Snakes
Politicians
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2023 

#45 The Weight of Achievement

In Bernard’s local pub, everyone carries their life’s achievements with them in a big black bag. 
 
Philosophy - Spirituality - Absurdism 
 
The Weight of Achievement is an original short story by Doe Wilmann
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
If you were never allowed to tell anyone about your successes, which of your current goals would you continue to pursue? 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
A History of the World in Ten and a Half Chapters by Julian Barnes
Spirituality 
Fiction that makes you think 
Short stories with a twist
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Pubs
Pints of Bitter 
Achievements 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2024
 

#44 Futility

A writer is slightly concerned about his short story podcast. He shares these concerns with a plumber and is surprised by his response. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
How do you know for certain that you are not a fictional creation dreamt up by somebody else? 
 
Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing 
 
If you’d like to read the script of this episode go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast
Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast 
‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’
Alan Watts
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Alternate universes
The Titanic
Morgan Robertson
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
Episode #3 of this podcast
Episode #13 of this podcast 
Speaking/listening to plumbers
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2023 

BONUS EPISODE: Best of 2023

The top five short stories from 2023. If you’re new to Meaningless Problems, this might be a good place to start.
 
These are the stories with the timestamps for each:
 
It Wasn’t Me - 1.30 - Kimi is delighted with Su-Z, a new personal assistant software that can send and respond to emails on her behalf. But her delight is punctured when her boyfriend receives a message from one of her email contacts claiming that he and Kimi have fallen in love. Will Kimi’s boyfriend believe her when she pins the blame on Su-Z? And what exactly has her personal assistant been saying in those messages? 
The Guru - 17.10 - After many years searching for a guru, the narrator finally finds one in an unexpected place. 
Skipping Through Life - 23.51 - Faced with the prospect of making half his workforce redundant, Mr Pomeroy is offered the chance to skip the experience by travelling twelve hours into his own future. He accepts the offer and, twelve hours later, finds he still has all the memories of having experienced the day. So how is ‘time skipping’ any different from living? 
Plonker - 37.37 - On the verge of becoming a grandparent for the first time, Irene reflects on her relationship with her husband aka ‘Plonker’.  
They’ll Have to Kill Me - 48.33 - The prime minister wakes up in his country residence to find that everyone thinks he’s gone completely mad. So did he really speak to those men in black raincoats who told him he needs to follow their orders? Who can you trust when you can no longer trust the voice in your own head? 
 
If you’d like to read the script of these episodes go to https://www.fairobserver.com/author/doe-wilmann/ 
 
For information about upcoming stories and live performances of my stage plays, go to meaninglessproblems.com and sign up to my monthly newsletter. You can also email me via the contact form. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at doewilmann@outlook.com 
 
This episode is part of my challenge to write, record and produce a short story every single week for a year. If you’re looking for quality, suspense and intrigue, I’m not making any promises. But if you do like one of these stories please share it with your friends. 
 
If I complete this challenge and the podcast gets 1,000 subscribers in the process, a group of my friends have agreed to donate a combined £1000 to Alzheimer’s Research UK. 
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@meaninglessproblems)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) account dedicated to the podcast. 
 
Website:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett and Ross Hindle for reading early versions of this episode and providing notes. 
 
Artwork by Katie Empett
 
Music by Claude Debussy with permission from Pond5. 
 
A license to use the media (Debussy Suite Bergamasque, Clair De Lune (Piano Cover) 229744340 Music ahawke99110 2023-03-02 Individual) was purchased under Pond5's Content License Agreement, a copy of which is available for review at https://www.pond5.com/legal/license. The Pond5 license authorizes the licensee to use the media in the licensee's own commercial or non-commercial production and to copy, broadcast, distribute, display, perform and monetize the production or work in any medium - including posting and monetization on YouTube - on the terms and conditions outlined therein. 
 
Meaningless Problems with Doe Wilmann
(C) 2023