Meaningless Problems

Ten years ago something happened in Chloe’s village. But she’s not allowed to talk about it. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Can events or things cause happiness, or is happiness more fundamental? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
House Parties
Parks
Unexplainable happiness
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks to Lottie Bell for playing the role of Chloe in this story.
 
Lottie won the best performance at London's Rolling Film Festival. She plays the lead role in an upcoming comedy on Apple Plus. And she has performed all around the world in Potted Potter. 
 
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4248273/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lottie_bell_/?hl=en
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

A woman wants to buy their pub for five million pounds. But the deal will include all the pub’s memories. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
What is the true value of your memories? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Pubs
Memories
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

A short story about a man who gets toothache whenever he experiences happiness. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
What would you do if you got toothache whenever you experienced happiness? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Toothache
Happiness
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

What happens when a well known comedian accidentally discovers the secret of the universe? 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
How would your life change if you knew that you literally were everyone who has ever lived? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
The Egg by Andy Weir
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Reincarnation
Ricky Gervais
The Buddha
Jesus Christ
Bluewater Shopping Centre 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

Alan lands a job at the world’s happiest company. What could possibly go wrong? 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
How does monitoring emotions affect our emotions? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Happiness
Companies
Invasions of privacy 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole by emailing Craig at loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

Governments are always promising to make things better. What would happen if they actively tried to make things worse? 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Have you ever noticed that trying to force something to happen can make it less likely? 
 
Come and see my new play - While We Wait - on at Arches Lane Theatre 3rd-7th March 2026. Tickets here: https://buytickets.at/waitwithme/1962304 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Governments
Tyrannical Robots
Invasions of privacy 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at Craig@loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

Kenny finds church to be a mystical experience - but not for the reasons you might expect. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Is there a single truth that connects religions, psychedelic experiences, and near enough every story ever told? 
 
Come and see my new play - While We Wait - on at Arches Lane Theatre 3rd-7th March 2026. Tickets here: https://buytickets.at/waitwithme/1962304 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Church
Drugs
Nuns
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at Craig@loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2026

A new technology makes it possible for a mother and father to forgive their son’s killer. Should they use it? 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Given the possibility to let it go, can it ever be right to hold on to hatred? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Happiness
Political debates
Vegetarian shepherd’s pie 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at Craig@loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2025

For ten years, Eric has cared for his vegetative state brother with no hope he’ll ever recover. A scientific breakthrough changes everything. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Would you accept a blissful inner life if it meant no interaction with the outside world? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Shoes
Ventilators
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at Craig @loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2025

Sylvia’s understanding of reality is shaken by an encounter with her dressing gown cord, a padlock and a snake. 
 
Something to consider when reading/listening: 
 
Can evolutionary psychology fully explain human behaviour or is there something deeper at play? 
 
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
 
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman 
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Sheds
Snakes
Dressing gown cords 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Thanks very much for listening! Don’t forget to follow/subscribe in your podcast app.
 
And you can join the mailing list here: meaninglessproblems.substack.com 
 
Let me know your thoughts on this episode or the podcast as a whole at Craig@loveyourwork.uk (My real name is Craig Wilmann, Doe is a nickname I apparently gave myself when I was was two)  
 
Websites:
 
Meaninglessproblems.com & Loveyourwork.uk 
 
Credits:
 
Written and performed by Doe Wilmann
 
Thanks to Katie Empett 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) 2025