Meaningless Problems
An original short story by Doe Wilmann every single week for at least a year.
An original short story by Doe Wilmann every single week for at least a year.
Episodes
Dec 17, 2023
#42 Prime Minister’s Questions
Dec 17, 2023
Dec 17, 2023
14 min
Thanks to developments in AI and VR, every voter now has the right to meet their political candidates one-on-one. These hyper-realistic chat bots look and sound exactly like their real-life equivalents and they answer questions with 99.9% accuracy. So what happens when the British primer minister’s chat bot starts making some very provocative statements?
Something to consider when reading/listening:
Would this type of hyper realistic chatbot enhance our elections?
Prime Minister’s Questions 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:
Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror
Sci-fi
The Twilight Zone
Philosophical fiction
Episode #25 of this podcast
Prime ministers
Politics
War
France
War with France
Technology
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
Dec 17, 2023
14 min
Dec 10, 2023
#41 No Words
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
10 min
A new medical procedure will remove anxiety and allow you to live perfectly in the moment. The only downside? You have to give up your ability to comprehend language.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
What would you be prepared to give up in exchange for perfect peace of mind?
No Words 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:
Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror
Sci-fi
The Twilight Zone
Philosophical fiction
Episode #2 of this podcast
Episode #7 of this podcast
Episode #28 of this podcast
Episode #37 of this podcast
Episode #40 of this podcast
Words
Silence
Family
Technology
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
Dec 10, 2023
10 min
Dec 3, 2023
#40 The Meaning of Love
Dec 3, 2023
Dec 3, 2023
10 min
Like most of his friends, Burt hates his job and lives for the weekend. And when his friends start installing modules into their brains that make them enjoy their work, Burt is furious with them. What’s the point of escapism if there’s nothing to escape?
Something to consider when reading/listening:
Could you live a good life if you enjoyed every part of it?
The Meaning of Love 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:
Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror
Sci-fi
The Twilight Zone
Philosophical fiction
Episode #2 of this podcast
Episode #7 of this podcast
Episode #28 of this podcast
Episode #37 of this podcast
Work
Weekends
Relationships
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
Dec 3, 2023
10 min
Nov 26, 2023
#39 Losing the Plot
Nov 26, 2023
Nov 26, 2023
9 min
After a mental breakdown, Michael reconsiders his entire perception of the world.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
Are there any narratives in your own life that you’d be better off without?
Losing the Plot 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/
You might enjoy this episode if you like:
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
Non Duality
Spirituality
Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives by David Eagleman
Alan Watts
Fiction that makes you think
Narratives
Plots
Brexit
Philosophical fiction
Speculative fiction
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
Nov 26, 2023
9 min
Nov 19, 2023
#38 Your Final Ambition
Nov 19, 2023
Nov 19, 2023
10 min
On your deathbed, in agonising pain, you are given the chance to reduce your suffering. But in order to do so, you must reduce your worldly success by the same amount.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
Would you sacrifice the present for the sake of the past?
Your Final Ambition 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:
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
The Twilight Zone
Philosophical fiction
Episode #2 of this podcast
Episode #7 of this podcast
Episode #28 of this podcast
Episode #36 of this podcast
Deathbeds
Nurses
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
Nov 19, 2023
10 min
Nov 12, 2023
#37 Don’t Blame the Children
Nov 12, 2023
Nov 12, 2023
7 min
In the near future, virtual reality allows couples to meet their potential children before they’ve been conceived.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
Does having more options make us more free?
Don’t Blame The Children 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:
Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror
The podcast 'Modern Wisdom'
Sci-fi
VR technology
The Twilight Zone
Philosophical fiction
Episode #2 of this podcast
Episode #7 of this podcast
Episode #28 of this podcast
Babies
Breaking Up
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
Nov 12, 2023
7 min
Nov 5, 2023
#36 Iguana
Nov 5, 2023
Nov 5, 2023
13 min
A therapist is tasked with convincing a very clever eleven year old that there is a difference between fact and fiction.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
If all of your experiences take place in your mind, how can you be certain anything is real?
Iguana 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:
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
The Twilight Zone
Philosophical fiction
Episode #2 of this podcast
Episode #7 of this podcast
Episode #28 of this podcast
Iguanas
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Fish tanks
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
Nov 5, 2023
13 min
Oct 29, 2023
#35 Just Like Her
Oct 29, 2023
Oct 29, 2023
6 min
A widower uses an AR filter to make his new girlfriend look exactly like his ex wife.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
Is it possible to have a truthful relationship with someone if your perception of them is totally different to how they perceive themselves?
Sc-fi - Augmented Reality - Family
Just Like Her 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:
Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror
Sci-fi
Technology
Memory
Fiction that makes you think
Philosophical fiction
Speculative fiction
Augmented Reality
Episode #26 of this podcast
Contemplating the future
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
Oct 29, 2023
6 min
Oct 22, 2023
#34 Inside Voices (performed by Tamsin Dowsett)
Oct 22, 2023
Oct 22, 2023
28 min
Casting director Lydia has invited an actress along to a family meet-up so that the actress can model her next character on Lydia’s twin sister Tania. But Lydia soon realises that one Tania is quite enough.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
To what extent are we all actors playing characters?
Dramatic Monologue - Comedy - Family
Inside Voices 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:
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
Dramatic Monologues
Comedic Monologues
Fiction that makes you think
Psychological fiction
Philosophical fiction
Parks
Prosecco
Running
Episode #5 of this podcast (’Silly Old Trick’)
Episode #10 of this podcast (‘Plonker’)
Episode #30 of this podcast (‘Cheek Biter’)
Episode #33 of this podcast (‘A Bench in West London)
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 by Doe Wilmann
Performed by Tamsin Dowsett
Edited by Sebsatian Brown
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
Oct 22, 2023
28 min
Oct 15, 2023
Oct 15, 2023
23 min
Tania’s twin sister Lydia has bought a memorial bench for their mum in the family’s local park. There’s just one problem: their mum is still very much alive (Lydia was unaware that memorial benches are exclusively for the dead). Cue a series of tributes from people who want to pay their respects, including a man whose connection to Tania and Lydia’s mum threatens to completely undermine who they thought she was.
Something to consider when reading/listening:
How fragile is our understanding of ourselves and those close to us? Are we only ever one discovery away from reconsidering everything?
Dramatic Monologue - Comedy - Family
A Bench in West London 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:
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
Dramatic Monologues
Comedic Monologues
Fiction that makes you think
Philosophical fiction
Parks
Benches
Episode #5 of this podcast (’Silly Old Trick’)
Episode #10 of this podcast (‘Plonker’)
Episode #30 of this podcast (‘Cheek Biter’)
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
Oct 15, 2023
23 min







