Meaningless Problems

#18 The World’s Happiest Person

A woman knocks on Bernard’s door and tells him he’s won an award.
 
Philosophy - Comedy - Absurdism
 
The World’s Happiest Person is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
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:
 
Being Happy 
Gardening
Bingo
Fiction that makes you think 
Short stories with a twist
Philosophical fiction 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
Can we measure happiness? Would we want to? Would you want to know how happy you are relative to other people? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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 

#17 The Guru

After many years searching for a guru, the narrator finally finds one in an unexpected place. 
 
Philosophy - Spirituality - Non-Duality 
 
The Guru is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
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:
 
Non Duality
Meditation
Spirituality 
Alan Watts
Fiction that makes you think 
Short stories with a twist
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
What is the understanding that the guru in this story embodies? Can this understanding be learnt or acquired? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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) 2023 

#16 Why You’ll Never Be Dead (performed by Dot Major)

As a plane experiences turbulence, one passenger lays out five reasons why we’ll never be dead. This episode is performed by London Grammar’s Dot Major. 
 
Dot Major is a multi award-winning musician best known for being one third of the band London Grammar, whose albums have been number one in the UK charts and across the world. Dot has also just embarked on a solo career in electronic music.
 
Philosophy - Comedy - Life and Death   
 
Why You’ll Never Be Dead is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
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
The ‘Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal’ podcast
Sam Harris’ ‘Making Sense’ podcast 
‘The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast’
London Grammar 
The WeCroak app 
Non Duality 
Alan Watts
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
The afterlife
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
Do you find any of the narrator’s five reasons compelling? What do you think happens after you die? What if you’re wrong? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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 

#15 They’ll Have to Kill Me

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? Or did he imagine it? Who can you trust when you can no longer trust the voice in your own head? 
 
Psychological Thriller - Suspense - Political 
 
They’ll Have to Kill Me is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
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:
 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads 
Fiction that makes you think 
Psychological fiction 
Contemplating the nature of the self
Politics
Prime ministers
Country residences 
Ignoring the voice in your head 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
What would happen if a world leader legitimately went mad - would we find out or would it be covered up? Would you still trust your own memories if everyone around you was discrediting them? Who is that voice inside your head - is it you? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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 

#14 I Am

An atheist wakes up in heaven.
 
Philosophy - Comedy - Technology  
 
I Am is an original short story by Doe Wilmann 
 
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 
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 
The afterlife
Simulations 
Religion 
Contemplating the meaning of life 
Any form of philosophical enquiry 
Episode #12 of this podcast 
Episode #13 of this podcast 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
What happens after you die? What if you’re wrong? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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 

#13 What if I’m Not?

A writer is slightly concerned about the most recent episode of his short story podcast. He shares these concerns with a plumber and is surprised by his response. 
 
Comedy - Philosophy - Plumbing 
 
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 
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 #12 of this podcast 
Speaking/listening to plumbers
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
Do you ever wonder if you’re the only person who truly exists? How do you know other people are having an experience given that you have no way of accessing this experience? Is it possible that the world is a simulation? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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 

#12 Fake World, Equal World

When an egotistical writer dies, he wakes up to discover his entire life was a simulation. 
 
Fake World, Equal World is an original short story by Doe Wilmann
 
Sc-fi - Philosophy - Technology 
 
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 
Philip K Dick 
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
Artificial intelligence 
The afterlife
Simulations 
Narcissism 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
Do you ever wonder if you’re the only person who truly exists? How do you know other people are having an experience given that you have no way of accessing this experience? Is it possible that the world is a simulation? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 

#11 Protest at the Theatre

When a play is disrupted by protests, it does wonders for ticket sales.
 
Protest at the Theatre is an original short story by Doe Wilmann
 
Comedy - Theatre - Corruption  
 
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:
 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads
Tom Sharpe 
PG Wodehouse 
Fawlty Towers 
Episode 4 of this podcast 
Theatre Funding 
Protests 
Plays about hairdressing 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
Is it wrong for theatre companies to take funding from companies they deem immoral? Is it ok for a protest group to disrupt a theatrical performance? Are some protests more likely to backfire than succeed? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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 
 

#10 Plonker (performed by Mary Tillett)

On the verge of becoming a grandparent for the first time, Irene reflects on her relationship with her husband aka ‘Plonker’.  
 
Plonker is an original short story by Doe Wilmann
 
Dramatic Monologue - Psychological - Relationships 
 
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:
 
Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads 
Dramatic Monologues 
Fiction that makes you think 
Psychological fiction 
The apparent unfairness of life 
Concorde
Hospitals 
Grandchildren 
UB40
Hugh Laurie 
Gordon Ramsay 
Episode 5 of this Podcast 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
Does life really pass quickly or is this just our memories playing tricks on us? Are memories a sufficient consolation for ageing? When you’re doing something fun, what matters more: the activity or the person/s you’re doing it with? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? (Why did I used persons in the question before last and people in the last one?)
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
Performed by Mary Tillett 
 
Recorded and edited by Sebastian 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 

#9 Consuming Content

A writer from 2043 laments being replaced by the AI chat bot ChatGPT. But are there some upsides? 
 
Consuming Content is an original short story by Doe Wilmann
 
Sc-fi - Philosophy - Technology 
 
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 
Philip K Dick 
Fiction that makes you think 
Philosophical fiction 
Speculative fiction 
ChatGPT
Artificial intelligence 
Considering Creativity 
The idea of writers being replaced 
 
Things to consider when listening: 
 
Do you need to produce the art in order for it to belong to you? Where does creativity come from? Will AI make humans more creative or less? Does everyone have a form of creative genius hidden within? What’s the highest number of people you can share this podcast with? 
 
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. 
 
And if you’re a writer, maybe this will inspire you to take on a similar challenge yourself. In which case, let me know about it via email. doewilmann @ outlook.com
 
For writing tips and advice, follow me on TikTok (@piecesofdoe)
 
I also have an Instagram (@meaninglessproblems) and Twitter (@piecesofdoe) account but I can’t promise I’ll use them. 
 
Website:
 
Piecesofdoe.com or Meaninglessproblems.com 
 
Thanks for listening 
 
Credits:
 
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