Episode 344 - The Meaning of Metallica

William "Bill" Irwin is a professor of philosophy at King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He has written and edited books that have sold over a million copies, most notably his "philosophy and... series including Seinfeld and Philosophy, The Matrix and Philosophy, The Simpsons and Philosophy and Metallica and Philosophy. In Bill's newly published book, The Meaning of Metallica: Ride the Lyrics, he analyzes the meaning of some of James Hetfield's most poignant and well-written songs. On this week's episode, Clint and Bill talk all about the book, philosophy, Metallica and, of course, the genius of James Hetfield's masterful lyrics. Other topics discussed include: - limitations as strength - Rick Rubin - NWOBHM - hearing thrash for the first time - different generations of Metallica fans - starting the Metallica book - teaching philosophy - Hetfield and religion - spiritual language - satanism in metal - Mechanix vs. Four Horsemen - Creeping Death - The God that Failed - Hetfield and addiction - The House Jack Built - alcoholism - Low Man’s Lyric - Hetfield’s lyrical evolution - 90’s Metallica - Metallica and Pantera - seeing Metallica in 1986 - Ozzy in 1986 - Metallica’s importance for teenagers - Van Halen - publishing a book - Of Wolf and Man - Sigmund Freud - 72 Seasons and beyond - a future book on Load/Reload I've also announced BOXSET GIVEAWAYS for the rest of 2023 as well as a new pick contest. So leave an iTunes review and consider joining me on Patreon.