173. Theft (Extended)

173. Theft (Extended)

From Overthink by Overthink Podcast

May 12, 2026 · 1 min

About this episode

In this episode, Ellie and David explore the complexities of theft, its moral implications, and its representation in modern media.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit overthinkpod.substack.com Thou shalt not miss this episode! In episode 173 of Overthink, Ellie and David talk about theft. They discuss our moral intuitions around theft, how feudalism and capitalism may be founded upon an original (and large scale) act that of theft, and the gendered association between kleptomania and women. They also critique the lack of legal repercussions for tech companies that steal information to train new AI models. Finally, they look at representations of theft and capital in film and television. What does the move from heist films to grift docudramas say about 21st century capitalism? And why do we love to take the side of thieves? In the Substack bonus segment, your hosts discuss the ethics of stealing from large corporations. Go to Quince.com/overthink for free shipping on your orders and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Go to Rula.com/overthink for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance.Works Discussed:Elaine Abelson, When Ladies Go A-Thieving: Middle-Class Shoplifters in the Victorian Department Store Anna Kornbluh “Falling Heists, Rising Grift: Filming Capital in…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ellie, David

Topics covered

  • theft
  • moral intuitions
  • capitalism
  • kleptomania
  • legal repercussions
  • film and television
  • ethics of stealing

Keywords

  • theft
  • capitalism
  • kleptomania
  • ethics
  • film
  • television
  • moral intuitions

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: When Ladies Go A-Thieving: Middle-Class Shoplifters in the Victorian Department Store, Falling Heists, Rising Grift: Filming Capital in the Already Long Twenty-First Century, Theft Is Property! Dispossession and Critical Theory

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