In this episode of The William Gomes Podcast, William turns his attention to the psychoanalytic idea of the Real, not as an abstract theory but as a lived dimension of experience. He approaches the concept with care, recognising that the Real resists clear definition and sits uneasily within language, images, and narratives. Rather than attempting to pin it down, the episode invites the listener to sit with what cannot be fully spoken or represented.
William reflects on how the Real often makes itself known through moments of rupture. These may be experiences of trauma, bodily sensation, or desire that exceed our usual ways of making sense of the world. Such moments can feel unsettling precisely because they do not fit neatly into familiar stories about who we are. The episode explores how this dimension is not something to be mastered or explained away, but something that quietly shapes our inner lives.
A central thread of the discussion is the relationship between the Real and compassion. By acknowledging that there are aspects of ourselves and others that cannot be fully articulated, the episode challenges the expectation that understanding must always be verbal or visible. William suggests that recognising these limits can soften self judgement and create space for a more humane way of relating, both inwardly and outwardly.
Throughout the episode, the tone remains gentle and reflective. The Real is presented not as a problem to be solved, but as a reminder of depth and vulnerability within human experience. In listening, we are encouraged to approach what feels unsayable with patience, and to allow meaning to emerge without forcing it into words.
Listen to the Episode
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vMkxJoJadEnT1Y4qghA42?si=1be7d6225f2945bd
