Perennial Meditations is a podcast for seekers and curious minds. Each episode delivers a quote, a meditation, and a practice—inspired by the writings of Stoics, Saints, and Sages. Learn more at perennial.substack.com.
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In this episode, I speak to Joseph Badaracco the author of Step Back: Bringing the Art of Reflection into Your Busy Life . Joseph is the John Shad Professor of Business Ethics at Harvard Business School. He has taught courses on ethics, strategy, and management in the School's MBA and executive programs. He is also the author of the books Defining Moments and The Good Struggle . In the conversation, Joe and I discuss: How to integrate reflection in our busy life What we can learn about the art o...
In this episode, I speak to Ashton Gustafson from the Good, True, & Beautiful podcast. Ashton recently had five episodes called the “True Self Series” with guests like Mark Nepo, Parker J. Palmer, and Kelly Flanagan to name a few and I asked him to come on to share any lessons learned. I really enjoyed the conversation and hope you do as well! In the episode, Ashton and I discuss: The origins of the true self How to identify the false self or ego Letting go, surrendering, shedding… A lighter...
In this episode, I speak to Simon Critchley, the author of Bald: 35 Philosophical Shortcuts . Simon is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research. His work engages in many areas from continental philosophy, ethics, philosophy and literature, and psychoanalysis, among others. In this interview, Simon and I discuss: How to find happiness How to think about hope How certainty is the enemy of faith How to navigate life and much more If you enjoyed the episode, pleas...
In this episode, I speak to Eric Weiner, the author of the book Socrates Express: Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers . Eric is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker. His books include The Geography of Bliss and The Geography of Genius , as well as the spiritual memoir Man Seeks God . His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Eric is a former foreign correspondent for NPR and reporter for The New York Times. He is a regular contributor to The Washingt...
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Michele Borba, the author of the new book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine , and the book Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World . Dr. Borba is an educational psychologist who blends 40 years of teaching and consulting experience with the latest science and someone with lots of wisdom to share how we can help our kids thrive. She is an award-winning author and parenting child expert recognized for he...
In this episode, I speak to Nancy Sherman the author of the new book Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons for Modern Resilience . Nancy has a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Harvard and has worked with the military for several decades in connection with Stoic ethics, posttraumatic stress, and moral injury. Sherman is a renowned expert in ancient and modern ethics, she relates how Stoic methods of examining beliefs and perceptions can help us correct distortions in what we believe, see, and feel. Her study rev...
In this episode, I speak to Chip Conley the author of Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder . Chip is a rebel hospitality entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author, Chip disrupted his favorite industry... twice. At age 26 he founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality (JdV), transforming an inner-city motel into the second largest boutique hotel brand in America. He sold JdV after running it as CEO for 24 years, and soon the young founders of Airbnb asked him to help transform their promis...
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Dilip Jeste the author of Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion, and What Makes Us Good . Dr. Jeste is a neuropsychiatrist who has spent more than 20 years studying aspects of wisdom and healthy aging. He is a professor of psychiatry and neuroscience and the director of the Center for Healthy Aging at UC San Diego. The conversation explores: The definition of wisdom Cultivating Compassion Emotional Regulation Self-reflection and curiosity Why wisdom ma...
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Kelly Flanagan the author of True Companions: A Book for Everyone About the Relationships That See Us Through . Dr. Flanagan is a Clinical Psychologist, Consultant, Speaker, and author of Loveable . In this conversation, Kelly shares deep wisdom on life, loneliness, and love. Listen as we discuss: Loneliness Deepening Relationships Finding Purpose The Four Loves and much more Connect with Dr. Kelly Flanagan: Homepage: https://drkellyflanagan.com/ Twitter: twitter....
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Jonathan Pennington the author of Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life . Dr. Pennington is currently Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Director of Research Doctoral Studies at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (in St. Mary’s College), where he wrote a thesis entitled “Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of...
In this episode, I speak to Kristi Nelson the author of Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted . Kristi has spent most of her adult life in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and organizational development. In a wide variety of roles, she has helped to lead, fund, and strengthen organizations committed to progressive social and spiritual change. Kristi received her BA from UMass/Amherst, a graduate certificate in Business and Sociology from Boston College, a...
In this episode, I speak to Sebene Selassie the author of You Belong: A Call for Connection . For over 20 years Sebene has worked with children, youth, and families nationally and internationally for small and large not for profits. Sebene is a long-time meditation teacher, retreat leader, and frequent guest on the 10-Percent Happier App. I truly enjoyed the conversation, and I am grateful to Sebene for sharing her wisdom! The episode explores: The Delusion of Separation Curiosity and Wonder Gro...
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Nic Bommarito the author of Seeing Clearly: A Buddhist Guide to Life . Dr. Bommarito is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and his research focuses on questions in virtue ethics, moral psychology, and Buddhist philosophy. Seeing Clearly is a great read and a guide to the good life that anyone can follow, laying out the basic philosophical ideas behind Buddhism’s teachings and offering practical techniques and practices. The episode explores: The Problem The Solu...
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Donna Hicks the author of Leading with Dignity . Dr. Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. She is a leading expert in Dignity and Conflict Resolution and has worked extensively in areas of conflict around the world. The episode explores: How to Lead with Dignity The 10 Elements of Dignity The 10 Temptations to Violate Dignity Dignity Consciousness Leadership and much more Connect with Dr. Donna Hicks: Home...
In this episode, I speak to Stephen Cope author of The Great Work of Your Life . Stephen is a best-selling author and scholar who specializes in the relationship between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western depth psychology. For almost thirty years, Stephen has been Scholar-in-Residence at the renowned Kripalu Center —the largest center for the study and practice of yoga in the Western world. Kripalu hosts almost 50,000 guests a year in its many yoga, meditation, and personal growth prog...
Father Augustine Wetta on Humility Rules In this episode, I speak to Father Augustine Wetta the author of Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem . Augustine Wetta is a monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis Missouri. He has two degrees in Theology from Oxford University, a BA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, and an MA in English from Middlebury College. For twenty years, he has taught English, Classics, and Theology at the Priory Schoo...
Dr. Stefanie Johnson on Inclusify: In this episode, I speak to Dr. Stefanie Johnson author of Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams . Dr. Johnson is an author, professor, and keynote speaker who studies the intersection of leadership and diversity, focusing on (1) how unconscious bias affects the evaluation of leaders and (2) strategies that leaders can use to mitigate bias. Dr. Johnson is a member of the MG 100 Coaches and was selected for the 2020 Thinkers5...
Donald Robertson on How to Think Like a Roman Emperor In this episode, I speak to Donald Robertson author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius . Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and trainer. He specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills and known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy The episode explores: Stoicism as a Way of Life Why Marcus Au...
In this episode, Dr. Kevin Vost, author of "How to Think Like Aquinas," shares his personal journey from atheism back to faith, guided by Aquinas's philosophical arguments. He delves into why Aquinas remains a perennial figure, emphasizing his methods for seeking truth, developing virtues like docility and prudence, and using ancient memory techniques. The conversation also covers avoiding logical fallacies, integrating faith and reason, and cultivating love and inner peace for a harmonious life.
In this episode, we speak to Pete Hamill the author of Embodied Leadership: The Somatic Approach to Developing Your Leadership . Pete is a consultant, facilitator, and coach with an international background in leadership and organizational development. The conversation explores: How leaders don't just need to know about leadership - leaders need to embody the capacity to lead in the midst of ambiguity and complexity. What embodied leadership is and why it matters today. How embodied leadership b...
