In this episode, my guest is Shane Trotter the author of the new book Setting the Bar: Preparing our Kids to Thrive in an Era of Distraction, Dependency, and Entitlement . Shane is a writer, educator, and a Strength and Conditioning Coordinator with a passion for youth development. He has a free weekly newsletter called Stuff They Never Told You that I encourage you to check out at inspiredhumandevelopment.com . In the conversation, Shane and I discuss: Discerning our path in life The importance...
Jun 01, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 80
In this episode, my guest is Nate Anderson the author of the new book In Emergency, Break Glass: What Nietzsche Can Teach Us About Joyful Living in a Tech-Saturated World . Nate is the deputy editor at Ars Technica and writes about technology law and policy. In the conversation, Nate and I discuss: Why Nietzsche is an important figure today How Nietzsche can help us move forward in the information age What we can learn about finding meaning The wisdom of walking How to love life in spite of ever...
May 24, 2022•42 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kevin Vost the author of more than twenty books. Today we discuss the Porch and the Cross and his new book Memorize the Stoics . Kevin is a clinical psychologist, professor, and speaker. His work covers a wide array of topics from ancient philosophy, theology, and even strength training. In the conversation, Kevin and I discuss: Searching for wisdom The Stoic view of God Philosophy and forgiveness Navigating negative emotions How to memorize ancient lessons Wisdo...
May 20, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 78
In this episode, my guest is Simon Drew the author of The Poet & The Sage and host of The Walled Garden podcast . Simon is a poet, musician, philosopher, and friend. He’s a repeat guest on the show, I always enjoy connecting with Simon and this conversation was no exception. Today’s episode focuses on the wisdom of parables. A parable is generally defined as a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. In the conversation, Simon and I discuss: Forgiveness and love How to ob...
May 11, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, my guest is David Robson the author of the new book The Expectation Effect: How Your Mindset Can Change Your World . David is an award-winning science writer specializing in the extremes of the human brain, body, and behavior. David explores cutting-edge research that reveals the many profound ways that our expectations shape our experience. He brings together fascinating case studies and evidence-based science to uncover new techniques that we can all use to improve our fitness...
May 04, 2022•52 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Ron Siegel, the author of the new book The Extraordinary Gift of Being Ordinary . Dr. Siegel is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, where he has taught for over three decades. He is a longtime student of mindfulness meditation and is a faculty and board member at the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. In the conversation, Ron and I discuss: The good news of being ordinary Why we compare ourselves with others How to think about...
Apr 29, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kelly Flanagan (a returning guest on the show) and the author of True Companions , Loveable , and a forthcoming novel titled The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell . Kelly is a clinical psychologist by day, a writer by night, a consultant and speaker in my free time, and an ordinary human, husband, father, and friend in the midst of it all. You can learn more about Kelly’s work in the world at drkellyflanagan.com . In the conversation, Kelly and I discuss: The importanc...
Apr 25, 2022•43 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, my guest is Andrew Lynn, the author of Classic Spirituality for the Modern Man . Andrew is a lawyer, writer, and author of the ‘Classics for the Modern Man series. His mission as a writer is to draw upon classic texts and traditional wisdom to help us answer some of the most profound questions we face. The Classics for the Modern Man series include Classic Philosophy , Classic Political Philosophy , and Classic Ethics . In the conversation, Andrew and I discuss: Finding harmony ...
Apr 21, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 73
In this episode, my guest is John Sellars, the author of the new book The Pocket Epicurean . Professor Sellars is a Reader in Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London. He is also the author of Lessons in Stoicism , The Art of Living , and many others. In the conversation, John and I discuss: Finding Tranquility The Wisdom of Nature What we actually need to live a good life How the Stoics and Epicureans viewed the role of virtue How t...
Apr 13, 2022•45 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, my guest is Owen Flanagan, the author of the new book How to Do Things with Emotions . Owen is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Philosophy and professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University. Owen is also the author of The Geography of Morals , The Problem of the Soul , and others. In the conversation, Owen and I discuss: Philosophy and emotions The study of anger across cultures How to let go of deeply held emotions Making sense of shame Wisdom in daily ...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 71
In this episode, my guest is Stephen Cope the author of the new book The Dharma in Difficult Times: Finding Your Calling in Times of Loss, Change, Struggle, and Doubt . Stephen is a best-selling author and scholar who specializes in the relationship between the Eastern contemplative traditions and Western depth psychology. Stephen is a repeat guest on the show! We spoke around a year ago to discuss his book The Great Work of Your Life . In the conversation, Stephen and I discuss: The meaning of ...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, my guest is Cory Allen the author of Now is the Way: An Unconventional Approach to Modern Mindfulness . Cory is a meditation teacher, audio engineer, and host of the Astral Hustle podcast where he connects with experts in mindfulness, neuroscience, and philosophy. In the conversation, Cory and I discuss: Meditating on mortality Impermanence in daily life The limits of perception How to think about self-improvement Wisdom in daily life and much more Connect with Cory Allen: cory-...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, my guests are Judith Valente and Br. Paul Quenon the authors of the new book How to Be: A Monk and a Journalist Reflect on Living & Dying, Purpose & Prayer, Forgiveness & Friendship . In the conversation, we discuss: Discerning your path Becoming a person The purpose of life How meditation helps us Be in the world The role of friendship Wisdom in daily life and much more Judith Valente is an award-winning author, journalist, poet, and essayist. She is a former staff ...
Mar 16, 2022•50 min•Ep. 68
In today’s episode, I'm sharing another response to the question What is wisdom? The response comes from my conversation with Dr. Beverly Lanzetta the author of many books from A New Silence , The Monk Within , and Sacred Seasons (a new daily reader). Beverly is a theologian, spiritual teacher, and the author of many groundbreaking books on global spirituality and new monasticism. Dedicated to a vision of theological openness and spiritual nonviolence, her work has won praise for its wisdom, el...
Mar 13, 2022•5 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Joshua Knabb the author of Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice . Dr. Knabb is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist with research interests in mindfulness-based therapies, the psychology of religion and spirituality, and Christian meditative and contemplative practices. In the conversation, we discuss: Searching for wisdom Contemplative practices Navigating our thoughts Transcending the self Wisdom in daily life and much more Book mentioned: A Liberated M...
Mar 10, 2022•55 min•Ep. 66
In today’s episode, I’m sharing another response to the question "what is wisdom?" This short clip comes from my conversation with Steven Nadler the author of Think Least of Death: Spinoza on How to Live and How to Die . Professor Nadler’s research focuses on philosophy in the seventeenth century and he’s written extensively on Spinoza. Steven also has a new book coming out called When Bad Thinking Happens to Good People . If you enjoy this clip, please share it with others and you can check out...
Mar 06, 2022•5 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, my guest is 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 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. This episode was recorded early last year and was one of o...
Mar 04, 2022•53 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, my guest is Brandon Tumblin the host of The Strong Stoic Podcast . Brandon is a friend, a deep thinker, and someone with an interesting perspective on life. I highly encourage you to check out his podcast; he explores a wide range of philosophical ideas both solo and with guests. In the conversation, Brandon and I discuss: Stoicism Happiness Love Desire The Good Life and much more Connect with Brandon Tumblin: Homepage: brandontumblin.com/ Twitter: twitter.com/TheStrongStoic Ins...
Mar 02, 2022•45 min•Ep. 63
In this episode, I share a short clip from my conversation with 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. In the conversation, Dr. Jeste discusses the difference between intelligence and wisdom, and answers the question - What is wisdom? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to listen to more clips from In Search of Wisdom. Fol...
Feb 27, 2022•8 min•Ep. 62
In this episode, my guest is Brittany Polat the author of Tranquility Parenting: A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and Engaged . Brittany believes that anyone who is willing to reflect carefully on life can make progress toward inner peace and contentment. She has a Ph.D. in applied linguistics and her website is livinginagreement.com . In the conversation, we discuss: Searching for wisdom Finding tranquility Philosophy for life The Cardinal virtues Wisdom in daily life and much more Learn more ...
Feb 23, 2022•55 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, my guest is James Romm the author of Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero . James is a Professor of Classics at Bard College in NY. He specializes in ancient Greek and Roman culture. He has also edited two books on Seneca for the Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series titled How to Die and How to Keep Your Cool . In the conversation, James and I discuss: The meaning of Dying Every Day The Two Seneca’s Fear and Death Living a meaningful life Humility and wisdom Wisdom i...
Feb 16, 2022•42 min•Ep. 60
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Carl Erik Fisher the author of the new book The Urge: Our History of Addiction . Carl is an addiction psychiatrist, bioethics scholar, and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University. He is a Zen practitioner, and his clinical work focuses on applications of meditation and mindfulness. Carl also hosts the Flourishing after Addiction podcast. In the conversation, Carl and I discuss: Addiction and human nature Social and cultural factors on ad...
Feb 11, 2022•46 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, my guest is Tim Parks the author of the new book The Hero’s Way: Walking with Garibaldi from Rome to Ravenna . Tim is an acclaimed author, translator, and essayist. He grew up in London and studied at Cambridge and Harvard. In 1981, he moved to Italy where he has lived ever since, raising a family of three children. Tim Parks’s acclaimed books about Italy include Italian Ways , Italian Neighbors , and An Italian Education . He is a regular contributor to the New York Review of B...
Feb 08, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 58
In this episode, my guest is William Irvine the author of A Guide to the Good Life , The Stoic Challenge , and On Desire to name a few. William is a philosophy professor who not only teaches, thinks, and writes about philosophy, but who has adopted a philosophy for living, namely, the ancient philosophy known as Stoicism. In the conversation, William and I discuss: Philosophy Desire Happiness Tranquility Wisdom in daily life and much more Connect with William Irvine: williambirvine.com/ Follow I...
Feb 03, 2022•54 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, my guest is Leidy Klotz the author of Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less . Leidy has a Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering and studies how we transform things from how they are to how we want them to be. In the conversation, Leidy and I discuss: The science of less The research on our tendency to add over subtracting How this tendency influences organizations and policy decisions Habits and goals Wisdom in daily life and much more Connect with Leidy Klotz: leidyklotz.com/ Fol...
Jan 26, 2022•45 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, my guest is David Fideler the author of Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living . David’s studied ancient religions and philosophies, the history of science, and holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and intellectual history. In the conversation, David and I discuss: The life of Seneca Cultivating friendship Navigating hardships Overcoming fear and anxiety Wisdom and much more Connect with David Fideler: Homepage: davidfideler.com/ Follow In Search of Wisdom: Twitter: tw...
Jan 23, 2022•57 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, my guest is Carl McColman the author of Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life . Carl is a contemplative writer, speaker, and teacher. He is the author of numerous books, including The Big Book of Christian Mysticism , Answering the Contemplative Call , and Unteachable Lessons to name a few. In the conversation, Carl and I discuss: The meaning of mysticism Exploring various traditions The spiritual path The wisdom of silence and much more Connect with Carl McColman: a...
Jan 18, 2022•46 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, my guests are Meghan Sullivan and Paul Blaschko the authors of the new book The Good Life Method: Reasoning Through the Big Questions of Happiness, Faith, and Meaning . Meghan Sullivan is the Wilsey Family College Professor in Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, director of the God and the Good Life Program, and director of the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study. Paul Blaschko is an assistant teaching professor in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He head...
Jan 11, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, my guest is Donald Robertson the author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor as well as a forthcoming graphic novel titled Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius available for preorder. Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and trainer. He specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. In the conversation, Donald...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 52
In this episode, my guest is Professor Shimon Edelman the author of Life, Death, and Other Inconvenient Truths: A Realist’s View of the Human Condition . Shimon is a professor at Cornell University and is interested in all aspects of mind, brain, behavior, and the human condition. At Cornell, Prof. Edelman works on behavioral, neural, evolutionary, and computational aspects of language, vision, consciousness, and happiness. In the conversation, Shimon and I discuss: Ambition Anxiety Uncertainty ...
Jan 04, 2022•57 min•Ep. 51
