Are the cardinal virtues of courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice enough to live our highest good? Is there a need for the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love? These are just two of the questions we explore in this wide-ranging conversation of In Search of Wisdom. In this episode, I welcome to the show two friends from The Walled Garden , Sharon Lebell (author of The Art of Living ) and Simon Drew (author of The Poet & the Sage ). As you’ll hear in the episode, Sharon and Simon h...
Feb 01, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 115
On today’s episode, my guest is Prof. Emily Austin, the author of the new book Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life . Living for Pleasure is part of the Guides to the Good Life series by Oxford University Press. As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of the series. It is dedicated to the idea that philosophy can, as it was for hundreds of years in the ancient world – be a way of life. Prof. Austin’s book is another wonderful addition to the series. In the conversation, Emily and I discus...
Jan 18, 2023•58 min•Ep. 114
📩 Want daily wisdom? Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive ancient lessons for modern life: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In the episode, you’ll hear clips from some of my favorite conversations on Buddhist wisdom. The first portion of the episode comes from my conversation with Kevin Griffin (the author of Living Kindness ), followed by my interview with Shaila Catherine (the author of Beyond Distraction ). Then finally, the episode closes with a portion of my conversation wi...
Jan 04, 2023•43 min•Ep. 113
In today’s episode, my guest is Stephen Cope, the author of many books, including The Great Work of Your Life , Deep Human Connection , and, most recently, Dharma in Difficult Times . Stephen is a psychotherapist, Scholar-in-Residence at the renowned Kripalu Center, and the founder and former Director of Kripalu’s Institute for Extraordinary Living. In the conversation, Stephen and I discuss, The Call for Connection Loneliness and Belonging Contemplative Practices How to think about Love Wisdom ...
Dec 21, 2022•58 min•Ep. 112
In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Prof. Wendy K. Smith, the co-author of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems . Prof. Smith is the Dana J. Johnson professor of management and faculty director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative at the University of Delaware. She earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, where she began her intensive research on strategic paradoxes—how leaders and senior teams effectively r...
Dec 07, 2022•51 min•Ep. 111
In this episode, my guest is Donald Robertson, the author of the new graphic novel Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius . Donald is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre, a nonprofit in Athens, Greece (which you’ll hear more about in the episode). He is also the author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor and many others. In the conversation, Donald and I discuss, Leadership lessons from Marcus Aurelius Ancient Philosoph...
Nov 30, 2022•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 110
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brian Russell, the author of Centering Prayer . Brian is a return guest to the show. I’m grateful he agreed to come back on to have a conversation on The Discipline of Discernment. Brian is a professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. In the conversation, Brian and I discuss: What is discernment The obstacles to discerning wisely How contemplative practices help us discern Navigating Life’s questio...
Nov 23, 2022•52 min•Ep. 109
On today’s episode, my guest is Kieran Setiya, the author of the new book Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way . Kieran teaches philosophy at MIT, working mainly in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. He is also the author of Midlife: A Philosophical Guide and has a philosophy podcast called Five Questions . In the conversation, Kieran and I discuss: Finding Our Way Philosophy and Temperament Philosophy as Self-Help Loneliness and Grief Hope and Despair How to live...
Nov 16, 2022•48 min•Ep. 108
📩 Want daily wisdom? Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive ancient lessons for modern life: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode, my guest is David Alexander, the co-host of the Between Two Ravens podcast and creator of the Prosoche Project. David is a psychotherapist, a founding member of the Walled Garden, and someone with a deep interest in practical wisdom. Learn more about David’s work in the world at prosocheproject.com and at thewalledgarden.com . In the conver...
Nov 09, 2022•47 min•Ep. 107
In this episode, my guest is Karen Stohr, the author of Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Life . Prof. Stohr joined the philosophy department at Georgetown in 2002, where she is the Ryan Family Professor of Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy. In 2011, she also became a senior research scholar at Georgetown’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics. Learn more about Karen Stohr’s work and background. In the conversation, Karen and I discuss, The life and philosophy of Immanuel Kant What it means to live acc...
Nov 02, 2022•50 min•Ep. 106
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Sunil Raheja, the author of Dancing with Wisdom . Dr. Sunil is a psychiatrist, coach, and wisdom seeker. He works with senior leaders and clients who feel stuck – empowering them to re-engage with a deeper purpose. You can learn more about his work in the world at Dr.Sunil.com . In the conversation, we discuss, The Examined Life The Role of Responsibility How to Find Clarity Wisdom in daily life and much more Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations o...
Oct 26, 2022•51 min•Ep. 105
In this episode, my guest is Jonathan Robinson the author of The Enlightenment Project . Jonathan is the author of 14 books, a psychotherapist, a spiritual coach, and a professional speaker. His first book, The Experience of God , includes interviews with the late Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and several other spiritual masters. You can learn more about Jonathan's work in the world at theenlightenmentproject.net . In the conversation, Jonathan and I discuss the following: Why we search for wis...
Oct 19, 2022•47 min•Ep. 104
📩 Want ancient lessons for modern life delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the Perennial Meditations newsletter. In this episode, my guest is Stephen Angle, the author of Growing Moral: A Confucian Guide to Life . Stephen is a philosophy writer and researcher specializing in Chinese Philosophy, Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, and comparative philosophy. His research focuses on philosophy’s role in human rights, politics, and ethics. In the conversation, Stephen and I discuss, Confucianis...
Oct 12, 2022•51 min•Ep. 103
In this episode, my guest is Vitaliy Katsenelson the author of Soul in the Game: The Art of a Meaningful Life . Vitaliy’s book draws from the lives of classical composers, ancient Stoics, and contemporary thinkers. I found his book to be a beautiful collection of life lessons and wisdom for modern life. Vitaliy Katsenelson was born in Murmansk, USSR, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1991. After joining Denver-based value investment firm IMA in 1997, Vitaliy became Chief Inv...
Oct 05, 2022•54 min•Ep. 102
In this episode, my guest is Massimo Pigliucci, the author of the new book, The Quest for Character . Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology and a PhD in Philosophy. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York . His research interests include the philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophies like Stoicism. You can learn more about Prof. Pigliucci at massimopigliucci.org . In the conversation, Massimo and I dis...
Sep 28, 2022•57 min•Ep. 101
In this episode, my guest is Kevin Griffin, the author of Living Kindness: Metta Practice for the Whole of Our Lives . Kevin is a longtime Buddhist practitioner, author, teacher, and leader in the mindful recovery movement. He is also the author of One Breathe at a Time , Buddhism and the Twelve Steps Daily Reflections , and many others. You can learn more about Kevin’s work and background at KevinGriffin.net . In the conversation, Kevin and I discuss: The Four Noble Truths How to think about su...
Sep 21, 2022•54 min•Ep. 100
In this episode, my guest is Bryan Van Norden the author of Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto . Prof. Van Norden is the James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassar College and Chair Professor in Philosophy in the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University (China). He has published numerous books on Chinese and comparative philosophy. You can learn more about his work at BryanVanNorden.com . In the conversation, Bryan and I discuss: The meaning behind the title Taking Back Phi...
Sep 14, 2022•58 min•Ep. 99
📩 Want ancient lessons for modern life delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the Perennial Meditations newsletter. In this episode, my guest is Shaila Catherine, the author of Beyond Distraction: Five Practical Ways to Focus the Mind . Shaila is a renowned meditation teacher and author of three books on concentration and insight meditation. She teaches meditation retreats worldwide and founded Bodhi Courses , an online dharma classroom. Shaila is the principal teacher for Insight Meditatio...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 98
📩 Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive philosophical and spiritual lessons for daily life right to your inbox. In this episode, my guest is Scott Hershovitz, the author of Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids . Scott is the Thomas G. and Mabel Long Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan. As you’ll hear in the episode, Scott has a deep passion for philosophy. You can learn more about his work at scotthershovitz.com . In the ...
Aug 31, 2022•41 min•Ep. 97
📩 Want more ancient lessons for modern life? Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive timeless principles and practices delivered right to your inbox. In this episode, my guest is Eric Zimmer, the host of the award-winning podcast The One You Feed . Eric is a behavior coach, spiritual director, and someone inspired by the quest for a greater understanding of how our mind works and how to intentionally create the lives we want to live. Learn more about Eric’s work at oneyoufeed.net . In the ...
Aug 24, 2022•51 min•Ep. 96
📩 Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive philosophical and spiritual lessons for daily life right to your inbox. Welcome to In Search of Wisdom by the Perennial Leader Project . In this episode, my guest is Dr. Kevin Vost, the author of more than twenty books. Today we discuss his new book Humble Strength . Kevin is a clinical psychologist, professor, and speaker. His work covers a wide array of topics from ancient philosophy, theology, and even strength training. Learn more about Kevin’s...
Aug 17, 2022•54 min•Ep. 95
Welcome to In Search of Wisdom, a podcast by the Perennial Leader Project . In this episode, my guest is Skye Cleary, the author of the new book How to Be Authentic . Skye is a philosopher and writer. She teaches at Columbia University and the City University of New York and is also the author of Existentialism and Romantic Love . Learn more about Skye at skyecleary.com . In the conversation, Skye and I discuss: Simone de Beauvoir and why she is an important figure today The challenges of defini...
Aug 10, 2022•53 min•Ep. 94
📩 Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive philosophical and spiritual lessons for daily life right to your inbox. In this episode, my guest is Jason Merchey, the author of Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue That Cannot Be Bought . Jason is the founder of Values of the Wise, author of five books, and someone with a deep interest in ancient philosophy, virtue ethics, and human nature. Connect with Jason at valuesofthewise.com . In the conversation, Jason and I discuss: Practical Philosophy The w...
Aug 03, 2022•56 min•Ep. 93
In this episode, my guest is Mark Vernon, the author of the new boo k Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey . Mark is a psychotherapist and writer interested in spirituality and inner life. He has a Ph.D. in ancient philosophy, as well as degrees in physics and theology. You can learn more about Mark’s work at markvernon.com . In the conversation, Mark and I discuss: Psychotherapy and the spiritual path Why the way down can be the way up The role of guides on the spiritual pat...
Jul 27, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 92
Sign up for 📩 The PATH Newsletter (our FREE weekly email) and receive a free 3-DAY Introduction to Ancient Lessons for Modern Life. Welcome to the Sunday edition of In Search of Wisdom. Here we slow things down, find time for stillness, and take a deeper dive into the ancient texts. We reflect on selected readings from philosophical and spiritual traditions to help us live our highest good. To learn more, you can visit perennialleader.com . In this episode, we conclude our selected readings of ...
Jul 24, 2022•7 min•Ep. 91
Sign up for 📩 The PATH Newsletter (our FREE weekly email) and receive a free 3-DAY Introduction to Ancient Lessons for Modern Life. In this episode, my guest is Shane Sorensen, the author of the new book Renaissance Wisdom: How to Flourish in the Modern Day . Shane is a self-taught philosopher, avid fitness enthusiast, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and someone with a deep passion for wisdom. You can learn more about Shane at renaissance-wisdom.com . In the conversation, Shane and I discuss: T...
Jul 20, 2022•53 min•Ep. 90
Sign up for 📩 The PATH Newsletter (our FREE weekly email) and receive a free 3-DAY Introduction to Ancient Lessons for Modern Life. Welcome to the Sunday edition of In Search of Wisdom. Here we slow things down, find time for stillness, and take a deeper dive into the ancient texts. We reflect on selected readings from philosophical and spiritual traditions to help us live our highest good. To learn more, you can visit perennialleader.com . In this episode, we continue our selected reading of S...
Jul 17, 2022•10 min•Ep. 89
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the second part of my recent conversations with my good friend Brandon Tumblin (the host of The Strong Stoic podcast ). Brandon has been on the podcast multiple times and today we focus on the wisdom of Dostoevsky. Brandon has an upcoming talk on Dostoevsky for The Walled Garden Philosophical Society which I highly encourage you to check out. You can sign up at thewalledgarden.com . Brandon’s talk is actually scheduled for later today (14 Jul at 5:00 pm EST). I’ll...
Jul 14, 2022•36 min•Ep. 88
📩 Sign up for The PATH Newsletter (our FREE weekly email) and receive a free 3-DAY Introduction to Ancient Lessons for Modern Life. In this episode, my guest is Brandon Tumblin the host of The Strong Stoic podcast . Brandon is a return guest on the show and as you’ll hear us talk about in the episode — we take a deep dive into the topic of harmony. Brandon did a solo episode on his podcast on harmony that I loved. So, I asked him to come on to share some wisdom about how we might find harmony a...
Jul 13, 2022•53 min•Ep. 87
Welcome to the Sunday edition of In Search of Wisdom. Here we slow things down, find time for stillness, and take a deeper dive into the ancient texts. We reflect on selected readings from philosophical and spiritual traditions to help us live our highest good. To learn more, you can visit perennialleader.com . In this episode, we reflect on Seneca’s On the Happy Life . According to Seneca, “Everyone wants to live happily, but when it comes to discerning what it is that makes life happy, they ar...
Jul 10, 2022•7 min•Ep. 86
