PODCAST · society
Fools and Sages
by Fools and Sages Podcast
Welcome to the Fools and Sages Podcast, where deep conversations intersect with practical wisdom. Hosted by Brian Lee and Boaz Soifer, this show invites listeners into thought-provoking conversations that illuminate the transformative insights Boaz gained from nearly three decades of dialogue with Brian.
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Speaking the Tao with Dr. David Marshall 94
Join the Fools as they explore the depths of the Tao Te Ching with Dr. David Marshall, a China scholar and expert in world religions. We discuss translation challenges, the metaphysical nature of the Tao, and its relevance to modern life and spirituality.
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Mental Health, Materialism and Tripping Balls
In this episode The Fools explore the complex relationship between psychedelics, traditional knowledge, and modern science. It emphasizes the importance of humility, tradition, and responsible use in integrating psychedelics into mainstream medicine and society.
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Slicing Up The Pepperoni Of Time
Slicing Up The Pepperoni of Time 92, in which the Fools explore time, how humans relate to it and some of the famous debates about its nature, like that between Albert Einstein and Henri Bergson in the early 20th century. They explore its connection to questions around identity, being and the purpose of life, and some useful takeaways.
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Pornographic Playing Cards, Philosophy and Nietzsche 91
In this discussion The Fools Explore the metaphor of explicit playing cards to understand philosophy, self-identity, and the process of individuation. A deep dive into Nietzsche, Heidegger, and the stages of personal development through metaphorical imagery. And an explanation of the Fools and Sages as a philosophical project...
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Dr, Stephen Hicks: Science, Objectivity, Truth and the Whole She-bang
In this insightful interview with the Fools, Dr. Stephen Hicks explores the complex relationship between philosophy, consciousness, and reality, delving into the historical development of ideas from ancient philosophy to postmodernism. Discover how different philosophical positions influence our understanding of the self, objectivity, and the pursuit of truth.
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Who's Your Daddy? Orphans Discuss Fatherhood
Who's Your Daddy? Orphans Discuss Fatherhood 89 , Wherein The Fools explore the archetype of the father, its psychological significance, and its role in personal and cultural development. The conversation delves into the transition from mother to father archetypes, the internalization of authority, and the creative force of fatherhood in life and renewal.
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Money, money, money and a bit about Magic Spells 88
This episode explores the complex relationship between money, freedom, and consciousness. The Fools discuss personal experiences, cultural influences, and philosophical insights into how money acts as an intermediary between the internal and external worlds, and how language and societal narratives shape our perceptions.
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What About Eating Animals? 87
In this conversation, the Fools explore the themes of raising poultry, the ethics of animal slaughter, and the consciousness involved in food production. They discuss the cycle of life, the morality of killing animals for food, and the cultural perspectives surrounding these practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and purity of intent in our relationships with the food we consume and the animals we raise. Ultimately, it reflects on the missed opportunities for deeper connections with life and the implications of mechanization in our food systems.
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Krishnan Venkatesh: Sauntering into the Unknown: Thoreau & Basho
Krishnan Venkatesh: Sauntering Into The Unknown: Thoreau and Basho 85 wherein The Fools explore the profound connections between walking, nature, and mortality through a rich dialogue on philosophy, culture, and spiritual practice with Guest, Tutor, Author, Krishnan Venkatesh. Discover how ancient traditions and modern insights converge to deepen our understanding of life and death.
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James Hartree: Philosophy For Screenagers 85
In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, The Fools welcome James Hartree, an educational innovator and director of the Institute for Classical Dialogue. They discuss the current crisis in education, the importance of classical education, and how it can address modern challenges. James shares insights on innovative educational projects in New Mexico, the interconnection of speaking, thinking, and writing, and the role of philosophy in shaping society. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication skills, the impact of technology on education, and the importance of engaging with classical literature and philosophy to empower individuals and foster personal growth.
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Allowing Being To Be: Gelassenheit 84
This conversation delves into the complexities of Judeo-Christian values, the relationship between different religions, and the philosophical implications of existence. The Fools explore the utility of religion, the nature of care and concern, and the influence of cultural contexts on values. They discuss the differences between Jewish and Christian atheism, the role of internal versus external circumstances in shaping experiences, and the significance of attachment and detachment in life. The conversation also touches on the evolution of thought and philosophy, particularly through the lens of Heidegger and other philosophical figures.
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Mountaintops, Views, and More Heidegger 83
This conversation delves into the exploration of various spiritual paths, examining the differences and similarities among them. The discussion highlights the importance of both heart and mind in spiritual practices, the nature of aloneness versus community, and the role of ceremonies in spirituality. It also contrasts the concepts of magic and theogeny, emphasizing the significance of philosophy in understanding existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. And Lots more as Usual!
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Can Philosophy Repair The World? Shaking Off The Still-Life 82
In this engaging conversation, the Fools delve into the intricate relationship between narratives, self-awareness, and the dynamics of dialogue. The discussion also touches on the archetypal nature of these narratives, linking them to stages of personal development, suggesting that our stories shape our perceptions and interactions with the world. As the conversation progresses, they reflect on the significance of identifying "a listening" in dialogue, arguing that it often goes unnoticed yet plays a crucial role in shaping the speaking that occurs. They draw parallels between martial arts and therapeutic practices, highlighting the need for awareness of both speaking and listening to facilitate meaningful exchanges. The speakers conclude by discussing the philosophical implications of narratives, suggesting that understanding and articulating our stories can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth, ultimately allowing individuals to navigate life's complexities with more clarity and intention
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Gadamer, Levinas and a Magical Kind of Ping Pong 81
This conversation explores the concept of organizations as living systems, emphasizing their dependence on language and meaning transfer. The discussion delves into the nature of free will, consciousness, and cognitive models, highlighting the importance of dialogue in expanding understanding. The speakers reflect on collective wisdom, the integration of ancient insights with modern perspectives, and the philosophical implications of pragmatism versus absolute views on free will. Ultimately, the conversation seeks to unravel the mystery of existence and the interconnectedness of consciousness.
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Heidegger and The Ontological Goo 80
Heidegger and The Ontological Goo 80 wherein the Fools explore the themes of New Year's resolutions, personal growth, and philosophical insights on human existence. They discuss the nature of Being, the role of language in shaping reality, and the importance of dialogue in self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-mastery and the examined life, highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and their experiences.
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Is Heaven All Up In Our Head? 79
This conversation delves into the intricate relationships between liberty, democracy, and cognitive models shaped by religious beliefs. It explores how different religions interpret spiritual experiences and the role of narrative in creating meaning. The discussion also touches on the physicality of spiritual experiences, the implications of Judeo-Christian values, and the concept of privilege in understanding the human condition.
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Rich Rubino 2025 Retrospective 78
The Fools talk with the encyclopedic political and presidential historian Rich Rubino about the past year in National and Global politics from an historical, non-partisan perspective.
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Paul Fenn: Liberty, Democracy, Localism and The Bloody Rhinoceros Head
Paul Fenn: Liberty, Democracy, Localism and The Bloody Rhinoceros Head 77 wherein The Fools discuss, with author, activist, political philosopher Paul Fenn, his latest work, The Localist Manifesto. In 1995 Paul co-authored the nation's landmark municipal aggregation legislation in Massachusetts and authored California's 2002 Community Choice (CCA) law, Assembly Bill 117. Since then, Fenn has played a leading role in the growth, and implementation of CCA across the U.S. Fenn also wrote San Francisco's 2001 "Solar Bond" authority Proposition H the Nation's first "Green Bond".In Episode 41 of F&S The fools discussed Fenn's earlier co-authored work, Enlightenment in the Age of Destruction (Palgrave 2018). The current episode 77 covers history, psychology, politics and a practical road map for the current chapter in our evolving democracy. Don't Miss it!
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Frogs in The Maelstrom and The Big We 76
In this conversation, Brian and Boaz explore various themes including the challenges of climate change, the complexities of infrastructure development, the role of authority in collective action, and the balance between individual desires and the suffering of others. They delve into philosophical discussions about idealism versus materialism, the importance of social cohesion, and the ethical implications of our choices. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of human nature and the interconnectedness of our experiences.Chapters0:00 Introduction01:02 Pragmatic Approaches to Climate Change03:38 The Complexity of Collective Action06:41 Authority and the 'We' Concept08:41 Balancing Competing Interests09:40 Social Cohesion and Cultural Dynamics12:10 Philosophical Perspectives on Human Nature17:13 The Idealism vs. Materialism Debate24:29 The Dangers of Subjectivity25:43 Postmodernism and Materialism26:23 The Role of Reason and Psychological Predispositions28:32 Finding Balance: Wisdom from Buddha and Aristotle31:59 Material Circumstances vs. Human Nature34:48 The Cost of Desire: Suffering for Personal Gain37:24 Mutual Suffering in Relationships39:24 The Nature of Suffering and Its Implications41:08 The Philosophy of Experience as a Multiplier44:18 Navigating the Cognitive Storm48:16 Philosophical Crossroads and Metaphysical Assumptions
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Category Confusion and The Slippery Fish of The Self 75
We discuss the idea of "combating hate " and the dangers of generalities, evolving into a discussion of aspects of Marxism, materialism and finally a discussion of ideas of The Self and their connection to our lives, our self-understanding and ultimately our self-fulfillment. And the tricky handling of this slippery fish in general. As always not scripted, not AI.
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The Rabbi and The Atom: Fusing Torah and Physics
Us fools talk with physicist rabbi Jack Shlacter about bridging the gulf between the material and the spiritual, free will, determinism, antisemitism and the Judaic traditions thru time.
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The Missing Piece: The One Thing Books Can't Teach You 73
We discuss the wisdom that Aristotle called the "Charioteer of the virtues" without which all our other virtues would be "blind"...what it is, how it comes about and more...plus we touch on rationality in daily life and that slipperiest of all fishes, happiness...
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#72 The Dance of The Plover and The Chronosynclastic Infundibulum
Life in the Dangerous Middle....in the liminal zones are found both life and creativity, the space between light and dark, between order and chaos, between waking life and the world of dreams....join us to explore the secrets of dancing on that line...
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#71: Larry Shapiro: Why Science Needs Philosophy
Larry Shapiro, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at University of Wisconsin, joins these Fools to talk about why it’s essential for philosophy to play a central role in other disciplines. In particular, as science attempts to answer some of the “big questions of philosophy” - free will, consciousness, and happiness - philosophy has a great deal to offer. Larry introduces ideas from his upcoming book and shares some of his own perspectives on these big questions - and every other question these Fools throw at him. Enjoy!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#70: Implications of Forgiveness
When you think about it, forgiveness is pretty weird, and these Fools have some questions: What does it really mean to forgive? What happens inside of us when we forgive? Can we show someone kindness without forgiving them? Does forgiving make us better? Must the other person have a role, i.e., repentance? What is the relationship between forgiveness and justice? These fools discuss. Hope you enjoy! Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#69: On Belonging, Oedipus, and the Psychopomp
How much is it our choice to belong, versus the situation being right? An interesting topic, especially for two Fools who, growing up, didn’t feel they belonged. A discussion of fate, destiny, karma, and the story of Oedipus Rex follow as we explore aspects of belonging, autonomy, the relationship between religion and mysticism, and other aspects and implications of being in the very human predicament of experiencing existence as both an individual, and a part of a collective. Thanks for listening!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#68: Michael Wolfe: Polish the Heart
Dr. Michael Wolfe, tutor at St. John’s College and leader of the Middle Eastern studies program there, joins these Fools for a great discussion. Since discovering him in graduate school, Dr. Wolfe was and remains captivated by the great 12th-century Sufi mystic Ibn-al-Arabi, and we go pretty deep into his views on the nature of God, consciousness, and reality (is it a dream? Could synchronicity exist if the universe is essentially material?) These fools loved this conversation and can’t wait to have Dr. Wolfe back - hope you enjoy it as well!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#67: Steven Nadler: Virtue is its Own Reward
Professor Steven Nadler of the University of Wisconsin joins these Fools to talk about the life and work of Baruch Spinoza, who was expelled from Judaism in the 1600s for his radical views on God and Nature. We discuss Spinoza’s view on living a successful life, the ideas of Freedom and Passion, whether Free Will can exist, and also other areas in Nadler’s realm of expertise such as medieval Jewish philosophy and its relationship to theology. It was a pleasure hosting Dr. Nadler and we hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed the conversation!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages Show Notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#66: Hope, Will, and Purpose
Erik Erikson, renowned psychoanalyst and student of Sigmund Freud, says we have these innate drives around which ego and consciousness are formed. This brings up a discussion of the ego and its relationship to free will, that elusive philosophical question. Also arising is the Herculean task we are all given - to bind the internal and external world in our attempt to make sense. Enjoy the journey!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_linkChapters: 00:00 Introduction05:25 The Intersection of Psychology and Philosophy08:07 Freud: The Pioneer of Psychoanalysis17:38 The Roots of Virtue21:22 Hope, Will, and Purpose38:20 Love and Care45:42 Wisdom52:49 Ethics and Responsibility
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#65: Madness
In the Fools and Sages One Year Anniversary Episode, these fools discuss various aspects of the nature of “madness” and the role it plays in society, and in human creativity and evolution. Threads of the conversation include “transgenerational trauma,” comparing the cognitive models offered by shamanism and western psychology, and the relationship between madness and the idea of a collective mind. We hope you enjoy this episode, and that we’ll all be together for another year at least, evolving our thinking together. Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#64: Glenna Gerard: Dialogue and the Ineffable
Glenna Gerard has been involved in education, business, and consulting for over 30 years, much of that as a practitioner, facilitator, and teacher of “Bohm Dialogue,” a method for creating shared understanding, and even shared meaning, developed by the Nobel Prize-winning quantum physicist, David Bohm. Glenna joins these Fools for a far-ranging conversation that touches on many topics, including her experience working with David Bohm, Dialogue and its role in organizations and institutions, the nature of concepts such as emergence, fragmentation and coherence, the unique role of language as a framework for reality, and of course consciousness itself, and meaning. It was truly a joy to host Glenna and we know you will enjoy this very special episode. Thanks for tuning in!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_linkChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Glenna Gerard05:24 The Importance of Dialogue08:48 David Bohm's Influence on Dialogue16:10 Understanding Fragmentation and Wholeness19:57 The Role of Language in Dialogue26:05 The Interconnectedness of Human Experience32:21 Exploring Bohm Dialogue in Depth38:14 Creating a Container for Meaningful Conversations43:58 Letting Go of Outcomes48:29 Transmission of Wisdom in Dialogue54:46 Navigating Conflict as a Resource01:04:35 Facilitating Self-Sustaining Dialogue01:10:58 Power Dynamics in Work Environments01:14:04 Leadership and Organizational Change01:24:05 Dialogue as a Way of Being01:27:21 New Dialogic Practices
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#63: Master and Emissary
It seems we see the world through a somewhat warped perspective. Where everything is interconnected, we see individual elements. As a result, human beings can uniquely manipulate the physical world, which helps us evolutionarily. But, just like quantum physics applies different rules than Newtonian mechanics, we need a different way of seeing reality if we want to apprehend its wholeness, rather than its parts. These Fools touch on Iain McGilchrist’s work, “Master and Emissary,” along with Henri Bergson’s analysis of evolution and the hierarchy of matter and consciousness, and explore the possible means and implications of experiencing wholeness. Enjoy!Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#62: Justice and the Nature of Evil
The sentencing of Brian Kohberger in the infamous University of Idaho murders triggers a discussion of justice. What is justice, even? How have our concepts of it evolved? How can justice be achieved? What is the relationship between justice and morality, and does serving justice require the commitment of immoral acts? What is the relationship between justice and “social justice?” How are justice and civic responsibility intertwined? And, as always, so much more.Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#61: The Ladder Goes Both Ways
Does consciousness arise from matter, or does matter arise from consciousness? Or, wait: what about both??? These Fools discuss the often-revisited philosophical idea of “The Great Chain of Being” along with the French philosopher Henri Bergson’s idea of “creative evolution,” and explore the implications of whether consciousness is an epi-phenomenon (a byproduct, as of brain activity,) or central to existence. This, of course, leads them down some rabbit holes. Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#60: The Search for Truth
These Fools examine humanity’s relationship to Truth - our desire for objective truth despite its subjective nature, and our love and reverence for it, and how philosophy attempts to make sense of the mysterious and unknowable.Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#59: The Second Coming (WB Yeats)
Brian reads the short poem, The Second Coming, by WB Yeats, written after WWI, and these Fools discuss its imagery, historical context, and philosophical implications.Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#58: What is Anger?
These Fools examine anger through psychological and philosophical frameworks. Is it a “secondary emotion?” A signal of other internal material? What does it mean to not be a victim of our own anger, and how do we go about living in healthy relationship with our anger? Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#57: Brian's Teachers
These Fools go into Brian’s history and discuss key teachers he had in his formative chapters learning fighting and later, internal martial arts. Brian shares stories from his early days learning from Peter Lee, and offers some glimpses into martial arts theory not often available to the layperson.patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcasthttps://x.com/sagetimepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#56: Krishnan Venkatesh: A Love of Impartiality
These Fools are thrilled to welcome special guest Krishnan Venkatesh, a philosophy professor at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, NM and formative member of St. John’s Eastern Classics Graduate Program. A rich discussion starts out with whether there are core differences between Eastern and Western philosophy, and touches on many topics, including the influence of Eastern thought on American thinkers like HD Thoreau, fragmentation of society, the meaning of having a “philosophical practice” and the mind-body connection, the advent of artificial intelligence, the value of listening well and how that skill is developed, and the role of language in meaning-making and reality itself.
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#55: It's All About the Hats
These Fools chat about the significance of hats, from their roles protecting us from weather in various climates to the role of the head itself as the seat of consciousness. This leads to a discussion of meditation, the relative merits of standing and sitting for it, and insights about the mind-body connection, drawing on Brian’s deep experience in martial arts. foolsandsagespodcast.compatreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcasthttps://x.com/sagetimepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_link
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#54: Brian's Been Thinkin' 'Bout Crypto
This week these Fools discuss the advent of cryptocurrency. What does it represent in the evolution of Marshall MacLuhan’s “extensions of man?” How do ideas like local currency relate to crypto? How do currencies and economics relate to nature itself? How is crypto relevant to the rest of a new chapter unfolding?Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/See the Fools and Sages show notes: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_linkChapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fools and Sages 02:48 Crypto and Macro Trends06:07 Media Evolution and Hybridization08:55 Understanding Money and Currency12:10 The Rise of Cryptocurrency15:02 Local Currencies and Community Economics17:55 The Psychology of Crypto Investment21:05 The Future of Money and Globalization24:01 Tokenization and Real-World Assets27:03 Market Dynamics and Human Behavior30:07 The Role of Technology in Trading32:52 The Intersection of Nature and Economics36:10 Emerging Trends in Crypto and Consciousness38:57 The Future of Banking and Currency42:12 Reflections
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#53: The Self is a Fortune Cookie
These Fools explore the idea of the “Self” and how various thinkers have conceptualized it. Does the Self only exist in a religious context? Who are we in a secular world? The need to know the Self and understand its relationship to subjects such as consciousness and time, may be the most important catalyst of philosophy itself. Join these Fools for the journey!patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcasthttps://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GVCVW1h2_-4JOU22KREzTO0lVDiN3icg?usp=drive_linkhttps://x.com/sagetimepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/foolsandsagespodcast/
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#52: Psychology and Ideology
These Fools explore the link between individual psychological tendencies and mass consciousness. Are ideologies the outcome of individual dysfunctions projected into the group? Modernism and post-modernism get a look through the lens of materialism and spirit, as these Fools consider how societies create the environment for individual freedom and healthy collaboration. Enjoy!
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#51: Fruitfulness
These Fools talk about Brian’s apricot trees, and his musings on the deep meaning of the term “fruitfulness” - its origins in language and usage, its implications for our interrelationship with nature and stewardship, and its insights into the nobility of common struggle, the tension between surrender and control, and meaning itself. Dedicated to Frank Andrews: may he rest in peace.
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#50: Perfectionism and Play
These Fools contemplate a case from Boaz’s coaching practice, in which play is proposed as an antidote to the voice of excessive self-criticism (perfectionism.) They discuss the ideas of play and its role in human development as well as the psychology of self-criticism, and explore how these topics interrelate (and how they don’t.) What constitutes play for an adult? What is meant by “integrating” psychological material? How do we move towards greater authenticity? Tune in and join the conversation!
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#49: Geoffrey Moore: Pattern Recognition
These Fools welcome guest Geoffrey Moore, world-renowned business strategist famous for books such as “Crossing the Chasm” and consultant with leading enterprises such as Salesforce, Intel, and Microsoft. Geoff introduces “The Infinite Staircase,” his proposal for a metaphysics that provides a secular framework for ethics. He and these Fools explore the human experience and how we develop in our search for meaning. Geoff is a treasure, as is his life’s work, and it was an honor to host him. Enjoy!
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#48: Hitler: A Phenomenological Sortie
These Fools explore the archetypal meaning of history’s most famous dictator, whose name is synonymous with humanity’s darkest potential. In a competitive field, why do we uniquely associate Hitler with evil? A phenomenological review touches on rhetoric, black magic, the meaning of moral courage and individual responsibility, and ultimately, meaning itself. Have yourself a good listen.foolsandsagespodcast.com
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#47: Allison Gerrard: Moral Courage
These Fools welcome guest Allison Gerard, Managing Director of Moral Courage, to the podcast. Moral Courage, founded by Irshad Manji, teaches people of all ages “to turn heated issues into healthy conversations and sustained teamwork.” Allison shares her definition of moral courage and the factors in our societal discourse that make it imperative today. The discussion turns to politics, psychology, neuroscience, and of course the philosophical perspectives on morality. Tune in with us!
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#46: An Antidote to Fragmentation
These Fools start out talking about the transient quality of work, family, community, and life in general, in the West and especially in the US, and muse about the role of “Place” in antidoting it. Aristotle, Hegel, Wendell Berry, Hopi prophecy, Freud, and other sources come up as the Fools consider how Place shapes identity, the nature of Nature, and the individual/collective, internal/external journeys we’re unfolding as we try to find our way towards meaning and coherence. Enjoy!
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#45: Dire Wolves and Ethics
These Fools react to recent news and consider the ethical implications of cloning extinct species, and whether we could expect to give Dire Wolves belly rubs. This provides a jumping-off point to look at various philosophers’ views on ethics and how we can evaluate our actions in pursuit of “doing the right thing.” Happy listening!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Fools and Sages Podcast, where deep conversations intersect with practical wisdom. Hosted by Brian Lee and Boaz Soifer, this show invites listeners into thought-provoking conversations that illuminate the transformative insights Boaz gained from nearly three decades of dialogue with Brian.
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