Avery Trufelman

Akash Kapur, author of 'Better to Have Gone,' shares insights into Auroville's quest for utopia and the philosophical ties between love and death in intentional communities. Avery Trufelman, host of 'Nice Try!', discusses the interplay of idealism and reality in modern utopian efforts, from innovative projects like Biosphere 2 to the challenges faced by communities. They delve into the complexities of these societies, exploring the allure and learnings from both successful and failed utopian experiments throughout history.

Avery Trufelman, host of the podcast "Nice Try," dives into historical attempts at creating utopia, addressing the complexities behind failed ideals. She questions the common belief that failure always fuels growth, especially in Silicon Valley. Avery explores Oneida's rich legacy in American dining and the emotional ties of tableware. The conversation also touches on John Humphrey Noyes and his radical views on community and spirituality, plus the controversial 'complex marriage' model that sparked scandal in the 1840s.