Love & Philosophy

Send a love message Andrea in conversation with cognitive scientist Mark Michael James, highlighting his journey from understanding patterns of being to shaping habits and realigning health. Mark shares his experiences from Ireland, his academic pursuits, and his present work at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. This episode delves into synchronicity, embodied cognition, and the philosophies and practices of the arising 'school of way' of practice and philosophy which includes 'wayshaping' and 'waymaking' and pertains to a paper Mark has recently written with Mushfiqa Jamaluddin, Tom Froese, Aisha Belhadi, Anna Panagiotou, and Dave Snowden. It all ties back to practical applications in health, navigating complexity, and striving for a dynamic balance in life. Mark's personal stories and reflections make this a must-watch for anyone interested in cognitive science, philosophy, and the art of living well.00:00 Introduction to Unexpected Contributions00:35 Exploring the Concept of 'Craic'00:56 Welcome to Love and Philosophy01:02 Introducing Mark Michael James and His Work02:23 Discussion on Synchronicity and Relevance Realization06:47 Mark's Journey to Okinawa12:39 Navigating Personal and Social Patterns51:23 Health Challenges and Personal Stories55:06 Sensory Irregularities and Scripts56:21 Breaching Experiments and Sociological Insights57:13 Cultural Patterns and the Irish Concept of 'The Crack'01:03:26 Health, Habits, and Personal Transformation01:08:05 Philosophical Reflections and Practical Applications01:19:49 Wayshaping Framework and Multiscale Health01:27:57 Personal Reflections and Future DirectionsWayshaping paperWaymakingOISTMark's websiteSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love messageJessica Böhme is a sustainability scientist, transformation researcher, and founder of the Institute for Practical Eco Philosophy. Jessica shares her journey of exploring the connection between inner transformation and outer change, and how this quest has influenced her personal and professional life. Andrea and Jessica delve into the concept of living philosophically, the role of relational philosophies, and how they impact sustainability. They also discuss the challenges Jessica faced in academia, the significance of personal practices, and her innovative idea of 'philosophy gyms' aimed at integrating philosophy into everyday life for better ecological and business practices in the engineering world. Jessica also talks about her unique lifestyle choices, her artwork, and the broader implications of living a thoughtful, engaged life.00:00 Introduction to Inner and Outer Change00:29 Philosophy as a Way of Life01:59 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:04 Introducing Jessica Böhme02:37 Exploring Relational Philosophy03:28 Philosophy Gyms and Ecological Love04:21 The Knowledge-Action Gap06:50 Jessica's Academic Journey09:42 Inner Transformation and Sustainability10:01 Mechanistic vs. Relational Worldview12:34 Challenges in Sustainability Science13:39 The Complexity of Relational Thinking32:05 Philosophy as a Living Process37:13 The Paradox of Science and Health38:13 Personal and Planetary Health39:43 Patterns in Health and Consumption40:47 The Role of Awareness and Choice42:28 Practical Eco Philosophy44:04 Micro Habits and Daily Practices48:34 Living Philosophically59:44 The Concept of Wild01:01:04 Art and Expression01:04:51 Philosophy Gyms and Experiments01:08:59 Final Thoughts and FarewellJessica's BlogInstitute for Practical ekoPhilosophyPierre Hadot: Philosophy as a Way of LifeKaren BaradSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love messageThe line between a psychotic break and success is not quite as clear as it once was, nor is the question of what medication, therapy, or practice is best, or in what amount. This conversation tries to unpack that liminal space with a man who knows it well and has been able to stay connected to the love in it.In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Morgan, exploring the complexities of love, philosophy, and personal transformation. They discuss the challenging balance between high-functioning careers and spiritual pursuits, the misconceptions around self-sacrifice and service, and the importance of community in navigating life transitions. Tom shares his personal journey from a high-stress finance career through an awakening experience, detailing his struggles with mental health, the role of psychiatric medication, and the lessons he's learned about integrating holistic and scientific perspectives. This episode delves into the nuanced intersections of mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, offering invaluable insights for anyone on a similar path.00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy00:06 Exploring the Concept of Love01:06 Introducing Tom Morgan01:57 Tom's Journey from Finance to Philosophy03:28 Balancing Wealth and Well-being05:42 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality08:28 Tom's Personal Awakening13:54 Navigating the Hero's Journey20:10 Challenges of Spiritual Integration23:10 Holding the Tension Between Worlds43:54 The Choice to Change45:38 The Struggle with Identity and Career47:07 Understanding Self-Sacrifice vs. Service47:46 The Paradox of Complexity51:01 The Role of Ketamine and Mental Health58:56 Integrating Spiritual and Physical Health01:06:45 The Importance of Community Support01:09:58 Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety01:17:23 Embracing Love and Contribution01:22:50 The Future of Consciousness and SocietyProfessional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.)The Leading EdgeTom's SubstackAndrea's SubstackHero's JourneyJill Bolte TaylorVictor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.'Support the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love messageA heart-meets-mind discussion about complexity science and its suprising relation to Daoism, with physicist Jean Boulton. The conversation explores how stability and change are part of a reflexive interweaving of relationships, the importance of actions and behaviors in co-creating the future, and the role of compassion and love in fostering resilience. We also touch on the profound influence of spiritual practices such as Taoism and Buddhism on understanding complexity. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of integrating heart and mind, and how seemingly small, compassionate acts can create significant shifts. Whether you're interested in spiritual traditions, scientific perspectives, or personal development, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights to inspire and guide you.Visit Jean's websiteBuy the booksLinkedInGiving pageSign up here00:00 Introduction to Change and the Dao00:33 The Interconnectedness of Actions and Behaviors01:11 Embracing Complexity and Wider Perspectives01:43 Guest Introduction: Jean's Background and Interests01:50 Understanding Complexity in Science and Everyday Life04:03 The Mechanistic Worldview vs. Complexity Science06:29 Personal Journey: From Physics to Philosophy08:09 The Influence of Family and Early Philosophical Interests11:14 Process Complexity and the Dao11:41 The Paradox of Stability and Change13:31 The Role of Context and History in Shaping Patterns14:11 Discovering Daoism and Its Connection to Complexity15:47 The Nuances of Daoism in Understanding Complexity19:21 The Importance of Actions, Intentions, and Purpose26:13 The Role of Attention and Noticing in Complexity27:55 Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Complexity Science33:23 The Embodied Experience of Complexity35:02 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Complexity36:04 Meditation and Embodiment37:19 Tibetan Yoga and Compassion40:16 Childhood and Personal Growth42:42 Societal Wounds and AddictionsLoving & KnowingSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love message(Kaufmann Neworks are Boolean: see here if you want to know more, but you don't need to know anything about them to understand this episode)Please sign up for the newsletter here.Embracing Uncertainty: Barry O'Reilly on Software Architecture and PhilosophyIn this episode of Love and Philosophy, we sit down with Barry O'Reilly, a seasoned software architect with a deep background in pure mathematics and experience at top companies like Microsoft. He discusses his innovative concept, Residuality Theory, which introduces complexity theory into software development for the first time. Barry explains how traditional linear thinking in coding often leads to rigid and brittle constructs that fail to adapt to the constantly changing business environments. By embracing paradoxes and uncertainties using theories from philosophy and complexity sciences, Barry offers a new perspective on software architecture that combines the logical rigor of code with the adaptability required for real-world human systems. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between coding and philosophy, and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to more resilient and flexible software solutions.00:00 The Rigidity of Software vs. The Chaos of Business00:46 The Philosophical Roots of Computer Science01:28 The Architect's Paradox: Linear Thinking vs. Human Systems02:20 Introducing Residue: Adapting to Change03:16 The Relief of Embracing Uncertainty04:16 Welcome to Love and Philosophy11:34 Meet Barry O'Reilly: From Math to Software Architecture16:02 The Journey to Complexity Theory21:25 Handling Uncertainty in Software Projects26:47 The Evolution of Software Engineering31:42 The Birth of Residue and Ity Theory38:17 The Need for a New Philosophical Approach43:36 The Immaturity of Software Engineering46:03 Personal Frustrations and Philosophical Pursuits46:40 The Reflective Practitioner and Instinctive Problem Solving47:13 Linear Thinking vs. Embracing Uncertainty49:34 Philosophical Foundations in Software Engineering01:05:03 Hyper Liminality and System Resilience01:13:45 The Role of Play and Forgiveness in Software Development01:19:16 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsArchitect's Paradox: Uncertainty and the Philosophy of Software ArchitectureResidues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture.You Tube Talks:Residuality TheoryArchitect's ParadoxSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love messageAndrea sits down with Kevin Kelly, a true pioneer in the world of technology and futurism. Known for his foundational work with Whole Earth, Wired Magazine and definitive pieces like '1000 True Fans,' Kelly shares insights from his early fascination with science fiction to his groundbreaking contributions in understanding and shaping the digital age and technological ideas. They discuss the profound influence of science fiction on technological advancements, the humanizing impact of the internet, and the vital importance of travel and curiosity for finding meaning. Kelly explains the nuanced continuum between biology and technology, the concept of 'hill making' versus 'hill climbing' in innovation, and how love and community remain central to his work. As they delve into Kelly's latest book 'Excellent Advice for Living,' this conversation offers rich perspectives on maintaining creativity, embracing complexity, and fostering an optimistic outlook in an ever-evolving world.00:00 Introduction and Early Influences00:05 The Role of Science Fiction in Shaping Technology01:58 Discovering the Internet as a New Frontier04:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy04:36 Kevin Kelly's Background and Achievements09:30 Early Encounters with Computers14:28 The Humanizing Effect of the Internet17:42 Meeting Stewart Brand and the Whole Earth Catalog28:01 The Importance of Travel and Broader Perspectives33:38 The Transformative Power of Travel34:37 Embracing Unique Paths in Life35:47 The Value of Time Over Money40:16 The Birth of Artificial Life and Wired Magazine46:34 The Paradox of Progress and Creativity53:38 The Importance of Noticing and Small Steps01:01:33 Hill Making vs. Hill Climbing01:02:59 Final Thoughts on Love and LifeExcellent Advice for LivingKevin Kelly on Substackhttps://kk.org/Stewart BrandWhole Earth Catalogue and Whole Earth Reviewthe WELLWIRED MagazineSign up for the NewsletterLinkedInSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Send a love messageParticipatory sense-making is a term coined by Hanne De Jaegher & Ezequiel Di Paolo. Both these philosophers will be featured in upcoming episodes.Andrea Hiott hosts Rebecca Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire explore intricate themes of participatory sensemaking, the concept of the 'third entity,' and the impact of trauma and love on interpersonal relationships. The discussion delves into how the body acts as a data-gathering device, how sensory inputs shape our understanding of the world, and the importance of mutual sense-making in a highly complex and often overwhelming environment. Each speaker shares their unique perspectives and experiences, from cognitive neuroscience to ethical interactions, ultimately highlighting the significance of staying connected both with others and oneself. This conversation is intellectually stimulating and emotionally enriching, drawing on neuroscience, philosophy, and mental health to offer fresh insights into navigating the complexities of human interaction.00:00 Introduction to the Body as a Data Gathering Device00:57 The Futility of Communication and Social Media02:35 Welcome to Love and Philosophy02:52 Participatory Sense Making and Social Cognition04:46 Meet the Three: Beck Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire05:46 Rebecca Todd: Cognitive Neuroscience and Life Experience08:13 Penijean Gracefire: Neurotechnology and Human Function12:21 Shay Welch: Philosophy, Public Art, and Participatory Sensemaking15:50 Exploring the Concept of the Body23:09 The Role of EEG in Understanding the Brain52:36 The Impact of Trauma on Sensemaking53:25 Introduction to Anchors and Interactions54:14 Effortful Sense Making Shaped by Love55:16 Individual Differences in Sensory Systems56:24 Neuromodulation and Sense Making59:24 Visualization and Communication Challenges01:03:07 Complexity Fatigue and Bandwidth01:14:11 Neuromodulation Device Experiment01:20:35 Participatory Sense Making with the More-than-Human World01:29:34 Challenges of Virtual Interaction01:36:48 The Futility and Hope of CommunicationL&P NewsletterPSM PaperA Multiplicity of WorldsWhat is Participatory Sense-making and Why Should We Care?Steve Paxton, originator of the practice of contact improvisation, himself says:  “The reason it’s called contact improvisation is because there is a third entity that arises in the state – it is the state of agreement between the two of you that neither one is leading. It doesn’t become leaderless, the two of you are leading.” SourceSupport the showPlease rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.

Andrea and Fotis dive into the fascinating world of podcasting, discussing its growth and the vibrant communities it fosters. They explore the philosophy behind podcasting and its unique ability to navigate complex ideas. Delving into the concept of Game B, they advocate for transformative societal shifts. The duo emphasizes authenticity in difficult conversations and shares personal motivations that drive their journey. With reflections on interconnectedness and future aspirations, their chat reveals the power of meaningful dialogue in shaping perspectives.

Bayo Akomolafe, a philosopher, psychologist, and poet, discusses the transformative power of love and the complexities of relational dynamics. He highlights the radical incompleteness of love and how it challenges binary categorizations. Reflecting on his personal journey, Bayo shares insights on memory, loss, and care. The conversation also explores the impact of the pandemic on family dynamics and the importance of self-awareness in recognizing disruptive patterns in our lives. Embracing life's messiness, they reveal new possibilities for connection.

Tim Ingold, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology at the University of Aberdeen, joins to discuss the intricate weaving of life through 'lines' instead of blocks. They explore the concept of wayfaring as our fundamental experience, emphasizing interconnectedness between nature and culture. Ingold argues for greater awareness and responsibility in our actions and choices. The conversation touches on creativity, personal journeys, and the importance of nurturing love and respect for the world, offering transformative insights into how we engage with life and each other.