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Perennial Wisdom

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May 14, 2025 • 56min

The Art of Spiritual Formation | Dr. Brian Russell

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, I welcome Dr. Brian Russell back to the show. Brian is an author, professor of biblical studies, and transformational coach. He is also the host of Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations, a podcast dedicated to spiritual and missional formation. In this conversation, we explore the concept of spiritual formation, the doctrine of original sin, and its implications for understanding Christianity. We also delve into the relationship between virtue and sin, the role of grace, the importance of prayer, spiritual practices that nurture wisdom, and much more. Key TakeawaysWhy self-compassion is crucial for the spiritual journeyHow prayer connects with seeking grace and truthThe spiritual practices that nurture wisdom and growth ---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts
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10 snips
May 7, 2025 • 54min

The Wisdom to Know the Difference | Carl Erik Fisher

Join addiction psychiatrist and bioethicist Carl Erik Fisher, author of 'The Urge: Our History of Addiction', as he delves into the complexities of addiction. He discusses the struggles of self-control and how cultural aspects shape our understanding of everyday habits. The conversation emphasizes the power of psychological flexibility and the importance of navigating uncertainty for personal growth. Fisher also reflects on the journeys of notable figures like Anthony Bourdain, highlighting valuable lessons from their experiences with addiction and recovery.
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Apr 30, 2025 • 55min

The Common Good with Shane Trotter | The Character Lab

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In the conversation, Shane and I explore the intersection of character and the common good. We discuss the role of community in character development and the value of adopting timeless virtues. Expect to learn practical approaches to fostering compassion, understanding human limitations, seeking the common good, and much more. Check out Shane’s Substack: Setting the Bar!Key TakeawaysHuman flourishing relies on social connections and shared valuesA sense of the common good is essential for individual well-beingAncient virtues provide a solid foundation for modern values---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts
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10 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 59min

Beyond Stoicism with Massimo Pigliucci

Massimo Pigliucci, a professor of philosophy and co-author of 'Beyond Stoicism', discusses the need for wisdom beyond traditional Stoic teachings. He delves into the ancient conflict between virtue and pleasure, promoting a balanced approach to happiness. Pigliucci explains how interconnected virtues clarify moral dilemmas and emphasizes the essential role of skepticism in thoughtful living. The conversation also highlights the importance of meaningful relationships and encourages navigating emotions in the pursuit of virtue.
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Mar 26, 2025 • 43min

The Way of Zen with Henry Shukman

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Henry Shukman. Henry is a poet, author, meditation teacher, and co-founder of the single-path meditation app The Way. His most recent books are Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening and the Zen memoir One Blade of Grass. He has taught at Google, the New York Times, Harvard Business School and Medical School, and the Institute of American Indian Arts. He has written several award-winning and bestselling books of fiction and poetry. His poems have appeared in The New Yorker, Guardian, Times, and Sunday Times.In the conversation, Henry and I discussed the concept of original love. We delve into the beginner's mind and how embracing our fallibility can lead to a more fulfilling existence. Finally, we touch on the essence of wisdom and how it relates to living well and fostering interconnectedness. Learn more about Henry ShukmanThe Way: https://www.thewayapp.comHenry Shukman: https://henryshukman.com---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts
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Mar 12, 2025 • 39min

Embracing Mortality: Lessons from Seneca | James Romm

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is James Romm (editor of How to Die and How to Have a Life). In the conversation, James and I discuss the importance of preparing for death, the role of virtue in achieving happiness, and the art of self-reflection. As you’ll hear in the episode, James is highly knowledgeable of Seneca's life and philosophy. He is the author of Dying Every Day: Seneca at the Court of Nero and several others, including a forthcoming book titled Plato and the Tyrant.Key TakeawaysSeneca’s view on preparing for death.Why self-knowledge is essential for ethical living.The connection between forgiveness and self-improvement.---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts
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19 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 6min

How Socrates Can Change Your Life | Donald J. Robertson

In this enlightening discussion, Donald J. Robertson, a psychotherapist and author specializing in Stoic philosophy, explores how Socrates can transform our lives. He reveals the profound connections between Socratic philosophy and modern cognitive therapy. Key topics include cognitive flexibility as essential for emotional resilience and the Socratic method's role in developing critical thinking. Donald also highlights the importance of self-knowledge through deep questioning and the evolving relationship between age and wisdom.
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Feb 13, 2025 • 39min

The Self-Directed Life - Making Sense of Free Will with Ken Sheldon

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Ken Sheldon, author of Freely Determined. Ken is a psychology researcher and professor; his areas of study are positive psychology, motivation, and well-being. Today, you can expect to learn the complex interplay between free will, determinism, and happiness. The importance of autonomy and the role of personal choices in achieving well-being. Along with the downsides of a deterministic worldview and the significance of mistakes in personal growth. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsZwcUIaxgA---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts
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Feb 12, 2025 • 9min

How to Live - The Life and Philosophy of Socrates | Perennial Lives

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we search for lessons from the life and philosophy of Socrates. Expect to learn the key to simple living, the role of testing your assumptions, and much more. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNDsjS8smf0&t=337s---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts
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Feb 8, 2025 • 15min

The Philosophy of Gratitude - An Ancient Guide to a Grateful Life

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of the Perennial Wisdom podcast, we search for insights into the nature of suffering, gratitude, and the good life. Expect to learn why the Buddha said, “Life is suffering,” along with what philosophers and theologians can teach about gratitude and meditating on one’s life.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaZDnvNAuwQ&t=23s---💀 Subscribe to Dying Every Day (Stoicism in a Year) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.---  🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialPods---  🦉 Additional Resources: Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

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