
Perennial Wisdom
Perennial Wisdom (formerly In Search of Wisdom) is a podcast for seekers and curious minds. Join the search with J.W. Bertolotti (creator of the Perennial Meditations newsletter) to discover practical wisdom from philosophical and spiritual traditions. Learn more at perennial.substack.com.
Latest episodes

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.

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

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

9 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.

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

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

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

Jan 31, 2025 • 14min
The Paradox of Emotions - Why Bad Feelings Make Life Good
📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we explore the paradoxical lessons on the nature of emotions. Expect to learn why “negative” emotions are not obstacles to the “good” life. The problem with psychological rigidity and the wisdom (and practice) of being open to life. 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdfQJbusyxA---💀 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

Jan 26, 2025 • 6min
"How to Live to Oneself" | Bonus Contemplation with Montaigne
📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, I share a short guided contemplation inspired by the Essays of Michel de Montaigne. It's part of a new series on the podcast and the Perennial Meditations YouTube Channel.📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN9pA_P38JE---💀 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

Jan 25, 2025 • 14min
How to Live (and Die) Like an Epicurean - The Philosophy of Pleasure
Dive into the world of Epicureanism, where pleasure is the key to a fulfilling life. Discover the importance of moderation and the value of meaningful friendships. Delve into reflections on life and death from Epicurus and Seneca, revealing how embracing mortality enriches the experience of living. These timeless philosophies offer modern insights on joy and dying well, merging ancient wisdom with contemporary ideals.
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