Perennial Wisdom

Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and author of graphic novel 'Verissimus,' shares invaluable leadership insights inspired by Marcus Aurelius. He discusses the dichotomy of control, emphasizing how understanding what we can influence can enhance personal well-being. The conversation delves into managing anger and the importance of empathy, illustrating how ancient philosophy can guide modern leadership. Donald also reflects on his journey revitalizing Plato's Academy, connecting scholarly pursuits with community engagement.

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brian Russell, the author of Centering Prayer. Brian is a return guest to the show. I’m grateful he agreed to come back on to have a conversation on The Discipline of Discernment. Brian is a professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. In the conversation, Brian and I discuss: What is discernment The obstacles to discerning wisely How contemplative practices help us discern Navigating Life’s questions The wisdom of discernment and much more Brian also has a podcast called The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast.  You can learn more about Brian’s work at brianrussellphd.com. Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Signup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts

On today’s episode, my guest is Kieran Setiya, the author of the new book Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way. Kieran teaches philosophy at MIT, working mainly in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. He is also the author of Midlife: A Philosophical Guide and has a philosophy podcast called Five Questions. In the conversation, Kieran and I discuss: Finding Our Way Philosophy and Temperament Philosophy as Self-Help Loneliness and Grief Hope and Despair How to live a good life and much more Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Signup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

📩 Want daily wisdom? Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive ancient lessons for modern life: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe In this episode, my guest is David Alexander, the co-host of the Between Two Ravens podcast and creator of the Prosoche Project. David is a psychotherapist, a founding member of the Walled Garden, and someone with a deep interest in practical wisdom. Learn more about David’s work in the world at prosocheproject.com and at thewalledgarden.com. In the conversation, David and I discuss: Knowing Yourself Finding Clarity Stoic Mindfulness Navigating Paradoxes The Discipline of Discernment and much more -- STAY CONNECTED: Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchwisdompod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/searchwisdompod Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/ -- Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Signup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts

In this episode, my guest is Karen Stohr, the author of Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Life. Prof. Stohr joined the philosophy department at Georgetown in 2002, where she is the Ryan Family Professor of Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy. In 2011, she also became a senior research scholar at Georgetown’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics. Learn more about Karen Stohr’s work and background. In the conversation, Karen and I discuss, The life and philosophy of Immanuel Kant What it means to live according to reason Why overcoming vice is more than half the battle The role of hope Wisdom in daily life and much more ***If you’re interested in a free weekly meetup (Fridays @Noon EST), I’m calling Reading & the Good Life; you can register now. Reading & the Good Life is a space for connection, contemplation, and conversations on the art of living. Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Signup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts Follow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Sunil Raheja, the author of Dancing with Wisdom. Dr. Sunil is a psychiatrist, coach, and wisdom seeker. He works with senior leaders and clients who feel stuck – empowering them to re-engage with a deeper purpose. You can learn more about his work in the world at Dr.Sunil.com. In the conversation, we discuss, The Examined Life The Role of Responsibility How to Find Clarity Wisdom in daily life and much more Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Signup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts Follow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

In this episode, my guest is Jonathan Robinson the author of The Enlightenment Project. Jonathan is the author of 14 books, a psychotherapist, a spiritual coach, and a professional speaker. His first book, The Experience of God, includes interviews with the late Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and several other spiritual masters. You can learn more about Jonathan's work in the world at theenlightenmentproject.net. In the conversation, Jonathan and I discuss the following: Why we search for wisdom Myths about enlightenment How to not take life so serious The benefits of quieting the mind The wisdom of gratitude and much more Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Record a studio-quality podcast on Squadcast; start a free trial today Follow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

📩 Want ancient lessons for modern life delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the Perennial Meditations newsletter. In this episode, my guest is Stephen Angle, the author of Growing Moral: A Confucian Guide to Life. Stephen is a philosophy writer and researcher specializing in Chinese Philosophy, Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, and comparative philosophy. His research focuses on philosophy’s role in human rights, politics, and ethics. In the conversation, Stephen and I discuss, Confucianism as a Way of Life The power of rituals How to embody your reading The wisdom of reflection Confucian wisdom in daily life and much more Additional Resources: Stephen Angle: https://sangle.faculty.wesleyan.edu/ Living a Good Life: https://livingagoodlife.com/ Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Record a studio-quality podcast on Squadcast; start a free trial today Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

In this episode, my guest is Vitaliy Katsenelson the author of Soul in the Game: The Art of a Meaningful Life. Vitaliy’s book draws from the lives of classical composers, ancient Stoics, and contemporary thinkers. I found his book to be a beautiful collection of life lessons and wisdom for modern life. Vitaliy Katsenelson was born in Murmansk, USSR, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1991. After joining Denver-based value investment firm IMA in 1997, Vitaliy became Chief Investment Officer in 2007 and CEO in 2012. Vitaliy has written two books on investing and is an award-winning writer. Known for his uncommon common sense, Forbes Magazine called him “The New Benjamin Graham.” You can learn more about Vitaliy and the book at SoulintheGame.net. In the conversation, Vitaliy and I discuss: Living in challenging environments Having an operating system for life Stoicism and investing The difference between art and craft Wisdom in daily life and much more Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Record a studio-quality podcast on Squadcast; start a free trial today Follow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

In this episode, my guest is Massimo Pigliucci, the author of the new book, The Quest for Character. Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology and a PhD in Philosophy. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of science, the nature of pseudoscience, and practical philosophies like Stoicism. You can learn more about Prof. Pigliucci at massimopigliucci.org. In the conversation, Massimo and I discuss: Whether virtue can be taught How to define or think about virtue Why we have a duty to cultivate our character The connection between character and your philosophy of life How to see yourself as a citizen of the world and much more Support the Show: Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack Read articles on Medium; become a member Record a studio-quality podcast on Squadcast; start a free trial today Follow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube