

Perennial Wisdom
Perennial Leader Project
Perennial Wisdom is a podcast for seekers and curious minds. Join the search with J.W. Bertolotti to discover universal truths and enduring ideas from philosophical and spiritual traditions. Learn more at perennial.substack.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 26, 2022 • 51min
Dr. Sunil Raheja | Dancing with Wisdom
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
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Oct 19, 2022 • 47min
Jonathan Robinson | The Enlightenment Project
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
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Oct 12, 2022 • 51min
Stephen Angle | Growing Moral: A Confucian Guide to Life
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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/
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Oct 5, 2022 • 54min
Vitaliy Katsenelson | The Art of a Meaningful Life
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
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Sep 28, 2022 • 57min
Massimo Pigliucci | The Quest for Character
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:
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Sep 21, 2022 • 54min
Kevin Griffin | The Art of Wisdom
In this episode, my guest is Kevin Griffin, the author of Living Kindness: Metta Practice for the Whole of Our Lives. Kevin is a longtime Buddhist practitioner, author, teacher, and leader in the mindful recovery movement. He is also the author of One Breathe at a Time, Buddhism and the Twelve Steps Daily Reflections, and many others. You can learn more about Kevin’s work and background at KevinGriffin.net.
In the conversation, Kevin and I discuss:
The Four Noble Truths
How to think about suffering
The wisdom of listening
The art of contemplation
Integrating wisdom into daily life and much more
Support the Show:
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Sep 14, 2022 • 58min
Bryan Van Norden | Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto
In this episode, my guest is Bryan Van Norden the author of Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto. Prof. Van Norden is the James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassar College and Chair Professor in Philosophy in the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University (China). He has published numerous books on Chinese and comparative philosophy. You can learn more about his work at BryanVanNorden.com.
In the conversation, Bryan and I discuss:
The meaning behind the title Taking Back Philosophy
How we should define philosophy
The benefits of comparative philosophy
The role of rituals and much more
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Sep 7, 2022 • 1h 8min
Shaila Catherine | Five Practical Ways to Focus the Mind
Shaila Catherine, a renowned meditation teacher and author of three insightful books, shares her expertise on mental focus and clarity. She discusses the distinction between the content of thoughts and the process of thinking. Shaila provides five practical strategies to enhance concentration and tackle negative thought patterns. The conversation delves into the transformative benefits of meditation, highlighting mindfulness as a tool for emotional management and spiritual growth. Listeners are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness and establish boundaries for a clearer mind.

Aug 31, 2022 • 41min
Scott Hershovitz | Nasty, Brutish, and Short - Adventures in Philosophy
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In this episode, my guest is Scott Hershovitz, the author of Nasty, Brutish, and Short: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids. Scott is the Thomas G. and Mabel Long Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan. As you’ll hear in the episode, Scott has a deep passion for philosophy. You can learn more about his work at scotthershovitz.com.
In the conversation, Scott and I discuss:
Why kids are good philosophers
How to have fun doing philosophy
Exploring perennial questions
The meaning of wisdom
The virtue of justice and much more
Resources Mentioned:
Wireless Philosophy (Free videos from experts in philosophy)
Teaching Children Philosophy (by the Prindle Institute)
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Support the Show:
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Aug 24, 2022 • 51min
Eric Zimmer | The One You Feed
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In this episode, my guest is Eric Zimmer, the host of the award-winning podcast The One You Feed. Eric is a behavior coach, spiritual director, and someone inspired by the quest for a greater understanding of how our mind works and how to intentionally create the lives we want to live. Learn more about Eric’s work at oneyoufeed.net.
In the conversation, Eric and I discuss:
How to integrate practical wisdom
Discernment in daily life
The wisdom of community
The meaning of emptiness
The wisdom of action 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