
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 14, 2021 • 48min
Dr. Jonathan Pennington | Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Jonathan Pennington the author of Jesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good Life. Dr. Pennington is currently Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Director of Research Doctoral Studies at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). He holds a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (in St. Mary’s College), where he wrote a thesis entitled “Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew” under the supervision of Professors Richard Bauckham and Philip Esler.The episode discusses: PhilosophyIntellectual HumilityThe BeatitudesChristianity as a Philosophy of LifeEmotions and SufferingThe Spiritual Path and much moreConnect with Dr. Pennington:Homepage: www.jonathanpennington.com/Twitter: twitter.com/DrJTPenningtonInstagram: instagram.com/drjtpennington/Follow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 7, 2021 • 44min
Kristi Nelson | Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted
In this episode, I speak to Kristi Nelson the author of Wake Up Grateful: The Transformative Practice of Taking Nothing for Granted. Kristi has spent most of her adult life in non-profit leadership, fundraising, and organizational development. In a wide variety of roles, she has helped to lead, fund, and strengthen organizations committed to progressive social and spiritual change. Kristi received her BA from UMass/Amherst, a graduate certificate in Business and Sociology from Boston College, and her Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Leadership Studies, from Harvard University. Kristi is a stage IV cancer survivor who feels blessed to work with her beloved colleagues in sharing the gifts of gratefulness with people around the world.The episode discusses: Being Grateful vs GratitudeNavigating Uncertainty in LifeThe Power of Letting GoThe Practice of Stop, Look, GoA Grateful Leader A Grateful Love and much moreConnect with Kristi Nelson:Homepage: https://gratefulness.org/about/our-team/A Network for Grateful Living: https://gratefulness.org/Follow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 31, 2021 • 45min
Sebene Selassie | You Belong: A Call for Connection
In this episode, I speak to Sebene Selassie the author of You Belong: A Call for Connection. For over 20 years Sebene has worked with children, youth, and families nationally and internationally for small and large not for profits. Sebene is a long-time meditation teacher, retreat leader, and frequent guest on the 10-Percent Happier App. I truly enjoyed the conversation, and I am grateful to Sebene for sharing her wisdom!The episode explores: The Delusion of SeparationCuriosity and WonderGrounding YourselfThe Call to EmbodimentKnowing YourselfLoving Yourself and much moreConnect with Sebene Selassie:Homepage: https://www.sebeneselassie.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sebeneselassieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebeneselassie/Follow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 24, 2021 • 49min
Dr. Nic Bommarito | Seeing Clearly: A Buddhist Guide to Life
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Nic Bommarito the author of Seeing Clearly: A Buddhist Guide to Life. Dr. Bommarito is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy and his research focuses on questions in virtue ethics, moral psychology, and Buddhist philosophy. Seeing Clearly is a great read and a guide to the good life that anyone can follow, laying out the basic philosophical ideas behind Buddhism’s teachings and offering practical techniques and practices. The episode explores: The Problem The Solution Impermanence and InterconnectionThe Four Noble TruthsBuddhist Practices and much moreIf you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show reach a broader audience and spreads more wisdom in the world! Connect with Dr. Bommarito:Homepage: https://www.nicbommarito.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bu_chung?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophnic/?hl=enFollow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our free email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 18, 2021 • 50min
Dr. Donna Hicks | Leading with Dignity
In this episode, I speak to Dr. Donna Hicks the author of Leading with Dignity. Dr. Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. She is a leading expert in Dignity and Conflict Resolution and has worked extensively in areas of conflict around the world. The episode explores: How to Lead with DignityThe 10 Elements of Dignity The 10 Temptations to Violate Dignity Dignity Consciousness Leadership and much moreConnect with Dr. Donna Hicks: Homepage: https://drdonnahicks.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdonnahicks Follow In Search of Wisdom: Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdom Instagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcast Sign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 16, 2021 • 1h
Stephen Cope | The Great Work of Your Life
In this episode, I speak to Stephen Cope author of The Great Work of Your Life. Stephen is a best-selling author and scholar who specializes in the relationship between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western depth psychology. For almost thirty years, Stephen has been Scholar-in-Residence at the renowned Kripalu Center—the largest center for the study and practice of yoga in the Western world. Kripalu hosts almost 50,000 guests a year in its many yoga, meditation, and personal growth programs. The episode explores: Overcoming fear and doubtDiscovering your true calling Discerning your pathPerennial figures from history and much moreConnect with Stephen Cope:Homepage: https://www.stephencope.com/ Kripalu: https://kripalu.org/ Follow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 10, 2021 • 59min
Donald Robertson | How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
Donald Robertson on How to Think Like a Roman EmperorIn this episode, I speak to Donald Robertson author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and trainer. He specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills and known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy The episode explores: Stoicism as a Way of LifeWhy Marcus Aurelius is a perennial figure Stoic exercises and much moreFollow Donald Robertson:Homepage: https://donaldrobertson.nameTwitter: https://twitter.com/DonJRobertsonFollow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 10, 2021 • 44min
Dr. Stefanie Johnson | Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging
Dr. Stefanie Johnson on Inclusify: In this episode, I speak to Dr. Stefanie Johnson author of Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams. Dr. Johnson is an author, professor, and keynote speaker who studies the intersection of leadership and diversity, focusing on (1) how unconscious bias affects the evaluation of leaders and (2) strategies that leaders can use to mitigate bias. Dr. Johnson is a member of the MG 100 Coaches and was selected for the 2020 Thinkers50 Radar List, comprising 30 international management scholars whose work will shape the future of how organizations are managed and led. The episode explores: What it means to Inclusify and why it matters.How to lead in a way that recognizes and celebrates unique and dissenting perspectivesUnconscious bias and much moreFollow Dr. Stefanie Johnson:Homepage: https://drstefjohnson.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrStefJohnsonyFollow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 10, 2021 • 48min
Father Augustine Wetta | Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem
Father Augustine Wetta on Humility RulesIn this episode, I speak to Father Augustine Wetta the author of Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem. Augustine Wetta is a monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis Missouri. He has two degrees in Theology from Oxford University, a BA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, and an MA in English from Middlebury College. For twenty years, he has taught English, Classics, and Theology at the Priory School, in Saint Louis, Missouri. The conversation explores: What humility is and is not.The life of Saint BenedictThe ladder of humility and much more. Follow Father Augustine Wetta:Homepage: https://www.augustinewetta.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Augustine_WettaFollow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 10, 2021 • 56min
Dr. Kevin Vost | How to Think Like Aquinas
Dr. Kevin Vost on How to Think Like AquinasIn this episode, I speak to Dr. Kevin Vost author of How to Think Like Aquinas: The Sure Way to Perfect Your Mental Powers. Dr. Vost is a Clinical Psychologist, Author, and Speaker with more than 20 books in publication. The episode explores: Why Thomas Aquinas is a perennial figureHow thinking like Aquinas can improve our livesMemory and much moreConnect with Dr. Kevin Vost:Homepage: https://www.drvost.com Follow In Search of Wisdom:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchofwisdomInstagram: https://instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcastFacebook: https://facebook.com/searchofwisdompodcastSign-up for our email meditations. Get full access to Perennial Meditations at perennial.substack.com/subscribe
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