
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

Aug 2, 2023 • 7min
Letters to a Young Seeker | Don’t Forget to Live!
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode, I share a selected reading (and reflection) from our series Letters to a Young Seeker, which we started a few weeks ago. Specifically, I discuss the wisdom of letters and the reasons for starting the series. I also share an audio version of the first letter in the series, titled Don’t Forget to Live! In this episode, you can expect to learn about, Letters in philosophical and spiritual traditionsMemento Mori (or remember death)Memento Vivere (or remember to live)Why it is easy to take life for grantedThe wisdom of rememberingCultivating attention, and much more ---🖇️ Stay Connected:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/ ---🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Jul 26, 2023 • 1h 2min
Leslie Stein | Becoming Whole: Jung’s Equation for Realizing God
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode, my guest is Leslie Stein, the author of Becoming Whole: Jung’s Equation for Realizing God. Prof. Stein trained as a Jungian Analyst at the C.G. Jung Institute in New York and is in private practice in Sydney, Australia. His books include: Working with Mystical Experiences in Psychoanalysis, The Self in Jungian Psychology, Eastern Practices and Individuation, and many others. In this episode, you can expect to learn, The meaning of IndividuationHow to think about the search for wisdomThe role of the Ego in daily lifeCommon obstacles to understanding the SelfWisdom in daily life and much more ---🖇️ Stay Connected:Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPodsInstagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPodsWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/ ---🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archiveListen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Jul 19, 2023 • 1h 1min
Living the Questions | ”How to Live?” with Simon Drew
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, my guest is Simon Drew from the Walled Garden Philosophical Society. As many of you know, Simon is a friend, poet, musician, philosopher, and someone deeply interested in life’s questions. Today’s episode is part II of a series (Listen to Part I) we are calling Living the Questions. The title is inspired by a popular quote from the poet Rainer Maria Rilke who wrote in Letters to a Young Poet, “Live the questions for now. Perhaps then, without even noticing it, you will gradually come, on some far-off day, to live your way into the answer.”
In the conversation, Simon and I explore the question: How to live? and discuss,
Creativity and style
The middle way
Navigating obstacles
The wisdom of flexibility
Being intentional and much more
***We invite you to Live the Questions with us! Are there any questions that keep you up at night? Do you have thoughts on one of our perennial questions: How to live?; What is wisdom?; What is love?; How to think about the divine?; and What is the meaning of life? If so, we invite you to share your thoughts with us; we’d love to hear from you!
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🖇️ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
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🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Jul 12, 2023 • 42min
Hasard Lee | The Art of Clear Thinking
Hasard Lee, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and author of The Art of Clear Thinking, shares his insights on decision-making in high-pressure situations. He discusses the ACE framework for effective choices and emphasizes learning from mistakes. Hasard reflects on the importance of structured thinking, mentorship, and creativity in both military and personal contexts. He also highlights how understanding interconnectedness enhances collaboration in complex operations. Tune in for wisdom that applies to daily life and decision-making!

Jul 5, 2023 • 50min
Dr. Donna Hicks | The Wisdom of Dignity
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, my guest is Dr. Donna Hicks, author of Leading with Dignityand Dignity: Its Essential Role in Resolving Conflict. Today’s episode is a rebroadcast of one of my favorite (and first) conversations on the podcast. Dr. Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. She is a leading expert on dignity studies and conflict resolution and has worked extensively in areas of conflict around the world.
In the conversation, Dr. Hicks and I discuss,
The meaning of dignity (and how it differs from respect)
The 10 Elements of Dignity
Dignity and conflict resolution
What it means to lead with dignity
Wisdom in daily life and much more
Learn more about Dr. Hicks at drdonnahicks.com.
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🖇️ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
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🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Jun 30, 2023 • 58min
Julian Baggini | How to Think Like a Philosopher
Join Julian Baggini, a philosopher and author, as he explores how to elevate your thinking skills in everyday life. He highlights the importance of attitudes and self-reflection for clear reasoning. Baggini dives into the balance between humility and ambition in intellectual pursuits, while also examining the fine line between productive contemplation and rumination. Discover how mindfulness shapes our moral judgments and the vital role of language in philosophical discussions, making wisdom accessible to all.

Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 5min
Living the Questions | Simon Drew
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Simon Drew from the Walled Garden Philosophical Society and the Soul Searching with Seneca podcast. Simon is a poet, musician, philosopher, and deeply curious about the art of living. Today’s episode is part 1 of a six-part series we’re calling Living the Questions. The title is inspired by a popular quote from the poet Rainer Maria Rilke who wrote in what is known today as Letters to a Young Poet, "Live the questions for now. Perhaps then, without even noticing it, you will gradually come, on some far-off day, to live your way into the answer."
Throughout the series, Simon and I will explore:
How to Live the Questions?
How to Live?
What is Wisdom?
What is Love?
How to Think About the Divine?
What is the Meaning of Life?
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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🖇️ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
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🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Jun 14, 2023 • 54min
Andrew Lang | Unmasking the Inner Critic
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, my guest is Andrew Lang, the author of Unmasking the Inner Critic: Lessons for Living an Unconstricted Life. Andrew is an educator in the Pacific Northwest and an alumnus of Richard Rohr’s Living School for Action and Contemplation. His interests include somatic shadow work, introspective examination, contemplative spirituality, and an embodied focus on shifting how we show up in our communities.
In the conversation, Andrew and I discuss,
The inner critic
Constrictions in life
The Wisdom of Introspection
Finding clarity
Embodied awareness
Wisdom in daily life and much more
Learn more and connect with Andrew Lang.
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🖇️ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
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🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

Jun 7, 2023 • 59min
Will Johncock | Stoic Philosophy on Community and Connection
📩 Want daily meditations (and courses) on the art of living? Sign up for Perennial Meditations: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, my guest is Prof. Will Johncock, the author of Beyond the Individual: Stoic Philosophy on Community and Connection. Will’s theoretical expertise includes 19th and 20th-century post-structuralist philosophy, ancient Stoic philosophy, social theory, and sociology.
In the conversation, Will and I discuss,
Stoicism
Rationality
The view from above
Community and connection
Happiness and well-being
Wisdom in daily life and much more
Learn more about Prof. Will Johncock here.
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🖇️ Stay Connected:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerennialPods
Instagram: https://instagram.com/PerennialPods
Website: https://www.perennialleader.com/
---
🦉 Additional Resources Related to the Podcast:
Explore the Perennial Meditations archive: https://perennial.substack.com/archive
Listen to more podcasts: https://www.perennialleader.com/podcasts

May 31, 2023 • 1h 22min
Derek Sivers | How to Live - 27 Conflicting Answers...
Derek Sivers, author of "How to Live: 27 Conflicting Answers and One Weird Conclusion," is a former musician and entrepreneur known for his clear and impactful ideas. In this chat, he explores the beauty of conflicting perspectives in life. He discusses navigating uncertainty and the importance of having flexible aspirations. Sivers also emphasizes understanding sufficiency to enhance self-worth and contrasts 'deep happiness' versus 'shallow happiness.' Ultimately, he advocates for self-discovery and questioning outdated beliefs for a more meaningful existence.
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