The Living Conversation

In this episode of The Living Conversation , Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright sit down with members of the Sonoma State University Philosophy Club to explore how philosophy lives through real experience. From Lao Tzu’s image of muddy water settling into clarity, to personal stories of anxiety, creativity, and healing, the discussion ranges from Daoism to Buddhism to Socratic thought; all grounded in...

What happens when philosophy students turn their attention to emotion, technology, and mindfulness? In this episode of The Living Conversation , hosts Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright sit down with Colette, Andrew, and Haley from the Sonoma State University Philosophy Club to explore how social media shapes emotion, how grounding and Qigong restore balance, and how ancient wisdom, Confucian, Daoist,...

In this episode of The Living Conversation , Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright speak with Nick Egan PhD , a philosopher, traveler, and executive coach who bridges the worlds of Tibetan wisdom and modern leadership . Nick shares stories from his years in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet , and the lessons learned from living among monasteries rather than merely studying them . Together, they explore Milarepa’s...

In this episode of Attunement and The Living Conversation , hosts Anthony Wright and Adam Dietz welcome guest Nick Egan, PhD; a leadership coach and scholar with a background in positive psychology and Asian philosophy. Together, they explore the crossroads of philosophy and psychology , diving into themes of authority and authenticity in coaching, flourishing and positive psychology, Buddhist and...

In this episode, philosopher and leadership coach Nick Egan, PhD joins Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright to explore Buddhism, meditation, and what it means to practice wisdom in everyday life. We dive into: Shamatha vs Vipassana — the two classic forms of Buddhist meditation. The American Dharma experiment — how U.S. practitioners engage Zen, Dzogchen, and Taoism in unique ways. The paradox of non-att...

What does it mean for a leader to let go ? In this episode of Attunement and the Living Conversation , Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright sit down with Nick Egan, PhD – an executive coach, scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, and student of Daoist leadership – to explore how Buddhist and Daoist wisdom can transform modern work and life. Nick shares his journey from studying Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, including tim...

In this Along the Way installment of our interview series, Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright speak with Drea — Sober Herbalist — about recovery, illness, and finding a new path through plants, wellness, and spiritual practice. Drea shares how she challenged the herbal world’s dismissal of non-alcoholic medicine , developing new ways to prepare remedies without alcohol. We explore her journey through s...

The primary focus of this discourse revolves around the transformative journey of Drea, the sober herbalist, who recounts her profound personal experiences that led to her current vocation. Drea elucidates the significant challenges she faced, particularly her battle with Lyme disease, which catalyzed her exploration of alternative healing practices after conventional medical avenues proved insuff...

The principal focus of this podcast episode revolves around the timeless relevance of philosophy, particularly as it pertains to the teachings of Confucius and the broader implications of philosophical inquiry in contemporary life. We delve into the notion that philosophy serves as a warm, guiding light, akin to the sun, illuminating our paths through the complexities of existence. The discussion...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the enduring relevance of philosophy in contemporary life, akin to the warmth of the sun that persists despite its distance. We engage in a profound discussion about the teachings of Confucius and the importance of integrating ancient wisdom into our modern existence. Our conversation delves into the concepts of sincerity and humility as fo...

This podcast episode delves into the essential role of philosophy in public discourse and its enduring relevance in contemporary society. We assert that philosophy has historically served as a forum for communal engagement, promoting wisdom and virtue among individuals and within societies. We explore the significant contributions of both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, highlighting...

The narrative presented in this episode elucidates the profound journey of Hui Neng, the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism, whose extraordinary life trajectory defied the conventions of his time. Initially an illiterate and impoverished laborer, Hui Neng's serendipitous encounter with the recitation of the Diamond Sutra catalyzed his instant enlightenment, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution o...

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the notion of attunement and the necessity of revitalizing stagnant ideas within our society. We delve into the metaphor of decay, illustrated by an image from Chinese philosophy depicting a bowl of food that has become infested, symbolizing the stagnation of both creativity and political thought. We advocate for the urgent need to "clean t...

In this closing segment of The Living Conversation , Adam and Anthony reflect on how to stay grounded when trust breaks down, institutions collapse, and cultural conversation becomes incoherent. They explore Confucius’ warning about those who only seek profit, the modern loss of good-faith discussion, and how Lao Tzu’s teachings help us sort through confusion…like letting sediment settle in muddy...

In this segment of The Living Conversation , we explore the tension between conformity and individuality, between the illusion of belonging and the truth of who we are. Drawing from Confucian and Taoist thought, we reflect on how real unity doesn’t erase our differences, but honors them. Adam and Anthony discuss why walking your own path is not just courageous…it’s essential. Through the lens of E...

In this segment of The Living Conversation , we explore Lao Tzu’s vision of contentment: a village where sharp weapons are never used, where carriages sit still, and where people live fully without needing to go anywhere. This is not minimalism. It’s a radical teaching about presence, about realizing the Tao is already here, not somewhere else, not after effort. We also reflect on the tension betw...

In this episode of The Living Conversation , we talk about what happens when the world feels too loud. From Taoist metaphors to YouTube algorithms, we explore how staying still…rather than grasping…becomes an act of clarity. Whether you’re dealing with media overload, political despair, or daily FOMO, this is a reminder that you don’t have to get pulled in. The Tao is always present; not in what’s...

In this final part of The Living Conversation Episode 2, we explore what it really means to cultivate the mind, not just once, but again and again. From sports and teaching to philosophy and daily life, we reflect on how clarity and critical thinking become second nature not through perfection, but through consistent practice. We also talk about social hypnosis, media influence, and the need to re...

In this episode of The Living Conversation , we reflect on how to live wisely in a world that often feels broken. From Confucian teachings on harmony and propriety to the Taoist return to stillness, this conversation touches on what we can actually control and what no system, ideology, or moment in history can take away. Through stories of the I Ching , personal awakening, and a daughter's wisdom,...

What if the mind doesn’t need more stimulation, but less? In this episode of The Living Conversation , we explore what it means to let the mind settle. Drawing from Confucian and Taoist teachings, we reflect on sincerity, stillness, and the quiet strength that emerges when we let go of force. From The Great Learning to Lao Tzu’s muddy water analogy, this is a conversation about clarity, presence,...

What if clarity doesn’t come from trying harder…but from letting things settle? In this episode of The Living Conversation , we talk about the kind of wisdom that begins with sincerity, moves through stillness, and ends in clear seeing. Drawing from Confucian and Taoist traditions, we explore what it means to cultivate a steady mind in a noisy world, and why it might be the most radical thing we c...

Episode 2 of The Living Conversation aired today on KWMR. This segment moves from Confucian self-cultivation to Taoist stillness, tracing the path from making your thoughts sincere to letting muddy waters settle. We talk about The Great Learning , inner harmony, and how to begin living well today, not someday. 🎧 Listen at KWMR.org If you’ve ever felt called to slow down, clarify your mind, and li...

Welcome — this is the place I’ll be adding video and audio moments from The Living Conversation . Some clips are short, some longer. All are meant to be shared in the spirit of a quiet conversation — not polished, not packaged, just real. I’ll keep returning to this post as new clips and segments are ready. If one speaks to you, feel free to pass it along, drop a comment, or just sit with it. ▶️ T...