Fools and Sages Podcast

Fools and Sages

Society EN ↓ 105 episodes

Welcome to the Fools and Sages Podcast, where deep conversations intersect with practical wisdom. Hosted by Brian Lee and Boaz Soifer, this show invites listeners into thought-provoking conversations that illuminate the transformative insights Boaz gained from nearly three decades of dialogue with Brian.

Author

Fools and Sages Podcast

Category

Society

Podcast website

foolsandsagespodcast.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

#27: Claudia Hauer: It's Time for a New Ethics 07.02.2025

On this week’s episode, Claudia Hauer joins these fools to discuss ethics, education, philosophy, and modern life. They explore St. John’s approach to dialectic learning, the role of philosophy in shaping human experience, and the importance of community and civil discourse in education. The conversation also covers the ethical implications of AI, technology's impact on spirituality, all while emp...

#26: Instant Karma's Gonna Get You 04.02.2025

In this episode, Brian and Boaz take on defining Karma. They discuss the dynamics between cognitive models and karma, the nature of suffering, the concept of free will, and personal growth.  These fools relate this episode to many others in their repertoire; including Demo #3: Chapters and Transitions, Ep. #7: On Suffering, and others. Tune in for a more complete understanding of their meaning mak...

#25: Justice and Paradigm Shift 31.01.2025

In this conversation, these fools discuss Justice. Boaz and Brian bring up the recent acquittal of Daniel Penny and the assassination of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and touch on the slipperiness of defining justice and vigilantism, ideological divides, the role of ethical intuition, and the emergence of new paradigms. 

#24: What Is Post-Modernism? 28.01.2025

In this episode Boaz and Brian discuss the evolution of Post-Modernism from Modernism, exploring the philosophical and societal shifts that followed the rise of rationalism. They examine reactions to modernity, the tension between science, technology and human experience, and the ongoing crisis of meaning and morality in the modern world.  

#23: Intuition (What Is It Good For?) 24.01.2025

In this episode, Brian and Boaz discuss the concept of intuition. They look at the different names intuition may be known by, its relationship to reason, and the role it plays in our relation to ourselves and reality. The conversation touches on cultivating self awareness, cognitive models, the relationship between intuition and the unconscious mind, and more. 

#22: Whole Body Like Dogs P**** (Why Martial Arts Matter) 21.01.2025

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Brian and Boaz discuss the relationship between martial arts and philosophy to further contextualize their meaning-making processes. They outline some of the historical context behind martial arts, discuss how martial arts can serve as a bridge between body and mind, outline some distinctions between internal and external martial arts, and more. 

#21: A Brief History of Western Thought 17.01.2025

This episode of the Fools and Sages Podcast roughly outlines the evolution of Western thought. You might experience these fools as ‘coming from a lot of different angles.’ This conversation aims to contextualize some of those angles, highlighting the connections between philosophy, psychology, and religion.  

#20: La Maravilla Del Mundo 14.01.2025

In the 20th episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Boaz and Brian take a deep dive into La Maravilla Del Mundo, which is to say, the Marvel of the World, or Ayahuasca. The discussion guides listeners through what a ceremony typically looks like, and gives a peak into the psychological and spiritual dimensions that open up with the use of this medicine. The fools share their personal relationships...

#19: Patriotism and Perspective 09.01.2025

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast Brian and Boaz outline patriotism, cognitive models, and their influence on political discourse and public perception. In doing so they discuss subjectivism, objectivism, the collective unconscious, and the distinction between principles and ideology. The conversation highlights the impact of context, cultural resonance, and adaptability in navigating...

#18: Here Comes Everyone 01.01.2025

These Fools kick off the new year with an episode on the impact of James Joyce’s ‘Finnegan’s Wake.’ Brian and Boaz discuss Joyce’s innovative use of language, his unique narrative style, the cultural and historical context of this work, and some of the philosophical insights to be drawn from it. From this conversation Brian and Boaz expand on the relationship between language and literature, the i...

#17: Politics and "The Other" 26.12.2024

In this episode of Fools and Sages , Boaz and Brian explore the 2024 election through psychological and philosophical lenses. They discuss "the other," interdependence, identity, media's role in politics, and the shifting dynamics of political discourse. The conversation also covers corporate influence, the role of elders in society, the material aspects of human existence, and the implications of...

#16: On Community 19.12.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast Boaz and Brian discuss community, expanding on the interdependence model discussed in previous episodes. They touch on the dynamics of intentional communities, the challenges of building connections in urban settings, the importance of collective self-awareness, and more. The conversation also turns to postmodernism, emphasizing the role of community...

#15: Lessons of the American West 12.12.2024

In the 15th episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Brian and Boaz use Wallace Stegner as an entry point into the American West; discussing the impact of nature on personal identity, the significance of the American West, and the cultural intersections that shape our understanding of the environment. The Fools touch on community, support systems, interdependence within communities, the contrasting...

#14: Faggin, Reality, and Responsibility 05.12.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast hosts Brian and Boaz discuss Federico Faggin and his philosophy in order to uncover the role of responsibility in relation to the nature of reality. They touch on the complexities of epistemology, the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions as a pathway to self-awareness, the implications of dualistic philosophy, and more.

#13: Integrating Trauma 26.11.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages Podcast Brian and Boaz discuss a listener's question: how do we integrate trauma? The conversation touches on generational trauma, the Internal Family Systems (IFS), the importance of self-forgiveness and self-acceptance, and more. The Fools provide context as to the nature of trauma and discuss how it affects our perceptions, personal growth, and organic jou...

#12: Interdependence 21.11.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Boaz and Brian discuss dependence, independence, and interdependence, exploring how these concepts relate to human development and relationships. They discuss the complexities of maturation, the challenges of compulsive self-reliance, and the importance of understanding one's position on the continuum of these states. The conversation emphasizes the...

#11: Post-Election Review Feat. Rich Rubino 14.11.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Rich Rubino returns to break down the results of the recent election, offering a historical perspective on key factors like identity politics, demographic shifts, and the influence of money in politics. They explore the impact of Donald Trump on the GOP, the rise of new Democratic leaders, and the future of the political landscape, including potentia...

#10: Tiger Dragon Makes Luck 11.11.2024

In the tenth episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, hosts Brian and Boaz discuss the frameworks that show up around how we contextualize paradox, and find ways forward. They discuss the importance of integrating different models of understanding to navigate life, in particular Tiger and Dragon, in both personal and societal contexts. The Fools touch on martial arts, gratitude and appreciation, th...

#9: 2024 Election Special feat. Rich Rubino 04.11.2024

In this special, long format episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, hosts Boaz and Brian talk with political historian Rich Rubino about the historical significance of the 2024 presidential election. They discuss the context of American political ideologies, shifts in party dynamics, and the influence of media on political awareness. Rubino addresses the challenges of political gridlock, the evol...

#8: Cleaning Up and Waking Up 31.10.2024

In the eighth episode of the Fools in Sages podcast, Boaz and Brian discuss self-discovery, responsibility, and the journey of personal growth. They explore the impact of past mistakes, the complexities of consciousness, and the significance of spiritual awakening. The conversation also covers themes like original sin, the role of Gnostic texts, and the balance between personal responsibility and...

#7: On Suffering 23.10.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Boaz and Brian delve into the complexities of suffering, compassion, and personal power in the context of current events, particularly reflecting on the ongoing conflict in Israel. They explore the struggle to maintain compassion, the transformative nature of suffering, and the responsibilities of leadership. The conversation also touches on the cult...

#6: On Prayer 23.10.2024

In the sixth episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Boaz and Brian explore the themes of prayer, collective action, and touch on the nature of suffering. The conversation delves into the historical context of collective action, the interconnectedness of suffering, and the importance of balancing prayer with action in the world. They also mention the mysteries of identity and consciousness, emphas...

#5: Podcasting and the Creative Process 23.10.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Brian and Boaz delve into the intricacies of the creative process; exploring how feedback influences creativity, the distinction between artistic and generic creative processes, and the importance of focusing on the process rather than the product. They discuss the interplay between imagination and reality, the role of listening in dialogue, and how...

#4: On Violence 23.10.2024

In the fourth episode of the Fools and Sages Podcast, Boaz and Brian explore the relationship between violence, morality, and consciousness. They discuss the balance of yin and yang, the nature of conflict, and briefly, grief. The conversation delves into the morality of violence, the role of consciousness in understanding and responding to conflict, and the potential for compassion and connection...

#3: The Universe is a Place out of Which You Cannot Fall 23.10.2024

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, Boaz and Brian explore profound themes surrounding the nature of existence, the transition of seasons, and the philosophical implications of Memento Mori. They delve into the interconnectedness of all beings, the fear of death, and how cultural influences shape our identities. The conversation also touches on the concepts of attraction, aversion, and...

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