Perennial Meditations

In this episode, I speak to Benjamin Lipscomb the author of the new book The Women are Up to Something: How Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Mary Midgley, and Iris Murdoch Revolutionized Ethics . Benjamin is a professor of philosophy, specializes in contemporary ethical theory, the history of philosophy (particularly the history of ethics), legal interpretation, town planning, and Christian wors...

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Brian Russell the author of the new book Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God’s Presence Can Change Your Life . Brian is an award-winning professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. He is also the host of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast.  In the conversation, Brian and I discuss: T...

In this episode, I speak to Lyanda Lynn Haupt the author of the new book Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit . Lyanda is an award-winning author, naturalist, ecophilosopher, and speaker whose writing is at the forefront of the movement to connect people with nature in their everyday lives.     In the conversation, Lyanda and I discuss: Eco-Philosophy Crossroads of Science...

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Michael Ward the author of the new book After Humanity: A Guide to C.S. Lewis’s The Abolition of Man . Michael is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, and Professor of Apologetics at Houston Baptist University. You can learn more about Michael and his work at michaelward.net . If you purchase After Humanity through the publisher Word on Fire you’ll...

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Beverly Lanzetta the author of many books from A New Silence , The Monk Within , and Sacred Seasons (a new daily reader). Beverly is a theologian, spiritual teacher, and the author of many ground­breaking books on global spirituality and new monasticism.   In the conversation, Beverly and I discuss: Searching for Wisdom A New Silence Seeking Truth The Practice of Hu...

In this episode, I speak to Oliver Burkeman the author of the new book Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals . Oliver is a great writer, and this book is no exception.   In the conversation, Oliver and I discuss: What makes Four Thousand Weeks different from other books on time management The productivity trap Why it’s difficult to find time for the meaningful tasks in our life The impo...

In this episode, I speak to Massimo Pigliucci the author of many books on Stoicism from How to Be a Stoic , A Handbook for New Stoics , and A Field Guide to a Happy Life to name a few. Massimo is currently a Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the relationship between science and philosophy and the practical philosophy of Stoicism. Massimo also r...

In this episode, I speak to Matthew Barzun the author of The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go . Matthew is a former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Sweden and served as President Obama’s National Finance Chair. He has always been fascinated with how we can stand out and fit in at the same time.  In the conversation, Matthew and I discuss: The constellation m...

In this episode, I speak to Kai Whiting the co-author of Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In . Kai is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism based at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium. His main research interests are how to better account for resource use and the practical application of Stoic philosophy to the challenges of the 21st century.   In the c...

In this episode, I speak to Steven Nadler the author of Think Least of Death: Spinoza on How to Live and How to Die . Professor Nadler’s research focuses on philosophy in the seventeenth century and he’s written extensively on Spinoza. Steven also has a new book coming out called When Bad Thinking Happens to Good People .   In the conversation, Steven and I discuss: How to define wisdom  The conne...

In this episode, I speak to Jonathan Gustin. Jonathan is a psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and founder of the Purpose Guide Institute . He has taught at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Kaiser Permanente, Green Gulch Zen Center, Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Open Circle, Bay Area Integral, and The Nondual Wisdom & Mental Health Conference.  In the conversation, Jonathan and...

In this episode, I speak to Tony Martignetti the Founder of Inspired Purpose Coaching , author of Climbing the Right Mountain , and host of The Virtual Campfire podcast. Tony is a leadership coach, entrepreneur, idea generator, people connector, and a curious adventurer. He integrates practical experience, formal training, and extreme curiosity, to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to...

In this episode, I speak to Julian Baggini the author of The Great Guide: What David Hume Can Teach Us on Being Human and Living Well and How the World Thinks: A Global History of Philosophy . Julian is a philosopher, writer, and author of more than 20 books covering a wide range of topics.  In the conversation, Julian and I discuss: What we can learn from David Hume How to be open minded The limi...

On this weekend edition of the podcast, we reflect on an excerpt from Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. The episode discusses the timeless principle of letting go of the outcome and how it can lead us towards a meaningful life.  Follow In Search of Wisdom: Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdom Instagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcast Sign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short ref...

In this episode, I speak to Julie Lythcott-Haims the author of Your Turn: How to Be an Adult . Julie is also the author of the New York Times bestseller How to Raise an Adult , a book on overparenting (with a popular TED Talk on the topic), and Real American: A Memoir . Julie believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. Her work encompasses writing, speaking, mentoring, and...

On this weekend edition of In Search of Wisdom, we look to Marcus Aurelius for wisdom. In this podcast, Joshua reflects on a short passage from Meditations (4.49) and discusses how to think about hardship and the impermanence of distress.  Follow In Search of Wisdom: Twitter: twitter.com/searchofwisdom Instagram: instagram.com/searchofwisdompodcast Sign-up for The PATH our free newsletter (short r...

In this episode, I speak to Tim Ash the author of Unleash Your Primal Brain: Demystifying how we think and why we act . Tim is an authority on evolutionary psychology and digital marketing. Tim is a highly-rated keynote speaker and presenter at over 200 events across four continents. He has been asked to return as a keynote at dozens of events because of the fantastic audience response. Tim shines...

In this episode, I speak to Mark Van Buren the author of Your Life Is Meditation and A Fool’s Guide to Actual Happiness . Mark is a go-to guide for meditation and mindfulness-based training. With well over a decade of experience in the field, Mark instructs meditation workshops, lectures, professional development days, corporate wellness classes, and silent retreats in a practical, yet accessible...

In this episode, I speak to Estelle Frankel the author of The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Discovering a Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty and Sacred Therapy . Estelle is a practicing psychotherapist, author, spiritual director, and popular public speaker. In her private practice in Albany, Ca. she works with individuals and couples providing brief and long-term psychotherapy and spiritual mentori...

In this episode, I speak to Eric Zimmer the host of The One You Feed Podcast . Eric is a behavior coach, author, and someone deeply inspired by the quest to understand how our minds work and how to intentionally create the lives we want to live.   In the episode, Eric and I discuss:  The One You Feed Podcast  The Spiritual Habits program How to create lasting change in our lives Why spiritual prin...

In this episode, I speak to Dr. Drew Moser the author of The Enneagram of Discernment: The Way of Vocation, Wisdom, and Practice.   Drew is an expert enneagram-based coach, teacher, and co-host of Fathoms | An Enneagram Podcast . In the episode, Drew and I discuss:  The background of the Enneagram How the Enneagram can help us make wise decisions Identity, Purpose, and Direction The three lies of...

In this episode, I speak to Joseph Badaracco the author of Step Back: Bringing the Art of Reflection into Your Busy Life . Joseph is the John Shad Professor of Business Ethics at Harvard Business School. He has taught courses on ethics, strategy, and management in the School's MBA and executive programs. He is also the author of the books Defining Moments and The Good Struggle .     In the convers...

In this episode, I speak to Ashton Gustafson from the Good, True, & Beautiful podcast. Ashton recently had five episodes called the “True Self Series” with guests like Mark Nepo, Parker J. Palmer, and Kelly Flanagan to name a few and I asked him to come on to share any lessons learned. I really enjoyed the conversation and hope you do as well!  In the episode, Ashton and I discuss:  The origin...

In this episode, I speak to Simon Critchley, the author of Bald: 35 Philosophical Shortcuts . Simon is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research. His work engages in many areas from continental philosophy, ethics, philosophy and literature, and psychoanalysis, among others. In this interview, Simon and I discuss:  How to find happiness  How to think about hope Ho...

In this episode, I speak to Eric Weiner, the author of the book Socrates Express: Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers . Eric is an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and speaker. His books include The Geography of Bliss and The Geography of Genius , as well as the spiritual memoir Man Seeks God . His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Eric is a former foreign co...