In Search of Wisdom

In Search of Wisdom is a podcast for seekers and curious minds interested in timeless principles and practices for everyday life. Join the search with J.W. Bertolotti from the Perennial Leader Project as he engages in meaningful conversations with leading thinkers in philosophy, theology, and everything in between. Learn more at PerennialLeader.com.

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Episodes

Tuesday Dec 20, 2022

In today’s episode, my guest is Stephen Cope, the author of many books, including The Great Work of Your Life, Deep Human Connection, and, most recently, Dharma in Difficult Times. Stephen is a psychotherapist, Scholar-in-Residence at the renowned Kripalu Center, and the founder and former Director of Kripalu’s Institute for Extraordinary Living.
In the conversation, Stephen and I discuss,
The Call for Connection
Loneliness and Belonging
Contemplative Practices
How to think about Love
Wisdom in daily life and much more
Stephen is a return guest on the show and one of my favorite people to have on the podcast. You can learn more about Stephen’s work in the world at Stephencope.com.
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Wednesday Dec 07, 2022

In this episode of In Search of Wisdom, my guest is Prof. Wendy K. Smith, the co-author of Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems. Prof. Smith is the Dana J. Johnson professor of management and faculty director of the Women’s Leadership Initiative at the  University of Delaware. She earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior at Harvard Business School, where she began her intensive research on strategic paradoxes—how leaders and senior teams effectively respond to contradictory, yet interdependent demands.In the conversation, Prof. Smith and I discuss,The Meaning of ParadoxesHow to Use Both/And ThinkingThe Challenges of Navigating ParadoxesWisdom in daily life and much moreLearn more about Prof. Smith’s work at https://bothandthinking.net/.Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | YoutubeSupport the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberSignup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts

Wednesday Nov 30, 2022

In this episode, my guest is Donald Robertson, the author of the new graphic novel Verissimus: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. Donald is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre, a nonprofit in Athens, Greece (which you’ll hear more about in the episode). He is also the author of How to Think Like a Roman Emperor and many others.In the conversation, Donald and I discuss,Leadership lessons from Marcus AureliusAncient Philosophy and Modern LeadershipThe dichotomy of control (and Leadership)Why managing anger leads to self-improvement and much moreAs you’ll hear in the episode, Plato’s Academy Centre has an upcoming virtual event titled Ancient Philosophy for Modern Leadership on Saturday (3 Dec). Register for free at platosacademy.org.Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | YoutubeSupport the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberSignup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts

Wednesday Nov 23, 2022

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Brian Russell, the author of Centering Prayer. Brian is a return guest to the show. I’m grateful he agreed to come back on to have a conversation on The Discipline of Discernment. Brian is a professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals.In the conversation, Brian and I discuss:What is discernmentThe obstacles to discerning wiselyHow contemplative practices help us discernNavigating Life’s questionsThe wisdom of discernment and much moreBrian also has a podcast called The Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast. You can learn more about Brian’s work at brianrussellphd.com.Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | YoutubeSupport the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberSignup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts

Wednesday Nov 16, 2022

On today’s episode, my guest is Kieran Setiya, the author of the new book Life is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way. Kieran teaches philosophy at MIT, working mainly in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of mind. He is also the author of Midlife: A Philosophical Guide and has a philosophy podcast called Five Questions.
In the conversation, Kieran and I discuss:
Finding Our Way
Philosophy and Temperament
Philosophy as Self-Help
Loneliness and Grief
Hope and Despair
How to live a good life and much more
Support the Show:
Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on Substack
Read articles on Medium; become a member
Signup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts
Follow us: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Wednesday Nov 09, 2022

📩 Want daily wisdom? Sign up for Perennial Meditations to receive ancient lessons for modern life: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode, my guest is David Alexander, the co-host of the Between Two Ravens podcast and creator of the Prosoche Project. David is a psychotherapist, a founding member of the Walled Garden, and someone with a deep interest in practical wisdom. Learn more about David’s work in the world at prosocheproject.com and at thewalledgarden.com.In the conversation, David and I discuss:Knowing YourselfFinding ClarityStoic MindfulnessNavigating ParadoxesThe Discipline of Discernment and much more--STAY CONNECTED:Twitter: https://twitter.com/searchwisdompodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/searchwisdompodWebsite: https://www.perennialleader.com/--Support the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberSignup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcasts

Wednesday Nov 02, 2022

In this episode, my guest is Karen Stohr, the author of Choosing Freedom: A Kantian Guide to Life. Prof. Stohr joined the philosophy department at Georgetown in 2002, where she is the Ryan Family Professor of Metaphysics and Moral Philosophy. In 2011, she also became a senior research scholar at Georgetown’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics. Learn more about Karen Stohr’s work and background.In the conversation, Karen and I discuss,The life and philosophy of Immanuel KantWhat it means to live according to reasonWhy overcoming vice is more than half the battleThe role of hopeWisdom in daily life and much more***If you’re interested in a free weekly meetup (Fridays @Noon EST), I’m calling Reading & the Good Life; you can register now. Reading & the Good Life is a space for connection, contemplation, and conversations on the art of living.Support the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberSignup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcastsFollow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Wednesday Oct 26, 2022

In this episode, my guest is Dr. Sunil Raheja, the author of Dancing with Wisdom. Dr. Sunil is a psychiatrist, coach, and wisdom seeker. He works with senior leaders and clients who feel stuck – empowering them to re-engage with a deeper purpose. You can learn more about his work in the world at Dr.Sunil.com.In the conversation, we discuss,The Examined LifeThe Role of ResponsibilityHow to Find ClarityWisdom in daily life and much moreSupport the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberSignup for a free trial of Audible for originals, audiobooks, and podcastsFollow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Wednesday Oct 19, 2022

In this episode, my guest is Jonathan Robinson the author of The Enlightenment Project. Jonathan is the author of 14 books, a psychotherapist, a spiritual coach, and a professional speaker. His first book, The Experience of God, includes interviews with the late Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and several other spiritual masters. You can learn more about Jonathan's work in the world at theenlightenmentproject.net.In the conversation, Jonathan and I discuss the following:Why we search for wisdomMyths about enlightenmentHow to not take life so seriousThe benefits of quieting the mindThe wisdom of gratitude and much moreSupport the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberRecord a studio-quality podcast on Squadcast; start a free trial todayFollow In Search of Wisdom: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Wednesday Oct 12, 2022

📩 Want ancient lessons for modern life delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the Perennial Meditations newsletter.In this episode, my guest is Stephen Angle, the author of Growing Moral: A Confucian Guide to Life. Stephen is a philosophy writer and researcher specializing in Chinese Philosophy, Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, and comparative philosophy. His research focuses on philosophy’s role in human rights, politics, and ethics.In the conversation, Stephen and I discuss,Confucianism as a Way of LifeThe power of ritualsHow to embody your readingThe wisdom of reflectionConfucian wisdom in daily life and much moreAdditional Resources:Stephen Angle: https://sangle.faculty.wesleyan.edu/Living a Good Life: https://livingagoodlife.com/Support the Show:Subscribe to Perennial Meditations  on SubstackRead articles on Medium; become a memberRecord a studio-quality podcast on Squadcast; start a free trial todayFollow us: Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

J.W. Bertolotti

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