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PODCAST

Fools and Sages

Fools and Sages Podcast

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.

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

01:09:04

What About Eating Animals? 87

Fools and Sages ·

2026/03/21

In this conversation, the Fools explore the themes of raising poultry, the ethics of animal slaughter, and the consciousness involved in food production. They discuss the cycle of life, the morality of killing animals for food, and the cultural perspectives surrounding these practices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and purity of intent in our relationships with the food we consume and the animals we raise. Ultimately, it reflects on the missed opportunities for deeper

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01:34:24

Krishnan Venkatesh: Sauntering into the Unknown:...

Fools and Sages ·

2026/03/15

Krishnan Venkatesh: Sauntering Into The Unknown: Thoreau and Basho 85 wherein The Fools explore the profound connections between walking, nature, and mortality through a rich dialogue on philosophy, culture, and spiritual practice with Guest, Tutor, Author, Krishnan Venkatesh. Discover how ancient traditions and modern insights converge to deepen our understanding of life and death.

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01:45:15

James Hartree: Philosophy For Screenagers 85

Fools and Sages ·

2026/03/07

In this episode of the Fools and Sages podcast, The Fools welcome James Hartree, an educational innovator and director of the Institute for Classical Dialogue. They discuss the current crisis in education, the importance of classical education, and how it can address modern challenges. James shares insights on innovative educational projects in New Mexico, the interconnection of speaking, thinking, and writing, and the role of philosophy in shaping society. The conversation emphasizes the need for

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01:16:36

Allowing Being To Be: Gelassenheit 84

Fools and Sages ·

2026/02/28

This conversation delves into the complexities of Judeo-Christian values, the relationship between different religions, and the philosophical implications of existence. The Fools explore the utility of religion, the nature of care and concern, and the influence of cultural contexts on values. They discuss the differences between Jewish and Christian atheism, the role of internal versus external circumstances in shaping experiences, and the significance of attachment and detachment in life. The

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00:59:23

Mountaintops, Views, and More Heidegger 83

Fools and Sages ·

2026/02/21

This conversation delves into the exploration of various spiritual paths, examining the differences and similarities among them. The discussion highlights the importance of both heart and mind in spiritual practices, the nature of aloneness versus community, and the role of ceremonies in spirituality. It also contrasts the concepts of magic and theogeny, emphasizing the significance of philosophy in understanding existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. And Lots more as Usual!

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01:02:46

Can Philosophy Repair The World? Shaking Off The...

Fools and Sages ·

2026/02/15

In this engaging conversation, the Fools delve into the intricate relationship between narratives, self-awareness, and the dynamics of dialogue. The discussion also touches on the archetypal nature of these narratives, linking them to stages of personal development, suggesting that our stories shape our perceptions and interactions with the world. As the conversation progresses, they reflect on the significance of identifying "a listening" in dialogue, arguing that it often goes unnoticed

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01:08:53

Gadamer, Levinas and a Magical Kind of Ping Pong 81

Fools and Sages ·

2026/02/07

This conversation explores the concept of organizations as living systems, emphasizing their dependence on language and meaning transfer. The discussion delves into the nature of free will, consciousness, and cognitive models, highlighting the importance of dialogue in expanding understanding. The speakers reflect on collective wisdom, the integration of ancient insights with modern perspectives, and the philosophical implications of pragmatism versus absolute views on free will. Ultimately, the

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01:20:34

Heidegger and The Ontological Goo 80

Fools and Sages ·

2026/01/31

Heidegger and The Ontological Goo 80 wherein the Fools explore the themes of New Year's resolutions, personal growth, and philosophical insights on human existence. They discuss the nature of Being, the role of language in shaping reality, and the importance of dialogue in self-discovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-mastery and the examined life, highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and their experiences.

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01:07:56

Is Heaven All Up In Our Head? 79

Fools and Sages ·

2026/01/24

This conversation delves into the intricate relationships between liberty, democracy, and cognitive models shaped by religious beliefs. It explores how different religions interpret spiritual experiences and the role of narrative in creating meaning. The discussion also touches on the physicality of spiritual experiences, the implications of Judeo-Christian values, and the concept of privilege in understanding the human condition.

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01:21:16

Rich Rubino 2025 Retrospective 78

Fools and Sages ·

2026/01/18

The Fools talk with the encyclopedic political and presidential historian Rich Rubino about the past year in National and Global politics from an historical, non-partisan perspective.

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02:16:56

Paul Fenn: Liberty, Democracy, Localism and The...

Fools and Sages ·

2026/01/12

Paul Fenn: Liberty, Democracy, Localism and The Bloody Rhinoceros Head 77 wherein The Fools discuss, with author, activist, political philosopher Paul Fenn, his latest work, The Localist Manifesto. In 1995 Paul co-authored the nation's landmark municipal aggregation legislation in Massachusetts and authored California's 2002 Community Choice (CCA) law, Assembly Bill 117. Since then, Fenn has played a leading role in the growth, and implementation of CCA across the U.S. Fenn also wrote San

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01:00:57

Frogs in The Maelstrom and The Big We 76

Fools and Sages ·

2026/01/04

In this conversation, Brian and Boaz explore various themes including the challenges of climate change, the complexities of infrastructure development, the role of authority in collective action, and the balance between individual desires and the suffering of others. They delve into philosophical discussions about idealism versus materialism, the importance of social cohesion, and the ethical implications of our choices. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of human nature

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01:07:09

Category Confusion and The Slippery Fish of The Self 75

Fools and Sages ·

2026/01/02

We discuss the idea of "combating hate " and the dangers of generalities, evolving into a discussion of aspects of Marxism, materialism and finally a discussion of ideas of The Self and their connection to our lives, our self-understanding and ultimately our self-fulfillment. And the tricky handling of this slippery fish in general. As always not scripted, not AI.

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01:41:08

The Rabbi and The Atom: Fusing Torah and Physics

Fools and Sages ·

2025/12/22

Us fools talk with physicist rabbi Jack Shlacter about bridging the gulf between the material and the spiritual, free will, determinism, antisemitism and the Judaic traditions thru time.

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01:05:39

The Missing Piece: The One Thing Books Can't Teach...

Fools and Sages ·

2025/12/13

We discuss the wisdom that Aristotle called the "Charioteer of the virtues" without which all our other virtues would be "blind"...what it is, how it comes about and more...plus we touch on rationality in daily life and that slipperiest of all fishes, happiness...

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00:53:16

#72 The Dance of The Plover and The Chronosynclastic...

Fools and Sages ·

2025/12/07

Life in the Dangerous Middle....in the liminal zones are found both life and creativity, the space between light and dark, between order and chaos, between waking life and the world of dreams....join us to explore the secrets of dancing on that line...

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01:58:23

#71: Larry Shapiro: Why Science Needs Philosophy

Fools and Sages ·

2025/10/28

Larry Shapiro, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at University of Wisconsin, joins these Fools to talk about why it’s essential for philosophy to play a central role in other disciplines. In particular, as science attempts to answer some of the “big questions of philosophy” - free will, consciousness, and happiness - philosophy has a great deal to offer. Larry introduces ideas from his upcoming book and shares some of his own perspectives on these big questions - and every other question these Fools

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01:06:41

#70: Implications of Forgiveness

Fools and Sages ·

2025/10/21

When you think about it, forgiveness is pretty weird, and these Fools have some questions: What does it really mean to forgive? What happens inside of us when we forgive? Can we show someone kindness without forgiving them? Does forgiving make us better? Must the other person have a role, i.e., repentance? What is the relationship between forgiveness and justice? These fools discuss. Hope you enjoy! Patreon: patreon.com/FoolsandSagesPodcastX: https://x.com/sagetimepodcastInstagram:

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01:02:05

#69: On Belonging, Oedipus, and the Psychopomp

Fools and Sages ·

2025/10/15

How much is it our choice to belong, versus the situation being right? An interesting topic, especially for two Fools who, growing up, didn’t feel they belonged. A discussion of fate, destiny, karma, and the story of Oedipus Rex follow as we explore aspects of belonging, autonomy, the relationship between religion and mysticism, and other aspects and implications of being in the very human predicament of experiencing existence as both an individual, and a part of a collective. Thanks for

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01:37:14

#68: Michael Wolfe: Polish the Heart

Fools and Sages ·

2025/10/07

Dr. Michael Wolfe, tutor at St. John’s College and leader of the Middle Eastern studies program there, joins these Fools for a great discussion. Since discovering him in graduate school, Dr. Wolfe was and remains captivated by the great 12th-century Sufi mystic Ibn-al-Arabi, and we go pretty deep into his views on the nature of God, consciousness, and reality (is it a dream? Could synchronicity exist if the universe is essentially material?) These fools loved this conversation and can’t wait to have

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90 results

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