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PODCAST

Perennial Wisdom

Perennial Leader Project

Perennial Wisdom is a podcast for seekers and curious minds. Join the search with J.W. Bertolotti to discover universal truths and enduring ideas from philosophical and spiritual traditions. Learn more at perennial.substack.com.

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

6:47

Ep. 247: Abraham Maslow on the Fear of Greatness |...

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/09/20

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we explore a hidden but deeply human struggle: the fear not of failure—but of greatness. Drawing from Abraham Maslow's insights, we consider what it means to avoid our potential and why many of us unconsciously choose comfort over potential. --- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube:

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7:08

Ep. 246: Socrates on the Fear of Death | Perennial...

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/09/06

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to Plato’s Apology and the final words of Socrates to explore how philosophy can liberate us from the fear of death. Socrates stood trial, was sentenced to die, and yet he remained calm, unshaken, and grounded in virtue. For Socrates, living an unexamined life poses a greater danger than death.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram:

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6:49

Ep. 245: St. Francis on the Paradox of Joy |...

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/08/20

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi to uncover a countercultural and liberating truth: true joy is not found in comfort, success, or status—but in humility, simplicity, and love.--- 🖇️ Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perennialmeditations/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerennialMeditations--- 🦉 Additional

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5:47

Ep. 244: How to "Look Again" at Life

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/07/23

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we discuss why we often struggle to see ourselves or life clearly, and how to calm restless minds while examining our perceptions and our place in the cosmos. We focus on what it means to “look again” at life—to pause, to notice, and to practice humility and wonder. This episode draws on insights from spiritual teacher Ram Dass, philosopher Socrates, psychologist

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20:00

Ep. 243 — The Philosophy of Desire | Perennial Wisdom

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/07/16

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we examine an essay from the “Know Thyself” series on The Philosophy of Desire. You can expect to learn about the influence of desire in our daily lives. Why desire often shapes our decisions, self-image, and emotional states. This is volume one of a 10-part series on the art and science of self-awareness. If you’d like access to this series, consider becoming a

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6:02

Heraclitus on the Wisdom of Change

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/07/13

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeToday, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we are turning to the pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus, who famously said,No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man. — FragmentsHeraclitus believed that everything and everyone is in a constant state of change. While this idea might seem unsettling, he presents it not as a threat but as a

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11:33

The Timeless Art of Leading a Life | Perennial Wisdom

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/07/09

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we discuss the timeless truths shared across cultures and traditions that guide us in cultivating a life well-lived. Rather than chasing life hacks, quick fixes, or fleeting trends, expect to learn why perennial wisdom invites us to slow down and return to what truly matters: cultivating character and finding meaning beyond ourselves.Key TakeawaysTimeless truths

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5:05

St. Benedict on the Ladder of Humility | Perennial...

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/07/06

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeToday, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we reflect on humility—not as weakness or self-negation, but as wisdom—through the voice of one of the great spiritual teachers: St. Benedict of Nursia.St. Benedict lived in the sixth century, during a period of political chaos and moral confusion. From this turmoil, he initiated a quiet revolution—a rule of life centered on prayer, work, and

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6:00

Plato on Seeking the Good | Perennial Meditation

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/06/29

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeToday, on this Sunday edition of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to one of the great pillars of Western philosophy—Plato—and his vision of the Good. Not just goodness in the moral sense but the ultimate source of truth, beauty, and being.Plato held that each human soul is inherently attracted to something ultimate. Though we might not always be conscious of it, beneath our pursuits for success, pleasure,

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14:03

Philosophy as Therapy for the Soul | Perennial Wisdom

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/06/25

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we delve into how philosophy offers healing, not by curing mental illness, but by guiding us to live with clarity, freedom, and meaning. By drawing insights from ancient philosophy, theology, and Therapy for the Saneby Lou Marinoff, this episode explores philosophy’s role as a medicine for the soul. Key TakeawaysPhilosophy and Suffering Philosophy and Inner

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12:33

Think Like a Monk: A Monastic Guide to Life

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/06/12

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, we turn to monks and the monastic life for wisdom. In this video essay, we explore how to “Think like a Monk” by drawing from The Wandering Mind by historian (and previous podcast guest) Jamie Kreiner, as well as the wisdom of early Church Fathers. Expect to learn how medieval monks battled distraction, cultivated silence, practiced simplicity, lived lives of

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43:47

The Art of Responsibility | Shane Trotter

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/06/04

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In our conversation, Shane and I explore the complexities of character development, focusing on themes such as responsibility, discipline, and societal context. We also discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, the importance of clarity in priorities, the distinction

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49:59

Life is Short | Dean Rickles

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/05/28

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Prof. Dean Rickles, the author of Life is Short: An Appropriately Brief Guide to Making it More Meaningful. Dean is a professor of history and philosophy of modern physics at the University of Sydney, where he is also the director of the Sydney Centre for Time. ***Rebroadcast: This episode was recorded on March 22, 2023. Key TakeawaysWhy the shortness

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57:19

Practical Stoicism | Brittany Polat

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/05/21

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Brittany Polat (co-author of Stoic Ethics: The Basics). In the conversation, we explore the application of Stoicism in relationships, love, and ethics. You can expect to learn the importance of stepping back to gain perspective in relationships, the dichotomy of control in family dynamics, and the concept of indifference in Stoicism. Key TakeawaysWhy

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56:26

The Art of Spiritual Formation | Dr. Brian Russell

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/05/14

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, I welcome Dr. Brian Russell back to the show. Brian is an author, professor of biblical studies, and transformational coach. He is also the host of Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations, a podcast dedicated to spiritual and missional formation. In this conversation, we explore the concept of spiritual formation, the doctrine of original sin, and its implications for

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53:59

The Wisdom to Know the Difference | Carl Erik Fisher

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/05/07

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Dr. Carl Erik Fisher (author of The Urge: Our History of Addiction). In the conversation, Dr. Fisher, an addiction psychiatrist and bioethicist, shares insights on the multifaceted nature of addiction and its implications on human behavior. Expect to learn the importance of flexibility in psychological health, the need for balance in seeking wisdom, and

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54:58

The Common Good with Shane Trotter | The Character Lab

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/04/30

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Shane Trotter (author of Setting the Bar). In the conversation, Shane and I explore the intersection of character and the common good. We discuss the role of community in character development and the value of adopting timeless virtues. Expect to learn practical approaches to fostering compassion, understanding human limitations, seeking the common

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58:35

Beyond Stoicism with Massimo Pigliucci

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/04/23

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest Massimo Pigliucci (co-author of the new book Beyond Stoicism) discusses the importance of seeking wisdom beyond Stoicism. We explore the distinctions between virtue and pleasure, the nature of courage, and the interconnectedness of virtues. Prof. Pigliucci explains why we need a balanced approach to happiness, the significance of relationships in leading a

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42:57

The Way of Zen with Henry Shukman

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/03/26

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is Henry Shukman. Henry is a poet, author, meditation teacher, and co-founder of the single-path meditation app The Way. His most recent books are Original Love: The Four Inns on the Path of Awakening and the Zen memoir One Blade of Grass. He has taught at Google, the New York Times, Harvard Business School and Medical School, and the Institute of American

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38:30

Embracing Mortality: Lessons from Seneca | James Romm

Perennial Wisdom ·

2025/03/12

📮 Want tools for the art of living? Sign up here: https://perennial.substack.com/subscribeIn this episode of Perennial Wisdom, my guest is James Romm (editor of How to Die and How to Have a Life). In the conversation, James and I discuss the importance of preparing for death, the role of virtue in achieving happiness, and the art of self-reflection. As you’ll hear in the episode, James is highly knowledgeable of Seneca's life and philosophy. He is the author of Dying Every Day: Seneca at

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