Fools and Sages

Fools and Sages Podcast
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Philosophy
  • Weekly

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.

  1. 3d ago

    Buddha, Rebirth and Why You Can't Flush a Pingpong Ball

    In this episode, Buddha, Rebirth and Why You Can't Flush a Pingpong Ball 118, The Fools discuss the previous episode with Dr. Fred Cooper and unfold some of the topics touched on in that episode, exploring profound topics including Tibetan Buddhism, reincarnation, the nature of mind, and the evolution of consciousness, offering insights into spiritual traditions and modern science.

  2. Oct 17

    Our Self, Our Reality and Waking Up to The Ground of Being: Dr. Fred Cooper

    In this episode, The Fools talk with Dr. Fred Cooper, a theoretical physicist (and Fellow at The Santa Fe Institute), and advanced practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. Together they explore the intersections of quantum physics, consciousness, and spiritual practice. Dr. Cooper shares insights on deconstructing the self, the ground of awareness, and how scientific and spiritual worlds converge. So much good stuff in here!

  3. Oct 10

    Riding Backwards on an Ox One May Enter the Buddha Hall

    In this episode, The Fools explore Brian's unusual personal journey. Rejecting academia as well as the conventional approaches to life and career, he built his world from the ground up. The discussion unfolds the interplay of theory and practice, the limitations of language, and the importance of self-reliance and understanding one's own story. Discover insights into philosophy, self-discovery, and practical living in the desert Southwest from a seasoned thinker. keywords self-reliance, philosophy, personal history, theory and practice, language limitations, pragmatism, self-discovery, autonomy, life philosophy Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of episode themes 01:57 Brian's early influences and education 04:00 The significance of leaving college and starting a Kung Fu school 07:01 Exploring the limitations of logic and language 10:04 The relationship between theory and practice in life 15:09 Personal stories and their evolving meaning over time 20:10 Discovering biological roots and family history 25:04 Building a self-reliant lifestyle and land ownership 30:06 The importance of self-reliance and independence 34:54 Reflections on vitality, outdoor living, and self-sufficiency 40:10 Diverse life experiences and their coherence 45:08 The relationship between self and other in development 50:06 The influence of philosophy and teachers on life choices 54:52 The ongoing journey of self-discovery and philosophical understanding

  4. Oct 3

    Wheel Within Wheels and The Deep Breath of The Universe

    In this episode, The Fools explore the deep connections between seasons, place, consciousness, and the cycles of nature. They discuss how our environment influences our experience and meaning-making, and delve into the metaphysical aspects of reality, cycles, and consciousness. seasons, place, consciousness, cycles, nature, meaning-making, hermeneutics, Tai Chi, Yi Ching, non-local mind Chapters 00:00 Introduction to seasonal cycles and their significance 02:07 The cultural and personal meaning of autumn 04:56 The traditional view of fall as a time of incubation 09:07 Living in harmony with seasonal pulsations 14:57 The metaphysics of cycles and interconnectedness 20:00 Herbal medicine and the design of nature 25:01 The universe as a web of interconnected cycles 29:49 The pulsation of life and energy 34:54 Manifestation and adaptation in natural cycles 40:00 The symbolism of Tai Chi and the Yi Ching 45:07 Consciousness as a fundamental, pervasive force

  5. Sep 26

    Your Very Own Mind/Body Problem: A Philosophical Analysis of Exercise

    In this episode, The Fools explore the complex relationship between mind and body, the philosophy of exercise, and how internal practices like Tai Chi and internal martial arts promote holistic health. They discuss the historical, philosophical, and practical aspects of exercise as a means of understanding and balancing our physical and mental selves.

  6. Sep 19

    Waking Up From History with Raj Dev: Africa, AI and the Way Forward

    In this episode, The Fools talk with Raj Dev, polymath and entrepreneur, who shares his diverse background, his work in sustainable development, and his insights on trust, culture, and the potential of AI to transform organizations and societies. Join us for a deep conversation on how technology and human relationships intersect and shape our future.

  7. Sep 12

    I Saw Three Ships Come Sailin' In

    In this episode, The Fools explore the nuances of apprenticeship, mentorship, leadership, and the transmission of knowledge and values across generations. They discuss how relationships evolve, the importance of internal mastery, and the parallels between mentorship and parenting. Chapters00:00 Introduction to mentorship and leadership themes 01:48 Transitions and dissolutions in mentor relationships 04:00 Dispositional vs propositional transmission in mentorship 08:06 The role of internal mastery and time body in leadership 12:08 Virtues and character tests of leaders 15:52 The importance of shared values and moral assumptions 21:58 Leadership as an emanation of cultural and moral values 30:06 The parallels between parenting and mentorship 45:08 Why mentor relationships often blow up 50:10 The developmental stages and cultural influences in mentorship 54:58 The importance of a progressive curriculum in mentorship

  8. Sep 5

    Old Farmers Never Die, They Just Go To Seed

    In this episode, The Fools explore Wendell Berry's life, work, and philosophy, emphasizing the importance of deep connection to land, discipline, and the American relationship with nature. They discuss how living closer to nature fosters a dispositional mindset that influences long-term well-being and environmental stewardship.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Fools and Sages Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Fools and Sages Podcast
  • Show Website
    Fools and Sages

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