Episodes

  • Mountaintops, Views, and More Heidegger 83
    Feb 21 2026

    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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    59 mins
  • Can Philosophy Repair The World? Shaking Off The Still-Life 82
    Feb 15 2026

    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 yet plays a crucial role in shaping the speaking that occurs. They draw parallels between martial arts and therapeutic practices, highlighting the need for awareness of both speaking and listening to facilitate meaningful exchanges. The speakers conclude by discussing the philosophical implications of narratives, suggesting that understanding and articulating our stories can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth, ultimately allowing individuals to navigate life's complexities with more clarity and intention

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Gadamer, Levinas and a Magical Kind of Ping Pong 81
    Feb 7 2026

    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 conversation seeks to unravel the mystery of existence and the interconnectedness of consciousness.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Heidegger and The Ontological Goo 80
    Jan 31 2026

    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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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Is Heaven All Up In Our Head? 79
    Jan 24 2026

    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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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Rich Rubino 2025 Retrospective 78
    Jan 18 2026

    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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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Paul Fenn: Liberty, Democracy, Localism and The Bloody Rhinoceros Head
    Jan 12 2026

    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 Francisco's 2001 "Solar Bond" authority Proposition H the Nation's first "Green Bond".

    In Episode 41 of F&S The fools discussed Fenn's earlier co-authored work, Enlightenment in the Age of Destruction (Palgrave 2018). The current episode 77 covers history, psychology, politics and a practical road map for the current chapter in our evolving democracy. Don't Miss it!

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    2 hrs and 17 mins
  • Frogs in The Maelstrom and The Big We 76
    Jan 4 2026

    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 and the interconnectedness of our experiences.

    Chapters

    0:00 Introduction

    01:02 Pragmatic Approaches to Climate Change

    03:38 The Complexity of Collective Action

    06:41 Authority and the 'We' Concept

    08:41 Balancing Competing Interests

    09:40 Social Cohesion and Cultural Dynamics

    12:10 Philosophical Perspectives on Human Nature

    17:13 The Idealism vs. Materialism Debate

    24:29 The Dangers of Subjectivity

    25:43 Postmodernism and Materialism

    26:23 The Role of Reason and Psychological Predispositions

    28:32 Finding Balance: Wisdom from Buddha and Aristotle

    31:59 Material Circumstances vs. Human Nature

    34:48 The Cost of Desire: Suffering for Personal Gain

    37:24 Mutual Suffering in Relationships

    39:24 The Nature of Suffering and Its Implications

    41:08 The Philosophy of Experience as a Multiplier

    44:18 Navigating the Cognitive Storm

    48:16 Philosophical Crossroads and Metaphysical Assumptions


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    1 hr and 1 min