Wiser Conversations

A major schism is likely for the church unless structural issues such as imperial politics, ancient metaphysical and philosophical principles are addressed. The church needs to make a radical decision "towards a new ecclesial structure" our guest Ilia Delio, PhD argues. Sister Delio is an acclaimed theologian and ground-breaking author of twenty books in the area of science and religion, exploring themes of evolution, physics and neuroscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding what is really going on, both in ourselves and in others, is key to finding valuable perspectives that can be practically applied to solve problems, in work and life. Michael Ventura is an accomplished entrepreneur, practitioner, and author, who recognised a disconnect between business and well-being. His book, Applied Empathy explores the intersectionality of these two worlds through the practice of empathy for the self, and for others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mandeep Rai is an established journalist, having reported for the BBC World Service, Reuters and others. She has also travelled to more than 150 countries and holds a PhD in global values.For her acclaimed book, Rai chose to tell the stories of 101 countries, each which has a single, unique value that has defined the nation's history, culture, and global influence.She found that by reflecting on the definable values held in certain places, we have a compass for better understanding of our own core values, how they are shaped, and why they can help guide us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's hard not to learn something from Robinson, in his writing and interviews he spouts wise, inspiring and life-enriching messages on a range of topics. One of his most important lessons to encourage is ways to have a great time, learning from his hero and penpal Warren Buffett who he realised always mentioned the word fun in interviews. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feel like you spend too much time on a screen? Perhaps reconnecting with humans can be learnt by chatting to an AI. Eugenia Kuyda created Replika as a personal AI after her best friend died. She tried to recreate him, and it helped her get to know herself better... She has said "Replika is a place where you're exploring your personality and creating a digital footprint of it." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like you've lost track? Drawing on the ancient wisdom and art of animal tracking, Boyd Varty reveals how to find the inner light that will guide you to finding your meaningful life. Boyd Varty grew up on the Londolozi nature reserve in the South African wilderness, and he learnt tracking strategies such as "don't worry about the destination" contribute to both successful lion tracking and a life of fulfillment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you meditate?Francis Valentine joins Derek Handley in conversation with the esteemed spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to discuss how meditation is a solution or a response to almost everything. Learn more about the greatest benefits of meditation apart from bringing people to the present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DeDe Halfhill has been called “one of her leadership heroes and a total badass" by Brené Brown.In this mini-episode we delve into how to approach difficult conversations by putting vulnerability at the center. Featured in Brené Brown's book ‘Dare to Lead' and on 60 Minutes for her candid approach to leadership, DeDe shares both humorous and heartwarming stories about the power of self-awareness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all want to have a good character but what does this actually mean and how do we get one? Join our conversation with Dr Edward Brooks, an expert on character and leadership, about virtues and ethics and why we need them to become great leaders. Dr Edward Brooks' research in theology and philosophy influences his work in virtue ethics, leadership and character development, seeking to "understand leadership as a personal category before it is a professional one." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we fine hope in hell?Reflect on how vital learning from the pandemic can help us act like our house is on fire. Porritt has published ten books with hard-hitting titles including: ‘Seeing Green': The Politics of Ecology (1984) which has been called "prophetic in many respects"; ‘Playing Safe: Science and the Environment' (2000); and ‘Capitalism As If The World Matters' (2005 & 2007). His latest book 'Hope in Hell' explores the last chance we have to commit to policies that will protect our future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Priya Parker believes that “Gatherings aren't just events, they are moments that remind us of who we are, who we have been, and who we might become.” For this Wiser Conversation we discuss how we can make gatherings even more meaningful, despite so many of us being apart.Parker, author of bestselling book The Art of Gathering, makes a pretty strong argument for reassessing the way we meet each other, to give more intention, meaning, and life into the moments we spend together. Parker who trained in the field of conflict resolution, and has spent 15 years helping leaders and communities have complicated conversations about community, identity and vision at moments of transition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can ritual aid purpose?In our time, what rituals are worth pursuing, regardless of a secular or religious worldview? In this Wiser Conversation we speak with Sasha Sagan, a filmmaker, speaker and author of 'For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World'.Our new mini-episode reflects on how best to create special moments of reflection and space in the everyday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we to heal and renew? In our mini-episode with Dr Hinemoa Elder we reflect on elements of cancel culture and what role monuments play in society. Dr Hinemoa Elder is a psychiatrist, researcher, Māori language advocate and author of the book on indigenous wisdom, ‘Aroha', which translates to Love in English. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can we learn from Zen?In this mini episode we dive into a discussion with Rev. Takafumi Kawakami about the concept of self and how we see ourselves in the bigger picture.This valuable insight reflects on Buddhism and the philosophy of David Hume to understand how we can better make sense of our interdependence upon what's around us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are we here for? Whether you're a believer, an atheist or non-plussed, it's a fascinating time to consider the biggest of bigger pictures with a contemporary figure who has debated these issues with the most prominent minds of our time.Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He has debated Richard Dawkins on “The God Delusion” and on “Has Science buried God?”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our latest mini episode psychologist Dr. Susan David recalls the work of Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who created a whole philosophy on how to live a meaningful and build meaningful life.Dr. David is one of the world's leading management thinkers and a Harvard Medical School psychologist. Her #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling book, Emotional Agility describes the psychological skills critical for thriving in times of complexity and change and her TED talk has had almost 7 million views. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you present? Therapist, author and mother, Dr. Shefali Tsabary offers a mindful approach for parents to deepen their relationship with their children with a blend of Eastern and Western philosophy celebrated by Oprah and Eckhart Tolle. Dive into this mini-episode or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did you learn from the pandemic? During our conversation with Naomi Klein in 2020 she talks about the “tremendous inequalities” between the “quarantined class, the people who have the luxury to stay at home” and “the people who are really keeping whole world going”.She believes it's important to reflect on lessons from the pandemic. Our mini-episode with Naomi Klein is a five minute outtake from our conversation with the iconic author of 'No Logo' and 'On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal' as a reminder to stay in touch with what we really value. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What could we learn from 2020? Let's not forget it's still important to slow down and relish in being still. Join us for our outtakes from the conversation with Pico Iyer, the author of The Art of Stillness, revered by the New Yorker as a “spiritual and intellectual adventurer”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we rethink religion through a lens of progressive science and evolutionary consciousness?A major schism is likely for the church unless structural issues such as imperial politics, ancient metaphysical and philosophical principles are addressed. The church needs to make a radical decision "towards a new ecclesial structure" our guest Ilia Delio, PhD argues.Sister Delio is an acclaimed theologian and ground-breaking author of twenty books in the area of science and religion, exploring themes of evolution, physics and neuroscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can we learn to see the world through someone else's eyes to create a deeper understanding and guide better decision making?Understanding what is really going on, both in ourselves and in others, is key to finding valuable perspectives that can be practically applied to solve problems, in work and life.Michael Ventura is an accomplished entrepreneur, practitioner, and author, who recognised a disconnect between business and well-being.His book, Applied Empathy explores the intersectionality of these two worlds through the practice of empathy for the self, and for others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's important to you and why? Have you ever reflected on what your values are, why you have them, and how they guide your way of life?Everyone has their own judgement of what is important in life. Each of us, each culture and each country can be seen to have distinct values. What does this mean for us in a globalised world? Mandeep Rai has spent a lifetime studying values, she is the author of The Values Compass, and has been celebrated by leaders ranging from Fortune 50 CEOs to Noble Laureates. The Dalai Lama describes her work as taking us into the "hearts, minds and traditions of the cultures and people of the world", demonstrating how "interconnected we are". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the unbelievable strikes it's still possible to predict trends and anticipate major change. But how can we not be stupid along the way?Admired by thought leaders ranging from Warren Buffett to Tim Ferriss, Adam Robinson uses a unique approach combining game theory, systems thinking, Bayesian analysis, and behavioural economics to outthink markets as a global financial advisor.Robinson also studied stupidity, and what he found became the outstanding foundations of a forthcoming book, "How Not to be Stupid". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have good friendships? Could an AI be a better friend than a human? This AI's goal is to help you grow and be the best you can be.We all need someone to talk to, perhaps now more than ever, and it turns out the closest to being honest with ourselves is when we are talking to a bot. Eugenia Kuyda, the founder of Replika the AI friend has proclaimed that her goal is to "create a machine beautiful enough that a soul would want to live in it". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt like you've lost track? There is much we can learn from a lion tracker, and there's no better time to reflect on the path of life. Somewhere deep inside, you know what your gift, purpose, and mission are. This is a core belief of Boyd Varty, a lion tracker and life coach.Drawing on the ancient wisdom and art of animal tracking, Varty reveals how to find the inner light that will guide you to finding your meaningful life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Māori culture have in common with ancient Indian thought? How do our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing empower us?Uncertainty, trauma, and change has typified our everyday lives since the onset of the pandemic. How can we best reflect on our lives, our roles and responsibilities in the post-lockdown era? Precious Clark and Francis Valentine join Derek Handley in conversation with the esteemed spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to discuss how we could use modern and ancient wisdom to make sense of our new world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If vulnerability is the key to finding courage, how does compassion, kindness, and love play a role in personal growth and leadership?News of the pandemic and climate change leave many of us are feeling vulnerable. Fortunately, it's from this place of vulnerability that we can find the courage to grow and even lead. DeDe Halfhill's unique leadership in the U.S. Air Force got the attention of renowned researcher and author Brené Brown, and her story was told in Brown's bestselling book, "Dare to Lead." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does character play a role in building a good life? What does leadership mean today, and how can hope be understood and cultivated?We all want to have a good character but what does this actually mean and how do we get one? Join our conversation with Dr Edward Brooks, an expert on character and leadership, about virtues and ethics and why we need them to become great leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Covid-19 has given us a chance to protect both our environment and democracy. There is hope for the climate, but what does it mean for us?Jonathon Porritt CBE is a celebrated writer and broadcaster who has found a sweet spot of hope for a suite of environmental issues. It's easy to feel lost and apathetic in the face of the huge challenges facing our planet. Our conversation with Jonathon draws on his 46 years of experience in the sector to offer a practical direction for each of us to play a role in the future.https://www.wiserconversations.org/podcasts/jonathon-porritt Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The way we come together has been severely disrupted. How can we seize this opportunity to make gatherings more relevant and meaningful?Priya Parker believes that “Gatherings aren't just events, they are moments that remind us of who we are, who we have been, and who we might become.” In this conversation, we discuss how we can make gatherings even more meaningful, despite so many of us being apart during the pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If "science reveals truths more wondrous than any myth or fable", how can ritual have purpose in this enlightened and precarious moment?How can ritual aid purpose in our time and what rituals are worth pursuing, regardless of a secular or religious worldview? In this Wiser Conversation we speak with Sasha Sagan, a filmmaker, speaker and author of 'For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020: a year of pandemic and raised consciousness on racism. What can Māori thinking, indigenous to New Zealand, teach us in our modern world?How can we embody values like manaakitanga (mutual respect and care for each other), kaitiakitanga (guardianship for our planet) and whanaungatanga (kinship and connectivity) as we seek to heal and renew? In our first Wiser Conversation with a New Zealander we host Dr Hinemoa Elder, psychiatrist, researcher, Māori language advocate and author of the upcoming book on indigenous wisdom, ‘Aroha'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can Zen teach us in these strange times that envelope us? What do we label good or bad about what we are experiencing moment to moment? In this conversation I talked with fifth generation Zen priest, Rev. Takafumi Kawakami live from his Kyoto temple. We end with a short meditation - so stick around! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Lennox sat down and wrote "Where is God in a Coronavirus World" as the pandemic surged. In this conversation I explore this question with the esteemed Oxford University Professor renowned for his debates with Richard Dawkins and his thoughts on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He has debated Richard Dawkins on “The God Delusion”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Susan David's TED talk on dealing with complexity and change has had almost 10 million views. It can all feel a bit out of our control right now among all the unpredictability and it's tough to find some sense of agency while remembering to be kind to ourselves. In this conversation we sit down to explore Dr Susan David's idea of 'emotional agility'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are all ready for anything in this pandemic that helps us be more present and sane - Oprah calls Dr Shefali's parenting ideas "a paradigm shift that can change the world". We explore the challenges of parenting that are even tougher now as we find ourselves losing it over the small stuff, restricted in our lockdowns 24/7 week after week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember those Australian bushfires from the ancient past (February)? Climate issues have never been further from the front pages yet we have a once-in-a-generation chance to respond differently. Join the iconic author of 'No Logo' and 'On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal', as we consider transformative possibilities for the coming rebuilding of our inner and outer worlds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In these overwhelming times it's urgent to slow down and relish in being still.Join Derek Handley for a conversation with Pico Iyer, the author of The Art of Stillness, revered by the New Yorker as a “spiritual and intellectual adventurer”. His four TED talks have been watched more than 10 million times for his reflections on what he calls our “inner world”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.