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A first person exploration of the philosophy of bioregionalism, inspired by the complexity science of Donnella Meadow, with Felix de Rosen, a landscape architect and gardener.

Felix shares his fascinating journey from studying political science at Harvard to his passion for the natural world and Bioregionalism. Andrea and Felix explore the philosophy of organizing human societies around naturally defined areas, discussing complex systems and the importance of finding community. This conversation is an exploration of the intersections of ecology, culture, and personal growth through Felix's experiences and insights on creating sustainable and meaningful connections with the land and each other.

00:00 Introduction to Bioregionalism

00:43 Félix de Rosen's Background and Journey

01:30 Complex Systems and Community

02:53 Felix's Personal Reflections

05:21 The Importance of Place and People

21:34 Discovering Landscape Architecture

26:37 Understanding Bio Regionalism

30:11 Exploring Systems Thinking and Worldview

31:38 The Intersection of Gardens and Worldviews

36:06 Frustrations and Realizations in Landscape Architecture

39:45 The Importance of Systems Thinking

42:54 Bio Regionalism and Community Building

48:01 Bridging Political Divides through Bio Regionalism

52:25 International Bio Regional Projects

54:37 The Role of Love and Connection to Earth

01:00:30 Agency Deficit Disorder and Hope for the Future

01:01:28 Conclusion and Ways to Connect

Links:

A Garden’s Purpose

The BioFi Project

Polycultura: Planetary Design and Communication

A talk from Felix at the Harvard commencement

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Philosopher of cognitive science Hanne De Jaegher discusses the profound relationship between loving and knowing as intertwined processes. The first in what we hope to be many conversations about this inspirational work. With Andrea, Hanne explores the idea that thinking and feeling emerge from the same fundamental act of sense-making, which is rooted in our basic, biological existence. De Jaegher shares her personal experiences and how they led to her academic journey studying cognitive science, and then to her work on participatory sense-making. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing both oneness and difference in relationships and the conversation discusses the critical role of noticing and relational awareness. Through various explorations, De Jaegher illustrates how love is an ongoing relational activity that ‘shares a core with knowing’ and that can foster a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

00:00 The Nature of Love and Sense Making
01:18 Exploring Cognitive Science and Social Cognition
02:58 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
03:52 Hanne’s Academic Journey and Dissertation
05:37 The Philosophy of Love and Knowing
09:38 Personal Reflections on Love and Language
11:48 The Interconnection of Loving, Knowing, and Being
22:26 The Role of Noticing in Relationships
25:36 Philosophical Insights on Ontology and Epistemology
30:03 The Dynamics of Relationships and Sense Making
34:42 The Importance of Holding Tension in Understanding
40:53 The Impact of Loving and Knowing on Personal Growth
47:17 Exploring Abstract Patterns and Sensory Experiences
48:25 Understanding Social Cognition and Autism
56:10 Bridging Cognitive Science and Sociology
58:14 Motivations and Challenges in Academic Life
01:01:15 The Role of Love in Research and Life
01:06:27 Navigating Academic and Personal Challenges
01:18:27 Holding Space and Embracing Multiplicity
01:24:47 Concluding Thoughts on Love and Understanding

Francisco Varela

Loving and Knowing: reflections for an engaged epistemology

Paradoxical Practices (2025) with Elena Cuffari and Rika Preiser

Participatory Sense-Making with Ezequiel Di Paolo

Sense Making (Maturana & Varela)

Living Ways of Sense Making by Evan Thompson

Andy Clark

Hanne’s website and publication list

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Andrea shares a deeply reflective conversation with renowned journalist Shoma Chaudhury. Originally recorded over a year ago for the Synapse conference, this episode offers an intimate look into Shoma's thought process and career journey. Shoma discusses her approach to holding nuanced, meaningful conversations with a wide variety of people, including some of the most famous figures globally. The episode delves into Shoma's personal experiences of navigating public scrutiny and professional hardships. Through the lens of her experiences, Shoma elaborates on themes of curiosity, compassion, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions and interactions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where people with opposing viewpoints can have honest dialogue and the valuable lessons that come from challenging life events. Both Shoma and Andrea explore the role of wonder, love, and respect in developing a more nuanced understanding of the world and ourselves.

00:00 Introduction and Context
01:04 Meet Shoma Chaudry
02:31 The Art of Holding Nuance
03:46 Evolving Perspectives in Journalism
06:44 Navigating Polarized Conversations
09:05 Personal Accountability and Growth
17:02 Respect and Understanding in Conflict
34:39 Spiritual Practices and Personal Resilience
50:48 Exploring Curiosity and Neuroscience
51:48 Influence of Parents and Nature
53:23 The Power of Genuine Curiosity
56:14 The Role of Wonder and Joy
57:49 Navigating a Public Scandal
01:02:21 Lessons from a Media Storm
01:06:41 Finding Peace and Resilience
01:14:42 The Importance of Love and Support
01:17:28 The Healing Power of Conversations
01:19:40 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Synapse Deck: https://tinyurl.com/5eaf2sdb

And a short video: https://tinyurl.com/3rcstp93

Watch the Video

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