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The line between a psychotic break and success is not quite as clear as it once was, nor is the question of what medication, therapy, or practice is best, or in what amount. This conversation tries to unpack that liminal space with a man who knows it well and has been able to stay connected to the love in it.

In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Morgan, exploring the complexities of love, philosophy, and personal transformation. They discuss the challenging balance between high-functioning careers and spiritual pursuits, the misconceptions around self-sacrifice and service, and the importance of community in navigating life transitions. Tom shares his personal journey from a high-stress finance career through an awakening experience, detailing his struggles with mental health, the role of psychiatric medication, and the lessons he's learned about integrating holistic and scientific perspectives. This episode delves into the nuanced intersections of mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, offering invaluable insights for anyone on a similar path.

00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy
00:06 Exploring the Concept of Love
01:06 Introducing Tom Morgan
01:57 Tom's Journey from Finance to Philosophy
03:28 Balancing Wealth and Well-being
05:42 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
08:28 Tom's Personal Awakening
13:54 Navigating the Hero's Journey
20:10 Challenges of Spiritual Integration
23:10 Holding the Tension Between Worlds
43:54 The Choice to Change
45:38 The Struggle with Identity and Career
47:07 Understanding Self-Sacrifice vs. Service
47:46 The Paradox of Complexity
51:01 The Role of Ketamine and Mental Health
58:56 Integrating Spiritual and Physical Health
01:06:45 The Importance of Community Support
01:09:58 Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety
01:17:23 Embracing Love and Contribution
01:22:50 The Future of Consciousness and Society

Professional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.)

The Leading Edge

Tom's Substack

Andrea's Substack

Hero's Journey

Jill Bolte Taylor

Victor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.'

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A heart-meets-mind discussion about complexity science and its suprising relation to Daoism, with physicist Jean Boulton. The conversation explores how stability and change are part of a reflexive interweaving of relationships, the importance of actions and behaviors in co-creating the future, and the role of compassion and love in fostering resilience. We also touch on the profound influence of spiritual practices such as Taoism and Buddhism on understanding complexity. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of integrating heart and mind, and how seemingly small, compassionate acts can create significant shifts. Whether you're interested in spiritual traditions, scientific perspectives, or personal development, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights to inspire and guide you.

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00:00 Introduction to Change and the Dao

00:33 The Interconnectedness of Actions and Behaviors

01:11 Embracing Complexity and Wider Perspectives

01:43 Guest Introduction: Jean's Background and Interests

01:50 Understanding Complexity in Science and Everyday Life

04:03 The Mechanistic Worldview vs. Complexity Science

06:29 Personal Journey: From Physics to Philosophy

08:09 The Influence of Family and Early Philosophical Interests

11:14 Process Complexity and the Dao

11:41 The Paradox of Stability and Change

13:31 The Role of Context and History in Shaping Patterns

14:11 Discovering Daoism and Its Connection to Complexity

15:47 The Nuances of Daoism in Understanding Complexity

19:21 The Importance of Actions, Intentions, and Purpose

26:13 The Role of Attention and Noticing in Complexity

27:55 Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Complexity Science

33:23 The Embodied Experience of Complexity

35:02 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Complexity

36:04 Meditation and Embodiment

37:19 Tibetan Yoga and Compassion

40:16 Childhood and Personal Growth

42:42 Societal Wounds and Addictions

Loving & Knowing

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(Kaufmann Neworks are Boolean: see here if you want to know more, but you don't need to know anything about them to understand this episode)

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Embracing Uncertainty: Barry O'Reilly on Software Architecture and Philosophy

In this episode of Love and Philosophy, we sit down with Barry O'Reilly, a seasoned software architect with a deep background in pure mathematics and experience at top companies like Microsoft. He discusses his innovative concept, Residuality Theory, which introduces complexity theory into software development for the first time. Barry explains how traditional linear thinking in coding often leads to rigid and brittle constructs that fail to adapt to the constantly changing business environments. By embracing paradoxes and uncertainties using theories from philosophy and complexity sciences, Barry offers a new perspective on software architecture that combines the logical rigor of code with the adaptability required for real-world human systems. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between coding and philosophy, and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to more resilient and flexible software solutions.

00:00 The Rigidity of Software vs. The Chaos of Business
00:46 The Philosophical Roots of Computer Science
01:28 The Architect's Paradox: Linear Thinking vs. Human Systems
02:20 Introducing Residue: Adapting to Change
03:16 The Relief of Embracing Uncertainty
04:16 Welcome to Love and Philosophy
11:34 Meet Barry O'Reilly: From Math to Software Architecture
16:02 The Journey to Complexity Theory
21:25 Handling Uncertainty in Software Projects
26:47 The Evolution of Software Engineering
31:42 The Birth of Residue and Ity Theory
38:17 The Need for a New Philosophical Approach
43:36 The Immaturity of Software Engineering
46:03 Personal Frustrations and Philosophical Pursuits
46:40 The Reflective Practitioner and Instinctive Problem Solving
47:13 Linear Thinking vs. Embracing Uncertainty
49:34 Philosophical Foundations in Software Engineering
01:05:03 Hyper Liminality and System Resilience
01:13:45 The Role of Play and Forgiveness in Software Development
01:19:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Architect's Paradox: Uncertainty and the Philosophy of Software Architecture

Residues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture.

You Tube Talks:

Residuality Theory

Architect's Paradox

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Andrea sits down with Kevin Kelly, a true pioneer in the world of technology and futurism. Known for his foundational work with Whole Earth, Wired Magazine and definitive pieces like '1000 True Fans,' Kelly shares insights from his early fascination with science fiction to his groundbreaking contributions in understanding and shaping the digital age and technological ideas. They discuss the profound influence of science fiction on technological advancements, the humanizing impact of the internet, and the vital importance of travel and curiosity for finding meaning. Kelly explains the nuanced continuum between biology and technology, the concept of 'hill making' versus 'hill climbing' in innovation, and how love and community remain central to his work. As they delve into Kelly's latest book 'Excellent Advice for Living,' this conversation offers rich perspectives on maintaining creativity, embracing complexity, and fostering an optimistic outlook in an ever-evolving world.

00:00 Introduction and Early Influences
00:05 The Role of Science Fiction in Shaping Technology
01:58 Discovering the Internet as a New Frontier
04:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy
04:36 Kevin Kelly's Background and Achievements
09:30 Early Encounters with Computers
14:28 The Humanizing Effect of the Internet
17:42 Meeting Stewart Brand and the Whole Earth Catalog
28:01 The Importance of Travel and Broader Perspectives
33:38 The Transformative Power of Travel
34:37 Embracing Unique Paths in Life
35:47 The Value of Time Over Money
40:16 The Birth of Artificial Life and Wired Magazine
46:34 The Paradox of Progress and Creativity
53:38 The Importance of Noticing and Small Steps
01:01:33 Hill Making vs. Hill Climbing
01:02:59 Final Thoughts on Love and Life

Excellent Advice for Living

Kevin Kelly on Substack

https://kk.org/

Stewart Brand

Whole Earth Catalogue and Whole Earth Review

the WELL

WIRED Magazine

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Participatory sense-making is a term coined by Hanne De Jaegher & Ezequiel Di Paolo. Both these philosophers will be featured in upcoming episodes.

Andrea Hiott hosts Rebecca Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire explore intricate themes of participatory sensemaking, the concept of the 'third entity,' and the impact of trauma and love on interpersonal relationships. The discussion delves into how the body acts as a data-gathering device, how sensory inputs shape our understanding of the world, and the importance of mutual sense-making in a highly complex and often overwhelming environment. Each speaker shares their unique perspectives and experiences, from cognitive neuroscience to ethical interactions, ultimately highlighting the significance of staying connected both with others and oneself. This conversation is intellectually stimulating and emotionally enriching, drawing on neuroscience, philosophy, and mental health to offer fresh insights into navigating the complexities of human interaction.

00:00 Introduction to the Body as a Data Gathering Device
00:57 The Futility of Communication and Social Media
02:35 Welcome to Love and Philosophy
02:52 Participatory Sense Making and Social Cognition
04:46 Meet the Three: Beck Todd, Shay Welch, and Penijean Gracefire
05:46 Rebecca Todd: Cognitive Neuroscience and Life Experience
08:13 Penijean Gracefire: Neurotechnology and Human Function
12:21 Shay Welch: Philosophy, Public Art, and Participatory Sensemaking
15:50 Exploring the Concept of the Body
23:09 The Role of EEG in Understanding the Brain
52:36 The Impact of Trauma on Sensemaking
53:25 Introduction to Anchors and Interactions
54:14 Effortful Sense Making Shaped by Love
55:16 Individual Differences in Sensory Systems
56:24 Neuromodulation and Sense Making
59:24 Visualization and Communication Challenges
01:03:07 Complexity Fatigue and Bandwidth
01:14:11 Neuromodulation Device Experiment
01:20:35 Participatory Sense Making with the More-than-Human World
01:29:34 Challenges of Virtual Interaction
01:36:48 The Futility and Hope of Communication

L&P Newsletter

PSM Paper

A Multiplicity of Worlds

What is Participatory Sense-making and Why Should We Care?

Steve Paxton, originator of the practice of contact improvisation, himself says: “The reason it’s called contact improvisation is because there is a third entity that arises in the state – it is the state of agreement between the two of you that neither one is leading. It doesn’t become leaderless, the two of you are leading.” Source

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Andrea and Fotis (a guest host of L&P) explore the intricate world of podcasting. Fotis, returning from a previous episode and getting ready to do his second podcast for L&P, asks Andrea about the podcast's growth. In this unplanned chat, the two talk a bit about what podcasts mean to them, Game B, the intersection of various disciplines, and the broader impact of podcasting as a medium. They discuss the research and connective side of podcasting and reflect on this new journey, sharing insights on authenticity, community-building, and the challenges of navigating complex topics. Tune in for a quick half-hour chat that delves into their motivations, the evolution of their podcast, and the significance of having meaningful, open-hearted conversations that come from a place of love, even when they are challenging.

01:13 Discussing Podcast Growth and Community
02:02 The Philosophy Behind Podcasting
05:25 Challenges and Responsibilities of Content Creation
07:30 Interconnectedness and Network Building
11:15 The Unique Nature of Podcasts
12:14 Exploring Diverse Podcast Communities
26:02 Future Directions and Personal Reflections
34:31 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

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Game B animation
Waymaking
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Ritournelle is a concept created by Gilles Deleuze & Felix Guattari for A Thousand Plateaus (1987.) It's the main subject of 11th plateau 1837: Of the refrain. In this episode of 'Love and Philosophy,' host Andrea Hiott engages in a deep and thought-provoking conversation with philosopher, psychologist, and poet Bayo Akomolafe. They discuss the transformative power of love, the complexities beyond binary categorizations, and the idea of life as a process filled with relational tensions and incompleteness. The discussion covers Bayo's personal journey, including reflections on his father and his book 'These Wilds Beyond Our Fences.' They explore themes of care, disruption, and the radical incompleteness of reality, providing listeners with insights into how we can embrace the multiplicities of being human.

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Bayo Akomolafe
https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/

These Wilds Beyond Our Fences

00:00 Introduction to Categories and Relational Tensions
02:20 Welcome to Love and Philosophy
02:43 Introducing Bayo Akomolafe
03:19 Themes of the Podcast and Bayo's Background
05:36 Binaries and Relationality
09:11 Personal Reflections and Philosophical Insights
09:46 The Concept of Retournello and Repetition
10:56 Navigating Categories and Structures
12:22 The Story of Bayo's Daughter
14:17 Philosophical Reflections on Life and Death
23:05 The Role of Trauma and Healing
32:11 The Pandemic and Societal Reflections
36:42 Love as Radical Incompleteness
38:27 Conclusion and Farewell

host and philosopher Andrea Hiott

Love and Philosophy in Video

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Life is not built by blocks but by lines woven together according to Tim Ingold, emeritus professor of anthropology at the University of Aberdeen and a leading thinker in anthropology and philosophy. Tim Ingold and Andrea Hiott explore key themes from Tim's influential works, such as 'Anthropology: Why It Matters' and 'Lines,' discussing how life is a continuous journey along interwoven threads and traces shaped by our every action. Building on Gibson, Deleuze, Hallowell, Merleau-Ponty, and others, Ingold's idea of 'wayfaring' as our fundamental mode of being challenges traditional distinctions between nature and culture, mind and body, and forces us out of block-mind and into traces and threads of life interwoven. This enriching dialogue touches on the importance of awareness, attention, and responsibility, offering insights into how these ideas can help us navigate toward a world where love and respect for life are central. Whether it's through storytelling, music, or everyday actions, learn how our paths shape our humanity and influence the futures we create. This episode is an opportunity to reflect on how we should live together in a world full of possibility, a world we love enough to take responsibility for together.

00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy
00:05 Introducing Tim Ingold and His Work
00:43 The Concept of Lines in Life
01:43 Wayfaring and Life as a Process
02:54 The Importance of Awareness and Responsibility
04:18 Tim Ingold's Influences and Philosophical Approach
10:28 Tim Ingold's Early Life and Inspirations
17:26 Fieldwork and Anthropology
25:16 Challenging Traditional Divisions in Science and Humanities
32:07 The Evolution of Tim Ingold's Thought
48:47 Revisiting Nature and Culture
51:48 Anthropology as a Conversation
54:46 The Anthropological Conversation
56:12 Subject and Object in Anthropology
57:58 The Middle Voice of the Verb
59:39 Crafting and Teaching
01:06:38 The Concept of Lines
01:13:24 Embodiment and Attention
01:27:42 The Future of Technology and Education
01:39:52 Hope for the Future

https://www.timingold.com/

Lines, the book

Anthropology, why it matters

‘For we are made of lines. We are not only referring to lines of writing. Lines of writing conjugate with other lines, life lines, lines of luck or misfortune, lines productive of the variation of the line of writing itself, lines that are between the lines of writing.’

— Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus

A great interview with Tim Ingold by Juan Loaiza for ENSO.

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