What can a small group of scientists, philosophers and writers tell us about the future of our planet? I went to this gathering in Italy to find out and brought back hours of recorded interviews to describe an emerging scientific paradigm.

How do you reconcile Buddhist meditation with psychedelic practice, given the Buddhist prohibition against intoxicants? Spring Washam has worked as both a Buddhist teacher and psychedelic healer. In my Luminous podcast, she describes her own fascinating journey. www.ttbook.org/show/luminou...

In her new book, philosopher Agnes Callard asks, what it would take to live like Socrates? So much of what she says is provocative and fascinating, especially when she talks about "rational love" and the virtues of "philosophical dissatisfaction" in a marriage. Here's my interview in @nautil.us.

David Sloan Wilson helped formulate a theory of altruism. He also wrote the novel "Atlas Hugged," a takeoff on Ayn Rand's book. I had a great time talking with David at the Morgan Library. For this series, @ttbook.bsky.social is partnering with the Nour Foundation. www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeQN...

Presenting @smithsonianmag.bsky.social's top science books of 2024. By @ferrisjabr.bsky.social @zoeschlanger.bsky.social @adamhigginbotham.bsky.social @rboyle31.bsky.social @charan-neuro.bsky.social @ayanaeliza.bsky.social and more... www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/t...

I knew plants were smart but I had no idea just how intelligent they are until I talked with Zoe Schlanger, author of the amazing book “The Light Eaters.” www.ttbook.org/show/plant-i...

I’m reading the new Murakami novel - not his best - but there are lines I really like. Like this one: “I’d say it was a concept existing on the periphery of reality.”

What can philosophy tell us about psychedelic experiences? Are they just hallucinations, or do they reveal some deeper dimension of reality? Philosopher @petersjostedth.bsky.social says we need a metaphysics of psychedelics to help sort out the truth claims. Here’s my new Luminous episode.