We kick things off with ‘90s alt-rock nostalgia before diving into Michael J. Gelb’s How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. From House of Pain mixtapes and Pearl Jam memories to dissecting da Vinci’s seven principles - curiosità, dimostrazione, sensazione, and more - we trace how music, synesthesia, and even ADHD can fuel modern creativity. Along the way we swap stories about paper routes, artisan pizza, building DIY radar, and raising inquisitive kids, all to ask: how can we marry art, science, and leisure today the way Leo did five centuries ago? Join us for an energetic, idea-packed conversation on cultivating whole-person genius in everyday life.

Jeremy and Jes focus on Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem and Tarski’s work on truth, delving into how any system robust enough to tackle arithmetic will necessarily have truths it cannot prove. They discuss the broader implications of this, suggesting that even the physical universe—describable through mathematics—contains truths that remain beyond the reach of purely scientific or materialistic explanations. Their conversation weaves in ideas from quantum mechanics and philosophy to highlight the limits of human knowledge and the significance of unprovable truths.

They move on to explore how these abstract concepts play out in everyday life, using the example of chance encounters—like catching someone’s gaze while driving—to illustrate how small moments can reveal deeper truths. In doing so, they connect theoretical insights about the nature of reality to personal experiences, showing how interactions with others can stretch the boundaries of one’s understanding. This leads them to reflect on consciousness, the human soul, and the role of faith in recognizing truths that logical systems alone cannot fully capture.

Concluding their discussion, Jeremy and Jes emphasize that real growth and insight often emerge from curiosity and compassion. They suggest that by questioning our own limits and engaging with the mysteries we encounter—both in grand theories and mundane moments—we can better appreciate the richness of human experience. Ultimately, they invite listeners to contemplate the unprovable aspects of life, seeing them not as barriers to knowledge but as invitations to explore, connect, and expand the horizons of understanding.

Join Jes and Jeremy as they embark on a mind-bending journey through epistemology, biology, quantum mechanics, and the human experience. In this episode, they delve into the study of knowledge, belief, and the nature of truth, exploring how we come to know what we know and believe what we believe.

They discuss Michael Levin's groundbreaking work on bioelectric gradients in planarians, revealing how these flatworms can regenerate and pass on new traits across generations through electrical signaling—independent of DNA. This leads to a fascinating conversation about how information is transmitted at the cellular level and what that means for human instincts and generational memory.

Venturing into quantum mechanics, they explore the fabric of information that makes up our universe, touching on concepts like quantum information theory and the peculiar behaviors observed at the subatomic level. They ponder the limitations of human perception, introducing the concept of the "Umwelt"—the idea that every organism has a limited sensory world—and how humans uniquely have the capacity to expand their understanding through curiosity and experience.

Jes and Jeremy weave together threads from philosophy, science, and personal experience to examine how knowledge and belief intersect. They contemplate the processes by which we achieve certitude, the role of experience in truly "knowing" something, and how moments of beauty and wonder can expand our perception of reality.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, a philosophy buff, or simply curious about the mysteries of existence, this episode invites you to expand your own Umwelt by embracing the unknown and exploring the interconnectedness of all things.

In this insightful episode of the "Be Tektonic" podcast, Jeremy and Jes dive deep into the pivotal role of hardship in personal development. Moving beyond everyday anecdotes, they explore how challenges—both those we choose and those thrust upon us—serve as catalysts for growth and self-improvement.

Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, they discuss practices like the premeditation of evils and the pursuit of self-mastery. The conversation delves into how recognizing and accepting the limits of our control can lead to greater resilience and inner peace. They examine the balance between worry as a natural human emotion and its potential to become unnecessary suffering when left unchecked.

The duo also reflects on Plato's Allegory of the Cave, sharing personal "cave moments" that profoundly reshaped their worldviews. They explore the concept of "ontological shock"—those transformative experiences that challenge our fundamental understanding of reality and compel us to grow.

Throughout the episode, Jeremy and Jes emphasize the importance of embracing hardships as opportunities rather than obstacles. They discuss how reframing our perceptions can lead to meaningful personal transformations and a deeper appreciation of the human experience.

Whether you're a philosophy enthusiast, someone navigating personal challenges, or simply curious about the intersections of ancient wisdom and modern life, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical insights.

Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery, and be inspired to embrace your own path of growth through life's inevitable challenges.

Join us for this episode of Be Tektonic as Jes and Jeremy dive into the human experience, focusing on how the potential of decision-making transforms into the actions required to bring plans to life. They discuss the importance of planning, accountability, and constant reevaluation, whether it’s for work, personal growth, or embracing new challenges. The conversation highlights how milestones and checkpoints help keep momentum, and how maintaining balance and reflection are key to success. From starting strong to staying on course, this episode offers insights into turning decisions into meaningful action. Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating the complexities of following through on the choices that shape our lives!

In this thought-provoking episode of Be Tectonic, Jeremy and Jes tackle the growing trend of anthropomorphizing artificial intelligence. As AI/ML becomes increasingly advanced, people are beginning to project human qualities onto these systems, blurring the lines between machine and human. Jeremy and Jes explore the implications of this trend, questioning whether machines can ever truly possess consciousness or if we’re simply attributing human characteristics to what are, at their core, sophisticated algorithms. They delve into the philosophical and ethical dimensions of AI, pondering what it means for our understanding of intelligence, creativity, and the human experience. This episode invites listeners to rethink their relationship with technology and to critically assess the implications of seeing AI as more than it really is.

Join Jes and Jeremy on "Be Tektonic" as they dive into the intricate world of decision-making. In this episode, they explore what it truly means to make a good decision, examining the moral, noble, and honest aspects that guide our choices. Through engaging discussions, they unravel the layers of decision-making, from our immediate actions to the broader circumstances that influence outcomes. Whether you're grappling with personal dilemmas or professional crossroads, this episode provides valuable insights into evaluating your decisions, seeking counsel, and ultimately pursuing what is right and fulfilling. Tune in to discover how to navigate the complexities of life with clarity and integrity on "Be Tektonic."

Embark on a journey through the corridors of human thought and flourishing in our latest episode, as we delve deep into the intricacies of human epistemology, pedagogical wonders, and the essence of human flourishing. Join us as we unravel the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Newman's Idea of a University, exploring its profound impact on shaping our understanding of knowledge, education, and the pursuit of a fulfilled life. Get ready for a mind-expanding exploration that transcends the ordinary, illuminating the pathways to intellectual enlightenment and holistic growth. Tune in as we uncover the threads that weave together learning, human potential, and the art of living abundantly in this captivating exploration of the mind and spirit.

In this episode of 'Wonderous Fallacies,' we delve into the fascinating intersection of human cognition and emotional experiences. Join us as we unravel the intricate threads of the Straw-Man Hypothesis, exploring how our misconceptions and oversimplifications can unexpectedly lead us to moments of awe and wonder. Through thought-provoking examples and insightful discussions, we navigate the complex terrain of logical fallacies and the profound revelations they can offer. Prepare to be captivated as we uncover the surprising beauty in our misunderstandings, inviting listeners to embrace the marvels that can arise from the depths of human curiosity and imagination.

"Be Tektonic" is a dynamic podcast exploring the intersection of resilience and growth across hard-hitting topics. Delve into health and fitness breakthroughs, unravel theological and philosophical inquiries, navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education and technology, and discover the intricate balance of family dynamics. Join us on a journey of self-improvement and empowerment as we tackle the challenges of modern life with a Tektonic mindset. Engaging discussions, expert interviews, and practical insights await, inspiring you to conquer the complexities of existence. Tune in and transform your life—one episode at a time.