I recently caught up with my highschool friend John Spiri, now a professor living near Lake Biwa in Japan. We reminisce about growing up in a small town, and discuss his path from accounting to teaching English in Japan, his embrace of Zen Buddhism, and his evolving perspective on politics, shaped by his moral compass and skepticism of increasingly deceptive mainstream narratives. John shares how he lives with intention in a chaotic world, navigating global issues like AI, surveillance, and cultural shifts while staying grounded in gratitude. This meandering chat with an old friend explores remaining grounded and staying human and connected in these uncertain times.

Find John:

John on X: https://x.com/spiridigliozzi

John’s work: https://www.globalstoriespress.com/ and HERE

Recommended books:

The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist

Think on These Things by Jiddu Krishnamurti

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