The Living Conversation

In this episode of The Living Conversation, Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright sit down with members of the Sonoma State University Philosophy Club to explore how philosophy lives through real experience.

From Lao Tzu’s image of muddy water settling into clarity, to personal stories of anxiety, creativity, and healing, the discussion ranges from Daoism to Buddhism to Socratic thought; all grounded in lived experience. Together with Colette, Haley, and Andrew, they examine how logic and emotion, feeling and reason, art and philosophy, all belong to the same search for wisdom.

Themes: anxiety and awareness, Daoist clarity, creativity and emotion, the Middle Way, the Eightfold Path, philosophy as a living practice.

🎓 Featuring the Sonoma State University Philosophy Club.

🌿 Hosted by Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright.

What happens when philosophy students turn their attention to emotion, technology, and mindfulness? In this episode of The Living Conversation, hosts Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright sit down with Colette, Andrew, and Haley from the Sonoma State University Philosophy Club to explore how social media shapes emotion, how grounding and Qigong restore balance, and how ancient wisdom, Confucian, Daoist, and Zen, meets modern anxiety.

Together they ask: How do we stay present in a distracted world? How can we cultivate the mind as a living practice?

philosophy, mindfulness, emotion, grounding, Tai Chi, Qigong, Confucianism, Zen, Sonoma State Philosophy Club, Adam Dietz, Anthony Wright, The Way Between, student conversation, presence, social media and mental health, living philosophy

In this episode of The Living Conversation, Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright speak with Nick Egan PhD, a philosopher, traveler, and executive coach who bridges the worlds of Tibetan wisdom and modern leadership.

Nick shares stories from his years in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet, and the lessons learned from living among monasteries rather than merely studying them. Together, they explore Milarepa’s idea that “leaving home is half the dharma,” the value of discomfort, and how authentic practice shows up in daily life; whether in a Himalayan village or a corporate boardroom.

🧭 Topics include:

• Zen and Tibetan approaches to practice and presence
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• How “leaving home” transforms perspective
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• Integrating spirituality and leadership
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• Why everything, in the end, might be “all right”

Conversation Highlights:

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• (00:02:00) Nick’s first journey through India, Japan, and Nepal
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• (00:04:30) Adam & Anthony reflect on Japan, Taiwan, and lived philosophy
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• (00:06:10) Milarepa’s teaching: “Leaving home is half the Dharma”
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• (00:08:50) How Tibetan culture honors serious practitioners
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• (00:09:56) Advice for finding a teacher and staying present in daily life
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• (00:11:00) The joy of teaching and shared awakening

About the Guest:

Nick Egan, PhD, is an executive coach and leadership consultant whose background in Eastern philosophy and years of fieldwork in the Himalayas inform his work with global leaders. He is the founder of Shift Leadership Group and the author of Shift: The Art of Transforming Limitations.

🔗 www.nickeganphd.com | LinkedIn

Connect:

🎧 The Living Conversation is hosted by Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright.

📬 Contact Anthony at Theonaut.com

Adam at [email protected] or visit thewaybetween.substack.com

#TheLivingConversation #NickEgan #Philosophy #Leadership #Tibet #Mindfulness #Dharma #Coaching #LivedPhilosophy

In this episode of Attunement and The Living Conversation, hosts Anthony Wright and Adam Dietz welcome guest Nick Egan, PhD; a leadership coach and scholar with a background in positive psychology and Asian philosophy. Together, they explore the crossroads of philosophy and psychology, diving into themes of authority and authenticity in coaching, flourishing and positive psychology, Buddhist and Daoist perspectives on consciousness, and the unity of wisdom across traditions.

The conversation ranges from Martin Seligman’s call for a psychology of flourishing, to James Hillman’s critique of psychotherapy, to Tibetan Buddhism, Zen practice, and Daoist teachings; all pointing toward the timeless question: how do we live and flourish in a “crazy world”?

Nick reflects on coaching as mirror-work, the dangers of “Deadwood Zen,” and why wisdom traditions across East and West ultimately converge on the same mystical truth. Adam and Anthony bring in insights from Dr. Yi Wu, William James, Deepak Chopra, Alan Watts, and B. Alan Wallace, weaving a dialogue between science, psychology, and spirituality.

Connect with our guest: nickeganphd.com | shiftleadership.group

Connect with us: Adam — The Way Between on Substack | Anthony — theonaut.com

Apologies for the technical difficulties. It has been fixed but the episode, we felt, was well worth posting for the content.

In this episode, philosopher and leadership coach Nick Egan, PhD joins Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright to explore Buddhism, meditation, and what it means to practice wisdom in everyday life.

We dive into:

• Shamatha vs Vipassana — the two classic forms of Buddhist meditation.
• The American Dharma experiment — how U.S. practitioners engage Zen, Dzogchen, and Taoism in unique ways.
• The paradox of non-attachment and the trap of spiritual bypassing.
• The tetra lemma and Buddhist insights into emptiness.
• How ancient wisdom applies to business, leadership, and coaching today

⚠️ Note on audio: Due to technical issues, Nick’s and Adam’s voices are not as clear in this recording (Anthony’s audio came through clean). Thanks for your patience — the conversation is rich, and we’re working to ensure future episodes meet a higher sound quality.

📌 Connect with us:

• Adam Dietz → The Way Between on Substack
• Anthony Wright → theonaut.com
• Nick Egan → nickeganphd.com

What does it mean for a leader to let go?

In this episode of Attunement and the Living Conversation, Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright sit down with Nick Egan, PhD – an executive coach, scholar of Tibetan Buddhism, and student of Daoist leadership – to explore how Buddhist and Daoist wisdom can transform modern work and life.

Nick shares his journey from studying Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, including time in Nepal and training under Tibetan teachers, to coaching founders and executives in Silicon Valley. Along the way, we talk about:

• Lojong (Buddhist mind training): shifting mindset as the heart of leadership
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• Daoist leadership principles: wu wei, delegation, and “effortless effort”
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• Letting go in business and life: why clinging undermines leadership
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• Meeting the Dalai Lama: and how presence itself can be transformative
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• Meditation in modern coaching: shamatha (calm abiding), vipashyana (insight), and daily practice

Nick weaves together Buddhist philosophy, Daoist wisdom, and positive psychology to show how leaders can face uncertainty, let go of attachment, and create conditions where others thrive.

🎧 Whether you’re a leader, a seeker, or simply curious about how ancient practices apply today, this conversation offers practical insights into the art of living, and leading, with clarity and compassion.

Resources & Links:

• Nick Egan, PhD → shiftleadership.group
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• Adam Dietz → The Way Between Substack
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• Anthony Wright → Theonaut.com

In this Along the Way installment of our interview series, Adam Dietz and Anthony Wright speak with Drea — Sober Herbalist — about recovery, illness, and finding a new path through plants, wellness, and spiritual practice.

Drea shares how she challenged the herbal world’s dismissal of non-alcoholic medicine, developing new ways to prepare remedies without alcohol. We explore her journey through sobriety, chronic illness, and research, and how traditions like Ayurveda, Buddhism, and Taoism shaped her approach to healing.

The conversation also dives into the world of Noah Levine (Dharma Punks, Against the Stream), punk rock Buddhism, the Esalen Institute, and the commercialization of wellness. Drea reflects on two-spirit healers in indigenous traditions and offers a deeply embodied practice: conscious bathing, massage, and even “touching your pain” as ways to reconnect with self and heal trauma.

✨ Topics in this episode:

– Sobriety as spiritual practice and renunciation

– Creating strong, alcohol-free herbal medicine

– Buckminster Fuller’s challenge: building new systems

– Fungi, indigenous wisdom, and plant consciousness

– Noah Levine, Dharma Punks & punk rock spirituality

– The Esalen Institute and the wellness industry

– Two-spirit healers and non-binary traditions

– Embodiment, trauma, and healing through touch

📬 Essays & reflections: https://thewaybetween.substack.com

🌿 Learn more about Drea’s work: https://soberherbalist.com

The primary focus of this discourse revolves around the transformative journey of Drea, the sober herbalist, who recounts her profound personal experiences that led to her current vocation. Drea elucidates the significant challenges she faced, particularly her battle with Lyme disease, which catalyzed her exploration of alternative healing practices after conventional medical avenues proved insufficient. In her narrative, she details the pivotal moment in an herb garden where a connection with the natural world prompted a reconsideration of her path, ultimately leading her to embrace herbalism without reliance on alcohol-based tinctures. This episode serves not only as a testimony of resilience and recovery but also as an invitation to contemplate the intricate relationship between healing, nature, and sobriety. Through Drea's insights, we are encouraged to reflect on our own journeys and the myriad forms of healing that exist beyond traditional frameworks.

Takeaways:

• Drea's journey to becoming a sober herbalist was catalyzed by her profound experiences with Lyme disease, which necessitated an exploration beyond conventional medicine.
• As a newly sober individual, Drea faced significant health challenges that traditional doctors struggled to diagnose and address effectively.
• The pivotal moment in Drea's healing came when she encountered Ayurvedic practitioners who offered her compassionate care and alternative remedies.
• Despite her struggles, Drea discovered that herbalism could be integrated into her sobriety, leading to a unique approach to healing without alcohol.
• Drea's transformative experience in the herb garden highlighted the profound connection she felt with the plant beings, emphasizing their supportive role in her healing journey.
• The conversation shed light on the importance of understanding addiction within holistic practices, underscoring the need for awareness among herbalists and practitioners.

Links referenced in this episode:

• theonotnau t.com
• [email protected]
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• soberherbalist.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ayurveda
• Rosemary Gladstar
• Sober Herbalist

The principal focus of this podcast episode revolves around the timeless relevance of philosophy, particularly as it pertains to the teachings of Confucius and the broader implications of philosophical inquiry in contemporary life. We delve into the notion that philosophy serves as a warm, guiding light, akin to the sun, illuminating our paths through the complexities of existence. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in our interactions, drawing from ancient wisdom to enrich our current experiences. Furthermore, we explore the distinction between fate and heaven's destiny, encouraging listeners to recognize their agency in choosing paths that foster personal growth and harmony. Ultimately, this episode invites a contemplative engagement with philosophical principles, urging listeners to consider how these ideas manifest in their daily lives and contribute to a more profound understanding of their own existence.

Takeaways:

• The discussion emphasizes that philosophy, much like the warmth of the sun, remains a relevant and beneficial aspect of our lives, illuminating our understanding of existence.
• Confucius, in his teachings, intended to transmit the wisdom of ancient sage kings, thereby ensuring that their harmonious culture persists in contemporary society.
• The distinction between fate and heaven's destiny serves as a profound reminder that we have the agency to choose our paths, rather than resigning ourselves to predetermined outcomes.
• The conversation highlights the essential qualities of sincerity and humility within Chinese philosophy, suggesting that these attributes foster a harmonious existence.
• Through the lens of fractal geometry, we recognize that patterns of existence repeat across different scales in nature, revealing the interconnectedness of all life forms.
• The podcast ultimately invites listeners to engage with philosophy as a living practice, encouraging them to incorporate its principles into their daily lives for personal and communal growth.

Links referenced in this episode:

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• theonaut.com
• thewaybetween.substack.com
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• youtube.com

The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the enduring relevance of philosophy in contemporary life, akin to the warmth of the sun that persists despite its distance. We engage in a profound discussion about the teachings of Confucius and the importance of integrating ancient wisdom into our modern existence. Our conversation delves into the concepts of sincerity and humility as foundational aspects of Chinese philosophy, emphasizing their significance in fostering harmonious relationships and personal growth. We also explore the distinction between fate and heaven's destiny, encouraging listeners to actively seek growth in unfamiliar territories rather than resigning themselves to predetermined paths. Ultimately, our aim is to invite our audience to reflect on their experiences and the practical applications of philosophical principles in their daily lives.

Delving deeper into the philosophical teachings, the conversation transitions to the critical examination of the dual concepts of sincerity and humility, as articulated within the framework of Chinese philosophy. The hosts reference their mentor, Dr. Yi Wu, highlighting the importance of these virtues as foundational to harmonious living. They discuss the energetic interplay between sincerity, representing Yang, and humility, embodying Yin, and how these principles manifest in everyday interactions. The dialogue further elucidates the intricate relationship between these concepts and the overarching principles of Daoism, wherein the harmony of opposites is essential for personal and communal well-being. This aspect of the discussion serves to underscore the importance of balance in one’s approach to life, suggesting that the cultivation of both attributes fosters a more profound connection with oneself and others. The hosts also draw on the insights from their studies to encourage listeners to explore how these philosophical tenets can enhance their own lives, thereby transforming abstract concepts into practical applications that resonate within the fabric of daily existence.

Takeaways:

• Philosophy serves as a warm guide, continually relevant in helping individuals navigate the complexities of life.
• The essence of Confucius's teachings lies in transmitting the wisdom of ancient sages to enrich contemporary understanding.
• Understanding heaven's destiny involves recognizing the opportunities for growth that life presents, rather than succumbing to a fatalistic outlook.
• The dichotomy of sincerity and humility reflects the balance required in both personal and philosophical pursuits, embodying the principles of yin and yang.
• Engaging with philosophy should not be viewed as a luxury, but rather as a fundamental necessity for personal development and societal harmony.
• The interconnectedness of existence suggests that by nurturing our own growth, we contribute to the peace and harmony of the greater universe.

Links referenced in this episode:

• [email protected]
• theonaut.com
• thewaybetween
• substack.com
• youtube.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• California Institute of Integral Studies