Welcome to the Fools and Sages Podcast, where deep conversations intersect with practical wisdom. Hosted by Brian Lee and Boaz Soifer, this show invites listeners into thought-provoking conversations that illuminate the transformative insights Boaz gained from nearly three decades of dialogue with Brian.
Riding Backwards on an Ox One May Enter the Buddha Hall
In this episode, The Fools explore Brian's unusual personal journey. Rejecting academia as well as the conventional approaches to life and career, he built his world from the ground up. The discussion unfolds the interplay of theory and practice, the limitations of language, and the importance of self-reliance and understanding one's own story. Discover insights into philosophy, self-discovery, and practical living in the desert Southwest from a seasoned thinker.
keywords
self-reliance, philosophy, personal history, theory and practice, language limitations, pragmatism, self-discovery, autonomy, life philosophy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and overview of episode themes
01:57 Brian's early influences and education
04:00 The significance of leaving college and starting a Kung Fu school
07:01 Exploring the limitations of logic and language
10:04 The relationship between theory and practice in life
15:09 Personal stories and their evolving meaning over time
20:10 Discovering biological roots and family history
25:04 Building a self-reliant lifestyle and land ownership
30:06 The importance of self-reliance and independence
34:54 Reflections on vitality, outdoor living, and self-sufficiency
40:10 Diverse life experiences and their coherence
45:08 The relationship between self and other in development
50:06 The influence of philosophy and teachers on life choices
54:52 The ongoing journey of self-discovery and philosophical understanding
3 Oct 2026
Wheel Within Wheels and The Deep Breath of The Universe
In this episode, The Fools explore the deep connections between seasons, place, consciousness, and the cycles of nature. They discuss how our environment influences our experience and meaning-making, and delve into the metaphysical aspects of reality, cycles, and consciousness.
seasons, place, consciousness, cycles, nature, meaning-making, hermeneutics, Tai Chi, Yi Ching, non-local mind
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to seasonal cycles and their significance
02:07 The cultural and personal meaning of autumn
04:56 The traditional view of fall as a time of incubation
09:07 Living in harmony with seasonal pulsations
14:57 The metaphysics of cycles and interconnectedness
20:00 Herbal medicine and the design of nature
25:01 The universe as a web of interconnected cycles
29:49 The pulsation of life and energy
34:54 Manifestation and adaptation in natural cycles
40:00 The symbolism of Tai Chi and the Yi Ching
45:07 Consciousness as a fundamental, pervasive force
26 Sept 2026
Your Very Own Mind/Body Problem: A Philosophical Analysis of Exercise
In this episode, The Fools explore the complex relationship between mind and body, the philosophy of exercise, and how internal practices like Tai Chi and internal martial arts promote holistic health. They discuss the historical, philosophical, and practical aspects of exercise as a means of understanding and balancing our physical and mental selves.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,529
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 67 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
94
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
32
Contact Fools and Sages Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Fools and Sages Podcast
Who hosts Fools and Sages Podcast ?
Brian and Fools and Sages Podcast host the show. Published by Fools and Sages Podcast.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Fools and Sages Podcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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