Wisdom and Practice

By: Aspen Institute
  • Summary

  • No one has all of the answers—but isn’t our quest for meaning what makes us human? Wisdom & Practice opens the door to insights from traditions across the philosophical and spiritual spectrum. Every two weeks, author, educator, and host Simran Jeet Singh sits down with thought-leaders, creatives, and philosophers to uncover what we can learn through exploring life's greatest questions. Starting with: How can we all cultivate more meaning, purpose and growth in our own everyday lives?


    Through curious and open-minded conversations, each episode illuminates different means of practice guests have taken to discover new awareness of themselves. And in doing so, Wisdom & Practice invites you to reflect and find deeper understanding for yourself, too.

    2024 Aspen Institute
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Episodes
  • Choosing Love with Krista Tippett
    Jan 16 2025

    Leaning into love and compassion doesn’t always feel natural, especially when the people we’re dealing with are fueled by hate. But what happens when we resist our urges to hate, and instead, see humanity in one another? And how might we begin to do that? In this week’s episode, Krista Tippett, Peabody award-winning journalist and the host of the podcast On Being, explores how we can practice love in times of divisions and hatred.


    Together, Simran and Krista speak openly with one another about the challenges that come with sustaining relationships, as well as the transformative impact of fostering deeper connections—offering reflections on social advocacy, friendships, and living your way into becoming love.




    Resources:

    Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.


    Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation.


    Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.


    This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.



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    27 mins
  • BONUS: "A Guiding Light" from Know What You See
    Jan 2 2025

    Today, we have a special episode for you! If you’ve been enjoying this show, Wisdom and Practice, here's another podcast we think you’ll like.


    On “Know What You See”, host Brian Lowery delves into the ways our fundamental need to connect with others profoundly shapes our experience of life. Brian is a professor of social psychology at Stanford University, and on his podcast, he explores the surprising, perplexing and sometimes transcendent lives we create together.

    In this conversation, Brian is joined by Simran to explore the intersection of faith, purpose, and daily life. Simran shares how his Sikh faith guides his journey toward self-improvement, happiness, and meaningful community connections. Together, he and Brian discuss the role of religion as a practice—not just a belief system—and its potential to transform individuals and societies.



    Resources:


    • For more on Know What You See, visit knowwhatyousee.com


    • Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org


    Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation.


    Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.


    This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.



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    29 mins
  • The Science of Spirituality with David DeSteno
    Dec 19 2024

    What happens when spiritual wisdom meets scientific inquiry? In this episode of Wisdom and Practice, host Simran Jeet Singh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David DeSteno—renowned psychologist, Northeastern University professor, and host of the How God Works podcast.

    From his Catholic roots to his journey as a scientist and agnostic, David shares how his exploration of human behavior revealed unexpected truths about the power of ancient spiritual practices. Their conversation unpacks how traditions like gratitude, meditation, and rituals can elevate compassion, build community, and fortify resilience—offering practical tools for navigating the complexities of modern life.

    Resources:

    • Desteno’s Website
    • How God Works
    • Social Emotions Lab


    Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.


    Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation.


    Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.


    This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.



    Show More Show Less
    30 mins

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