Secular Faith Structures: Part I

This episode NOTHING SAID ON THIS PODCAST IS INVESTMENT ADVICE.

Scripture, Philosophy, and Embracing Ambiguity with Zohar Atkins Summary: In this episode of Courage Over Convention, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Zohar Atkins, a renowned scholar and founder of Etz Hasadeh. Join us in exploring how Judaism illuminates guiding truths even in this age of disruption. We discuss the impact of technology, macroeconomics, and cultural shifts on the practice of self-reflection. We even touch on the philosophy of neuroscience. Zohar has some serious intellectual horsepower. I enjoyed this one. Guest Profile: Zohar Atkins: Founder of Etz Hasadeh, a Center for Existential Torah Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America Rhodes Scholar with a DPhil in Theology from Oxford Semikha from the Jewish Theological Seminary MA and BA from Brown University 2018 Eric Gregory Award for Poetry winner Author of multiple books Discussion Topics and Key Points: The importance of questioning our purpose and beliefs The effects of social media and wealth disparity on attention spans Opportunities for self-taught individuals in an age of open access to knowledge Determinism, compatibilism, and the balance between agency and external influences The power of heroism and the 80/20 principle applied to personal growth Explore Zohar's Work: Website: ZoharAtkins.com Substack (also on his website): https://www.zoharatkins.com/whatiscalledthinking Podcast: Meditations with Zohar Keywords: Zohar Atkins, Etz Hasadeh, existentialism, philosophy, neuroscience, free will, technology, culture, self-reflection, heroism, podcast, Courage Over Convention, Woody Wiegmann

One Juul pod contains as much nic as 20 cigs. “So yea you can sell em in a four pack right next to the gummy worms.” Psilocybin and ketamine therapy are the best treatment options for complex PTSD - predominantly suffered by victims of sexual assault. But bc these non-addictive substances can’t be effectively monetized, they are impossible for people to get information about (much less access). In this engaging episode of Courage Over Convention, we’re joined by pioneers in the realm of psychedelic-assisted therapy, Richard Meloff and Jay Godfrey, the founders of Nushama. This innovative company has revolutionized the mental health landscape by integrating the medicinal potential of psychedelics and thoughtfully-designed therapeutic spaces. Our compelling conversation explores the science, the stigma, the regulatory landscape, and the transformative potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment. Remember, podcasts are just that – podcasts. This is not a formal endorsement of anything, nor an expression of my personal views. I DO formally endorse both Rich and Jay (and Marissa)…each have impressive credentials and deep-rooted expertise in medicine, business, and design. Speaking to these extraordinarily intelligent, driven, and kind gents was a pleasure.

A fun though perhaps controversial collaboration with Stewart Alsop III (host of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast). Subscribe to his podcast (Crazy Wisdom) - you’ll be glad you did. You can find him on Twitter @StewartalsopIII You can find me on Twitter @WoodyWiegmann (1) Woody's general perspective on free will, determinism, and the views of thought leaders within the Philosophy of Neuroscience. (2) Stewart relates his experience with free will, the emotional ego complex, and what he really means when discussing "God" publicly. (3) Woody discusses David Hume's departure from his typical skeptical approach in favor of a compatibilist outlook. He asserts Robert Sapolsky's views on the mechanics of thought actually rest on a foundation of faith. (4) Stewart weaves iboga and addiction into the discussion of free will - and outlines how the first order of neurochemistry fails to explain the process of breaking the addiction to heroin. Our discussion is wide-ranging - plenty of other interesting topics are covered!

Examining the oft-overlooked features of complexity that lead us to mistakenly approach intractable problems with immense hubris.

In revisiting a past episode with Stewart, I realized I did not do justice to his excellent prompts. This is an edited episode, meant to offer more direct thoughts on the topics Stewart brought to the table. I did not edit Stewart’s contributions (they needed no adjustments) - only my own. Thus, this episode is not a representation of Stewart’s opinions…only mine.

What do you do in a high-stakes game when the future is, by definition, entirely unpredictable? Shoutouts in this episode: Dr. Ben Hunt, Dunn Capital, Chesapeake Capital (Jerry Parker), Corey Hoffstein, Meb Faber, Rob Arnott, and Jess Bost!

Sun Tzu's teachings apply broadly - and they certainly apply to portfolio construction.

I promise not to try not to fuck with your mind Promise not to mind if you go your way and I go mine Promise not to lie if I'm looking you straight in the eye Promise not to try not to let you down

This is the first episode of a three or four-part series discussing the futility of seeking a balance between two powerful yet diametrically opposed American ideals. Without a miracle (which I discuss in the third episode), the strain on our societal fabric will continue to increase exponentially, until things are no longer tenable.