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The line between a psychotic break and success is not quite as clear as it once was, nor is the question of what medication, therapy, or practice is best, or in what amount. This conversation tries to unpack that liminal space with a man who knows it well and has been able to stay connected to the love in it.

In this episode of Love and Philosophy, Andrea engages in an in-depth conversation with Tom Morgan, exploring the complexities of love, philosophy, and personal transformation. They discuss the challenging balance between high-functioning careers and spiritual pursuits, the misconceptions around self-sacrifice and service, and the importance of community in navigating life transitions. Tom shares his personal journey from a high-stress finance career through an awakening experience, detailing his struggles with mental health, the role of psychiatric medication, and the lessons he's learned about integrating holistic and scientific perspectives. This episode delves into the nuanced intersections of mental health, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning, offering invaluable insights for anyone on a similar path.

00:00 Introduction to Love and Philosophy
00:06 Exploring the Concept of Love
01:06 Introducing Tom Morgan
01:57 Tom's Journey from Finance to Philosophy
03:28 Balancing Wealth and Well-being
05:42 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality
08:28 Tom's Personal Awakening
13:54 Navigating the Hero's Journey
20:10 Challenges of Spiritual Integration
23:10 Holding the Tension Between Worlds
43:54 The Choice to Change
45:38 The Struggle with Identity and Career
47:07 Understanding Self-Sacrifice vs. Service
47:46 The Paradox of Complexity
51:01 The Role of Ketamine and Mental Health
58:56 Integrating Spiritual and Physical Health
01:06:45 The Importance of Community Support
01:09:58 Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety
01:17:23 Embracing Love and Contribution
01:22:50 The Future of Consciousness and Society

Professional Qalifications & Photo Ref (Wall Street, philosophy degree from Oxford, etc.)

The Leading Edge

Tom's Substack

Andrea's Substack

Hero's Journey

Jill Bolte Taylor

Victor Frankl — 'What is to give light must endure burning.'

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A heart-meets-mind discussion about complexity science and its suprising relation to Daoism, with physicist Jean Boulton. The conversation explores how stability and change are part of a reflexive interweaving of relationships, the importance of actions and behaviors in co-creating the future, and the role of compassion and love in fostering resilience. We also touch on the profound influence of spiritual practices such as Taoism and Buddhism on understanding complexity. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of integrating heart and mind, and how seemingly small, compassionate acts can create significant shifts. Whether you're interested in spiritual traditions, scientific perspectives, or personal development, this episode offers a rich tapestry of insights to inspire and guide you.

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00:00 Introduction to Change and the Dao

00:33 The Interconnectedness of Actions and Behaviors

01:11 Embracing Complexity and Wider Perspectives

01:43 Guest Introduction: Jean's Background and Interests

01:50 Understanding Complexity in Science and Everyday Life

04:03 The Mechanistic Worldview vs. Complexity Science

06:29 Personal Journey: From Physics to Philosophy

08:09 The Influence of Family and Early Philosophical Interests

11:14 Process Complexity and the Dao

11:41 The Paradox of Stability and Change

13:31 The Role of Context and History in Shaping Patterns

14:11 Discovering Daoism and Its Connection to Complexity

15:47 The Nuances of Daoism in Understanding Complexity

19:21 The Importance of Actions, Intentions, and Purpose

26:13 The Role of Attention and Noticing in Complexity

27:55 Integrating Heart, Mind, and Body in Complexity Science

33:23 The Embodied Experience of Complexity

35:02 The Interdisciplinary Nature of Complexity

36:04 Meditation and Embodiment

37:19 Tibetan Yoga and Compassion

40:16 Childhood and Personal Growth

42:42 Societal Wounds and Addictions

Loving & Knowing

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(Kaufmann Neworks are Boolean: see here if you want to know more, but you don't need to know anything about them to understand this episode)

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Embracing Uncertainty: Barry O'Reilly on Software Architecture and Philosophy

In this episode of Love and Philosophy, we sit down with Barry O'Reilly, a seasoned software architect with a deep background in pure mathematics and experience at top companies like Microsoft. He discusses his innovative concept, Residuality Theory, which introduces complexity theory into software development for the first time. Barry explains how traditional linear thinking in coding often leads to rigid and brittle constructs that fail to adapt to the constantly changing business environments. By embracing paradoxes and uncertainties using theories from philosophy and complexity sciences, Barry offers a new perspective on software architecture that combines the logical rigor of code with the adaptability required for real-world human systems. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that bridges the gap between coding and philosophy, and learn how embracing uncertainty can lead to more resilient and flexible software solutions.

00:00 The Rigidity of Software vs. The Chaos of Business
00:46 The Philosophical Roots of Computer Science
01:28 The Architect's Paradox: Linear Thinking vs. Human Systems
02:20 Introducing Residue: Adapting to Change
03:16 The Relief of Embracing Uncertainty
04:16 Welcome to Love and Philosophy
11:34 Meet Barry O'Reilly: From Math to Software Architecture
16:02 The Journey to Complexity Theory
21:25 Handling Uncertainty in Software Projects
26:47 The Evolution of Software Engineering
31:42 The Birth of Residue and Ity Theory
38:17 The Need for a New Philosophical Approach
43:36 The Immaturity of Software Engineering
46:03 Personal Frustrations and Philosophical Pursuits
46:40 The Reflective Practitioner and Instinctive Problem Solving
47:13 Linear Thinking vs. Embracing Uncertainty
49:34 Philosophical Foundations in Software Engineering
01:05:03 Hyper Liminality and System Resilience
01:13:45 The Role of Play and Forgiveness in Software Development
01:19:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Architect's Paradox: Uncertainty and the Philosophy of Software Architecture

Residues: Time, Change, and Uncertainty in Software Architecture.

You Tube Talks:

Residuality Theory

Architect's Paradox

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