Philosophy of life: Recent Episodes
Reza Sanjideh
Here I talk about philosophy and how we will use it to make our life better. It is the mainstream view of human life and the society we are in, and maybe It is just the journey of my life into philosophy.
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Loss doesn’t wait until we feel ready, and grief doesn’t follow a neat checklist. Rachel S. Hesling joins us for a grounded, deeply human conversation about why hearts are meant to be broken and what that truth can teach us about living with more courage, honesty, and joy.
Rachel draws on decades of work in the psychology of identity and human experience, along with the personal losses that shaped her upcoming book Hearts Are Meant To Be Broken: A New Approach To Grief. We talk about the kind of grief people don’t always name: mourning the future you expected, the plans that collapsed, and the version of life that never gets to happen. We also challenge the cultural obsession with pain avoidance, exploring how ignoring hurt can create more damage and shrink our ability to feel joy.
We unpack the stages of grief from Kubler-Ross, not as a timeline you must “complete,” but as expressions that can normalize what you feel and reduce shame. Rachel shares why guilt about grieving too much or too little misses the point, how meaning-making can help without erasing what happened, and why resilience often comes from facing reality instead of fighting it. We also explore “chameleon energy,” performative grief, and the many factors that shape why people grieve differently, from wiring and neurodiversity to family history and environment.
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Change shows up whether we invite it or not, and the real frustration is not knowing what to do, it’s not doing what we already know. We sit down with Jay Reed Durand, a retired US Army leader and author of Train to Change Phase I Self Mastery, to unpack why personal change and organizational change can feel so sticky even for smart, well-intentioned people.
We talk about self-mastery as a practical skill, not a slogan: self-awareness first, then learning to suspend preconceptions, and finally focusing on what we can truly control. Reed connects leadership training with timeless wisdom from Stoicism, Buddhism, and classic philosophy, and he explains why confidence doesn’t arrive first. It’s built through repetition, like learning to ride a bike or practice an instrument, and it grows faster when we start small and stay consistent.
We also dig into the hidden blockers that derail habit change and behavior change, especially stress load. Even “good” life events can stack up and cloud judgment, and some needs must be handled before we chase big wants. We close with a grounded look at environment and opportunity, why idealism still matters, and how realism keeps you moving instead of spiraling.
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How many meaningful parts of your life are waiting not because you lack time, talent, or opportunity, but because you keep telling yourself, "I'll do it tomorrow"? In this episode, we explore why we put our dreams, relationships, and callings on hold, and what it costs us to keep waiting.
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh and co-host Yalda Nazarian speak with Australian awareness trainer and author Colin Chenery about mindfulness, awareness, and the role of conscious living in modern life.
Together, they explore how self-awareness shapes the way we think, react, and experience the world around us. The conversation touches on mindfulness, personal growth, daily habits, and how small moments of awareness can profoundly influence our lives.
Whether you are deeply interested in mindfulness or simply curious about living a more intentional life, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and practical ideas for reflection.
You can learn more about Colin’s work at colinchenery.com and sixcirclesmindfulness.com. His latest book is also available here: Amazon Book Page and contact Colin: support@colinchenery.com.
I kept the tone aligned with Philosophy of Life — reflective and conversational, not overly promotional.
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh and Cohost Yalda Nazarian speaks with Steven Angler, a Canadian scholar of religion whose work explores the relationship between religion, psychology, philosophy, and human meaning-making. Together, they discuss belief systems, the psychological role religion plays in human life, and whether religion is purely divine, a human construction, or perhaps humanity’s response to uncertainty, meaning, and existence itself. Steven Angler’s writings can be found on his Substack: Religioning
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A propane truck accident burns Sean Free so badly he is forced to confront death, survival, and the strange mental space between them. We follow his near-death experience, the long recovery, and the philosophy he builds around control, judgment, and what is worth fighting for.
• Sean’s background growing up on a farm and finding flow on motorcycles
• The March 13, 2018 propane truck malfunction and the moment the gas ignites
• Immediate survival choices, a stranger’s help, and the rural Montana reality
• Transfer to Seattle, critical care, and a vivid dreamlike near-death experience
• The emotional impact of intubation, swelling, and losing basic independence
• Searching for meaning after trauma and the drive to leave the world better
• Stoicism, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and learning to manage judgment
• A practical shift toward controlling actions while releasing what cannot be controlled
• Religion as a tool for self-management rather than managing others
• Our own burn memories and why pain stays so clearly in the mind
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, interviewer Teresa Philips shares her personal journey with anxiety, a challenge she has faced through most of her adult life. Through honest conversation and reflection, we explore what anxiety means, how it shapes our inner world, and what it can teach us about growth and self-awareness.
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Words do more than describe reality — they help create it. In this reflective episode, Reza explores the philosophy of language, life experience, and the meaning we build through thought, speech, and action.
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In this episode of the Philosophy of Life podcast, Reza Sanjideh sits down with photographer and writer Steven Seidenberg. Together, they explore the intersection of art and philosophy, discussing how photography can become a way of understanding reality. The conversation focuses on Seidenberg’s works, especially CODA — and dives into themes of language, perception, memory, and the search for meaning.
Short Links Section (Call to Action)
Explore Steven Seidenberg’s work:
Website: https://www.stevenseidenberg.com
Books:
CODA – https://t.ly/94X2Z
The Architecture of Silence – https://t.ly/j52Wt
Pipevalve: Berlin – https://t.ly/9x98A
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We all face moments where two paths stand in front of us — and we hesitate. In this episode, Reza explores the deeper meaning of doubt, or Zweifel, and why waiting can cost more than making the wrong decision. Through philosophy, personal reflection, and practical insight, this episode challenges the paralysis of perfection and reminds us that the greatest regret is not what we did — but what we could have done and didn’t.
Because the moment you don’t choose… may never return.
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What is anxiety, really? In this episode, we unpack anxiety as a biological, psychological, and human experience—why it appears, how it shapes our lives, and how we can learn to work with it instead of fighting it.
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What if positivity isn’t always helpful?
In this episode, inspired by Toxic Positivity by Whitney Goodman, we explore how the pressure to “stay positive” can silence real emotions, disconnect us from ourselves, and delay genuine healing. We break down the difference between emotions and feelings, examine why forced optimism backfires, and discuss what healthy support actually looks like—without denial, guilt, or false hope.
This episode is about honesty, self-trust, and hope grounded in reality—not performance.
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In a world overwhelmed by noise, distraction, and unfinished tasks, focus has become one of the most misunderstood human abilities. This episode reframes focus not as a feeling or motivation, but as a deliberate action—choosing one task, committing to it, cutting out distractions, and finishing it.
Through psychology, real-life examples, and honest reflection, Philosophy of Life explores why unfinished work drains the mind, how structure replaces willpower, and why completion—not busyness—is the foundation of clarity, progress, and meaning.
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A reflective exploration of Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom, examining how accelerating progress, intelligence explosions, and the alignment problem may represent a turning point in human history—and what this means for our understanding of knowledge itself.
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A deep exploration of what happiness truly means—beyond money, success, and external expectations—and how discovering yourself is the first step toward a meaningful life.
An honest journey into the real pursuit of happiness, where self-discovery, purpose, and inner truth matter more than fame, wealth, or societal pressure.
A reminder that happiness is personal, unique, and found within—when you stop chasing what others expect and start discovering who you truly are
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Richard Feynman wasn’t just a physicist — he was a thinker who transformed the meaning of knowledge. In this episode, we explore his technique for learning, its philosophical implications, and why clarity is essential in a world where complexity and AI are accelerating faster than ever.
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Support the show
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, I explore the simple but powerful truth that every journey begins with a single step. I talk about why the first step matters, what we learn when we look back, and how success and failure both shape our next moves. This episode is a reminder that progress comes from taking small, courageous steps — and that your entire future can change the moment you begin.Support the show
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh sits down with Bob O’Brian — a thoughtful, humble, and deeply insightful friend. Together, they explore what truly connects people, how understanding grows between us, and why humility and passion are essential in today’s world. It’s an honest conversation about human relationships, patience, and the quiet wisdom that comes from listening.
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In the final part of this four-episode journey — from word, to story, to philosopher, and finally us — we reflect on what it truly means to be human. Through the story of an ordinary person with extraordinary kindness, this episode reminds us that hope still lives within us. It’s a tribute to quiet humanity — to those who give, care, and believe that the world can heal through simple acts of goodness.Support the show
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In this deeply personal episode of Philosophy of Life, I shares the heartbreaking story of Chloe , a gentle, loving dog who changed his life forever. Through the pain of loss and the betrayal of misplaced trust, he reflects on love, responsibility, and the human duty to protect life in all its forms.This episode is not only a farewell to Chloe but a reminder that compassion is strength; and that every living being deserves dignity and care.Support the show
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In this episode, I explores the duality and connection between Avicenna and Ghazali — two philosophers divided by time yet united by the same pursuit of truth. One sought knowledge through logic, the other through faith. Together, they reveal that wisdom lives somewhere between logic and light.Support the show
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Ghazālī was a restless soul in search of truth. He turned first to philosophy, only to find it sharpened the mind but left the heart empty. Then he turned to Sufism — and in that emptiness, he discovered his heart’s awakening. Philosophy became for him a tool, not the goal; the goal was always the heart, purified and filled with the love of God.And so he reminds us: a man once asked a teacher, “When should I repent?” The teacher said, “Before you die.” The man replied, “But I don’t know when I will die.” The teacher answered, “Then repent now.”That is the alchemy of happiness — to awaken, to polish the heart, and to return to the One from whom we came.Thank you for listening. Share your thoughts, your questions, your reflections, because Ghazālī’s journey is not just history. It is a ours too.Support the show
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In this episode, I reflect on the uncertainty of the future and the fear it brings, while introducing my upcoming discussion on Al-Ghazali’s Kimiya-yi Sa‘ādat (The Alchemy of Happiness). From the meaning of Sa‘ādat to the struggle for hope and the defense of rights, this episode sets the stage for a deeper conversation about philosophy and our times.Support the show
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh explores the life of Fyodor Dostoevsky and his powerful work Notes from Underground—a story of contradictions, freedom, and suffering. Through Dostoevsky’s words, Reza reflects on his own journey from Iran to Germany, exile, and struggle, and how stories can carry us through life’s darkest moments.Support the show
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Philosophy of Words: Gunah or Sin, and the Philosophy of LanguageIn this episode of Philosophy of Life, we explore the power of words; how they shape meaning, culture, and our everyday lives. Starting with the difference between Gunah in Persian and sin in English, we move through Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language, and uncover how words like reason, freedom, azadi, awful, and adab carry histories and shift across contexts. Words don’t just describe the world they create it.Support the show
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In this episode of Philosophy of Life, I explore the power of stories — from the ancient wisdom of Kalileh and Demneh, to my own memories, to Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Stories connect us to history, reveal our struggles, and carry lessons no book alone can teach. For me, stories are not just tales — they are philosophy in action.
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In this anniversary episode, Reza reflects on three years of creating the Philosophy of Life podcast. He shares the struggles of finding his voice, the inspiration behind the show, and how philosophy lives in everyday choices and ordinary people. Through personal stories, reflections on revolution, and today’s struggles for hope, this episode reminds us that philosophy is not distant — it’s something we live.Support the show
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A personal journey through anger, loss, and exile—reflecting on Iran’s revolution, its missed opportunities, and the lessons of history, carried forward in memory of Ghassem and a generation whose voices still guide us today.Support the show
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A personal story of friendship, loyalty, and political awakening in revolutionary Iran told through memories of a friend whose life was caught in the crossfire of history.Support the show
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What happens when life doesn’t go the way we hoped? In this episode, we explore how unmet expectations impact our emotions, our bodies, and our sense of self. Through real stories, personal reflection, and quiet truths, Reza unpacks why expectations hurt—and how letting go can lead to deeper peace.Support the show
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What does it mean when something is circumstantial—and why does that matter?In this episode, we explore the word circumstantial through the lenses of language, law, philosophy, and everyday life. From Latin roots to legal reasoning, from Kant’s ethics to the subtleties of daily judgment, we unpack how context shapes truth, decision-making, and meaning itself.Is our understanding of reality built more on clues than certainty?Are we shaped more by our choices—or by the conditions around them?Join Reza on Philosophy of Life for a thoughtful deep dive into one word… and the world that surrounds it.Support the show
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In this episode, we explore the age-old debate between free will and determinism—are our choices truly ours, or shaped by fate? Through stories and philosophy, we uncover the balance between control and surrender: "Amr Bayn al-Amrayn"—the path between two extremes.
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Episode 26 – IndoctrinatedWhat if the beliefs you hold weren’t yours to begin with?In this episode, we explore how stories, culture, and repetition shape our minds — and how reclaiming those stories can lead us back to freedom, self-discovery, and truth.Support the show
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In this deeply personal and philosophical episode, we explore the unseen weight of generational trauma — how pain, silence, and unresolved grief are passed down across families, cultures, and nations. From the tragedies of 20th-century Europe to the enduring Palestinian struggle, we trace how inherited suffering shapes identity, choice, and freedom. Through the lens of thinkers like Jung, Nietzsche, and Camus, we ask: Who am I, if this isn’t mine? And how do we break the chain?Also in this episode: a special birthday tribute to Yalda — a soul of strength, love, and fearless curiosity — and the announcement of her upcoming podcast series.Support the show
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Episode 24: Calculated RiskIn this episode of Philosophy of Life, Reza Sanjideh explores what it means to take a calculated risk — in war, in business, and in life. From Abraham Lincoln’s bold gamble during the Civil War to the rise of China as a global superpower, this episode examines how philosophy can guide critical decisions when the stakes are high. It’s a call for clarity, courage, and strategic thinking — especially for the next generation in Iran and across the Middle East.Support the show
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What We Still Get Wrong About Learning from the Past
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Edward Bernays life and his legacy
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If you haven’t read Kalila and Demna, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful books ever written. I highly recommend it — truly, everyone should read it at least once. Support the show
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Life of Ali my Brother Support the show
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Episode 19 — Fighting the Fog: My Life with ADHDIn this deeply personal episode, Reza Sanjideh shares his lifelong journey with undiagnosed ADHD — from silent struggles to late discovery, and the tools he's found to live with it, not against it. Blending story with insight, Philosophy of Life invites listeners into a vulnerable, hopeful reflection on neurodiversity, resilience, and the quiet power of self-understanding.Support the show
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Today’s episode — one I’ve personally wrestled with — is called The Paradox of Power.Support the show
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Philosophy of Life – Episode 17: The Anatomy of NothingnessWhat if the emptiness we fear… is where truth begins?In this episode, I dive into the meaning of nothingness — not as despair, but as sacred space.From Sartre’s existentialism to Persian stories of migration, we explore how silence, distance, and the unknown shape our lives.Support the show
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This is episode sixteen, and in it, I want to return to where it all began—my very first episode on The Scout Mindset. At the time, I was just starting out and still learning the ropes of podcasting. To be honest, I think I didn’t quite do that book justice. It’s such a powerful and important read that I felt it deserved a second, more thoughtful look. That’s why I created this episode—to revisit it with a clearer voice, more experience, and deeper reflection. I hope you’ll find it more engaging and insightful this time around.What matters most to me isn’t just covering books or ideas—it’s about creating space for meaningful conversations. Conversations that I believe are urgently needed in our world today.This podcast is rooted in what I call the philosophy of life. Each of us carries our own ideologies, beliefs, and lived experiences. These shape how we view the world, how we respond to challenges, and how we relate to one another. The purpose of this series is to explore those perspectives—not with the goal of winning debates, but with the intention of understanding, questioning, and growing together.Support the show
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Self-defined philosopher.I am a self-defined philosopher, drawn to the endless pursuit of understanding, reflection, and growth. My journey began with a desire to bridge my cultural roots and my experiences living in the United States for over 30 years. It continues through my exploration of spirituality, identity, and knowledge.I believe that true wisdom comes from questioning both the external world and my internal experiences. By engaging deeply with topics such as faith, culture, technology, and human connection, I seek to cultivate a balanced perspective rooted in both tradition and progress.For me, philosophy is not confined to abstract theories but is a practical approach to understanding the world and my place within it. It is the constant effort to align my actions, beliefs, and values in harmony, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process.Through curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to growth, I strive to remain open to new insights while honoring the wisdom of my heritage. I approach each day as an opportunity to deepen my understanding, refine my thoughts, and contribute positively to the world around me.Support the show
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Self-defined philosopher.I am a self-defined philosopher, drawn to the endless pursuit of understanding, reflection, and growth. My journey began with a desire to bridge my cultural roots and my experiences living in the United States for over 30 years. It continues through my exploration of spirituality, identity, and knowledge.I believe that true wisdom comes from questioning both the external world and my internal experiences. By engaging deeply with topics such as faith, culture, technology, and human connection, I seek to cultivate a balanced perspective rooted in both tradition and progress.For me, philosophy is not confined to abstract theories but is a practical approach to understanding the world and my place within it. It is the constant effort to align my actions, beliefs, and values in harmony, recognizing that learning is a lifelong process.Through curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to growth, I strive to remain open to new insights while honoring the wisdom of my heritage. I approach each day as an opportunity to deepen my understanding, refine my thoughts, and contribute positively to the world around me.Support the show
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Sofi and Arash interview.
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This episode is the animal in our life and their effect in our human lives.
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Anniversary Podcast
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This episode is about an interview with my stepdaughter and me, about epistemology and everyday life.
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First Interview with Haideh Ghassemimy email address gholamrezava@gmail.com
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What is “Philosophical TIME”? This amazing topic change me in fundamental way only in few month. I change completely because what I read about it, now I think I understood what really “time” is.
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