When I got the idea last September to start the Wise Talkers podcast in search of actionable wisdom that can help us navigate today’s turbulent world, I knew just where to start: with an interview I conducted with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gary Snyder… 45 years ago!Gary’s extensive knowledge of Indigenous cultures and ancient wisdom informs his eloquent advocacy for appropriate technology in a lower-energy future, and living a simpler, more communal lifestyle in harmony with nature.The episode begins with a few minutes of background on Gary Snyder, and then a re-play of my 1979 interview. I close with a few brief reflections on why Gary’s wise words spoken then are still relevant today. Finally, I read one of Gary Snyder’s poems, with a special musical background.Get guest updates, join discussions, and subscribe at wisetalkers.com

Each week on Wise Talkers I engage in one-on-one conversations with guests from a diverse array of backgrounds – teachers and writers, scientists and spiritual teachers, psychologists and philosophers, activists, Indigenous leaders, social entrepreneurs – changemakers and thought leaders who have some valuable wisdom to share. Not just armchair philosophizing, but actionable wisdom that can help us understand and navigate these turbulent times we’re living through.And that’s what Wise Talkers is all about, navigating the turbulence – both its distressing elements and its hopeful aspects – while keeping our eyes on the prize: making this world a better place for all of us.If this idea of a wide-ranging inquiry and exploration intrigues you, I invite you to join me on the Wise Talkers journey. More information on wisetalkers.comGet guest updates, join discussions, and subscribe at wisetalkers.com