The Living Conversation

In this opening segment of Episode 5, we reflect on the public nature of philosophy across East and West. Adam and Anthony explore manipulation, self-cultivation, and the protection offered by clear thinking. From Cialdini’s patterns to Chuang Tzu’s roam of spiritual freedom, this is a wide-ranging conversation about clarity, danger, and the deep practice of staying centered. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we talk about how to tell what’s real…and what that question actually asks of us. From the natural BS meter we’re all born with, to the Taoist value of being “useless,” to Zhuangzi’s vision of the true self beyond logic, we explore how clarity is cultivated, not achieved.This one traces the Way through modern confusion, ancient wisdom, and what it means to be quietly awake. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

This image of “cleaning the bowl” comes from the I Ching…a root text of both Taoism and Confucianism.We talk about how ideas decay, and how the Way calls us to renew them: not with outrage, but with alignment.This clip is from The Living Conversation, our ongoing dialogue on clarity, rhythm, and return.#taoism #iching #stillness #philosophy #culturalrenewal #clarity Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this closing segment of The Living Conversation, Adam and Anthony reflect on how to stay grounded when trust breaks down, institutions collapse, and cultural conversation becomes incoherent.They explore Confucius’ warning about those who only seek profit, the modern loss of good-faith discussion, and how Lao Tzu’s teachings help us sort through confusion…like letting sediment settle in muddy water.You’ll also hear about Plato’s cave, the Marx Brothers’ “sanity clause,” and why treating ourselves as “wastewater professionals” might be the most spiritual practice of all.Featuring:– The fallacy of false equivalence– The social cost of abandoning trust– Taoist clarity as inner filtration– An invitation to rebuild wisdom together—🎧 All episodes at thewaybetween.substack.com📍 Instagram: @the.waybetween Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this segment of The Living Conversation, we explore the tension between conformity and individuality, between the illusion of belonging and the truth of who we are.Drawing from Confucian and Taoist thought, we reflect on how real unity doesn’t erase our differences, but honors them. Adam and Anthony discuss why walking your own path is not just courageous…it’s essential.Through the lens of Eastern philosophy, critical thinking, and classroom experience, we look at the subtle manipulations that shape identity, the pressure to trade insight for approval, and the quiet rebellion of becoming fully human.Featuring:– Confucius on destiny and “walking bits of Heaven”– Lao Tzu on being and non-being– The fallacy of ridicule and the story of chess with a pigeonThis episode is a meditation on real belonging, the kind that arises not from agreement, but from deepening our insight, our humanity, and our true selves.—🎧 Listen to all episodes at thewaybetween.substack.com📍 Follow on Instagram: @the.waybetween Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this segment of The Living Conversation, we explore Lao Tzu’s vision of contentment: a village where sharp weapons are never used, where carriages sit still, and where people live fully without needing to go anywhere.This is not minimalism. It’s a radical teaching about presence, about realizing the Tao is already here, not somewhere else, not after effort.We also reflect on the tension between logic and experience, the role of critical thinking in spiritual inquiry, and the Eastern philosophical approach to truth that can’t be grasped, only lived.Featuring a story about teaching students who resist “wordless wisdom,” a passage from Heinrich Zimmer on enlightenment, and a conversation on what happens when we stop trying to chase the sacred and start recognizing it in our ordinary lives.🎧 Find all episodes at thewaybetween.substack.com📍 Follow on Instagram: @the.waybetween Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Living Conversation, we talk about what happens when the world feels too loud. From Taoist metaphors to YouTube algorithms, we explore how staying still…rather than grasping…becomes an act of clarity.Whether you’re dealing with media overload, political despair, or daily FOMO, this is a reminder that you don’t have to get pulled in. The Tao is always present; not in what’s next, but in what’s already here. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this final part of The Living Conversation Episode 2, we explore what it really means to cultivate the mind, not just once, but again and again. From sports and teaching to philosophy and daily life, we reflect on how clarity and critical thinking become second nature not through perfection, but through consistent practice.We also talk about social hypnosis, media influence, and the need to re-examine what we’re being told…and what we’re telling ourselves. This episode closes with an invitation: to stay human, stay clear, and stay engaged.If something here resonates, we’d love to hear from you. You can comment below, subscribe to join the conversation, or reach Adam directly at dietzadam@gmail.com. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Living Conversation, we reflect on how to live wisely in a world that often feels broken. From Confucian teachings on harmony and propriety to the Taoist return to stillness, this conversation touches on what we can actually control and what no system, ideology, or moment in history can take away.Through stories of the I Ching, personal awakening, and a daughter's wisdom, we explore the quiet, continual path of self-cultivation and why it may be the most important work we ever do. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

What if the mind doesn’t need more stimulation, but less?In this episode of The Living Conversation, we explore what it means to let the mind settle. Drawing from Confucian and Taoist teachings, we reflect on sincerity, stillness, and the quiet strength that emerges when we let go of force.From The Great Learning to Lao Tzu’s muddy water analogy, this is a conversation about clarity, presence, and the kind of peace that doesn’t need to be pushed.If this resonates, you can:* Comment below to join the conversation* Subscribe to stay connected* Or reach out directly at dietzadam@gmail.comYour reflections help this project grow. Thanks for listening. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

What if clarity doesn’t come from trying harder…but from letting things settle?In this episode of The Living Conversation, we talk about the kind of wisdom that begins with sincerity, moves through stillness, and ends in clear seeing.Drawing from Confucian and Taoist traditions, we explore what it means to cultivate a steady mind in a noisy world, and why it might be the most radical thing we can do right now. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 2 of The Living Conversation aired today on KWMR.This segment moves from Confucian self-cultivation to Taoist stillness, tracing the path from making your thoughts sincere to letting muddy waters settle. We talk about The Great Learning, inner harmony, and how to begin living well today, not someday.🎧 Listen at KWMR.orgIf you’ve ever felt called to slow down, clarify your mind, and live with integrity, this conversation is for you.More to come soon, including full recordings and highlights. Grateful to be walking this path with you. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome — this is the place I’ll be adding video and audio moments from The Living Conversation.Some clips are short, some longer. All are meant to be shared in the spirit of a quiet conversation — not polished, not packaged, just real.I’ll keep returning to this post as new clips and segments are ready. If one speaks to you, feel free to pass it along, drop a comment, or just sit with it.▶️ To help support the show, watching the clip here does count as a YouTube view — but if you’re open to it, clicking through to YouTube to like, comment, or subscribe makes a huge difference.Thanks for being part of this space. I’m glad you’re here. Get full access to The Way Between at thewaybetween.substack.com/subscribe