Wisdom and Practice

What if unity isn’t a lofty ideal, but a daily practice rooted in how we speak, act and build together?This week, Simran is joined by writer, podcaster, and spiritual thinker, Nava Kavelin, for a conversation that grounds the Baha’i teachings of oneness and justice in real, everyday action.Together, they reflect on the collective exhaustion so many are feeling and how spiritual frameworks can help us move from fragmentation to belonging. Nava invites us to imagine a world shaped by human education, universal language, and shared values.Through stories, questions, and personal reflections, Simran and Nava explore how consultation, community-building, and consistent alignment between values and actions can transform all of usThis conversation reminds us that small, sincere acts of connection matter. That unity isn’t something we wait for - it’s something that we practice together.Resources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

What happens when a poet, a rabbi and an imam walk into a room - not to debate, but to listen?In this special live episode of Wisdom and Practice, Simran moderates an honest, soul-stretching panel at NYU’s Fritzi Weitzmann Owens Memorial Lecture with Kaitlyn B. Curtice, Dr. Shaykh Faiyaz Jaffer, and Rabbi Joshua Stanton.Together, they wrestle with the tensions and truths of interfaith work - its’ beauty, its’ burdens and its’ urgent relevance today.They dive into the power of empathy, the gift of doubt, and what it means to scale compassion in divided times.With wisdom from diverse traditions and lived experience, this conversation reimagines faith not as a fixed doctrine, but as a living, evolving practice of showing up for ourselves and each other.Special thanks to NYU, for the use of this audio. This panel was hosted by: Melissa Carter, EdD - Global Spiritual Life Senior Director and Head of Mindfulness Education and Programming at NYU Coordinated by: Chelsea Garbell - Associate Director, Global Spiritual Life, Robert Taylor, Jr Assistant Director Global Spiritual Life at NYU And it was recorded and edited by:NYU-TVResources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

What if family isn’t just who you’re born to, but who you choose to grow with?This week on Wisdom and Practice, we’re joined by community organizer and thought leaderAnurima Bhargava. In this episode, we explore how presence, faith, and mutual care can reshape the way we build and belong. She invites us to see each other not as weeds to be managed, but as seeds to be nurtured - reminding us that healing communities start with how we show up for one another.Together, Simran and Anurima unpack what it means to build intentional relationships rooted in dignity, agency, and shared values. Through story, food, and faith, this conversation offers a powerful reimagining of community, - not as something we inherit, but something we co-create.In a world often marked by disconnection and division, they offer a grounded vision of belonging - one where everyone has a place, and every seed has room to grow.Resources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

What if good and evil aren’t as clear-cut as we think?This week, Simran sits down with Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and the mind behind the Science of Wellbeing course, to unpack the messy, complicated nature of human behavior. Together, they talk about small but powerful tools like ritual objects and cognitive reappraisal that help us manage our emotions and reshape our habits, rooting us more firmly in what truly matters. They explore how these visible, everyday practices create space for our values to live and breathe, both individually and in community.In a world that pushes us to constantly hustle, Simran and Laurie offer a refreshing invitation to slow down, rewire our habits, and choose connection and wellbeing over productivity. Resources: Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Visit Laurie Santos’ website here. The Happiness Lab with Laurie Santos Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

Where do we turn for hope when the world doesn’t make sense?This week, Simran welcomes comedian, storyteller, and How to Be a Better Human host Chris Duffy for a conversation that begins with laughter but opens into something far more tender.Simran and Chris explore how humor can be an offering, a bridge between pain and connection. They speak about the sacredness of listening, the beauty in imperfection, and the way small, everyday acts like making someone laugh or holding space in silence can become deeply spiritual practices.With grace and honesty, they remind listeners that meaning often emerges in the simple moments and that choosing to show up with care, again and again, is its own kind of wisdom and practice.Resources: Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Listen to How to Be a Better Human here. Visit Chris Duffy’s website here. Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

How do we teach our children to be kind in a fractured world?Simran sits down with author and workplace expert Amy Gallo to explore how spiritual and emotional intelligence can begin at home and ripple outward.Reflecting on the lifelong impact of raising children with an inner compass rooted in faith, empathy, and self-awareness, Simran and Amy unpack how embracing imperfection can be a powerful gateway to conflict resolution and deeper connection.They explore the art of humanizing difficult interactions, cultivating resilience through compassion, and practicing empathy not just as a feeling, but as a daily skill. With warmth and honesty, they invite us to consider how forgiveness, generosity, and emotional regulation can be woven into everyday moments especially in parenting and relationships.Resources: Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Amy Gallo’s website here. Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

What does it mean to experience the divine from within?This week, Simran invites us into a rich conversation with Satpal Singh, founder of the nonprofit Nanak Naam, to explore a spirituality that focuses less on dogma and more on direct experience. Together, they reflect on a radical reimagining of God—not as an external figure, but as an inner current of oneness available to all.Through stories of spiritual awakening and emotional resilience, they discuss the impact of Western paradigms like capitalism on the soul, the challenges of staying grounded amidst chaos, and the daily discipline of meditation as a path to compassion, justice, and gratitude. With grounded clarity, Satpal reminds us that true transformation begins within—and that peace, practiced daily, becomes a way of being.Resources: Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Visit Nanak Naam here. Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

How can radical welcoming transform the way we build spiritual community?This week, Simran sits down with Rabbi Shira Statman for a moving conversation about belonging, identity, and the evolving face of faith. Raised in a predominantly Christian town, Rabbi Shira shares how her early experiences shaped her understanding of what it means to hold space for difference—and why radical hospitality is central to her Jewish practice.Together, they explore the meaning behind prayers across spiritual traditions, the friction of political division within congregations, and the sacred responsibility of making room for those on the margins. Rabbi Shira speaks candidly about the challenges and beauty of integrating people from all walks of life into Jewish community life, without compromising core values.In a time when many spiritual spaces are grappling with inclusivity, this conversation calls us to reimagine what true welcome looks like: not just opening the door, but creating a home.With gentle wisdom, Rabbi Shira reminds us that happiness in Judaism isn’t about fleeting joy—it’s rooted in meaningful action, collective care, and the deep fulfillment that arises when we show up fully for ourselves and each other.Resources: Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. You can find out more about The Jewish Way to a Good Life here.  Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

How might facing our mortality help us cherish the beauty in each moment?This week, Simran sits down with death doula Adrianna Prosser for a heartfelt exploration of life’s most universal—and often avoided—truth: death. Adrianna opens up about her deeply personal journey into death care, shaped by the trauma of her brother’s suicide. These moments became the catalyst for her calling: to hold space for others at the end of life, and for those left behind in mourning.Now working as a death doula, Adrianna offers emotional and spiritual support to individuals and families moving through the dying process. She shares how grief shows up in many forms—and why acknowledging it is an essential part of healing.In a culture that often turns away from death, we’re invited to lean in: to honor the messiness of grief, to accept death’s inevitability, and to meet each other with compassion in life’s most vulnerable moments.This conversation is a gentle reminder that death, far from being the opposite of life, can be a powerful teacher—one that calls us to presence, to love, and to truly live.Resources: Adrianna’s website here. Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

What can silence teach us about presence, purpose, and connection? How might traveling inward be as transformative as journeying across the globe?This week, Simran journeys into stillness and simplicity with celebrated writer Pico Iyer. Together, they explore the quiet truths discovered through travel, solitude, and spiritual seeking.Pico reflects on his life between worlds—from the stillness of a Japanese suburb to the vibrant chaos of New York, and the contemplative silence of monasteries. He shares how his multicultural upbringing and diverse spiritual influences have shaped his understanding of identity, belonging, and meaning.In a world brimming with noise and distraction, Pico advocates for a return to presence: putting down the phone, embracing minimalist living, and listening deeply—to ourselves, to others, and to the moment.This conversation is an invitation to slow down, to cultivate gratitude, and to rediscover the richness of a life not measured by possessions, but by presence.Resources: Buy Aflame by Pico Iyer here. Pico Iyer Journeys website. Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

How do words shape the way we understand ourselves and each other? Can poetry and kindness be powerful tools for healing and connection in a fragmented world?This week, Simran explores the profound impact of poetry and kindness with acclaimed poet Naomi Shihab Nye. Together, they unpack her evolving understanding of identity—not as a rigid box, but as something fluid and ever-changing. Naomi shares how poetry became her lifelong practice of reflection and connection, offering solace in times of uncertainty and a bridge between people and cultures. They address the importance of kindness, the necessity of creative expression, and the way words can help us navigate grief, division, and transformation. This conversation is a reminder that poetry—and kindness—are revolutionary acts that bring us closer to one another in a fractured world.Resources: Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Kindness by Naomi Shihab-Nye Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

We often think that purpose comes from big moments or grand gestures. But what if it’s the small, quiet connections that truly shape the way we see the world?In this week’s episode, Simran speaks with Rabbi Sharon Brous, a spiritual leader whose journey to faith is deeply intertwined with her passion for social justice. Rabbi Brous shares how her path shifted from aspiring civil rights attorney to becoming a rabbi, and how a spiritual awakening in college led her to discover the powerful intersection of faith and justice.She takes us through ancient rituals—like a practice at the Temple Mount designed to connect with the broken-hearted—and how these traditions can still help us build empathy and community today. Rabbi Brous also reflects on the importance of multi-faith collaboration and how showing compassion and curiosity toward others can transform our relationships.This conversation is a powerful reminder that purpose isn’t always about big moments. Often, it’s found in the quiet acts of connection and empathy that bring us closer to each other and to something greater.Resources: IKAR Website Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org. Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

It can be easy to assume that purpose comes from grand gestures or major life events. But what about the moments of quiet connection that shape how we see the world?In this week’s episode, Simran speaks with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. From reflecting on remarkable experiences in the midst of global conflicts, to a childhood memory of spiritual connection in the wilderness, we explore the life-changing encounters that fuel his reporting and writing.Nicholas takes us back to the stories that have stayed with him—the real people behind the headlines, the resilience he’s witnessed in the face of war, and the emotional toll of bearing witness to tragedy. He also reflects on the delicate balance between taking risks and protecting one's own well-being, all while holding onto hope.This conversation is a reminder that meaning is often found in the smallest moments, and that storytelling—both our own and others’—can be a powerful force for change.Resources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

It can feel natural to seek wisdom in the big moments of life. But what about looking for wisdom in the smaller moments, the everyday encounters that shape us?In this week’s episode, Simran speaks with bestselling memoirist, Kelly Corrigan. She opens up about the transformative experiences that shaped her life, from a spiritual experience in her youth to the quiet interactions that often hold the deepest meaning. Kelly then takes us back to her childhood memories, reflecting on the power of connection and how the simple act of being present has made all the difference. Then, through the sudden loss of her mother, we learn how she shaped her views on humility, self-awareness, and the need to unplug from the noise of technology to truly see the world around us. This conversation is a warm invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the people and moments that matter most.Resources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

Growing up in a strict religious environment can leave deep imprints on us. Addiction can too. So what happens when we dare to step beyond these and discover spirituality on our own terms? In this week’s episode, Simran Jeet Singh sits down with Nadia Bolz-Weber, ordained Lutheran pastor, best-selling author, and founder of the House for All Sinners and Saints, to explore the journey of transformation and radical honesty.Together, Simran and Nadia reflect on the path from rigid belief systems to a faith that is deeply personal and inclusive. Nadia shares her story of breaking free from conformity, finding healing through Alcoholics Anonymous, and building a spiritual community that welcomes the fullness of human messiness.They dive into the psychology of belonging, the courage it takes to be truthful with ourselves, and the profound impact of creating spaces where everyone feels seen. It’s a conversation that will resonate with anyone seeking to reconcile their past, rediscover their identity, or build deeper, more authentic connections. Resources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

Leaning into love and compassion doesn’t always feel natural, especially when the people we’re dealing with are fueled by hate. But what happens when we resist our urges to hate, and instead, see humanity in one another? And how might we begin to do that? In this week’s episode, Krista Tippett, Peabody award-winning journalist and the host of the podcast On Being, explores how we can practice love in times of divisions and hatred. Together, Simran and Krista speak openly with one another about the challenges that come with sustaining relationships, as well as the transformative impact of fostering deeper connections—offering reflections on social advocacy, friendships, and living your way into becoming love. Resources:Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

Today, we have a special episode for you! If you’ve been enjoying this show, Wisdom and Practice, here's another podcast we think you’ll like.On “Know What You See”, host Brian Lowery delves into the ways our fundamental need to connect with others profoundly shapes our experience of life. Brian is a professor of social psychology at Stanford University, and on his podcast, he explores the surprising, perplexing and sometimes transcendent lives we create together. In this conversation, Brian is joined by Simran to explore the intersection of faith, purpose, and daily life. Simran shares how his Sikh faith guides his journey toward self-improvement, happiness, and meaningful community connections. Together, he and Brian discuss the role of religion as a practice—not just a belief system—and its potential to transform individuals and societies.Resources:For more on Know What You See, visit knowwhatyousee.com  Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

What happens when spiritual wisdom meets scientific inquiry? In this episode of Wisdom and Practice, host Simran Jeet Singh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with David DeSteno—renowned psychologist, Northeastern University professor, and host of the How God Works podcast.From his Catholic roots to his journey as a scientist and agnostic, David shares how his exploration of human behavior revealed unexpected truths about the power of ancient spiritual practices. Their conversation unpacks how traditions like gratitude, meditation, and rituals can elevate compassion, build community, and fortify resilience—offering practical tools for navigating the complexities of modern life.Resources: Desteno’s Website How God Works Social Emotions Lab Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

Have you ever thought that discipline was a burden? Well, you’re not the only one. So many people have felt the same way. And yet, for Pulitzer Prize-winning author Charles Duhigg, discipline may be a path to freedom for many.Simran and Charles unpack the science of habit formation—why cues, routines, and rewards are the secret to sustainable change— like laying out gym clothes or finding moments of presence—can transform our lives. And in turn explore how spiritual practices, whether in daily prayer or simply savoring a moment with loved ones, can ground us in a chaotic world.Together, they explore the role of discipline in creating freedom, the unexpected spirituality of parenting, and why kindness to ourselves is essential for real growth.Resources: Duhigg’s Website The Science of Better Charles Duhigg’s Tools Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.

College, for many of us, is a time of intense growth, self discovery and exploration. That was certainly the case for Starsky Wilson, an activist, philanthropist, and public theologian. Though in Starsky’s case, that journey was one of deep introspection about one question that began to gnaw at him: what was his purpose? From his early years growing up in Dallas attending a Baptist Church to discovering greater meaning at Xavier University to leading and ministering during the uprisings in Ferguson, Starsky shares how his experiences have shaped his commitment to bringing a faith perspective to social issues.Simran and Starsky discuss the importance of introspection and reflective practices like prayer and journaling in cultivating personal growth, and what guided Starsky to answer a call to ministry. Resources: Starsky's Website  Children's Defense Fund Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Check out Simran’s work on his website at simranjeetsingh.org.Wisdom & Practice is produced in partnership with PRX and the Aspen Institute, with support from the John Templeton Foundation. Music by Raj Kanwal Singh.This episode was produced by associate producer, Serena Chow, producer, Rithu Jagannath and senior producer, Morgan Flannery. Our project manager is Edwin Ochoa, our show is mixed by Tommy Bazarian and the executive producer of PRX Productions is Jocelyn Gonzales.