In this podcast episode, host Levi Brackman discusses the evolving identity of his podcast and shares his thoughts on the intersection of religion, science, and philosophy.
The podcast began as a platform for sharing wisdom about business and life from a Jewish perspective. Over time, the podcast broadened to discuss philosophical ideas, spirituality, and broader life topics. Levi decided to rename the podcast as "Truths," signaling his belief that religions provide us with truths, not the absolute truth.
He distinguishes between the domains of science and religion, stating that they are fundamentally different genres and should not compete. Science deals with empirical truths based on statistical probabilities, while religion offers moral teachings - truths rather than the absolute truth. According to Levi, both fields do not make ultimate truth claims. He suggests that the competition between science and religion in previous generations was a misunderstanding of their unique roles and resulted in religions claiming to possess the absolute truth, which is not defensible.
Levi also dives into a discussion of Maimonides' work, "The Guide to the Perplexed," using the story of Adam to underscore his point about discerning truths. He asserts that humans cannot fully comprehend the ultimate truth; instead, our strength lies in determining moral truths.
The podcast's name, "Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today," reflects its mission to share these moral truths and wisdom from a Jewish perspective, with a focus on relevance in the modern world. However, Levi states that the name is a work in progress and might change.
The target audience of the podcast are those who appreciate nuance, are seeking self-improvement and wisdom, and are trying to navigate the complexities of the modern world. He emphasizes that the show is not for those seeking absolutes or desiring to follow religious leaders. The podcast aims to be a place for fellow travelers and seekers.
Levi acknowledges that the rapid acceleration of knowledge and technology, along with the advent of AI and non-human intelligence, has challenged centuries of thinking, rendering some traditional approaches irrelevant. He calls for a new way of thinking that acknowledges the evolving nature of our world.
The podcast's purpose is twofold: learning and sharing. Levi hopes to invite guests from whom he can learn, and in turn, share those insights with his listeners. He also plans to share his own spiritual journey and evolution, hoping it could be helpful to others.
Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.
