Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Paul Vander Klay is a minister at Living Stones CRC in Sacramento, CA, known for his engaging online discussions on faith and thoughtful community engagement.
How can the convergence of ancient spiritual practices and modern cognitive science redefine our understanding of identity and collective wisdom?
In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Paul Vander Klay explore the intersections of personal transformation and collective wisdom. They discuss the role of spiritual practices like Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in modern society and their implications for personal growth and collective understanding. The conversation highlights the significance of relationality in understanding agency and cognition, emphasizing how our relationships with others shape our sense of self and our ability to navigate the world. John and Paul also address the advent of the sacred in modern culture and the potential for new cultural cognitive grammars. They share insights from their personal and professional experiences, offering a thought-provoking exploration of modern spirituality and relational being. This episode leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of how personal growth and collective wisdom are intertwined.
Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke
—
00:00 Introduction: Faith, Friendship, and Exploration
03:10 Exploring IFS Therapy, Dialogical Self, and Archetypal Experiences
08:50 Dialoguing with Hermes: Ally Work and Neoplatonic Traditions
14:00 Dialogical Models and Changing Public Perception of Humans
22:50 Rethinking the Self: Transjectivity, Relationality, and the Imaginal
28:00 Beyond Substance Ontology
55:00 Dialogical Presencing and Transjective Ontology in Religion
58:05 Communal Aspects of Christian Tradition
01:01:35 Dialogical Practice and Hermetic Consciousness
01:05:25 Therapeutic Practices and Self-Deception
01:12:15 Exploring the Sacred in IFS and Dialogical Practices
01:40:50 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty
—
The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.org
Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com
—
Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Dialogical Practices
Hermes (Guiding Figure)
Proclus
Plotinus
Jordan Peterson
Jonathan Pageau
Seth Allison
Kasra Mirzaie
Richard Schwartz
Marc Lewis
Anderson Todd
Jeffrey Raff
Dallas Willard
James Fuller
Robert Falconer
Sam Tideman
Paul Kingsnorth
Martin Shaw
Richard Rohlin (Universal History)
Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of Iamblichus
Ben Alderson-Day, Presence: The Strange Science and True Stories of the Unseen Other
T. M. Luhrmann, How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others
Paul Ricoeur, Fallible Man: Philosophy of the Will
Plato, The Seventh Letter
Charles Taylor
Neoplatonism
Socrates
Relevant Episodes
Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection
youtube.com/watch?v=MR8xowORgeA
Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison
youtube.com/watch?v=AhhHsQsR9lM&t=4s
Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198s
Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/watch?v=xOTWGLmYtjE&t=1s
The Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show
youtube.com/watch?v=_Fnmp6UVafM&t=19s
AI Sages and the Ethical Frontier: Exploring Human Values, Embodiment, and Spiritual Realms
youtube.com/watch?v=6pU1clFG_rg
—
Follow John Vervaeke
johnvervaeke.com
twitter.com/vervaeke_john
youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Follow Paul Vander Klay
paulvanderklay.me
https://x.com/PaulVanderKlay
youtube.com/@PaulVanderKlay
—
Thank you for watching!
Paul Vander Klay is a minister at Living Stones CRC in Sacramento, CA, known for his engaging online discussions on faith and thoughtful community engagement.
How can the convergence of ancient spiritual practices and modern cognitive science redefine our understanding of identity and collective wisdom?
In this episode of "Voices with Vervaeke," John Vervaeke and Paul Vander Klay explore the intersections of personal transformation and collective wisdom. They discuss the role of spiritual practices like Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in modern society and their implications for personal growth and collective understanding. The conversation highlights the significance of relationality in understanding agency and cognition, emphasizing how our relationships with others shape our sense of self and our ability to navigate the world. John and Paul also address the advent of the sacred in modern culture and the potential for new cultural cognitive grammars. They share insights from their personal and professional experiences, offering a thought-provoking exploration of modern spirituality and relational being. This episode leaves listeners with a deeper understanding of how personal growth and collective wisdom are intertwined.
Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon community. patreon.com/johnvervaeke
—
00:00 Introduction: Faith, Friendship, and Exploration
03:10 Exploring IFS Therapy, Dialogical Self, and Archetypal Experiences
08:50 Dialoguing with Hermes: Ally Work and Neoplatonic Traditions
14:00 Dialogical Models and Changing Public Perception of Humans
22:50 Rethinking the Self: Transjectivity, Relationality, and the Imaginal
28:00 Beyond Substance Ontology
55:00 Dialogical Presencing and Transjective Ontology in Religion
58:05 Communal Aspects of Christian Tradition
01:01:35 Dialogical Practice and Hermetic Consciousness
01:05:25 Therapeutic Practices and Self-Deception
01:12:15 Exploring the Sacred in IFS and Dialogical Practices
01:40:50 Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability and Honesty
—
The Vervaeke Foundation is committed to advancing the scientific pursuit of wisdom and creating a significant impact on the world. Become a part of our mission. vervaekefoundation.org
Join Awaken to Meaning to explore practices that enhance your virtues and foster deeper connections with reality and relationships. awakentomeaning.com
—
Ideas, People, and Works Mentioned in this Episode
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Dialogical Practices
Hermes (Guiding Figure)
Proclus
Plotinus
Jordan Peterson
Jonathan Pageau
Seth Allison
Kasra Mirzaie
Richard Schwartz
Marc Lewis
Anderson Todd
Jeffrey Raff
Dallas Willard
James Fuller
Robert Falconer
Sam Tideman
Paul Kingsnorth
Martin Shaw
Richard Rohlin (Universal History)
Gregory Shaw, Hellenic Tantra: The Theurgic Platonism of Iamblichus
Ben Alderson-Day, Presence: The Strange Science and True Stories of the Unseen Other
T. M. Luhrmann, How God Becomes Real: Kindling the Presence of Invisible Others
Paul Ricoeur, Fallible Man: Philosophy of the Will
Plato, The Seventh Letter
Charles Taylor
Neoplatonism
Socrates
Relevant Episodes
Attachment Theory Beyond Therapy: Seth Allison on Wisdom and Connection
youtube.com/watch?v=MR8xowORgeA
Exploring the Depths of Internal Family Systems with Seth Allison
youtube.com/watch?v=AhhHsQsR9lM&t=4s
Wisdom Through the Imaginal: IFS Insights with Seth Allison Part 3 youtube.com/watch?v=7ZVr7R3LOJk&t=198s
Engaging the Imaginal: Kasra Mirzaie on IFS and the Meaning Crisis youtube.com/watch?v=xOTWGLmYtjE&t=1s
The Elusive I - Part 1 - The Cognitive Science Show
youtube.com/watch?v=_Fnmp6UVafM&t=19s
AI Sages and the Ethical Frontier: Exploring Human Values, Embodiment, and Spiritual Realms
youtube.com/watch?v=6pU1clFG_rg
—
Follow John Vervaeke
johnvervaeke.com
twitter.com/vervaeke_john
youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Follow Paul Vander Klay
paulvanderklay.me
https://x.com/PaulVanderKlay
youtube.com/@PaulVanderKlay
—
Thank you for watching!






![Dialogues on Transformation: The Journey of Insightful Healing with Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin
In this episode of “Voices with Vervaeke,” John Vervaeke is joined by Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin to discuss their unique perspectives on the intricate journey from chronic pain to insightful healing. The conversation delves into the psychological and existential dimensions that underpin true transformation, emphasizing the importance of dialogical practices and synoptic integration in achieving profound personal growth and understanding. Through a rich dialogue that navigates the nexus between philosophy, psychology, and therapeutic practice, this conversation offers deep insights into the art of healing, the cultivation of wisdom, and the transformative power of human connectivity. It stands as an essential discussion for those seeking to understand the holistic nature of healing and the potential for personal and collective evolution in the face of adversity.
Guest Bio and Links:
Terri Dentry is a distinguished PhD graduate in interprofessional practice, dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic wellness approaches. With a keen focus on patient empowerment and integrated health solutions, Terri advocates for a healthcare model that values dialogical reasoning and personal journey understanding, aiming to transform patient care into a collaborative, multidimensional experience. If you’d like to reach out to Terri to share your own personal story or thoughts, please feel free to email her at terri@thinkred.com.au.
Tim Adalin, founder of Voicecraft, explores the intricate dynamics between participation and transformation. His philosophical inquiry spans metaphysics, consciousness, and identity, underpinning Voicecrafts mission to enrich dialogue on complex modern challenges. You can learn more about Tim Adalin through his website, https://www.timadalin.xyz/, follow him on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKeq9IUfzw-QvDKP7N9K8rw and on his Substack, https://timadalin.substack.com/.
Resources:
Join our new Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
The Vervaeke Foundation
https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning
https://awakentomeaning.com/
Voicecraft https://www.voicecraft.io/
Redefining Healing: The Synergy of Psychedelic Integration and Interprofessional Practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o87S6GtVn8&t=30s
Chronic Pain, Trust, and Ethics: A Conversation with Terri Dentry and Nate Kinch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzug-jtx1PA&t=224s
Mere Christianity - C. S. Lewis https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926
Quotes:
This is not something about this immediate moment of chronic pain requiring a healing process. This is a worldview issue that is happening to all of us from the very start. - Terri Dentry [00:14:22]
Were trying to get away from some of the fundamental ways in which agency is being implicitly understood or misunderstood in regular medical practice, and restore a proper appreciation of agency. - John Vervaeke [00:09:57]
Partly what this conversation is pointing to is that theres going to be a different kind of tension essentially immediately experienced when entering into a different relational context. - Tim Adalin [01:11:20]
Glossary of Terms:
Synoptic Integration: The integration of diverse perspectives and modalities to achieve a comprehensive understanding and healing approach.
Interprofessional Practice: Collaboration between practitioners from different disciplines for holistic patient care.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction, Research Background, and the Seeing More Project
00:03:50 - Transformational Journeys and the Power of Shared Pain, Vulnerability, and Relationality
00:11:36 - Agency and Relationality in Medical Practice
00:17:09 - Embodying the Meaning Crisis: Trauma, Narratives, and the Healing Process
00:28:43 - The Pivot Problem: Balancing Finitude and Transcendence in the Healing Journey
00:34:03 - Criticisms of Therapy and the Need for a Shared Worldview
00:44:12 - Dialogos and the Philosophical Silk Road Project
00:54:05 - The Significance of Dialogical Reasoning in Daily Life and Medical Interactions
01:03:34 - Building Structures for Belonging and Support: Challenges and Solutions
01:12:36 - Conclusion: Interprofessional Clinics and the Complexity of Shared Decision-Making
Connect with John:
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/ Dialogues on Transformation: The Journey of Insightful Healing with Terri Dentry and Tim Adalin](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lvEQdiH1HLQ/mqdefault.jpg)


![Mentoring the Machines: Setting the Course for the Future of Artificial Intelligence
This episode, first released on the “Into the Impossible” channel with Dr. Brian Keating, brings together the brilliant minds of John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne to discuss the advent of artificial general intelligence and its potential consequences. The conversation starts with the motivations behind major tech figures drive towards AI development and touches upon the issues of trust, adaptation, and the inherent human susceptibility to self-deception. Vervaeke and Coyne, through their book Mentoring the Machines: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow, advocate for a nuanced understanding of AI, urging for a mentorship approach to machine development that could ensure AIs alignment with human flourishing. Their dialogue also ventures into the realms of psychology, cognitive science, and the philosophical underpinnings of AI, making a compelling case for the transformative power of AI, not only technologically but also existentially for humanity.
Bios and Links:
Dr. Brian Keating is the Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Physics at UC San Diego, specializing in cosmic microwave background research to explore the universes origins. An acclaimed writer, his book Losing the Nobel Prize is an Amazon Editors favorite. He excels as a public speaker, inventor, and podcaster. Explore more at his website, https://briankeating.com/ follow him on Twitter, https://twitter.com/DrBrianKeating or watch his insights on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/DrBrianKeating.
Shawn Coyne, creator of Story Grid, brings over three decades of publishing expertise, notably with the Big Five publishers, as an independent publisher, literary agent, and head of Genre Management Inc. Dive into his editing method and explore more at https://storygrid.com/.
Embark on a journey with us to tackle the Meaning Crisis by joining our exclusive Patreon group:https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Connect with John:
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
Resources:
The Vervaeke Foundation
https://vervaekefoundation.org/
Awaken to Meaning
https://awakentomeaning.com/
Mentoring the Machines: Orientation - Part One: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne https://www.amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Orientation-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/1645010821
Mentoring the Machines: Origins - Part 2: Surviving the Deep Impact of the Artificially Intelligent Tomorrow - John Vervaeke, Shawn Coyne https://www.amazon.com/Mentoring-Machines-Surviving-Artificially-Intelligent/dp/B0CH25KPD3
John Vervaeke Video Essay: AI: The Coming Thresholds and The Path We Must Take | Internationally Acclaimed Cognitive Scientist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A RdKiDbz4&list=PLND1JCRq8VugvT4VYz52DQHxz6vxhRTHw
Quotes:
We should really be framing artificial intelligence as a mentoring of intelligent beings who have the capability and potentialities of becoming even perhaps better than we are. - Shawn Coyne [00:05:52]
Its only when you have genuine intelligence for the actual system or entity itself—an autopoietic system—a system that cares about information because its taking care of itself in a moment by moment basis. Only then could you have something that would actually care about whats going on—the true, the good, or the beautiful. - John Vervaeke [00:15:05]
Glossary of Terms:
AGI (Artificial General Intelligence): A level of artificial intelligence that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a level of competence comparable to or surpassing that of a human.
Relevance Realization: The process by which cognitive beings determine what information is relevant to their goals and what is not.
Autopoiesis: The property of a living system (such as a bacterial cell or a multicellular organism) that allows it to maintain and renew itself.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:45 - The Genesis of Mentoring the Machines
00:08:50 - AI, Psychology, and the Alignment Problem
00:16:40 - The Evolution of Editing and Publishing in the AI Era
00:21:00 - Bridging Knowledge and Wisdom
00:29:00 - Einstein, Imagination, and AIs Emotional Depth
00:37:30 - Deciphering Consciousness: AI and the Hard Problem
00:44:40 - Educational Evolution: AI, Pedagogy, and the Future of Teaching
00:53:50 - AIs Impact on Personalized Storytelling
00:58:30 - AI, Psychology, and the Future of Psychotherapy
01:04:20 - Conclusion Mentoring the Machines: Setting the Course for the Future of Artificial Intelligence](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mPaoHBlnsBA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Practical Eschatology | Transcendent Naturalism #12 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall
Continuing the transcendent naturalism series, hosts John Vervaeke and Gregg Henriques, along with guest Jordan Hall, explore the intersections of cognitive science, philosophy, and spirituality, offering a progressive perspective on the evolution of human consciousness and society. They critically examine the limitations of conventional thought processes, particularly in response to burgeoning global crises, advocating for a shift away from antiquated, adversarial thinking patterns. The discussion delves into the evolution of language, the practical aspects of eschatology, and a transformative phase in human development termed the fifth joint point. A significant focus is placed on adopting new languages and logical frameworks, not just theoretically but also in their practical application, to cultivate a collective, positive future. The conversation uniquely emphasizes the importance of relationality and personal transformation as essential components in driving societal change.
Glossary of Terms
Transcendent Naturalism: A framework combining elements of naturalism with transcendental thinking.
Fifth Joint Point: A concept referring to a significant phase transition in human development.
Practical Eschatology: A term used to describe practical approaches to understanding human evolution and the future.
Jordan Hall
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMzT-mdCqoyEv YZVtE7MQ
Medium: https://medium.com/deep-code
X: https://twitter.com/jgreenhall?lang=en
Gregg Henriques:
Website: https://medium.com/@jordangreenhall%C2%A0%C2%A0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregg.henriques
X: https://twitter.com/henriqgx
John Vervaeke
Website: https://johnvervaeke.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/johnvervaeke
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VervaekeJohn/
X: https://twitter.com/vervaeke_john
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
Resources and References
The Vervaeke Foundation: https://vervaekefoundation.org/
John Vervaeke YouTube
The Religion of Tomorrow | Transcendent Naturalism #11 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall: https://youtu.be/JmOmwLWziAc?si=YyYP2KtcLPDaKMV_
Books, Articles, and Publications
Heidegger, Neoplatonism, and the History of Being: Relation as Ontological Ground - James Filler
Religion and Nothingness - Keiji Nishitani
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World - Peter Frankopan
The Emptying God ; A Buddhist-Jewish-Christian Conversation - Edited by John B. Cobb Jr. and Christopher Ives
Quotes
Language evolution is critical to understanding our collective future. - Jordan Hall
Navigating the fifth joint point requires a deep understanding of our past, present, and potential futures. - Gregg Henriques
Chapters with Timestamps
[00:00:00] Introduction to Transcendent Naturalism
[00:01:00] The Evolution of Language
[00:11:00] Practical Eschatology and Human Development
[00:20:00] The Fifth Joint Point - Navigating Future Challenges
[00:30:00] Interconnection of Languages and Consciousness
[00:40:00] Transcendence through Language and Thought
[00:50:00] Conclusion and Future Perspectives
Timestamped Highlights
[00:00:00] John Vervaeke introduces a discussion on cognitive science and naturalism with Jordan Hall and Gregg Henriques.
[00:01:21] Jordan Hall introduces concepts of practical eschatology and extended transcendent naturalism.
[00:04:52] Hall discusses the cultural split in the AI debate, highlighting societal polarization.
[00:09:11] Vervaeke calls for a new relationship to language and logos.
[00:14:13] Vervaeke highlights Neoplatonism and Zens alternative linguistic and ontological approaches.
[00:20:53] Vervaeke emphasizes the need for existential transformation beyond theory.
[00:38:07] Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall highlight the role of transcendent naturalism in framing relationality and exploring human potential.
[00:39:30] Henriques discusses developing a life-guiding operating system integrating justification systems and relational dynamics.
[00:40:20] John Vervaeke introduces the idea of a new post-nominalist language to enhance collective intelligence and understanding.
[00:42:07] Vervaeke explores the challenge of engaging with the world without being consumed by its ideologies.
[00:45:37] Jordan Hall stresses the importance of personal and authentic relational experiences in complex modern life.
[00:48:07] Hall discusses the paradox of deeply engaging with the world while maintaining a transcendent perspective.
[00:52:24] Vervaeke reinterprets the concept of God within a non-theistic, relational framework.
[00:55:34] Gregg Henriques shares his daily practice of reflecting on beliefs, values, and mantras to navigate life.
[01:02:20] Hall and Vervaeke discuss incorporating sacredness and relationality in daily life, emphasizing re-enchantment with the sacred. Practical Eschatology | Transcendent Naturalism #12 with Gregg Henriques and Jordan Hall](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5UA5jCtGXI/mqdefault.jpg)