(41) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant PottsPhilosophy Book Club series #8Book: Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western ApproachesQuestion: How Much Is Enough? Greed, Prosperity, and the Economic Problem of Happiness—a Comparative PerspectiveIn this insightful episode of Phil Phails at Philosophy Book Club, Phil and Grant Potts dive deep into Chapter 7 of Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western Approaches edited by Steven M. Emmanuel. Titled "How Much Is Enough? Greed, Prosperity, and the Economic Problem of Happiness—a Comparative Perspective," this chapter sparks a thought-provoking discussion about the role of greed in our pursuit of happiness and prosperity.Phil and Grant explore the contrasting perspectives of Buddhism and Western philosophy on how much material wealth is truly necessary for a fulfilling life. They reflect on the Buddhist teachings of detachment and the inherent challenges of grasping and craving, alongside the Western emphasis on economic success and its promise of happiness. The conversation delves into the nature of greed, attachment, and how both philosophies offer tools for overcoming the desire for more, fostering a sense of contentment and self-awareness. Along the way, personal anecdotes and lighthearted reflections add depth and relatability to these profound philosophical ideas.Whether you're interested in philosophy, self-compassion, or finding a balanced approach to prosperity, this episode provides a rich exploration of how greed shapes our worldviews and personal lives.#PhilPhails #PhilosophyBookClub #Greed #Buddhism #WesternPhilosophy #Happiness #EconomicProsperity #Attachment #SelfCompassion #MindBodySpirit #Philosophy #Materialism #Grasping #Detachment #WellBeingAbout Grant PottsGrant Potts is a distinguished faculty member at Austin Community College, specializing in Philosophy, Religion, and Humanities. Trained primarily as a scholar of religion, Grant is also a dedicated philosopher and curriculum developer, committed to promoting liberal education through the Great Question Foundation to benefit community college students of all disciplines. Outside the academic sphere, he is a passionate gardener, an enthusiastic hiker and cyclist, and an ardent tabletop roleplaying game enthusiast, delighting in adventures with friends and family in classics like Dungeons and Dragons as well as newer games like Coriolis and Forbidden Lands.About Phillip Jones👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. #PhilPhails 🎬The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PhilPhails4uReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/philphails/Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell to get notified about new videos: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilPhails

In Part 2 of Phil Phails @ Balance with Mary Richardson-Perez, we dive into Mary's incredible life story—from early challenges to finding peace through yoga and meditation. Mary opens up about the lessons she's learned, the transformative power of mindfulness, and how Studio Satya became a sanctuary for the Austin community. Plus, we have some fun with Tarot! Mary gives an insightful reading and shares how Tarot can help unlock inner wisdom. About Mary Richardson-PerezMary has always had a passion for new experiences and places, given that her family was quite nomadic before settling in Nashville, TN. Early in her yogic journey, Mary traveled to India twice for several months at a time to immerse herself in the practice and culture. In this birthplace of yoga, Mary learned Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga, and explored pranayama and shat kriya practices under the guidance of her esteemed teacher, V.K. Shesadre.Now with 23 years of practice and over 12,000 hours of teaching experience, she has honed an approach that effortlessly integrates lightheartedness and depth, exploring yogic philosophy and the ancient sacred traditions of self-discovery and realization. Along the way, she’s deepened her training by studying with knowledgeable teachers from very diverse traditions. She completed her teacher training at the Living Yoga Program and finished a BA at the University of Texas focusing on Studio Art (painting). She continued her studies at UT in the South Asian Studies Department focusing on Indian Philosophy/Culture and Sanskrit.Mary is a steady and gentle guide and is actively involved in workshops, teacher training, private lessons and advanced trainings. Given her passion for the history and traditions of yoga, she met regularly with a professor, Stephen Phillips, for a few years after her academic studies to study such texts as the Upanishads, and to continue her studies in Sanskrit.Currently, Mary is enrolled in a social work graduate program, and intends to complete the clinical hours required to be a LCSW. Mary has focused most of her graduate work on utilizing or researching meditation, somatic practices and various other yoga related techniques as interventions for anxiety, depression and to assist in nervous system regulation. Given Mary's desire to be of service, she blends a reverence for the ancient traditions of yoga, with an informed modern-day approach, to support each practitioner where they are at. 👉 Find Mary:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_satya_austin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioSatyaAustinStudio Satya: https://www.studiosatya.com/email: mary@studiosatya.comAbout Phillip Jones👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PhilPhails4uReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/philphails/Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails

In this episode of Phil Phails, I sit down with Mary Richardson-Perez, co-owner of Studio Satya, to explore the art of balance in life. We dive into the story behind Studio Satya, the deeper meaning of the Sanskrit word "Satya," and how Mary’s journey has shaped the studio's mission. Plus, Mary tackles the Phil Phails Phive (5) Questions — revealing her insights on life, mindfulness, and more. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about finding balance and living with intention!About Mary Richardson-PerezMary has always had a passion for new experiences and places, given that her family was quite nomadic before settling in Nashville, TN. Early in her yogic journey, Mary traveled to India twice for several months at a time to immerse herself in the practice and culture. In this birthplace of yoga, Mary learned Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga Yoga, and explored pranayama and shat kriya practices under the guidance of her esteemed teacher, V.K. Shesadre.Now with 23 years of practice and over 12,000 hours of teaching experience, she has honed an approach that effortlessly integrates lightheartedness and depth, exploring yogic philosophy and the ancient sacred traditions of self-discovery and realization. Along the way, she’s deepened her training by studying with knowledgeable teachers from very diverse traditions. She completed her teacher training at the Living Yoga Program and finished a BA at the University of Texas focusing on Studio Art (painting). She continued her studies at UT in the South Asian Studies Department focusing on Indian Philosophy/Culture and Sanskrit.Mary is a steady and gentle guide and is actively involved in workshops, teacher training, private lessons and advanced trainings. Given her passion for the history and traditions of yoga, she met regularly with a professor, Stephen Phillips, for a few years after her academic studies to study such texts as the Upanishads, and to continue her studies in Sanskrit.Currently, Mary is enrolled in a social work graduate program, and intends to complete the clinical hours required to be a LCSW. Mary has focused most of her graduate work on utilizing or researching meditation, somatic practices and various other yoga related techniques as interventions for anxiety, depression and to assist in nervous system regulation. Given Mary's desire to be of service, she blends a reverence for the ancient traditions of yoga, with an informed modern-day approach, to support each practitioner where they are at. 👉 Find Mary:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_satya_austin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioSatyaAustinStudio Satya: https://www.studiosatya.com/email: mary@studiosatya.comAbout Phillip Jones👨‍👧‍👧 Single dad | 🧠 Neurodivergent & Proud | 🛤️ Path SeekerAfter a lifetime of personal growth—through self-help, therapy, and endless learning—I'm embracing my unique journey. No more chasing 'normal.' Here to celebrate the quirks, the trials, and the joys of being authentically me. 🌟Leaving the software world behind, I'm forging a new trail with "Phil Phails," a show that revels in the messiness of life and learning. Catch my latest adventures and dad moments on Austin Public and YouTube. Let’s redefine success together. #PhilPhails 🎬The Fool's journey is a tapestry of learning, woven with threads of naivety and the vibrant colors of experience. Each step is a dance between innocence and wisdom, a transformation that beckons the curious souls to witness the unfolding of a human in bloom. Embrace this odyssey with open arms, for the path of the unknowing is a canvas for growth, and every traveler a masterpiece in progress.👉 Follow me on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phil_phails/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philphails/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philphails Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PhilPhails4uReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/philphails/Twitter: https://twitter.com/philphails