Join host Andrew Holecek in a thought-provoking conversation with Jeffrey Kripal, the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. In this engaging episode, Kripal shares insights from his book “How to Think Impossibly,” offering a refreshing challenge to conventional materialistic worldviews that have dominated scientific discourse.
With a blend of scholarly rigor and unexpected humor, Kripal explores how paranormal experiences and phenomena like UFOs deserve serious intellectual consideration rather than dismissal. His emphasis of “dual aspect monism” provides a fascinating framework for reconciling seemingly contradictory experiences of reality, suggesting that what we call “paranormal” only appears so within our limited materialistic paradigm.
This conversation bridges philosophy, spirituality, and cutting-edge thinking about consciousness. Whether you’re interested in the boundaries of human experience or simply enjoy questioning established frameworks, Kripal’s perspective offers valuable insights into how we might expand our understanding of reality beyond current limitations. Listen in as two thoughtful minds explore the territory where science meets mystery, and where new possibilities for human understanding await.
About Jeffrey Kripal
Jeffrey J. Kripal is the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University, where he co-hosts the Archives of the Impossible collection and conference series. He also co-directs the Center for Theory and Research at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Jeff is the author of numerous books, most recently How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else (Chicago, 2024).
He is presently working on a three-volume study of paranormal currents in the sciences, modern esoteric literature, and the hidden history of science fiction collectively entitled The Super Story: Science (Fiction) and Some Emergent Mythologies. His full body of work can be seen at JeffreyKripal.com. He thinks he may be Spider-Man.
Introduction and Background of Jeffrey Kripal
The Importance of Humor and Laughter.
Critique of Materialism and Scientism
The Concept of Presentism
The Role of Paranormal Phenomena
Dual Aspect Monism and Idealism
The Role of UFOs in Jeffrey’s Work
The Impact of Jeffrey’s Research on His Life
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
