Be Tektonic

Polymath Playbook

We kick things off with ‘90s alt-rock nostalgia before diving into Michael J. Gelb’s How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci. From House of Pain mixtapes and Pearl Jam memories to dissecting da Vinci’s seven principles - curiosità, dimostrazione, sensazione, and more - we trace how music, synesthesia, and even ADHD can fuel modern creativity. Along the way we swap stories about paper routes, artisan pizza, building DIY radar, and raising inquisitive kids, all to ask: how can we marry art, science, and leisure today the way Leo did five centuries ago? Join us for an energetic, idea-packed conversation on cultivating whole-person genius in everyday life.

Transcending Boundaries

Jeremy and Jes focus on Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorem and Tarski’s work on truth, delving into how any system robust enough to tackle arithmetic will necessarily have truths it cannot prove. They discuss the broader implications of this, suggesting that even the physical universe—describable through mathematics—contains truths that remain beyond the reach of purely scientific or materialistic explanations. Their conversation weaves in ideas from quantum mechanics and philosophy to highlight the limits of human knowledge and the significance of unprovable truths. They move on to explore how these abstract concepts play out in everyday life, using the example of chance encounters—like catching someone’s gaze while driving—to illustrate how small moments can reveal deeper truths. In doing so, they connect theoretical insights about the nature of reality to personal experiences, showing how interactions with others can stretch the boundaries of one’s understanding. This leads them to reflect on consciousness, the human soul, and the role of faith in recognizing truths that logical systems alone cannot fully capture. Concluding their discussion, Jeremy and Jes emphasize that real growth and insight often emerge from curiosity and compassion. They suggest that by questioning our own limits and engaging with the mysteries we encounter—both in grand theories and mundane moments—we can better appreciate the richness of human experience. Ultimately, they invite listeners to contemplate the unprovable aspects of life, seeing them not as barriers to knowledge but as invitations to explore, connect, and expand the horizons of understanding.

Umwelt Unveiled

Join Jes and Jeremy as they embark on a mind-bending journey through epistemology, biology, quantum mechanics, and the human experience. In this episode, they delve into the study of knowledge, belief, and the nature of truth, exploring how we come to know what we know and believe what we believe. They discuss Michael Levin's groundbreaking work on bioelectric gradients in planarians, revealing how these flatworms can regenerate and pass on new traits across generations through electrical signaling—independent of DNA. This leads to a fascinating conversation about how information is transmitted at the cellular level and what that means for human instincts and generational memory. Venturing into quantum mechanics, they explore the fabric of information that makes up our universe, touching on concepts like quantum information theory and the peculiar behaviors observed at the subatomic level. They ponder the limitations of human perception, introducing the concept of the "Umwelt"—the idea that every organism has a limited sensory world—and how humans uniquely have the capacity to expand their understanding through curiosity and experience. Jes and Jeremy weave together threads from philosophy, science, and personal experience to examine how knowledge and belief intersect. They contemplate the processes by which we achieve certitude, the role of experience in truly "knowing" something, and how moments of beauty and wonder can expand our perception of reality. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a philosophy buff, or simply curious about the mysteries of existence, this episode invites you to expand your own Umwelt by embracing the unknown and exploring the interconnectedness of all things.

Stoic Shadows

In this insightful episode of the "Be Tektonic" podcast, Jeremy and Jes dive deep into the pivotal role of hardship in personal development. Moving beyond everyday anecdotes, they explore how challenges—both those we choose and those thrust upon us—serve as catalysts for growth and self-improvement. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy, they discuss practices like the premeditation of evils and the pursuit of self-mastery. The conversation delves into how recognizing and accepting the limits of our control can lead to greater resilience and inner peace. They examine the balance between worry as a natural human emotion and its potential to become unnecessary suffering when left unchecked. The duo also reflects on Plato's Allegory of the Cave, sharing personal "cave moments" that profoundly reshaped their worldviews. They explore the concept of "ontological shock"—those transformative experiences that challenge our fundamental understanding of reality and compel us to grow. Throughout the episode, Jeremy and Jes emphasize the importance of embracing hardships as opportunities rather than obstacles. They discuss how reframing our perceptions can lead to meaningful personal transformations and a deeper appreciation of the human experience. Whether you're a philosophy enthusiast, someone navigating personal challenges, or simply curious about the intersections of ancient wisdom and modern life, this episode offers valuable perspectives and practical insights. Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery, and be inspired to embrace your own path of growth through life's inevitable challenges.

Decision Kinetics

Join us for this episode of Be Tektonic as Jes and Jeremy dive into the human experience, focusing on how the potential of decision-making transforms into the actions required to bring plans to life. They discuss the importance of planning, accountability, and constant reevaluation, whether it’s for work, personal growth, or embracing new challenges. The conversation highlights how milestones and checkpoints help keep momentum, and how maintaining balance and reflection are key to success. From starting strong to staying on course, this episode offers insights into turning decisions into meaningful action. Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating the complexities of following through on the choices that shape our lives!