Michael Franco

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 7: The Science of the Mystical

In this podcast, we begin with a poem by Thich Nhat Hanh, describing the duality of mystical consciousness. We move into a discussion of time alteration during the mystical experience based on quotes from a physicist and a guru. Finally, we conclude with quotes from Haidt's The Happiness Hypothesis and Pollan's How to Change your Mind that elucidate some of the neuroscience behind mystical experiences.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 6: The Shadow Element

In this week's class, we learn the importance of acceptance of the "shadow element" in attaining enlightenment. We draw upon sources including the Talmud, Jalal-al-Din Rumi, and Carl Jung.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 5

In this episode, we explore sources ranging from HaRambam to Alan Watts, Freud, and more. All of these sources combine to comment about the quality of mystical experience.

Parashat Toledot 2021: Be Like an Electron

In this week's podcast, we learn an interesting parallel between the quantum properties of the electron and the ambiguity within our parasha.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 4: The Limits of Rationalism Continued

In this episode, we recap some of Jonathan Haidt's ideas and we continue with a thought experiment from Alan Watts. We close with an excerpt from an article entitled, "The Overexamined Life is not Worth Living" by Dr. David Shatz of Yeshivah University.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 3: The Limits of Rationalism

In this class, we explore some of the work of Jonathan Haidt and we notice the natural limitations of our rational minds.

Parashat Vayera 2021: Part 2: HaTiqvah and Yishaq

In this podcast, we learn from a curious linguistic link between Yirmiyahu and Parashat Vayera.

Parashat Vayera 2021: Aqedat Yishaq and Psalm 8

In this podcast, we learn a common lesson about paradox from Aqedat Yishaq and the 8th psalm.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism Episode 2

In this podcast, we briefly recap the first episode of the series and continue our discussion of the ego and the mystical experience. We close with some quotes and poems that express these profound ideas beautifully.

Rationalism vs. Mysticism: Introduction

In this class, we give an introduction to the fundamental schism between two important ways of finding truth. We discuss topics ranging from epistemology, to the mystical experience, and the Garden of Eden.