COMMUNAL MEANING-MAKING AS WE WANDER THE DESERT
Despite the widespread material prosperity and hyper-connectedness of our times, many individuals still find themselves feeling empty, lonely, and unfulfilled.
We had hoped for gardens, but we found a desert.
We’re responding to the meaning crisis of our times by liberating the wisdom of the ages in service of humanity today and building relationships with seekers from around the world as we wander the desert together.
PUBLIC EVENTS
FACULTY & DIRECTORS
SIMON J. E. DREW
POET | MUSICIAN | PHILOSOPHER
Simon Drew is an Australian poet, musician, philosopher, and author of The Poet & The Sage: A Journey Beyond the Distant Hills. As the CEO of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society, Simon is responsible for holding the torch of our highest aspirations as we navigate an increasingly complex world.
Sharon Lebell
Philosopher | Author | Musician
Sharon Lebell is an American philosopher, musician, and best-selling author of The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness. Currently serving as the Scholarch of our society, Sharon is responsible for keeping our eyes directed toward higher things while keeping us grounded in the world.
Dr. Kai Whiting
Philosopher | Author | Professor
Kai Whiting is a British philosopher and professor of sustainability and Stoicism. In the global Stoic community, Kai is known for his passionate insistence that Stoicism cannot stand as a philosophical system without the concept of God and the Divine. He is the co-author of Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In, and currently serves as our Director of Partnerships.
Dr. Joseph Siracusa
Historian | Author | Philosopher
Dr. Joseph Siracusa is a true citizen and a professor of wisdom in these times of widespread folly. He has published over 50 books covering some of the most complicated political, diplomatic, and historical issues of modernity. By merit of the quality of his works and words, we—the Founding Members of The Walled Garden Philosophical Society—have called Dr. Joseph M. Siracusa to serve as our Honorary Professor in Residence.
Rocco Jarman
Philosopher | Poet | Mystic
Rocco Jarman is an Australian poet and mystic on a mission to reconnect the worlds of science and mysticism. Rocco brings his extensive corporate experience to The Walled Garden as the Chief Operations Officer, keeping our hearts and minds on track as we work towards the fulfilment of our vision and mission.
Judith Stove
Philosopher | Linguist | Author
Judith Stove is an Australian philosopher and author of Jane Austen’s Inspiration: Beloved Friend Anne Lefroy. Judith is a classicist in the truest sense of the word, bringing a wealth of knowledge in ancient languages, history, and philosophy to her role as the Head of Classics.
Dr. Markus RĂ¼ther
Philosopher | Ethicist | Author
Dr. Markus RĂ¼ther is a German philosopher and author with extensive experience exploring the ethical landscape of complex technologies of modernity such as AI and self-driving cars. His work also extends into practical philosophies for life, with a particular focus on Stoicism. Markus serves our community as the Head of Ethics.
David Alexander
Psychoanalyst | Philosopher | Podcaster
David Alexander is an American psychoanalyst and podcaster with a particular interest in Jungian psychology, Norse mythology, and Stoicism. In The Walled Garden, David serves as the Head of Mythology, offering profound insights from ancient traditions on the nature of the soul, divinity, and God.
Juan Perez
Consultant | Philosopher | Podcaster
Juan Perez is a Mexican organizational psychologist on a mission to merge the worlds of philosophy and business. For the past three years, Juan has worked with some of Mexico’s largest companies, using practical philosophy as a tool for organizational change and growth. Now, Juan serves our community as the Head of Mentoring.
Brandon Tumblin
Philosopher | Strength Trainer
Brandon Tumblin is a Canadian podcaster and philosopher on a mission to awaken individuals to their own unique divinity and power. As a philosopher, Brandon predominantly explores the works of the Stoics, though he also has a taste for the great Russian literary figures. Brandon serves as The Walled Garden as the Director of Community.
Matthew Sharpe
Philosopher | Professor | Author
Matthew Sharpe is an Australian professor of philosophy at Deakin University, Melbourne. He brings to The Walled Garden a wealth of knowledge regarding the philosophers and schools of Ancient Greece as well as the great thinkers of the renaissance. Matthew is the author of multiple books, including “Stoicism, Bullying, and Beyond: How to Keep Your Head When Others Around You Have Lost Theirs and Blame You.”
J.W. Bertolotti
Philosopher | Podcaster | Writer
Joshua Bertolotti is an American public philosopher dedicated to serving seekers on the spiritual and philosophical path. His work reminds us that life is far more complicated than what we are led to believe, and that the true beauty of life often lies not in the receiving of an answer, but in the asking of a great question.
Scott Balentine
Board President | CFO
As President of the Board of Directors, Scott works collaboratively with
Board members and Founding members to set organizational goals.
Additionally, he is responsible for working with the Board to set short-
and long-term organizational goals and evaluate the progress of the planned
outcomes and the strategic plan to grow organizational capacity while
connecting daily work with the vision and mission of the organization.
BECOME A CARETAKER
We welcome you you join our growing community of seekers from around the globe. We’re grateful for whatever monthly contribution you can afford.Â
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