The Art of Conversation with Paul Holdengräber and Andrea Hiott

This personal conversation explores the profound impact of the art of conversation on forming deep connections. As Andrea catches up with Paul Holdengräber, a renowned figure in cultural programming and public conversations, they reflect on Paul's illustrious career, and his unique approach to creating conversations with some of the most influential figures of our time. They also delve into Paul's background, influences, and the unpredictable paths life has taken him, from his parents' escape from the Nazis to his own philosophical and geographical journeys, imagining conversations as paths through landscapes. Paul opens up about his recent jobless status, his reflections on care, conversation, and the power of listening, as well as contemplating the future in a rapidly changing world. Throughout, the discussion explores themes of transience, the creation of spaces for dialogue, and the importance of remaining open to the myriad possibilities life offers. The conversation weaves together topics such as the significance of digression, the therapeutic power of reminiscing on familial history, and the complexities of identity and human relationships.
#artofconversation #holdengraber #andreahiott
00:00 Welcome to the Library: A Night of Conversation
00:29 Paul Holdengraber: A Man of Many Conversations
00:59 Exploring the New York Public Library with Paul
02:27 The Art and Power of Conversation
02:56 Paul's Unique Path: From Philosophy to Public Programming
05:12 Digression as a Form of Revelation
10:59 Returning to Roots: Conversations on Identity and Place
17:16 The Solitary Journey of a Conversationalist
22:16 Navigating Friendships and the Fear of Intimacy
26:42 Creating Landscapes of Conversation
32:03 From Hitchhiking to Hosting Influential Conversations
36:17 Unveiling the Art of Conversation and Personal Insights
37:40 Exploring Fame, Influence, and Personal Connections
38:56 The Craft of Creating Meaningful Conversations
40:26 Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics
52:09 The Power of Listening and the Art of Interviewing
59:26 Navigating Life's Transitions and Future Uncertainties
01:06:09 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Community Support
01:09:46 Contemplating New Beginnings and Creative Outlets
Bryant Park Photo: By Jean-Christophe BENOIST - Own work, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...
New York Public Library LIVE with Paul Past Events: www.nypl.org/live/past-progra...
NYPL You Tube: / @nypl
Rebecca Solnit NYPL: • Rebecca Solnit with Pa...
Adam Phillips, On Kissing Tickling and Being Bored: psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-9...
Transcript of Werner and Paul's Was the 20th Century a Mistake?
www.nypl.org/sites/default/fi...
www.researchgate.net/publicat...
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Love and Philosophy Beyond Dichotomy started as research conversations across disciplines. There was so much I wanted to explore but I was being told I shouldn't explore beyond certain bounds because it didn't fit into this or that discipline, or because this or that idea was too wild or too uncomfortable or too popular or unpopular, but because I study and work in so many, those barriers just no longer made sense. The same felt true relative to passions and love.
So I decided to open myself to all of it beyond traditional distinctions, towards learning and development, so long as love and health were the intentions behind those doing the work I was exploring. This podcast is where those voices gather together in one space as I try and notice the patterns that connect.
It's part of my life work and research, but it's also something I hope to share with you and to invite you to share your perspective and position. Thank you for being here.