Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-allegorical-life Mark Crosweller, AFSM, has willingly spent many years studying and teaching – through allegories, myths, metaphors, philosophies and theologies, and particularly in studies, practices and teaching of Buddhist thought – the ethics that underpin concepts of leadership. In this podcast Mark speaks on both his professional and personal experiences of crisis and adversity and on the ethics of trust, humility, compassion and forgiveness. © 2025 The Allegorical Life 428fb9bf-7e53-5d61-86ab-a24c9af276ce no en-au Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:10:06 +0000 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:54:12 +0000 https://ethicalintelligence.com.au/ https://img.transistor.fm/qCCmUakb_fOchdi_ewG7EYr-8cZdbzqSQTsZhzuEo4M/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/Lzc3ODMvMTU4MTYx/ODg3Ni1hcnR3b3Jr/LmpwZw.jpg https://ethicalintelligence.com.au/ episodic The Allegorical Life Mark Crosweller, AFSM, has willingly spent many years studying and teaching – through allegories, myths, metaphors, philosophies and theologies, and particularly in studies, practices and teaching of Buddhist thought – the ethics that underpin concepts of leadership. In this podcast Mark speaks on both his professional and personal experiences of crisis and adversity and on the ethics of trust, humility, compassion and forgiveness. Mark Crosweller, AFSM, has willingly spent many years studying and teaching – through allegories, myths, metaphors, philosophies and theologies, and particularly in studies, practices and teaching of Buddhist thought – the ethics that underpin concepts of leadership. The Allegorical Life No No 28 28 The long and winding road to virtue – traversing human fallibility full 514482b1-1b3f-4a0f-8943-fdf618066f91 https://ethicalintelligence.com.au/uncategorized/the-long-and-winding-road-to-virtue-traversing-human-fallibility/ Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:51:39 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 940 As any leader who has committed to an ethical life will tell you, upholding a virtuous disposition of character is one of the most challenging and worthy pursuits we could ever undertake. In this episode we explore fallibility as a universal feature of the human condition. As any leader who has committed to an ethical life will tell you, upholding a virtuous disposition of character is one of the most challenging and worthy pursuits we could ever undertake. In this episode we explore fallibility as a universal feature of th No 27 27 Logs and Specks – Tackling the Ugliness of Moral Hypocrisy full e6e50816-67d9-490a-9617-570401c4e1c9 https://ethicalintelligence.com.au/the-allegorical-life-blog/logs-and-specks-tackling-the-ugliness-of-moral-hypocrisy/ Wed, 18 May 2022 20:12:59 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1015 In this episode Mark talks about Ethics, and how the Virtues (such as trust, compassion, kindness, care, and courage), form a large part of our identities. Mark also challenges us to consider the potential trap of judgement that we can fall into when we claim high standards of ethics and virtues. In this episode Mark talks about Ethics, and how the Virtues (such as trust, compassion, kindness, care, and courage), form a large part of our identities. Mark also challenges us to consider the potential trap of judgement that we can fall into when we No 26 26 Leaving the Cudgel of Moral Superiority on the Ground full 3603e531-d32a-4d2f-ab50-43fb21cb7176 https://ethicalintelligence.com.au/the-allegorical-life-blog/leaving-the-cudgel-of-moral-superiority-on-the-ground/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 20:56:40 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1443 In this episode, Mark talks about the challenges of courageous leadership, at a time when leadership is under more scrutiny than ever before. In this episode, Mark talks about the challenges of courageous leadership, at a time when leadership is under more scrutiny than ever before. No 25 25 The Privilege of Growing Old full ac4e66aa-144a-47cc-9ace-6ec8900cd80c https://share.transistor.fm/s/130e59fe Fri, 09 Jul 2021 18:42:23 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1421 Even more concerning, despite all our human progress, we remain unsure of our goals, our sense of meaning and purpose, and we appear as discontented as ever. Mark discusses how we can work towards getting our head around our own mortality and find a way forward together. Even more concerning, despite all our human progress, we remain unsure of our goals, our sense of meaning and purpose, and we appear as discontented as ever. Mark discusses how we can work towards getting our head around our own mortality and find a way f mark crosweller, ethical leadership, ethics, ethical intelligence No 24 24 With the Benefit of 2020 Hindsight full d3c3e98b-f072-48a7-ba8e-837e266b9db6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1e5d041 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 18:07:33 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1204 In this episode, Mark reflects on the enormity of the year that was 2020, and what we might take from it. In this episode, Mark reflects on the enormity of the year that was 2020, and what we might take from it. ethical leadership, Covid-19, 2020, Mark Crosweller No 23 23 Arriving on foot and leaving on horseback full a26e0068-d6e2-407a-893f-1b61d6ce69f5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0afd5f7 Wed, 07 Oct 2020 23:53:20 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1423 When the system lapses and capabilities reach their limitations, it is the ethics of the leadership that is called upon to step in, step up, and run towards the needs of those who are genuinely suffering. Mark discusses how leaders can increasingly access their inherent ethical capabilities. When the system lapses and capabilities reach their limitations, it is the ethics of the leadership that is called upon to step in, step up, and run towards the needs of those who are genuinely suffering. Mark discusses how leaders can increasingly access No 22 22 A very dark cloud with a bright silver lining full 493f13ac-55b0-45f9-8809-9bb888b3dffe https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c0ad017 Sat, 05 Sep 2020 00:57:58 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 708 In this episode, Mark talks about the opportunity for transformation that Covid-19 offers. In this episode, Mark talks about the opportunity for transformation that Covid-19 offers. Mark Crosweller, Ethical Intelligence No 21 21 Podcast #21 Ethical Leadership During Covid and Beyond full f95169f0-43c8-4766-9847-5a88a7df0e9c https://share.transistor.fm/s/26e69832 Sat, 27 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1373 In this episode Mark reflects on how companies and leaders can lead out through and beyond Covid and what the biggest challenges in the coming months and years. In this episode Mark reflects on how companies and leaders can lead out through and beyond Covid and what the biggest challenges in the coming months and years. Covid-19, ethical leadership, Mark Crosweller, Ethical Intelligence No 20 20 Podcast #20 Sanctification or Exemplification full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=729 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d1f0a68d Leaders such as Ms Ardern are clearly inspirational. They impress us for a variety of reasons not the least of which is that they exemplify the very ethics that we would desire to see far more often in our leaders generally. They become so impressive that we sanctify the leader for their courage and commitment to the very ethics that we find so desirable. In other words, we see them on some level as holy, blessed, event saintly. It is understandable because to inspire is to be “in spirit” with another. And to be in spirit implies a holiness, whether you are religious or not.

]]> Leaders such as Ms Ardern are clearly inspirational. They impress us for a variety of reasons not the least of which is that they exemplify the very ethics that we would desire to see far more often in our leaders generally. They become so impressive that we sanctify the leader for their courage and commitment to the very ethics that we find so desirable. In other words, we see them on some level as holy, blessed, event saintly. It is understandable because to inspire is to be “in spirit” with another. And to be in spirit implies a holiness, whether you are religious or not.

]]> Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:44:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1516 Leaders such as Ms Ardern are clearly inspirational. They impress us for a variety of reasons not the least of which is that they exemplify the very ethics that we would desire to see far more often in our leaders generally. They become so impressive that we sanctify the leader for their courage and commitment to the very ethics that we find so desirable. In other words, we see them on some level as holy, blessed, event saintly. It is understandable because to inspire is to be “in spirit” with another. And to be in spirit implies a holiness, whether you are religious or not. Leaders such as Ms Ardern are clearly inspirational. They impress us for a variety of reasons not the least of which is that they exemplify the very ethics that we would desire to see far more often in our leaders generally. They become so impressive that No 19 19 Podcast #19 The insatiable curiosity of all mankind to explore the unknown full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=720 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4f4ccb8 In this episode, Mark reflects on a crucial moment in history - the Apollo 11 mission to the moon which took place 50 years ago last month.

]]> In this episode, Mark reflects on a crucial moment in history - the Apollo 11 mission to the moon which took place 50 years ago last month.

]]> Sun, 29 Sep 2019 01:18:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1269 In this episode, Mark reflects on a crucial moment in history - the Apollo 11 mission to the moon which took place 50 years ago last month. In this episode, Mark reflects on a crucial moment in history - the Apollo 11 mission to the moon which took place 50 years ago last month. No 18 18 Podcast #18 Bearing the Badge of Busyness full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=689 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ee87a9c In this episode Mark explores the phenomenon of 'busyness' - and how we can break out of it.

]]> In this episode Mark explores the phenomenon of 'busyness' - and how we can break out of it.

]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2019 17:28:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1433 In this episode Mark explores the phenomenon of 'busyness' - and how we can break out of it. In this episode Mark explores the phenomenon of 'busyness' - and how we can break out of it. No 17 17 Podcast #17 – Planting the seeds of trees under who’s shadow you may never sit full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=655 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e44692a In this episode Mark asks the question 'what legacy do we wish to leave and how would we like to be remembered?

]]> In this episode Mark asks the question 'what legacy do we wish to leave and how would we like to be remembered?

]]> Mon, 08 Jul 2019 19:11:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1239 In this episode Mark asks the question 'what legacy do we wish to leave and how would we like to be remembered? In this episode Mark asks the question 'what legacy do we wish to leave and how would we like to be remembered? No 16 16 Podcast #16 – The Inevitability of Natural Hazards full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=637 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3a93ba68 We no longer need to weigh up whether we think a severe to catastrophic event will happen or not. We accept that it will at a time not of our choosing, and we avail ourselves the opportunity to rethink how we will prepare well before they occur.

]]> We no longer need to weigh up whether we think a severe to catastrophic event will happen or not. We accept that it will at a time not of our choosing, and we avail ourselves the opportunity to rethink how we will prepare well before they occur.

]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2019 08:56:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1503 We no longer need to weigh up whether we think a severe to catastrophic event will happen or not. We accept that it will at a time not of our choosing, and we avail ourselves the opportunity to rethink how we will prepare well before they occur. We no longer need to weigh up whether we think a severe to catastrophic event will happen or not. We accept that it will at a time not of our choosing, and we avail ourselves the opportunity to rethink how we will prepare well before they occur. No 15 15 Podcast #15: Becoming familiar with anger – and then choosing a wiser way to lead full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=611 https://share.transistor.fm/s/86116645 In this episode, Mark discusses the need for leaders to become intimately familiar with anger and the destructive role it plays in leadership.

]]> In this episode, Mark discusses the need for leaders to become intimately familiar with anger and the destructive role it plays in leadership.

]]> Wed, 01 May 2019 06:13:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1092 In this episode, Mark discusses the need for leaders to become intimately familiar with anger and the destructive role it plays in leadership. In this episode, Mark discusses the need for leaders to become intimately familiar with anger and the destructive role it plays in leadership. No 14 14 Podcast #14: Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=584 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a0a25fb In this episode of the Allegorical Life podcast, Mark reflects on what we can all learn from the compassionate leadership of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

]]> In this episode of the Allegorical Life podcast, Mark reflects on what we can all learn from the compassionate leadership of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

]]> Sat, 30 Mar 2019 20:45:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1281 In this episode of the Allegorical Life podcast, Mark reflects on what we can all learn from the compassionate leadership of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. In this episode of the Allegorical Life podcast, Mark reflects on what we can all learn from the compassionate leadership of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. No 13 13 Podcast #13: A World of Perpetual Anger and Rage full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=561 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ea61abda Whether it be in politics, sport, academia, law, civil society or any other area, anger and rage appear pervasive. In this episode, Mark discusses the ethical challenges and opportunities when it comes to expressing our dissatisfaction.

]]> Whether it be in politics, sport, academia, law, civil society or any other area, anger and rage appear pervasive. In this episode, Mark discusses the ethical challenges and opportunities when it comes to expressing our dissatisfaction.

]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2019 07:06:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1505 Whether it be in politics, sport, academia, law, civil society or any other area, anger and rage appear pervasive. In this episode, Mark discusses the ethical challenges and opportunities when it comes to expressing our dissatisfaction. Whether it be in politics, sport, academia, law, civil society or any other area, anger and rage appear pervasive. In this episode, Mark discusses the ethical challenges and opportunities when it comes to expressing our dissatisfaction. No 12 12 Podcast #12: Travelling Without a Compass? Good Luck! full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=551 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6580ff6 In this episode Mark considers the question of if our modern day ideologies are isolating us from wisdom and community

]]> In this episode Mark considers the question of if our modern day ideologies are isolating us from wisdom and community

]]> Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:30:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1343 In this episode Mark considers the question of if our modern day ideologies are isolating us from wisdom and community In this episode Mark considers the question of if our modern day ideologies are isolating us from wisdom and community No 11 11 Podcast #11: The Life of Another Brian full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=545 https://share.transistor.fm/s/07ff17f9 This blog is dedicated to another man named Brian, who ironically, may well have been a messiah, and once again he was misunderstood by the masses, except this time for being ordinary.

]]> This blog is dedicated to another man named Brian, who ironically, may well have been a messiah, and once again he was misunderstood by the masses, except this time for being ordinary.

]]> Sat, 01 Dec 2018 02:21:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1038 This blog is dedicated to another man named Brian, who ironically, may well have been a messiah, and once again he was misunderstood by the masses, except this time for being ordinary. This blog is dedicated to another man named Brian, who ironically, may well have been a messiah, and once again he was misunderstood by the masses, except this time for being ordinary. No 10 10 Podcast #10: Be Mindful of Children Bearing Gifts full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=521 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4381e356 Every child, whether subtly or overtly, brings with them a gift. Something the world needs, but for the most part, we cannot see it, and from my experience, more often than not, involves being sensitive.

]]> Every child, whether subtly or overtly, brings with them a gift. Something the world needs, but for the most part, we cannot see it, and from my experience, more often than not, involves being sensitive.

]]> Wed, 31 Oct 2018 21:24:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1466 Every child, whether subtly or overtly, brings with them a gift. Something the world needs, but for the most part, we cannot see it, and from my experience, more often than not, involves being sensitive. Every child, whether subtly or overtly, brings with them a gift. Something the world needs, but for the most part, we cannot see it, and from my experience, more often than not, involves being sensitive. No 9 9 Podcast #9: Looking Back, Living Forwards full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=491 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e411e289 In this episode, Mark reflects on the value of choosing the way we experience our lives. “Life is not a problem to be solved; but a reality to be experienced.” Soren Kierkegaard

]]> In this episode, Mark reflects on the value of choosing the way we experience our lives. “Life is not a problem to be solved; but a reality to be experienced.” Soren Kierkegaard

]]> Mon, 01 Oct 2018 19:56:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1049 In this episode, Mark reflects on the value of choosing the way we experience our lives. “Life is not a problem to be solved; but a reality to be experienced.” Soren Kierkegaard In this episode, Mark reflects on the value of choosing the way we experience our lives. “Life is not a problem to be solved; but a reality to be experienced.” Soren Kierkegaard No 8 8 Podcast #8: Sacred Spaces, Blessed Spaces full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=472 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4200ecde Sacred spaces can be places that we most connect with. Usually, but not always, they involve some connection with nature, aesthetics or a place that evokes fond memories.

]]> Sacred spaces can be places that we most connect with. Usually, but not always, they involve some connection with nature, aesthetics or a place that evokes fond memories.

]]> Fri, 31 Aug 2018 07:09:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1160 Sacred spaces can be places that we most connect with. Usually, but not always, they involve some connection with nature, aesthetics or a place that evokes fond memories. Sacred spaces can be places that we most connect with. Usually, but not always, they involve some connection with nature, aesthetics or a place that evokes fond memories. No 7 7 Podcast #7: Ode to my Wife full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=412 https://share.transistor.fm/s/72209599 In this episode, Mark talks reflects on recovering from a rare form of cancer and the capacity of faith and love to heal us.

]]> In this episode, Mark talks reflects on recovering from a rare form of cancer and the capacity of faith and love to heal us.

]]> Tue, 31 Jul 2018 22:17:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1208 In this episode, Mark talks reflects on recovering from a rare form of cancer and the capacity of faith and love to heal us. In this episode, Mark talks reflects on recovering from a rare form of cancer and the capacity of faith and love to heal us. No 6 6 Podcast #6: Tribute to Stephen Hawking full https://theallegoricallife.com/?p=385 https://share.transistor.fm/s/29b7a102 If Stephen Hawking taught us anything, and indeed he taught us profoundly about science, physics, and the universe, he also taught us about faith. Faith in life, faith in love, faith in hope, faith in possibility. In this episode of THe Allegorical Life podcast, we talk about the many gifts that Stephen Hawking shared with the world.

]]> If Stephen Hawking taught us anything, and indeed he taught us profoundly about science, physics, and the universe, he also taught us about faith. Faith in life, faith in love, faith in hope, faith in possibility. In this episode of THe Allegorical Life podcast, we talk about the many gifts that Stephen Hawking shared with the world.

]]> Sat, 30 Jun 2018 01:27:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1307 If Stephen Hawking taught us anything, and indeed he taught us profoundly about science, physics, and the universe, he also taught us about faith. Faith in life, faith in love, faith in hope, faith in possibility. In this episode of THe Allegorical Life podcast, we talk about the many gifts that Stephen Hawking shared with the world. If Stephen Hawking taught us anything, and indeed he taught us profoundly about science, physics, and the universe, he also taught us about faith. Faith in life, faith in love, faith in hope, faith in possibility. In this episode of THe Allegorical Life p No 5 5 Podcast #5: A short word on Guilt full http://theallegoricallife.com/?p=351 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f59baf28 Thu, 31 May 2018 22:38:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1395 Podcast #5: A short word on Guilt Podcast #5: A short word on Guilt No 4 4 Podcast Episode #4 Authors and Architects full http://theallegoricallife.com/?p=340 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8030cd40 In this episode, Mark discussed the opportunity we all have –  to be the Architects and Authors of our own lives.    

]]> In this episode, Mark discussed the opportunity we all have –  to be the Architects and Authors of our own lives.    

]]> Mon, 30 Apr 2018 20:33:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1175 In this episode, Mark discussed the opportunity we all have –  to be the Architects and Authors of our own lives.     In this episode, Mark discussed the opportunity we all have –  to be the Architects and Authors of our own lives.     No 3 3 Podcast Episode #3: A short word on compassion full http://theallegoricallife.com/?p=331 https://share.transistor.fm/s/532fb8a2 In this podcast, Mark reflects on what happens when blame becomes an overriding focus in professional landscapes and about the need to actively look for opportunities to practice compassion.

]]> In this podcast, Mark reflects on what happens when blame becomes an overriding focus in professional landscapes and about the need to actively look for opportunities to practice compassion.

]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2018 00:50:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1158 In this podcast, Mark reflects on what happens when blame becomes an overriding focus in professional landscapes and about the need to actively look for opportunities to practice compassion. In this podcast, Mark reflects on what happens when blame becomes an overriding focus in professional landscapes and about the need to actively look for opportunities to practice compassion. No 2 2 Podcast #2 A Short word on Trust full http://theallegoricallife.com/?p=245 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cb886c47 Trust is crucial in our relationships with friends, colleagues and the people that touch our lives. In this episode of the Allegorical Life, Mark Crosweller, AFSM, talks about how learning to trust your own instincts, even in the most testing of circumstances, can make you a better person and a better leader.

]]> Trust is crucial in our relationships with friends, colleagues and the people that touch our lives. In this episode of the Allegorical Life, Mark Crosweller, AFSM, talks about how learning to trust your own instincts, even in the most testing of circumstances, can make you a better person and a better leader.

]]> Wed, 28 Feb 2018 22:27:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 1108 Trust is crucial in our relationships with friends, colleagues and the people that touch our lives. In this episode of the Allegorical Life, Mark Crosweller, AFSM, talks about how learning to trust your own instincts, even in the most testing of circumstances, can make you a better person and a better leader. Trust is crucial in our relationships with friends, colleagues and the people that touch our lives. In this episode of the Allegorical Life, Mark Crosweller, AFSM, talks about how learning to trust your own instincts, even in the most testing of circumsta No 1 1 Podcast #1 A Question of Faith full http://theallegoricallife.com/?p=239 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3bb5dd57 Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:46:00 +0000 The Allegorical Life The Allegorical Life 822 Podcast #1 A Question of Faith Podcast #1 A Question of Faith No