Ep. 229 – Jerry Colonna Metta Hour With Sharon Salzberg podcast

1:06:31

For episode 260, we are launching a new Anxiety Series on the Metta Hour. Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. To launch the series, Sharon sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer MD, Ph.D. Dr, Jud is a New York Times best-selling author and thought leader in the field of habit change and the “science of self-mastery,” who blends over 20 years of experience with mindfulness training and a career in scientific research. He is passionate about understanding how our brains work, and how to use that knowledge to help people make deep, permanent change in their lives — with the goal of reducing suffering in the world at large. Dr. Jud is the director of research and innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center, where he also serves as an associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the School of Public Health and Psychiatry at the School of Medicine at Brown University, and a research affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In this episode, Sharon and Dr. Jud discuss: The neuroscientific definition of anxiety Fear of the future How we simulate the future The difference between planning and worrying Anxious feeling versus thought Qualifiers for mental health diagnoses The research behind Mental Noting The antidote to anxiety is curiosity Exploring gratification to its end How much does worrying help? Thinking isn’t what changes behavior We’re wired for happiness Neuroscientists don’t talk about willpower Internet myths about anxiety Deprivation curiosity How misinformation fuels anxiety Collective anxiety Default Mode Network Five Finger Breathing Noticing our “oh no” moments Kindness and curiosity are best friends The Unwinding Anxiety App The conversation closes with a short guided curiosity practice. You can learn more about Dr. Jud’s work and get a copy of his book, Unwinding Anxiety, right here and learn more about his Mindshift Recovery App right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 259 – The Force of Kindness Pt. 2 1:17:50

25 days ago1:17:50

1:17:50

For episode 259, we bring you the second half of a two-part series on the Force of Kindness. Listen to the first part of this series released earlier in February of 2025 right here . His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated, “My true religion is kindness.” Although frequently denigrated in our culture as simplistic and weak, the quality of kindness has an inherent power to transform our worldview from one of fear and isolation to one rooted in clarity, courage and compassion in action. Kindness is the fuel that helps us truly “walk our talk” of love. Recording in December or 2024 by the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion . In this recording, Sharon teaches on: The aspiration of kindness Brahma Viharas as a basis for aspiration Lovingkindness as Connection Our Subway Car Reflection on Interconnection The definition of Compassion Sympathetic Joy Gratitude as the energizer Equanimity as the secret ingredient The eight vicissitudes The episode closes with Sharon taking some questions from the audience Join Sharon’s upcoming ten-day wisdom course exploring Equanimity starting March 5th. Learn more right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 258 – The Force of Kindness Pt. 1 49:53

6 weeks ago49:53

49:53

For episode 258, we bring you the first half of a two-part series on the Force of Kindness. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated, “My true religion is kindness.” Although frequently denigrated in our culture as simplistic and weak, the quality of kindness has an inherent power to transform our worldview from one of fear and isolation to one rooted in clarity, courage and compassion in action. Kindness is the fuel that helps us truly “walk our talk” of love. Recording in December or 2024 by the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion . In this recording, Sharon teaches on: The conditioning we face How our culture defines kindness The compassionate witness A ministry of presence Kindness as a motivational state The emergent properties of how we pay attention Who do we pay attention to? Practicing kindness for ourselves Guided meditation on how we speak to ourselves Punitive environments cannot sustain growth How resilience is developed Sayadaw U Pandita’s trick question Stay tuned for the second part of this series coming in February of 2025. Join Sharon’s upcoming ten-day wisdom course exploring Equanimity starting March 5th. Learn more right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 257 – Fireside Chat with Christina Feldman 1:33:12

9 weeks ago1:33:12

1:33:12

For episode 257 we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Christina Feldman. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online , the seventh episode in this series. Christina is of the generation of dharma teachers that began teaching in the west in 1975 after spending some years in Asia studying and practice in both the Mahayana and Theravadan traditions. She is a co-founder of Gaia House and served as a guiding teacher of IMS beginning in its early days. She teaches Buddhist psychology in several university settings in Europe, and she teaches both traditional retreats and study programs. Christina is the author of Boundless Heart: The Buddha’s Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity and co-author of Mindfulness: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Psychology, among other books. The conversation begins with a guided practice led by Christina. In this conversation, Christina and Sharon discuss: How Christina accidentally ended up in India First encountering Tibetan refugees Christina first learning meditation Dharma as an immersive experience Sharon’s first attempts to meditate Different techniques in Christina’s early practice Goenka’s impact on Sharon Secular Mindfulness Practice versus Path Definitions of Dukkha What Christina is teaching lately Bodhi College Sharon’s work with caregivers Equanimity as embodied understanding How Christina has developed as a teacher The conversation segues to questions from the audience with a guided meditation from Christina. Sharon and Christina then take questions on specificity of intention, working with physical pain, emptiness as a practice, moving from knowing a truth to living a truth, and Christina’s yearly intentions. You can learn more about Christina’s work right here . Learn more about IMS Online right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 256 – Norma Wong 53:18

11 weeks ago53:18

53:18

For episode 256, we start off the year in podcasts with a conversation between Sharon and first-time guest Norma Ryuko Kawelokū Wong Roshi. Norma is a thought partner, a strategist, and a teacher. She is the abbot of Anko-in, an independent branch temple of Daihonzan Chozen-ji and serves practice communities in Hawai‘i, across the continental U.S., and in Toronto, Canada. She is an 86th-generation Zen Master, having trained at Chozen-ji for over 40 years. Norma has decades of experience in organizing, policy, strategy, and politics in Hawaiʻi, particularly in the area of Native Hawaiian issues, serving in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and beyond. In the Fall of 2024, she released the book, “When No Things Work,” telling stories, weaving poetry, and offering wisdom at the intersections of strategy, politics, and spiritual activism. In this conversation, Norma and Sharon speak about: How Norma became an activist Taking the long multi-generational view How to face discord by seeing the whole When Norms found spiritual teachings The inspiration for writing her book How Norma approaches faith Collective versus individual work Sharon getting humid in Maui Opening to joy and goodness Methods to interrupt habits The rebuild of the Lahaina fires on Maui The episode closes with Norma leading a resonant breathing practice. You can learn more about Norma’s work right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 255 – Elizabeth Gilbert 1:05:25

13 weeks ago1:05:25

1:05:25

For episode 255, Sharon closes out the 2024 year in podcasts with an intimate conversation with Elizabeth Gilbert. Liz is the New York Times bestselling author of Eat Pray Love, Big Magic, the novels City of Girls and The Signature of All Things, and six other books of fiction and nonfiction — which altogether have sold over 25 million copies worldwide. She travels the globe giving talks and workshops that encourage people to lead brave, authentic, and creative lives, and her TED talk, “Your Elusive Creative Genius,” is among their most viewed talks ever. Liz is also the founder of both the Onward Book Club, and the Letters From Love project on Substack. In this conversation, Liz and Sharon speak about: How Liz came to her spiritual practice What love said to Liz twenty years ago Sharon’s experience doing Letters from Love Cultivating a ministry of presence Liz’s twelve-step work with Love and Sex Addiction Two-Way Prayer The ability to receive Love is not a UPS package Earth School What is my next right action? The beginnings of resilience Why is not a spiritual question Acknowledging the interconnection of things The episode closes with Liz leading a Letter From Love practice. You can learn more about Liz’s work right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 254 – Fireside Chat with Ruth King 1:13:16

15 weeks ago1:13:16

1:13:16

For episode 254, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Ruth King. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online , the sixth episode in this series. Ruth King is the Founder of Mindful of Race Institute, LLC, and is a celebrated author, educator, and meditation teacher. She teaches mindfulness meditation retreats worldwide and develops meditation practitioners at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program. Ruth is the author of several publications including her most recent, Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism From The Inside Out. In this conversation, Ruth and Sharon discuss: Ruth’s first invitation to meditation First hearing Jack Kornfield teach The deep calling to teach Initial misconceptions about meditation Ram Dass giving Joseph Goldstein his first teaching job Sharon’s first teaching retreat Ruth’s first teaching in the DC area Ruth’s life as a writer Artistry and mindfulness Ruth’s BIPOC teaching & online academy The season of eldership The process of downsizing and moving Letting go versus not holding on Nothing is permanent, perfect, or personal This episode closes with a guided meditation by Ruth. You can learn more about Ruth’s work right here and get a copy of Mindful of Race right here . Learn more about IMS Online right here . Listen to Ruth’s first episode on the Metta Hour from 2018, Episode 87, right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 253 – Cory Allen 52:34

18 weeks ago52:34

52:34

For episode 252, Cory Allen makes his first appearance on the Metta Hour podcast. Cory Allen is an author, coach, podcaster, and influencer from Austin, Texas. He writes daily thoughts on mindfulness and mental clarity for his large Instagram following, reaching over a million people a week. Cory is the author of two books, his most recent, Brave New You, has just been released from Hay House in 2024 in hardcover, ebook and audiobook formats. His podcast And Then It Hit Me, has over 300 episodes to date. In this conversation, Sharon and Cory discuss: Meditation Barbie Cory’s origin story Opening to greater possibility Cultivating greater agency Story is everything Keeping language real Having an original mind The importance of self-trust How our faith evolves How Sharon challenges herself Intuition as an entryway to our deeper self Cory closes the conversation with a guided meditation. You can learn more about Cory’s work right here and get a copy of his new book, Brave New You, right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 252 – Kristin Neff 1:02:36

20 weeks ago1:02:36

1:02:36

For episode 252, Kristin Neff returns to the Metta Hour for her third appearance on the podcast. Dr. Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, conducting the first empirical studies on self-compassion more than twenty years ago. She has been recognized as one of the most influential researchers in psychology worldwide is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. Kristin runs the Self-Compassion Community, an online learning platform where people can learn the skill of self-compassion with the help of others, and is author of the bestselling books Self-Compassion and Fierce Self-Compassion. Her new book, Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout, co-authored with Chris Germer, is now available everywhere. In this conversation, Kristin and Sharon discuss: Kristin’s personal burnout Kristin’s definition of compassion Myths of self-compassion What happens in burnout Negativity bias sinkholes The necessity of positive states Healthy boundaries Loving the Inner critic Research on Self-Compassion Self-Compassion Example Scenarios Kristin’s new community offering Kristin closes the conversation with a guided meditation on Self-Compassion. You can learn more about Kristin’s work right here and get a copy of her new book, Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout right here . You can join Kristin’s Self-Compassion Community right here and take her Self-Compassion Quiz right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 251 – Ethan Nichtern 1:02:54

22 weeks ago1:02:54

1:02:54

For episode 251, Ethan Nichtern returns to the Metta Hour to talk about his new book, Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds. Ethan is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and the host of The Road Home Podcast . He is the author of several books, including The Road Home, and has been featured by CNN, NPR, the New York Times, Vogue, and Business Insider, and more. In this conversation, Sharon and Ethan discuss: What Ethan’s been up to the past 7 years What inspired Ethan’s new book The image of tube people The dichotomy of hope/fear The eight vicissitudes Ethan’s definition of equanimity Holding Your Seat Learning to stay with your own mind The positive sense of pride Confidence as self-respect Building confidence if trauma is present Window of Tolerance The Four Powers of Confidence Ethan’s life as a Dad Ethan closes the conversation with a guided meditation on Raising Windhorse. You can learn more about Ethan’s work and get a copy of his new book, Confidence , right here . Listen to Ethan’s Road Home Podcast right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 250 – Election Stress with Reggie Hubbard 1:04:31

25 weeks ago1:04:31

1:04:31

For episode 250, Reggie Hubbard returns to the Metta Hour podcast to talk about Election Stress. Reggie is a certified yoga and meditation teacher and the founder/chief serving officer of Active Peace Yoga. He has taught Members of Congress, Congressional Staff, major labor unions, leading progressive organizations, and individuals from all walks of life the simple tools for managing stress and bringing peace to mind, body, and spirit. Reggie’s life work sits at the intersection of bringing more peace and balance to activists; guiding the wellness community toward being more engaged, concerned citizens; and enhancing the well-being of all walks of life. Join Sharon for a 7-day online course that helps us reclaim kindness as the superpower it truly is. Distilling over 50 years of Buddhist teaching into practical, accessible and actionable lessons, Sharon’s course points us to the core of what it means to be alive, connected, and whole. Learn more: Kindness In A Fractured World In this conversation, Sharon and Reggie discuss: Reggie’s recent health emergency Finding agency to take action Life is not a race Recovery process Voting is a sacred act Life in the margins Working w/ intense emotions Reggie’s work with systems Boundaries are our friends The sanctity of your nervous system Grounding into the body Lovingkindness in activism Less pointing fingers, more opening arms Equanimity supporting the process A daily wellness election checklist Sharon’s Ishta Deva, Lady Liberty Reggie closes the conversation with a healing sound meditation. You can learn more about Reggie’s work right here . For Election Resources from Sharon, click right here . You can check out Reggie’s previous appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast in Episode 201 right here , that was part of our Mental Health Series . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 249 – Anu Gupta 1:04:18

27 weeks ago1:04:18

1:04:18

For episode 249, Anu Gupta returns to the Metta Hour to speak about his new book, “Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and - the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them.” Anu is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu , an education technology benefit corporation that trains professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors to advance DEIB and wellness by breaking bias. His first book, “Breaking Bias” is now available from Hay House. In this episode, Anu and Sharon discuss: How Anu became interested in science Anu’s childhood being marginalized The Dalai Lama writing the foreword for Anu’s book Why Anu chose to write a book Working with Oprah & Isabel Wilkerson Neuro-decolonization Growth Mindset Anu’s PRISM system The neuroscience behind PRISM The impact of lovingkindness meditation on Anu Stereotypes: what they are and how they affect The Night of Buddha’s enlightenment Anu closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Anu’s work at Be More with Anu and get a copy of “Breaking Bias” on his website right here . Join Sharon for a 7-day online course that helps us reclaim kindness as the superpower it truly is. Distilling over 50 years of Buddhist teaching into practical, accessible and actionable lessons, Sharon’s course points us to the core of what it means to be alive, connected, and whole. Learn more: Kindness In A Fractured World See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 248 – Cortland Dahl 1:10:24

29 weeks ago1:10:24

1:10:24

For episode 248, Cortland Dahl makes his first appearance on the Metta Hour to speak about his new book, “A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism: The Path of Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom.” Cortland is a scientist, Buddhist scholar & translator, and meditation teacher. He is the co-founder of Tergar International , a global network of meditation centers, with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche . Cortland is also actively involved in scientific research on meditation and human flourishing at the Center for Healthy Minds . In this conversation, Sharon and Cortland discuss: What brought Cortland to spiritual practice Eastern versus Western cultural conditioning The Tibetan culture of being Reclaiming the word “devotion” Cortland learning the Tibetan language The impetus for Cortland’s new book The Dalai Lama’s first visit to IMS and North America The Four Noble Truths Cortland’s first encounter with Buddhism Learning to take refuge How long until we’re enlightened? Nurturing our inspirations Recreating ancient traditions in the 21st Century Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche The Center for Healthy Minds Cortland closes the conversation with a guided meditation on Open Awareness. You can learn more about Cortland’s work and get a copy of “A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism” right here . Learn more about Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche and Tergar International right here and the Center for Healthy Minds right here . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 247 – Fireside Chat with Joseph Goldstein 1:15:40

31 weeks ago1:15:40

1:15:40

For episode 247, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Joseph Goldstein. This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online , the fifth episode in this series. Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and lovingkindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, where he is on the guiding teachers’ Founders Council. In 1989, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Joseph first became interested in Buddhism as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand in 1965. Since 1967 he has studied and practiced different forms of Buddhist meditation under eminent teachers from India, Burma and Tibet. He is the author of many books, including Mindfulness and Insight Meditation. In this conversation, Sharon and Joseph discuss: The origin story of founding IMS Sharon and Joseph’s first meeting in India Joseph’s apartment in Boulder, CO How Joseph found Munindra , his first serious teacher What Joseph loves mosts about teaching Joseph’s first lovingkindness intensive Dipa Ma ’s meditative life What inspired Joseph most about Dipa Ma Unifying confidence and humility in ourselves Working with the inner critic when teaching Learning how to say “I don’t know” Dudjom Rinpoche and re-incarnation Understanding the basis for our opinions Early challenges in Joseph’s teaching The popularization of meditation What inspired Joseph to pursue Buddhism Taking delight in being awake Approaches for self-acceptance Advice for new retreatants You can learn more about Joseph’s work and many books right here and listen to his Insight Hour Podcast right here . Learn more about IMS Online right here . Listen to Lily Cushman interview both Sharon and Joseph in Episode 199 of the Metta Hour right here or check-out some older conversations with Jospeh in Episode 110 and Episode 47 . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .…

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Ep. 246 – Susan Cain 56:53

33 weeks ago56:53