The One You Feed

Resmaa Menakem, a therapist specializing in trauma and author of "My Grandmother’s Hands," delves into the complexities of racialized trauma. He discusses how societal views on race affect mental well-being and emphasizes the importance of body awareness in healing. Menakem articulates the need for white individuals to confront discomfort and engage in anti-racist practices. He highlights the critical role of community support and personal introspection in overcoming systemic biases, advocating for a transformative journey towards collective healing.

Rutger Bregman, a prominent historian and author known for his insightful works on human nature, dives deep into the themes of his book, Humankind: A Hopeful History. He discusses the duality of humanity, challenging the cynical view of human nature by advocating that we should assume the best in people. Bregman addresses the influence of compassion over empathy and explores how positive expectations can transform behavior. He emphasizes the importance of trust and collaboration for societal progress, urging a hopeful perspective on our inherent goodness.

Jacqueline Suskin, a poet and educator, is renowned for her Poem Store project, creating spontaneous poetry inspired by people's stories. In this engaging conversation, she shares how poetry can transform everyday life by bridging darkness and light. Suskin emphasizes the beauty found in ordinary moments and encourages cultivating awe to enhance emotional well-being. She also discusses using poetry as a tool for personal expression and connection, highlighting its power to foster healing and insight in ourselves and others.

Krista Tippett, a renowned journalist and host of the Peabody Award-winning show On Being, dives deep into what it means to be human. She discusses the importance of listening as a spiritual discipline and the rich intersection of science and spirituality. Krista explores the complexity of human existence, including how personal struggles with depression can lead to greater empathy and compassion. Lastly, she emphasizes embracing uncertainty and turning past pain into strength, reminding us that vulnerability can illuminate the path to personal growth.

Seifu Singh-Molares, Executive Director of Spiritual Directors International and ordained Zen Buddhist Priest, shares profound insights on spiritual direction. He discusses the importance of deep listening and the role of spiritual companions in personal exploration. Seifu emphasizes the power of embracing uncertainty and love as a universal force. The conversation highlights the transformative nature of spiritual journeys and the significance of music in spirituality. This enriching dialogue invites listeners to connect with their authentic selves and navigate life's complexities.

Jonah Sachs, a trailblazer in viral marketing and social change, dives into the transformative power of 'unsafe thinking.' He highlights the art of storytelling as a catalyst for meaningful change and encourages embracing fear to foster personal growth. Sachs discusses how stepping out of comfort zones can lead to innovation and societal impact. He also emphasizes the importance of nurturing positive qualities within us to navigate biases and create community-driven solutions that spark change. Get ready to rethink your approach to challenges!

Scott Stabile, an inspiring author and social media influencer known for his uplifting quotes, shares invaluable insights on self-love. He discusses breaking free from self-judgment and embracing all parts of oneself as a pathway to emotional growth. Stabile emphasizes the power of thoughts in shaping feelings and advocates for self-compassion as a crucial element of well-being. He also explores intentional practices like meditation that cultivate joy and resilience, encouraging listeners to transform negative narratives into positive ones.

Valerie Mason-John is an award-winning author and co-founder of Eight Step Recovery, a program that harnesses Buddha's teachings to heal from addiction. In this discussion, she shares her personal journey through addiction and the trauma that fueled it. Valerie explores the adaptive nature of addiction as a coping mechanism and emphasizes the power of meditation in regulating emotions. She highlights the importance of grounding oneself in positive values and the transformative role of community in recovery.

Jay Michaelson, a columnist for The Daily Beast and a thought leader in contemplative practices, delves into his book, exploring the journey of self-discovery through trial and error. He discusses the myth of meditation as merely achieving Zen, revealing deeper truths of Jewish spirituality and postmodern Buddhism. The conversation highlights the intertwined nature of activism and meditation, the significance of grounding in reality during spiritual highs, and how letting go can foster deeper connections. Michaelson also shares insights on integrating mindfulness into daily life.

Grace Schireson, President of Shogaku Zen and a clinical psychologist, shares her insights from her book, "Naked in the Zendo." She delves into the concept of recognizing one’s ego and the formula for suffering known as WITBOW (Wishing It To Be Otherwise). Grace emphasizes the importance of awareness in connecting with our true selves and the universe. From the transformative power of mindfulness to the value of making mistakes, she offers practical Zen lessons to enhance resilience and authenticity in everyday life.