Meditative Story
WaitWhat
Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice, through vivid stories and cinematic music and production values. Meditative Story is an original series produced by WaitWhat and supported by our members. Our community tells us that they listen to the same episodes over and over again, and according to data provided by Apple Podcasts, Meditative Story may have the highest engagement of any podcast in the world. And that makes us proud!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 9, 2025 • 32min
Diana Nyad: Giving life everything we’ve got
By the 1980s, Diana Nyad had left competitive swimming behind, embarking on a successful career as a sports broadcaster. But after a meeting with “Superman” actor Christopher Reeve — whose throw from a horse left him paralyzed from the shoulders down — she is reminded of a challenge that fueled her early athletic ambitions, and re-commits to living everyday just past the limit of what seems endurable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Sep 2, 2025 • 36min
Reaching our full potential is not a solo act, by Terence Blanchard
Terence Blanchard, a legendary jazz trumpeter and five-time Grammy winner, reflects on his transformative journey from a shy New Orleans youth to a confident musician. He shares heartfelt memories of caroling that connect him to his community and cultural heritage. Blanchard emphasizes the vital role of mentors in shaping his identity and artistic path. Through personal anecdotes, he explores the intersection of music and resilience, showcasing how mentorship can unlock one's potential and inspire a future filled with creativity.
Aug 26, 2025 • 35min
Asking for what we need, by Kathryn Nicolai
Kathryn Nicolai, creator of the Nothing Much Happens podcast, shares her journey of self-discovery during a transformative year in Italy. She reflects on childhood lessons of self-sacrifice and the struggle to voice her own needs. Faced with challenges from a neglectful host family, she learns that it’s okay to take up space and assert herself. Kathryn emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and nurturing connections through awareness, ultimately guiding listeners to embrace their true selves and prioritize personal fulfillment.
Aug 19, 2025 • 18min
Building trust in ourselves, by Rohan Gunatillake
A father reflects on a holiday in Tenerife, watching his son navigate the journey of learning to swim. Their emotional connection grows as he moves from a hands-on helper to a mindful observer, embracing the importance of trust and independence. The discussion encourages listeners to practice letting go and realizing that mistakes are part of mastering new skills. With themes of perseverance and the joy of achieving challenges, this engaging narrative inspires confidence in both children and parents alike.
Aug 12, 2025 • 31min
Loving our living world, by Carl Safina
Carl Safina, an ecologist and author renowned for his lifelong work with wildlife, shares profound insights about the connections between humans and animals. He reflects on his childhood in Brooklyn, where raising pigeons taught him about responsibility and companionship. Safina discusses the emotional bonds we share with nature, emphasizing that love and connection transcend words. He also addresses the healing power of love in the wake of the Gulf oil disaster, reminding us of the intertwined fates of all living beings.
Aug 5, 2025 • 31min
Discovering the path to honor, by Ghuan Featherstone
Ghuan Featherstone, founder of Urban Saddles, passionately advocates for horsemanship while living by courage, kindness, and the Cowboy Code. He shares his transformative journey from a gang-ridden neighborhood to discovering solace in cowboy culture. Ghuan reflects on the challenges of growing up inspired by heroes like the Lone Ranger, facing ridicule and navigating identity struggles. He also discusses the vibrant community of black and Latino cowboys in South LA, highlighting bravery, connection, and the importance of embracing one’s own path.
10 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 38min
Let your body be the guide, by Andrea Gibson
Andrea Gibson, a celebrated spoken word artist and activist, opens up about their journey with chronic illness. They share how food not feeling like an enemy led to embracing the body as a source of joy. From the joy of basketball in winter to dancing at queer clubs, Gibson discusses the highs and lows of self-acceptance. Their stories highlight the power of movement in coping with struggles while advocating for embracing spontaneity in life and dance.
Jul 22, 2025 • 35min
Stay open to find belonging, by Tami Simon
Tami Simon, founder of the esteemed publishing house Sounds True, shares her journey from feeling alienated to discovering a sense of belonging. She delves into her experiences navigating identity in new environments, confronting societal expectations. A poignant retreat on Cortez Island catalyzes her transformation, highlighting themes of connection, nature, and intimacy. Tami's story emphasizes the power of emotional openness and mindfulness, inviting listeners to explore their own paths to belonging.
Jul 15, 2025 • 35min
Creative potential is everywhere, by Jon Foreman
Jon Foreman, a talented land artist, transforms natural materials into stunning ephemeral art, drawing inspiration from the Pembrokeshire coast. He shares how his creative journey ebbed and flowed with life’s responsibilities, showcasing the importance of finding art in everyday moments. Listeners will be captivated by his experiences of blending creativity with parenthood, and how mindfulness fuels his art. The stories remind us that even amidst chaos, creativity can flourish, weaving connections between art, nature, and family.
Jul 8, 2025 • 10min
What kindness means to us
Dive into heartwarming reflections on the power of kindness in everyday life. Listen to personal transformations sparked by small, mindful gestures that uplift connections. Enjoy touching stories, like the joy of sharing Milano cookies and how a simple smile can brighten someone's day. Discover how acts of encouragement in various settings, from hospitals to high school theaters, create a positive ripple effect. Finally, explore the importance of community and the deep bonds that kindness fosters among us.
