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
Jan 13, 2026 • 31min
Move forward without moving on, by Kelly Rizzo
In this heartfelt discussion, Kelly Rizzo, a television personality and storyteller, shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband, Bob Saget. She reflects on the importance of honoring memories while embracing life’s changes. Kelly connects her experience to her father's Sicilian roots, exploring how preservation of memory can coexist with moving forward. She grapples with guilt about letting go of their shared home but finds solace in sharing Bob’s belongings. Ultimately, she learns that one can advance in life without abandoning cherished memories.
Jan 6, 2026 • 37min
Rediscover the roots of your joy, by Dr. Kwane Stewart
Dr. Kwane Stewart, a dedicated veterinarian and CNN's 2023 Hero of the Year, shares his journey from burnout to rediscovering joy in veterinary care. He recounts his inspiring veterinary school experience and a pivotal encounter with a homeless man and his sick dog that reignited his passion. Kwane discusses how treating small cases can have a big impact, leading him to set up outdoor free clinics that embody the fundamentals of care. Through these experiences, he reflects on the importance of returning to the basics to sustain joy in one's work.
Dec 30, 2025 • 30min
It's ok to be wrong, by Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin, a happiness expert and author, shares her journey of understanding that happiness is not one-size-fits-all. Through a chance encounter with a woman who rejects traditional habits, she reflects on how different life approaches create unique paths to fulfillment. Gretchen discusses the personal nature of habits, contrasting marathoners and sprinters in work styles, and admits to embracing varied methods instead of enforcing her own. Her insights encourage listeners to explore personal definitions of happiness and self-acceptance.
Dec 23, 2025 • 13min
Feeling safe, sound, and at peace while you travel, by Rohan Gunatillake
Travel can be a source of stress, but simple mindfulness techniques can ground you. Rohan discusses the stressors of holiday travel, from logistics to crowds. He introduces a meditation that helps anchor your mind by naming your departure city and destination. The practice encourages relaxation through awareness of bodily sensations and surrounding sounds. Listeners learn to soften tension and find safety in the present moment, making every journey more peaceful.
Dec 16, 2025 • 33min
Who is leading who? by Beth Lisick
Beth Lisick, an author and co-founder of the Porchlight storytelling series, shares her transformative experience caring for Bill, a man with frontotemporal dementia. As she navigates chaotic outings and embraces the spontaneity of their adventures, she learns about compassion, the hidden struggles of others, and the beauty of small joys. Their time together reveals profound insights into grief, presence, and mutual healing, ultimately reshaping her perspective on care and connection.
Dec 9, 2025 • 38min
Let the symphony of life unfold all around you, by Matthieu Ricard
Matthieu Ricard, a Buddhist monk and compassionate humanitarian, dives into his transformative journey with Tibetan teachers. He shares moments of awe and how his train trip to India intensified his desire to learn from these masters. Matthieu emphasizes the beauty of surrendering to life’s experiences, basking in the profound presence of his teacher, Kangyur Rinpoche. He reflects on the simple yet rich life of a disciple, the significance of a qualified guide, and the lasting impact of presence even after loss.
Dec 2, 2025 • 39min
The beetle and the whale, by Tom Mustill
Tom Mustill, a nature filmmaker and writer known for highlighting wildlife conservation, shares an astonishing tale of a near-death encounter with a humpback whale while kayaking. This moment profoundly shifts his perspective, reminding him of the wonder in nature beyond the lens. He reflects on childhood lessons of empathy and responsibility, the pursuit of capturing wildlife, and the importance of personal storytelling. Ultimately, he reveals how parenthood reignites his curiosity and encourages a deeper connection with the natural world.
Nov 25, 2025 • 31min
Home will be with me wherever I go, by Nadia Owusu
Nadia Owusu, a Ghanaian-American writer, shares her journey of identity and belonging shaped by her childhood as the daughter of a UN diplomat. She recounts stepping off the plane in Ghana after 19 years, experiencing a mix of nostalgia and novelty. Through family ties and traditions, she reflects on her connection to her heritage, from sensory memories at a roadside market to the joyful embrace from her grandmother. As she participates in familial celebrations, Nadia discovers that home is not just a place but a living culture she carries within her.
Nov 18, 2025 • 38min
Magic is a serious business, by Gracia María
Gracia María, a modern-day medicine woman rooted in Peruvian traditions, shares her powerful journey of healing and family reconnection. She reflects on the joy of dancing with her father and the pain of childhood trauma, including her brother's disappearance. Gracia discusses her path to becoming a healer through plant medicine and the challenges of family misunderstanding her spiritual calling. After her father's passing from COVID, she leads a heartwarming ceremony, illustrating the magic and commitment needed in her work, even after loss.
Nov 11, 2025 • 37min
The strength we seek is all around us, by Mirna Valerio
As a runner of marathons and ultramarathons, author and advocate Mirna Valerio knows a thing or two about finding reserves of power within herself. When she makes the decision to leave her job as an educator and build a new career around inclusivity in the running world, she must find a different kind of strength to take action and learns that it’s always there for her, even when her fear doesn’t go away.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
