
Jonathan Foust
Senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Community of Washington and co-founder of the Meditation Teacher Training Institute, Jonathan Foust share weekly talks, guided meditations and inquiries that explore how to cultivate an awakened heart and mind.
Latest episodes

Apr 30, 2025 • 52min
Conversations with Depth Practitioners: “This is the New Normal” with Ray Manyoky and Tara Cassidy
This interview with Ray and Tara explores how to work with the deepest challenges of sickness, old age and death. You’ll learn how Ray and Tara are working with Ray’s diagnosis of glioblastoma a year ago. They speak beautifully of how the practice deepens, how to find steadiness and how to open again and again to love.

Apr 25, 2025 • 48min
The Art of Yes: Mindfulness and the Power of Allowing
Dive into the transformative powers of mindfulness as the discussion reveals how saying 'yes' can reshape your experiences. Personal anecdotes about travel mishaps lead to humorous reflections and deeper self-examination. Discover the RAIN acronym, a tool for heightened self-awareness, while exploring the importance of letting go of attachments. The conversation also touches on the intriguing impact of psilocybin on meditation practices, all framed within a supportive community atmosphere. Engage in a meditation session that invites introspection and connection.

Apr 19, 2025 • 48min
Let Go Now: The Path of Release and Renewal
The classic teaching "Be Here Now" requires that we "Let Go Now" - of everything and anything that is not present. How do we do this? I share some guiding principles of the art of renunciation with practical examples and teachings through the ages. This is the first talk on my podcast, from the fall of 2011.

Apr 8, 2025 • 44min
Four Phrases That Heal: Loving the Unlovable
This talk explores how to consciously direct the inner process of healing and release. Drawing on the classic teachings of Ho’oponopono, it introduces four phrases that guide your attention to: • Taking responsibility for your inner experience • Attuning to the process of release • Reflecting on gratitude and the opportunity to grow • Resting in loving awareness

Mar 30, 2025 • 46min
Beyond the Witness: From Watching to Being
This talk explores the power of self-observation and what lies beyond the sense of self. You’ll learn how the witness can free you from the tyranny of the mind and your reactivity as well as what can happen when you explore being aware of the witness and what lies beyond.

Mar 21, 2025 • 48min
How to Awaken the Witness: From Identification to Observation
This talk explores the liberating factor of self-observation. You’ll learn about how you can cultivate the optimal environment to develop the witness, the near-enemy of the practice and what it means to be aware of the light behind the observer.

Mar 11, 2025 • 43min
Meditation, Psychedelics and the Allure of Spiritual Awakening
This talk explores the theme of ‘ancient future technologies,’ in particular the role of psychedelic-assisted therapy and meditation. You’ll learn about research currently being done, a bit on the history of psychoactive substances in the west, what happens when we alter our consciousness and some of the very real precautions when exploring these medicines. Please note that I urge extreme caution regarding this topic. While there can be profound insights in the wise and regulated use of plant medicines under the care of professional and skilled guidance, there is no substitution for a regular meditation practice, affliction with like-minded people and having access to wise and compassionate guidance in the arena of spiritual awakening.

Mar 7, 2025 • 59min
Practice Questions with Tara and Jonathan, Part 1 [archive]
Given these wild times, it's more important than ever to find ways to keep your practice rich and engaged. Tara Brach adn Jonathan Foust take on a number of real-time questions on practice in challenging times.

Feb 27, 2025 • 42min
Your Obstacles Are the Path: Finding Grace in Difficulty
Discover how personal challenges can enhance wisdom and compassion in meditation. The conversation highlights the value of imperfection as a conduit for growth. Embracing obstacles is presented as a vital pathway to transformation and deeper understanding. A touching story shows how empathy in social media can lead to healing. Lastly, hear about a mother's powerful journey of forgiveness that underscores the transformative nature of embracing life's difficulties.

13 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 36min
Do Unto Others: Mindfulness and the Golden Rule
Discover how the Golden Rule enriches mindfulness and fosters compassion in daily life. Explore the deep connections between empathy and shared suffering, inspired by a touching film narrative. Reflect on the transformative power of kindness through powerful personal stories, including one about a homeless man. Delve into the interconnectedness of farming and technology, stressing how our choices impact community well-being. Each topic invites listeners to cultivate mindfulness and compassionate action in their interactions.