Buddhability
SGI-USA
The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it every day, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 7, 2025 • 11min
Buddhability Short: How long should I chant for?
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about quality versus quantity when it comes to chanting.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org Resources:Which is more important for chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: quality or quantity?The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 123–24, 130.
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 5min
From Starving Artists to Fulfilled Creators: How a Sculptor and an Animator Use Buddhism to Succeed
The gap between our dreams and reality can sometimes feel impossible to close. Especially when our dream means pursuing a field that’s less traditionally “easy” to make a career from like art. In today’s episode we sit down with two full-time artists to discuss how Buddhism helped them become full-time artists without compromising their vision. Our guests are sculptor Brian Enright, of Oakland, and animator and director Leo Matsuda, of LA. We dig into their journey and the many ways Buddhism informs their work.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel
Oct 24, 2025 • 32min
Building My Buddhist Muscle Memory
Enoa Reid, raised on Oahu and active in the SGI Buddhist community, shares how morning chanting and community service shaped his resilience in adulthood. He discusses the impact of discipline on daily life and how challenges in his HVAC career taught him problem-solving. Enoa emphasizes the importance of chanting to maintain positivity and navigate tough times. His volunteer experiences honed vital skills, while his personal growth journey inspires young listeners to embrace their practice and keep pushing through obstacles.
Oct 17, 2025 • 58min
Who Am I After My Loved One Dies?
How can one of the most inevitable things in life still be so shocking and confusing? Oona Friedland, of Berkley, Michigan, shares the story of how she navigated the pain of illness and death, eventually creating new meaning for her life.Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.
10 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 11min
Buddhability Short: Is Overcoming Divisiveness Really Possible?
The discussion centers on the challenge of overcoming divisiveness in personal and societal contexts. Cassidy highlights how complaining can dehumanize others and explores Nichiren Buddhism’s goal of unity for peace. The podcast examines the dual nature of good and evil, emphasizing that intentions shape outcomes. Importantly, it reinforces the idea that everyone has the potential for enlightenment. Practical advice includes chanting to transform conflicts and cultivate understanding, encouraging listeners to seek common ground.
Oct 3, 2025 • 40min
Recognizing My Worth Changed Everything
If someone asked you to identify something getting in the way of your happiness right now, could you? It can be challenging to see ourselves clearly but doing so helps us change our lives. Our guest, Zoie Young, of Phoenix, struggled with self-worth from a young age. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo she came to treasure her life, changing her self-image, relationships, and ability to dream.Content warning: We speak about disordered eating in this episode. Please listen with care.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources:Discussions on Youth, p. 10 July 2025 Living Buddhism, p. 45A Foundation For Your Life, pp. 60–61Through Suffering to Joy
Sep 26, 2025 • 13min
Buddhability Short: How to Handle Societal Stress
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge, we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking handling personal stress brought on by problems in society.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.orgResources:Three Keys On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land2012 Peace Proposal—Human Security and Sustainability: Sharing Reverence for the Dignity ofLife“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 6–30.Hope Is a Decision, p. 5.
Sep 19, 2025 • 48min
Being Unafraid to Change Your Career
There isn’t an expiration date for our dreams. It’s our own limiting beliefs that hold us back from pursuing them. Today’s guest, Jee Hyo Kim, of the Bay Area, set a dream aside and didn’t pick it back up until after she started a career. She shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her develop the self-worth and confidence needed to make the leap.Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel. Resources:You Were Born to Win, pp. 8–9.“On the Treasure Tower,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 299.
8 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 12min
Buddhability Short: Starting a New Life Chapter
Discover how to embrace new life phases with confidence by reflecting on past experiences. Learn to take control of your life's narrative using visualization and Buddhist teachings. Delve into the importance of daily practices like chanting to overcome challenges such as homesickness and self-doubt. Personal stories reveal how spiritual routines can foster resilience and growth, especially during transformative times like parenthood. Find guidance on navigating change with clarity and purpose!
Sep 5, 2025 • 52min
Learning to Love Myself [April 2024]
It can be hard to embrace ourselves when society often makes us feel otherwise. In this episode, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo empowers us to appreciate and treasure every part of who we are.Today’s guest, Joshua Thomas, of Portland, Oregon, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him to live authentically, love his life and encourage others to do the same.References:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 207.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 335–36.October 11, 2013, World Tribune, p. 9.
