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
Aug 8, 2025 • 47min
Seeing Myself Differently Helped Me Find Good Friends
Today’s guest, Dominic Califano, of San Diego, was a timid kid who struggled to make good friends. When he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, however, he discovered in himself the courage and compassion to develop lasting friendship. In today’s episode, we discuss what real friendship looks like and how we can cultivate the kinds of friendship that help us grow and become happy.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel. Resources:“Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 598.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 106.The Power of Friendship
Aug 1, 2025 • 11min
Buddhability Short: Why aren’t the things I chant for happening faster?
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked about why some things you chant about don’t happen on the timeline you want. Today we’re answering that question!To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.orgResources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 126–28.“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027.
Jul 25, 2025 • 56min
How to Listen to Yourself and Create the Life You Want
It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path.Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 34.
Jul 18, 2025 • 54min
Don’t Let Your Busy Schedule Crush You
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state is joyful and determined, even a mountain is scalable in a day. Today’s guest, Ayu Nakazaki, of Los Angeles, struggled with time management and tying her value to her achievements. Today, she tells the story of how she learned to understand time and self-worth from the perspective of Buddhism. Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources:The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp 35–36.
Jul 11, 2025 • 9min
Buddhability Short: How do 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. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked how to chant about specific issues like relationships and career. Today we’re tackling that question.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.orgResources:How do I chant for ___?“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3.
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h
Can One Person Really Change the World?
Eddie Laiche, of San Luis Obispo, CA, wondered what one person could possibly do about the threat of nuclear war. Today he relies on his Buddhist practice to bring him the hope and courage necessary to take steps toward peace. We discuss the Buddhist view on sustainable change and the vital role one individual can play.You can watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.Resources:“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402.
Jun 20, 2025 • 2min
Announcement: Ask Buddhability!
This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming episode.How to submit your question:1. By voice: Send a voice message to our Instagram DMs @Buddhability or call us at (646) 580-8763. 2. By text: Instagram DM us @Buddhability or email us at connect@buddhability.org.Please send your question by July 4th, 2025. We may select an assortment of voice messages to share on an upcoming episode, so please submit that way only if you are comfortable having it shared on the podcast.
Jun 13, 2025 • 10min
Buddhability Short: How to Not Get Caught in the Perfectionist Trap
Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the Buddhist perspective on perfectionism.To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.orgResources:On the Perfectionist BentThe Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 25–29.Perfection Might be Hurting You
Jun 6, 2025 • 58min
Running Away From Things Doesn’t Make Them Go Away
Markell Holliday II, of Atlanta, had a habit of running away when he didn’t want to deal with something. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and applying Buddhist concepts, Markell felt empowered to take full responsibility for his life. He then could do what it took to transform his relationships—especially with his father. Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
May 30, 2025 • 1h 8min
A Business Expert on The Approach That Changed His Career
Today we’re talking about how we can live the most abundant life based on what is in our hearts rather than the material things we own. Sherman Edmiston III, of Brooklyn, shares his incredible journey to becoming an accomplished business man and the transformative perspectives he gained along the way.Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.Resources:“The Three Kinds of Treasure,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 538, 1027.The Teachings for Victory, vol. 1, pp. 195-96.
