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
Jan 3, 2025 • 58min
Rewriting The Story I Tell Myself About Who I Am and Who I Can Be
Jackie Alexander, a Chicago-based health science researcher, shares her uplifting journey of personal growth through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. She discusses overcoming limiting beliefs about her identity and capabilities. Jackie highlights how Buddhist practices helped her face academic challenges and embrace opportunities, including studying abroad. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and self-acceptance in redefining one’s narrative and finding belonging, even in the face of self-doubt.
Dec 6, 2024 • 15min
3 Things I Learned This Year and 2 Things I’m Bringing into Next Year
Thank you for an incredible year! Today we’re reflecting back on Buddhability’s 2024 guests and some things we’ve learned from them. We can’t wait to show you what we have planned for 2025. Reach out to us any time at connect@buddhability.org to get connected to a local Buddhist community or ask questions.
Nov 22, 2024 • 53min
The Courage to Live Authentically and Embrace Others
The journey of self-discovery can sometimes be long and winding. Ray Guida, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how he developed the compassion and courage to live as his authentic self. We discuss the ways chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps us face all hardships with hope and what it is like to practice SGI Nichiren Buddhism as an LGBTIQA+ person. Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel.
Nov 15, 2024 • 14min
Buddhist History Pt.3: Buddhism Today
With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode is about how the Lotus Sutra and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are practiced today.Online Articles:About Our CommunityLiving The Lotus SutraEngaged BuddhismBooks:Waking The BuddhaThe Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra SeriesReach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
Nov 8, 2024 • 8min
Buddhist History Pt.2: Nichiren Daishonin and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode focuses on the origins of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhist philosophy and the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.Online Articles:Buddhism Reaches the Shores of JapanThe Teachings of Nichiren DaishoninDaishonin’s Life and LegacyBooks:The Records of the Orally Transmitted Teachings IntroductionThe Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol.1 and vol. 2Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
Nov 1, 2024 • 9min
Buddhist History Pt.1: Shakyamuni and The Lotus Sutra
With so much to learn about Buddhist history, it can be hard to know where to start! This month, we’re doing a short series covering Buddhist history. Today’s episode covers the early history of SGI Nichiren Buddhism.Online Articles:The Humanism of The Lotus SutraBuddhist LineageBooks:The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing SutrasThe Living BuddhaThe Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra SeriesThe Heart of The Lotus SutraReach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 14min
A Psychiatrist’s Experience with Buddhism and Mental Health
Today’s guest, Bora Colak, is a psychiatrist in Brooklyn who struggled with depression for years after graduating from Harvard. When he started to practice Buddhism, something changed deep in his life. Bora shares the story of how he navigated depression, became a psychiatrist, and now uses Buddhism as the foundation for everything in his life. Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel. Resources:Basics of BuddhismBuddhism Applied (Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo)Embracing Buddhism
Oct 18, 2024 • 56min
How I Stopped Tying My Self-Worth to Relationships
Nikki Gonzalez, an experiential designer from Oakland, shares her inspiring journey of cultivating self-worth through Buddhist practice. She discusses how she shifted from seeking validation in relationships to embracing her infinite worth. Nikki reflects on her transformative path during personal struggles, the joy of finding community, and the power of chanting. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and the internal growth that allows for healthier relationships, all while navigating the complexities of self-acceptance and resilience.
Oct 11, 2024 • 12min
Buddhability Short: Refreshing Your Life
Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted? In today’s Short, we talk about how to refresh yourself when you feel pulled in too many directions. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Resources:Sept. 13, 2024, World Tribune, p. 10.May 21, 2021, World Tribune, p. 3.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 446-48.Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
Oct 4, 2024 • 58min
Finding My Path as an Art Therapist
What does it look like to have a fulfilling career? While no one can tell us the best life path for us, Buddhism offers a clear framework for understanding how to live with meaning and purpose. Today’s guest, Paige Asawa of Los Angeles, shares her story of becoming an art therapist and how Buddhism helped her understand how to find a fulfilling career. oday’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel. If you’d like to get connected with your local Buddhability community, contact us at connect@buddhability.orgInstagram: @buddhability
