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
Feb 21, 2025 • 37min
Perseverance is a Skill
What happens when you’ve failed at your goal… more than once? Today’s guest, Ayumi Sasaki, of Detroit, had a big career goal that took two years and many attempts to accomplish. We discuss how her Buddhist practice and community helped her develop the ability to pick herself back up and keep going until she reached the finish line. Resources:Discussions on Youth, p. 24. The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 215.“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1027.
Feb 14, 2025 • 12min
Buddhability Short: What Is Love?
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 learning how Buddhism can help us in relationships and love. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org Episode Mentioned:On Self-Love and Relationships References:Discussions on Youth, pp. 60–67.
Feb 7, 2025 • 58min
Believing in My Family Instead of Trying to Control Them
When we want others to change, we’re at the whim of our environment. One moment we’re happy with their actions and another we’re upset with something they said. Buddhism teaches us that when we work on our inner transformation our environment, including people, reflect that. Today’s guest, Emma Grover, of Oakland, shares how developing herself helped her believe in her family. Resources:Living Buddhism, January 2025, p. 12.The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279.Living Buddhism, January 2021, p. 14.
Jan 31, 2025 • 13min
Buddhability Short: Why Do We Have a Daily Practice?
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 why SGI Nichiren Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org Episodes Mentioned:How Connecting with People Enhanced by Self CareMastering Your Daily Rhythm References:Discussions on Youth pp. 215, 218, 220-21.
Jan 24, 2025 • 44min
Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future
We might have a laundry list of regrets but we don’t have to let them determine our lives today or tomorrow. Today’s guest, Jesse Thompson of Columbus, Indiana, shares how he used his Buddhist practice to overcome shame and create the future he’d always dreamed of. You can also watch the video version of today's episode on our YouTube Channel. Resources:The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 536, 832.Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 107July 11, 1997, World Tribune, p. 14Discussions on Youth, pp. 5, 26
Jan 17, 2025 • 56min
How a Tattoo Artist is Revitalizing Her Community
Buddhist practice empowers us to positively impact our environment. Amber Owens, of Anniston, Alabama, uncovered a deep sense of purpose in revitalizing her hometown’s art culture. Today we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps her continuously return to her “why” when the path to her dream gets rocky.Today’s episode is also available in video format on our YouTube Channel. ResourcesThe Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised editionDiscussions on Youth, p. 172
Jan 10, 2025 • 12min
Buddhability Short: How to face the thing you've been avoiding
In today’s Short, we talk about how to do the thing we’ve said we would do for days, months or years. Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Resources:Discussions on Youth, pp. 98, 262, 395.The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 5, 103.The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol 1, p. 279. Reach out to us at connect@buddhability.org to get connected with a Buddhability community near you.
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.
