Simplicity Zen Podcast

Seiso Paul Cooper is the guiding the guiding teacher for the Two Rivers Zen Community and also for the Realizational Practice Studies Project.  He was ordained as a priest and received dharma transmission from Soto priest Sojun Diane Martin.  Seiso is also a practicing psychoanalyst and is the author of numerous books including his most recent: "Psychoanalysis and Zen Buddhism" which was published March 1st of this year.- https://tworiverszen.org/teachers/- https://realizationalstudies.com/More About the Simplicity Zen Podcast:- https://simplicityzen.com/

 Rev. Edward Keido Sanshin Oberholtzer is a Soto Zen priest and a Dharma heir of James Myuon Ford, Roshi. Edward is a member of Empty Moon Zen, and has practiced Zen for the past twenty years. He is the head teacher of the Joseph Priestley Zen Community. More About Edward: - https://www.josephpriestleyzen.com/ - https://www.emptymoonzen.org/ More About Simplicity Zen Podcast: - https://simplicityzen.com/ 

Taylor Guthrie is Doctoral Student and teacher in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oregon. He runs the The Cellular Republic Youtube channel that makes neuroscience accessible without being dumbed down. In this podcast episode we explore the "Social Self" and its relationship to Buddhism and suffering.Talor's Channel:https://www.youtube.com/ @thecellularrepublic9844  Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/Science of Zen:https://scienceofzen.org/

Shana Smith is an assistant Zen teacher under Valerie Forstman in the Sanbo Zen tradition and a long time Yoga teacher.  She is the facilitator of Florida Sanbo Zen and she continues her studies under Henry Shukman, Valerie Forstman and Ruben Habito.  She is additionally an author and singer songwriter.  More about Shana Smith:- https://oaktreeinthegarden.com/- https://www.facebook.com/events/2836011783210449/2897603463717947More about the Simplicity Zen Podcast:- https://simplicityzen.com/

David Jitsusan Vititoe has been practicing Zen since 2005 and received Dharma Transmission from Fusho Roshi in 2019. Dave is a Lay Monk in the Open Mind Zen school and is a current member of the Lay Zen Teacher’s Association.   He currently lives in Melbourne, Florida.More about David and Open Mind Zen:- https://openmindzenmelbourne.com/More about the Simplicity Zen Podcast:- https://simplicityzen.com/

A high-level look at how and why the brain creates a sense of self-identity and how this relates to the Buddhist concept of the five aggregates.  We also explore why having a self-identity can lead to pervasive human discontentment. For more on the Simplicity Zen Podcast:- https://simplicityzen.com/

Marc Lesser is a Soto Zen priest and head teacher of Mill Valley Zen in Marin County California. He was a resident of the San Francisco Zen Center for 10 years including director of Tassajara Zen Mountain Center.   He received dharma transmission in the Shunryū Suzuki lineage by Dairyu Michael Wenger. Marc is a speaker, facilitator, workshop leader, and executive coach. He is the author of four books, including "Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader: Lessons from Google". His newest book that will soon be released is "Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives".  He is CEO of ZBA Associates, an executive development and leadership consulting company.More about Marc:- https://marclesser.net/More about Simplicity Zen Podcast:- https://simplicityzen.com/

Zen, Martial Arts, Budo and Shugyo - An interview with Rinzai Zen Practitioner Jim TaborJim Tabor is longtime Rinzai Zen practitioner and a founding board member of the Korinji Rinzai Zen monastery Foundation. He is one of the moderators of the Rinzai Zen Discussion group on Facebook.  In addition to Zen training, Jim has been a practitioner of classical Japanese martial arts for the past 30 years including Aikido and Iaido.  He currently holds the rank of Sandan (3rd degree black belt) in Aikido.  Currently Jim is the manager of Crestwood Aikido, a dojo in the south suburbs of Chicago.  As a part of his Zen and budo training, he became a certified Zentherapy practitioner under founder Dub Leigh in 1997. More about Jim: - https://www.crestwoodaikido.com/ - https://www.korinji.org/ More about the Simplicity Zen Podcast: - https://simplicityzen.com/ 

Ruben Habito, founding teacher of the Maria Kan-non Zen Center and former Jesuit priest, shares his transformative journey from Christianity to Zen Buddhism. He discusses bridging beliefs, navigating inner peace amidst global suffering, and the significance of Kensho—a profound shift in perception. Ruben emphasizes the importance of contemplative practices, the value of individual efforts in making change, and the role of koans in Zen teachings. His reflections on spirituality highlight both personal growth and the interconnectedness of all beings.

Dr. Jud Brewer, a practicing Buddhist, is the director of mindfulness research as well as a professor at Brown University.  Additionally, he is the executive medical director of behavioral health at a digital healthcare company called Sharecare.  He has published numerous scientific studies as well as two books.  Those books are the Craving Mind and Unwinding Anxiety.  In this episode, we explore various topics relating to the relationship between Buddhist practice and neuroscience.More about Jud and his Work:https://drjud.com/More about the Simplicity Zen Podcast:https://simplicityzen.com/