The Way Out Is In
Plum Village
This podcast series is aimed at helping us to transcend our fear and anger so that we can be more engaged in the world in a way that develops love and compassion.
Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphy ‘The Way Out Is In” highlights that the way out of any difficulty is to look deeply within, gain insights and then put them into practice.
"The Way Out is In" is co-hosted by Brother Phap Huu, Thich Nhat Hanh's personal attendant for 17 years and the abbot of Plum Village's Upper Hamlet, and Jo Confino, who works at the intersection of personal transformation and systems change.
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App and Global Optimism, with support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.
Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphy ‘The Way Out Is In” highlights that the way out of any difficulty is to look deeply within, gain insights and then put them into practice.
"The Way Out is In" is co-hosted by Brother Phap Huu, Thich Nhat Hanh's personal attendant for 17 years and the abbot of Plum Village's Upper Hamlet, and Jo Confino, who works at the intersection of personal transformation and systems change.
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App and Global Optimism, with support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 38min
Roots and Renewal (Episode #91)
Nho Tran, a scholar and former Buddhist nun in the Plum Village tradition, shares her insights on the evolution of Vietnamese Buddhism. She reflects on her journey of reconnecting with her roots and the significance of cultural identity. The conversation highlights how Thich Nhat Hanh adapted Buddhist practices to meet modern needs while maintaining core principles. Nho also emphasizes the relevance of engaged Buddhism in addressing societal issues and the importance of bridging tradition and innovation in spiritual practices.
8 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 27min
Joanna Macy’s Message of Hope
In this reflective conversation, Joanna Macy, a renowned scholar in Buddhism and deep ecology, shares her profound insights on facing the ecological and social crises of our time. She emphasizes the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, discussing how joy and grief coexist in our lives. Joanna also highlights the importance of presence, mindfulness, and embracing impermanence. Through her personal stories and experiences, she offers a vision of hope, urging connection with the Earth and the transformative power of confronting both suffering and beauty.
10 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 42min
Spiritual Friendships (Episode #90)
Nho Tran, a scholar and former Buddhist nun, joins the discussion with Brother Phap Huu and Jo Confino to delve into the profound importance of spiritual friendships in Buddhism. They share insights from their long-lasting friendship, highlighting the significance of deep listening and presence. The conversation touches on vulnerability, the emotional bonds formed through shared practices, and the transformative power of support during personal crises. Listeners will explore how authentic connections foster personal growth and a sense of community.
May 15, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Three Jewels (Episode #89)
Dive into the foundational teachings of Buddhism with insights on the Three Jewels: the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. Discover how the Buddha serves as a guiding teacher rather than a deity, emphasizing personal awakening. Explore the role of community in spiritual growth, especially in modern society. Learn about living Dharma in everyday life and the importance of openness on your spiritual journey. Reflect on the challenges of individualism and why supportive communities are vital for deeper spiritual engagement, particularly for the younger generation.
6 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 34min
The Four Immeasurable Minds (Episode #88)
Explore the transformative power of the four immeasurable minds: love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Personal stories reveal how cultivating unconditional love can heal emotional struggles and foster deep connections. The significance of playfulness and humor emerges as essential tools for overcoming barriers to connection. Discover practical ways to nurture joy in daily life and how compassion can initiate community change. Learn the importance of empathy and non-discrimination in building a more interconnected and fulfilling existence.
5 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 32min
The Noble Eightfold Path (Episode #87)
The discussion dives into the Noble Eightfold Path, breaking down each element's significance in personal transformation and spiritual growth. The hosts share insights on how to apply these teachings to modern challenges, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life. They explore the importance of right livelihood and mindfulness, highlighting personal stories that inspire authenticity. A guided meditation encourages listeners to cultivate presence and joy in their lives, while the role of community is underscored as vital for emotional stability and support.
28 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 22min
Are You Sure? (Episode #86)
Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the philosophical implications of Thich Nhat Hanh's calligraphy 'Are You Sure?'. The speakers challenge perceptions and assumptions, advocating for an open mindset and deep listening. Explore the transformative power of community and honest feedback in personal growth. Delve into the balance between stillness and chaos, emphasizing emotional awareness and mindfulness. Conclude with insights on finding value in adversity and a guided meditation to foster compassion and presence.
8 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 37min
Zen: Meaning in Simplicity (Episode #85)
Explore the beauty of Zen through everyday moments and mindfulness practices. Discover how simplicity can imbue depth into mundane tasks, illustrated by the life of a toilet cleaner reflecting on joy. Delve into the sacredness of rituals and objects, emphasizing community and respectful living. Humility is discussed as a vital element in genuine connections, contrasting intellectual sophistication with Zen simplicity. Conclude with a guided meditation that fosters gratitude and presence, inviting listeners to reconnect with life's wonders.
Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 39min
Present Moment (Episode #84)
Explore the transformative teachings of a profound Buddhist sutra on living fully in the moment. Hear personal stories of resilience following a devastating fire at a community center, emphasizing the power of grief and collective healing. Discover how mindfulness can guide us through crises, connecting emotional awareness to global challenges. The conversation unveils the strength found in community support and the importance of acceptance in the face of life's adversities, encouraging listeners to embrace the present.
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 58min
The Eight Realizations of Great Beings – Part Two (Episode #83)
Sister True Dedication, a Zen Buddhist nun, joins the conversation alongside Brother Phap Huu and Jo Confino. They delve into the Eight Realizations of Great Beings, focusing on overcoming ignorance, practicing generosity, and embracing compassion. The trio highlights how ignorance fuels the cycle of birth and death, the necessity of treating everyone equally, and the power of empathy in healing relationships. Listeners are encouraged to pursue mindful living and simplify their lives to combat societal issues and foster deeper connections.
