Awake in the World Podcast
Michael Stone
Awake in the World Podcast is a library of talks on a wide-range of topics, including bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience. Michael Stone (1974-2017) was a Buddhist teacher, author, and mental health advocate. His legacy is stewarded by Carina Stone. Podcast funded by Patreon (patreon.com/michaelstone).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 1, 2026 • 46min
Best of Awake in the World: The Authoritarian Structures of the Mind
In this Best of Awake in the World podcast episode Michael explores the “negation section” of the Heart Sutra (no eye, no ear, no nose, no tongue...) and how the story-telling and I-making functions of the mind contract and cling, leading us away from intimacy. Drawing on poems by John Cage and Jack Gilbert he describes the dependent-origination of the self, our tendency to create metaphysical frames, and the paradox of being a parent as exemplified by Krishna’s mother.
Recorded April 7, 2009
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Oct 25, 2026 • 24min
Best of Awake in the World: Guided 20min. Meditation on Receptive Breathing
Guided meditation on Receptive Breathing with Michael Stone. Recorded in 2016 at the Meditation Facilitation Training, Vancouver, 20 min.
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Oct 18, 2026 • 53min
Best of Awake in the World: Standing Motionless
Michael talks about the goal of practice as being yourself. He tells the Zen story of T’ing being slapped and explores trusting yourself, not telling black and white stories about those we love and hate, and how meditation is the same as art. Chapin Mill, New York, 50 min.
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Oct 11, 2026 • 28min
Best of Awake in the World: The Environment in Trauma Awareness ft. Molly Boeder Harris
Trigger Warning: Talks of Sexual/Assault and Trauma
An expansion of the discussion with Molly Boeder Harris as she co-teaches with Michael on trauma sensitivity during the Meditation Facilitation Training in Vancouver, 25 min. Recorded in 2016
If you would like to learn more about Healing Trauma with the Body, we offer an inclusive six-week online course that offers accessible methods for helping the body to process trauma. Learn more: https://michaelstoneteaching.com/product/healing-trauma-with-the-body/
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Oct 4, 2026 • 49min
Best of Awake in the World: Trauma Sensitivity in Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga ft. Molly Boeder Harris
Trigger Warning: Talks of Sexual/Assault and Trauma
Molly Boeder Harris co-teaching with Michael on trauma sensitivity during the Meditation Facilitation Program. Vancouver, 46 min. Recorded in 2016
If you would like to learn more about Healing Trauma with the Body, we offer an inclusive six-week online course that offers accessible methods for helping the body to process trauma. Learn more: https://michaelstoneteaching.com/product/healing-trauma-with-the-body/
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Sep 28, 2026 • 44min
The Middle Path & The Basics of Buddhism
Michael's talk on the core teachings of the Buddha and how they relate to being a self, letting go, repeating the past, investing too much in the future, and being stuck. Recorded on September 28, 2012. Please note, the end of the talk and discussion is cut-off.

Sep 20, 2026 • 48min
Best of Awake in the World: Buddhism Before Religion
The Buddha’s stance is anti-religious in a certain way. He uses what’s in religious practice to undo religious belief. The Buddha creates strategies, not dogmas. The more you go back into the old texts, the further away you get from religion. What we don’t need at this moment is another religion. Instead, perhaps we could engage a living tradition, and uncover the values of these practices. This means having a conversation with the past, while being rooted in the soil of present experience.
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Sep 13, 2026 • 55min
Best of Awake in the World: Zen Koan MU
In this Best of episode, Michael Stone gives his final talk at Centre of Gravity on the famous Zen Koan MU. Michael begins with discussing meditation on the breath and then goes deeply into seeing how practice is about being unconditional with yourself.
Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto on May 6, 2014. 1 hour. This is a “must listen” talk if you’re a podcast regular!
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Sep 6, 2026 • 60min
Best of Awake in the World: Conscientiousness and the Practice of Attentiveness
A dharma "pep-talk" by Michael Stone. Has the powerful but ineffable energy of strong emotions, attachment and aversion reduced us to servitude? A gruff old man takes up yoga and experiences momentary freedom from painful thoughts. Has anyone else been gripped by sorcery lately?
Recorded on February 12, 2013.
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.

Aug 23, 2026 • 24min
Best of Awake in the World: 20 min. Guided Meditation: Receptive Listening
Michael guides a 20 minute meditation. He brings attention to calm and the body. Exploring the balance between vitality and tranquility in the body while allowing the ears to open to the movements of sound.
The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patron, visit: patreon.com/michaelstone.


