

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

Oct 26, 2025 • 46min
Best of Awake in the World: Don’t Get Stuck on Peace, See Everything as A Dream
 A lively discussion on meditation and the Tibetan Lojong Practices for Training in Compassion. Portland, Oregon. Recorded on December 3, 2016.
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 19, 2025 • 53min
Best of Awake in the World: Turning Things Around
 Tibetan Buddhist Teachings for transforming what’s unpleasant, letting go of grasping, and the 3 treasures of awakening, reality and community. Portland, Oregon. Recorded on December 4, 2016.
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. 

9 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 53min
Best of Awake in the World: Who Am I If Not This Mask?
 Dive into the intriguing world of masks and identity! Explore how personal values shape behavior and the importance of empathy in cultivating authentic connections. Michael dissects the roles we play and the masks we wear, emphasizing that true self emerges when these masks are flexible. Discover practical exercises to notice these masks in daily life and the significance of rituals that elevate ordinary moments. Engage in profound discussions about identity, interconnection, and the quest for authenticity as you navigate the landscape of self. 

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 2min
Best of Awake in the World: I've Stopped: Can You?
 Michael tells the story of Angulimala, a murderer who met the Buddha and changed his ways though was still stoned to death. This teaching illustrates how we are never free of karma and that our conduct always shapes our lives. Recorded Sept 28, 2010.
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. 

14 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 42min
Best of Awake in the World: Buddhas On Blades Of Grass
 Explore the notion that weeds are a natural part of life, reflecting on our reactivity rather than the 'stuff' around us. Discover how every minor issue can reveal potential for awakening. Michael delves into the value of empathy, emphasizing the importance of being present and attentive. Learn how letting go of our reactions can enhance creativity and imagination. Finally, get practical advice on embracing life's challenges with equanimity and reframing personal narratives. 

Sep 21, 2025 • 57min
Guided Meditation: Give way to something else
 Michael Begins with a reminder not to push through practice, but to relax in the present moment. Learn to let go of the expectations of what it means to be on retreat and join with this guided meditation (beginning at 21:00) from the 2009/2010 New Years Retreat, Recorded December 29, 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. 

Sep 14, 2025 • 1h 10min
Best of Awake in the World: Self-Portraits
 Michael dedicates the final evening of this retreat to Alan Ginsberg, whos self-portraits and multi-fauceted expressions have inspired him. He touches on the psychology of always thinking about the dualism between the true self and the self as participants share their own "self-portraits," a six-line assignment given to them during the retreat. Recorded September 12, 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. 

Sep 7, 2025 • 51min
Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness of the Breath & Taking the Backwards Step
 Explore how to cultivate mindfulness and settle agitation for clearer action in life. Discover the power of breath as an anchor for compassion and the importance of non-reactive presence. Engage in a guided meditation that encourages heart tenderness and community connection. Delve into Buson’s haiku to reflect on impermanence and the beauty of embracing life's sorrows without clinging. Join in a journey of transformation through meditation, fostering wisdom and understanding. 

Aug 24, 2025 • 49min
Best of Awake in the World: Learning from the Insentient
 Michael offers a talk on the teachings of the insentient, how the snow and silence can hold hidden lessons. Can you give attention to the way the insentient teaches us? Recorded December 29, 2010.
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 17, 2025 • 26min
Best of Awake in the World: 20 min Guided Meditation for Unstable Emotions
 Take a moment to notice where in your body this emotional state or mood is most present. What physical sensations let you know that you're experiencing this feeling? See if you can observe how the emotion shows up in your body—how it's expressed through sensation and physical experience. Recorded December 2017.
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. 


