

What's This Tao All About?
Tod Perry
A lighthearted Taoism podcast hosted by a journalist and Tao philosopher.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 0sec
Show 101 — Dr. Totton’s passing, Chuang Tzu’s Active Life, and Listener Mail
After nearly two years in hospice care, Dr. Totton has passed away, Tod discusses the aftermath. Later, George talks about how improv classes have helped his Tao cultivation and they dive deep into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on the “Active Life.” Also, a listener asks how they can be more disciplined in their practice.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”

Jul 17, 2025 • 0sec
Show 100 — The Unseen and Detachment
Tod and George dig deep into the writings of Derek Lin to discuss how to interact with the unseen and the power of detachment. Later, they discuss relationships and Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Character.”
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Jun 26, 2025 • 0sec
Show 99 — Faith and Chuang Tzu’s Monkeys
George and Tod contemplate the age-old debate about whether all spiritual practices lead down the same path. Later, they examine the role that faith plays in Taoism and examine the wisdom of Chuang Tzu’s monkeys.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Jun 5, 2025 • 0sec
Show 98 — Mirror Mind and Intuitive Wisdom
Tod and George examine the mysterious concept of the “mirror mind” and how it can help you live in the present moment, and how to make decisions by getting in touch with our intuitive wisdom. Later, they dig into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on “Great and Small.”
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Apr 14, 2025 • 0sec
Show 97 — Radical Acceptance
Prompted by a passage in Derek Lin’s “Tao of Joy” book, Tod and George discuss the Taoist attitude of radically accepting the external world and ourselves. Plus, a listener asks about the difference between Taoism and Buddhism.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Mar 24, 2025 • 0sec
Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality
With the help of some insightful folks from Reddit, Tod and George dive into what it means to age gracefully—without getting stuck in their ways. They also explore their current challenges of cultivating the Tao and unpack the morality of Chuang Tzu through his chapter on apologies.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Mar 3, 2025 • 0sec
Show 95 — The Tao of Play and Chuang Tzu’s ‘Good Fortune’
On this episode, Tod reviews George Thompson’s new movie “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” The two also examine George’s ideas about play and Chung Tzu’s thoughts on the true meaning of having good fortune.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Feb 10, 2025 • 0sec
Show 94 — William Martin, Author of ‘Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching’
Tod Talks with William Martin, author of “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching.” We discuss his transformation from pastor to Taoist, the liberation Taoism offers from societal conditioning, and how it counters today’s constant wave of mediated information. William also reflects on learning from Alan Watts at the Esalen Institute, explores fear and safety, and explains wu-wei, the art of effortless action.
Buy “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching” at Amazon.
William Martin’s website
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Jan 20, 2025 • 0sec
Show 93 — Excess Baggage and the ‘Kingly Man’
Tod and George reflect on Derek Lin’s insights about the unnecessary baggage we carry through life. They also discuss Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Kingly Man,” and George shares practical tips on how we can all let go of our excess baggage.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Jan 2, 2025 • 0sec
Show 92 — Praise and Action vs. Non-Action
Tod and George examine why Lao Tzu says that Tao cultivators should work without looking for praise. Later, Chuang Tzu’s Action vs. Non-Action and David Lynch teaches how to catch the big fish.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days