For episode 256, we start off the year in podcasts with a conversation between Sharon and first-time guest Norma Ryuko Kawelokū Wong Roshi.Norma is a thought partner, a strategist, and a teacher. She is the abbot of Anko-in, an independent branch temple of Daihonzan Chozen-ji and serves practice communities in Hawai‘i, across the continental U.S., and in Toronto, Canada. She is an 86th-generation Zen Master, having trained at Chozen-ji for over 40 years. Norma has decades of experience in organizing, policy, strategy, and politics in Hawaiʻi, particularly in the area of Native Hawaiian issues, serving in the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and beyond. In the Fall of 2024, she released the book, “When No Things Work,” telling stories, weaving poetry, and offering wisdom at the intersections of strategy, politics, and spiritual activism.In this conversation, Norma and Sharon speak about:How Norma became an activistTaking the long multi-generational viewHow to face discord by seeing the wholeWhen Norms found spiritual teachingsThe inspiration for writing her bookHow Norma approaches faithCollective versus individual workSharon getting humid in MauiOpening to joy and goodnessMethods to interrupt habitsThe rebuild of the Lahaina fires on MauiThe episode closes with Norma leading a resonant breathing practice. You can learn more about Norma’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elizabeth Gilbert, the New York Times bestselling author of "Eat Pray Love" and "Big Magic", discusses her spiritual journey and the transformative power of creativity. She delves into her twelve-step work with Love and Sex Addiction, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in artistic expression. Liz also shares her insights on navigating the complexities of love and resilience, as well as the significance of self-compassion through her project, Letters from Love. The conversation closes with a meaningful guided practice, encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves.

For episode 254, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Ruth King.This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the sixth episode in this series. Ruth King is the Founder of Mindful of Race Institute, LLC, and is a celebrated author, educator, and meditation teacher. She teaches mindfulness meditation retreats worldwide and develops meditation practitioners at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Society, and the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program. Ruth is the author of several publications including her most recent, Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism From The Inside Out.In this conversation, Ruth and Sharon discuss:Ruth’s first invitation to meditationFirst hearing Jack Kornfield teachThe deep calling to teachInitial misconceptions about meditationRam Dass giving Joseph Goldstein his first teaching jobSharon’s first teaching retreatRuth’s first teaching in the DC areaRuth’s life as a writerArtistry and mindfulnessRuth’s BIPOC teaching & online academyThe season of eldership The process of downsizing and movingLetting go versus not holding onNothing is permanent, perfect, or personalThis episode closes with a guided meditation by Ruth.You can learn more about Ruth’s work right here and get a copy of Mindful of Race right here. Learn more about IMS Online right here. Listen to Ruth’s first episode on the Metta Hour from 2018, Episode 87, right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 252, Cory Allen makes his first appearance on the Metta Hour podcast.Cory Allen is an author, coach, podcaster, and influencer from Austin, Texas. He writes daily thoughts on mindfulness and mental clarity for his large Instagram following, reaching over a million people a week. Cory is the author of two books, his most recent, Brave New You, has just been released from Hay House in 2024 in hardcover, ebook and audiobook formats. His podcast And Then It Hit Me, has over 300 episodes to date.In this conversation, Sharon and Cory discuss:Meditation BarbieCory’s origin storyOpening to greater possibilityCultivating greater agencyStory is everythingKeeping language realHaving an original mindThe importance of self-trustHow our faith evolvesHow Sharon challenges herselfIntuition as an entryway to our deeper selfCory closes the conversation with a guided meditation. You can learn more about Cory’s work right here and get a copy of his new book, Brave New You, right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research and Associate Professor at the University of Texas, shares her insights on navigating burnout. She discusses the myths of self-compassion and its essential role in caregivers' well-being, especially during tough times like the COVID pandemic. Kristin emphasizes setting healthy boundaries and loving your inner critic as crucial practices. She also highlights three key components of compassion: mindfulness, kindness, and interconnectedness, concluding with a guided meditation to help listeners cultivate self-compassion.

For episode 251, Ethan Nichtern returns to the Metta Hour to talk about his new book, Confidence: Holding Your Seat through Life’s Eight Worldly Winds.Ethan is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and the host of The Road Home Podcast. He is the author of several books, including The Road Home, and has been featured by CNN, NPR, the New York Times, Vogue, and Business Insider, and more.In this conversation, Sharon and Ethan discuss:What Ethan’s been up to the past 7 yearsWhat inspired Ethan’s new bookThe image of tube peopleThe dichotomy of hope/fearThe eight vicissitudesEthan’s definition of equanimityHolding Your SeatLearning to stay with your own mindThe positive sense of prideConfidence as self-respectBuilding confidence if trauma is presentWindow of ToleranceThe Four Powers of ConfidenceEthan’s life as a DadEthan closes the conversation with a guided meditation on Raising Windhorse. You can learn more about Ethan’s work and get a copy of his new book, Confidence, right here. Listen to Ethan’s Road Home Podcast right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 250, Reggie Hubbard returns to the Metta Hour podcast to talk about Election Stress.Reggie is a certified yoga and meditation teacher and the founder/chief serving officer of Active Peace Yoga. He has taught Members of Congress, Congressional Staff, major labor unions, leading progressive organizations, and individuals from all walks of life the simple tools for managing stress and bringing peace to mind, body, and spirit. Reggie’s life work sits at the intersection of bringing more peace and balance to activists; guiding the wellness community toward being more engaged, concerned citizens; and enhancing the well-being of all walks of life.Join Sharon for a 7-day online course that helps us reclaim kindness as the superpower it truly is. Distilling over 50 years of Buddhist teaching into practical, accessible and actionable lessons, Sharon’s course points us to the core of what it means to be alive, connected, and whole. Learn more: Kindness In A Fractured WorldIn this conversation, Sharon and Reggie discuss:Reggie’s recent health emergencyFinding agency to take actionLife is not a raceRecovery processVoting is a sacred actLife in the marginsWorking w/ intense emotionsReggie’s work with systemsBoundaries are our friendsThe sanctity of your nervous systemGrounding into the bodyLovingkindness in activismLess pointing fingers, more opening armsEquanimity supporting the processA daily wellness election checklistSharon’s Ishta Deva, Lady LibertyReggie closes the conversation with a healing sound meditation. You can learn more about Reggie’s work right here. For Election Resources from Sharon, click right here.You can check out Reggie’s previous appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast in Episode 201 right here, that was part of our Mental Health Series.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 249, Anu Gupta returns to the Metta Hour to speak about his new book, “Breaking Bias: Where Stereotypes and Prejudices Come From and - the Science-Backed Method to Unravel Them.”Anu is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, an education technology benefit corporation that trains professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors to advance DEIB and wellness by breaking bias. His first book, “Breaking Bias” is now available from Hay House.In this episode, Anu and Sharon discuss:How Anu became interested in scienceAnu’s childhood being marginalized The Dalai Lama writing the foreword for Anu’s bookWhy Anu chose to write a bookWorking with Oprah & Isabel WilkersonNeuro-decolonizationGrowth MindsetAnu’s PRISM systemThe neuroscience behind PRISMThe impact of lovingkindness meditation on AnuStereotypes: what they are and how they affectThe Night of Buddha’s enlightenmentAnu closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Anu’s work at Be More with Anu and get a copy of “Breaking Bias” on his website right here.Join Sharon for a 7-day online course that helps us reclaim kindness as the superpower it truly is. Distilling over 50 years of Buddhist teaching into practical, accessible and actionable lessons, Sharon’s course points us to the core of what it means to be alive, connected, and whole. Learn more: Kindness In A Fractured WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cortland Dahl, a scientist and meditation teacher, chats with Sharon Salzberg about his new book, “A Meditator’s Guide to Buddhism.” He shares his unique journey, from his transformative experiences in Tibet to reclaiming the meaning of devotion. Cortland discusses Eastern and Western cultural differences and the profound impact of the Four Noble Truths. He reflects on patience and personal transformation through mindfulness. The conversation wraps up with a serene guided meditation on Open Awareness.

For episode 247, we are continuing the Fireside Chat Series on the Metta Hour with guest Joseph Goldstein.This series features intimate conversations with longtime dharma teachers about the early days of their practice and the most impactful moments with their own teachers. Hosted by IMS Online, the fifth episode in this series. Joseph Goldstein has been leading insight and lovingkindness meditation retreats worldwide since 1974. He is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, where he is on the guiding teachers’ Founders Council. In 1989, he helped establish the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies. Joseph first became interested in Buddhism as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand in 1965. Since 1967 he has studied and practiced different forms of Buddhist meditation under eminent teachers from India, Burma and Tibet. He is the author of many books, including Mindfulness and Insight Meditation.In this conversation, Sharon and Joseph discuss:The origin story of founding IMSSharon and Joseph’s first meeting in IndiaJoseph’s apartment in Boulder, COHow Joseph found Munindra, his first serious teacherWhat Joseph loves mosts about teachingJoseph’s first lovingkindness intensiveDipa Ma’s meditative lifeWhat inspired Joseph most about Dipa MaUnifying confidence and humility in ourselvesWorking with the inner critic when teachingLearning how to say “I don’t know”Dudjom Rinpoche and re-incarnationUnderstanding the basis for our opinionsEarly challenges in Joseph’s teachingThe popularization of meditationWhat inspired Joseph to pursue BuddhismTaking delight in being awakeApproaches for self-acceptanceAdvice for new retreatantsYou can learn more about Joseph’s work and many books right here and listen to his Insight Hour Podcast right here. Learn more about IMS Online right here.Listen to Lily Cushman interview both Sharon and Joseph in Episode 199 of the Metta Hour right here or check-out some older conversations with Jospeh in Episode 110 and Episode 47.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.