Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg - Be Here Now Network

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 236 – Sameet Kumar Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

For episode 236, Sharon is in conversation with Sameet Kumar, Ph.D. Sameet is the clinical psychologist for the Memorial Cancer Institute.

Sameet specializes in working with cancer patients and their caregivers. He is the author of Grieving Mindfully, The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination. He is part of a new anthology, coming out in May of 2024 from New Harbinger Publications, How to Grieve What We’ve Lost.

In this episode, Sharon and Sameet discuss:

How Sameet came to grief counseling
American culture’s denial of the first noble truth
The human experience of pain/pleasure
Grief is whatever it is to you
The non-existent timeline for grief
Widening the scope of what losses affect us
The tools of ACT, CBT and Mindfulness for grief
Sameet’s new anthology book
Dampening the grief stress response
Sameet’s support of COVID front-line workers
Working with add-ons
The role of Ram Dass in Sameet’s life

Sameet closes the conversation with a guided meditation on the refuge tree. You can learn more about Sameet’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.

Ep. 235 – Suneel Gupta Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

For episode 235, Sharon speaks with Suneel Gupta.

Suneel is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series. He studies leaders around the world to discover and share simple, actionable habits that lift our performance, deepen our state of well-being, and guide us further into our dharma. His latest book, “Everyday Dharma: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do” was released in the Fall of 2023 from Harper Collins.

In this episode, Suneel and Sharon discuss:

Suneel’s definition of dharma
How we express our core truth
Dr King’s Street Sweeper story
Suneel’s life path with failure
The wisdom of Suneel’s Grandfather
Suneel’s journey of identity as a brown-skinned man
Writing as a therapeutic form
Arrival fallacy
Eight pillars of Suneel’s book Everyday Dharma
The path is cyclical, not linear
Dharma as the bedrock on your life
How Suneel defines success
Asking what makes you come alive?
Howard Thurman’s wisdom
Tuning into space
Vulnerability promoting connection

Suneel closes the conversation with a short reading from his book. You can learn more about Suneel’s work and get a copy of Everyday Dharma on his website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 234 – Dan Harris Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

For episode 234, Sharon speaks with author and podcast host, Dan Harris.

Dan is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, about a fidgety, skeptical news anchor who finds meditation. He’s also the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and the co-founder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app. For 21 years, he worked at ABC News, where he anchored such shows as Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America.

In this episode, Dan and Sharon discuss:

The new edition of Ten Percent Happier
What has changed in the meditation space in the last decade
The line between cynicism to skepticism
The climate of despair and nihilism
Working with the inner critic
Dan’s drug-fueled panic attack on-air
Big life changes are not often a straight shot
Dan’s path finding meditation
The Jew-Bu movement towards Asia
The connection of Dan’s father and Joseph Goldstein’s family
Dan meeting Mark Epstein
The first time Sharon saw Birkenstocks
Dan’s first meditation retreat
How lovingkindness has affected Dan
“The Way of the Worrier” list from Ten Percent Happier
Dan’s son teaching lovingkindness meditation

Dan closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Dan’s work and get a copy of Ten Percent Happier, the newly reissued book on his website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Jenny Taitz Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

For episode 233, Dr. Jenny Taitz returns to the Metta Hour. Jenny is a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Jenny completed her fellowship in psychology at Yale University School of Medicine and achieved board certifications in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. In addition to treating clients in her private therapy practice, LA CBT DBT, she is the author of How to Be Single and Happy and End Emotional Eating. Her new book, Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.

In this episode, Sharon and Jenny discuss:

Jenny’s new book, Stress Resets
Acute versus chronic stress
Learning how to put stress down
The distinction between stress and trauma
How stress affects the body
Preventing a stress snowball
Cultivating agency in dealing with stress
The role of acceptance in stress
Working with causes and conditions
Stress resets versus stress buffers
Emotions come in waves
Coherent breathing
Creating an anti-depressant lifestyle

Jenny closes the conversation with a guided mindfulness practice.

You can learn more about Jenny’s work and get a copy of her new book, Stress Resets, on her website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 232 – Cecilia B. Loving Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

For episode 232, Cecilia B. Loving returns to the Metta Hour. Cecilia is an award-winning speaker, belonging and inclusion thought leader, consultant and author, who serves as the Senior Vice President Head of DEI for PBS.

Her work in restorative justice, storytelling, inclusive leadership, racial inclusion, mindfulness, and well-being helps redefine the importance of self-care and self-empowerment to create a positive and holistic environment for everyone. This is Cecilia’s second appearance on the Metta Hour. Her first appearance was in 2022 with Episode 192, which you can hear right here.

In this episode, Sharon and Cecilia discuss:

Cecilia’s new book, Connecting Through Circles
The concept of "connecting through circles"
How circles differ from other conversation
The necessity of belonging
The science that backs social bonding
The Ministry of Forgiveness
Desmond Tutu’s personal style
Empathy as a path to transformation
Moving beyond “Us” versus “them” mentality
Cecilia’s approach to DEI at PBS
The ripple affect of DEI in the world
Vicarious Trauma
Lovingkindness Meditation

Cecilia closes the conversation with a guided circle meditation. You can learn more about Cecilia’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.

Ep. 231 – Sharon Salzberg’s Meditative Story hosted by Rohan Gunatillake Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

For episode 231 of the Metta Hour, Sharon Salzberg shares the journey of her spiritual life with the host of Meditative Story, Rohan Gunatillake.

This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World.

In this immersive blast to the past, Sharon Salzberg reflects on:

Her first trip to India
How disappointments and discomforts can lead to self-discovery
Being kind to ourselves and allowing slip-ups to happen
The initial meeting of Sharon Salzberg and Joseph Goldstein
Goenka’s non-verbal advice to Sharon and how laughter can release fear and anger
Reorienting ourselves when we veer off course

This episode closes with a guided meditation. Visit meditativestory.com to find our more information about the Meditative Story Podcast and how you can subscribe for more stories like this one!

“It will take a while before I learn that the skillful response to feeling anger is to feel it, and then, even to take an interest in it. I don’t have to let it carry me into action that I may regret. I already feel the lesson that life is teaching me over and over again: we all face challenges. It’s how we become who we are. You don’t have to judge yourself all the time. Give yourself a break.” – Sharon Salzberg

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 230 – Roshi Joan Halifax Jan 02, 2024

Show notes

For episode 230 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with her longtime friend, teacher and author, Roshi Joan Halifax, Ph.D.

Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, the founder and head teacher of the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM, a social activist, author, and in her early years was an anthropologist. She is also a pioneer in the field of end-of-life care. Some of her books include: The Human Encounter with Death (with Stanislav Grof) and her most recent, Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet, and the 2023 card deck from Shambala Publications, In a Moment, In a Breath.

In this episode, Sharon and Roshi discuss:

The impetus for Roshi’s new card deck
How Roshi came to contemplative practice
The impact of COVID on inner life
Deconstructing being a beginner
How the elements correlate to Roshi’s card deck
Grounding into the body
The nuanced work of caregivers
The Brahma Viharas
Equanimity as a form of inclusiveness
Using ideology to avoid feeling
Strong back, soft front
Not cultivating a mind of poverty
Radical Inclusion
Watering the good seeds
Ram Dass in his last years
Space and wisdom

Roshi closes the conversation with a short guided meditation on Ocean Mind.

To learn more about Roshi’s work, you can visit her website right here or the website for the Upaya Zen Center right here and get yourself a copy of her new card deck, In A Moment, In a Breath, right here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 229 – Jerry Colonna Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

For episode 229 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with teacher, author, and CEO whisperer Jerry Colonna for his second appearance on the podcast to talk about his new book, Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong.

Jerry is the CEO and co-founder of the executive coaching firm Reboot.io. A highly sought-after coach and speaker, he is also the author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up. For more than 20 years, he has used his experiences as a CEO, investor, journalist, college professor, and coach to help people lead with humanity, resilience, and equanimity. Please be aware this episode contains mention of sexual assault.

In this episode, Sharon and Jerry discuss:

Being a first responder to suffering
Being content in the face of suffering
How Jerry came to belonging as a book topic
Belonging as being at home in one’s existence
Being included, accepted, and celebrated
How to cultivate belonging as a skill
A new definition of leadership
How hungry ghosts affect leaders and communities
Free speech versus right speech
Jerry’s family history
How untold stories affect us
What propels reunion

Jerry closes the conversation with a reading of Poem 41 by bell hooks. To learn more about Jerry’s work, you can visit his website and get yourself a copy of his new book, Reunion, right here.

----

In a world that often feels like it's teetering on the edge, it's not surprising that so many of us grapple with feelings of instability and overwhelm.

On Tuesday, December 19th, join acclaimed Buddhist meditation teachers Sharon Salzberg and Ethan Nichtern for a free online conversation on staying grounded, available, and engaged, even when the world is on fire.

Sharon and Ethan will also discuss the upcoming Dharma Moon Yearlong Buddhist Studies program and offer their insights on how studying Buddhism can help us show up more fully for ourselves and others during these challenging times.

Visit dharmamoon.com/event for more info and to reserve your free spot!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 228 – Mental Health Series with Richie Davidson, PhD Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

For episode 228 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.

For this sixth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD. Richie is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health.

In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss:

How Richie came to this path
Meeting Daniel Goleman and Ram Dass
How Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreat
The term “Mental Health”
Innate Goodness
Believing in Growth Mindset
A vision of possibility for ourselves
The role of systemic oppression in mental well-being
Intergenerational Resilience
Richie’s four pillars of well-being
Personal mental hygiene
“The road to Lhasa goes up and down” – Mingyur Rinpoche
The value of community and teachers in mental health
Richie driving Mingyur Rinpoche
Contemplative Neuroscience
The Science of Flourishing Course
Richie’s new book project

The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds.

Join Richie’s upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using coupon code METTA20.

Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 988 or (800) 273-8255
Psychology Today Find a Mindfulness-Trained Therapist
Active Peace Yoga with Reggie Hubbard
The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman
Mark Epstein Psychiatrist & Author with a Buddhist Lens
Nalanda Institute Contemplative Psychotherapy Program
Express Yourself Black Man Healing Community for Black Men
Black Boys Om Black Boys & Men Healing & Wellness Education
Cloud Sangha Community For Meditation & Wellness
The Trevor Project Support for LGBTQ Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls Mental Wellness for Black Women and Girls
The Friendship Bench Creating Safe Spaces & Community
Hope for Bereaved Grief Support Groups
Option B Grief, Trauma and Loss Support

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep. 227 – Mental Health Series with Joe Loizzo Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

For episode 227 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.

For this fifth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and meditation scholar-teacher, Joe Loizzo, MD, PhD. Joe is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and Columbia-trained Buddhist scholar with over forty years’ experience studying the beneficial effects of contemplative practices on healing, learning and development. He is an Assistant professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, the founder of the educational non-profit Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, and author of several books.

Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/metta

In this episode, Sharon and Joe discuss: