Metta Hour With Sharon Salzberg

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

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 deckHow Roshi came to contemplative practiceThe impact of COVID on inner lifeDeconstructing being a beginnerHow the elements correlate to Roshi’s card deckGrounding into the bodyThe nuanced work of caregiversThe Brahma ViharasEquanimity as a form of inclusivenessUsing ideology to avoid feelingStrong back, soft frontNo

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 sufferingBeing content in the face of sufferingHow Jerry came to belonging as a book topicBelonging as being at home in one’s existenceBeing included, accepted, and celebratedHow to cultivate belonging as a skillA new definition of leadershipHow hungry ghosts affect leaders and communit

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 pathMeeting Daniel Goleman and Ram DassHow Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreatThe term “M

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/mettaIn this episode, Sharon and Joe discuss:The conflict in the Mid

For episode 226 of the Metta Hour, we’re bringing you an episode from the Ten Percent Happier Podcast in which Dan Harris interviews Sharon about her brand new book, “Finding Your Way.”You can get a copy of “Finding Your Way” in hardcover or ebook formats at our website. Dan Harris is a former ABC News anchor who, after reporting all over the world, experienced an on-air panic attack while hosting Good Morning America. Despite initial misgivings, he turned to meditation and changed his life for the better. He is the author of the book “10% Happier,” a #1 New York Times bestseller, and the Ten Percent Happier podcast host.In this conversation, Sharon and Dan discuss:• The impetus for Sharon’s new book• What Sharon means by “an authentic life”• Learning to be your own BFF• How the notion of self-love squares with the Buddhist notion of emptiness• Why it can be harder to receive love and help than to give itTo hear more episode of the Ten Percent Happier Podcast or App, visit their

For episode 225 of the Metta Hour, Sharon welcomes New York Times bestselling author Katherine May.Click here to learn more about Sharon’s new book, Finding Your Way, available Oct 10th!Katherine May is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster. Her most recent book, “Enchantment: Awakening Awe in an Anxious Age” was an instant New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller. Her internationally bestselling hybrid memoir “Wintering” was adapted as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week. Katherine’s podcast, How We Live Now, ranks in the top 1% worldwide, and she has been a guest presenter for On Being’s The Future of Hope series. Katherine lives with her husband, son, two cats, and a dog. She loves walking, sea-swimming, and pickling slightly unappealing things.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/mettaIn this conversation, Sharon and Katherine discuss:Coming into cont

For episode 224 of the Metta Hour, Sharon sits down with Susan Bauer-Wu to talk about her new book, A Future We Can Love: How We Can Reverse the Climate Crisis with the Power of Our Hearts & Minds.Susan is an organizational leader, clinical scientist, and mindfulness teacher whose lifework has been dedicated to alleviating suffering and fostering well-being through contemplative wisdom. Susan  is the president of the Mind & Life Institute and deeply committed to the care of our planet and to policies and personal actions that will ensure a future we can love for our children and grandchildren.In this conversation, Sharon and Susan discuss:Susan’s early career in HealthcareAuthentic Presence & Compassion How Susan connected to climate workInterconnection means we’re the problem & solutionThe genesis for Susan’s book, A Future We Can LoveThe meeting of H.H. the Dalai Lama and Great ThunbergThe Dalai Lama’s history as a climate activistHow writing the book affected S

For episode 223 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 fourth episode of the series, Sharon speaks with neuroscientist, artist, and activist Dr. Sará King.Sará is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Public Health at the T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion in Human Health and Social Justice at UCSD. She is also the co-director of Mobius, a home for the development of Liberatory Technology, and the founder of MindHeart Collective. In 2022, she was also named one of the “10 Most Powerful Women in Mindfulness” by Mindful Magazine.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/mettaIn this conversation, Sharon and Sará discuss:• Sará’s personal history that shaped her p

For episode 222 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are closing out the Real Life Series to celebrate Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.”This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Andrés Gonzalez, Ali, and Atman Smith, recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit.Andy, Ali, and Atman co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation, a non-profit organization bringing yoga, meditation, and breath-work to thousands of at-risk kids in Baltimore schools since 2001. Their work has received wide national attention due to their remarkable results in public schools where suspension rates plummet and graduation rates skyrocket. Outside of the Holistic Life Foundation, Ali, Atman, and Andy also teach to diverse populations worldwide, including drug treatment centers, mental crisis facilities, homeless shelters, and Yoga, Wellness, and Mindfulness Festivals. Their first book, “Let Your Light Shine” was published in 2022 by Penguin Random House.To learn more about Andy, Ali, and Atman’s work, you ca

For episode 221 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing the Real Life Series in celebration of Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.” In this conversation, Sharon and Daisy Hernández speak about the emergence of equanimity on the spiritual path and the dawning of clarity.This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Daisy Hernández, recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/mettaDaisy Hernández is a Journalist, Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Northwestern University and the author of The Kissing Bug, which won the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award and was selected as an inaugural title for the National Book Foundation’s Science + Literature Program. Her memoir A Cup of Water Under My Bed won the IPPY Award for best coming-of-age memoir and Lambda Literary’s Dr. Betty Berzon Emerging Writer Award.To lear

For episode 220 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing the Real Life Series celebrating Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.”This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Mark Epstein, recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit.Real Life, the book that inspired this series, is now available from Flatiron Books in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more about the book or get a copy, you can visit Sharon’s website here.Mark Epstein is a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City and the author of a number of books about the interface of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including Thoughts without a Thinker, Going to Pieces without Falling Apart, Going on Being, and his newest work The Trauma of Everyday Life. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University and is currently Clinical Assistant Professor in the Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis at New York University.To learn more about Mark’s work, y

For episode 219 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing the Real Life Series celebrating Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.”Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/mettaJoél Leon is a storyteller, performer, poet, musician, and author who proudly hails from The Bronx. He is an alumnus of the famed Creative Collective NYC Creative Class and has gone on to win The BCA Bronx Recognizes Its Own Award in Poetry. In addition, he has authored the acclaimed books - “Book About Things I Will Tell My Daughter” and “God Wears Durags, too.” Joél is currently a Creative Director at the New York Times’s T Brand Studio.To learn more about Joél’s work, visit him on Instagram and other socials: @iamjoelleonThis interview features a conversation between Sharon and Duncan Trussell, recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19

For episode 218 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing the Real Life Series celebrating Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.” This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Valarie Kaur, recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit.Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, innovator, and best-selling author of  “See No Stranger.” In Fall 2022, President Biden honored Valarie at the White House in the first-ever Uniters Ceremony, naming her as one of 16 leaders whose work is healing America. Her work has ignited a national movement to reclaim love as a force for justice.Today, she leads the Revolutionary Love Project to inspire and equip people across America to build community.To learn more about Valarie’s work, visit her website at valariekaur.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 217 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing the Real Life Series celebrating Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.” This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Dr. Gabor Maté about states of contraction and how that relates to addiction. Recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit. Gabor Maté is a renowned speaker and bestselling author. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Gabor worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in over thirty languages, Gabor is sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship between stress and illness. His latest book, released in 2022, is titled the Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture. In this conversation, Gabor and Sharon speak about states of contraction and how that relates to addiction.To le

For episode 216 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing the Real Life Series celebrating Sharon’s new book by the same name, “Real Life.” In this conversation, Duncan and Sharon speak about states of contraction. How we get stuck there and how to find our way back to a place of openness and curiosity.This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Duncan Trussell, recorded for the Living An Authentic Life Summit.Duncan Trussell is a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and actor. His popular podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour, has been downloaded over 25 million times and is known for its blend of humor, fringe ideas, eclectic guests, and great interviews. The DTFH is the foundation for Duncan’s Netflix animated series, The Midnight Gospel, which he co-created with Pendleton Ward in 2020. To learn more about Duncan’s work, visit his website at duncantrussell.com. This is Duncan’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.Sharon's newest book, Real Life, is now available from Flat

For episode 215 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing a special series celebrating Sharon’s new book, “Real Life.” In this conversation, Courtney and Sharon speak about expansion and the challenges and rewards of working for the common good.This conversation between Sharon and Courtney E. Martin was pulled from the Living An Authentic Life Summit. Courtney E. Martin is the author of four books, most recently, Learning in Public: Lessons for a Racially Divided America from My Daughter’s School, and a popular newsletter, Examined Family. She’s also the co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, FRESH Speakers, and the Bay Area chapter of Integrated Schools, as well as the Storyteller-in-Residence at The Holding Co. She has written frequently for The New York Times, On Being, and other publications.Sharon's newest book, Real Life, is now available from Flatiron Books in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. To learn more about the book or get a copy, you can visit Sharon’s webs

For episode 214 of the Metta Hour, we continue our Mental Health Series with teacher and author George T. Mumford.In this series, Sharon is speaking with teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health, applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. This multi-part series aires every other week in the coming months. In this episode, Sharon is joined by author and teacher George T. Mumford, a.k.a. The Mindfulness Performance Whisperer.George Mumford is a highly acclaimed and leading expert in sports psychology & performance. Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships. George is the author of “The Mindful Athlete” and his 2023 book, “Unlocked: Embrace Your Greatness, Find the Flow, Discover Success.” In this conversation, George and Sharon discuss:• George’s mental health journey• Looking at mental health as a spectrum• The myth that mental illness is rare• Transforming roadblocks into stepping stones• The public stigma for athletes• Le

For episode 213 of the Metta Hour Podcast, we are continuing a special series celebrating Sharon’s new book, “Real Life.” This interview features a conversation between Sharon and Anu Gupta, pulled from the Living An Authentic Life Summit.Anu Gupta is a human rights lawyer, social scientist, educator, and the Founder of BE MORE with Anu. He has dedicated himself to finding solutions to bias through two decades of original research, fieldwork with diverse communities globally, and 10,000 hours of meditation practice. Anu has written and spoken extensively, including on the TED stage, the Oprah Conversation, Fast Company, and Newsweek. In this conversation, Sharon and Anu discuss the theme of contraction from Sharon’s new book, Real Life.To learn more about Anu’s work, you can visit his website at bemorewithanu.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For episode 212 of the Metta Hour, we continue our Mental Health Series with meditation teacher and author Kimberly Brown.In this series, Sharon is speaking with teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health, applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice. This multi-part series aires every other week in the coming months. In this episode, Sharon is joined by author and meditation teacher Kimberly Brown. Kim is a guide to the transformative power of compassion and love, interpreting traditional Buddhist techniques into accessible and relevant practices for modern life.Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/mettaKimberly Brown is a meditation teacher and the author Steady, “Calm, and Brave” and “Navigating Grief And Loss,” both published by Prometheus Books. In this conversation, Kim and Sharon discuss:• Kim’s first education about Mental Health• To