In today’s episode of Zen Commuter , we take our practice beyond four walls and into the wide embrace of nature. Meditating outside offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—not just with the present moment, but with the world around us. Whether it’s a quiet park bench, a forest trail, or your own backyard, outdoor meditation invites you to soften your senses, anchor your awareness, and find peace in the rhythm of the natural world. I’ll share how to begin, what to notice, and how to embrace what...
Jul 15, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2122
Inside all of us are many voices. Some uplift us, others cast doubt. How can we tell which one is our true guide? Today’s episode helps you learn to distinguish the voice of your higher self from the more reactive inner dialogue. Through body awareness and subtle cues in language, we’ll uncover how to better trust your wisest self. What we’ll cover: Words like “should,” “can’t,” and “always” as markers of inner chatter How your body responds differently to truth vs. fear Meditation as a tuning f...
Jul 03, 2025•15 min•Ep. 2121
Many people feel like they don’t have time to meditate, especially during a busy commute. But what if that commute became part of your practice? Today on Zen Commuter , we’ll talk about how to use your car as a space for mindfulness. While safety must always be the priority, there are ways to incorporate stillness and presence even while driving. Whether you’re parked or driving, there are ways to become still. What we’ll cover: When it’s safe and not safe to engage in meditative techniques whil...
Jul 01, 2025•15 min•Ep. 2120
In today’s inspiring episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lillian Savoie, intuitive healer, spiritual teacher, and author of Fill Your Soul the Feminine Way . Together, we explore how tuning into divine feminine energy can help you move from striving to flowing—creating a more peaceful, purposeful life. Lillian shares her journey from corporate stress to spiritual awakening, and how learning to trust her intuition transformed her life. We dive into the wisdom behind balancing masculine and f...
Jun 19, 2025•53 min•Ep. 2119
On today’s episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Lane Igoudin, author of A Family, Maybe —a beautiful, nuanced memoir about identity, belonging, and the shape-shifting nature of family. Our conversation moves between personal reflection and practical insight, touching on Lane’s writing process, the complexities of chosen family, and how Zen meditation helped guide him through periods of uncertainty and transformation. This isn’t just a conversation about a book—it’s about learning how to sit ...
Jun 18, 2025•46 min•Ep. 2118
On Day Five of our special Tricycle Week, we explore the article "Making Life Your Practice" by Ken McLeod—a deeply practical and inspiring reminder that spiritual growth doesn’t just happen on the cushion. This piece reframes our everyday experiences—both the mundane and the messy—as the very terrain of awakening. In today’s episode, I reflect on McLeod’s powerful encouragement to drop the divide between “practice time” and “real life.” Whether we’re standing in line, facing conflict, or simply...
Jun 17, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2117
On Day Four of our special Tricycle Week, we explore the article "Knowing the Three Fortresses," a compelling piece that offers a fresh lens on inner resilience and spiritual grounding. Drawing from traditional Buddhist teachings, the article introduces the concept of the Three Fortresses—Powerful antidotes to distraction, confusion, and self-doubt on the path of practice. In today’s episode, I share reflections on how these fortresses serve as both refuge and rallying point—helping us meet the ...
Jun 11, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2116
Zen Commuter — Tricycle Week: "Knowing Contentment" by Myozan Ian Kilroy Welcome to another insightful installment of Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter ! Today, we explore the wisdom of Myozan Ian Kilroy in his poignant article, Knowing Contentment . In a world constantly pushing us toward more — more success, more possessions, more striving — Kilroy’s reflections offer a gentle yet powerful reminder of the peace found in appreciating what already is. We’ll dive into how contentment is not complacen...
Jun 09, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2115
The Daily Buddhist by Brendan Barca and Pema Sherpa Today I read some selected passages from The Daily Buddhist. Authors Pema Sherpa and Brendan Barca have written a wonderful book whose essence is in total concert with Zen Commuter. Their book helps us life a fuller, calmer and more loving life by incorporating Buddhist principles and beliefs with our day to day lives. Come listen. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How to connect with others A method for becoming less self-focused Ways for ...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2114
Buddhism in the Everyday: Brendan Barca’s Insights for Modern Life What happens when ancient wisdom meets modern living? In today’s episode, I sit down with Brendan Barca, co-author of The Daily Buddhist , to talk about how Buddhist principles can bring more peace and clarity to your everyday routine. We explore the value of simple, consistent practice and how mindfulness can shift your experience of stress, uncertainty, and daily life. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How The Daily Buddhis...
Jun 03, 2025•40 min•Ep. 2113
Welcome to day two of Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter , where we continue exploring transformative insights from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review . Today’s featured article is The Power of a Quiet Life by Lewis Richmond. In this thoughtful reflection, Richmond reminds us that simplicity and stillness are not just retreats from the world but powerful foundations for inner strength and clarity. Join me as we dive into how cultivating a quieter life can lead to deeper presence, peace, and purpose. Medit...
May 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 2112
It’s Tricycle Week here on Zen Commuter, a time when we explore wisdom from the pages of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review . Today’s episode features a powerful article by Venerable Pannavati titled Encourage Others by Overcoming Your Own Suffering . In it, she shares insight into how our personal healing can become a source of strength and support for those around us. Tune in to discover how facing your own suffering with compassion can inspire others on their path toward peace. Meditation Coaching...
May 28, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2111
Next week on Zen Commuter, we begin our popular Tricycle Week , a five-episode series where we explore and reflect on selected articles from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review . It’s a listener favorite and a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the teachings of contemporary Buddhist writers. Today’s episode offers a preview with “The Kamma of Goodwill” by Thanissaro Bhikkhu, first published in 2022. In this thoughtful piece, we explore three key ideas: how goodwill is an intentional and skillful ...
May 15, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2110
What if the key to handling modern stress wasn’t doing more, but doing less—much less? In this episode, Vedic Meditation teacher Michael Rosenfeld shares how an ancient practice offers surprising solutions to today’s fast-paced life. Discover how stillness can become your most powerful tool for clarity, resilience, and peace. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How Vedic Meditation differs from other forms of practice The purpose of a mantra for bypassing thought How Vedic Meditation helps dec...
May 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 2109
Jeff Patterson, from Portland, OR, USA, has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy and The Yielding Warrior, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. He has published two books and hundreds on instructional videos. Founder of The Yielding Warrior online program and has worked with 1000's of students from...
May 07, 2025•57 min•Ep. 2108
Insight Timer is, without a doubt, the top meditation app out today. With over 3000,000 meditations, talks and music tracks it has everything a meditator could want. And now it’s even better with three new enhancements to help you meditate more consistently, live intentionally and feel inspired all throughout the day. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How to increase your consistency with the streak counter Setting an intention for the day Ways to become inspired Meditation Coaching Schedule...
May 06, 2025•10 min•Ep. 2107
My guest today is Manal El-Ramly, author of Transcending Anxiety: From Fear to Freedom, TEDx speaker ('Why You Don't Need to Search for Your Purpose'), creator of the Mattain Method, and a beloved teacher on Insight Timer. Manal helps individuals overcome anxiety, limiting beliefs, and overwhelm by understanding and aligning their four bodies – physical, emotional, mental, and egoic. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The Four Bodies Cultivating Emotional Intelligence The essence of the Uncon...
May 05, 2025•56 min•Ep. 2106
In this calming and insightful episode of Zen Commuter , I welcomes breathwork and meditation guide Trea Drake for a heart-centered conversation on the power of the breath. Together, we explore how mindful breathing serves as a gateway to inner peace, presence, and healing. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and inspiration to help you deepen your practice and reconnect with the stillness within. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How...
Apr 24, 2025•57 min•Ep. 2105
In this episode of Zen Commuter , I sit down with Dr. Mary Sanders, a skilled energy healer who specializes in helping people recover from burnout and chronic stress. With a unique blend of chiropractic care, energy medicine, and intuitive insight, Dr. Sanders supports individuals in reconnecting with their inner vitality and balance. If you’ve been feeling drained, overwhelmed, or out of sync, this conversation offers powerful insights into how energy healing can be a pathway back to calm, clar...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 2104
Jonah Primo has spent the last 8 years studying mindfulness, meditation and philosophy in order to build practical frameworks that people can apply to everyday life and situations. He hosted the flagship podcast for meditation app "Waking Up", produces Australia's #1 philosophy podcast "Principle of Charity", and has interviewed and worked with neuroscientists including Sam Harris and Anil Seth, Oscar winners including Jane Campion and Emile Sherman, and many more teachers, academics and celebri...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 2103
Today on Zen Commuter , I’m joined by the insightful and inspiring Jodi Rose Gonzales —artist, author, and art therapist. Jodi blends creativity and mindfulness to help others navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace. Her unique approach to healing through expressive art and spiritual reflection offers a powerful path to inner peace. Get ready for a conversation that’s equal parts calming and deeply thought-provoking. Topics Covered: ✅ Defining what creativity is, on one level, and how ...
Apr 04, 2025•42 min•Ep. 2102
Welcome to Zen Commuter ! Today, I’m joined by Leslie Draffin for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of plant medicine, spirituality, and women’s wellness. We’ll explore how microdosing mushrooms can support mental clarity, emotional balance, and even spiritual awakening. Leslie also shares insights on how understanding the menstrual cycle can be a powerful tool for self-awareness and personal growth. Whether you're curious about the benefits of microdosing or looking to deepen yo...
Mar 28, 2025•51 min•Ep. 2101
Welcome to Zen Commuter and day five of Tricycle Week ! Today, we’re exploring a challenge many meditators face— the uneasy relationship with the timer. Whether it’s impatience, restlessness, or the feeling that the minutes are stretching endlessly, the ticking clock can sometimes feel like an obstacle rather than a guide. But what if we could change our perspective and learn to sit with that discomfort? In this episode, we’ll discuss how to become more comfortable with the timer in meditation a...
Mar 26, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2100
Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week ! Today, we’re diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest— laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society’s constant push to always be moving? We’ll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call “being lazy” is actually an intentional choice to be rather than do. Plus, we’ll feature a reading from Working on Laziness by Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, offering a ...
Mar 22, 2025•18 min•Ep. 2099
Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week ! Today, we’re tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us— dealing with toxic people. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here’s the truth: our inner peace doesn’t have to be at their mercy. In this episode, we’ll explore how mindfulness helps us safeguard our power, and respond with...
Mar 21, 2025•14 min•Ep. 2098
Welcome to Zen Commuter and day two of Tricycle Week ! Today, we dive into an important question: Is meditation truly beneficial for young students? Across the country, schools have introduced mindfulness programs with the hope of improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being. But do these programs actually deliver on their promise? We’ll explore key research, including insights from Emma Varvaloucas’ article, Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test , which examines the larg...
Mar 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 2097
Welcome to Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter ! I’m kicking things off with a reading from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review , featuring Thich Nhat Hanh’s insightful article, "Listening to Our Ancestors." In this episode, we explore how connecting with our spiritual and familial lineage can bring wisdom, healing, and a deeper sense of peace. Tune in to reflect on the presence of those who came before us and how their guidance can shape our journey today. Topics Covered: ✅ Three Practices to cultivate lis...
Mar 14, 2025•15 min•Ep. 2096
What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t just for relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for focus, recovery, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for m...
Mar 04, 2025•57 min•Ep. 2095
What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t just for relaxation—it’s a powerful tool for focus, recovery, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for m...
Feb 28, 2025•37 min•Ep. 2094
In this episode of Zen Commuter , actor Matt Drago shares how he stays grounded in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. From his experience on Somewhere in Montana to his personal mindfulness practices, Matt reveals how staying present has helped shape his career and personal life. Tune in to hear his insights on resilience, creativity, and inner peace. Topics Covered: ✅ How mindfulness helps actors stay calm under pressure ✅ Behind-the-scenes insights from Somewhere in Montana ✅ Daily practice...
Feb 26, 2025•56 min•Ep. 2093
