Zen Commuter

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I read Mark Unno's essay "Blind Passions," a powerful reflection on how unseen desires shape our lives and our practice. Together, we'll explore how passion can cloud our vision, but also how, when understood, it can become a doorway to deeper awareness and compassion.   THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please...

While the days have yet to capture that wonderfully crisp Autumn breeze, my mailbox tells me that it is indeed Fall. Well, at least it's on its way; as evidenced by the latest edition of Tricycle Magazine. Without checking the author first, I selected the article that piqued my interest the most. What a wonderful surprise to know it was a familiar name, Christopher Rivas. He is a writer, actor, po...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Steve Olsen, a retired dentist who shares his powerful journey of healing and resilience. After facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis, Steve turned to meditation and the neuroacoustic app nuCalm as vital tools in his recovery. His story is a testament to the power of inner calm, mindset, and the body's ability to heal when supported by intention and pre...

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...

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 ma...

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...

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 t...

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 uncerta...

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...

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 sh...

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...

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 Di...

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...

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 a...

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 y...

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...

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...

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 instructiona...

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...

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 D...

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 dee...

  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,...

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, O...

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...

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 a...