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Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Be Here Now Network
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common-sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humour, and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. As one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over fifty years ago, she has inspired generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of fifteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness (now in its second edition) and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her upcoming workbook, Living Lovingkindness, will be released in January 2027 by St. Martin’s Essentials. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed eight million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
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- 5 days ago52 min
Ep. 295 – Caverly Morgan
Caverly Morgan joins Sharon for episode 295 of the Metta Hour Podcast to talk about her book, The Heart of Who We Are.Caverly Morgan is a teacher of awakening, nonprofit founder, speaker, and author who blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern nondual and relational approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Caverly supports others in remembering our true nature—not through more techniques or self-improvement strategies, but through presence, inquiry, and togetherness. The Heart of Who We Are was released in 2022 from St. Martin's Essentials. Her other book, A Kids Book About Mindfulness, was released in 2024. She is a founder of the nonprofits Peace in Schools and Realizing Freedom Together, and has pioneered ways for communities to awaken collectively, making teachings that lead to liberation accessible to all. This is Caverly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Caverly and Sharon speak about:What drew Caverly to the dharmaHer eight years in a Zen monasteryGoing from monastic life to teaching youthCaverly’s definitions of Zen and non-dualityBeing aware of awareness itselfThe shadows of any practiceThe practice of inquiry and togethernessWhat inspired the book, The Heart of Who We AreThe CARE frameworkWhat self-compassion offersCaverly’s work with Dr. Kristin NeffHow personal practice impacts othersMindfulness with young kidsThe Realizing Freedom Together nonprofitAdditional Resources: The episode closes with a guided meditation from Caverly. You can learn more about Caverly’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.
- 2 weeks ago1h 3m
Ep. 294 – George Mumford
Beloved teacher, coach and author George Mumford returns to the Metta Hour for episode 294 to talk about the 2nd edition release of his book, The Mindful Athlete.George Mumford, a.k.a. The Performance Whisperer, is a globally recognized speaker, teacher, and pioneer in sports psychology and performance. Since 1989, he’s been honing his groundbreaking performance and mindfulness techniques with people from locker rooms to boardrooms, Yale to jail — as Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships, helping Michael Jordan transform his leadership, and teaching Kobe Bryant to “just be.” George’s work incorporates principles based in positive psychology, mindfulness, philosophy, neuroscience, the recovery movement, group and organizational dynamics, and spiritual traditions from around the world. This is his third appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, George and Sharon speak about:• The second edition of The Mindful Athlete• George’s three-fold training • Debunking mindfulness myths• Mindfulness versus right mindfulness• The Five Superpowers• How George adapts teachings• Compassion’s role in peak performance• Dissolution of ego for team success• Why George reads a book-a-day• Circular learning style• Ajahn Sumedho’s wisdom• The resilience of the NY Knicks• Finding our enthusiasm• How effort creates energy Additional ResourcesThe episode closes with a guided meditation from George. You can learn more about George’s work right here and get a copy of the second edition of The Mindful Athlete right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 71 George Mumford’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2018Episode 214 George Mumford’s second appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2023 as part of the 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.
- Aug 19, 202650 min
Ep. 293 – Engaged Compassion: Shelly Tygielski
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the ninth and final episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Shelly Tygielski. Philanthropist and social activist Shelly Tygielski has been hailed by individuals ranging from President Joe Biden to Arianna Huffington and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to Maria Shriver. She is the founder of the global, grassroots mutual aid organization, Pandemic of Love and the co-founder of Partners in Kind, a purpose in production equity fund that invests in projects that focus on social impact in entertainment. Her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets, including CNN Heroes, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS This Morning, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. A Garrison Institute Fellow, Shelly has been called one of the “12 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful.org and teaches self-care and resilience at organizations and to audiences around the world. She is also the author of several books, “Sit Down to Rise Up” and “How We Ended Racism.” This is her second appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Shelly and Sharon speak about:• What motivated Shelly to get her PH.D.• The definition of Mutual Aid • Mutual Aid across history• Peter Kropotkin’s view of society • Cooperation vs competition in society• Thriving interspecies ecosystems • How Shelly’s practice has evolved over time• Finding a balance in our compassion• Prioritizing self-care in engaged compassion• How Shelly has let go of her caregiving guilt• The signs that burnout is lurking• Seeing resentment as a signal flare• Shelly’s advice to change-makers• Activism with our own sustainability in mind• Asking for help before falling into burnout• Joy is not an abandonment of responsibility • How Shelly finds joy in nature and with musicAdditional ResourcesThe episode closes with Shelly leading a lovingkindness meditation. Learn more about Shelly’s work and her different books right here. Learn more about Pandemic of Love right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 121: Shelly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2020.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Aug 6, 20261h 2m
Ep. 292 – Engaged Compassion: Rev. Paul Raushenbush
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the eighth episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Rev. Paul Raushenbush. This is his first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. Rev. Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. An ordained Baptist minister, Rev. Raushenbush is a longtime interfaith leader and renowned advocate for civil rights and religious freedom. Rev. Raushenbush has published two books and contributed essays to several volumes on faith in public life. He also hosts the weekly podcast and radio show “The State of Belief,” in partnership with Religion News Service.In this conversation, Sharon and Paul speak about:• How Rev. Raushenbush came to service• The Social Gospel• Rev. Raushenbush’s interfaith family • How spiritual practice can fuel activism• Insisting on joy in moments of great sorrow• Embodying the future we hope for now• Rev. Raushenbush’s POV that we are all neighbors• Figuring out how to help• What inspired this Engaged Compassion series • How art can be resistance• Where Rev. Raushenbush turns for inspiration• The work of Interfaith Alliance • The possibilities of lovingkindness• Rev. Raushenbush’s husband’s new book, “Good Morning Moon”Additional ResourcesThe episode closes with a reflection from Rev. Raushenbush. Learn more about Rev. Raushenbush’s work right here. Learn more about Interfaith Alliance right here, including its many local chapters.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 281: The first episode of the Engaged Compassion Series with Jerry Colonna, released in March of 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jul 21, 20261h 14m
Ep. 291 – Oneika Mays
Author and teacher Oneika Mays joins Sharon for episode 291 of the Metta Hour podcast. For over a decade, Oneika has brought yoga and mindfulness practices to people who have felt left out, judged, and alone— from correctional facilities to retreat centers, from Columbia Law School to Lincoln Center. She is the author of “Sit With Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation,” released by HarperOne in March of 2026, and the co-host of You Good? Podcast with Pamela Stokes Eggleston. This is her first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Oneika and Sharon speak about:• How Oneika’s spiritual journey began• Training with teacher, Kimberly Brown• Metta’s impact on Oneika’s existing practice• The challenges of metta for the neutral person• Working at Riker’s Island Correctional Facility (give this context in intro)• Oneika’s new book, “Sit With Me”• The importance of forgiveness• What inspired Oneika’s new book• Loving people doesn’t necessarily mean liking them• Lovingkindness for oneself as a starting point• Working with the difficult person• The gift of grieving what’s broken• Navigating life within harmful systems• Teaching lovingkindness in prison• The NY Knicks and Collective EffervescenceAdditional ResourcesThe episode closes with a guided lovingkindness meditation from Oneika with added visualization. You can learn more about Oneika’s work right here and get a copy of her new book, “Sit With Me,” right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 212: Kimberly Brown’s interview as part of our Mental Health Series released in 2023.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jul 7, 20261h 16m
Ep. 290 – Remembering Bob Thurman with Mark Epstein
Sharon comes together with Mark Epstein to remember the life of dear friend and colleague, Robert AF Thurman, for episode 290 of the Metta Hour. Robert AF Thurman (August 3, 1941 – June 16, 2026) was an American Buddhist author and academic who wrote, edited, and translated books on Tibet, Buddhism, art, politics, and culture. He was the first Westerner to be ordained as a Tibetan Buddhist monk by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and was the Je Tsongkhapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University before retiring in 2019. He was the co-founder and president of Tibet House US in New York, New York, and Menla Retreat in Phoenicia, New York. In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, there is a 49-day period of mourning after an individual dies, which is considered a transitional “bardo” time. This is a time to honor the individual and support them as they transition into their incarnation through ceremonies, offerings, and prayers. In that spirit, Sharon and Mark Epstein come together to share stories and reflections about Bob after his unexpected death. Mark Epstein, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice in New York City, is the author of a number of books about the interface of Buddhism and psychotherapy, including “Thoughts without a Thinker” and “Going to Pieces without Falling Apart.” His latest work, “The Zen of Therapy,” was published in 2022 by Penguin Press. He has been a student of Vipassana meditation since 1974.This episode also includes an excerpt of an archival recording of Sharon interviewing Bob from 2021. Originally aired on the Metta Hour in celebration of Bob’s book “Wisdom is Bliss,” this recording includes some classic zesty-Bob-banter with Sharon, as well as some wonderful teachings. The recording closes with Bob leading a guided meditation."When we opened the Insight Meditation Society in 1976, we discovered we had a near neighbor, about 40 minutes away in Amherst, MA: Professor Bob Thurman. I’ve felt so lucky to know him as a friend, to have the chance to teach with him through the years, and to collaborate with him on a book, “Love Your Enemies.” Though he was widely known as a dedicated scholar, I was always most struck by Bob as a person of faith in the best sense of the word— faith in each of our potential, in the very real possibility of freedom, in the blessings of lineage and the enormous gifts of people like HH Dalai Lama to the world. Before the sudden, unexpected news of his passing, I noted how much content he was putting on his Substack, what seemed to me almost like a drive to help as many people as he could, to remind us all of hope in these very troubled times. His impact on so many people and the light he spread is so clear right now." - SharonPlease join us as we celebrate and honor a dear friend and dharma teacher who filled our lives with such joy, wisdom, and laughter.Additional ResourcesLearn more about Robert AF Thurman’s life and work right here. Read some of the tributes for Bob right here and via Tricycle Magazine. Tune in to the weekly prayers for via the website for Tibet House US right here. Learn more about the book Bob and Sharon co-wrote, “Love Your Enemies” originally released in 2013 with a tenth anniversary edition release in 2023 in hardcover and ebook formats.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 107 Robert Thurman and Mark Epstein recorded live at Tibet House in 2018, released in the Metta Hour in 2019.Episode 164 Robert Thurman interview on the Metta Hour (partially included in today’s episode), released in 2021.See Privacy Policy at h
- Jun 24, 20261h 19m
Ep. 289 – Engaged Compassion: Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the seventh episode in the series, Sharon’s speaks with teacher Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, marking his first appearance on the Metta Hour.Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi, PhD, is the cofounder and director of the Emory-Tibet Partnership, a multi-dimensional initiative founded in 1998 to bring together the foremost contributions of the Western scholastic tradition and the Tibetan Buddhist sciences of mind and healing. He is also professor of practice in Emory University’s Department of Religion. In 2018, he launched, with the Dalai Lama, SEE Learning, a free compassion curriculum for children. Geshe Lobsang, a former monk, was born in Kinnaur, a small Himalayan kingdom adjoining Tibet. He began his monastic training at the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics and continued his education at Drepung Loseling Monastery in south India, where he received his Geshe Lharampa degree in 1994, the highest academic degree granted in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.In this conversation, Geshe and Sharon speak about:• How Geshe grew up in the Himalayas • Becoming a monk at age 14 in 1974• Geshe and Sharon’s first meeting • Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics• Cognitively Based Compassion Training • What neuroscience says about compassion• Tania Singer’s research work• Richie Davidson’s discovery with neuroplasticity• The inner qualities that are actually skills• Putting compassion into real action• How discernment must guide compassion• Story of the starfish on the beach• How small acts of kindness affect others• Developing the inner disposition for kindness• Is compassion fatigue actually compassion?• The natural reciprocity of compassion • “Compassionomics” by Stephen Trzeciak• Why self-compassion is a struggle• Accepting the human condition• Drepung Loseling Monastery• H.H. Dalai Lama’s SEE Learning ProgramAdditional ResourcesGeshe Lobsang closes out the conversation with a guided gratitude practice from his book, Engaged Compassion. Learn more about Geshe Lobsang’s work right here. Get a copy of his new book right here and explore the SEE Learning Program right here.Help us celebrate 10 years of Be Here Now Network and support the next chapter of Ram Dass Here and Now. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar through June 30. Learn more and give at https://beherenownetwork.com/10years.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jun 9, 20261h 10m
Ep. 288 – Engaged Compassion: Reggie Hubbard
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering?How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the sixth episode in the series, Sharon’s speaks with teacher and change-maker Reggie Hubbard, marking his third appearance on the Metta Hour. Reggie is an internationally recognized yoga and meditation teacher and the founder and chief serving officer of Active Peace Yoga. Reggie's yoga and meditation practice have served as a sanctuary of peace and perspective while navigating the stresses of being a Black man in the world. He has been a featured speaker on new consciousness, racial justice, and civic engagement for leading wellness publications. In addition, Reggie has held many senior strategic and logistical roles across a variety of fields, ranging from global marketing to Presidential campaigning. His life's 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.In this conversation, Reggie and Sharon speak about:• Democracy as call and response• Re-imagining our current circumstance• What Reggie learned from his stroke• The ability to hope is crucial• Wisdom from Joanna Macy • External circumstance is not the end of the story• How spiritual life informs activism• There is no harvest without planting seeds• Reggie’s healing retreats for Men of Color• The challenges men face from patriarchy • Tending and mending grief• The importance of not-being-okay• Compassion versus the rising tides of hatred• “Love’s in need of love today” - Stevie Wonder• Why extend goodwill to those who harm us?• Compassion doesn’t dictate certain actions• Impermanence as a hope in dark times• What sphere of influence can you impact?• Joy as a radical act of self-care• There must be dancing in the revolution• Finding peace amidst extreme challengesAdditional ResourcesTo close out the episode, Reggie leads a gratitude and sound meditation. You can learn more about Reggie’s work right here.Help the Be Here Now Network celebrate 10 years of podcasting and support the next chapter of Ram Dass Here and Now. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar through June 30. Learn more and give at: BHNN 10th Birthday FundraiserSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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About Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common-sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humour, and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. As one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over fifty years ago, she has inspired generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of fifteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness (now in its second edition) and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her upcoming workbook, Living Lovingkindness, will be released in January 2027 by St. Martin’s Essentials. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed eight million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
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