Best JD Tierney Podcasts (2025)

1
How Do We Practice in Chaotic Times? - Daigan Gaither 51:34

2M ago51:34

51:34

Even when we see uncertainty and injustice all around us, can we navigate our life with grace and resilience? Daigan Gaither emphasizes that our suffering and confusion are not barriers to practice but the very ground of it. He reflects on how to stay grounded and compassionate during turbulent and overwhelming times, drawing from his personal expe…

1
Practicing with Suffering - JD Doyle 53:49

2M ago53:49

53:49

Rather than constantly trying to escape discomfort, can we engage with suffering as a gateway to insight and connection? In this talk, JD Doyle helps us turn directly toward the ever-present reality of suffering in our lives. Drawing from Joy Harjo’s poetry and personal anecdotes, JD invites us to reflect on how we orient ourselves in a world that …

1
Working with Our Shame - René Rivera 57:01

2M ago57:01

57:01

How large of a force is shame in shaping the behaviors we see in society and ourselves? In this talk, René Rivera gently but powerfully guides us through the terrain of shame, drawing from personal experience, restorative justice work, and Buddhist teachings. He names shame as one of the five primary human emotions and explores how it subtly drives…

1
Dealing with Subtle Forms of Suffering - Vimalasara 55:15

3M ago55:15

55:15

How can we bring mindful awareness to our patterns of subtle dissatisfaction that are also a form of Dukkha? Here, Vimalasara delves into the Buddhist concept of dukkha (suffering), exploring how our habitual reactions to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences can entangle us in cycles of suffering. She emphasizes that dukkha isn't just about ove…

1
Working with Dukkha - Sean Feit Oakes 58:57

3M ago58:57

58:57

In his talk on dukkha (suffering), Sean Feit Oakes delves into the heart of Buddhist teachings, exploring how our habitual reactions to both pleasant and unpleasant experiences can entangle us in cycles of suffering. He emphasizes that dukkha isn't just about overt pain but also includes the subtle dissatisfaction that arises from our resistance to…

1
Making the Best of a Bad Situation - David Lewis 57:35

3M ago57:35

57:35

David Lewis offers gentle guidance on navigating life's inevitable challenges. He emphasizes that suffering, or dukkha, is a fundamental aspect of human existence, but our response to it can transform our experience. David encourages embracing difficulties as opportunities for growth, suggesting that by meeting adversity with mindfulness and compas…

1
Practice as if Everything Matters - Steven Tierney 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

How can we approach our spiritual journey with wholehearted attention day after day? Steven Tierney emphasizes that every aspect of our lives—no matter how mundane—holds the potential for awakening when met with sincerity and care. Drawing from his experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community and his work in recovery, Steven illustrates how integratin…

1
Emotional Liberation - Prasadachitta 57:08

4M ago57:08

57:08

Can we use Buddhist practice to help us navigate emotional experiences? Prasadachitta shares that emotions are not obstacles to be suppressed but gateways to deeper understanding and freedom. By bringing mindful awareness to our feelings, we can uncover the underlying patterns that shape our reactions and begin to respond with greater clarity and c…

1
Remembering Refuge - Melvin Escobar 52:20

4M ago52:20

52:20

In this talk, Melvin Escobar reflects on the Buddhist practice of taking refuge in the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—as a source of strength and solace in challenging times. He emphasizes that seeking refuge is not about escaping difficulties but about turning towards trustworthy sources of guidance and support. Melvin shares …

1
Distorted Perceptions - Kevin Griffin 50:37

4M ago50:37

50:37

Do our interpretations of reality contribute to our suffering? In this talk, Kevin Griffin emphasizes that our minds often construct narratives based on past experiences, leading to distorted views of the present. By recognizing these patterns, we can begin to see things more clearly and respond with greater wisdom and compassion. Kevin offers pra…

1
Taking Refuge in the Present Moment - Laura Burges 51:30

5M ago51:30

51:30

If we cannot find stability in external circumstances, where do we turn? Laura Burges shares that we can find solace within the immediacy of our own experience. She reflects on the traditional Buddhist practice of "taking refuge"—in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—and reimagines it as a deeply personal and embodied act. By anchoring ourselve…

1
Making Mistakes - Laura Burges 52:40

5M ago52:40

52:40

How can Buddhist practice help us navigate the inevitable missteps of life? Drawing from her own journey through addiction and recovery, Laura Burges emphasizes that making mistakes is an intrinsic part of being human. She encourages us to meet our errors with compassion and curiosity, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than sources of…

1
Embracing The 6 Paramis - Jokai 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

How can we use the wisdom of the Paramis to guide our everyday life? In this talk, Jokai makes practical the six essential qualities that form the foundation of Mahayana Buddhist practice: The Paramis. Through humor and personal anecdotes, Jokai makes the teachings relatable, reinforcing that the essence of the Paramis is not in striving for perfec…

1
Being a Warrior of Compassion - Dale Borglum 57:09

6M ago57:09

57:09

The term warrior typically implies aggression. So what does it mean to be a "Warrior of Compassion?” In this insightful talk, Dale Borglum introduces the concept of the bodhisattva, or "warrior of compassion," emphasizing the transformative potential of emotions like grief and anger when approached with mindfulness and an open heart. He explores ho…

1
Everything is Perfectly Imperfect (Part 3 of 3-part series) - Danadasa 59:12

6M ago59:12

59:12

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three Great Turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. In this final talk, he explores the Vajrayana tradition's emphasis on holistic self-acceptance and using all aspects of experience—including anger—as part of the spiritual path. He discusses…

1
The Embodied Imagination: Doorways to Freedom (Pt. 2 of 3) - Danadasa 52:41

6M ago52:41

52:41

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three Great Turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. Here in Part 2, he explores how Mahayana Buddhism builds on early Buddhist teachings to emphasize interconnectedness and engagement with the world. He contrasts embodied imagination—a tool f…

1
When We Polarize, We Suffer (Pt. 1 of 3) - Danadasa 55:17

7M ago55:17

55:17

In this 3-part series, Danadasa covers the "Three great turnings" of the wheel of the dharma that resulted in the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. Here in Part 1, Danadasa touches on Theravada perspectives, emphasizes the original teachings of the Buddha from the Pali canon, such as the concept of the "two darts": physical pain as inev…

1
The 4 Immeasurables in Song - Jennifer Berezan 54:14

7M ago54:14

54:14

How can we make the Four Immeasurables (aka the Brahmavihārās or divine abodes) more present in our daily lives? In this talk, Jennifer Berezan explores these four virtues—loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity—integral aspects of Buddhist practice. She emphasizes their universal relevance, encouraging us to cultivate these qua…

1
Somatic Meditation: The Anatomy of Practice - David Moreno 1:09:50

7M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

In this departure from our usual dharma talks, David Moreno guides us in weaving sitting practice with the Tantric practice of Yoga Nidra and the energetic practice of Qi Gong. These processes augment and integrate meditation into moving mindfulness. Yet, they are complete meditations in themselves. Throughout this session, he encourages us to allo…

1
Boundless Loving-Kindness (Metta) - Dave Richo 48:42

8M ago48:42

48:42

How can we continue to stretch our sense of loving-kindness to include all beings? In this talk, Dave Richo explores the practice of loving-kindness (metta) in Buddhism, emphasizing its expansive nature. Using an analogy from Romeo and Juliet, Dave explains that love is boundless, reaching beyond our immediate relationships to encompass all beings.…

1
Joy & Compassion in the Face of Overwhelm - JD Doyle 47:28

8M ago47:28

47:28

When the world gets to be a little too much for us, how can we keep from shutting down? JD Doyle shares that the key lies in returning to our interconnectedness. JD ties this beautifully with the practice of the brahmaviharas (the four immeasurables: loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity). JD explains that when we feel overwh…

1
Intimacy with Yourself - Daigan Gaither 51:02

8M ago51:02

51:02

How can we become truly present and engage with each moment we experience? In both interpersonal relationships and self-reflection, Daigan Gaither advocates for an open, curious approach where we allow things to be as they are, rather than forcing them to fit preconceived notions. This approach, he suggests, fosters deeper connection and understand…

1
What Makes GBF Tick? - Volunteer Appreciation Day 1:01:07

8M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

A look under the hood of GBF, how things work, and those who keep it all together. COVID put huge strains on our group, and this is a time to recognize and thank the individuals who held up the roof beams and made GBF stronger in the process. You'll be surprised at how much goes on behind the scenes and gain appreciation for GBF as an organization …

1
The Role of Pleasure in Our Practice - René Rivera 53:32

8M ago53:32

53:32

Can turning away from pleasurable experiences actually limit our practice? In this talk René Rivera shares that there are wholesome states that signal we are on the path to awakening. However the pleasurable states often get a "bad rap" in Buddhism as something to be avoided so as not to trigger craving. René summarizes the importance of pleasure b…

1
Gay Sexuality and Buddhist Dharma - Eric Kolvig 52:32

9M ago52:32

52:32

How can we reconcile our sexuality with Buddhist practice? (Recorded June 11, 1995) Following on the heels of the AIDS crisis, in 1995 societal shame about LGBTQ sexuality was quite prevalent. Eric Kolvig emphasized that Buddhism is an ethical system focused on reducing suffering, not a moral system with judgments of good and evil. Arguing that rep…

1
Waking Up to the Nature of Reality - David Lewis 53:59

9M ago53:59

53:59

What did the Buddha mean when he spoke of ignorance? In this talk, David Lewis discusses the essence of mindfulness and the core principles of Buddhism, emphasizing direct experience over intellectual understanding. He explains that the Buddha avoided metaphysics and focused on how things work, promoting meditation as a means of gaining wisdom. He …

1
No Way Out? - Steven Tierney 55:30

9M ago55:30

55:30

When we feel stuck or overwhelmed by society, how can we find joy and courage? Steven Tierney asks us to challenge the notion that we are stuck with no way out. He emphasizes that rather than avoid the difficult, we can find a way through by embracing Buddhist teachings and practices. This can include: Living with Intention: Drawing from Victor Fra…

1
Am I "Buddhist?" Donald Rothberg 57:41

10M ago57:41

57:41

What core Buddhist teachings are reflected in all other wisdom traditions? As stated in the Kālāma Sutta, known as the Buddha's "charter of free inquiry," Donald Rothberg encourages us not to believe anything simply because we are told to, but rather apply our own experience and discernment. He encourages us to embrace the very practical core teach…

1
Seven Secrets to Connecting with Others - Michaiel Patrick Bovenes 54:37

10M ago54:37

54:37

As spiritual beings grounded in oneness, how do we overcome the tendency to feel separated while in human form? In this practical talk, Michaiel Patrick Bovenes shares reminders for finding connection. Connecting with others depends on how we are being: Be open and present Be curious rather than critical Be understanding Be vulnerable - "consciousl…

1
The Sacred Tapestry of Your Life - Dorothy Hunt 1:03:22

10M ago1:03:22

1:03:22

If we are an expression of the whole, why does life feel so personal? In a talk that examines duality, Dorothy Hunt asks us who and what we really are. Is our awareness something that belongs to us as a separate 'me', or is it instead something that arises from our experience of reality? She likens reality to an enormous unending tapestry on a loom…

1
A Bridge Over Troubled Water - Laura Burges 54:40

10M ago54:40

54:40

How can we use our practice to see us through troubled times and remain a light against the darkness? Laura Burges encourages us to see Buddhist practice as a laboratory, a place to experiment with our own experience. Drawing from the book, "Buddhism Without Beliefs" by Stephen Batchelor, she likens the Four Noble Truths to a diagnosis, prognosis, …

1
The Brahma Vihāras (Divine Abodes) - Walt Opie 56:37

11M ago56:37

56:37

The divine abodes, also known as the Brahma Vihāras in Sanskrit, are four supreme emotions or mental states that are emphasized because of the Buddha's teaching that "whatever one frequently ponders on, that will become the inclination of their mind." In this talk, Walt Opie examines these four and offers the "near and far enemy" of each one. The c…

1
The Truth of Old Age, Sickness, Death and Awakening - Bob Stahl 52:17

11M ago52:17

52:17

How have the Four Heavenly Messengers led you to the path of the dharma? In this talk, Bob Stahl shares his own experience with these messengers and how they changed the course of his life in the midst of being a very confused young man without direction. He encourages us to consider the conditions and events that have appeared in our own lives to …

1
Gay Pride and Our Ordinary Life - Liên Shutt 57:54

11M ago57:54

57:54

Can we find meaning and pride in our ordinary lives? In this talk, Liên Shutt contrasts the extravagant events in our lives with the everyday moments and asks us to consider if we can drop our expectations of how things should be and instead allow them to exist just as they are. This is the definition of Buddhist wisdom or Prajña, which translates …

1
The Pure Love of Metta - John Martin 53:03

12M ago53:03

53:03

How can we cultivate an undefended heart that is open and caring? John Martin shares that the true nature of our heart is inherently pure and loving. However, we need to practice to cultivate this purity. Some of the practices he shares include: Being aware of our intentions. Using metta phrases. Radiating metta. ______________ John Martin teaches …

1
Loneliness - Melvin Escobar 51:12

12M ago51:12

51:12

In this talk, Melvin Escobar looks at the loneliness and separation prevalent in our world. Especially for LGBTQI individuals, this has roots in both the individual level as well as the structural level, such as the way families may ask us to hide parts of ourselves in order to find acceptance. The societal hierarchies we encounter also contribute …

1
The Thousand Natural Shocks - Laura Burges 48:45

12M ago48:45

48:45

How can Buddhist philosophy help us address the everyday suffering we encounter in a human body - the accidents, falls, missteps, mistakes, broken bones and broken hearts? In this talk, Laura Burges recounts her own experience following a recent fall and injury. She shares practices and reminders that can be helpful when we experience "The thousand…

1
Awakened Fearlessness - Dale Borglum 55:02

1y ago55:02

55:02

How can our relationship with fear deepen our practice? In this rich talk, Dale Borglum explains that in fear, we are separated from our feeling of unity. Yet, all true contemplative traditions teach that the end of the spiritual path brings us to the realization that all is one. He speaks of the two main spiritual paths: Devotion and Self-Inquiry.…

1
Wise Speech in Difficult Times - Tom Baker 47:24

1y ago47:24

47:24

Why is wholesome speech one of the hardest precepts to navigate? Using the present Israeli / Palestinian conflict as an example, Tom Baker explores the many nuances of wise conversation, including: The ways our words cause suffering The intoxicating aspect of slander and gossip The mindfulness component of watching our speech Listening with our who…

1
The Dance of Change - Syra Smith 51:14

1y ago51:14

51:14

What is humanity's relationship to change? In this talk, Syra Smith shares her thoughts on impermanence, leading with this quote: "Change is the thread woven through the fabric of Human existence, a constant force shaping our journey. In transition, we navigate the spectrum of emotions, from the excitement of new beginnings to the discomfort of unc…

1
Deepening Practice on Retreat - Sean Feit Oakes (Spring Retreat Part 3) 1:44:17

1y ago1:44:17

1:44:17

Recorded at the 2024 GBF Spring Retreat at Vajrapani Institute, April 18, 2024 A chanting session precedes the talk, which begins at 29:50 A Primer for Entering Retreat Though much of our practice may be solitary, retreat can be a time to emphasize the richness of shared spiritual life. In addition to a collective, interwoven practice, retreats can…

1
Living Our Practice - Kevin Griffin 47:09

1y ago47:09

47:09

What does it mean to "be Buddhist?" In his signature honest and humorous style, Kevin Griffin enriches this powerful and practical talk with numerous examples and approaches to making the dharma real in our everyday lives. He shares that living the dharma is not about doing activities that are Buddhist, but instead making every activity we engage w…

1
The Wisdom Within the Heart Sutra - Prasadachitta 47:27

1y ago47:27

47:27

What does it mean to go beyond separation as described in the Heart Sutra? Prasadachitta prefaces this rich talk by asking us to consider all the ways we are steeped in separation. This is evidenced by our language's practice of adding -ism to a tradition or condition to define ourselves or others -- a practice that can serve as a judgment that fos…

1
Thinking vs. Experiencing - David Lewis 51:33

1y ago51:33

51:33

Do we trust our thoughts more than the wisdom of our own experience? In this talk, David Lewis helps us see that our reliance on thinking and studying can be an obstacle to gaining a true understanding of reality. He outlines that Sangha can help us gain wisdom in three ways, through: Direct experience - meditating in silence Listening to Dharma ta…

1
Generosity as a Means to Joy - Ian Challis 54:46

1y ago54:46

54:46

Can generosity lead to joy in a wounded world? Ian Challis believes so, and helps us explore both our generous impulses and the actions they give rise to if we allow it. Generosity is the first of the 10 Paramis or beautiful qualities that lead to Buddhahood: Generosity Virtue Renunciation Wisdom Energy Patience Truthfulness Resolve Loving Kindness…

1
Can Our Life Be Ethical AND Joyous? Steven Tierney 49:42

1y ago49:42

49:42

Steven Tierney shares that we begin to truly embody the Bodhisattva vow when our decisions are based on their impact on "we" rather than "I." We pause and consider others before we think or act. It doesn't mean we forget ourselves, but that others are considered in our actions. Taking this vow we commit to not being instigators of any further chaos…

1
Jewels From Our Dark Places - Laura Burges 51:30

1y ago51:30

51:30

How can our practice inform encounters with dark times, when we feel loss or face a turning point with trepidation? Laura Burges shares that we can find "fountains of joy" even in going to the places that scare us. Our practice is not separate from the dark places - we can turn towards the darkness and examine it clearly and experience the "soft he…

1
The Stories We Tell Ourselves - Daigan Gaither 43:45

1+ y ago43:45

43:45

We all have Stories, Opinions, and Ideas but we don't have to buy into them. In this talk, Rev. Daigan Gaither explains that as humans, our minds think; it's just what they do. Letting go of these thoughts can become the focus of our practice. He examines the trap of thinking that our meditation should be a certain way, but then our experience ofte…

1
The Alchemy of Generosity - Kevin Martin 58:07

1+ y ago58:07

58:07

Alchemy is all about transformation, and there is nothing in our practice more transformative than generosity - toward both ourselves and others. In this talk, Kevin Martin shares that what we do on the cushion is the most generous thing we can give to ourselves. Our practice can help us disrupt personal karma by making us more curious about the de…

1
Navigating Missteps in Our Relationships - René Rivera 56:18

1+ y ago56:18

56:18

How do we bring our practice into the difficult moments of relationships with others? Can we learn from these and approach them with curiosity and presence as an opportunity to grow? René Rivera looks at the ways our practice can help us become more aware of when our words or behaviors generate conflict. He shares his approach to mend these transgr…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

JD Tierney Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen