Best Jamal Givens Podcasts (2025)

1
Bahai 43:05

3d ago43:05

43:05

Today we explore a listener question about the lesser known faith of Bahai. What is it? What do they believe? and is it an answer to the inherent conflicts between other religions like Christianity and Buddhism? https://www.bahai.org/By christianbuddhistbar

1
From Athlete to Artist: One Man's Journey of Redemption 35:08

9d ago35:08

35:08

Send us a text What happens when the thing you've built your identity around becomes the source of your deepest pain? For SELYM, basketball was more than just a sport—it was his projected future. The explosive young athlete they called "Lil Westbrook" seemed destined for greatness on the court, touching rims in fifth grade and outplaying kids years…

1
Becoming a non-monk: not killing 38:11

11d ago38:11

38:11

Jamal has started working on the 10 Grave precepts of Zen. So we shall kick off our exploration of them with the 1st precept. Not Killing. Easy right?By christianbuddhistbar

1
Re Release - The mindfulness capitalist conspiracy: Part 2 37:10

17d ago37:10

37:10

In our last throwback episode, we are back to finish the discussion of 'what does mindfulness look like without ethics behind it?'. This week we turn the lens toward the mindfulness industry, and investigate the intersection between mindfulness and capitalism while asking: is there a place for mindfulness as a commodity in the market? https://www.t…

1
Re Release - The mindfulness capitalist conspiracy: Part 1 40:06

24d ago40:06

40:06

Another throwback this week to an earlier conversation about how mindfulness has also become just a little bit of a capitalist industry. Ne episodes are just around the corner, we promise! ---------------- Mindfulness is an ancient Buddhist technique for achieving enlightenment. It is also a massive capitalist industry, promising to both counter th…

1
Re Release - Mistakes, Love and Enlightenment 39:04

1M ago39:04

39:04

We are diving back in to the archives this week to bring back our conversation on mistakes, different types of love, and a bit about what samsara and enlightenment are. Hope you enjoy, new episodes will be back very soon! Article: https://bswa.org/teaching/wisdom-of-silence/By christianbuddhistbar

1
Is God a Dungeon-Master? Part 2 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

We return to the D&D tavern with Rebecca. Talking all things religious, fantasy and in between. Who will roll a nat 20 this time around? Tune in to find out!By christianbuddhistbar

1
Is God a Dungeon-Master? Part 1 33:14

2M ago33:14

33:14

We have Rebecca back! And this time, its nerdy. We delve in to the wonderful and spiritual world of Dungeons and Dragons, so see what alignment various characters are, how we might face in the world of D&D and importantly, is God just playing Dungeon Master?By christianbuddhistbar

1
Who Pays the Price When Educational Systems Change? 31:33

2M ago31:33

31:33

Send us a text Father and son duo tackle the controversial dismantling of the Department of Education, dispelling misconceptions and exploring potential consequences for students nationwide. They examine how this executive order could widen educational gaps between states and impact vulnerable students, especially those requiring special education …

1
Becoming a non-monk - part 1 - Before 32:44

2M ago32:44

32:44

What is it like going through a spiritual journey. Jamal is starting a lay-ordination process and in part 1 of this series, talks about what he is doing, why he's doing it, and what his hopes and fear are. https://www.lionsroar.com/what-is-jukai/By christianbuddhistbar

1
The Role of Fasting 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

Its a special time of the year for multiple religions at once. And it all has to do with limiting our intake of food, and reflecting instead on the spiritual path. Today we talk about the coalescence of Ramadan, Lent and the Bahai Fast, and what role fasting plays in religion. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/10/three-religious-tr…

1
Do cultures evolve? 30:50

3M ago30:50

30:50

Today we ask a very old question - is cultural evolution a thing? (bet you cant guess our answer...) https://scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/the-lamb-enters-the-dreaming-9781921640476By christianbuddhistbar

1
Stan Grant and Christmas in March 35:40

3M ago35:40

35:40

We love Stan Grant here in the Christian Buddhist Bar. So we did an episode on a wonderful article of his on Christmas. Someone get Stan to listen to the pod! https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/comment/topic/2024/12/14/seeking-the-soul-christmasBy christianbuddhistbar

1
From Hard Hats to Heart Work: The Wobbys on Saving Lives in Construction 57:44

3M ago57:44

57:44

Send us a text In this powerful episode of Up To It Parenting, Jamal and Zion sit down with Richard and Reid Wobby, a father-son duo making national waves in the construction industry through their work in overdose and suicide prevention. Broadcasting all the way from Vermont, the Wobbys share how they’re challenging safety directors to think beyon…

1
Wrestling with cults 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

Today we approach the thorny topic of religious cults, and what can happen if they really go too far. TRIGGER WARNING - this pod discusses a recent manslaughter and death of a child. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01-29/elizabeth-struhs-diabetes-insulin-witheld-verdict/104863074?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_n…

1
Divine Music: To Be Alone 31:12

3M ago31:12

31:12

We have more divine music! This week looking in to the ephemeral Sarah Blasco, her life growing up in a cult, and how its created her sound and message. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/08/sarah-blasko-i-just-need-to-conquer-this-mountain-album-interview?CMP=share_btn_urlBy christianbuddhistbar

1
Beyond the High: Understanding Youth, Trauma, and Addiction 34:53

3M ago34:53

34:53

Send us a text In this episode, we take a deep dive into the reality of substance use among young people, focusing on the devastating impact of fentanyl. We share the heartbreaking story of a middle schooler’s overdose and discuss the rising prevalence of drug use in schools. Jamal and Zion reflect on their own experiences, breaking down why young …

1
Hoping for enlightenment? 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

Today, Jacob has a question. What is the role of hope? This launches us off on one of our regular rambles, on all things hope, reincarnation, Buddhism and everything in between.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Divine Music: The Way 34:50

4M ago34:50

34:50

Meshell Ndegeocello is a legend. A legend that so few have heard of. Today we unpack her song 'the Way' from her 1996 album, Peace Beyond Passion. We go in to how some artists just are drawn by the music, and how a song can convey so much more than what the words say. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/track/3txICxEvBgCBV63B4ednNB?autoplay=true…

1
A session at the Zendo 36:42

4M ago36:42

36:42

We are back! kicking off 2025 with a ramble about Jamal's recent experiences on a Zen retreat. How he found it, how it was different to others, and what he'll take away.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Parenting Pressure: What the Surgeon General Wants You to Know 38:06

4M ago38:06

38:06

Send us a text With the U.S. Surgeon General raising awareness about parental stress, it’s time to talk solutions. In this episode, we unpack the challenges parents face and offer tools to help manage stress while fostering strong family connections. BOOK US NOW! Email [email protected] to find out about pricing and availability We are so appreciati…

1
The 2024 Buddhamas Special 41:35

5M ago41:35

41:35

Merry Buddhamas all! As you gather around the Christmas tree to listen to this years episode, we thought we'd share a bit about where this holy tree came from. And look in to... is it Christian? or is it Capitalism in disguise? Have a great holidays, we will take a few weeks off and be back mid January https://theconversation.com/a-story-of-legends…

1
The Mental Health Tool You Need to Know About 54:28

5M ago54:28

54:28

Send us a text Jamal and Zion dive into the world of mental health tech with Jeffery Johnston, the mind behind Brightn. They uncover the app’s mission, its user-friendly features, and why it’s a game-changer for young adults and older adults navigating life’s challenges. BOOK US NOW! Email [email protected] to find out about pricing and availability…

1
Should Buddhists Forgive? 41:03

5M ago41:03

41:03

Forgiveness. Is it Buddhist? Or is it Anti Buddhist?! Today we look in to this fascinating topic, and more. With your usual rambles and side quests. https://tricycle.org/magazine/forgiveness-not-buddhist/By christianbuddhistbar

1
100th episode specular! 39:46

6M ago39:46

39:46

We have made it to 100 episodes! wow, what a journey. Today we go back to where it all started and talk about the first time we met at a bar and how we got to where we are now. Thanks for the memories everyone!By christianbuddhistbar

1
99 Questions - Part 2 41:41

6M ago41:41

41:41

We have more questions, more problems, more off the cuff answers! Enjoy :D Perhaps listen to part 1 first if you haven't for this one.By christianbuddhistbar

1
99 Questions - Part 1 34:36

6M ago34:36

34:36

If you got God problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 questions... Some astute listeners listed out 99 questions they would like us to answer. We try to answer them all in one episode. We failed, so there's 2 parts!By christianbuddhistbar

1
Why Every Parent Should Read The Anxious Generation 30:18

6M ago30:18

30:18

Send us a text Jamal and Zion take a deep dive into The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, explaining why it’s a must-read for anyone raising kids today. They highlight key takeaways, explore the book’s relevance to mental health and family dynamics, and share how its lessons can strengthen parent-child relationships. Link to book- https://www.a…

1
A Christian and a Buddhist Walk Into A Koan 34:27

6M ago34:27

34:27

What is the sound of two guys talking in to a microphone? Today we embark on the world of Koans! the Zen riddles that befuddle and bemuse the mind, and make you enlightened in the process.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Post-Election Feels: What’s Next for Parenting and Mental Health 38:16

7M ago38:16

38:16

Send us a text In this episode, Jamal and Zion Givens reflect on the recent election, sharing their thoughts on the journey through it, how they’re feeling now, and what the results might mean for families and communities. They discuss the potential impact on their work, exploring ways to stay resilient and grounded. Join them as they dive into str…

1
Is Faith Just a Conspiracy Theory? 42:47

7M ago42:47

42:47

We like to tackle the big questions on Christian Buddhist bar. Today we go where only aliens have gone before, and ask : is faith a conspiracy theory? https://theconversation.com/how-to-spot-a-conspiracy-theory-when-you-see-one-133574By christianbuddhistbar

1
Jesus and Dinosaurs 33:19

7M ago33:19

33:19

An innocent question about dinosaurs leads us into surprising theological depths. How old is the creation? And when did Jesus start existing? But also... dinosaursBy christianbuddhistbar

1
Re-Release: Running, meditation, prayer, and music 45:54

7M ago45:54

45:54

Today we are back again to ramble along the running trail and talk all things music, running, meditation, and much more!By christianbuddhistbar

1
Re-Release: Divine Music - I’ve Got a Woman 36:31

7M ago36:31

36:31

We head back to one of our favorite divine music episodes! Ray Charles - King of soul. But was he a big rip off of Jesus Christ - King of heaven? This week's divine music takes us to the opposite of normal. Songs that are based on religion, but about...not-religion.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Peace and Mortality 35:55

8M ago35:55

35:55

Jamal went to the monastery recently - he talks about what he learnt, and how his journey in to 'being pace' is going.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Does God Care About Climate Change? 42:43

8M ago42:43

42:43

Jacob wrote an article! God, climate change, how we should think about it. Today we talk to the author himself about it, and hear if God does indeed care about how humans interact with the planet.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Can You Shift Realities? 38:06

8M ago38:06

38:06

"Reality Shifting". Cool transcendental phenomena, or problematic youth culture? Today we explore this new trend, and ask if we are in this reality, or another? https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/03/20/a-psychologist-explains-the-phenomenon-of-reality-shifting/By christianbuddhistbar

1
Daily Practice 33:06

8M ago33:06

33:06

In the usual manner, today we decide to just turn on the mics and continue a conversation we started on daily practice. What that looks like, what it does, why we do it. BONUS - Jacob joins Jamal's meditation group for a session mid pod, and reflects on his experiences.By christianbuddhistbar

1
It's a Dog's Life 31:23

9M ago31:23

31:23

Doggos. Need we say more? Today we talk about Dogs, and God, and Dog God? https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/aug/18/i-wag-therefore-i-am-the-philosophy-of-dogs?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_OtherBy christianbuddhistbar

1
Monks and Drugs part 2 37:07

9M ago37:07

37:07

Those Thai monks are at it again. Today we talk about recent coverage of what is now an ongoing scandal with monks, drugs, money laundering, and everything not particularly Holy that's going on in Thai Buddhism. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-08/thailand-misbehaving-monks-foreign-correspondent/104184056…

1
Re-release: Is Unconditional Love a Bad Thing? 35:40

9M ago35:40

35:40

While Jacob is still on holiday we ask once again: what is it about the immoral acts of religious leaders that make them particularly shocking? To answer this Jacob takes us all the way back to 1518 and the Heidlberg Disputation, and the idea that maybe being righteous sometimes gets in our own way... https://bookofconcord.org/other-resources/sourc…

1
Re Release - Divine Music: Peace Train 43:52

9M ago43:52

43:52

We’re back with our favourite divine music episode! Today letting Jamal super-fan out over Yusuf/Cat Stevens and the peace train. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/yusuf-islams-golden-years-cat-stevens-on-islam-and-his-return-to-music-241159/?fbclid=IwAR3VVBvyYv8MCn5zEqo7-ix-BGWubIgpo9taFUi2IRgd6wZmeyd9ZklMdfQ…

1
Why We Need to Talk About Grief: A Real Conversation for Young Men 28:14

9M ago28:14

28:14

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Up To It Parenting, Jamal and Zion open up about the recent loss of a young man who was a mentee to Zion and close to Jamal. This tragic event sparks a deep conversation about grief, especially in young men. The father-son duo explores why it’s crucial to talk about feelings of loss rather than suppressin…

1
The Millenial Saint 32:21

9M ago32:21

32:21

The blessed Carlos Acutis. Catholic saint, venerated holy person, Millenial web designer. This week we take a look at the newest of the saints, and talk about what it says and means about the Church. https://theconversation.com/carlo-acutis-what-the-first-millennial-saint-says-about-the-catholic-churchs-future-231086…

1
Did God just win the Olympics? 32:53

10M ago32:53

32:53

More and more athletes are openly expressing their religion. Passing fad or God at work? Today we succumb to the Olympics podcast fever, and have a chat about what's driving God in Paris. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/aug/03/the-way-the-truth-and-the-olympic-record-how-god-struck-gold-in-paris…

1
Saint Francis and Peace 50:42

10M ago50:42

50:42

Jamal continues his reflections on his time in Catholic Italy, particularly Assisi. We wonder about the role of peace, and how to interpret personal religious experiences.By christianbuddhistbar

1
Understanding Catholicism 37:40

10M ago37:40

37:40

Jamal is back from Europe, and with a new found understanding of Catholicism! Join us for a discussion about finding new meaning, in old buildings, and what all this means about engaging with God.By christianbuddhistbar

1
A Christian and a Buddhist walk in to a Diplomacy Game - Part 2 31:01

10M ago31:01

31:01

Today we continue our conversation with Kaner and Amby, and the Diplomacy Games podcast. We keep exploring how the game of Diplomacy impacts on how we approach life, how religion plays a role in the game, and how both can bring us to a better understanding of ourselves and the world. https://diplomacygames.com/…

1
A Christian and a Buddhist Walk in to a Diplomacy Game - Part 1 33:54

11M ago33:54

33:54

We are back with new episodes, and boy to we have a treat for you! Today we sit down with Kaner and Amby from the "Diplomacy Games" podcast, and talk about one of the most niche cross over's ever! Did you know that both Jacob and Jamal are avid players of the board game Diplomacy? Did you know there's a great podcast about that game? Did you know t…

1
Re-Release: Does everybody worship? 39:04

11M ago39:04

39:04

Today we are re-releasing one of our all time favorites! We enter the world of David Foster Wallace, and his assertion that everybody worships. Wallace contends that there is no such this as atheism and we only get to choose what, not if, we worship. Jacob and Jamal explore this contention, and go off on all the usual tangents. https://mbird.com/li…

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Jamal Givens Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen