Podcast

The joke used to be that every time Michael opened his mouth what he said was archived here. We couldn’t be more grateful for that now because it is one of the best ways Michael’s teachings will live on.

The Awake in the World Podcast is the heart of the Community Library. Talks are on a wide-range of topics, including: bringing mindfulness and meditation practice into daily life; personal and community issues regarding mental health; and social change.

This podcast has been created so that anyone can have instant access to Michael’s teachings. It has been made possible due to generous donations from members of the community. In the six years that the podcast has been available, over half a million people have pressed play as a way to be more—like the name says—awake in the world.

Each podcast is between 30-60 minutes long. As always, you’re encouraged to follow along weekly as part of your practice. The podcasts were recorded at live events so you might hear coughing, airplanes, cars, sirens, laughter, and peoples’ questions—all part of the intimate experience.

Driving Our Questions Deeper

Michael explores two questions: 1) Who Are You? and 2) What Should You Do? Using the old Zen koan, “What’s the price of rice?” Michael talks about wrestling with questions, compassion, empathy, and how to care for people without getting

Why Can’t the Tail Get Through?

Even when we advance in spiritual practice, something is always missing. Maybe nirvana is about having troubles without falling into defense or burnout? Michael also gives a strong critique of the economic stories that drive us.

Resistance and Change with Carina Stone

Carina joins Rose Acosta for the podcast Radically Loved Radio. Carina shares what life has been like over the last two years since Michael’s passing and the lessons she has learned in this journey. She also talks about the inspiration

Loneliness and Impermanence

Michael explores the bleakness of loneliness, the puzzle of modern isolation, and how to work with being alone and feeling lonely.

Gratitude in Jewish and Buddhist Practice

Michael and Rabbi Miriam Margles co-teach a popular retreat integrating Jewish and Buddhist practice. Michael gives an afternoon talk reflecting on God, gratitude, mind, compassionate action, and the encounter between what can and can’t be talked about.

The Jew in the Lotus

Michael and Rabbi Miriam Margles discuss the intersection of Jewish practice and Buddhism. Rabbi Margles explores internalized antisemitism and Michael talks about his attempts to bring practice to issues like climate change, economic injustice and working with young people.

Adverse Effects in Meditation Practice

Neuroscientist Willoughby Britton, PhD. and Michael Stone, present a detailed workshop on dangers on the path. In this talk Dr. Britton explores loss of identity, gender difference in meditative effects, and questions about whether these signs and symptoms are progress