The Road Home with Ethan Nichtern
The Road Home podcast with author and teacher is Ethan Nichtern is a contemporary exploration of Buddhist teachings and conversation with thought leaders interested in Psychology, Art, Culture, and Politics through the lens of mindfulness practice. Since 2002, Ethan has taught meditation and Buddhist psychology classes and workshops around the United States and online. He is the author of multiple books, including The Road Home: A Contemporary Exploration of The Buddhist Path. He is currently the head of the Yearlong Buddhist Studies Program for Dharmamoon.com. More info at EthanNichtern.com
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Ep. 173 - Fail Like A Legend: Confidence, Longing, and The Eight Worldly Winds, Revisited
04/21/2026
Ep. 173 - Fail Like A Legend: Confidence, Longing, and The Eight Worldly Winds, Revisited
Hey friends, this is the first episode of The Road Home in a bit. Please remember to check out and sign up for the upcoming on Saturday May 2nd (1-5pm ET) via . It should be a great mini-retreat with a helpful practice that anyone can use, anytime, anywhere to be brave and show up to all those difficult moments in life. This week, in a solo talk, Ethan revisits the theme of The Eight Worldly Winds from his last book (you can always have Ethan send you or ). He specifically hones in on the valid experience of longing for success and fearing failure, and how the practice of confidence involves the willingness to fail repeatedly. Did you know, by the way, that even the great tennis players of all time only win (very) slightly over half the total points they ever play? Embrace your longing before you listen. The Road Home is available here now, or wherever you get your “pods,” , , etc after 3pm ET on Tues, April 21). Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and . Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed the obstacle of , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). If you’re looking for a great in-person retreat, check out our Sep 30 - Oct 5. More cool resources: Check out our sponsor platform, A new free video course from Ethan on Metta (lovingkindness) meditation is now available at this . Sign up for Ethan’s May 2nd Windhorse Meditation workshop at .
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Ep. 172 - Invoking The Muse: Dharma Art with Josh Ritter
03/26/2026
Ep. 172 - Invoking The Muse: Dharma Art with Josh Ritter
“Intuition doesn’t seem to act aggressively.” -Josh Ritter Ethan welcomes his friend, contemporary folk musician and novelist for a conversation about creativity, inspiration, spirituality and art-making. They discuss where great ideas come from, how the “protocols” of practice influence both creativity and the spiritual path, and the meaning of relative and ultimate truth found within Josh’s song “Truth is a Dimension (Both Invisible and Blinding)” off Josh’s most recent album I Believe in You, My Honeydew. They also discuss the mental health of an artist, and how fatherhood can lead you to very mixed opinions of Disney movies. is a renowned singer, songwriter, musician, artist and best-selling author. One of today’s most thoughtful and prolific voices, he has released twelve studio albums and was named one of the “100 greatest living songwriters” by Paste Magazine. His newest album ‘I Believe in You, My Honeydew’ is out now. About his music, The Guardian has said: “Ritter’s painstakingly simple but crafted songs establish his own identity in a terrain marked out by Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.” Two-plus decades into his celebrated career, Ritter has written music that has transcended generations including luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Bob Weir covering his songs. Josh’s substack is . Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your support. Please consider to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed the obstacle of , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan’s books at his . You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). More cool resources: Check out our sponsor platform, A new free video course from Ethan on Metta (lovingkindness) meditation is now available at this . Check out the free roundtable discussion on Mindfulness and Organizational Leadership at . Sign up for Ethans May 2nd Windhorse Meditation workshop at . Show Notes: Check out Josh’s recent interview with NPR’s World Cafe mentioned in the podcast at .
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Ep. 171 - How To Make Use of Your Broken Heart
03/18/2026
Ep. 171 - How To Make Use of Your Broken Heart
Sometimes life breaks your heart. Right now, the world is breaking most of our hearts. And if it isn’t breaking your heart, you’re not paying attention. But what does a broken heart have to do with the awakened state of mind? In this solo episode of The Road Home podcast, Ethan examine the two main aspects of our consciousness - thinking mind and feeling mind. Feeling mind might be better understood as our “Awakened Heart,”which is a not-quite-literal translation of the term Bodhicitta. Most of the time, when life or the world exposes our heart fully, we desperately want to turn away from that tenderness. Because a vulnerable heart hurts, it brings up all the specific ways we feel wounded by our past, and also by the world “out there.” But our great power, and our genuine awakening, lies in turning toward Bodhicitta, or what Pema Chodron calls the “soft spot.” Let’s get into “soft spot,” shall we? There’s really no other choice in the end. Join Ethan for a very “heartfelt” episode of The Road Home this week. Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed the obstacle of , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan’s books at his . You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). More cool resources: Check out our sponsor platform, A new free video course from Ethan on Metta (lovingkindness) meditation is now available at this . Check out the free roundtable discussion on Mindfulness and Organizational Leadership at . Sign up for Ethans May 2nd Windhorse Meditation workshop at .
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Ep. 170 - Worldly Enlightenment and The Path of The “Householder" with Lou Sharma
03/10/2026
Ep. 170 - Worldly Enlightenment and The Path of The “Householder" with Lou Sharma
In classic Buddhism, there is often a meaningful emphasis on going very deep into the spiritual life, often through leaving the world behind for long periods of time and even becoming a lifelong yogi or monk. Is this the only way to move toward full awakening? There is often a lesser emphasis on a different path to awakening, the so-called “householder”— the student of mindfulness and awakening who doesn’t want to—or simply can’t— leave this world behind, but wants to turn their practice directly toward all aspects of their life in a contemporary setting. Ethan welcomes back , a meditation teacher (and partner in the new A Mindful World community) for a open discussion of whether or not the path of the householder can also lead to awakening. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to engage with relationships, career, creative life, and social justice pursuits with more mindfulness, compassion and wisdom amidst all the hustle, bustle and chaos of life in the thick of the modern world. is a mindfulness meditation teacher based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has practiced meditation for over 15 years, as part of her ongoing studies of Buddhism within Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including the Magyu lineage of Lama Tsultrim Allione. Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan’s books at his . You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Check out our sponsor platform, A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out the free roundtable discussion on Mindfulness and Organizational Leadership at . Sign up for the May 2nd Windhorse Meditation workshop at .
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Ep. 169 - On Mindful Democracy with Jeremy David Engels
02/26/2026
Ep. 169 - On Mindful Democracy with Jeremy David Engels
What's wrong with democracy these days? Can it be rescued? Can it be made more mindful? Can we work together to build something better? What's the role of compassion in building community? What's the role of conflict in building community? Why do yoga and mindfulness communities often seem so averse to taking a stand and diving into different political or communal issues head on? Why does our world treat politics as some sort of childish, dirty game, like reality tv, instead of sacred duty? For the 250th anniversary of 1776, can somebody write a formal Declaration of INTERdependence? Professor, teacher and author Jeremy David Engels—author of the brand new book —just wrote one, and Ethan welcomed him to The Road Home podcast to discuss it, and more. , is the author of six books, including the new (Parallax, 2026), and the creator of the . He is the Liberal Arts Endowed Professor of Communication and Ethics at Penn State University, co-founder of Yoga Lab, and a longtime mindfulness and yoga teacher. His work reimagines democracy as a communal practice rooted in care, deliberation, and shared responsibility, emphasizing mindfulness as a core civic skill. His essays have appeared in the Washington Post, Yoga Journal, Yoga Magazine, and The Conversation. Last year, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan’s books at his . You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Check out our sponsor platform, A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Note: the name of the book mentioned by Ethan authored by Thich Nhat Hanh where Thay explored the morality of the bombing of Hiroshima using specific Buddhist questions is Good Citizens.
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Ep. 168 - How (and When) Do We Practice Compassion For Those Who Cause Harm?
02/16/2026
Ep. 168 - How (and When) Do We Practice Compassion For Those Who Cause Harm?
Ethan tackles an age-old dharma question: how do we generate compassion for those who do harmful things? Should we even try, or does that make things worse? In the age of ICE lawlessness, totalitarian governments, and coming to terms with toxic relationships of all kinds, this question intensifies. This conversation often feels misunderstood. Whether the perpetrator is a dictator, a difficult ex, or a manipulative boss—or whether the harm is something we ourselves have caused—the question of building compassion and opening the bodhisattva’s heart often delivers more confusion than clarity. Using a memory of hearing a college lecture by the long-imprisoned Tibetan monk , Ethan offers a simple (but never easy) three-step model of how to go about the difficult process of acknowledging and transforming the negative karma related to harmful actions. In 2025, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can now order personally signed copies of Ethan’s books at his . You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Check out our sponsor platform, A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this .
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Ep. 167 - The Fire Inside: A Conversation with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad
02/05/2026
Ep. 167 - The Fire Inside: A Conversation with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad
talks to author, scholar and teacher about her insightful new book Mixing scholarship, memoir, and a deep reverence for the spiritual insights of two of the greatest writers and thinkers of the 20th century, Dr. Vesely-Flad’s newest work approaches Buddhist teachings from an angle that is deeply human, literary, and personal. How did these two great authors touch on such dharmic topics as the truth of suffering, relative and ultimate reality, and much more? Fans of literature and will enjoy this conversation and new book deeply. This conversation belongs to one of Ethan’s favorite categories: “Things you didn’t know were Buddhist.” In 2025, with your subscriptions to The Road Home, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber . Rima Vesely-Flad, PhD, is the author of Black Buddhists and the Black Radical Tradition: The Practice of Stillness in the Movement for Liberation (NYU Press, 2022) and Racial Purity and Dangerous Bodies: Moral Pollution, Black Lives, and the Struggle for Justice (Fortress Press, 2017). She is the founder of the Initiative for Black Buddhist Studies and the recipient of grants from the Fetzer Institute, the Henry J. Luce Foundation, the Fredrick P. Lenz Foundation, the Crossroads Program, and the US Department of State Fulbright program. You can follow her work at . Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Free via A Mindful World! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor !
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Ep. 166 - Kindness, Innocence, And Emotional Awareness: A Conversation with Sharon Salzberg
01/27/2026
Ep. 166 - Kindness, Innocence, And Emotional Awareness: A Conversation with Sharon Salzberg
What is the relationship between Metta (lovingkindness practice) and developing, or rediscovering, a childlike innocence? How can Buddhist meditation help both kids and adults with emotional regulation and resilience? Is there anything about the way kids meet thoughts and emotions that we grown-ups can learn from? And, as Ethan wonders, are all children Democratic Socialists? Ethan welcomes dear mentor and friend —now author of a children’s book called (and it’s an excellent one)—for a discussion about kindness, mindfulness, and rediscovering our innocence. is one of America's leading spiritual teachers and authors. A practitioner of Buddhist meditation for over fifty years, she is a co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society. Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! In 2025, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program starts tomorrow! Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 165 - Against The Stream: Karma, Mindfulness, and The Algorithms We (Don’t Have To) Live By
01/19/2026
Ep. 165 - Against The Stream: Karma, Mindfulness, and The Algorithms We (Don’t Have To) Live By
Ethan continues recent conversations , mindfulness and dharma to examine how much of our karma (ie “habit energy” according to the late master Thich Nhat Hanh) is determined by pre-chosen and manipulative algorithms. How can we use our mindfulness practice to understand the internal and external forces influencing our patterns of behavior, and use our dharma practice to create more gaps of genuine awareness, gaps in which our intention and agency create a space for right action, or at least not doing exactly what the seemingly almighty algorithm wants us to do? In 2025, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber . Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program—which begins next Tuesday—at this ! Find out about the Advanced Buddhist Studies program—which begins next Wednesday—at this ! Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 164 - What is Engaged Buddhism? A Conversation with Roshi Joan Halifax
01/10/2026
Ep. 164 - What is Engaged Buddhism? A Conversation with Roshi Joan Halifax
At a recent event in support of program on January 6th, Ethan was joined by the great Roshi Joan Halifax, to discuss the practice, history and theory of Engaged Buddhism. Why is this integrated approach to the dharma so crucial now? Ethan begins with an impassioned plea after the ICE murder of the Renee Good in Minneapolis to come together as sangha and practice engaged dharma this year. And every time the thought arises “I could do something but it won’t really make any difference,” please label that thought thinking. Roshi Joan Halifax is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of , a center which focused on Engaged Buddhism in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her vision for the Zen Center embraces comprehensive Buddhist studies, meditation, service, dharma art, and environmental action as integrated paths cultivating peace and interconnectedness. She is also the author of multiple books including and . In 2025, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber below Paid subscribers to The Road Home will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 163 - The Astrology of 2026: Revolutionary Momentum, Breakthrough and Integration with Juliana McCarthy
12/26/2025
Ep. 163 - The Astrology of 2026: Revolutionary Momentum, Breakthrough and Integration with Juliana McCarthy
Ethan welcomes back bestselling author and Buddhist Astrologer Juliana McCarthy (, ) to dive headfirst into a discussion of the momentous year ahead. They break the discussion into four areas: spiritual practice, creative practice, technology and politics. Juliana predicts big personal and collective moments ahead in February, April and especially in July 2026, including a massive revolutionary placement of planets that coincides directly with July 4th, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence (Which Ethan wishes was called the Declaration of Interdependence!). Juliana also talks about why “thick karma” is not a problem. These conversations are always fun, and this one might have been the most impactful of them all. Enjoy! In 2025, with your subscriptions, we were able to release more episodes than any previous year. This was only possible with your subscriptions. Please consider becoming a Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Check out about upcoming live events like a workshop and a live talk with January 6th! You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 162 - One Samsara After Another: An End To Gun Violence and The First Precept
12/16/2025
Ep. 162 - One Samsara After Another: An End To Gun Violence and The First Precept
After a heavy weekend on Earth, Ethan discusses violence and gun violence via the mass shootings at his alma mater of Brown University and the Jewish community in Sydney at Bondi Beach, along side the movie One Battle After Another and the murders of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer. Ethan contemplates the first precept (to refrain from killing) as both a personal and a political practice. He also argues that the American love of “free speech” and our widespread addiction to guns are directly at odds with each other, and as a society, we must either choose guns or speech and can’t have both. How can our mindfulness practice lead us toward an actual end to violence? Can it? Or will it just be “one samsara after another?” Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! Check out about upcoming live events like a workshop and a live talk with January 6th! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 161 - Cover The World In Leather - Seeking Stability with Dan Harris
12/11/2025
Ep. 161 - Cover The World In Leather - Seeking Stability with Dan Harris
Ethan welcomes , one of the leading voices in the mindfulness movement, for a live (and lively) conversation about the quest for stability in an unstable world, and to present the . When Ethan mentioned a classic quote from the Indian master Shantideva about “covering the world in leather,” Dan responded with one of his slightly irreverent and not-safe-for-the-monastery quips. It was a great conversation. Check it out! A former ABC news anchor, is the bestselling author of 10% Happier and Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. He hosts the . You can follow his work and subscribe to his substack at . Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! Check out about upcoming live events like a workshop and a live talk with January 6th! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 160 - The Cosmic Joke: Developing A Sense of Humor Along The Path
12/04/2025
Ep. 160 - The Cosmic Joke: Developing A Sense of Humor Along The Path
The path of awakening is often treated as serious business for serious people. This approach can make us rigid about our experience of reality, when what we want to develop is greater flexibility, appreciation, and openness to ouselves and others. For that, we need the path to include a great sense of humor. So when is the spiritual path funny? When is humor an obstacle or a neurotic defense mechanism? How can comedy point us toward Ultimate Truth? In this solo episode, Ethan explores where comedy and humor aid the path, where they might lead us astray, and why you should crack up every once in a while on your meditation seat. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! Check out about upcoming live events like a live talk with December 10, a Workshop, and a live talk with January 6th! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep 159. - Radical Change with Adriana DiFazio
11/25/2025
Ep 159. - Radical Change with Adriana DiFazio
is joined by old friend and teacher Adriana DiFazio for a wide ranging discussion of the limitations of a Western Buddhism that focuses on individualism, individual liberation, and “secular” practice. They discuss how to create a Dharma that is more focused on intersectionality and systems, along with a truly spiritual approach. Enjoy! is a Buddhist meditation teacher, scholar, chaplain, and parent whose work explores the intersections of Buddhism, critical theory, and social change. Her teaching emphasizes the dharma as a collective and liberatory practice, grounded in both personal and systemic transformation. She holds an M.Div. in Buddhism from Union Theological Seminary, where she focused on Engaged Buddhist ethics and Marxism. Adriana teaches meditation and Buddhist studies through her online newsletter and community, Radical Change(). Her website is Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program at this ! Check out about upcoming live events like a live talk with December 10, a Workshop, and a live talk with January 6th! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at this . Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 158 - Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Buddhist Socialism, and Standing (or Sitting) For Something
11/11/2025
Ep. 158 - Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Buddhist Socialism, and Standing (or Sitting) For Something
How did NYC become the epicenter of all the tensions and promise of American society and politics, and do the Buddhist teachings have anything to offer to understanding this political moment? Using the rise of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in his home city—a city of perpetual immigrants—Ethan explores themes of community engagement, sangha, social democracy and the power of standing up for what you believe in to talk about this chaotic (yet potent) moment on Earth. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a , and Ethan also offered instruction in the . These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, , etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out about upcoming free live events like a panel on , a live talk with , and a live talk with ! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at . Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on the new . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at . Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive.
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Ep. 157 - How Am I (Really?) Doing: The Power of Accurate Self-Assessment
10/29/2025
Ep. 157 - How Am I (Really?) Doing: The Power of Accurate Self-Assessment
Drawing on concepts from his latest book, , Ethan explores how it is that our self-assessment can be so off the mark so frequently, especially when it comes to seeing our progress along a long-term path like meditation, or the deeper journey of spiritual and psychological . Why is it so hard assess our traits, and to see our strengths as well as our stuck places, clearly? How can we overcome our negativity bias and meet the inner critic more skillfully in everyday life. What does it mean to develop clarity when asking ourselves the question: “How am I doing, really?” Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions for a paid subscription. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out about upcoming free live events like a panel on , a live talk with , and a live talk with ! A new free video course on a classic Buddhist contemplation called The Five Remembrances is available at . Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on the new . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at . Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive.
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Ep. 156 - The Myth of (Conditional) Freedom
10/21/2025
Ep. 156 - The Myth of (Conditional) Freedom
Ethan is back with a solo episode to discuss the Buddhist experience of liberation and (moksha) and how we can glimpse an experience it in our awareness and meditation practice. He also discusses the related question of the collapsing American mythology of “freedom.” In the discussion, he highlights several categories of freedom, first “conditional” freedom versus “unconditional” freedom. Then he discusses individual, or personal freedom versus “collective” freedom. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out about upcoming free live events like a panel on , a live talk with , and a live talk with ! Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on the new . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 155 - What Should a Teacher Say? with Francesca Cervero
09/22/2025
Ep. 155 - What Should a Teacher Say? with Francesca Cervero
Ethan is joined by friend and yoga teacher to talk about becoming a teacher as a livelihood, the duty of the teacher when it comes to building community in a post-pandemic world, and how to be clear and open with students about the ethical teachings of Buddhism and yoga in a world of chaos, violence and oppression. Francesca Cervero (she/her) has been a full time yoga and meditation teacher since 2005 and offers private and group yoga classes as well as yoga teacher mentoring and education. She is the host of the podcast “” and you can find out more about her work at Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Find out about the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on why become a meditation teacheron . Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 154 - How Do I Know If I’m Enlightened?
09/09/2025
Ep. 154 - How Do I Know If I’m Enlightened?
In this episode, Ethan discusses the crucial question of “enlightenment,” better translated as “awakening.” What does this word mean? What doesn’t it mean? How would we know if we were really there? Is awakening a big deal? And most importantly, how can we glimpse it, or notice the glimpses we are already having of our awakening, and build off of those powerful moments with confidence in our development? Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a guided audio meditations are released monthly. Another bonus podcast for paid subscribers discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for thee upcoming 5 day retreat at the lovely Garrison Institute Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2025 ! And the 2026 Yearlong Buddhist Studies program Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on why become a meditation teacheron Sep 2th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at . Show Notes:
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Ep. 153 - You Won’t Heal Until You Love It : Inside The Neurological Storm with Reggie Hubbard
08/26/2025
Ep. 153 - You Won’t Heal Until You Love It : Inside The Neurological Storm with Reggie Hubbard
16 months ago, yoga/meditation/sound teacher Reggie Hubbard had a near-death experience, a major stroke. He visits the podcast to describe the experience of his "neurological storm" and the path of collapse and healing that he's been on ever since, and how it has profoundly affected his views as a practitioner, teacher, and his views of the neurological storm that the United States and the world is currently experiencing. If there's such a thing as a "must-listen" episode of this podcast, this it it. Reggie Hubbard is a senior political strategist, certified yoga and meditation teacher, and founder of . He bridges the worlds of activism and wellness, helping changemakers cultivate inner peace as a foundation for meaningful civic engagement. His mission is to support activists in finding balance while encouraging the wellness community to become more socially conscious. With a background in global marketing, government relations, and activism, Reggie holds a B.A. in philosophy from Yale and an M.B.A. in international strategy from Vlerick Business School. He turned to yoga in 2014 during a period of deepprofessional adversity, and has since studied with renowned teachers including Faith Hunter, Rod Stryker, Dharma Mittra, and Jack Kornfield. Through Active Peace Yoga, Reggie offers accessible yoga rooted in inclusion and healing, drawing inspiration fromartists like Prince and Jimi Hendrix. His teaching blends movement, meditation, and breathwork with honest conversation and compassion. Following a major stroke, his recovery journey further deepened his commitment to contemplative practice. A passionate advocate for equity in wellness, Reggie advises studios and organizations on diversity and inclusion. He has been featured by Yoga Journal, Kripalu, the Omega Institute, Be Here Now Network, and more. He also supports community programs including Black Boys Om and The Food Group. Reggie currently resides in Maryland. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a special was released this week. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for thee upcoming 5 day retreat at the lovely Garrison Institute Sep 29 - Oct 4, 2025 ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on why become a meditation teacheron Sep 2th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 152 - Crucial Questions: What Is The Bodhisattva Vow?
08/13/2025
Ep. 152 - Crucial Questions: What Is The Bodhisattva Vow?
Ethan discusses three reasons we take vows and make commitments from a Buddhist perspective, and gives special emphasis to The Bodhisattva Vow, where we commit to not only pursue our own path of liberation and awakening, but also vow to work for the benefit of all beings, to the limits of space, until all beings are awake. It is a commitment to the collective liberation of all beings. Of course, this is impossible (at least in our lifetimes), so why would we agree to do it? Using the classic structure of the vow, along with modern commentary, Ethan dissects the reasons we would take on such a commitment. Ethan briefly mentions a much earlier episode of the podcast, where he discusses the first vow along the Buddhist path (The refuge vow). That episode can be found . Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Additional links and show notes are available . Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group happens each week at 8am ET on Thursdays, and a special was released this week. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the These are all available to paid subscribers. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for the August 23 “Windhorse Meditation” Online Retreatat and the upcoming 5 day retreat at the lovely Garrison Institute ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including a free webinar with David Nichtern on why become a meditation teacher on Sep 2th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download at .
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Ep. 151 - Buddhist Geeks, 21st Century Practice, and The Duhkha of Palestine
08/06/2025
Ep. 151 - Buddhist Geeks, 21st Century Practice, and The Duhkha of Palestine
Ethan welcomes Co-Founder, teacher, and Palestinian-American Dharma teacher . They discuss the rise of "podcast dharma" in the early 21st century, Vince's path to Vince's experience of his Palestinian heritage, why it's hard to get Dharma teachers to speak out about the genocide in Gaza, The Buddhist practice of , and the complex legacy of Chogyam Trungpa and Tibetan refugees in relation to the Palestinian experience. is part of a new generation bringing dharma, meditation, & mindfulness to life in the 21st century. A computer engineering dropout turned full-time meditator, Vince spent his 20s co-founding the ground-breaking project, , while simultaneously doing a full year, in total, of silent retreat practice. Vince began teaching in 2010 and has since been authorized in both the Pragmatic Dharma lineage of Kenneth Folk, and by Trudy Goodman (InsightLA) & Jack Kornfield of (Spirit Rock Meditation Center) in the Insight Meditation tradition. Since then he has spent thousands of hours supporting individuals, groups, & organizations in incorporating meditation practice into their lives. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group starts up again on July 10th, and a special was released this week. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for the August 23 “Windhorse Meditation” Online Retreat at and the upcoming 5 day retreat at the lovely Garrison Institute ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the program beginning July 10th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 150 - The Virtues of Boredom (The Most Boring Podcast Ever!)
07/30/2025
Ep. 150 - The Virtues of Boredom (The Most Boring Podcast Ever!)
This is the 150th episode of The Road Home Podcast! Yay, Big Deal! But, it’s—as always—also a conversation about the Dharma, and the mind, and how to work with your own experience. And your mind, especially during meditation, can be boring. Very boring. So why is boredom such a difficult, yet important—and creative—experience? What do we do about boredom in meditation practice, as well as boredom in daily life? Using a teaching on working with boredom in three stages, along with teachings from earliest Buddhism on the “hindrance” of restlessness, Ethan unpacks the creative power of boredom. It’s an incredibly important reframe of this very human experience, but don’t worry, it’s not that exciting after all. Enjoy! Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group starts up again on July 10th, and a special was released this month. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for the August 23 “Windhorse Meditation” Online Retreat at and the upcoming 5 day retreat at the lovely Garrison Institute ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the program beginning July 10th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 149 - The Whole World Is Gold To Me: Tantra and Generosity
07/21/2025
Ep. 149 - The Whole World Is Gold To Me: Tantra and Generosity
(This episode of The Road Home is dedicated to the memory of —founder of the Eco-Dharma and Deep Ecology Movements—who passed this weekend at the age of 96) On this episode, a follow-up to episode 148, Ethan explores wealth and generosity from a tantric perspective. If you could take the view, for just one moment, that you, your perceptions, and your world were all perfect in being exactly what they were, how would that change your experience of yourself, your resources, and your participation in society? What is generosity (“dana” in the Buddhist languages) from a Tantric perspective? How does tantra change our ability to practice Dana, or "fluid exchange" with our experience? In the second part of a two episode discussion, Ethan looks at an understanding of wealth and generosity in the Vajrayana systems of Buddhist practice, incorporating themes of spacious awareness, teacher Rick Hanson’s crucial four-step practice of “,” and the practices of Ratna Jewel, Golden Key and Enriching Presence from the Tantric and Shambhala traditions. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group starts up again on July 10th, and a special was released this month. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for the August 23 “Windhorse Meditation” Online Retreat at and the upcoming 5 day retreat at the lovely Garrison Institute ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the program beginning July 10th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 148 - No More Billionaires - Wealth, Livelihood and Generosity in the Hinayana and Mahayana
07/14/2025
Ep. 148 - No More Billionaires - Wealth, Livelihood and Generosity in the Hinayana and Mahayana
What is generosity (“dana” in the Buddhist languages), and how does it relate to our experience of wealth, our consumption, our labor, and our shared values as a society? How can we work with our craving for always have more like one of those a metal claw machines in a video game arcade, leaving us unable to live in the practice of Dana, or "fluid exchange" with our experience? Similarly, how do we create a society that acknowledges the sacredness of labor and the social benefits of collective generosity? How can we as a society generate wealth without the fixation to hoard billions of dollars? In the first part of a two episode discussion, Ethan looks at an understanding of wealth and generosity in the "Hinayana" and "Mahayana" systems of Buddhist practice, and next week in Episode 149 he will look at a Vajrayana understanding of wealth and generosity through the "Ratna Jewel of Enriching Presence." Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group starts up again on July 10th, and a special was released this month. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for the August 23 “Windhorse Meditation” Online Retreatat ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the program beginning July 10th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 147 - Don’t Stop Believing - Faith and Awareness in The Six Bardos of Collapse and Rebirth
06/26/2025
Ep. 147 - Don’t Stop Believing - Faith and Awareness in The Six Bardos of Collapse and Rebirth
How we work with our minds in the spaces between collapse and rebirth (those uncomfortable gaps in life as well as the huge “gap” after death) hold the key to creating futures that do not replicate the stuckness and suffering of our past. This is true both personally and collectively. As always, with recent world events in mind, we discuss the six bardos of classic Tibetan Buddhism, as well as the three qualities we need to effectively navigate the space between the death of what was and the birth of what will be. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Thursday Meditation Group starts up again on July 10th, and a special was released this month. Another bonus podcast discussed a mindful take on the You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Don’t forget to sign up for the August 23 “Windhorse Meditation” Online Retreatat ! Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the program beginning July 10th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 146 - The Dissonance of 2025
06/11/2025
Ep. 146 - The Dissonance of 2025
Ethan visits a recurrent conversation he’s been having with his students, his friends, and within his own mind: the dissonance between feeling like your personal life and close community are in basically good places, while simultaneously raising your gaze to see the immense suffering and chaos of the world. How can we hold those two and find our compassion and skillful means? Framing thoughts around the massive ICE raids that are tearing families apart, followed by the subsequent mass protests in Los Angeles and across the country, Ethan examines how we can remain grounded in our own beings and work with any guilt we might feel for feeling safer than others right now. How can we stay grounded in ourselves and leverage what is classically called the “Precious Human Birth” to experience a harmonized practice on three levels of showing up: the personal, the interpersonal, and the collective? Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Meditation Group starts up again on May 15th, and a special podcast/meditation on “Intuition” was be released to paid subscribers this month. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program beginning June 13th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 145 - Always Meditate on Whatever Provokes Resentment
05/23/2025
Ep. 145 - Always Meditate on Whatever Provokes Resentment
What is resentment? Why is it so corrosive? How can we work with our resentments? How can we overcome a victim mentality while still protecting ourselves, protecting others, and protecting truth? In this solo episode, uses a classic Tantric Buddhist contemplative slogan from the Lojong mind training tradition that translates as either “Always meditate on whatever provokes resentment” or “stay close to your resentment.” Enjoy the listen! Ethan’s most recent book, was just awarded a gold medal in the 2025 Nautilus Book Awards. You can to order a signed copy. Please allow two weeks from the time of your order for your copy to arrive. Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like , and more! The Meditation Group starts up again on May 15th, and a special podcast/meditation on “Intuition” was be released to paid subscribers this month. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program beginning June 13th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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Ep. 144 - Microdosing Grief and The Practice of Saying Goodbye
05/15/2025
Ep. 144 - Microdosing Grief and The Practice of Saying Goodbye
In a spontaneous episode, Ethan discusses grief and loss while processing multiple events. At a recent compassion meditation retreat, colleague and friend René Fay gave a presentation where she discussed the need to “Microdose Grief,” to take it in little by little so that we can honor the small moments of loss to develop familiarity with the experience when the big waves come. Through remembering the life and the recent death of a dharma friend, Ethan explores a famous buddhist quote about impermanence (“The Cup Is Already Broken”) and explores how grief can be used as a tool for popping our hearts and minds outside of the confines of linear time, into the spontaneous presence and open-heartedness of what the Zen masters call “Being Time.” This episode of The Road Home is dedicated to the memory of , who was a friend (and ) who passed away suddenly on May 10, 2025. Ralph was a dharma teacher and trauma therapist, as well as the author of three books which each explored Internal Family Systems and Somatic Therapy in relation to Tantric Buddhist thought: , , and . For resources for processing Ralph’s passing, you can follow the information posted in the youtube video, or reach out to Ralph’s assistant, Amanda Ludwig. Visit for the show notes that include the prophetic and poignant last Dharma talk that Ralph gave the day before he/they passed away. Support The Road Home: Please support the podcast via and subscribe for free or with small monthly contributions. Paid subscribers will receive occasional extras like guided meditations, and more! The Meditation Group starts up again on May 15th, and a special podcast/meditation on “Intuition” will be released to paid subscribers this Friday, May 2nd. You can also subscribe to The Road Home podcast wherever you get your pods (, ,, etc). Check out all the cool offerings at our podcast sponsor , including the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program beginning June 13th, 2025. Free video courses co-taught by Ethan and others, such as , are also available for download.
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