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Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Be Here Now Network
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common-sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humour, and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. As one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over fifty years ago, she has inspired generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of fifteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness (now in its second edition) and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her upcoming workbook, Living Lovingkindness, will be released in January 2027 by St. Martin’s Essentials. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed eight million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
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- 2 weeks ago58 min
Ep. 298 – Ann Tashi Slater
For episode 298, Sharon sits down with first-time guest Ann Tashi Slater.Ann Tashi Slater is the author of Traveling in Bardo: The Art of Living in an Impermanent World. She has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Paris Review, and Oprah Daily, among others, and is a contributing editor at Tricycle, where she hosts an interview series about bardo and the art of living. Ann’s speaking and teaching engagements include Princeton, Columbia, Oxford, and The American University of Paris. Her work explores how our personal histories and cultural roots shape us—and how we find meaning in a world where everything changes and ends. This is Ann’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Ann and Sharon speak about:• Ann’s exploration of her Tibetan roots• The liminal periods of our lives• The definition of bardo• How Ann discovered bardo teachings• The Tibetan Book of the Dead• The story of Ann’s great-grandfather• Examples of everyday bardos• Becoming more intimate with uncertainty• Opening to being undefined in transitions • Bardo leading to the experience of non-self• How lovingkindness affects bardo periods• What role grief plays in bardo• The Buddhist story of Kisa Gotami• Non-Attachment, Acceptance, Attention• What Ann’s near-death experience taught her• Accepting reality without giving up hope• How do we live in a world where nothing lasts forever?Additional ResourcesThe episode closes with Ann reading an excerpt from her book, Traveling in Bardo. You can learn more about Ann’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Oct 13, 20261h 21m
Ep. 297 – Chris Germer
For episode 297, Sharon sits down with Chris Germer to discuss his new book, Self-Compassion for Shame. Chris Germer, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of several books including Self-Compassion for Burnout, co-authored with Dr. Kristin Neff. His new book, Self-Compassion for Shame: A Step-by-Step Guide to Inner Freedom was just released in September of 2026 from The Guilford Press. Chris lectures and leads workshops internationally and has a small psychotherapy practice in Massachusetts. This is his first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Sharon and Chris speak about:Chris’s early interest in psychologyLearning meditation in the seventiesContemplative practice with psychologyHow Chris came to self-compassionSharon’s influence in Chris’s pathHow loving-kindness changed Chris’s lifeChris’s public speaking anxietySharon’s experience with public speakingHow Chris became aware of his own shameShame is an attack on the sense of selfShame compared to similar emotions and traitsHow we can learn to recognize shameHow the new book is organizedWhen shame can be helpfulDr Kristin Neff’s model of self-compassionWelcoming all parts of ourselvesTaking responsibility for our shameLean in, lean back, or let goNon-striving and non-fixing in self-compassionSelf-compassion is the end of the struggleHow Chris approaches his therapy practiceAdditional Resources:The episode closes with Chris leading a guided meditation on self-compassion for shame. You can learn more about Chris’s work right here.Related Metta Hour Episodes:Episode 252 Dr. Kristin Neff’s most recent appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2024.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Sep 30, 202656 min
Ep. 296 – Tim Desmond
For episode 296 Tim Desmond returns to the Metta Hour to discuss his new book series with Sharon.Tim Desmond is a psychotherapist, best-selling author, Distinguished Faculty Scholar at Antioch University, and student of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hạnh, under whom he was ordained into the Order of Interbeing in 2005. Founder of Peer Collective, and co-founder of Morning Sun Mindfulness Center, Tim lives in Oakland, CA, and teaches mindfulness and self-compassion practices to audiences around the world. He is the author of several books including Buddhist Practices for Healing Trauma, and Buddhist Practices for Overcoming Depression, released by W. W. Norton & Company in 2026, and the forthcoming Buddhist Practices for Calming Anxiety. This is Tim’s second appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Sharon and Tim speak about:• Tim’s new book series• Buddhism for mental health• Right and wrong mindfulness• Thich Nhat Hanh’s influence on Tim’s teaching • Buddhist Practices for Healing Trauma book• The “whole path” approach to mental health• The mind as the garden for working with trauma • What trauma-informed practice is• The better way to catch a snake• The Doors of Liberation teachings for trauma• Buddhist Practices for Overcoming Depression book• The role of Faith in working with depression• Cultivating the motivation/energy for healing• The self-sabotaging aspect of depression• Self-understanding is loving awareness • What offers resilience in the face of suffering • Thich Nhat Hanh’s Froglessness teaching• An update on Peer CollectiveAdditional ResourcesThe episode closes with a guided meditation from Tim. You can learn more about Tim’s work right here and learn about Peer Collective right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 194 Tim Desmond’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2021.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Sep 15, 202652 min
Ep. 295 – Caverly Morgan
Caverly Morgan joins Sharon for episode 295 of the Metta Hour Podcast to talk about her book, The Heart of Who We Are.Caverly Morgan is a teacher of awakening, nonprofit founder, speaker, and author who blends the original spirit of Zen with a modern nondual and relational approach. Her practice began in 1995 and has included eight years of training in a silent Zen monastery. She has been teaching contemplative practice since 2001. Caverly supports others in remembering our true nature—not through more techniques or self-improvement strategies, but through presence, inquiry, and togetherness. The Heart of Who We Are was released in 2022 from St. Martin's Essentials. Her other book, A Kids Book About Mindfulness, was released in 2024. She is a founder of the nonprofits Peace in Schools and Realizing Freedom Together, and has pioneered ways for communities to awaken collectively, making teachings that lead to liberation accessible to all. This is Caverly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Caverly and Sharon speak about:What drew Caverly to the dharmaHer eight years in a Zen monasteryGoing from monastic life to teaching youthCaverly’s definitions of Zen and non-dualityBeing aware of awareness itselfThe shadows of any practiceThe practice of inquiry and togethernessWhat inspired the book, The Heart of Who We AreThe CARE frameworkWhat self-compassion offersCaverly’s work with Dr. Kristin NeffHow personal practice impacts othersMindfulness with young kidsThe Realizing Freedom Together nonprofitAdditional Resources: The episode closes with a guided meditation from Caverly. You can learn more about Caverly’s work right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Sep 1, 20261h 3m
Ep. 294 – George Mumford
Beloved teacher, coach and author George Mumford returns to the Metta Hour for episode 294 to talk about the 2nd edition release of his book, The Mindful Athlete.George Mumford, a.k.a. The Performance Whisperer, is a globally recognized speaker, teacher, and pioneer in sports psychology and performance. Since 1989, he’s been honing his groundbreaking performance and mindfulness techniques with people from locker rooms to boardrooms, Yale to jail — as Phil Jackson’s ‘Secret Weapon’ to winning eight NBA Championships, helping Michael Jordan transform his leadership, and teaching Kobe Bryant to “just be.” George’s work incorporates principles based in positive psychology, mindfulness, philosophy, neuroscience, the recovery movement, group and organizational dynamics, and spiritual traditions from around the world. This is his third appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, George and Sharon speak about:• The second edition of The Mindful Athlete• George’s three-fold training • Debunking mindfulness myths• Mindfulness versus right mindfulness• The Five Superpowers• How George adapts teachings• Compassion’s role in peak performance• Dissolution of ego for team success• Why George reads a book-a-day• Circular learning style• Ajahn Sumedho’s wisdom• The resilience of the NY Knicks• Finding our enthusiasm• How effort creates energy Additional ResourcesThe episode closes with a guided meditation from George. You can learn more about George’s work right here and get a copy of the second edition of The Mindful Athlete right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 71 George Mumford’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2018Episode 214 George Mumford’s second appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2023 as part of the Mental Health Series.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Aug 19, 202650 min
Ep. 293 – Engaged Compassion: Shelly Tygielski
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the ninth and final episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Shelly Tygielski. Philanthropist and social activist Shelly Tygielski has been hailed by individuals ranging from President Joe Biden to Arianna Huffington and Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn to Maria Shriver. She is the founder of the global, grassroots mutual aid organization, Pandemic of Love and the co-founder of Partners in Kind, a purpose in production equity fund that invests in projects that focus on social impact in entertainment. Her work has been featured in over 100 media outlets, including CNN Heroes, The Kelly Clarkson Show, CBS This Morning, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. A Garrison Institute Fellow, Shelly has been called one of the “12 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement” by Mindful.org and teaches self-care and resilience at organizations and to audiences around the world. She is also the author of several books, “Sit Down to Rise Up” and “How We Ended Racism.” This is her second appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Shelly and Sharon speak about:• What motivated Shelly to get her PH.D.• The definition of Mutual Aid • Mutual Aid across history• Peter Kropotkin’s view of society • Cooperation vs competition in society• Thriving interspecies ecosystems • How Shelly’s practice has evolved over time• Finding a balance in our compassion• Prioritizing self-care in engaged compassion• How Shelly has let go of her caregiving guilt• The signs that burnout is lurking• Seeing resentment as a signal flare• Shelly’s advice to change-makers• Activism with our own sustainability in mind• Asking for help before falling into burnout• Joy is not an abandonment of responsibility • How Shelly finds joy in nature and with musicAdditional ResourcesThe episode closes with Shelly leading a lovingkindness meditation. Learn more about Shelly’s work and her different books right here. Learn more about Pandemic of Love right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 121: Shelly’s first appearance on the Metta Hour, released in 2020.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Aug 6, 20261h 2m
Ep. 292 – Engaged Compassion: Rev. Paul Raushenbush
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the eighth episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Rev. Paul Raushenbush. This is his first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. Rev. Raushenbush is President and CEO of Interfaith Alliance. An ordained Baptist minister, Rev. Raushenbush is a longtime interfaith leader and renowned advocate for civil rights and religious freedom. Rev. Raushenbush has published two books and contributed essays to several volumes on faith in public life. He also hosts the weekly podcast and radio show “The State of Belief,” in partnership with Religion News Service.In this conversation, Sharon and Paul speak about:• How Rev. Raushenbush came to service• The Social Gospel• Rev. Raushenbush’s interfaith family • How spiritual practice can fuel activism• Insisting on joy in moments of great sorrow• Embodying the future we hope for now• Rev. Raushenbush’s POV that we are all neighbors• Figuring out how to help• What inspired this Engaged Compassion series • How art can be resistance• Where Rev. Raushenbush turns for inspiration• The work of Interfaith Alliance • The possibilities of lovingkindness• Rev. Raushenbush’s husband’s new book, “Good Morning Moon”Additional ResourcesThe episode closes with a reflection from Rev. Raushenbush. Learn more about Rev. Raushenbush’s work right here. Learn more about Interfaith Alliance right here, including its many local chapters.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 281: The first episode of the Engaged Compassion Series with Jerry Colonna, released in March of 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Jul 21, 20261h 14m
Ep. 291 – Oneika Mays
Author and teacher Oneika Mays joins Sharon for episode 291 of the Metta Hour podcast. For over a decade, Oneika has brought yoga and mindfulness practices to people who have felt left out, judged, and alone— from correctional facilities to retreat centers, from Columbia Law School to Lincoln Center. She is the author of “Sit With Me: A No-BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation,” released by HarperOne in March of 2026, and the co-host of You Good? Podcast with Pamela Stokes Eggleston. This is her first appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast.In this conversation, Oneika and Sharon speak about:• How Oneika’s spiritual journey began• Training with teacher, Kimberly Brown• Metta’s impact on Oneika’s existing practice• The challenges of metta for the neutral person• Working at Riker’s Island Correctional Facility (give this context in intro)• Oneika’s new book, “Sit With Me”• The importance of forgiveness• What inspired Oneika’s new book• Loving people doesn’t necessarily mean liking them• Lovingkindness for oneself as a starting point• Working with the difficult person• The gift of grieving what’s broken• Navigating life within harmful systems• Teaching lovingkindness in prison• The NY Knicks and Collective EffervescenceAdditional ResourcesThe episode closes with a guided lovingkindness meditation from Oneika with added visualization. You can learn more about Oneika’s work right here and get a copy of her new book, “Sit With Me,” right here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 212: Kimberly Brown’s interview as part of our Mental Health Series released in 2023.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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About Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common-sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humour, and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. As one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over fifty years ago, she has inspired generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is the co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of fifteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness (now in its second edition) and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her upcoming workbook, Living Lovingkindness, will be released in January 2027 by St. Martin’s Essentials. Sharon’s podcast, The Metta Hour, has amassed eight million downloads and features interviews with thought leaders from the mindfulness movement and beyond.
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