For episode 262, Sharon speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman as part of the Metta Hour Anxiety Series.In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He is founder of the Center for Human Potential and founder of Self-Actualization Coaching. Scott is the author of eleven books, including Rise Above, his forthcoming book set for release in 2025. Scott is also host of The Psychology Podcast— which has received over 30 million downloads. In this conversation, Sharon and Scott speak about:• Having growth motivation• Shifting the narrative of anxiety• Scott’s childhood experiences• Curiosity versus grit• How to shift out of fear• Creating space around anxiety• Welcoming our beautiful monsters• Broadening the Window of Tolerance• Experiencing a sense of bothness• Scott’s new book, Rise Above• Victim versus empowerment mindset• Learned Hopefulness• Finding the light within• Pros and cons of sensitivity• The blessings of gratitude and aweThe episode closes with Scott leading a Tonglen practice.You can learn more about Scott’s work right here and check out his new book, Rise Above, right here.Check out the first two episodes in the Anxiety Podcast Series with Dr. Jud Brewer right here and Dr. Jenny Taitz right here.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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Ep. 261 – Anxiety Series: Jenny Taitz
For episode 261, Dr. Jenny Taitz returns to the Metta Hour for our Anxiety Series. Jenny is a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. She completed her fellowship in psychology at Yale University School of Medicine and achieved board certifications in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. In addition to treating clients in her private therapy practice, LA CBT DBT, she is the author of How to Be Single and Happy and End Emotional Eating. Her new book, Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Join Sharon for a free live conversation and interactive Q&A exploring the power of real connection—with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Throughout the discussion, Sharon, Jackie Dobrinska, and Raghu Markus will weave in the wisdom of Ram Dass, reflecting on how intimacy can be a profound path to awakening. Join this free live call on April 7th: Click Here To Learn MoreIn this episode, Sharon and Jenny discuss:Jenny’s approach to anxietyEmotions are contagiousThe superpower of emotional regulationCultivating an inner lifeThree-point check-inHow to break-up with overthinkingGetting groundingCognitive diffusionNaming your inner criticSitting with uncertaintyBuilding a hope kitBox-breathingLovingkindness Doing good deedsExamining assumptionsSurfing emotional urgesSharon closes with a hypothetical situation about anxiety which Jenny advises on. You can learn more about Jenny’s work and get a copy of her book, Stress Resets, on her website.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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Ep. 260 – Anxiety Series: Dr. Jud Brewer
For episode 260, we are launching a new Anxiety Series on the Metta Hour. Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. To launch the series, Sharon sits down with Dr. Jud Brewer MD, Ph.D.Dr, Jud is a New York Times best-selling author and thought leader in the field of habit change and the “science of self-mastery,” who blends over 20 years of experience with mindfulness training and a career in scientific research. He is passionate about understanding how our brains work, and how to use that knowledge to help people make deep, permanent change in their lives — with the goal of reducing suffering in the world at large. Dr. Jud is the director of research and innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center, where he also serves as an associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the School of Public Health and Psychiatry at the School of Medicine at Brown University, and a research affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.In this episode, Sharon and Dr. Jud discuss:The neuroscientific definition of anxiety Fear of the futureHow we simulate the futureThe difference between planning and worryingAnxious feeling versus thoughtQualifiers for mental health diagnosesThe research behind Mental NotingThe antidote to anxiety is curiosityExploring gratification to its endHow much does worrying help?Thinking isn’t what changes behaviorWe’re wired for happinessNeuroscientists don’t talk about willpowerInternet myths about anxietyDeprivation curiosityHow misinformation fuels anxietyCollective anxietyDefault Mode NetworkFive Finger BreathingNoticing our “oh no” momentsKindness and curiosity are best friendsThe Unwinding Anxiety AppThe conversation closes with a short guided curiosity practice. You can learn more about Dr. Jud’s work and get a copy of his book, Unwinding Anxiety, right here and learn more about his Mindshift Recovery App right here.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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Ep. 259 – The Force of Kindness Pt. 2
For episode 259, we bring you the second half of a two-part series on the Force of Kindness.Listen to the first part of this series released earlier in February of 2025 right here.His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated, “My true religion is kindness.” Although frequently denigrated in our culture as simplistic and weak, the quality of kindness has an inherent power to transform our worldview from one of fear and isolation to one rooted in clarity, courage and compassion in action. Kindness is the fuel that helps us truly “walk our talk” of love. Recording in December or 2024 by the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion. In this recording, Sharon teaches on:The aspiration of kindnessBrahma Viharas as a basis for aspirationLovingkindness as ConnectionOur Subway CarReflection on InterconnectionThe definition of CompassionSympathetic JoyGratitude as the energizerEquanimity as the secret ingredientThe eight vicissitudesThe episode closes with Sharon taking some questions from the audienceJoin Sharon’s upcoming ten-day wisdom course exploring Equanimity starting March 5th. Learn more right here.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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Ep. 258 – The Force of Kindness Pt. 1
For episode 258, we bring you the first half of a two-part series on the Force of Kindness.His Holiness the Dalai Lama has stated, “My true religion is kindness.” Although frequently denigrated in our culture as simplistic and weak, the quality of kindness has an inherent power to transform our worldview from one of fear and isolation to one rooted in clarity, courage and compassion in action. Kindness is the fuel that helps us truly “walk our talk” of love. Recording in December or 2024 by the Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion.In this recording, Sharon teaches on:The conditioning we faceHow our culture defines kindnessThe compassionate witnessA ministry of presenceKindness as a motivational stateThe emergent properties of how we pay attentionWho do we pay attention to?Practicing kindness for ourselvesGuided meditation on how we speak to ourselvesPunitive environments cannot sustain growthHow resilience is developed Sayadaw U Pandita’s trick questionStay tuned for the second part of this series coming in February of 2025. Join Sharon’s upcoming ten-day wisdom course exploring Equanimity starting March 5th. Learn more right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humor 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.She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. www.sharonsalzberg.com
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