Mindfulness meditation has become the mental health practice du jour, and rightfully so, given all of its benefits: greater presence, clarity and calm. But for people who have endured trauma, meditation can backfire, resulting in more rather than less suffering. Why is that? And does that mean survivors of trauma should not practice it? Is there a safe way t ... Show More
Dec 27
David Newheiser et al., "Art-Making as Spiritual Practice: Rituals of Embodied Understanding" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Art-Making as Spiritual Practice: Rituals of Embodied Understanding (Bloomsbury Academic Press, 2025), edited by Professor David Newheiser, is a new collection asks if it’s possible to consider art-making as a spiritual practice independent of explicit religious belief or content ... Show More
1h 28m
Dec 20
Integral Perspectives: From Kashmiri Shaivism to Tibetan Buddhism with Sean K. MacCracken
In this episode, Sean MacCracken reflects on his experience at the American Academy of Religion, noticing a shift toward more participatory, contemplative, and integrative approaches in religious studies. He discusses his course, Kashmiri Shaivism: Supreme Non-Dualism, highlighti ... Show More
1h 30m
Dec 12
Black Beryl: Self and Nonself, with Nick Canby
Dr Pierce Salguero sits down with Nick Canby, visiting assistant professor at Brown University and a clinical psychologist specializing in meditation and psychedelics. Together, we dive into Nick’s research on the self — what is it and what it’s like to lose it. Along the way, we ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 2023
Hot Button Issues in Mental Health & Psychotherapy: Trauma, Transgender, Psychedelics & SuperShrinks
Ep. 91 (Part 1 of 2) | Integral psychotherapist Mark Forman, author of the seminal work A Guide to Integral Psychotherapy, doesn’t mince words when it comes to the field he is passionate about: helping people out of their mental pain and dysphoria. Mark’s Integral perspective and ... Show More
56m 38s
Nov 2023
Ep. 227 – Mental Health Series with Joe Loizzo
<p>For episode 227 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Mental Health Series. In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health by applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual practice.</p> ... Show More
1h 12m
May 2023
Ep. 210 – Mental Health Series with Reggie Hubbard
<p>For episode 210 of the Metta Hour, we are beginning a special Mental Health Series!</p><p>In this series, Sharon sits down with different teachers, experts, and health advocates to explore and destigmatize mental health. Applying the tools of Buddhist wisdom and spiritual prac ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 2019
Meditation, Therapy, and "Murderous Rage", Dr. Susan Pollak
Dr. Susan Pollak found refuge in meditation at a young age, introduced to it by a family member. Describing herself as an anxious and neurotic kid, she noticed how meditation offered her some relief. Pollak has remained fascinated with meditation ever since. She earned degrees in ... Show More
1h 28m
Oct 2020
Dr. Shauna Shapiro on Transformative Mindfulness
Dr. Shauna Shapiro is a professor, best-selling author, clinical psychologist, and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and compassion. She has published over 150 journal articles and 3 critically acclaimed books translated into 16 languages. Her most recent book is c ... Show More
49m 30s