Buddhability
226 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 513 ratingsThe reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it everyday, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode. For more stories, tips on practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, and our newsletter, visit www.buddhability.org.
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Episodes
Vinessa Shaw on acting, perfectionism and success
August 07, 2021 16:34 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBToday’s episode is an in-depth conversation with actor Vinessa Shaw, who is known for her success as a child actor in movies such as Ladybugs and Hocus Pocus and then, as an adult, in Eyes Wide Shut and most recently, 12 Mighty Orphans, which is in theaters. Vinessa has been practicing Buddhism since childhood, and today she shares her honest experience dealing with success at a young age, struggling with perfectionism and finding true self-worth. She also shares advice on auditio...
Episode 34: Vinessa Shaw on acting, perfectionism and success
August 07, 2021 16:34 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBToday’s episode is an in-depth conversation with actor Vinessa Shaw, who is known for her success as a child actor in movies such as Ladybugs and Hocus Pocus and then, as an adult, in Eyes Wide Shut and most recently, 12 Mighty Orphans, which is in theaters. Vinessa has been practicing Buddhism since childhood, and today she shares her honest experience dealing with success at a young age, struggling with perfectionism and finding true self-worth. She also shares advice on auditio...
Episode 33: Overcoming negative self-talk… and other chanting tips
July 31, 2021 16:11 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBTomorrow, we are kicking off our 31-Day Chanting Journey so today’s episode is filled with practical tips and advice on how to make the most of it, especially if one of your reasons for doing it is to address negative self-talk. Out guest is Erin Harris, who grew up practicing Buddhism in the Bay Area. Erin’s own story is so moving. She grew up with a stutter and at a young age, realized that the only time she felt she could really be her authentic self and not stutter was while ch...
Overcoming negative self-talk… and other chanting tips
July 31, 2021 16:11 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBTomorrow, we are kicking off our 31-Day Chanting Journey so today’s episode is filled with practical tips and advice on how to make the most of it, especially if one of your reasons for doing it is to address negative self-talk. Out guest is Erin Harris, who grew up practicing Buddhism in the Bay Area. Erin’s own story is so moving. She grew up with a stutter and at a young age, realized that the only time she felt she could really be her authentic self and not stutter was while ch...
A 31-Day Buddhability Journey
July 25, 2021 21:37 - 2 minutes - 2.26 MBJust a short announcement today to share that starting August 1 we are doing another 31-Day Buddhability Journey where we invite you to try chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the month of August! Sign up at www.buddhability.org/journey
Navigating Death and Illness
July 17, 2021 20:36 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBToday we are addressing how to navigate the loss of a loved one or support them through serious illness. While everyone's experience and circumstances are different, our guest, Jonathan Teran, shares his family's story, and the takeaways feel truly universal. In August 2020, Jonathan lost his father to pulmonary fibrosis, and today he shares how his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the journey, from finding him care, to supporting him during hospice, to de...
Episode 32: Navigating Death and Illness
July 17, 2021 20:36 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MBToday we are addressing how to navigate the loss of a loved one or support them through serious illness. While everyone's experience and circumstances are different, our guest, Jonathan Teran, shares his family's story, and the takeaways feel truly universal. In August 2020, Jonathan lost his father to pulmonary fibrosis, and today he shares how his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the journey, from finding him care, to supporting him during hospice, to de...
Episode 31: On self-respect and love in relationships
July 10, 2021 15:26 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBToday we are talking about relationships and specifically addressing a few questions that we’ve received from listeners, which are: How do I decide if the person I’m with is the one? What does Buddhism say about creating a healthy long-term relationship? And how can I support my partner while also supporting myself? Our guest is Faith Jones, a young woman whose journey with Buddhism is intertwined with her relationship experience. Practicing Buddhism helped her identify a tendency ...
On self-respect and love in relationships
July 10, 2021 15:26 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBToday we are talking about relationships and specifically addressing a few questions that we’ve received from listeners, which are: How do I decide if the person I’m with is the one? What does Buddhism say about creating a healthy long-term relationship? And how can I support my partner while also supporting myself? Our guest is Faith Jones, a young woman whose journey with Buddhism is intertwined with her relationship experience. Practicing Buddhism helped her identify a tendency ...
How to overcome resistance in creative work
July 02, 2021 20:54 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBToday we’re discussing creative work, but the lessons apply to virtually anything in your life that brings out feelings of resistance, fear or self-doubt. Our guest is Monica Ong, a Connecticut-based visual poet and designer. She’s been practicing Buddhism ever since discovering it on study abroad in high school and our conversation today is filled with practical insights on how to navigate a creative career as a Buddhist. Monica’s own story is about identity and paving her own wa...
Episode 30: How to overcome resistance in creative work
July 02, 2021 20:54 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBToday we’re discussing creative work, but the lessons apply to virtually anything in your life that brings out feelings of resistance, fear or self-doubt. Our guest is Monica Ong, a Connecticut-based visual poet and designer. She’s been practicing Buddhism ever since discovering it on study abroad in high school and our conversation today is filled with practical insights on how to navigate a creative career as a Buddhist. Monica’s own story is about identity and paving her own wa...
Episode 29: Love wins, A Buddhist lawyer and the fight for marriage equality
June 26, 2021 16:34 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBSix years ago today, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ratified same-sex marriage, a monumental achievement after a more than 25-year battle across the country. Recently, journalist Sasha Issenberg published a riveting, comprehensive history of that struggle, titled The Engagement: America’s Quarter Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage, tracing it back to 1990, when the political movement took off with a case in the Hawaii Supreme Court. At that point, Issenberg explains...
Love wins, A Buddhist lawyer and the fight for marriage equality
June 26, 2021 16:34 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBSix years ago today, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ratified same-sex marriage, a monumental achievement after a more than 25-year battle across the country. Recently, journalist Sasha Issenberg published a riveting, comprehensive history of that struggle, titled The Engagement: America’s Quarter Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage, tracing it back to 1990, when the political movement took off with a case in the Hawaii Supreme Court. At that point, Issenberg explains...
Not being limited by a diagnosis
June 12, 2021 21:53 - 44 minutes - 41 MBToday’s episode is an inspiring story about how to navigate life after receiving a diagnosis, especially if unexpected and related to mental health. Our guest is Dylan Parnell, a young man who practices Buddhism in Arizona. About 1 year after getting divorced at a young age, Dylan faced an unexpected health challenge that lead to him being hospitalized with psychosis, and then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and admitted to mental health facility for three weeks. After getting out...
Episode 28: Not being limited by a diagnosis
June 12, 2021 21:53 - 44 minutes - 41 MBToday’s episode is an inspiring story about how to navigate life after receiving a diagnosis, especially if unexpected and related to mental health. Our guest is Dylan Parnell, a young man who practices Buddhism in Arizona. About 1 year after getting divorced at a young age, Dylan faced an unexpected health challenge that lead to him being hospitalized with psychosis, and then diagnosed with bipolar disorder and admitted to mental health facility for three weeks. After getting out...
Episode 27: On imposter syndrome, deserving success and finding happiness
June 05, 2021 14:46 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBToday’s episode is about imposter syndrome, or feeling like you don’t deserve success or happiness. Technically, imposter syndrome is not a psychiatric disorder but studies show that imposter feelings are experienced by 70% of people at some point in their life. These feelings can be caused by internal factors, like personality traits, and external factors, such as the environments we experience, as well as institutionalized discrimination. However it shows up in your life, feel...
On imposter syndrome, deserving success and finding happiness
June 05, 2021 14:46 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBToday’s episode is about imposter syndrome, or feeling like you don’t deserve success or happiness. Technically, imposter syndrome is not a psychiatric disorder but studies show that imposter feelings are experienced by 70% of people at some point in their life. These feelings can be caused by internal factors, like personality traits, and external factors, such as the environments we experience, as well as institutionalized discrimination. However it shows up in your life, feel...
Episode 26: Never giving up on your dream
May 28, 2021 16:25 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBToday we're talking about how not to give up on your dream. Even if we discover our dream job or purpose at a young age, on the path to pursuing it, we often have to grapple with our own self-doubt, tough decisions, and at times, challenging and unexpected obstacles. Today we’re talking to Michael Cornell, a 5th-grade teacher in New York City. After struggling with anxiety and depression during graduate school, and then facing the realities of education in NYC, his journey in educ...
Never giving up on your dream
May 28, 2021 16:25 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBToday we're talking about how not to give up on your dream. Even if we discover our dream job or purpose at a young age, on the path to pursuing it, we often have to grapple with our own self-doubt, tough decisions, and at times, challenging and unexpected obstacles. Today we’re talking to Michael Cornell, a 5th-grade teacher in New York City. After struggling with anxiety and depression during graduate school, and then facing the realities of education in NYC, his journey in educ...
Episode 25: Taking the steps to respect your own life
May 22, 2021 21:10 - 59 minutes - 55 MBToday we’re talking to Lorenna Garcia-Bochas, a young woman in Georgia who grew up around the Buddhist community and chanting. Her own practice developed when she started college and faced some major challenges in her family and with her own mental health, which drove her to dig deep into her own heart to find a way forward. We cover a lot today: how to grapple with multiple identities and feeling like you don’t fit anywhere; how to take care of your family when they are strugglin...
Taking the steps to respect your own life
May 22, 2021 21:10 - 59 minutes - 55 MBToday we’re talking to Lorenna Garcia-Bochas, a young woman in Georgia who grew up around the Buddhist community and chanting. Her own practice developed when she started college and faced some major challenges in her family and with her own mental health, which drove her to dig deep into her own heart to find a way forward. We cover a lot today: how to grapple with multiple identities and feeling like you don’t fit anywhere; how to take care of your family when they are strugglin...
Join Us for a 7 Day Refresh!
May 15, 2021 15:50 - 1 minute - 1.53 MBToday we have a short announcement about Buddhability’s upcoming 7 Day Refresh, starting Monday, May 17. Sign up at www.buddhability.org.
On Boundaries and True Self-Care
May 09, 2021 15:11 - 53 minutes - 49 MBToday we are covering one of our most highly requested topics: boundaries and self-care. Our guest is Jessica Riley, a mental health specialist in Florida, who most recently was a military psychologist. After struggling deeply with setting boundaries, an overwhelming workload and an inability to really take care of herself, she started chanting about her situation and came to a major realization about herself that changed everything. We’ll cover how she navigated her own experience...
Episode 24: On Boundaries and True Self-Care
May 09, 2021 15:11 - 53 minutes - 49 MBToday we are covering one of our most highly requested topics: boundaries and self-care. Our guest is Jessica Riley, a mental health specialist in Florida, who most recently was a military psychologist. After struggling deeply with setting boundaries, an overwhelming workload and an inability to really take care of herself, she started chanting about her situation and came to a major realization about herself that changed everything. We’ll cover how she navigated her own experience...
Episode 23: The key to changing your environment
May 01, 2021 19:51 - 41 minutes - 38 MBToday we’re speaking with Beau Lancaster, a historian-in-training in Brooklyn, New York, who runs a YouTube channel and podcast called the Shady Historian. Beau’s dream is to be a historian who works in media spaces and he’s currently in grad school. But his journey there wasn't easy. It all started with a very challenging environment. We’re going to hear his story today from the perspective of a very universal question: Why am I in the environment I’m in? And what can I do to chan...
Episode 22: Building a career you love
April 24, 2021 18:09 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBToday we're talking about careers, a topic that we plan to cover from many different perspectives on future episodes. Our guest is Louise Ocasion, who started practicing Buddhism when she was in college and struggling with a deep sense of confusion about what to do with her life. Today, she’s a corporate executive who has worked at some of the biggest entertainment companies in the world, but the journey to get here was filled with twists and turns. In short, it’s all about how to...
Building a career you love
April 24, 2021 18:09 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MBToday we're talking about careers, a topic that we plan to cover from many different perspectives on future episodes. Our guest is Louise Ocasion, who started practicing Buddhism when she was in college and struggling with a deep sense of confusion about what to do with her life. Today, she’s a corporate executive who has worked at some of the biggest entertainment companies in the world, but the journey to get here was filled with twists and turns. In short, it’s all about how to...
Trailer: What is enlightenment?
April 16, 2021 19:27 - 1 minute - 1.68 MBInstead of an episode this week, we have an announcement! Based on your requests, we just published a video explainer on enlightenment. Find it on Buddhability's YouTube or Instagram, or at this link.
Episode 21: How to turn your circumstances into your purpose
April 09, 2021 20:40 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBToday’s episode is about a key Buddhist concept, which teaches that where you are right now is exactly the place you need to be to fulfill your purpose, as long as you're willing to dig deep into your heart and let the courage out. We speak with Dori Colly, a young mother in North Carolina. On the surface, hers is a story about the challenges she went through to buy a house. But what's most incredible about her experience practicing Buddhism is how she courageously opened her heart...
How to turn your circumstances into your purpose
April 09, 2021 20:40 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBToday’s episode is about a key Buddhist concept, which teaches that where you are right now is exactly the place you need to be to fulfill your purpose, as long as you're willing to dig deep into your heart and let the courage out. We speak with Dori Colly, a young mother in North Carolina. On the surface, hers is a story about the challenges she went through to buy a house. But what's most incredible about her experience practicing Buddhism is how she courageously opened her heart...
How to stop comparing yourself to others
April 03, 2021 16:16 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBToday we are discussing a question that comes up a lot: How do I stop comparing myself to other people? It can be a real struggle, especially if you feel like the people around you are better or farther ahead than you in some way. Here’s an article we did on the subject, called Feel like you're falling behind? Our guest today is Harrison Tsao, who started practicing Buddhism in high school because he was deeply struggling with anxiety and depression, stemming from the fact that he...
Episode 20: How to stop comparing yourself to others
April 03, 2021 16:16 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBToday we are discussing a question that comes up a lot: How do I stop comparing myself to other people? It can be a real struggle, especially if you feel like the people around you are better or farther ahead than you in some way. Here’s an article we did on the subject, called Feel like you're falling behind? Our guest today is Harrison Tsao, who started practicing Buddhism in high school because he was deeply struggling with anxiety and depression, stemming from the fact that he...
Join Us Friday for a Buddhability Community Talk!
March 24, 2021 22:58 - 1 minute - 1.85 MBAppreciate the Buddhability content but want to hear from people actually practicing Buddhism? We teamed up with members of our Buddhist community to present a new online series hosted by Buddhability. The first one is this Friday and we're talking about how to refresh yourself when you feel burned out. Join us Friday, March 26 at 9 a.m. PT, 11 a.m. CT, 12 p.m. ET. Register here: https://buddhability.org/practice/live/
Finding happiness while living with chronic illness
March 19, 2021 20:39 - 35 minutes - 33 MBOn this episode, we discuss living with chronic health challenges, be it physical or mental health. Jenny Ohrstrom, who has been seeking treatment for Lyme disease for nearly 8 years, shares her story of learning how to find happiness despite living with painful, unpredictable symptoms. While everyone's experience with illness is different, for chronic illness, the battle is as much about managing the symptoms and seeking treatment as it about finding a way to value your life on da...
Episode 19: Finding happiness while living with chronic illness
March 19, 2021 20:39 - 35 minutes - 33 MBOn this episode, we discuss living with chronic health challenges, be it physical or mental health. Jenny Ohrstrom, who has been seeking treatment for Lyme disease for nearly 8 years, shares her story of learning how to find happiness despite living with painful, unpredictable symptoms. While everyone's experience with illness is different, for chronic illness, the battle is as much about managing the symptoms and seeking treatment as it about finding a way to value your life on da...
Being new parents (in a pandemic)
March 12, 2021 20:34 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBToday we are talking about being new parents, which is a topic that's been requested by many listeners. Savini and Piper, college sweethearts from India who moved to New York City in their 20’s, share the story of having their first child in September 2019, just 6 months before the pandemic began. They've had to navigate a lot: not only grappling with a new identity and sense of responsibility, but also navigating covid and some unexpected health challenges their son was born with....
Episode 18: Being new parents (in a pandemic)
March 12, 2021 20:34 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MBToday we are talking about being new parents, which is a topic that's been requested by many listeners. Savini and Piper, college sweethearts from India who moved to New York City in their 20’s, share the story of having their first child in September 2019, just 6 months before the pandemic began. They've had to navigate a lot: not only grappling with a new identity and sense of responsibility, but also navigating covid and some unexpected health challenges their son was born with....
Episode 17: Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 2)
March 03, 2021 20:19 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBWe are back with part 2 of last week’s episode, which is all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over Zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together. In part 2, we share Karina’s story of facing and transforming her past with support from her Buddhist friends, as well as advice for anyone who has just finished the 28 Day Buddhability Journey. If you would like to connect to a local Buddhist community vir...
Episode #17: Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 2)
March 03, 2021 20:19 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBWe are back with part 2 of last week’s episode, which is all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over Zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together.
Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 2)
March 03, 2021 20:19 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBWe are back with part 2 of last week’s episode, which is all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over Zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together. In part 2, we share Karina’s story of facing and transforming her past with support from her Buddhist friends, as well as advice for anyone who has just finished the 28 Day Buddhability Journey. If you would like to connect to a local Buddhist community vir...
Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 1) #struggleictory
February 27, 2021 19:30 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWe have a two-part episode for you today, all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together. After all, research shows that giving help to others by listening and providing empathy and encouragement, gives us positive emotional and cognitive benefits in return. On this episode, Caitlin, Jahmela and Karina walk us through their own experience doing just that. Pa...
Episode 16: Buddhist Friends for Life (Part 1) #struggleictory
February 27, 2021 19:30 - 41 minutes - 38.3 MBWe have a two-part episode for you today, all about the Buddhist community. In the SGI we meet in local neighborhood groups (these days over zoom) to figure out how to apply Buddhism to our daily lives, together. After all, research shows that giving help to others by listening and providing empathy and encouragement, gives us positive emotional and cognitive benefits in return. On this episode, Caitlin, Jahmela and Karina walk us through their own experience doing just that. Pa...
How’s chanting going? (Journey Check-in)
February 19, 2021 17:19 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBThis week, we wanted to check in with everyone who is currently doing the 28 Day Buddhability Journey. (Remember, it’s not too late to jump in. Even a week of chanting can feel amazing!) Tell us how it’s going! If you’ve been chanting this month, send us a brief voice memo to [email protected] sharing 1 thing you have learned or noticed so far during the chanting challenge. If you want to share your story with us in greater depth, put that in the email too and we might reach out ...
Episode 15: Six Questions About Love
February 13, 2021 16:23 - 1 hour - 56 MBToday we’re answering listener questions about love and relationships. We called up 3 people from our Buddhist community who have been chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for a while now—Abby from Oakland, Rah'mad from Washington, D.C., and Erika from New Jersey—and asked them their honest answers to your questions. The episode covers everything from what it takes to leave a bad relationship and how to move on when you do, to how to find your life partner and know if they are the one. You ...
Six Questions About Love
February 13, 2021 16:23 - 1 hour - 56 MBToday we’re answering listener questions about love and relationships. We called up 3 people from our Buddhist community who have been chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for a while now—Abby from Oakland, Rah'mad from Washington, D.C., and Erika from New Jersey—and asked them their honest answers to your questions. The episode covers everything from what it takes to leave a bad relationship and how to move on when you do, to how to find your life partner and know if they are the one. You ...
Everything you need to know about chanting
February 04, 2021 22:12 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBToday we are covering some of the basics of Buddhism for anyone who might be new to chanting or simply wants a refresher. We speak with Ryan Hayashi, who starting chanting in high school, when he was going through some pretty serious challenges. Now, over 10 years later, he’s an amazing high school math teacher in Arizona and also really active in the local Buddhist community there. If you’re new, we recommend listening to this episode all the way through, but if you just want to s...
Episode 14: Everything you need to know about chanting
February 04, 2021 22:12 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBToday we are covering some of the basics of Buddhism for anyone who might be new to chanting or simply wants a refresher. We speak with Ryan Hayashi, who starting chanting in high school, when he was going through some pretty serious challenges. Now, over 10 years later, he’s an amazing high school math teacher in Arizona and also really active in the local Buddhist community there. If you’re new, we recommend listening to this episode all the way through, but if you just want to s...
My First Days Chanting, A Buddhability Journey
January 29, 2021 00:30 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWe are excited to announce something special today—the 28 Day Buddhability Journey—which we’re kicking off on February 1. It’s a monthlong challenge to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day for however long you'd like, and it’s open to anyone, whether you’re brand new to chanting or just want a reason to refresh your practice. Sign up at buddhability.org/journey for all the details! Before we start the journey together, we thought it would helpful to talk to someone who is currently ...
Episode 13: My First Days Chanting, A Buddhability Journey
January 29, 2021 00:30 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MBWe are excited to announce something special today—the 28 Day Buddhability Journey—which we’re kicking off on February 1. It’s a monthlong challenge to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day for however long you'd like, and it’s open to anyone, whether you’re brand new to chanting or just want a reason to refresh your practice. Sign up at buddhability.org/journey for all the details! Before we start the journey together, we thought it would helpful to talk to someone who is currently ...
Episode 12: When you feel like you don’t belong anywhere
January 19, 2021 22:36 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBFeeling like you fit in is hard, especially when you have many different identities. If you’ve ever felt like you put on a different mask every place you go, this episode is for you. We speak with Falcon Sang, a young artist from L.A., about how practicing Buddhism helped him find himself. Key takeaway: If you’re willing to dig deeper, you’ll find that Buddhability is universal, and it can help you connect with anyone. Cheat sheet: 00:30 Announcement: Send us your questions about...