Michael Franco

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 20: Spiritual Medicine

April 17, 2024 11:28 - 1 hour - 50.3 MB

In this podcast, we open with the words of Alan Watts, cautioning the audience against spiritual addictions. We continue with various talking points and then we close with the next episodes within The Lost Princess.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 19: Twinkle in the Eye

April 03, 2024 02:34 - 1 hour - 48.1 MB

In this episode, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching, then continue our discussion on working with anger. We segue into Alan Watts' eulogy of Carl Jung and Carl Jung's penetrating words on the shadow element. After a couple of Zen Koans, we close with our continued quest of Rabbi Nachman's The Lost Princess.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 18: The Perfect Curriculum

March 27, 2024 02:51 - 1 hour - 50.5 MB

In this episode, we open with some talking points about Zen. We then move into a discussion of skillful handling of anger, drawing from the teachings of Ram Dass. Next, we explore a quote from the Bhagavad Gita to understand how even a war can be fought with compassion and wisdom. We close with further discussions regarding Rabbi Nachman's The Lost Princess.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 17: The Lost Princess

March 20, 2024 03:07 - 59 minutes - 43.1 MB

In this podcast, we open with some beautiful quotes from Kabir and Rumi. We continue with some more stories from Maharajji, the guru of Ram Dass, then with a few Zen Koans. We dedicate part 2 of the class to a story from Rabbi Nachman called The Lost Princess.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 16: Love Everyone

March 13, 2024 02:28 - 1 hour - 50.3 MB

In this class, we begin with some insights about the glowing face of Moses. We continue with some stories and quotes from Ram Dass and his guru Maharajji, followed by some Zen Koans. We end with the Zohar's exposition of the legendary staff of Moses.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 15: The Universe Within

March 06, 2024 03:22 - 1 hour - 43.2 MB

In this episode, we open with the wise words of the late great Indian guru Nisargadatta. We continue with a series of Zen stories from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. We close with the Zohar's discussion of the Divine communion that takes place whenever we engage in study of Torah.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 14: You are Peace

February 28, 2024 04:17 - 1 hour - 47.6 MB

In this podcast, we open with the words of H. W. L. Poonja: You are Peace. We continue with some more Zen Stories from Zen Flesh Zen Bones and we close with the Zohar's warnings about sexual misconduct.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 13: Tao is Now

February 21, 2024 03:30 - 1 hour - 48.4 MB

In this class, we open with a series of Zen stories that impart a direct seeing into our own nature. We continue with Alan Watts' Wisdom of the Ridiculous and we end with R' Shimon bar Yohai's mystical vision on the eve of Shabuot.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 12: Water and Ice

February 14, 2024 03:42 - 1 hour - 56.8 MB

In this class, we begin with the wisdom of a teacher of the Dalai Lama, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. We continue with Thoreau and Alan Watts, finishing with the Zohar's further teachings on Genesis.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 11: Emptiness

February 07, 2024 03:49 - 1 hour - 49.3 MB

In this podcast, we begin with the story of the great Hui-Neng and his teachings on emptiness. We continue with The Mirror of Essential Points by Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche and some words from Alan Watts. We close with the outstanding mystical experiences of R Elazar, R Abba, and R Shimon bar Yohai.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 10: The Perfected Mind

January 17, 2024 04:30 - 53 minutes - 42 MB

In this class, we discuss the Hsin Hsin Ming, an early Chinese text expressing the mindset of Taoism. We continue with Alan Watts' Wisdom of the Fool. We finish with a cliffhanger about the rabbis of the Zohar having a paranormal experience.

Spiritual Psychotherapy: Season 2 Episode 9: Unlocking Hidden Power

January 10, 2024 03:55 - 1 hour - 50.5 MB

In this podcast, we begin with the epic of Hanuman and derive the lessons that this story implies about the ego's journey. We end with the Zohar's closing remarks from the Arab Caravaner enlightening the sages R' Abba and R' Elazar.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 8: Crossing the River

December 27, 2023 03:36 - 1 hour - 48.2 MB

In this episode, we read some sections from Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, reflecting on their significance toward the 'attainment' of enlightenment. We close with the Zohar's discussion of the flow of emanation and Shekhinah's persistence in the face of judgement.

Parashat Vayiggash 2023: From Dreamer to Dream Interpreter

December 23, 2023 23:25 - 8 minutes - 3.87 MB

In this podcast, we focus on the character arc of Yoseph and his transformation during the last few parshiyyot.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 7: Where the River Meets the Sea

December 20, 2023 04:05 - 1 hour - 48.4 MB

In this episode, we run through a variety of musings, from quotes of Khalil Gibran to Pinocchio. We close with the Zohar's continued discussion between the rabbis and their alleged Arab Taya'a or caravaner.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 6: The Secret Teaching

December 06, 2023 12:39 - 1 hour - 48.8 MB

In this episode, we open with a collection of Zen stories and koans. We finish with the continuation of the Zohar's meditation about Shabbat.

Parashat Vayishlah 2023: The Shadow Element

December 02, 2023 22:59 - 8 minutes - 3.52 MB

In this podcast, we explore the mystery of who this mysterious "man" was, with whom Yaaqob struggled. We connect this with the timeless advice of Carl Jung.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 5: The Entry Point

November 29, 2023 03:35 - 1 hour - 52 MB

In this class, we open with some Zen wisdom regarding that which can never be verbalized. We close with the Zohar's discussion of Shabbat and the representation of Shekhinah as a single point within the geometric overlay of the Universe.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 4: The Sport of Our Love

November 22, 2023 13:13 - 1 hour - 49.2 MB

In this episode, we open with a quote from Kabir, continuing then with further study and practice of Zen. We end with the Zohar's readings of the days of Creation leading up to Shabbat.

Parashat Toledot 2023: The Value of Yede Esav

November 19, 2023 00:56 - 9 minutes - 4.31 MB

In this week's podcast, we discuss the importance of physical might for the sake of preserving spiritual goals.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 3: Spiritual Competition

November 15, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MB

In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Upanishads. We connect some of this wisdom with the Zohar's discussion of spiritual competition with angels.

Parashat Hayye Sarah 2023: Our Homeland Now and Forever

November 11, 2023 23:32 - 8 minutes - 3.9 MB

In this podcast, we explain the importance of a sense of belonging to one's land for the sake of mental health. We show how the Parasha emphasizes Abraham's dedication to the land of Israel belonging to his descendants through Yishaq.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2: Episode 2: The Messiah Cries

November 08, 2023 16:06 - 1 hour - 47.1 MB

In this fun episode, we recap the moving vision of Rabbi Hiyya. We continue with some haiku and Zen sayings that express some profound ideas and serve as the proverbial "finger pointing at the moon."

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 2 Episode 1: This Present Moment

November 01, 2023 14:25 - 1 hour - 51 MB

In the season premiere of Spiritual Psychotherapy, we begin by setting our sights on our spiritual goals for this season. We dedicate part 2 of the class to the Zohar's depiction of the vision of Rabbi Hiyya in the heavenly academy of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai.

Parashat Noah 2023: The Game-Changer

October 28, 2023 23:46 - 8 minutes - 3.8 MB

In this year's Noah podcast, we focus on the game-changers while we drown in the chaos of Hamas.

The Heroes

October 15, 2023 00:00 - 9 minutes - 3.99 MB

A tribute to Ariel Eliyahu A"H and all the heroes who have lost their lives Al Kiddush Hashem, glorifying the name of God.

Rosh Hashanah 2023: Beyond Covenant

September 18, 2023 00:43 - 9 minutes - 4.16 MB

In this year's Rosh Hashanah, we aim our sights on the Akeda and the symbolism of the shofar, drawing inspiration from the shofar that survived Auschwitz.

The 4 Who Entered Paradise: A Study of Mysticism and Psychosis

May 18, 2023 02:43 - 1 hour - 31.5 MB

In this class, we explore the stories from Masekhet Hagigah 14b, which shed light on the 4 rabbis who entered paradise, each with a separate fate.

Parashat Emor 2023: In Between

May 07, 2023 01:32 - 6 minutes - 2.72 MB

In this podcast, we show that the linguistic connections between Moshe and the Blasphemer teach us an important lesson about the balance of identity.

Parashat Ahare Mot-Kedoshim: Double Bind of the Ego

May 07, 2023 01:28 - 7 minutes - 3.28 MB

In this podcast, we show how Aharon presents the solution to the double-bind of the ego.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 17: God and Man

April 19, 2023 02:38 - 1 hour - 56.4 MB

In this final episode of the season, we open with some Zen stories, continue with some wisdom from the Tao te Ching, and close with the Zohar's recounting of the primordial events of Creation. We notice the intentional blurring of the lines between God and Mankind.

Pesah 2023: A Tale Told by REM Sleep

April 09, 2023 00:40 - 6 minutes - 2.96 MB

In this podcast, we explore the relationship between REM sleep, PTSD, and the events of Pesah.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 16: You’re It

March 29, 2023 02:18 - 1 hour - 28.5 MB

In this podcast, we dive back into some Zen stories meant to impart an intuitive understanding of Reality. We close with a continuation of the Zohar's discussion of Creation and the mysterious relationship between the upper sefirot.

Parashat Vayikra 2023: Reductionism and Emergence

March 26, 2023 00:37 - 5 minutes - 2.63 MB

In this week's podcast, we analyze the phrase haddam hu hannafesh -- the blood is the life force. We expand into a discussion of reductionism and emergence, dualism and monism.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 15: Mysterious Two that is One

March 22, 2023 04:19 - 58 minutes - 46.7 MB

In this podcast, we explore the limits of words, the beauty of partnership, and the mystery of dualism.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 14: Near Death Experiences

March 15, 2023 02:29 - 59 minutes - 47.5 MB

In this podcast, we begin with some super-interesting accounts from individuals who survived jumping off the Golden Gate bridge. We transition to the Zohar with a surprising lesson about the dangers of both dualism and monism that we learn from the letter Saddi.

Parashat Ki Tissa 2023: Identity Crisis

March 12, 2023 01:38 - 7 minutes - 3.15 MB

In this podcast, we compare the identity crisis in the Parasha to the identity crisis in America today.

Purim 2023: Comedy within Tragedy

March 05, 2023 00:21 - 5 minutes - 2.36 MB

In this podcast, we explore the role of comedy in Judaism and in Megillat Ester.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 13: Alphabet Soup

March 01, 2023 02:57 - 1 hour - 50.3 MB

In this podcast, we begin with ideas of Creation as set forth in the Tao te Ching, drawing connections to how Creation is portrayed by the Zohar.

Parashat Mishpatim 2023: The Untold Story Behind the Law

February 21, 2023 22:02 - 8 minutes - 3.83 MB

In this week's podcast, we try to show a clear trend within our parasha, in which many of the laws seem to be allusions to familiar stories from Genesis.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 12: Zohar Part 3: The Singularity

February 15, 2023 12:29 - 1 hour - 54 MB

In this podcast, we open with the famous "snake simile" with its warnings about the spiritual path. We continue our readings of the Tao te Ching and the Zohar, highlighting the beautiful derasha revealed to Rabbi Shimon by Elijah the Prophet.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 11: Zohar Part 2: Genesis

February 08, 2023 03:32 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

In this podcast, we begin with the opening of the Tao te Ching, noticing parallels to the Zohar. We then begin with the Zohar's cryptic commentary on Genesis and Creation.

Parashat Beshallah 2023: How to Overcome Fear

February 04, 2023 23:51 - 5 minutes - 2.25 MB

In this week's podcast, we learn a deep lesson about overcoming fear. God is the master psychologist for Bene Yisrael and the results are clear and powerful.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 10: Zohar Part 1: Introduction

February 01, 2023 03:43 - 1 hour - 52.8 MB

In this podcast, we begin an in-depth study of the Zohar's introduction, delving into the divine creation story of Genesis.

Parashat Shemot 2023: The Secret Name of God

January 15, 2023 00:09 - 7 minutes - 3.3 MB

In this podcast, we talk about the psychology of names and the mystery contained within God's names in this week's Parasha.

Parashat Vayigash 2022: The Divinity of the Torah

December 31, 2022 23:52 - 4 minutes - 2.22 MB

In this week's podcast, we explore the question: is it possible to prove that the Torah is Divine? We take a lesson from the story of Yoseph to answer this question.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Episode 9: I Contain Multitudes

December 28, 2022 03:37 - 1 hour - 53 MB

In this episode, the season finale, we begin with some expansive quotes from the great Walt Whitman, continuing with a discussion of embodying peace as set forth by Thich Nhat Hanh. We dedicate the rest of the class to the mystical view of learning Torah.

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