What's This Tao All About?
95 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 423 ratingsA lighthearted Taoism podcast hosted by a Tao Master and curious writer.
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Episodes
Show 86 — Dr. Totton’s Final Journey
January 28, 2024 19:40 - 24.8 MBGoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days Tod shares an update on Dr. Totton’s health, discusses the show’s future, and looks back at Dr. Carl’s thoughts about the circle of life.
Escape from Freedom
August 06, 2023 17:59 - 56.1 MBDr. Totton and Tod discuss Erich Fromm’s 1941 exploration into man’s relationship to authority and how to find true freedom. (This is an episode from “Ten Thousand Things,” Dr. Totton and Tod’s podcast available exclusively at Patreon.com/WhatsThisTaoAllAbout.)
Taoism
June 12, 2023 23:57 - 227 BytesThis special episode is a compilation of clips from the show where Dr. Carl Totton and Tod Perry discuss the basics of Taoism. In “Taoism” they discuss the big question, “What is Tao?” and dive into the concepts of Wu-Wei, Te, and Pu. They also discuss practices such as meditation and qigong and examine one […]
Show 85 — Interview: Benjamin Hoff, Author of the ‘Tao of Pooh’ and ‘Eternal Tao Te Ching’
December 22, 2021 17:05 - 226 BytesDr. Totton and Tod have a rare interview with best-selling author Benjamin Hoff who introduced millions to Taoism with his popular books “The Tao of Pooh” and “Te of Piglet.” Now, after a nearly 30-year hiatus, Hoff is back with “The Eternal Tao te Ching: The Philosophical Masterwork of Taoism and its Relevance Today.” In […]
Show 84 — Returning
December 19, 2021 19:50 - 212 BytesDr. Totton shares how his training in Taoist practices has helped him overcome a series of strokes. Later, he shares his new acronym for decision-making in-the-moment, “L.E.A.P.”
Show 83 — Chapters 66, 68, and 49
July 03, 2021 16:27 - 212 BytesDr. Totton and Tod breeze through three more chapters of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 82 — Healing Pandemic Trauma, Listener Mail, and Chapter 70
June 07, 2021 03:38 - 216 BytesTod shares an update of the stabbing that happened outside of the Taoist Institute. Later, Dr. Totton shares his thoughts on how we can overcome trauma associated with COVID-19 and we break down Chapter 70 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Listen to Our New Podcast “Ten Thousand Things”!
April 26, 2021 18:05“Ten Thousand Things” is a new podcast created to complement “What This Tao All About?” and expands on ideas discussed on the show while exploring new areas of philosophy, psychology, and culture. This show is available exclusively at Patreon for $5.99 a month. Subscribers receive one episode of the podcast a month as well as […]
Get additional shows by subscribing to “What’s This Tao All About?” on Patreon!
April 26, 2021 18:05Subscribe on Patreon today and to access ten episodes of Dr. Totton and Tod’s show “Then Thousand Things” as well as a new show, “Tao of Tod.” “Ten Thousand Things” is a podcast created to complement “What This Tao All About?” and expands on ideas discussed on the show while exploring new areas of philosophy, […]
Show 81 — Living in the Now and Communication
March 29, 2021 03:43 - 216 BytesDr. Totton shares his thoughts on how we can live in the now instead of being focused on the past or future. Later, we discuss how sages communicate on a deeper, non-verbal level.
Show 80 — Lieh Tzu on What’s Normal, Chakras, Chapter 37
March 15, 2021 06:25 - 212 BytesLieh Tzu wrote a thought-provoking parable on how we should view what’s normal versus abnormal. Later, a listener has questions about chakras and chapter 37 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 79 — Behaving Naturally and Chapter 34
February 10, 2021 04:28 - 216 BytesThe show opens with a discussion on naturalness inspired by a chapter in “Lieh Tzu.” Later, a listener asks how one can act outside of the Tao which dovetails nicely into a discussion on Chapter 34, which is about the nature of Tao.
Show 78 — Disabilities, Guns, and Chapter 32
January 04, 2021 04:56 - 216 BytesThe New York Times had a great article on why Chuang Tzu was one of the first philosophers to embrace disability, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss. Later, a listener has a questions about guns, and we take a deep dive into Chapter 32 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 77 – Self-Discipline and Chapter 7
December 21, 2020 05:59 - 216 BytesTod thinks the Tao sends mixed messages about the concept of self-discipline, so Dr. Totton is here to clear things up. Later, a voice message from a listener in Australia and a breakdown of Chapter 7 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 76 — Jane English and ‘Ten Thousand Things’ Launch
November 15, 2020 21:04 - 229 BytesOn this very special episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jane English, the co-creator of popular translations of “Tao Te Ching” and “Inner Chapters.” Here, we discuss her new book “Rainbow of Tao” and her life and work with Gia Fu-Feng. You can buy her new book “Rainbow of Tao” on her website. […]
Show 75 — Chuang Tzu’s ‘Person of Tao’ and Death
October 18, 2020 19:00 - 28.4 MBDr. Totton and Tod discuss a recent New York Times article on Taoism and death. Later, we dig into Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Tao” and learn why the “greatest person is nobody.”
Show 74 — Tao of Emotions and Chapter 79
October 05, 2020 03:14 - 29.7 MBA listener writes in asking about how to manage his strong emotions, so Dr. Totton responds with some solutions to help him find balance. Later, we take a look at chapter 79 of the “Tao Te Ching” which deals with reciprocity. Right click to download Dr. Totton’s tapping technique >>
Show 73 — The Tao of Jordan Peterson, Chapter 78
September 21, 2020 05:02 - 216 BytesPsychologist Jordan Peterson is one of today’s most popular and controversial public intellectuals, and he talks about Taoism, a lot. Here, we take a look at his views on the Tao to see if he really knows what this Tao is all about. Later, a listener wants to know how it’s possible to act out […]
Show 72 — Social Aspects of Wu-Wei, Listener Mail, and Chapter 71
August 24, 2020 03:03 - 216 BytesDr. Totton and Tod go over Edward Slingerland’s tips to incorporate wu-wei into your life. Later, a listener wants to know that the Tao would look like personified, and Chaptern71 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 71 — Leadership and Action vs. Non-Action
August 09, 2020 22:45 - 216 BytesA listener writes in asking about how he can climb the corporate ladder while still living in accords with Taoist principals. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod take a look at Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Action vs. non-Action.”
Show 70 — Self-Care During Crisis
July 27, 2020 04:50 - 216 BytesDr. Totton shares some self-care techniques to keep you healthy and happy during trying times
Show 69 — Ambiguity, Education, Jane Goodall, Chapter 73
May 31, 2020 22:39 - 212 BytesIn a world that teaches us to see things in black and white, Taoists prefer a more ambiguous view of the world. What are the benefits? Later, a listener asks Dr. Totton’s thoughts on education, Tod talks discusses his interview with Jane Goodall, and Chapter 69 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 68 — Experience Totality and Chapter 77
May 18, 2020 02:43 - 212 BytesDr. Totton shows us how to live a life where we accept and experience everything. Later, Chuang Tzu’s funeral, and Chapter 77 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 67 – Chuang Tzu’s Greatest Hits and Chapter 67
April 12, 2020 02:53 - 212 BytesTod and Dr. T go through a list of Chuang-Tzu’s most memorable, profound, and funny quotes. Also, chapter 67 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 66 — Coronavirus, Free Will, and Chapter 80
April 05, 2020 22:37 - 213 BytesDr. Totton provides some practices to help people dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss the Taoist idea of free will and break down chapter 80 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Right click to download a .doc of Dr. Totton’s”10-Day Gong.” >>
Show 65 — Alan Watts’ ‘Backwards Law’ and Chapter 65
February 10, 2020 00:11 - 216 BytesThe dynamic duo of Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into Alan Watts’ ‘Backwards Law.’ They also take a look into chapter 65 of the “Tao Te Ching” and touch on a controversial practice known as “sunning.”
Show 64 — Gratitude and Chapter 64
January 27, 2020 16:39 - 216 BytesDr. Totton and Tod discuss how gratitude can dramatically improve our lives. Also, they dive deep into Chapter 64 of the “Tao Te Ching” and discuss how it relates to achieving goals.
Show 63 — Chuang Tzu’s Self-Transformation Through Oblivion
January 13, 2020 06:45 - 216 BytesTod and Dr. Totton review Livia Kohn’s translation of Chuang Tzu to understand how to reach the ultimate state of oblivion. Also, there’s some drama at the weed shop outside the Taoist temple.
Show 62 — Listener Mail and Chapter 41
December 10, 2019 01:11 - 216 BytesA listener writes in asking about how to “confront darkness.” Later, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Chapter 41 of the “Tao Te Ching” and the art of “not joining the 27 Club.”
Show 61 — Karmic Footprints and Chapter 48
November 25, 2019 19:55 - 210 BytesDr. Totton explains how we can live a more simple, fulfilling life by reducing our karmic footprints. Also, Chapter 48 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 60 — Desire and Chapter 29
November 11, 2019 04:51 - 216 BytesDr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoist philosophy can help us manage our desires and gain self-control. Later, chapter 29 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 59 — Tao of Anxiety, Chapters 58 and 63
September 22, 2019 22:12 - 216 BytesDr. Totton uses his vast knowledge of psychology and the Tao to discuss anxiety. Also, a few chapters from the good book.
Show 58 — Lieh-Tzu and Chapters 50 and 56
September 07, 2019 20:50 - 212 BytesGet to know a bit about the third most important author in the Taoist cannon.
Show 57 — The Empty Boat
August 26, 2019 03:13 - 212 Bytes“The Empty Boat” is a powerful parable by Chuang-Tzu, Dr. Totton and Tod take a deep dive to figure out what it means. Later, a listener asks a question about prayer.
Show 56 — The Tao of Happiness and Chapters 46 and 47
June 29, 2019 23:00 - 216 BytesOn this show we discuss what Lao Tzu has to say about happiness and delve semi-deep into chapters 46 and 47 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show 55 — The Tao of Carl Jung and Chapter 44
June 21, 2019 03:04 - 212 BytesDr. Totton digs deep into psychologist Carl Jung and his deep connection to the Tao. Later, we crack open the “Tao Te Ching” and investigate Chapter 44.
Show # 54 — Feeling the Tao, Dude and Chapters 35 and 43
June 03, 2019 03:56 - 212 BytesDr. Totton and Tod consult the wisdom of “The Big Lebowski”-inspired “Dude De Ching” to discuss societal organization and chapter 35 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Also, a listener writes in asking how to feel the Tao.
Show # 53 — The Environment and Tzu-Jan
March 25, 2019 15:23 - 216 BytesDr. Totton and Tod discuss Tzu-Jan which is known as the “heart of the Tao” and give some Taoist perspective on the environment.
Show # 52 — Taoist Morality and Chapter 28
March 11, 2019 04:34 - 216 BytesWhat is the basis for Taoist morality? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the moral principals of Taoist thought. Later, an examination of Chapter 28 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show # 51 — Psychic Cleansing and Chapter 45
December 04, 2018 16:14 - 30.5 MBDr. Totton shares some techniquesto help us cleanse our minds and free ourselves from attachment. Later, Chapter 45 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Right click to download The Mind, Cleaning, Karma, and Life.
Show # 50 — The Meaning of Life and Chapter 38
November 19, 2018 03:38 - 216 BytesFrom a Taoist perspective, what is the meaning of life? Dr. Totton and Tod attempt to address this massive question in under 20 minutes. Later, chapter 38 of the “Tao Te Ching” a verse that Dr. Totton refers to as a “power chapter.”
Show # 49 — Your True Self and Chapter 27
November 05, 2018 05:14 - 212 BytesHow do you really find your “true self”? Does such a thing really exist? Dr. Totton and Tod examine the idea from a Taoist perspective.
Show #48 – 10-Day Gong and Listener Mail
August 26, 2018 19:46 - 34.1 MBDr. Totton has created a ten-day gong to help people become more in touch with themselves and the Tao. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod answer a listener’s question about being in tune with reality. Right click to download a .doc of Dr. Totton’s”10-Day Gong.” >>
Show # 47 – Peace in Chaos, Chapter 10, More Alan Watts
August 12, 2018 18:41 - 216 BytesTod and Dr. Totton finish up their discussion on Alan Watts’Tao: The Watercourse Way, reply to a listener who’s having trouble living in these chaotic times, and break open Chapter 10 of the Tao Te Ching.
Show # 46 — Alan Watts’ ‘Tao: The Watercourse Way’ and Chapter 9
July 30, 2018 02:11 - 216 BytesAlan Watts was one of the first major Taoist philosophers in the Western world. Here, Tod and Dr. Totton dig deep into his book, Tao: The Watercourse Way. Later, they crack open the Tao Te Ching to examine chapter 9.
Show # 45 – The Tao of Love and Chapter 39
May 15, 2018 01:18 - 216 BytesOn this show, we talk address a subject that isn’t often referenced in “The Tao Te Ching”: Love. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss Chapter 39 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show #44 — “The Te of Piglet” and Chapter 25
April 29, 2018 22:18 - 216 BytesDr. Totton and Tod crack open the pages of “The Te of Piglet,” Benjamin Hoff’s sequel to the “Tao of Pooh.” Later they dissect chapter 25 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
Show #43 — The Tao of Anarchy
April 16, 2018 03:50 - 216 BytesWas Lao Tzu an anarchist? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the politics of the “Tao Te Ching” on episode 43. “Anarchism and Taoism” by Josh
Show # 42 — Death, Forgiveness, and Chapter 24
February 11, 2018 22:20 - 220 BytesDr. Totton and Tod open the show with the story of a dying man who found strength in the final months of life through the Tao. Later, a listener has questions about forgiveness and Chapter 24 of the Tao Te Ching. “Accepting Cancer’s Challenges with a Little Help from the ‘Tao Te Ching'” by Jeffrey […]
Show # 41 — Chapter 13 and The Last Jedi
January 28, 2018 19:45 - 216 BytesOn this episode, Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching to learn how to embrace disgrace. Also, some thoughts on the not-so-subtle Taoist messages in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.