The Thief in the Empty Room

Craig French
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Where Zen meets business in a unique exploration of mindfulness and mental health. Join me, Craig French, as I sit down with artists, entrepreneurs, and Zen teachers to uncover the secrets of expanding creative problem-solving, reducing stress, and finding balance in the fast-paced world.

  1. Taming the Brain: How Meditation Calms ADHD

    14/06/2025

    Taming the Brain: How Meditation Calms ADHD

    In this episode, Craig welcomes Jeff Nieves, Hollywood screenwriter, to explore the intersection of Zen, mindfulness, and creative success. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: The Thief in the Empty Room: Jeff and Craig dive into the meaning of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to themes of nothingness, presence, and finding value in emptiness. From Zen to Screenwriting: A Mindful Journey: Jeff discusses his personal journey from early interest in Buddhism to becoming a successful screenwriter, highlighting the influence of meditation on his focus and creativity. The Power of Bravery: The conversation explores how meditation cultivates courage, non-judgment, and authenticity, essential tools for navigating the challenges of a creative career.

    37 min
  2. Sitting with Suffering: How Zen and Therapy Can Transform Trauma

    07/06/2025

    Sitting with Suffering: How Zen and Therapy Can Transform Trauma

    In this episode, Craig welcomes Jessica Mariglio, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Mindful Trauma Therapy, who shares her insights on the intersection of Zen, mindfulness, and trauma therapy. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: The Thief in the Empty Room: Jessica and Craig explore the meaning of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to themes of surprise, allowing, and the importance of being present in therapeutic practice.   From Zen to Therapy: A Mindful Journey: Jessica discusses her personal journey from exploring Zen and Eastern philosophies to becoming a trauma therapist, highlighting the influence of her early experiences and spiritual explorations.   The Power of Presence: The conversation delves into the parallels between meditation and therapy, emphasizing the importance of non-judgmental witnessing, compassion, and creating a safe space for healing.

    35 min
  3. The Principal of Presence: Leading Students with Mindfulness

    31/05/2025

    The Principal of Presence: Leading Students with Mindfulness

    In this episode, Craig welcomes Matt Sloan, 2024 New York State Principal of the Year at Middleburg Junior Senior High School, who shares his insights on implementing mindfulness programs in schools and creating a distraction-free learning environment. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: The Thief in the Empty Room: Matt shares his interpretation of the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to the importance of inner peace and setting aside desires to be present.   From Urban to Rural: A Principal's Journey: Matt discusses his diverse career path, from working with urban youth in Boston to observing the disparities in resource allocation and ultimately leading change in a rural New York district.   Mindfulness and a Distraction-Free Environment: Explore Matt's initiatives to introduce mindfulness practices, address social-emotional needs, and implement a cell phone policy to encourage a more focused and supportive school community.

    41 min
  4. From Brokenness to Wholeness: TJ Woodward's Conscious Recovery Journey

    24/05/2025

    From Brokenness to Wholeness: TJ Woodward's Conscious Recovery Journey

    In this episode, Craig welcomes TJ Woodward, author, speaker, and founder of the Conscious Recovery Model, who shares his journey of spiritual awakening and offers a fresh perspective on addiction recovery, emphasizing self-love and the reclamation of one's essential self. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: The Thief in the Empty Room: TJ shares his interpretation of the podcast's namesake koan, viewing it through the lens of recovery and the idea that true peace comes from within, not from external pursuits. From Brokenness to Breakthrough: Hear TJ's personal story, including his early experiences of feeling disconnected, his journey through addiction, and the transformative moment that led him to a spiritual path and the development of Conscious Recovery.Unlearning Shame: Explore TJ's emphasis on unlearning shame and connecting with the "essential self" as a core component of recovery, and how this approach differs from traditional models.

    46 min
  5. Beyond the Bottom Line: Zen Principles for Startup Success and Sanity

    17/05/2025

    Beyond the Bottom Line: Zen Principles for Startup Success and Sanity

    In this episode, Craig welcomes Paul Agostinelli, a three-time startup founder and transmitted Zen teacher, who offers insights into integrating Zen principles with entrepreneurship through his Three Contracts and manifestation frameworks.   Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: The Thief in the Empty Room: Paul shares his perspective on the podcast's namesake koan, relating it to having nothing to hold onto and finding fundamental peace.   From Zen Center to Startup: Hear Paul's journey from an early immersion in Zen practice to navigating the challenges of founding multiple startups and advising executives.   The Three Contracts: Explore Paul's framework for establishing sacred relationships with self, others, and work, and how aligning these "wheels of the tricycle" can lead to greater equanimity and purposeful action.

    41 min
  6. The Power of Kindness: An NBA Story of Compassion and Connection

    10/05/2025

    The Power of Kindness: An NBA Story of Compassion and Connection

    In this episode, Craig welcomes Erwin Valencia, the former head of the New York Knicks medical and performance staff and founder of the Grasshopper Project, who offers a unique perspective on mindfulness, gratitude, and navigating life's transitions with the wisdom of a "renaissance man".   Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: The Thief in the Empty Room: Erwin shares his interpretation of the Zen koan that gives the podcast its name, relating it to the importance of open-mindedness and shedding expectations to truly learn from our experiences.   From the NBA to Self-Discovery: Hear Erwin's story of integrating mindfulness practices with elite athletes, and the pivotal moment that led him to step away from his prominent position to pursue a path of deeper meaning and self-discovery.  The Art of Transition: Explore Erwin's views on navigating life's transitions, including his new podcast, "Welcome to the Now," which will focus on the challenges and triumphs of individuals redefining themselves after achieving early success.

    41 min
  7. From Despair to Zen: Finding Hope with the Homeless

    03/05/2025

    From Despair to Zen: Finding Hope with the Homeless

    In this inaugural episode of season two, Craig welcomes Shinko Hagn, an ordained Zen priest in the lineage of prominent figures like Uchiyama Roshi, Suzuki Roshi, and Okumura Roshi. From Zendo in Vienna, Shinko has established multiple Zen centers and has dedicated himself to working with marginalized communities, including prisoners and the homeless. Here’s a glimpse into the profound insights you can expect: • The Empty Room Koan: Explore Shinko's initial reflections on the famous Zen koan that gives the podcast its name, and how its meaning resonates with his approach to practice and life.  • From Crisis to Compassion: Hear Shinko's personal journey through addiction and his subsequent awakening to the profound gift of selfless service and the transformative power of supporting others.  • A New Monastic Model: Discover Shinko's innovative vision for a Zen center in Vienna that integrates social outreach, providing care and support for individuals facing crises and transitions.

    36 min
  8. Can Zen Help You Save the World? A Zen Writer's Guide to Overcoming Insecurities

    02/11/2024

    Can Zen Help You Save the World? A Zen Writer's Guide to Overcoming Insecurities

    I met Emily standing outside Against the Stream Meditation Center back in 2012. Our friendship blossomed from there, along with years and years of deep Zen practice, retreats and everything in between. Emily is a Hollywood screenwriter along with her husband and has a very unique perspective on life. Here is a small sampling of what you can expect to hear: The Creative Process and Insecurities: How Zen helped her to overcome self-doubt and maintain a positive mindset The Wandering Mind: Managing her own wandering mind and stay focused The Zen of Everyday Life: The importance of bringing awareness to everyday moments For more information on my work, including workshops and coaching opportunities, please visit my website at craigjaredfrench.com. Thank you for listening!

    43 min
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Where Zen meets business in a unique exploration of mindfulness and mental health. Join me, Craig French, as I sit down with artists, entrepreneurs, and Zen teachers to uncover the secrets of expanding creative problem-solving, reducing stress, and finding balance in the fast-paced world.

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