Living the Tao-A Spiritual Podcast

Mikel Steenrod
  • 4.3 (9)
  • Spirituality
  • Biweekly

Living the Tao with Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod Living the Tao is a spiritual podcast exploring traditional Taoist teachings, spiritual cultivation, and the practice of Taoism in everyday life. Hosted by Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod, lineage holder of the Four Ascendant Tradition, the podcast offers a perspective rooted in a living Taoist tradition rather than modern interpretations of Taoist philosophy alone. Through long-form teachings, practical discussions, stories, and occasional conversations with Morgan and other guests, Living the Tao examines the relationship between ancient Taoist training and the realities of modern life. Topics include Taoist meditation, qi cultivation, karma, spiritual transformation, self-awareness, intuition, emotional resilience, traditional doctrine, and the cultivation of clarity and character. Episodes explore not only what Taoist teachings mean, but how they are understood, practiced, and applied in ordinary life. Drawing on traditional teachings and decades of practice, Mikel Steenrod examines the assumptions, habits, and perceptions that shape human experience. The result is a podcast that invites listeners to look beyond familiar explanations and consider what it means to live in harmony with the Tao. New episodes and subscriber content 🎧 Full-length episodes are released on the first Friday of each month. ⚡ Living the Tao Shorts arrive biweekly, offering shorter discussions, practical observations, and insights into Taoist life. 🔒 Living the Tao subscribers receive additional episodes, deeper doctrinal discussions, commentary, and exclusive material through Supercast. Explore more Taoist teachings Living the Tao is part of a broader collection of educational resources developed by Mikel Steenrod and the Four Ascendant Tradition, including articles, online courses, training videos, and study materials. Taoist philosophy, history, and everyday practice: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com Qi Gong, martial arts, and traditional wellness training: https://www.watermountainvirtual.com Premium episodes and subscriber membership: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Looking for older episodes? Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and some other podcast apps may display only part of the Living the Tao back catalog. For access to the complete available free-feed archive, use our direct podcast RSS feed in a compatible podcast player: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com/feed.xml

  1. 8h ago ·  Bonus

    Shorts | Does Suffering Really Make You Stronger?

    Does Suffering Really Make You Stronger? Living the Tao Shorts 2-34 | Free Episode Does suffering lead to spiritual growth, or do we sometimes grow despite it? Many spiritual teachings suggest that pain and hardship are necessary steps toward enlightenment. But is suffering really a pathway to wisdom, or have we confused overcoming adversity with benefiting from it? In this episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan challenge the assumption that suffering is essential to spiritual development. Through a series of practical questions, they explore why pain often creates more pain, how meeting basic human needs can support spiritual attainment, and whether people might develop more effectively when they have the resources, health, and relationships necessary to pursue a meaningful life. The conversation also examines the difference between liberation from suffering and the Taoist pursuit of becoming a complete human, including the development of Ling, or spiritual power. Master Steenrod raises a provocative question: If suffering truly produces spiritual attainment, why wouldn't spiritual training systems deliberately create more of it? The discussion moves beyond religious philosophy to consider how the glorification of suffering can justify harmful social conditions and prevent people from reaching their potential. Perhaps the real achievement isn't growing through suffering, but growing despite it. Join us for a spontaneous walking conversation about Taoism, spiritual development, and the art of living. Content Advisory: This episode contains occasional profanity and discussion of suffering, coercion, and hypothetical physical violence. Recommended for mature audiences. Explore More: Prefer the video version? https://youtu.be/uqeqNAHq9Cw 🌐 Explore more Taoist teachings: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com 🎧 Listen to more Living the Tao Shorts & full episodes: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com -From Beginner to Expert, examine our collection of free videos and articles on qi gong: https://www.watermountainvirtual.com/qi-gong-collection/ Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA, and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

    Shorts | Does Suffering Really Make You Stronger?

  2. 22h ago ·  Bonus

    Trailer | AMA-Does the Tao Care About You?

    Does the Tao care about your spiritual development—or are we simply left to find our own way? In this trailer for Living the Tao Episode 1-204, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod introduces October's subscriber AMA and a fascinating premise of the Four Ascendant Tradition: the Tao favors human spiritual advancement, yet demands no obedience. Discover why the universe may provide opportunities suited to your development, how moments of insight can help restore the fractured self, and why spiritual freedom comes with responsibility rather than divine rewards and punishments. AMA | Does the Tao Care About You? is available now exclusively to Supercast subscribers. Join us for an exploration of the Tao, human completeness, and the nature of a universe that cares without commanding. Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

    Trailer | AMA-Does the Tao Care About You?

  3. Trailer

    Trailer | Farming the Hybrid Self

    What if the mind you've spent your life using isn't the mind you were meant to have? Within the Four Ascendant Tradition, human beings possess three fundamental selves: intellect, emotion, and intuition. But the social mind imposes an artificial structure that restricts these natural capacities, often leaving us disconnected from important aspects of ourselves. In this preview of Living the Tao Episode 1-203, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod introduces the ancient agricultural concept of the hybrid self and explains why spiritual liberation requires more than intellectual understanding. What happens when the Tao breaks through the limitations of the social mind? And how can those encounters help restore our natural unity? Discover why spiritual cultivation may be less about becoming someone new and more about recovering who you were meant to be. 🎧 Listen to the complete episode, Farming the Hybrid Self, available exclusively to Living the Tao Supercast subscribers. Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

    Trailer | Farming the Hybrid Self

  4. Oct 19 ·  Bonus

    Shorts | The Jedi, the Taoists, and the Power of the Sword

    What do the Jedi of Star Wars have in common with ancient Taoist practitioners? The connection may be deeper than you think. In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts (2-33), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan explore the surprising similarities between Jedi training, traditional Taoist swordsmanship, and the cultivation of human potential. The Jedi lightsaber represents more than a weapon. It reflects discipline, internal harmony, and the intimate relationship between mind and action. These same principles have long been important in traditional Taoist martial arts. But Steenrod challenges a familiar martial arts idea: The sword should not become an extension of you. You should become an extension of the sword. Why? Because the sword directly expresses the condition of the mind. Every hesitation, distraction, or disturbance becomes visible in its movement. Genuine mastery demands more than technical proficiency. It requires a degree of internal harmony in which thought and action become inseparable. The conversation also explores why traditional weapons demand a different kind of personal development than modern technology, whether human cultivation can surpass technological advantage, and why Taoist teachings emphasize developing human potential rather than surrendering it to machines. From the Jedi and the Force to ancient accounts of mechanical men, this walk connects popular culture with the deeper principles of Taoist cultivation. Can the human being develop beyond the limitations of the tools they create? Join Steenrod and Morgan for a thought-provoking exploration of the sword, the mind, and the power of genuine cultivation. Explore More: Prefer the video version? https://youtu.be/Ldz5h-HSkY4 🌐 Explore more Taoist teachings: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com 🎧 Listen to more Living the Tao Shorts & full episodes: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com -From Beginner to Expert, examine our collection of free videos and articles on qi gong: https://www.watermountainvirtual.com/qi-gong-collection/ Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA, and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

    Shorts | The Jedi, the Taoists, and the Power of the Sword

  5. Trailer

    Trailer | Local Gods and the Tale of He Bo

    For generations, a Chinese town sacrificed young women to a river god. Then a new magistrate arrived—and challenged those claiming to speak for him. Was the ancient river god He Bo truly demanding these sacrifices, or were the priests exploiting the people's fear? In this special Halloween-season episode of Living the Tao, Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod explores the disturbing legend of He Bo and the mysterious world of local gods, territorial spirits, and ancient Taoist spiritual practices. Discover why traveling Taoists traditionally made offerings to local gods, how spiritual development could attract unwanted attention, and why respect and discernment were essential for navigating the unseen world. Drawing upon ancient traditions and teachings from his own training, Master Steenrod reveals an often-overlooked dimension of traditional Taoism. Listen to the trailer, then discover the complete episode: Living the Tao — Episode 1-202: Local Gods and the Tale of He Bo Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

    Trailer | Local Gods and the Tale of He Bo

  6. Oct 6 ·  Bonus

    Shorts | The Future Is Already Visible—If You Know How to Look

    Can the present tell you what is going to happen next? In this episode of Living the Tao Shorts (2-32), Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan explore observation, situational awareness, and the Taoist idea that much of what seems mysterious may already be unfolding in plain sight. Steenrod shares stories from his own training, including moments when his teacher appeared to predict exactly what strangers were about to do. What first seemed almost supernatural eventually pointed toward something more fundamental: the human mind is constantly gathering information, recognizing patterns, and anticipating what comes next. The problem is that fear, hope, expectation, media, and story can obscure what we are already perceiving. This episode also looks at why observation is a trained skill, why modern habits may weaken it, and why Taoist practice often begins not with becoming something extraordinary, but with recovering capacities that are already part of being human. Sometimes the future is not hidden. Sometimes we simply fail to look. Prefer to watch the video version? https://youtu.be/EYHsOoZLHUA 🌐 Explore more Taoist teachings: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com 🎧 Listen to more Living the Tao Shorts & full episodes: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com -From Beginner to Expert, examine our collection of free videos and articles on qi gong: https://www.watermountainvirtual.com/qi-gong-collection/ Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA, and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

    Shorts | The Future Is Already Visible—If You Know How to Look

  7. Oct 2

    The Map Is Not Reality

    What if the problem isn’t you—but the map you’ve been given? In this episode of Living the Tao, Master Mikel Steenrod and Morgan explore the Taoist distinction between reality itself and the social mind’s representation of it. Humans do not simply create maps of the outside world; those same maps also define what we are supposed to feel, value, experience, and become. The discussion moves from the idea that “reality repeats” into the ways artificial repetition can create an artificial reality. Steenrod examines why direct experience matters more than intellectual understanding, how the Tao may provide just enough experience to disrupt the social mind, and why real transformation requires more than thought alone. Along the way, the conversation connects reality to the Red Dust, the complete human, intellect, emotion, intuition—and, unexpectedly, cannibals. Because sometimes the deepest question behind “What is reality?” is really: What are we beneath the map? Prefer to watch rather than listen? https://youtu.be/4lPCAAnS1u0 🎧 Listen to more Living the Tao Shorts & full episodes: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com The supercast version of this episode has extensive commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Intro music: “Finding Movement” by Kevin MacLeod — licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Source: incompetech.com

    The Map Is Not Reality

  8. Trailer

    Trailer | The Fall's Power of Transformation

    Fall is Taoism’s great season of transformation. In this trailer for Living the Tao Episode 1-199, Master Mikel Steenrod introduces the deeper meaning of seasonal change: transformation is inevitable, but it does not always mean progress. The full Supercast episode explores upward, sideways, and downward transformation, Hungry Ghost traditions, spiritual journeying and retreat, the White Tiger, Lin Jun, and the old warrior whose white hair becomes the tiger. Living the Tao, Episode 1-199: Fall’s Power of Transformation Available now for Supercast subscribers. Premium Episodes, Full Catalog (4x the content), AMA and episode commentary: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com

    Trailer | The Fall's Power of Transformation
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Living the Tao with Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod Living the Tao is a spiritual podcast exploring traditional Taoist teachings, spiritual cultivation, and the practice of Taoism in everyday life. Hosted by Taoist Master Mikel Steenrod, lineage holder of the Four Ascendant Tradition, the podcast offers a perspective rooted in a living Taoist tradition rather than modern interpretations of Taoist philosophy alone. Through long-form teachings, practical discussions, stories, and occasional conversations with Morgan and other guests, Living the Tao examines the relationship between ancient Taoist training and the realities of modern life. Topics include Taoist meditation, qi cultivation, karma, spiritual transformation, self-awareness, intuition, emotional resilience, traditional doctrine, and the cultivation of clarity and character. Episodes explore not only what Taoist teachings mean, but how they are understood, practiced, and applied in ordinary life. Drawing on traditional teachings and decades of practice, Mikel Steenrod examines the assumptions, habits, and perceptions that shape human experience. The result is a podcast that invites listeners to look beyond familiar explanations and consider what it means to live in harmony with the Tao. New episodes and subscriber content 🎧 Full-length episodes are released on the first Friday of each month. ⚡ Living the Tao Shorts arrive biweekly, offering shorter discussions, practical observations, and insights into Taoist life. 🔒 Living the Tao subscribers receive additional episodes, deeper doctrinal discussions, commentary, and exclusive material through Supercast. Explore more Taoist teachings Living the Tao is part of a broader collection of educational resources developed by Mikel Steenrod and the Four Ascendant Tradition, including articles, online courses, training videos, and study materials. Taoist philosophy, history, and everyday practice: https://www.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com Qi Gong, martial arts, and traditional wellness training: https://www.watermountainvirtual.com Premium episodes and subscriber membership: https://living-the-tao.supercast.com Looking for older episodes? Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and some other podcast apps may display only part of the Living the Tao back catalog. For access to the complete available free-feed archive, use our direct podcast RSS feed in a compatible podcast player: https://podcast.the-taoism-for-modern-world.com/feed.xml

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