What's This Tao All About?

Tod Perry
  • 4.9 (439)
  • BUDDHISM
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
What's This Tao All About?

What’s this Tao all About? is a lighthearted journey through the wisdom of the Tao that originally began in 2015 as a dialogue between journalist Tod Perry and Dr. Carl Totton, a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Doctor of Psychology and founder of the Taoist Institute in North Hollywood, California. In this first-of-its-kind Taoism podcast, Dr. Totton and Tod discussed the basic concepts of Taoism, the chapters of “The Tao Te Ching,” and most importantly, how you find peace and happiness in today’s world. In 2024, after Dr. Totton had some health setbacks, George Thompson joined the show to continue its goal of learning just what this Tao is all about. George is a filmmaker, tai chi teacher, and popular Taoist communicator on YouTube, where he has over 230,000 subscribers. “What’s This Tao All About?” covers essential Taoist topics such as wu-wei, te, pu, yin and yang, qi, and Chinese medicine while providing an overview of basic Taoist practices, including meditation and qi gong. You’ll also learn about the work of important Taoist philosophers such as Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Lu Dong Pin, Benjamin Hoff, and Alan Watts. Taoism can be a bit confusing for the average beginner; this show is dedicated to making the philosophy's abstract concepts understandable and accessible to just about everyone.

  1. MAR 24

    Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality

    With the help of some insightful folks from Reddit, Tod and George dive into what it means to age gracefully—without getting stuck in their ways. They also explore their current challenges of cultivating the Tao and unpack the morality of Chuang Tzu through his chapter on apologies. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His […]

  2. MAR 3

    Show 95 — The Tao of Play and Chuang Tzu’s ‘Good Fortune’

    On this episode, Tod reviews George Thompson’s new movie “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” The two also examine George’s ideas about play and Chung Tzu’s thoughts on the true meaning of having good fortune. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

  3. FEB 10

    Show 94 — William Martin, Author of ‘Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching’

    Tod Talks with William Martin, author of “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching.” We discuss his transformation from pastor to Taoist, the liberation Taoism offers from societal conditioning, and how it counters today’s constant wave of mediated information. William also reflects on learning from Alan Watts at the Esalen Institute, explores fear […]

  4. JAN 20

    Show 93 — Excess Baggage and the ‘Kingly Man’

    Tod and George reflect on Derek Lin’s insights about the unnecessary baggage we carry through life. They also discuss Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Kingly Man,” and George shares practical tips on how we can all let go of our excess baggage. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

  5. JAN 2

    Show 92 — Praise and Action vs. Non-Action

    Tod and George examine why Lao Tzu says that Tao cultivators should work without looking for praise. Later, Chuang Tzu’s Action vs. Non-Action and David Lynch teaches how to catch the big fish. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

  6. 12/11/2024

    Show 91 — Manifestation and Senselessness

    George and Tod discuss whether the concept of manifestation works within the Tao and how we can all embrace the senselessness of the cosmos. Also, George talks about his new film, “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days Watch George Thompson’s new film, “The Subtle Art […]

  7. 11/05/2024

    Show 90 — Taoism and Recovery with Buddy C.

    On this episode, Tod talks with Buddy C., the host of the “Tao of Our Understanding” podcast that looks at Taoism through the lens of addiction and recovery. Here, Buddy discusses how Taoism helped him overcome addiction and his recovery-focused version of the Tao Te Ching, “Powerless But Not Hopeless.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl […]

  8. 08/12/2024

    Show 89 — The Inner Law

    Tod and George examine Chuang Tzu’s inner law, a chapter that discusses whether we should be directed by our inner vice or outside forces. Plus, Tod answers an interesting philosophical question from his 8-year-old son, and George shares a gratitude practice. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

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    About

    What’s this Tao all About? is a lighthearted journey through the wisdom of the Tao that originally began in 2015 as a dialogue between journalist Tod Perry and Dr. Carl Totton, a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Doctor of Psychology and founder of the Taoist Institute in North Hollywood, California. In this first-of-its-kind Taoism podcast, Dr. Totton and Tod discussed the basic concepts of Taoism, the chapters of “The Tao Te Ching,” and most importantly, how you find peace and happiness in today’s world. In 2024, after Dr. Totton had some health setbacks, George Thompson joined the show to continue its goal of learning just what this Tao is all about. George is a filmmaker, tai chi teacher, and popular Taoist communicator on YouTube, where he has over 230,000 subscribers. “What’s This Tao All About?” covers essential Taoist topics such as wu-wei, te, pu, yin and yang, qi, and Chinese medicine while providing an overview of basic Taoist practices, including meditation and qi gong. You’ll also learn about the work of important Taoist philosophers such as Lao Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Lu Dong Pin, Benjamin Hoff, and Alan Watts. Taoism can be a bit confusing for the average beginner; this show is dedicated to making the philosophy's abstract concepts understandable and accessible to just about everyone.

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