237 episodes

The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humor and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery.

Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author.
She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. www.sharonsalzberg.com

Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg Be Here Now Network

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.6 • 591 Ratings

The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humor and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery.

Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author.
She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation to Openness and Freedom, is set for release in April of 2023 from Flatiron Books. www.sharonsalzberg.com

    Ep. 236 – Sameet Kumar

    Ep. 236 – Sameet Kumar

    For episode 236, Sharon is in conversation with Sameet Kumar, Ph.D. Sameet is the clinical psychologist for the Memorial Cancer Institute.

    Sameet specializes in working with cancer patients and their caregivers. He is the author of Grieving Mindfully, The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination. He is part of a new anthology, coming out in May of 2024 from New Harbinger Publications, How to Grieve What We’ve Lost.

    In this episode, Sharon and Sameet discuss:How Sameet came to grief counselingAmerican culture’s denial of the first noble truthThe human experience of pain/pleasureGrief is whatever it is to youThe non-existent timeline for griefWidening the scope of what losses affect usThe tools of ACT, CBT and Mindfulness for griefSameet’s new anthology bookDampening the grief  stress response Sameet’s support of COVID front-line workersWorking with add-ons The role of Ram Dass in Sameet’s lifeSameet closes the conversation with a guided meditation on the refuge tree. You can learn more about Sameet’s work right here.

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    • 1 hr 5 min
    Ep. 235 – Suneel Gupta

    Ep. 235 – Suneel Gupta

    For episode 235, Sharon speaks with Suneel Gupta.

    Suneel is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, Harvard Medical School visiting scholar, and host of a global documentary series. He studies leaders around the world to discover and share simple, actionable habits that lift our performance, deepen our state of well-being, and guide us further into our dharma. His latest book, “Everyday Dharma: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do” was released in the Fall of 2023 from Harper Collins.

    In this episode, Suneel and Sharon discuss:Suneel’s definition of dharmaHow we express our core truth Dr King’s Street Sweeper storySuneel’s life path with failureThe wisdom of Suneel’s GrandfatherSuneel’s journey of identity as a brown-skinned manWriting as a therapeutic formArrival fallacy Eight pillars of Suneel’s book Everyday DharmaThe path is cyclical, not linearDharma as the bedrock on your lifeHow Suneel defines success Asking what makes you come alive?Howard Thurman’s wisdomTuning into spaceVulnerability promoting connectionSuneel closes the conversation with a short reading from his book. You can learn more about Suneel’s work and get a copy of Everyday Dharma on his website.

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    • 1 hr 1 min
    Ep. 234 – Dan Harris

    Ep. 234 – Dan Harris

    For episode 234, Sharon speaks with author and podcast host, Dan Harris.

    Dan is the author of the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir, 10% Happier, about a fidgety, skeptical news anchor who finds meditation. He’s also the host of the Ten Percent Happier podcast and the co-founder of the Ten Percent Happier meditation app. For 21 years, he worked at ABC News, where he anchored such shows as Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America.

    In this episode, Dan and Sharon discuss:The new edition of Ten Percent HappierWhat has changed in the meditation space in the last decadeThe line between cynicism to skepticism The climate of despair and nihilismWorking with the inner criticDan’s drug-fueled panic attack on-airBig life changes are not often a straight shotDan’s path finding meditationThe Jew-Bu movement towards AsiaThe connection of Dan’s father and Joseph Goldstein’s familyDan meeting Mark EpsteinThe first time Sharon saw BirkenstocksDan’s first meditation retreatHow lovingkindness has affected Dan“The Way of the Worrier” list from Ten Percent HappierDan’s son teaching lovingkindness meditationDan closes the conversation with a guided lovingkindness meditation. You can learn more about Dan’s work and get a copy of Ten Percent Happier, the newly reissued book on his website.

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    • 1 hr 14 min
    Dr. Jenny Taitz

    Dr. Jenny Taitz

    For episode 233, Dr. Jenny Taitz returns to the Metta Hour. Jenny is a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles.

    Jenny completed her fellowship in psychology at Yale University School of Medicine and achieved board certifications in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. In addition to treating clients in her private therapy practice, LA CBT DBT, she is the author of How to Be Single and Happy and End Emotional Eating. Her new book, Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes, is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.

    In this episode, Sharon and Jenny discuss:Jenny’s new book, Stress ResetsAcute versus chronic stressLearning how to put stress downThe distinction between stress and traumaHow stress affects the bodyPreventing a stress snowballCultivating agency in dealing with stressThe role of acceptance in stressWorking with causes and conditionsStress resets versus stress buffersEmotions come in wavesCoherent breathingCreating an anti-depressant lifestyleJenny closes the conversation with a guided mindfulness practice.

    You can learn more about Jenny’s work and get a copy of her new book, Stress Resets, on her website.









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    • 52 min
    Ep. 232 – Cecilia B. Loving

    Ep. 232 – Cecilia B. Loving

    For episode 232, Cecilia B. Loving returns to the Metta Hour. Cecilia is an award-winning speaker, belonging and inclusion thought leader, consultant and author, who serves as the Senior Vice President Head of DEI for PBS.

    Her work in restorative justice, storytelling, inclusive leadership, racial inclusion, mindfulness, and well-being helps redefine the importance of self-care and self-empowerment to create a positive and holistic environment for everyone. This is Cecilia’s second appearance on the Metta Hour. Her first appearance was in 2022 with Episode 192, which you can hear right here.

    In this episode, Sharon and Cecilia discuss:Cecilia’s new book, Connecting Through CirclesThe concept of "connecting through circles"How circles differ from other conversationThe necessity of belongingThe science that backs social bondingThe Ministry of ForgivenessDesmond Tutu’s personal styleEmpathy as a path to transformationMoving beyond “Us” versus “them” mentalityCecilia’s approach to DEI at PBSThe ripple affect of DEI in the worldVicarious TraumaLovingkindness MeditationCecilia closes the conversation with a guided circle meditation. You can learn more about Cecilia’s work right here.

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    • 58 min
    Ep. 231 – Sharon Salzberg’s Meditative Story hosted by Rohan Gunatillake

    Ep. 231 – Sharon Salzberg’s Meditative Story hosted by Rohan Gunatillake

    For episode 231 of the Metta Hour, Sharon Salzberg shares the journey of her spiritual life with the host of Meditative Story, Rohan Gunatillake.

    This episode was originally aired on Meditative Story, a podcast that combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with the immediate, science-backed benefits of mindfulness practice – all surrounded by breathtaking and cinematic music. You can find Meditative Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

    Rohan Gunatillake is a writer, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Meditative Story. By artfully crafting meditations to compliment each guest’s story, Rohan blends mindfulness with narrative to create a unique listening experience, encouraging listeners to use someone else’s transformative moment as the basis for their own. He’s also the founder of the best-selling app Buddhify, and author of Modern Mindfulness: How to Be More Relaxed, Focused, and Kind While Living in a Fast, Digital, Always-On World.

    In this immersive blast to the past, Sharon Salzberg reflects on:Her first trip to IndiaHow disappointments and discomforts can lead to self-discoveryBeing kind to ourselves and allowing slip-ups to happenThe initial meeting of Sharon Salzberg and Joseph GoldsteinGoenka’s non-verbal advice to Sharon and how laughter can release fear and angerReorienting ourselves when we veer off courseThis episode closes with a guided meditation. Visit meditativestory.com to find our more information about the Meditative Story Podcast and how you can subscribe for more stories like this one!

    “It will take a while before I learn that the skillful response to feeling anger is to feel it, and then, even to take an interest in it. I don’t have to let it carry me into action that I may regret. I already feel the lesson that life is teaching me over and over again: we all face challenges. It’s how we become who we are. You don’t have to judge yourself all the time. Give yourself a break.” – Sharon Salzberg




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    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
591 Ratings

591 Ratings

Leeann_in_CO ,

Precious guidance

Sharon is such a skilled, insightful, relatable and likable teacher - I always feel more grounded and lighter in spirit after listening to her podcasts, and walk away with tangible practice guidance.

wgajr1 ,

Such a wise person

Try to never miss one of Sharon’s podcasts. I learn something from every single one.

Hear 2 Help ,

Write a review - this review is written...

Every Metta Hour episode on Apple Podcasts posting is repetitiously identified by a useless title, "Episode 200: Sharon speaks with (another person)" and synopsis: "For episode 200 of The Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon speaks with (another person)" Rinse and repeat.

It would be helpful if those limited 5-lines were a subject title and topic synopsis that is descriptive instead of just repeating the name-dropping and no idea of what the topic itself is.

I have learned that these podcasts often are like overhearing a rambling conversation while getting set up for an interview of shallow-dives to sell the guest's book. I read one of Sharon's books long ago and liked it so I keep hoping to like the podcast, but I am finding I skip it a lot.

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