Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg

Be Here Now Network

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

  1. 23 JUL

    Ep. 268 – Anxiety Series: Emma Seppälä

    For episode 268, Emma Seppälä returns to the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series. In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the eighth episode in the series. Emma Seppälä is a best-selling author, Yale lecturer, and international keynote speaker. She teaches executives at the Yale School of Management and is faculty director of the Yale School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Program. She is also the Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. A psychologist and research scientist by training, Emma’s expertise is the science of happiness, emotional intelligence, and social connection. Her latest book, “Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos” came out in 2024. In this conversation, Emma and Sharon speak about: Mental Health study on university studentsHow self-compassion figures into wellbeingReflective Best-Self Exercise How the Dalai Lama made a mistakeSovereignty: awareness + courage + energySuppressing emotions makes them strongerEmma’s experience with an Eating DisorderWorking with difficult emotionsDifferent regulation techniquesBreathing techniques for regulationResearch on LovingkindnessBenefits of meditationHow intuition can help our anxietyEmma closes the conversation with a guided breathing practice. To learn more about Emma’s work and get a copy of “Sovereign” on her website right here. Learn about Emma’s 6-week course, the Science of Sovereignty right here. Check out the first episode in the Anxiety Podcast Series with Dr. Jud Brewer on Ep.260 of the Metta Hour Podcast. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 3 min
  2. 8 JUL

    Ep. 267 – Anxiety Series: Deb Dana

    For episode 267, Deb Dana makes her first appearance on the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series. In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the seventh episode in the series. Deb Dana, LCSW, is a clinician, consultant, author, and international lecturer on polyvagal theory-informed work with trauma survivors and is the leading translator of this scientific work to the public and mental health professionals. A founding member of the Polyvagal Institute, Deb developed the signature Rhythm of Regulation® Clinical Training Series: The Science of Feeling Safe Enough To Fall in Love with Life and Take the Risks of Living. She is also the author of many books, her most recent 2025 release, Glimmers Journal: Reflect on the Small Moments That Bring You Joy, Safety, and Connection. In this conversation, Deb and Sharon speak about: Overview of Polyvagal TheoryHow Deb came to her workUnderstanding our nervous systemHow Polyvagal Theory impacts anxietyBeing with anxiety vs being hijacked by itThe spaciousness of Ventral RegulationSympathetic versus parasympatheticThe biological imperative of connectionHistory of co-regulation in PVTThe Autonomic LadderImpact of a clinician’s compassionTransmitting cues of safety to othersSavoring the practice of 30 secondsThe difference between inconvenience and dangerThe Rhythm of RegulationBreath as a regulatory toolGathering GlimmersBuilding the capacity to face suffering differentlyBreakdown of a glimmer practiceHaving a sensitivity to our traumaDeb closes the conversation with a guided practice on the Story of the Three States.  To learn more about Deb’s work, you can visit her website right here and checkout her latest books: the Glimmers Journal and the Nervous System Workbook. Check out the first episode in the Anxiety Podcast Series with Dr. Jud Brewer on Ep .260 of the Metta Hour Podcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 5 min
  3. 24 JUN

    Ep. 266 – Anxiety Series: Amishi Jha

    For episode 266, Amishi Jha returns to the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series. In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the sixth episode in the series. Amishi is Director of Contemplative Neuroscience and Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. She studies the brain’s attention system and the effects of mindfulness training on resilience and performance in high-demand professions, including the military, emergency services, and medicine. Her research has been supported by the Dept. of Defense and featured by TED, NATO, the World Economic Forum, The New York Times, and NPR. She led the first large-scale study of mindfulness training with active-duty service members. She is the author of the national bestseller Peak Mind and creator of the Pushups for the Mind app. In this episode, Amishi and Sharon speak about: • Mindfulness in mental health • Cognitive resilience • Eustress and how it serves us • Mismatch between capacity and challenge  • Attention as resilience • Flashlight attention for clarification & focus • Floodlight attention for situation awareness  • Executive Functioning • How to begin attention training • Myths about stress and anxiety • The participatory nature of the brain • The attentional decline of burnout • Compassion Fatigue • Cognitive versus emotional empathy • Amishi’s new app, Pushups for the Mind • The minimum effective dose of meditation  To learn more about Amishi’s work, you can visit her website right here and download her new app right here. Please note that the Pushups for the Mind app is free for all U.S. active service military members. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 8 min
  4. 11 JUN

    Ep. 265 – Shannon Watts

    For episode 265, Sharon speaks with and activist and author, Shanon Watts about her new book, Fired Up. Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest grassroots group fighting gun violence in the U.S. Known as the ‘summoner of women’s audacity,’ she has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. Shannon is also an active board member of Emerge America, one of the nation’s leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for office. Helping to redefine what’s possible when audacious women unite to drive change, she writes regularly about culture, politics and women’s issues for her Substack, Playing with Fire, and outlets like The Washington Post, Elle, Time, The 19th. Her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is coming out on June 17th, 2025. To learn more about Shannon’s work, or get a copy of Fired Up you can visit her website here. In this conversation, Shannon and Sharon speak about: The impetus for Shannon’s bookHow to live a life on fireShannon’s personal storyMarrying our abilities, values & desiresBeing burned up by our angerSurvivors of gun violenceWhat holds us backSharon’s fear of public speakingThe firestarter triangleHow we find our desires & aspirationsSharon and Sharon’s top valuesLiving with a sense of what you care aboutHow do we sustain our fire?Community BuildingFirestarter UniversityShannon closes the conversation with a short reading from her book, Fired Up. Join Sharon for her new online course, Intro to Meditation, starting June 21st. With meditation becoming increasingly popular, it can be hard to know where to begin. This four-day introductory course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of meditation. This course is ideal for beginners who want to establish a practice, as well as experienced students seeking a refresher course. Learn more: Intro to Meditation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 13 min
  5. 27 MAY

    Ep. 264 – Anxiety Series: Soren Gordhamer

    For episode 264, Soren Gordhamer returns to the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series.  In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the fifth episode in the series.  Soren Gordhamer is the founder and host of Wisdom 2.0, the premier conference exploring living with greater mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion in the modern age. He is also a Co-Founder and General Partner of Wisdom Ventures, along with Jack Kornfield and Yung Pueblo, which invests in companies creating a more just and compassionate world. Soren is also the founder of the Lineage Project in NYC, and also spent a year on the Global Walk for a Livable World, a three-and-a-half world walk. He and Jon Kabat-Zinn also co-hosted the Mitigation Retreat, which was a free 3-month course held every weekday offering meditations and teachings during Covid.  Soren is the author of numerous books. His latest, The Essential: Discovering What Really Matters in an Age of Distraction, was released in May of 2025.  In this episode, Sharon and Soren speak about: The context for cultural anxiety The development of social mediaBecoming aware of our storiesDo we need a new narrative?Redefining our worthRevamping our North StarHarnessing all our energiesDismantling our armorHow shame drives mental healthThe point of vulnerability Dalai Lama meeting formerly incarceratedLiving from a place of lackRam Dass’ somebody-nessSoren walking the worldThe role information plays in anxietySoren closes the conversation with a guided meditation. To get a copy of Soren’s new book, The Essential, visit his website right here. Listen to Soren’s first appearance on the Metta House from 2020 right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 24 min
  6. 13 MAY

    Ep. 263 – Anxiety Series: Richie Davidson

    For episode 263 of the Metta Hour, we are continuing our Anxiety Series with a re-release of a conversation with Dr. Richie J. Davidson, PhD, that originally aired in 2023. In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers, and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the fourth episode in the series. Richie Davidson is the William James and Vilas Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Founder and Director of the Center for Healthy Minds. He is best known for his groundbreaking work studying emotion and the brain. A friend and confidante of the Dalai Lama, he is a highly sought-after expert and speaker, leading conversations on well-being on international stages such as the World Economic Forum, where he serves on the Global Council on Mental Health. Join Richie’s upcoming course The Science of Flourishing: Well-Being Skills for Daily Life. Save 20% off the course using the coupon code METTA20. In this episode, Sharon and Richie discuss: • How Richie came to this path • Meeting Daniel Goleman and Ram Dass • How Danny Goleman brought Sharon to her first retreat • The term “Mental Health” • Innate Goodness • Believing in Growth Mindset • A vision of possibility for ourselves • The role of systemic oppression in mental well-being • Intergenerational Resilience • Richie’s four pillars of well-being • Personal mental hygiene • “The road to Lhasa goes up and down” - Mingyur Rinpoche • The value of community and teachers in mental health  • Richie driving Mingyur Rinpoche • Contemplative Neuroscience • The Science of Flourishing Course • Richie’s new book project • The conversation closes with a guided meditation led by Richie. To learn more about Riche’s work or his different books, you can visit his website and check out the Center for Healthy Minds. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 4 min
  7. 15 ABR

    Ep. 262 – Anxiety Series: Scott Barry Kaufman

    For episode 262, Sharon speaks with Scott Barry Kaufman as part of the Metta Hour Anxiety Series. In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times.  Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D., is a cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist exploring the depths of human potential. He is founder of the Center for Human Potential and founder of Self-Actualization Coaching. Scott is the author of eleven books, including Rise Above, his forthcoming book set for release in 2025. Scott is also host of The Psychology Podcast— which has received over 30 million downloads.  In this conversation, Sharon and Scott speak about: • Having growth motivation • Shifting the narrative of anxiety • Scott’s childhood experiences • Curiosity versus grit • How to shift out of fear • Creating space around anxiety • Welcoming our beautiful monsters • Broadening the Window of Tolerance • Experiencing a sense of bothness • Scott’s new book, Rise Above • Victim versus empowerment mindset • Learned Hopefulness • Finding the light within • Pros and cons of sensitivity • The blessings of gratitude and awe The episode closes with Scott leading a Tonglen practice. You can learn more about Scott’s work right here and check out his new book, Rise Above, right here. Check out the first two episodes in the Anxiety Podcast Series with Dr. Jud Brewer right here and Dr. Jenny Taitz right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    50 min
  8. 1 ABR

    Ep. 261 – Anxiety Series: Jenny Taitz

    For episode 261, Dr. Jenny Taitz returns to the Metta Hour for our Anxiety Series.  Jenny is a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. She 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.  Join Sharon for a free live conversation and interactive Q&A exploring the power of real connection—with ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Throughout the discussion, Sharon, Jackie Dobrinska, and Raghu Markus will weave in the wisdom of Ram Dass, reflecting on how intimacy can be a profound path to awakening. Join this free live call on April 7th: Click Here To Learn More In this episode, Sharon and Jenny discuss: Jenny’s approach to anxietyEmotions are contagiousThe superpower of emotional regulationCultivating an inner lifeThree-point check-inHow to break-up with overthinkingGetting groundingCognitive diffusionNaming your inner criticSitting with uncertaintyBuilding a hope kitBox-breathingLovingkindness Doing good deedsExamining assumptionsSurfing emotional urgesSharon closes with a hypothetical situation about anxiety which Jenny advises on. You can learn more about Jenny’s work and get a copy of her book, Stress Resets, on her website. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 h y 2 min

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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

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