The Bardo Podcast

Marc Salmon
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Philosophy

Comedian Marc Salmon hosts conversations about inner and outer change, exploring alternative ways of thinking through philosophy, Buddhism, and the messy, often funny business of being human.

  1. Ep.11 - John Higgs: Reality Tunnels, David Lynch and the Cosmic Joke

    Jun 2

    Ep.11 - John Higgs: Reality Tunnels, David Lynch and the Cosmic Joke

    How do you stay open to mystery without becoming trapped by your own beliefs? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by author John Higgs for a conversation about David Lynch, Robert Anton Wilson, reality tunnels, synchronicity, creativity and the challenge of making sense of reality in confusing times. John's books explore many of the strange thinkers, artists and movements that sit at the edges of culture, from William Blake and Timothy Leary to Discordianism and the KLF. Together we explore subjective experience, meditation, humour, certainty and why some of the most interesting ideas begin by questioning the stories we tell ourselves about the world. We discuss David Lynch and transcendental meditation, Robert Anton Wilson's reality tunnels, synchronicity, the internet, the KLF, and why humour might be one of the best protections against dogma. A thoughtful, funny and wide-ranging conversation about uncertainty, imagination and how not to fall for your own b******t. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. Topics include: David Lynch and meditation Reality tunnels Robert Anton Wilson Synchronicity Discordianism The KLF Counterculture and the internet Creativity and subjective experience Humour and dogma How not to fall for your own b******t Guest: John Higgs is the author of The KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds, William Blake vs The World, Stranger Than We Can Imagine, The Future Starts Here, Watling Street, Love and Let Die and Lynchian. John's website https://johnhiggs.com/ John's Substack: https://johnhiggs.substack.com/ Mentioned in this episode: • Lynchian: The Spell of David Lynch - John Higgs • The KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band Who Burned a Million Pounds - John Higgs • Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity - David Lynch • Cosmic Trigger I: Final Secret of the Illuminati - Robert Anton Wilson • The Bumper Book of Magic - Alan Moore & Steve Moore Suggested documentary • Who Killed The KLF? (2021) Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    1h 19m
  2. Ep.10 - Lawrence Dodd: The Buddhist Clown Trying to Stay Human

    May 19

    Ep.10 - Lawrence Dodd: The Buddhist Clown Trying to Stay Human

    How do you stay human in a world that constantly pushes you towards fear, certainty and overwhelm? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by comedian and clown Lawrence Dodd for a conversation about comedy, Buddhism, sobriety, neurodivergence, political despair and the search for connection in confusing times. Lawrence’s work blends clowning, existential confusion and performance art into something vulnerable, chaotic and unexpectedly hopeful. Together we explore what happens when certainty stops working, why play might matter more than ever, and how to stay open-hearted when the world feels like it’s closing down. We discuss autism and masking, intrusive thoughts, addiction, organising, spirituality, identity and why community still matters. A funny, strange and emotionally honest conversation about uncertainty, vulnerability and learning to remain human. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. Topics include: Comedy and vulnerabilitySobriety and BuddhismAutism and maskingIntrusive thoughts and overwhelmSpirituality and uncertaintyClowning and playPolitical despair and connectionIdentity and belongingCommunity and organisingStaying open in difficult times Guest: Lawrence Dodd is an alternative comedian and clown whose work blends performance art, chaos and emotional honesty. His new show This Can’t Be It is directed by friend of the podcast Lara Ricote with Rachael Dobbie on tech. Lawrence @ Soho Theatre - June 4th https://sohotheatre.com/events/lawrence-dodd-this-cant-be-it/ Lawrence instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleaselozplease/ Lara Ricote new special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVDk4MFVkeM Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    1h 43m
  3. Ep.9 - Emily Herring: Henri Bergson | Why You Feel Less Free Than You Think

    Apr 28

    Ep.9 - Emily Herring: Henri Bergson | Why You Feel Less Free Than You Think

    Why do so many people feel rushed, rigid and disconnected from themselves? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by writer and philosopher Emily Herring to explore the life and ideas of Henri Bergson, once the most famous philosopher in the world. We discuss Bergson’s ideas on time, freedom, memory, intuition, laughter and why modern life can feel increasingly mechanical. Emily explains how we often mistake clock time for lived experience, habit for freedom, and concepts for reality. We also explore Bergson’s clashes with Einstein and Bertrand Russell, the meaning of élan vital, mysticism, and whether technology is advancing faster than our moral development. A thoughtful and surprisingly relevant conversation about how to stay human in an increasingly mechanical world. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. Topics include  Henri Bergson explained simply  Lived time vs clock time  Freedom and free will  Memory and the hidden self  Intuition beyond fixed concepts  Why laughter matters  Bergson vs Einstein  Bergson vs Bertrand Russell  Élan vital and creativity  Technology, algorithms and modern life Guest Emily Herring is a writer based in Paris. She studied philosophy at the Sorbonne and received her PhD in the history and philosophy of science from the University of Leeds. She is the author of Herald of a Restless World: How Henri Bergson Brought Philosophy to the People — the first biography of Bergson in English. Website: https://www.wellreadherring.com/ Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    1h 32m
  4. Ep.8 - Rob Copland: Why Being Funny Doesn’t Fix You

    Apr 14

    Ep.8 - Rob Copland: Why Being Funny Doesn’t Fix You

    What happens when things start going well… and you still feel like a fraud? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, Marc Salmon is joined by award-winning comedian Rob Copland for a conversation about imposter syndrome, self-doubt and the reality of life as a stand-up. Rob shares what it’s actually like behind the scenes, from writing and performing to the pressures of the Edinburgh Fringe, and why success doesn’t always bring the relief you expect. A funny, honest and reflective episode about creativity, ego, anxiety and trying to find something real underneath it all. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. Topics include Imposter syndrome in comedyWriting vs performingEdinburgh Fringe and the industrySuccess, ego and self-doubtBelonging and comparisonMeaning, kindness and how to liveGuest Rob Copland is an award-winning comedian and clown. His show Gimme (One With Everything) won the Victoria Wood Award at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024, following his debut Mainstream Muck, which won Best Show at the Comedian’s Choice Awards. Rob Copland (@robertdcopland) • Instagram profile Things mentioned Eddie Pepitone – For the MassesChögyam Trungpa – Cutting Through Spiritual MaterialismNick Nemeroff – stand-up special - The Pursuit of Comedy has Ruined My LifeOnline Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. Message Marc on Instagram to join. About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    1h 29m
  5. Ep.7 - Steve Todd & Cesare Saguato: Death, Change and What Comes Next

    Mar 31

    Ep.7 - Steve Todd & Cesare Saguato: Death, Change and What Comes Next

    What happens between moments of change, loss and uncertainty? In this episode, Marc Salmon is joined by Steve Todd and Cesare Saguato to explore the Buddhist idea of the bardo, often associated with death, but also something that may be happening all the time. Drawing on Tibetan Buddhist teachings, including The Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Six Bardos, the conversation explores death, impermanence, consciousness and how we respond to change in everyday life. This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about death, Buddhism, awareness and how to live with more presence in the in-between. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. In this episode we explore: The bardo as everyday experience, not just deathThe Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Six BardosDeath, impermanence and the nature of changeBuddhist perspectives on consciousness and mindLetting go, grasping and emotional reactivityCompassion, karma and responding to difficultyMeditation and awareness in daily lifeThe “in-between” as an opportunity for transformation Texts referenced The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardo Thodol) The Six Bardos (Root Verses of the Six Bardos – Karma Lingpa) https://www.lotsawahouse.org/tibetan-masters/karma-lingpa/root-verses-six-bardos The Tibetan Book of the Dead A Way of Life (1994) Narrated by Leonard Cohen https://youtu.be/VyPwBIOL7-8?si=SeVsZCZg61nKdD_o Guests Steve Todd is a theoretical physicist with a PhD in high-energy particle theory and a long-time Buddhist practitioner within the Drukpa Kagyu tradition. He explores the intersections of science, Buddhism, and Western esotericism. Steve’s Meta-Modern Rosicrucian Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/464647772026730/ Cesare Saguato is a Buddhist practitioner, psychotherapist, mindfulness teacher, and clinical supervisor. He works in private practice, education, and organisational settings, and is Chair of Bodhicharya UK. Cesare’s work: https://www.cesaremindfultherapy.com/ https://bodhicharya-kent.org/ Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. If you're interested in joining, send Marc a message Support the show If you’re enjoying The Bardo Podcast, subscribing, rating or sharing genuinely helps. Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheBardoPodcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy, spirituality and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds — not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music - Marc and Robert Fuller Art - Zoe Brownstone Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    2h 26m
  6. Ep.6 - Fer Rodil: Comedy, Cancer, Love and Letting Go

    Mar 17

    Ep.6 - Fer Rodil: Comedy, Cancer, Love and Letting Go

    What happens when a cancer diagnosis forces us to confront death earlier than expected? In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, comedian Marc Salmon is joined by storyteller, director and screenwriter Fer Rodil for a wide-ranging conversation about cancer, comedy, philosophy and the search for meaning. Fer shares what a cancer diagnosis taught him about love, mortality and happiness, and how facing death changed the way he thinks about relationships, creativity and the mind. The conversation moves between lived experience and philosophy, touching on ideas from Buddhism, William James and Nietzsche while reflecting on how art and storytelling can transform suffering into something meaningful. A thoughtful, candid and often funny episode about mortality, attachment, forgiveness and how confronting death can reshape our understanding of love and letting go. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. In this episode we explore: Cancer diagnosis and living with uncertaintyComedy and the limits of humourLove, heartbreak and attachmentTurning illness and grief into storytellingAcceptance, compassion and forgivenessConsciousness and philosophy of mindRebirth and Buddhist ideas of continuityWilliam James and altered statesNietzsche, samsara and the search for meaningArt, bitterness and emotional transformationGuest Fer Rodil is an Argentinian director, storyteller and screenwriter. He has written series for HBO, Amazon Prime and Disney+, and now lives in the Netherlands where he teaches storytelling and performs comedy and theatre. His show Fer Is On A Deadline is a storytelling performance about his cancer diagnosis and the search for meaning when facing mortality. Fer also writes reflections on storytelling, philosophy and creativity on Substack: Fer is on a deadline | Substack English Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fer.rodil/ Hispanic Instagram https://www.instagram.com/unperrovegano/ Online Meditation Sessions Second and fourth Sundays at 10:30am UK time. First session begins 22 March. If you're interested in joining, send Marc a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcsalmoncomedy/ About the podcast The Bardo Podcast is a podcast about comedy, philosophy and spirituality, and new ways of thinking in uncertain times. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. Episodes explore comedy, meditation, philosophy, creativity and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJkF4QSNPmE& Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    2h 19m

  7. Mar 10 ·  Bonus

    Solo: How Do We Make the Left Fun Again?

    Why does activism sometimes feel miserable? And how could politics feel joyful again? In this solo episode of The Bardo Podcast, comedian Marc Salmon reflects on activism, community, and why movements trying to change the world can sometimes lose their sense of humour. Through stories from activist meetings, reflections on anarchist philosophy, and everyday examples of mutual aid, Marc explores ideas like worker cooperatives, universal basic income, and solarpunk futures. But the real question might be simpler. What if the revolution starts with something smaller. Like knowing your neighbours again. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. Some resources: Build the village, Starve the empire https://www.instagram.com/p/DQIM44jkmEW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Libcom - How to Organise https://libcom.org/article/organise Cooperation Jackson https://cooperationjackson.org Democracy Collaborative https://democracycollaborative.org Solidarity Economy Network https://solidarityeconomy.us The Anarchist Library https://theanarchistlibrary.org Book Recommendations: Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution - Peter Kropotkin B******t Jobs - David Graeber The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin About the podcast The Bardo Podcast explores alternative ways of thinking, inner and outer change, and what happens in the space between. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers, and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. New episodes explore comedy, philosophy, Buddhism, creativity, and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special on YouTube Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    28 min
  8. Ep.5 - Gabriel Kennedy: Robert Anton Wilson and the Philosophy of Maybe

    Mar 3

    Ep.5 - Gabriel Kennedy: Robert Anton Wilson and the Philosophy of Maybe

    In this episode of The Bardo Podcast, comedian Marc Salmon is joined by writer and researcher Gabriel Kennedy, author of Chapel Perilous: The Life & Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson, for a wide-ranging conversation about uncertainty, belief systems, and the art of not knowing. They explore the life and work of Robert Anton Wilson, including ideas like model agnosticism, reality tunnels, Chapel Perilous, and the SNAFU Principle, and why his thinking feels especially relevant in an age of conspiracy culture, political anxiety, and collapsing narratives. The conversation moves through anarchism, humour, synchronicity, grief, forgiveness, and self meta programming, looking at how play and uncertainty might offer more honest ways of relating to ourselves and the world. Support the podcast If you enjoy The Bardo Podcast and want it to keep going, the best way to support it is on Patreon: https://patreon.com/thebardopodcast Please also subscribe, share and leave a review. It genuinely helps. In this episode we explore: Robert Anton Wilson and the art of not knowingModel agnosticism and reality tunnelsChapel Perilous and synchronicityAnarchism and the SNAFU PrincipleHumour, play, and laughter as tools for sense makingGrief, forgiveness, and transformationGuest Gabriel Kennedy is a writer and researcher, and the author of Chapel Perilous: The Life & Thought Crimes of Robert Anton Wilson. https://chapelperilous.us Reading mentioned in this episode RAW's obituary in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2007/jan/18/guardianobituaries.usaGabriel Kennedy – Chapel Perilous: The Life & Thought Crimes of Robert Anton WilsonRobert Anton Wilson – Cosmic TriggerRobert Anton Wilson – Prometheus RisingRobert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea – The Illuminatus! TrilogyRobert Anton Wilson – Everything Is Under ControlAbout the podcast The Bardo Podcast explores alternative ways of thinking, inner and outer change, and what happens in the space between. Hosted by comedian Marc Salmon, the show features thoughtful conversations with comedians, philosophers, Buddhist thinkers, and other curious minds, not about certainty or expertise, but about questioning assumptions and sitting with ambiguity together. New episodes explore comedy, philosophy, Buddhism, creativity, and alternative ways of living. Find updates and more information at: https://www.marcsalmoncomedy.com/ Music by Marc Salmon and Robert Fuller Artwork by Zoe Brownstone - Check out her special on YouTube Leftist Comedy Night - London JUNE 25th https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leftist-comedy-night-stand-up-drag-clown-sketch-london-tickets-1990986827196?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

    1h 56m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Comedian Marc Salmon hosts conversations about inner and outer change, exploring alternative ways of thinking through philosophy, Buddhism, and the messy, often funny business of being human.

Information

  • Creator
    Marc Salmon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Bardo Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Bardo Podcast

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