This Very Moment

Shambhala Publications
  • 5.0 (3)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY

How did your favorite author become the expert that you know them to be? How did some of today’s greatest artists develop their passion for spirituality?⁠⁠ In this podcast, Ivan Bercholz, co-owner of Shambhala Publications, speaks with influential figures about the origins of their spiritual journey. Delve into the stories that have shaped these individuals into who they are today. Hear about formative childhood experiences, influential teachers, songs that rocked their world, times of despair and triumph, books that opened their consciousness, and so much more.⁠

Episodes

  1. The Nomadic Life of the Lazy Lama | Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

    6H AGO

    The Nomadic Life of the Lazy Lama | Ringu Tulku Rinpoche

    In this intimate conversation, eminent Tibetan Buddhist master and scholar Ringu Tulku Rinpoche traces his extraordinary life shaped by exile, rigorous study, a lifetime of practice and teaching across cultures, leading him to this very moment. He describes his early years studying and practicing under Khenpo Tsöndrü, the Sixteenth Karmapa, and his main teacher Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, as well as a variety of teachers from the Kagyu Nyingma, Geluk, and Sakya traditions lending to his rimé (nonsectarian) training. Rinpoche also highlights two major lay influences: Professor N. C. Sinha, who shaped his understanding of history and ethics, and Freda Bedi, who nurtured his English, cross-cultural awareness, and early teaching activity. Reminiscing on his early education, Rinpoche describes his experiences studying at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath and later his unanticipated 8-year appointment translating textbooks into Tibetan for the education department in Sikkim, followed by 17 years of teaching Tibetan Language and Literature at the college level before “retiring” and continuing his teaching internationally. Since 1990, Rinpoche has been traveling and teaching Buddhism at over 50 universities, institutes, and Buddhist centers in Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America, as well as participating in interfaith dialogues and academic conferences, making him a true nomad and advocate of the nonsectarian impulse. Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast. *Photo of Rinpoche courtesy of Gerry McCulloch. Timestamps 00:00:38 – Growing up in Kham 00:05:19 – Early memories and inspiration 00:12:27 – Meeting his root guru, Digo Khyentse Rinpoche 00:25:32 – The friendship between Khyentse Rinpoche and the 16th Karmapa 00:27:41 – Non-Buddhist influences (Professor N. C. Sinha and Freda Bedi) 00:32:32 – The transition from student to teacher 00:41:06 – Teaching internationally 00:54:09 – The production of the Lazy Lama Looks at Buddhist Meditation book series 00:57:15 – Current projects and activities 01:03:50 – The most important teaching Books by the Author Path to Buddhahood: Teachings on Gampopa’s Jewel Ornament of LiberationThe Ri-me Philosophy of Jamgön Kongtrul the Great: A Study of the Buddhist Lineages of TibetConfusion Arises as Wisdom: Gampopa’s Heart Advice on the Path ofDaring Steps: Traversing the Path of the BuddhaMind Training

    1h 9m
  2. The Intersection of Music and Spirituality | Pamela Ayo Yetunde

    JAN 15

    The Intersection of Music and Spirituality | Pamela Ayo Yetunde

    This episode features author, theologist, and Community Dharma Leader, Pamela Ayo Yetunde. Hear about Ayo’s upbringing and early roots in the church and Black Christian community, and how her love of music and poetry spawned a deep appreciation of the spiritual and symbolic elements hidden within artistic compositions. Ayo discusses influential figures, authors, and musicians from Gandhi, bell hooks, and Audre Lorde to American singer and songwriter, India Arie. In particular, she cites the pop icon Prince as having a significant influence on her life and work, underscored in her recent book Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality and This Thing Called Life. All these early experiences and more ripened Ayo to explore the heartfelt dimensions of healing and spirituality, starting with the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh followed by Insight Meditation teacher Gil Fronsdal and her work early on with the Zen Hospice Project alongside beloved volunteer coordinator Eric Poché. The cumulation of these experiences and more are what brought her to This Very Moment. In addition to discussing her life and work, this interview focuses on the intersection of music and spirituality, aligned with Ayo’s current exploration of theolyricology, a term coined by Ayo meaning “the study of song lyrics about God, gods, spirituality, and/or the divine.” Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Ayo Yetunde and her work 00:52 – Early life, church roots, and spiritual beginnings 06:10 – Music, poetry, and creative expression as formation 13:45 – Hospice work and being with death and grief 22:30 – Black Buddhist organizing and community building 32:05 – Editing Black and Buddhist and shaping collective voice 41:20 – Theolyricology: studying song lyrics about the divine 52:10 – Wisdom, practice, and sustaining spiritual life 01:06:40 – Closing reflections and where to find Ayo’s work Books by the Author: Casting Indra’s NetBlack and Buddhist

    1h 10m
  3. Spreading the Practice of Chöd Across the World | Garab Dorje Rinpoche

    12/15/2025

    Spreading the Practice of Chöd Across the World | Garab Dorje Rinpoche

    This episode features Dungzin Garab Dorje Rinpoche, the son and dharma heir of his father, Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. Learn about his upbringing and early introductions to the deepest layers of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. From his early studies to empowerments and teachings from some of the most revered Buddhist masters, Rinpoche shares stories about how the Buddhadharma took root in his heart, leading him to become a renowned throne holder in the Dudjom lineage in This Very Moment. In this interview, Rinpoche recalls early memories of living and studying Buddhism in Darjeeling at Kangyur Rinpoche’s gompa as a young boy, followed by intensive study at Mindrolling and Palyul. He describes how his connection with his father developed as he matured. Slowly he began to witness his father’s teachings and the vision he had for him with more clarity, transforming their relationship from father and son to teacher and disciple. Likewise, he reminisces his remarkable familial connection with Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche (paternal grandfather) and Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche (maternal grandfather), as well as the challenges and auspicious connections required to build the Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery and his extensive dharma activities seen today. Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast. Timestamps 00:00 — Intro & guest overview: Garab Dorje Rinpoche, Throma Nagmo/Chöd, and his remarkable family lineage.05:00 — Early life in Bhutan: strict upbringing, morning prayers, and how his father shaped his discipline.20:00 — Entering monastic life: being sent to monastery/retreat settings, adapting to training, and first major influences.30:00 — Formal studies & turning points: philosophy training, teachers, and the weight of responsibilities amid personal loss.40:14 — Building for the sangha: renting land, plans for temples/hostels, and the Singapore fundraising story tied to his mother’s passing.54:24 — Founding Throma lay groups: how and why he began organizing Throma/Krodhikali practice communities in Bhutan.60:17 — Propagating Dudjom lineage today: vision for temples, nunneries, monastic education, and challenges like fewer young monks.70:02 — Initiations explained: Root vs. Supreme Initiation, samaya commitments, and why practitioner cards are required.80:00 — Teaching on the road + stories: traveling to students, benefits/miracles of practice, and reflections on lay vs. Dharma perspectives.

    1h 29m
  4. From ’60s Counterculture to Yoga Lineage | Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor

    11/14/2025

    From ’60s Counterculture to Yoga Lineage | Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor

    Join Ivan and Sara Bercholz (co-owners of Shambhala Publications) in conversation with the renowned yoga teaching couple Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. From the ‘60s music scene to transcendental philosophy, Eastern thought, holistic psychology, and integrated health, through their first discoveries of yoga and meditation and travels to India and Iran, we get a glimpse into the early experiences that carried them forward to becoming the revered yoga practitioners and teachers that they are in This Very Moment. In this interview we learn about Richard and Mary’s early upbringing and the environment that inspired them to embark on the spiritual path. With their signature warmth, hear how Richard and Mary found their way to the Buddhist and yogic tradition through the waves of hippy counterculture, revolt against the Vietnam War, and the growing tension in the Middle East. Learn about their early interactions with their teachers K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, and the origin story of their relationship and how they became co-teachers. Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast. Timestamps 00:00 – Getting Started & Meet Richard and Mary 09:45 – How Breath Shapes Awareness 20:30 – Finding Balance Between Effort and Surrender 33:00 – The Mind-Body Connection in Practice 47:15 – Teachers, Mentors, and Keeping Yoga Real 59:20 – Relationships, Compassion, and Daily Life 1:12:10 – Emptiness, Wholeness, and Letting Go1:22:00 – Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

    1h 25m
  5. Doctor, Retreatant, Rranslator | John Canti (part 2)

    10/14/2025

    Doctor, Retreatant, Rranslator | John Canti (part 2)

    In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment. We learn about John’s family lineage and childhood, his spiritual roots and early skepticism toward religion, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Buddhist teachings. He reflects on the impact of early teachers, pop culture, and significant encounters with key lamas, ultimately emphasizing the importance in his life of having multiple teachers. The discussion highlights the ongoing quest for understanding the nature of mind and the winding path of the journey toward that end. Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast. Chapters: 00:00 Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche influence  06:27 Wrapping up work in Nepal and Three-Year Retreat in France  13:48 Lessons from the Retreat: Expectations vs. Reality  25:19 Spending time with Dudjom Rinpoche at the end of his life  30:01 Stories of the Kudung and bringing to Nepal 45:08 Personal Stories with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche 01:01:35 Core Teachings: Understanding Mind and Awareness

    1h 10m
  6. From Skeptic to Seeker | John Canti (part 1)

    10/14/2025

    From Skeptic to Seeker | John Canti (part 1)

    In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment. We learn about John’s family lineage and childhood, his spiritual roots and early skepticism toward religion, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Buddhist teachings. He reflects on the impact of early teachers, pop culture, and significant encounters with key lamas, ultimately emphasizing the importance in his life of having multiple teachers. The discussion highlights the ongoing quest for understanding the nature of mind and the winding path of the journey toward that end. Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast. Timestamps   00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Upbringing  06:29 Family Background and Early Influences  10:03 Religious Perspectives and Family Dynamics  16:30 Early Teachers and Inspirations  21:00 Cultural Influences and Personal Growth  29:03 Ignition of Spiritual Interest  36:42 Exploring Buddhist Texts and Teachings  40:24 First interactions with Lamas  47:43 Meeting the Great Lamas: A Transformative Encounter  51:27 The Path of Study: Balancing Medicine and Buddhism  01:01:18 The Impact of Kangyur Rinpoche: A Lasting Impression

    1h 15m
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

How did your favorite author become the expert that you know them to be? How did some of today’s greatest artists develop their passion for spirituality?⁠⁠ In this podcast, Ivan Bercholz, co-owner of Shambhala Publications, speaks with influential figures about the origins of their spiritual journey. Delve into the stories that have shaped these individuals into who they are today. Hear about formative childhood experiences, influential teachers, songs that rocked their world, times of despair and triumph, books that opened their consciousness, and so much more.⁠

Information

  • Creator
    Shambhala Publications
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Shambhala Publications
  • Show Website
    This Very Moment