Alan Watts Being in the Way - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I have a couple of Alan‘s books, but it is so much better hearing him speak, I think. He communicates such deep and profound concepts with a sense of humor. His ability to synthesize wisdom from several different spiritual traditions, so fluently, is one of a kind. All the episodes demand repeat listens.

I stumbled upon Alan Watts when I was a high schooler very into the Beats (mid 1990s). I was also getting into Zen, so the book Zen and the Beat Way caught my eye, and I bought it. His writing and discerning, but lighthearted, intellect captivated me. I bought other books by him — This is It, The Wisdom of Insecurity — and read and reread often.

Later, I discovered some of Watts’s recordings. His speaking voice was as lovely and engaging as his writing style — and funny, but in an unforced way. And, of course, organized, focused, and philosophically serious. I was delighted to find this series, Being in the Way, run by his son Mark Watts. I hope there will be more episodes, but, as I wait, I keep going back to the existing ones, as there’s always something to glean through repeated listening.
P.S. The discussion with Alan Watts, Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, and Timothy Leary, on Watts’s houseboat is a treasure trove. It’s also bittersweet in that the idealism and hopes they espoused have all but evaporated—but they are still there, waiting to be rekindled.

I have read Alan Watts since the early 1970’s, and enjoy these recordings as complementary to the books. Alan’s perspectives seem relevant even in 2021, and I find myself telling others “you won’t believe what Alan Watts said in 1968!” Reflections on a society caught up in delusions, anger, greed and lust for power. His comments predated the internet, but sitting in front of the TV eating TV dinners back then, has evolved into sitting in front of a smart phone, or streaming service / TV, endlessly watching contentious “news”, fantasies, “reality shows” or social media.

Thank you Mark.

The great audio quality makes Alan’s voice somehow more beautiful. Thank you for sharing these recordings. I began listening to Alan Watts as a teen in the early 2000’s around the same time I learned about Taoism through The Tao of Pooh :) but at the time I didn’t know who I was even hearing tbh I just knew it felt right and felt comfortable. I’ve stayed a Taoist, by doing nothing and always changing. Tuning into yourself and the natural rhythm of the universe is the only way to live. Listening to these episodes will change your mind, for the better. <3