Hardcore Zen

Chart trend

Position in the Buddhism chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#57#112JunJulAugSep

#22

all-time peak

403

days in the top 50 since Nov 2024

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

I Am Not This Body

#15 trending · Buddhism

OK. Then what am I???

Sep 9
23 min

I Am Not Very "Zen"

The Urban Dictionary defines Zen as being chill and laidback. I am not that! Is that a problem in practicing actual Zen?

Sep 1
21 min

Zen & The Four Noble Truths

What does Zen say about the Four Noble Truths?

Aug 25
20 min

Why Does Zen Care So Much About Ethics?

I'm not sure I can answer this one. But I tried!

Aug 18
20 min

When a Dharma Talk is Not a Dharma Talk

What should you do when you go to a Dharma Talk and they talk about something else instead?

Aug 11
16 min

Surgery Report

How did it go? Here's how!

Aug 5
6 min

Don't View Big Fish!

Why did Dogen tell people not to view big fish?

Aug 4
24 min

Nobody Knows Anything (My Cancer Story)

Well... some people know some things. But, really, nobody knows anything.

Jul 28
28 min

Why Does Meditation Take So Long?

How come I can't get instant enlightenment?

Jul 21
27 min

The Dalia Lama sez Don't meditate to Feel Better

Is he right???

Jul 14
12 min

There Are No Zen Teachers

Then how come there are so many people teaching Zen?

Jul 8
22 min

Is Life a Kind of Dream?

Dogen says, “It may be that the state in a dream and the state in waking consciousness are equally real.” Why?

Jun 30
20 min

What Are You Gonna Do With Enlightenment?

Maybe it'll make you rich and famous!

Jun 23
19 min

The Dharma of Disclosure Day

What would Buddhists think if the truth about aliens were revealed?

Jun 17
22 min

Making Effort in Meditation

What sort of effort is required?

Jun 10
19 min

Stages of Enlightenment

Can Enlightenment experiences be ranked?

Jun 3
25 min

Is ENLIGHTENMENT the Point of Zen?

Do we do zazen in order to have a kensho or "enlightenment experience"?

May 26
23 min

What is Zazen Supposed to Do?

If Zazen is good for nothing, why do it at all?

May 19
23 min

The Elimination of Suffering

Is that the goal of Buddhist practice?

May 12
23 min

Is Zen a Form of Buddhism?

Some say it is, some say it isn't.

May 5
23 min

Chart positions

Where Hardcore Zen ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 10, 2026).

#102 ▼ 5 Buddhism US

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

Brad is very insightful and connects well with modern Zen seekers. He does a great job of bringing zen to every day life. He helped me reconnect to the practice. All of his books are great and this podcast is very easy to listen to you and relevant.

MetaSteve · Sep 2025

I’ve listened to Brad’s talks for years in person, online & in written form. This is a great addition to his already great books. If you want real commentary with a true practitioners perspective that is as educational as it is profound this is the spot for you. No frills, no overproduced ‘spiritual’ undertones that give an air of inauthentic experience. This guy is as real and raw as it gets and everyone interested in zen can learn a thing or two from him!

Code name: midnight · Nov 2021

I like the combination of a reading from the book and then Q&A. I usually don’t like questions from the audience, but in the episodes so far they’ve been interesting and relevant. Thanks Brad.

windhorse23 · Nov 2019

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.