What's This Tao All About?

Show 109 — Natural Balance and the Tao of Dr. Totton

In this episode, Tod and George unpack Derek Lin’s thoughts on natural balance, explore the concept of “pro-anoia” (the antidote to paranoia), and delve into the philosop

Show 108 — The Breath and Time to Change

George shares how to relax your nervous system through breathing, including his “LSD through the nose” technique. They also review Derek Lin’s “Best Time to Learn” and th

Show 107 — Original Tao and Chuang Tzu on Winning

Tod recently read “The Original Tao” (aka the Nei-Yeh), a Taoist work likely written before the Tao Te Ching, and he shares its central theme. Also, George shares the con

Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness

Tod and George examine the works of Derek Lin and Chuang Tzu to discuss how to live with less contention and greater harmony. George also shares the power of the “sacred”

Show 105 — Li, Listener Mail, Hundun

Tod and George explore the concept of li, or the natural energy patterns inherent in all of us. They also help a listener with love problems and examine Chuang Tzu’s trag

Show 104 — Wu-Chi and Chuang Tzu’s Metamorphosis

Tod shares how Jason Gregory’s “The Tradition of Natural Taoism” aims to correct some Western interpretations of the Tao. Also, George explains the mysterious emptiness o

Show 103 — How to Be Kind to Yourself

Tod took a trip to Cuba and felt an incredible joy getting away from technology and consumer culture for a few days. George shares tips on being kind to yourself and buil

Show 102 — Lu Dong Pin’s Dream and the Tower of Spirit

Tod interviewed Deepak Chopra for a work assignment and asked for his thoughts on Taoism. Later, Tod and George also explore Lu Dong Pin’s dream, which led him to reject

Show 101 — Dr. Totton’s passing, Chuang Tzu’s Active Life, and Listener Mail

After nearly two years in hospice care, Dr. Totton has passed away, Tod discusses the aftermath. Later, George talks about how improv classes have helped his Tao cultivat

Show 100 — The Unseen and Detachment

Tod and George dig deep into the writings of Derek Lin to discuss how to interact with the unseen and the power of detachment. Later, they discuss relationships and Chuan

Show 99 — Faith and Chuang Tzu’s Monkeys

George and Tod contemplate the age-old debate about whether all spiritual practices lead down the same path. Later, they examine the role that faith plays in Taoism and e

Show 98 — Mirror Mind and Intuitive Wisdom

Tod and George examine the mysterious concept of the “mirror mind” and how it can help you live in the present moment, and how to make decisions by getting in touch with

Show 97 — Radical Acceptance

Prompted by a passage in Derek Lin’s “Tao of Joy” book, Tod and George discuss the Taoist attitude of radically accepting the external world and ourselves. Plus, a listen

Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality

With the help of some insightful folks from Reddit, Tod and George dive into what it means to age gracefully—without getting stuck in their ways. They also explore their

Show 95 — The Tao of Play and Chuang Tzu’s ‘Good Fortune’

On this episode, Tod reviews George Thompson’s new movie “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” The two also examine George’s ideas about play and Chung Tzu’s thoughts on t

Show 94 — William Martin, Author of ‘Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching’

Tod Talks with William Martin, author of “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching.” We discuss his transformation from pastor to Taoist, the liberation Taoism offe

Show 93 — Excess Baggage and the ‘Kingly Man’

Tod and George reflect on Derek Lin’s insights about the unnecessary baggage we carry through life. They also discuss Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Kingly

Show 92 — Praise and Action vs. Non-Action

Tod and George examine why Lao Tzu says that Tao cultivators should work without looking for praise. Later, Chuang Tzu’s Action vs. Non-Action and David Lynch teaches how

Show 91 — Manifestation and Senselessness

George and Tod discuss whether the concept of manifestation works within the Tao and how we can all embrace the senselessness of the cosmos. Also, George talks about his

Show 90 — Taoism and Recovery with Buddy C.

On this episode, Tod talks with Buddy C., the host of the “Tao of Our Understanding” podcast that looks at Taoism through the lens of addiction and recovery. Here, Buddy