Best The Doctrine of Discovery Project Podcasts (2025)

1
Meditation, Rage, and Other Strong Emotions 12:16

1d ago12:16

12:16

Why do we turn to meditation when things fall apart—and what are we really supposed to do with all these overwhelming emotions? In this short episode, we explore three powerful ways to relate to difficult feelings like anger, fear, and anxiety: as afflictive; as bridges to compassion; and as hidden forms of wisdom. All three ways are accurate, thou…

1
Why You’re Not Meditating Consistently (and What to Do About It) 28:11

8d ago28:11

28:11

In this episode, Susan reflects on one of the most common meditation struggles: staying consistent. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why can’t I just do the thing I know is good for me?”—this episode is for you. The surprising truth? It’s not a discipline problem. It’s a misunderstanding of what meditation really is. Main Topics Covered: The Real Reason C…

1
True Compassion or Idiot Compassion? 20:27

15d ago20:27

20:27

In Buddhism (as in most wisdom traditions), compassion is central—but it’s often misunderstood. It’s not about being nice, it’s about being awake. True compassion is wise, fierce, and rooted in awareness. “Idiot compassion” is a term coined by Chögyam Trungpa to describe misguided kindness that stems from the three poisons: Grasping – trying to fee…

1
Who Can You Trust in the Spiritual World? 25:32

22d ago25:32

25:32

Trusting a spiritual teacher is one of the most important—and complex—decisions on the path. This talk explores three personal experiences: one with a brilliant but inscrutable and controversial teacher, another with a teacher whose misconduct led to a break, and a third with a humble, quietly extraordinary master who became the true source of guid…

1
Inexplicable Joy: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Heart Sutra, Part 2 25:02

29d ago25:02

25:02

In the previous episode, we discuss a teaching that is central throughout the Buddhist world: the Prajnaparamita sutra, also known as The Heart Sutra. While being utterly confounding, at the same time it is a perfect primer on the true meaning of emptiness and ultimate compassion. Turns out, these are the same thing. Who knew?! If you missed it, ju…

1
Inexplicable Joy: Emptiness, Compassion, and the Heart Sutra, Part 1 23:08

1M ago23:08

23:08

In this episode, we discuss a teaching that is central throughout the Buddhist world: the Prajnaparamita sutra, also known as The Heart Sutra. While being utterly confounding, at the same time it is a perfect primer on the true meaning of emptiness and ultimate compassion. Turns out, these are the same thing. Who knew?! There are many translations …

1
S05E07: Indigenous Wisdom for Planetary Healing with Yuria Celidwen 48:50

1M ago48:50

48:50

Yuria Celidwen, a Nahua and Maya scholar and UC Berkeley postdoctoral researcher, shares how Indigenous wisdom offers pathways for collective healing beyond colonial mindfulness practices that prioritize individual benefit over community wellbeing. • Identifying as a "truth bearer" from Maya tradition, Celidwen bridges Indigenous epistemologies wit…

1
The Four Noble Truths and the Middle Way: Foundations of the Journey 18:56

1M ago18:56

18:56

The Buddha’s Early Life & Awakening Siddhartha was a protected prince, shielded from suffering by his father. He encountered old age, sickness, and death for the first time during a trip outside the palace. This led him to renounce his privileged life and seek liberation from suffering. He meditated under the Bodhi tree, seeking truth beyond suffer…

1
The Broken Hearted Meditator 14:14

2M ago14:14

14:14

Perhaps contrary to popular belief, meditation does not make us feel all zen. Rather, it actually makes us feel more deeply. Discussed in this episode: Meditation Heightens Emotions – It doesn’t numb feelings but makes them more vivid. Trauma-Sensitivity is Important – Meditation can help with grief and sorrow but may amplify trauma. The practice s…

1
On Road Rage and Compassion 9:30

2M ago9:30

9:30

In this (embarrassing) episode, long-time Buddhist practitioner Susan Piver describes an episode of road rage (her own) and the moment her rage turned into compassion. Spoiler: it has nothing to do with remembering Buddhist principles and everything to do with simply being human. Discussed in this episode: What are the Four Immeasurables? Loving-ki…

1
How to Meditate (and Avoid the Biggest Misconceptions) 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

This episode provides a deep and practical exploration of meditation, defines meditation as something more than mindfulness, it also includes awareness. Common misconceptions are enumerated. The key takeaway is that meditation is not about achieving a specific state but about learning to be with yourself as you are, with openness and curiosity. Inc…

1
On Meditation: An Uncommon View 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

Meditation is most often described as a self-help technique that will support you to improve performance, reduce stress, manage pain, and sleep better. All of this is true. Thank you, science! However, as first transmitted by the Buddha, the practice was not described in any such terms. Rather, it was offered as a way to wake up from suffering, rea…

1
Teaser: Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver 1:39

2M ago1:39

1:39

Buddhism Beyond Belief is a podcast from Susan Piver, a 30 year student of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Open Heart Project, an online meditation community with close to 20000 members. With Susan as a friend and guide, we will look at traditional teachings like the four noble truths and the six paramitas–but not from an academic standpoint. R…

1
S05E06: Rethinking Our Values: Indigenous Values for a Sustainable Future 50:27

3M ago50:27

50:27

This episode explores the vital need for a value change rooted in indigenous perspectives, particularly the teachings of the Haudenosaunee. Listeners are invited to reflect on how our current monetary-driven worldview is unsustainable and how adopting a more relational and respectful way of interacting with the Earth can pave the way for a more sus…

1
S05E05: Reimagining Legal Frameworks: Protecting Native American Sacred Sites and Sovereignty 1:17:01

3M ago1:17:01

1:17:01

What if the key to protecting Native American sacred sites lies not within the confines of existing religious freedom laws, but in a reimagined legal strategy? Join us as we engage with Michael McNally, the insightful author of "Defend the Sacred: Native American Religious Freedom Beyond the First Amendment." Together, we unravel the complexities o…

1
S05E04: Unveiling the Doctrine of Discovery: Historical Injustice and Pathways to Healing 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

Uncover the often overlooked yet deeply influential Doctrine of Discovery with us, as we bring political science instructor and former Congressional candidate Steve Schwartzberg to the table. Join us to explore how this doctrine, woven into the fabric of U.S. history, continues to impact Indigenous peoples today. Steve shares his insights, drawing …

1
S05E03 Reclaiming Faith: Dismantling White Christian Supremacy and Healing Through Indigenous Spirituality 1:11:04

6M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

What if the very religion that oppressed your ancestors could also be your path to liberation? Join us as we engage with Soulforce's representatives—Reverend Alba Onofrio, Nadia Arellano, and Karina Vargas—in a powerful conversation about dismantling white Christian supremacy and Christian nationalism. We share insights from a recent gathering at S…

1
S05E02: Exploring the Legacy of Vine Deloria Jr. on Native American Thought with Philip Deloria 1:17:47

8M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

Discover the transformative power of Native American thought and religious studies in our conversation with the esteemed Philip Deloria. Learn about the profound legacy of Vine Deloria Jr., whose influential works like God is Red have shaped the academic and theological landscapes. As we uncover the Deloria family's rich heritage of Indigenous advo…

1
S05E01: Bridging History and Today: Religion, Law, and Indigenous Influences in American Democracy with Winifred Sullivan 54:51

9M ago54:51

54:51

How have universities become the focal point of inclusive religious dialogue? Join us for a captivating episode as we converse with Winifred Sullivan, a professor at Indiana University, who brings a wealth of experience from her dual careers in law and academia. Learn about her pivotal role at the Center for Religion and the Human, where diverse vo…

1
S04E06: Unveiling Histories: Colonialism, Faith, and Identity in the Americas with João Chaves 1:08:46

1y ago1:08:46

1:08:46

Embark on a profound historical exploration with João Chaves, Assistant Professor at Baylor University, as we uncover the lasting effects of the Doctrine of Discovery and its legacy of colonialism, faith, and power struggles in the Americas. Our conversation traverses from the Portuguese conquest and the influx of Confederate exiles post-American C…

1
S04E05: Rekindling Culture and Healing History: A Dialogue on Decolonization and Indigenous Land Connection 1:03:50

1y ago1:03:50

1:03:50

Embark on a profound exploration with us as S. Lily Mendoza and Jim Perkinson take us through the winding paths of decolonization and the urgent quest to reconnect with the land. They illuminate the suppressed histories and indigenous cultures that beckon us to re-evaluate the civilizational narratives we've long been fed. Witness how the act of re…

1
S04E04: Reckoning with the Legacy of Colonization: A Dialogue on Native American Erasure and Resilience with Tink Tinker 58:33

1y ago58:33

58:33

This week on the podcast, we have Professor Tink Tinker, a luminary in Native American Studies. In this episode, he tells of the heart-wrenching legacy of Christian colonization on Indigenous communities. Our conversation probes deep into the cultural chasm between the collective ethos of American Indian traditions and the individualistic dogma of …

1
S04E03: Reclaiming Sacred Ground: Indigenous Sovereignty, Environmental Wisdom, and the Path to Restorative Justice with Patrick Gonzalez-Rogers 46:07

1y ago46:07

46:07

Discover the lingering shadows of the Doctrine of Discovery as we journey through the historical and modern challenges Indigenous nations face, particularly in safeguarding sacred sites like Bears Ears. Joined by Patrick Gonzalez-Rogers of the Yale School of Environment, Philip P. Arnold Arnold from the Skä•noñh Great Law Peace Center, and Sandy Bi…

1
S04E02: Exploring the American Religious Tapestry: From Civil Religion to Secularism and the Impact of the January 6th Insurrection with Joel Harrison 53:59

1y ago53:59

53:59

Embark on a profound journey through the tapestry of American religious history with Joel Harrison, associate professor of religion, and his sharp students, Jason Armstrong and Christian Oppenhagen. Together, we unravel the complex narratives of civil religion and secularism, with a particular lens on the interplay of race and religion since the co…

1
Unearthing the Foundations: Examining Native American Legal Battles and the Doctrine of Discovery with Peter d'Errico, Steven T. Newcomb, and Joseph J. Heath 1:00:27

1+ y ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Discover the overlooked truths of Native American legal struggles and examine the enduring impact of the Doctrine of Discovery with our esteemed guests Peter d'Errico, Steven T. Newcomb, and Joseph J. Heath. This episode promises to enhance your understanding of Native American representation in law and the historical decisions that shape their rig…

1
S03E06: Exploring the Cultural, Historical, and Culinary Significance of Chilis with Victor Valle 1:25:54

1+ y ago1:25:54

1:25:54

Ready to put your culinary curiosity to the test? Brace yourself as we journey through a world where fire and chili are more than just ingredients; they're centuries-old metaphors that have shaped cultural identities. We're joined by our distinguished guest, Victor Valle, the mind behind "The Poetics of Fire: Metaphors of Chili Eating in the Border…

1
S03E05: Land is Kin: Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty with Dana Lloyd 55:50

1+ y ago55:50

55:50

Have you ever wondered what it truly means for land to be sacred? Join us on a thought-provoking exploration with Dr. Dana Lloyd, author of "Land is Kin: Sovereignty, Religious Freedom, and Indigenous Sacred Sites." A Tel Aviv native raised on Palestinian land, Dr. Lloyd brings an exceptional perspective to draw parallels between the settler coloni…

1
S03E04: Beekeeping, Mushrooms and Sculptures: A Glimpse into Traditional Lithuanian Life 56:11

1+ y ago56:11

56:11

Ever wondered how the Baltic region's indigenous religious traditions have evolved over the centuries? Join us in conversation with our esteemed guest, Eglute Trinkauskaite, a faculty member at Maryland Institute College of Art, who offers a deep dive into the rich history and culture of post-Soviet Lithuania. Eglute's extensive studies illuminate …

1
S03E03: Indigenous Advocacy and Climate Change: A Conversation with Evie Reyes-Aguirre 51:22

1+ y ago51:22

51:22

Today we're privileged to converse with Eve Reyes-Aguirre, an Izkaloteka Azteca Indigenous woman, who has passionately dedicated over 25 years of her life advocating for human rights, women's rights, Indigenous peoples rights, and environmental rights. Eve, a fervent advocate, has a wealth of experience from her time at Tonotierra, an embassy for I…

1
S03E02: White Evangelical Racism and Its Influence on American Politics an Interview with Anthea Butler 29:51

1+ y ago29:51

29:51

In this episode of the Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery podcast, hosts Phil Arnold and Sandy Bigtree interview Anthea Butler, The Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought and Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. They discuss the role of evangelical Christians in manipulating voting structures and policies, a…

1
S03E01- The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Doctrine of Christian Discovery an interview with Robert P. Jones 52:06

1+ y ago52:06

52:06

We begin this season with a gripping conversation with Robert P Jones, founder and president of the Public Religion Research Institute. Together, we continue to highlight the layers of American history, challenging familiar narratives and revealing Indigenous, Haudensoaunee, influences. Jones takes us on a personal journey into his own evolution as…

1
S02E08: Exploring the Doctrine of Discovery, Indigenous Struggles, and the Pursuit of Balance Part 2 with Oren Lyons 1:02:04

2y ago1:02:04

1:02:04

Imagine facing a past rooted in subjugation and suppression, only to transform it into a future of balance, peace, and environmental preservation. That's the journey we're embarking on in today's episode. We'll uncover the dark legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery and its devastating effects on our environment while also revealing the relentless str…

1
S02E07: Exploring the Doctrine of Discovery, Indigenous Struggles, and the Pursuit of Balance Part 1 with Oren Lyons 1:04:09

2y ago1:04:09

1:04:09

This episode is an engaging conversation with Onondaga Nation Turtle Clan Faithkeeper Oren Lyons, a stalwart in Indigenous, environmental, and human rights initiatives. We traverse the terrain of Indigenous rights, the Doctrine of Discovery, and The Haudenosaunee's pivotal role at the United Nations. Faithkeeper Lyons tells the story of several piv…

1
S02E06: Reimagining Religion: On Connectivity and Unity with Brian Konkol 1:00:23

2y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Get ready for an enlightening journey as we chat with our guest, Rev. Dr. Brian Konkol, Dean of Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University and professor of practice. Konkol brings a fresh perspective to the table, shaped by his global experiences. His intriguing insights on religion's potential for connectivity and unity, rather than division, bring a…

1
S02E05: Dissecting the Doctrine of Discovery: Indigenous Rights, White Supremacy, and the United Nations with Betty Lyons 1:01:21

2y ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Get ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey with Betty Lyons, the Executive Director of the American Indian Law Alliance. As we dissect the unsettling complacency surrounding the Doctrine of Discovery and the destruction it has caused among Indigenous Peoples, prepare to be challenged and enlightened. We delve into the deeply ingrained hiera…

1
S02E04 - The Doctrine of Discovery In The Social Psyche with Tina Ngata 1:20:54

2y ago1:20:54

1:20:54

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), begin by introducing our guest Tina Ngata (Māori Nation). She is a Ngāti Porou mother of two from the East Coast of Te Ika a Maui. Her work involves advocacy for environmental, Indigenous, and human rights. She is internationally k…

1
S02E03 - Johnson v M'intosh and Federal Anti-Indian Law with Peter d'Errico 1:21:33

2y ago1:21:33

1:21:33

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), begin by introducing our guest Peter d’Errico. He is Professor Emeritus of Legal Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is a regular blogger and frequent guest on the Red Thought series. Most recently, he is the au…

1
S02E02 – The International Dimensions of Johnson v. M’Intosh with Robert J. Miller 1:02:09

2y ago1:02:09

1:02:09

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgment. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), start by introducing our guest Robert J. Miller. He is a Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where is also the Willard H. Pedrick Distinguished Research Scholar and Director of the…

1
S02E01 – The Backstory of Johnson v. M’Intosh with Lindsay Robertson 49:56

2y ago49:56

49:56

We begin this episode with a land acknowledgement. Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation), begin by introducing our guest Lindsay Robertson. He is the Chickasaw Nation Endowed Chair in Native American Law, Faculty Director, the Center for the Study of American Indian Law and Policy, and the Sam K. Viersen Family Foundati…

1
Episode 05: The Doctrine of Discovery in the context of Abya Yala with Tupac Enrique Acosta 1:01:47

2+ y ago1:01:47

1:01:47

Our hosts Prof. Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation) begin by introducing our guest Tupac Enrique Acosta. He is a founding member of the community based Indigenous Peoples organization TONATIERRA in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode we explore the shifts and transmutation of the Doctrine of Christian Discovery as it moves throughout T…

1
Episode 04: Haudenosaunee Influence on the Women’s Rights Movement 42:20

3y ago42:20

42:20

Please join our hosts Professor Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree (Mohawk Nation) as they talk with our guest Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation and Center for Social Justice Dialogue in Fayetteville, New York. Transcript and show notes are available on podcast.doctrineofdiscove…

1
Episode 03: The Doctrine of Discovery in the Mesoamerican Context with Davíd Carrasco 1:08:04

3y ago1:08:04

1:08:04

Please join our hosts Professor Philip P. Arnold and Sandy Bigtree as they talk with our guest , Professor David Carrasco about the Doctrine of Christian Discovery in the Mesoamerican context. Prof. Carrasco is the _Neil L. Rudenstine Professor of the Study of Latin America, with a joint appointment with the Department of Anthropology in the Facult…

1
Episode 02: The Doctrine Of Christian Discovery As An Ideological And Legal Framework With Steven T. Newcomb 57:34

3y ago57:34

57:34

In this episode of the podcast Steven T. Newcomb (Shawnee/Lenape) emphasizes that what undergirds the Doctrine of Discovery is a Christian theological logic of domination and dehumanization. This theological rationale creates a system of domination. In order to understand this theory of domination and dehumanization Newcomb argues it is insufficien…

1
Episode 01: The Legal Framework of the Doctrine of Christian Discovery in Practice 1:11:22

3y ago1:11:22

1:11:22

In this week's episode our hosts talk with Onondaga Nation General counsel Joe Heath. They discuss how The Doctrine of Discovery is an excuse for colonialism. It is European white Christian colonialism which has inflicted white Christian supremacy all over the globe . Some key topics for the episode are: plenary power, Sullivan Clinton, Erie Canal,…

1
Introduction to Mapping the Doctrine of Discovery Podcast 1:03:47

3y ago1:03:47

1:03:47

To begin mapping The Doctrine of Discovery our hosts start by discussing the iconic, Christopher Columbus. A man who literally embodies the Doctrine of Discovery. His voyage was funded by the Roman Catholic Church and the Crowns of Europe. A series of papal bulls provided the theological and legal justifications for the European settler-colonizers …

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