Best Discussionsondeath Podcasts (2025)

1
The Insightful Path: Cultivating Equanimity Through Self-Understanding 19:55

6h ago19:55

19:55

In this episode, Margaret revisits the concept of equanimity, presenting it not just as a serene state of mind but as an essential practice that helps us respond wisely to life’s fluctuations. Life’s ups and downs can feel overwhelming, but Margaret offers strategies for maintaining our grounding amidst the emotional tides. She delves into the Budd…

1
Cultivating Connection: The Power of the Brahmaviharas 14:19

7d ago14:19

14:19

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of human relationships? You're not alone. In a world filled with challenges, the Brahmaviharas offer us a lifeline—four divine abodes that can transform our interactions and elevate our spirits. In the latest episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, host Margaret Meloni invites us on a journey through …

1
Is Today a Good Day to Die? Living Fully with Purpose with Elysabeth Williamson 40:11

14d ago40:11

40:11

Margaret Meloni welcomes Elysabeth Williamson (https://www.elysabethwilliamson.com/) , a pioneering figure in the realm of partner-based yoga, to discuss the profound intersections of yoga, death, and self-exploration. Elysabeth introduces her unique approach to partner yoga, emphasizing that it transcends mere physical practice and delves into the…

1
Regret, Remorse, and Equanimity 9:38

21d ago9:38

9:38

Margaret Meloni guides listeners through the intricate landscape of regret and remorse, exploring how these emotions impact our lives in turbulent times. Drawing from Buddhist teachings and suttas, Margaret delves into the nuances of regret and remorse, illustrating how they can serve both as catalysts for growth and as burdens that weigh us down. …

1
A Meditation Practice for Equanimity 12:48

28d ago12:48

12:48

Equanimity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mental fortress. It’s the art of letting experiences—both the sweet and the bitter—arrive and depart without shaking our inner calm. Just like a chocolate craving that pulls at our desires, attachment disrupts our peace. But what if we could observe that craving like clouds passing through the sky? To help l…

1
Musings on Equanimity 6:16

1M ago6:16

6:16

Panic is never a solution. In moments of crisis or uncertainty, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and reactive. By cultivating equanimity, we can sidestep panic and instead approach challenges with a level head. This doesn’t mean we ignore our feelings but rather that we create a mental framework that allows us to address issues rationally and calmly.…

1
Finding Equanimity: Navigating Anger in Chaotic Times 10:05

1M ago10:05

10:05

Recognizing that anger is one of the unskillful roots that hinder our spiritual practice, Margaret emphasizes the importance of transforming negative emotions into goodwill, compassion, and equanimity. The heart of this episode centers around five effective strategies to combat feelings of hatred: 1. Develop goodwill 2. Cultivate compassion 3. Prac…

1
Cultivating Loving-Kindness: Expanding Compassion Beyond Boundaries 11:45

2M ago11:45

11:45

Drawing on Buddhist teachings and personal insights, Margaret invites listeners to reflect on the tumultuous nature of modern life and how we can navigate it with grace and wisdom. As she examines the challenges posed by political division, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining our core values of compassion and mindfulness—even when confront…

1
The Roof Overhead: A Monk's Lesson in Equanimity 11:26

2M ago11:26

11:26

Contrary to common perceptions of equanimity as mere passive acceptance, this episode unpacks its nature as an active, skillful engagement with life's trials and tribulations. Through a captivating story of a monk and his experience in a partially roofed hut, listeners are invited to explore how mindful responses to life’s challenges can foster res…

1
The Power of Practice: Stand Firm and Stay Grounded 4:12

2M ago4:12

4:12

Practical insights into how spiritual resilience can be cultivated. Margaret elucidates the difference between equanimity and apathy, encouraging a calm, engaged response to life’s difficulties. She underscores the importance of compassionate action—urging listeners to care for themselves and others when the world feels bleak. Margaret also shares …

1
Catching the Ball: Lessons on Life’s Challenges and Equanimity 9:56

2M ago9:56

9:56

In this episode, Margaret draws parallels between the challenges we face in our daily lives and the world around us, emphasizing that while we cannot control every external circumstance, we can cultivate our inner response. She shares her own experiences with loss, resilience, and the importance of remaining grounded when life feels overwhelming. W…

1
Trigger Awareness: Cultivating Inner Strength in Chaos 7:21

3M ago7:21

7:21

Together we dive into the essence of navigating the myriad emotional highs and lows that life brings. With a keen awareness that our perceptions color our experiences, listeners are invited to reflect on the good, the bad, and the mundane events that unfold throughout the week. Through her candid musings, your host Margaret Meloni emphasizes the im…

1
Contemplating Caterpillars and Metamorphosis 7:34

3M ago7:34

7:34

As we stand on the precipice of a shifting political landscape in the United States, feelings range from jubilation to despair, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human emotion and expectation. But beyond the immediate reactions to change, lies a profound philosophical question: How do we respond to the transformations that life imposes upon us? Dr…

1
Season 5: Equanimity in Chaos 4:44

3M ago4:44

4:44

Welcome back to the Death Dhamma Podcast! This season promises to delve into the crucial theme of finding equanimity and balance during the turbulent times we live in, marked by societal turmoil, climate change, and personal challenges. After exploring the profound themes of death, grief, impermanence, clinging, and aversion in previous seasons, yo…

1
Rituals and Reflections: Finding Meaning Beyond Attachment 13:49

4M ago13:49

13:49

Host Margaret Meloni explores the significance of cultural and familial rituals, questioning why certain traditions hold such power over you. She challenges you to examine your beliefs and preferences and to assess the outcomes produced by these attachments. Using relatable anecdotes from her life, including her journey with family Christmas tradit…

1
Getting Your Death Ducks in a Row with Reverend Jessica Sharp 43:52

5M ago43:52

43:52

Today, we delve into the sensitive yet essential topic of discussing death, especially during the holiday season. Our guest, Reverend Jessica Sharp, founder of the Joyful Death Institute, shares their expertise on how to approach conversations about death with family and friends, guiding us through the complexities of these discussions. **Key Highl…

1
Stephen Schettini: Rediscovering the Buddha’s Personality in the Pali Canon 30:43

6M ago30:43

30:43

Margaret welcomes returning guest Stephen Schettini, a mindfulness teacher and author of acclaimed works such as "The Novice" and "The Art of Letting Go". Stephen shares his journey of exploring the historical Buddha, challenging traditional narratives, and diving deep into the early Buddhist texts of the Pali Canon. Stephen uncovers intriguing his…

1
Prisoners of Our Own Device: Understanding and Alleviating Suffering 7:55

7M ago7:55

7:55

Recalling her experiences visiting a California state prison alongside regular guest Venerable De Hong, Margaret Meloni uncovers the raw and profound manifestations of suffering within the correctional environment. Through the stories shared by incarcerated individuals, she highlights the common threads of abuse, abandonment, and addiction that con…

1
Disenchantment and Dispassion: Finding Freedom in Impermanence 12:45

7M ago12:45

12:45

Journey through a powerful sutta from the Samyutta Nikaya, where we witness a profound exchange between the Buddha and a newly ordained monk grappling with a severe illness. As the monk confronts his increasing pain and anxiety, the Buddha's compassionate visit becomes a pivotal moment for transformation. Rather than simply seeking to alleviate the…

1
Revisiting Connections: Keeping Loved Ones Close in a Mindful Way 7:17

7M ago7:17

7:17

Consider these thought-provoking questions about the most important individuals in your life. Are you clinging to them out of fear? Or are you nurturing your relationships with love and mindfulness? Know the difference between unhealthy attachment and genuine care, it's natural to love your family and friends, but you must also be prepared to relea…

1
Why Suffer? Let Old Ideas Go! 11:06

8M ago11:06

11:06

Clinging to outdated ideas and plans is like trying to control the waves of the ocean - the more we resist, the more frustrated we become. By letting go and accepting impermanence, we can become more resilient and open ourselves up to new possibilities. Shedding our old beliefs and plans, like a snake shedding its skin, allows for personal growth a…

1
The Buddha's Teachings on Pain: Finding Freedom from the Second Arrow 11:39

8M ago11:39

11:39

Reading from the Sallatha Sutta, or "The Arrow," from the Pali Canon, Margaret Meloni explores the intricate nature of suffering and how our responses to pain can significantly impact our mental well-being. By reviewing this essential Buddhist text, we unpack the distinction between the uninstructed ordinary person and the well-instructed disciple …

1
Being Honest About Your Capabilities in Helping Others 11:14

8M ago11:14

11:14

Understand your own limitations and boundaries- before you dive into helping others. There is value in both temporary solutions and empowering others for sustainable change. Every small act of help has significance. Listeners are encouraged to recognize the interconnectedness of all sentient beings and the impact that your actions can have on the l…

1
Refuge, Resilience, and Release from Suffering. 9:35

8M ago9:35

9:35

A conversation with a friend who was feeling overwhelmed by the challenges and crises happening in the world, such as political strife, international conflicts, and environmental disasters, led host Margaret Meloni to focus on the fact that we cannot control the external world. Instead, we must focus on what we can control - our own thoughts, emoti…

1
Normalizing Emotions: Helping Others Face Their Storms 7:16

9M ago7:16

7:16

A heartfelt story of a father reaching out to his daughter during a tumultuous time—her recent breakup. Through a series of poignant text messages, he emphasizes the powerful analogy of bulls and cows when it comes to facing life's challenges. While cows seek shelter during a storm, prolonging their suffering, bulls charge straight through the stor…

1
Right Livelihood Contributes to Community Well-being 13:25

9M ago13:25

13:25

Life often throws us into situations that make us ponder our purpose and the impact of our daily actions. The concept of Right Livelihood, part of the Noble Eightfold Path, provides a guiding light, illuminating a path to ethical living and purposeful work. Join Margaret Meloni as she dives deep into the essence of Right Livelihood, examining how i…

1
Exploring Past Lives with Simon Bown 39:56

9M ago39:56

39:56

Special guest Simon Bown, a renowned past life regression hypnotherapist, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, explaining how he guides clients back to their past lives through hypnosis to uncover unresolved trauma and gain insights for healing in their current lifetime. Through the captivating discussion, Simon and Margaret …

1
The Nature of Suffering: An Exploration 14:42

9M ago14:42

14:42

Through a series of insightful interviews with guests, Margaret Meloni explores how suffering can manifest mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The episode highlights the idea that suffering is a natural part of life and serves as a guidepost, signaling when something is out of alignment in our lives. Listeners are taken on a journey…

1
Finding Joy in Death: Reverend Jessica Sharpe of the Joyful Death Institute 40:53

10M ago40:53

40:53

Meet Reverend Jessica Sharpe, founder of the Joyful Death Institute. Reverend Jessica shares their spiritual journey from being raised in a Mormon family to finding Buddhism, particularly the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and Tibetan Buddhism. They discuss the Buddhist concept of the Second Noble Truth - the truth of suffering, emphasizing the impor…

1
Reducing Suffering Through Compassionate Directness 14:59

10M ago14:59

14:59

We all need to have difficult discussions. Host Margaret Meloni shares a personal anecdote about a situation where she avoided giving feedback to an underperforming employee, leading to negative consequences for both parties involved. This serves as a prime example of how avoiding difficult conversations can ultimately do more harm than good. The c…

1
Ryan Gray: Compassion and Understanding in the Face of Addiction 37:49

10M ago37:49

37:49

Ryan Gray, shares his personal experience with addiction and homelessness. He describes how addiction can make even basic tasks like getting to a shelter on time incredibly challenging. The stigma around homelessness and addiction often leads people to wrongly assume those struggling can simply "get a job" and fix their problems. Gray explains that…

1
The Importance of the Brahma Viharas on the Path to Liberation 15:00

10M ago15:00

15:00

In this episode, we'll explore the Brahma Viharas - the four sublime states of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. These meditative practices are key to gaining release from suffering according to the Buddhist tradition. We'll discuss how the Brahma Viharas work together to purify the mind and prepare it for the path to li…

1
Rabbit, Woodpecker and Lion: Wise Ways to Compassion 12:16

11M ago12:16

12:16

In this episode of the podcast, host Margaret Meloni explores two poignant stories from the Jataka tales, which are Buddhist stories that recount the Buddha's previous lives. Through these tales, listeners are introduced to the Buddhist ideals of selflessness, compassion, and the acceptance of impermanence. The first story follows the selfless sacr…

1
Giselle Taraba: The Power of Compassion: A Roadmap to Joyful Living 42:02

11M ago42:02

42:02

Giselle Taraba shares her insights on how to navigate suffering through the lens of the Buddhist Four Noble Truths, and how she has learned to approach compassion in a grounded and centered way. Her conversation with host, Margaret Meloni touches on the importance of self-compassion and how it serves as a foundation for extending compassion to othe…

1
The Spiritual Significance of Avalokiteśvara: A Compassionate Bodhisattva 23:57

11M ago23:57

23:57

Let’s consider the fascinating figure of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Guanyin, in Mahayana Buddhism. We delve into the story of how Avalokiteshvara made a vow to save all sentient beings from suffering, and how he was granted a thousand arms by Buddha Amitabha to better assist those in need. Avalokiteshvara has become one of the most …

1
Trinn Hatch Exploring the Spiritual and Emotional Aspects of Healing 37:46

11M ago37:46

37:46

Margaret welcomes Trinn Hatch, the co-creator of Jampha Tibetan Pharmacy, to discuss the topic of suffering and relief from suffering. Trinn Hatch shares his own remarkable journey with suffering, from a severe leg injury that almost resulted in amputation to finding healing through cannabinoids, CBD, and terpenes. His dedication to helping others …

1
Help Yourself: Finding Relief in Self-Compassion 18:42

11M ago18:42

18:42

In this podcast episode, Margaret Meloni shares her personal journey of finding relief from suffering during times of grief and loss. She emphasizes the importance of practicing self-compassion and allowing oneself to feel uncomfortable with death and grief as a normal human experience. Meloni discusses the benefits of being present and not getting…

1
Embracing Life Through the Lens of Dharma: Venerable Clear Grace's Teachings 42:26

12M ago42:26

42:26

In this episode, Margaret is honored to host Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda, an ordained Buddhist monastic in both the Mahayana and Theravada tradition. Known as the "Traveling Nunk," Venerable Clear Grace shares her experiences of living in the heart of New Orleans' Seventh Ward, a historically significant black community. She describes the vibra…

1
Release from Suffering Brought to You By: Anāthapiṇḍika 15:37

12M ago15:37

15:37

Today, we delve into the fascinating story of Anāthapiṇḍika, chief patron of Buddha and the figure behind the creation of Jeta’s Grove Monastery. Known as the 'Great Benefactor', Anāthapiṇḍika's unrelenting support and generosity towards Buddha and his monks enabled them to spend twenty-five fruitful retreats in Sāvatthi. His significant contributi…

1
Disconnection and Distress: Christine Davies on Suffering and Spirituality 35:11

12M ago35:11

35:11

In this episode of the Death Dhamma podcast, we speak to Reverend Christine Davies, a hospital chaplain, writer, and an 'evangelist for grief'. Christine is also well-versed in cognitive behavioral therapy, Reiki, and is a seminary professor. Besides her professional interests, she is also a triathlete and a beekeeper. Christine shares her thoughts…

1
Dying to Help Others 15:29

1y ago15:29

15:29

In this episode, we consider Simon Boaz and his perspective as he faces his own impending death. He shares his perspective on life and the importance of appreciating the experiences we have had, rather than focusing on what is missing. While not specifically a Buddhist, his outlook aligns with some Buddhist teachings. Specifically encouraging us to…

1
Linda Hochstetler: 21 Days to Die: Exploring the Guide to End of Life 43:39

1y ago43:39

43:39

In this episode of the Death Dhamma Podcast, host Margaret welcomes Linda Hochstetler, an accomplished social worker, psychotherapist, Buddhist meditation teacher, and author of the book "21 Days to Die, The Canadian Guide to End of Life." Linda shares her passion for the topic of illness, dying, and death, and how she combines her expertise in gri…

1
Shining Dishes, Shining Hearts: One Neighbor's Silent Service 9:44

1y ago9:44

9:44

Tune in as we explore the profound impact of a small act of kindness, reminding us all of the tremendous difference we can make in someone else's life if we are mindful and empathetic. This heartwarming story serves as a metaphor for how we can confront feelings of failure and despair in our lives and those around us. Could we not do the same, if w…

1
Horses, Hounds, and Humans 16:56

1y ago16:56

16:56

Today we explore the deep, historical connection between humans and two of our most enduring companions - horses and dogs. We delve into the intricacies of how these magnificent creatures have shaped our evolution just as we have shaped theirs. From the wide-stretching plains where horses have galloped alongside us, to the edges of forests where do…

1
Pets, People And Release from Suffering 15:54

1y ago15:54

15:54

In this episode, we explore the unexpected ways in which caring for a pet can provide purpose and comfort during difficult times. Our pets can help bring us release from suffering. We discuss how, amidst the business of death and the turmoil of grief, the presence of pets can deliver a comforting sense of stability and routine. Some days, the compa…

1
Bodhicitta, Bodhisattva, and Helping Others 11:58

1y ago11:58

11:58

Bodhisatta or Bodhisattva is a term often used to describe an enlightened individual who possesses wisdom and compassion. These are people who demonstrate the paramitas or perfections in their lifestyle. We says this as a compliment, a form of admiration. The definition of Bodhisattva extends beyond being a beacon of relief in a world of suffering,…

1
Dedicating Merit: A Path to Free Others from Suffering 13:06

1y ago13:06

13:06

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve Buddhist practice, exploring the profound connections between mettā practice and the concept of merit. We ponder whether these two aspects are separate or intertwined, and how they can complement each other in our journey towards inner peace and compassion. We begin with a contemplation of mettā, alternat…

1
Compassion as a Critical Foundation for Buddhist Practice 11:54

1y ago11:54

11:54

As we journey deeper into this season, we anticipate the theme of compassion to be a recurring motif in our discussions with those who work tirelessly to ease the sufferings of others. Compassion, while not always verbally expressed, is often the undercurrent that drives their actions and fuels their motivations. This episode kicks off with an inte…

1
Renee McKenna: Disconnection as the Root of Suffering 40:06

1y ago40:06

40:06

What if suffering acts as a compass, guiding us towards areas of our life that require care and attention? Suffering signals us that we are out of alignment with our true selves and need to course-correct. When we ignore this signal we will encounter tangible pain and emotional suffering both stemming from a resistance to change and progress. In a …

1
Reevaluating the Idea of Selfishness in Buddhism 10:57

1y ago10:57

10:57

Let’s delve into a commonly misunderstood aspect of Buddhism, particularly Theravada Buddhism – the concept of helping others as part of you spiritual journey. There's a prevalent misconception that according to Buddhist teachings, you should solely focus on your own liberation before turning your attention to help others.. Does this really imply a…

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