Best Emma Varvaloucas Podcasts (2025)

1
Breath as a Bridge: Exploring Meditation with Trea Drake 56:39

2d ago56:39

56:39

In this calming and insightful episode of Zen Commuter, I welcomes breathwork and meditation guide Trea Drake for a heart-centered conversation on the power of the breath. Together, we explore how mindful breathing serves as a gateway to inner peace, presence, and healing. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just beginning, this conversation off…

1
Breathing Mindfulness with Sarah Shaw 59:36

2d ago59:36

59:36

Over the course of the last hundred years, breathing mindfulness has become the most popular method of meditation around the world. Yet its history remains largely unrecorded. In her new book, Breathing Mindfulness: Discovering the Riches at the Heart of the Buddhist Path, scholar Sarah Shaw provides a historical survey of some of the methods of br…

1
Restoring Balance: Energy Healing and Inner Calm with Mary Sanders 36:22

10d ago36:22

36:22

In this episode of Zen Commuter, I sit down with Dr. Mary Sanders, a skilled energy healer who specializes in helping people recover from burnout and chronic stress. With a unique blend of chiropractic care, energy medicine, and intuitive insight, Dr. Sanders supports individuals in reconnecting with their inner vitality and balance. If you’ve been…

1
How to Stay Engaged without Burning Out with Daisy Hernández 58:09

11d ago58:09

58:09

For the next few episodes of Life As It Is, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, and meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg will be talking about specific themes that have been coming up in their practice, with a particular focus on navigating our current social and political climate. In this episode, they discuss how to stay engaged without burn…

1
From Philosophy to Practice: Jonah Primo’s Guide to Everyday Mindfulness 1:08:43

17d ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Jonah Primo has spent the last 8 years studying mindfulness, meditation and philosophy in order to build practical frameworks that people can apply to everyday life and situations. He hosted the flagship podcast for meditation app "Waking Up", produces Australia's #1 philosophy podcast "Principle of Charity", and has interviewed and worked with neu…

1
The Edge of Language with Arthur Sze 56:24

18d ago56:24

56:24

For poet and translator Arthur Sze, poetry offers a way to ask difficult questions without any expectation of an answer. “It helps us slow down, hear clearly, see deeply, and envision what matters most in our lives,” he told Tricycle in a 2020 interview. “When one reads a poem, one has to pay attention to the sounds of words, to the rhythm of langu…

1
Creative Calm: A Conversation with Jodi Rose Gonzales 41:31

22d ago41:31

41:31

Today on Zen Commuter, I’m joined by the insightful and inspiring Jodi Rose Gonzales—artist, author, and art therapist. Jodi blends creativity and mindfulness to help others navigate life’s challenges with clarity and grace. Her unique approach to healing through expressive art and spiritual reflection offers a powerful path to inner peace. Get rea…

1
Embracing the Divine Feminine: A Conversation with Leslie Draffin 51:11

29d ago51:11

51:11

Welcome to Zen Commuter! Today, I’m joined by Leslie Draffin for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of plant medicine, spirituality, and women’s wellness. We’ll explore how microdosing mushrooms can support mental clarity, emotional balance, and even spiritual awakening. Leslie also shares insights on how understanding the menstrual …

1
Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test with Emma Varvaloucas 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

Emma Varvaloucas is the executive director of the Progress Network, a nonprofit media organization that aims to take a constructive approach to solving some of our most intractable problems. In her article in the February issue of Tricycle called “Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test,” she explores the surprising results of recent research on mind…

1
Tricycle Week: Sitting Still in a World That Won’t Stop—Overcoming Discomfort in Meditation 13:29

1M ago13:29

13:29

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day five of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re exploring a challenge many meditators face—the uneasy relationship with the timer. Whether it’s impatience, restlessness, or the feeling that the minutes are stretching endlessly, the ticking clock can sometimes feel like an obstacle rather than a guide. But what if we could change…

1
Tricycle Week: Understanding the 3 Types of Laziness—Is Your Laziness Real? 17:59

1M ago17:59

17:59

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day four of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re diving into a topic that challenges the way we see productivity and rest—laziness. Is laziness a real obstacle, or is it simply a rejection of society’s constant push to always be moving? We’ll explore the three aspects of laziness and question whether what we call “being lazy” is …

1
Tricycle Week: How Mindfulness Helps You Handle Toxic People and Protect Your Peace 14:14

1M ago14:14

14:14

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day three of Tricycle Week! Today, we’re tackling a challenge that tests even the most mindful among us—dealing with toxic people. Whether it’s a difficult coworker, a critical family member, or someone who constantly drains your energy, these interactions can leave us feeling powerless and frustrated. But here’s the tru…

1
Tricycle Week: Is Meditation Beneficial for Young Students? Insights from Emma Varvaloucas 29:41

1M ago29:41

29:41

Welcome to Zen Commuter and day two of Tricycle Week! Today, we dive into an important question: Is meditation truly beneficial for young students? Across the country, schools have introduced mindfulness programs with the hope of improving focus, reducing stress, and fostering emotional well-being. But do these programs actually deliver on their pr…

1
The Grieving Body with Mary-Frances O'Connor 1:15:44

1M ago1:15:44

1:15:44

Grief is often thought of as a psychological phenomenon. Yet loss also has a profound impact on our bodies, often affecting our cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. As a Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, Mary-Frances O’Connor specializes in studying the physiology of grief. In her new book, The …

1
Tricycle Week - Listening to Our Ancestors by Thich Nhat Hanh 14:40

1M ago14:40

14:40

Welcome to Tricycle Week on Zen Commuter! I’m kicking things off with a reading from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, featuring Thich Nhat Hanh’s insightful article, "Listening to Our Ancestors." In this episode, we explore how connecting with our spiritual and familial lineage can bring wisdom, healing, and a deeper sense of peace. Tune in to reflec…

1
A Journey through Buddhist History with Donald S. Lopez Jr. 46:15

2M ago46:15

46:15

Donald S. Lopez Jr. is the Arthur E. Link Distinguished University Professor of Buddhist and Tibetan Studies in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Michigan and a longtime Tricycle contributing editor. In his new book, Buddhism: A Journey through History, he lays out a comprehensive introduction to the history of Bud…

1
Richard Earney - Integrating Spirit for Ultimate Transformation (Part 2) 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t …

1
Unlocking Peak Performance: Richard Earney on Mindful Movement and Wellness 36:37

2M ago36:37

36:37

What if the key to peak performance and lasting well-being was as simple as stillness? In this episode of Ze Commuter, I sit down with Richard Earney, a leading expert in fitness and movement, to explore how meditation enhances physical and mental well-being. Richard shares his insights on the mind-body connection, explaining how mindfulness isn’t …

1
Uprooting Harmful Habits with Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John 48:02

2M ago48:02

48:02

Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John is a senior teacher in the Triratna Buddhist Community, and their work focuses on how Buddhist teachings can support a sustainable path to recovery. In their new book, First Aid Kit for the Mind: Breaking the Cycle of Habitual Behaviors, they lay out practical tools for uprooting harmful habits, building emotional re…

1
How Matt Drago Finds Zen in Acting – Lessons from Somewhere in Montana 56:18

2M ago56:18

56:18

In this episode of Zen Commuter, actor Matt Drago shares how he stays grounded in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. From his experience on Somewhere in Montana to his personal mindfulness practices, Matt reveals how staying present has helped shape his career and personal life. Tune in to hear his insights on resilience, creativity, and inner p…

1
Planting the Seeds of Happy Relationships with Kimberly Brown 56:20

2M ago56:20

56:20

Kimberly Brown is a meditation teacher and author based in New York City. In her new book, Happy Relationships: 25 Buddhist Practices to Transform Your Connections with Your Partner, Family, and Friends, she lays out a practical guide to help us cultivate and maintain healthy relationships with the people who matter most to us. In this episode of L…

1
Sonal Kalra - Founder of CONNECT Meditation: Helping Students find Clarity and Resilience 48:53

2M ago48:53

48:53

Sonal is a certified meditation teacher and the founder of CONNECT Meditation. In her workshops and sessions, she blends ancient Eastern wisdom with modern science to make mindfulness accessible to today’s practitioners. Raised in India and now based in Boston, Sonal’s background in corporate human resources, learning and development, and life coac…

1
How to Lose Yourself with Jay Garfield 59:09

2M ago59:09

59:09

No-self is a core teaching across Buddhist traditions. Yet what does it look like to actually live without a self? In How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go, scholars Jay L. Garfield, Maria Heim, and Robert H. Sharf present a series of accessible and engaging translations of key Buddhist texts on why we are selfless persons—and why th…

1
Catherine Duncan - Author of Everyday Awakening 33:12

2M ago33:12

33:12

Catherine is an integrative spiritual consultant, former trauma and hospice chaplain, and first time author of the book Everyday Awakening. In her book as well as her private practice, she counsels people on what it means to be alive, and how to awaken into their heart and soul. She has faced death twice and companioned hundreds of people as they d…

1
Jeff Patterson: Meditation Instructor and Author of The Yielding Warrior 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

Jeff Patterson, from Portland, OR, USA, has over 36 years of experience, practicing and teaching the meditative and martial arts. As the founder of Northwest Fighting Arts/Portland Tai Chi Academy and The Yielding Warrior, where he emphasizes the transformative power of meditative and martial arts practices, particularly the yielding concept. He ha…

1
Exercises for Becoming a Better Visualizer 19:15

3M ago19:15

19:15

Visualizing is an important aspect of meditation, yet some people struggle with how to it. My Insight Timer friend Alberto asked if I could help him with becoming better at it, and to that end, I thought I would record an episode to help not just him, but anyone who could use some practice at becoming better at imagining. Enjoy. Meditation Coaching…

1
Overcoming One of the Greatest Hurdles When Starting to Meditate 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

Some people fear being alone with their thoughts. those people understand the benefit of calm that a practice brings, the cost for getting there is too great; the cost of being alone with painful, denigrating. thoughts. Today I talk about how to become comfortable with ‘troublesome” thoughts so that you can meditate if you think it would be benefic…

1
2087: Humanity's Spiritual Rebirth by Forrest Rivers 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

The last time we got together we had the joy of hanging out with Forrest Rivers, Author of tHumanity’s Spiritual Rebirth. As is customary on ZC, when I interview an author, I like to read an excerpt from their book; and today is no exception. Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) Connecting with Forrest: Website: …

1
Learning from Silence with Pico Iyer 58:12

3M ago58:12

58:12

After his family home burned down in a California wildfire in the 1990s, journalist Pico Iyer found refuge in an unlikely location: a small Benedictine hermitage outside of Big Sur. Though Iyer initially arrived looking for a bed to sleep in, he soon found the silence of monastic life transformative, and over the course of the past thirty-three yea…

1
Embracing Our Limitations and Making Time for What Counts 48:37

3M ago48:37

48:37

Oliver Burkeman is an author and journalist based in northern England. In his new book, Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts, he lays out a practical guide for living meaningful and fulfilling lives as finite, imperfect humans. In this episode of Life As It Is, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, Jam…

1
Forrest Rivers: Author of Humanity's Spiritual Rebirth 1:03:28

3M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Forrest Rivers has become a good friend of mine. So when his publicist sent me an email to have him on the show I jumped at the chance. He is a man who truly sees thing in such a wonderfully rich way. He drops the labels of good and bad, and helps us see every moment as an opportunity to grow, to understand “ourselves” on a deeper level. Yeah, you …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Emma Varvaloucas Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Tricycle Talks

Tricycle: The Buddhist Review

1
Zen Commuter

Thom Walters

1
Breath as a Bridge: Exploring Meditation with Trea Drake 56:39

1
Breathing Mindfulness with Sarah Shaw 59:36

1
Restoring Balance: Energy Healing and Inner Calm with Mary Sanders 36:22

1
How to Stay Engaged without Burning Out with Daisy Hernández 58:09

1
From Philosophy to Practice: Jonah Primo’s Guide to Everyday Mindfulness 1:08:43

1
The Edge of Language with Arthur Sze 56:24

1
Creative Calm: A Conversation with Jodi Rose Gonzales 41:31

1
Embracing the Divine Feminine: A Conversation with Leslie Draffin 51:11

1
Classroom Mindfulness Put to the Test with Emma Varvaloucas 54:08

1
Tricycle Week: Sitting Still in a World That Won’t Stop—Overcoming Discomfort in Meditation 13:29

1
Tricycle Week: Understanding the 3 Types of Laziness—Is Your Laziness Real? 17:59

1
Tricycle Week: How Mindfulness Helps You Handle Toxic People and Protect Your Peace 14:14

1
Tricycle Week: Is Meditation Beneficial for Young Students? Insights from Emma Varvaloucas 29:41

1
The Grieving Body with Mary-Frances O'Connor 1:15:44

1
Tricycle Week - Listening to Our Ancestors by Thich Nhat Hanh 14:40

1
A Journey through Buddhist History with Donald S. Lopez Jr. 46:15

1
Richard Earney - Integrating Spirit for Ultimate Transformation (Part 2) 57:25

1
Unlocking Peak Performance: Richard Earney on Mindful Movement and Wellness 36:37

1
Uprooting Harmful Habits with Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John 48:02

1
How Matt Drago Finds Zen in Acting – Lessons from Somewhere in Montana 56:18

1
Planting the Seeds of Happy Relationships with Kimberly Brown 56:20

1
Sonal Kalra - Founder of CONNECT Meditation: Helping Students find Clarity and Resilience 48:53

1
How to Lose Yourself with Jay Garfield 59:09

1
Catherine Duncan - Author of Everyday Awakening 33:12

1
Jeff Patterson: Meditation Instructor and Author of The Yielding Warrior 56:56

1
Exercises for Becoming a Better Visualizer 19:15

1
Overcoming One of the Greatest Hurdles When Starting to Meditate 27:26

1
2087: Humanity's Spiritual Rebirth by Forrest Rivers 27:26

1
Learning from Silence with Pico Iyer 58:12

1
Embracing Our Limitations and Making Time for What Counts 48:37

1
Forrest Rivers: Author of Humanity's Spiritual Rebirth 1:03:28

Quick Reference Guide