Shows
Love & UnderstandingLove & TaoismIn this episode, John speaks with Prashanthi Amarnath about her book Embracing Paradox, which pulls from Taoist wisdom. We discuss the Taoist concept Wu Wei, or effortless action, love, parenting, identity, and the paradox between science and mysticism, among other subjects.You can find Prashanthi's book here.
2026-02-0652 min
Love & UnderstandingPutting Down the Self WeightIn this episode, John speaks with Mike Kewley about his book The Treasure House: Discovering Enlightenment Exactly Where You Are.Mike Kewley is a leading Mindfulness Teacher, TEDx Speaker, and Author based on the Isle of Man, UK. With over 25 years of experience exploring meditation, spirituality, and nonduality. Mike combines deep insight with practical wisdom to help people transform their everyday lives.The eldest son of Meditation Master Dhammachariya Pannadipa, Mike holds degrees in Religious Studies and Western Esotericism. His teaching draws from both academic knowledge and decades of personal practice, offering a unique and...
2026-01-2752 min
Love & UnderstandingA Practice of Conscious LivingIn this episode, John explores how we can apply the Buddha's four foundations of mindfulness to our daily lives.
2025-12-301h 19
Love & UnderstandingTrust that You are ItIn this episode, John speaks with Kat van Oudheusden about the nature of non-duality. Early in life, Kat was an attorney but then, after discovering her own non-dual nature, she moved into coaching professionals and business teams from a selfless leadership perspective. She is now a full-time writer. She is the author of four books and writes daily on Substack about her own direct non-dual experience. I really enjoyed our conversation and I hope you do too.Substack Profile:https://substack.com/@katoudheusden?Books:https://a.co/d/7aOE1dQ
2025-11-261h 02
Love & UnderstandingUnderstanding EffortIn this episode, John explores the mind-state of effort, which is the most common translation from the Pali word "virya." Virya is one of three mind-states, along with concentration and mindfulness, the Buddha singles out for us to cultivate in his Noble Eightfold Path, which is a kind of training program to bring peace of heart and mind not only to ourselves but to the world around us.
2025-11-0528 min
Love & UnderstandingLove's Divine AbodesIn this episode, John shares a chapter titled Love from his book The Unbound Heart: Spirituality Without Dogma or Superstition. Because we are habitual creatures who have likely developed unhealthy thoughts and behaviors, John encourages the listeners to actively build a formal practice of loving-kindness into their lives. He encourages you to rewire your neural pathways with some love fiber.
2025-10-141h 35
Love & UnderstandingTransformation: Spirituality Without Dogma or SuperstitionIn this episode, John shares a chapter from his book The Unbound Heart: Spirituality Without Dogma or Superstition.
2025-09-0558 min
Love & UnderstandingFrameworks & StorytellingThis episode is a recording from Project Human, John's community, where they engage in a bi-weekly Zoom meeting. In this discussion, the community discussed the importance of stories and frameworks in our lives.
2025-06-211h 09
The Space of PossibilityMotivation & IntentionIn this episode, John introduces the power of motivation and intention, not only in our practice, but in our life.
2025-05-0809 min
The Space of PossibilityIntroduction to MeditationIn this episode, John introduces the practice of meditation.
2025-05-0802 min
Love & UnderstandingNihilism & Tantric PhilosophyIn this episode, John speaks with the philosopher and academic Neil Durrant. Neil grew up in a Christian home, eager to become a minister. So, he spent the early years of his adulthood committed to the Anglican Church. After receiving a degree in linguistics, studying Arabic, Old Norse, and an aboriginal language of Australia, Neil then taught himself Hebrew and Greek, before getting a theological degree, so that he could focus more on the philosophical debates rather than spend time learning the language. After exploring European and German philosophers, like Nietzsche, Neil could no longer accept and practice his...
2025-03-181h 06
Love & UnderstandingClassical Paganism & the Power of RitualIn this episode, John speaks with C.B. Robertson (Chris), a self-described Classical Pagan. Chris points out that we often overvalue the historical truth of a myth at the expense of its deeper meaning. He offers up the myths of 'Santa Clause' and 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' as examples. Finally, as an anecdote to nihilism born out of a faith crisis, Chris stresses the importance of participating in myth and ritual, which connects us to others and to something larger than ourselves.
2025-02-281h 05
Love & UnderstandingGrowing Up in RussiaIn this episode, John interviews Elina Jerschow, M.D., M.Sc, about her upbringing in Russia, her exit after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and her new life in the West. John and Elina also discuss her meditation practice, particularly her relationship with Vajrayana Buddhism.Elina is a board-certified allergist and immunologist with specialized expertise in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and asthma.Dr. Jerschow completed her medical degree at Vienna University in Austria and pursued further training in internal medicine, followed by subspecialty training in Allergy and...
2025-01-271h 03
Love & UnderstandingFalling in Love with Your SelfIn this episode, John invites his dear friend Kandice Knoelk over to take some Molly (MDMA) as they explore how everything circles back to Love. Kandice is a Writing Coach, who helps people connect with their authentic voice by pointing them to the infinite source of love, wisdom, creativity, and play within their own hearts and minds.If you want to work with Kandice, you can reach her at scribblealchemy@gmail.com or LinkedIn.You can find more information about Impact Training here.
2025-01-091h 11
Love & UnderstandingMeeting the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict with CompassionIn this episode, John speaks with Tomer Duwek, an Israeli American artist and Zen monk.You can find Tomer's art at https://www.tomerduwek.comHe is also on Instagram and Facebook.
2024-09-111h 26
Love & UnderstandingHarmonizing Self and No-SelfA conversation with Loch Kelly about healing, spiritual development, and non-dual mindfulness.Loch Kelly is offering John's listeners a special discount code for the Mindful Glimpses App, available here: https://mindfulglimpses.com/specialoffer/Loch Kelly is the creator of the new groundbreaking meditation and wellness app, Mindful Glimpses. An award-winning author, psychotherapist, and nondual meditation teacher, Loch is also the founding director of the nonprofit Effortless Mindfulness Institute. Loch has master’s degrees from both Columbia University and Union Theological, where he won a traveling fellowship to Sri Lanka, India and Ne...
2024-01-311h 21
Love & UnderstandingLove & Understanding TrailerListen to the trailer for the podcast Love & Understanding, hosted by John Driggs.
2024-01-1801 min
Love & UnderstandingMy Posture To HumanityIn this episode, through his own personal struggle, John explores some skillful reflections to help us work through anger, fear, and distrust.
2024-01-0833 min
Love & UnderstandingMindfulness in Schools: A Conversation With Ben PainterIn this episode, John speaks with Ben Painter, the co-founder of Whole School Mindfulness, an organization dedicated to funding and placing Mindfulness Directors in schools.Interested in getting mindfulness in your school:https://wholeschoolmindfulness.org
2023-12-201h 17
Love & UnderstandingHappy Thanksgiving!In this episode, John shares a personal reflection on gratitude.
2023-11-2314 min
Love & UnderstandingOn FriendshipIn this episode, John explores the topic of friendship. In his commitment to meet death for a year, one of the main insights he has gathered is that, when we imagine ourselves looking back on our lives from our deathbed, what matters most is our relationships. He then reflects on one of his most influential relationships.
2023-11-1422 min
Love & UnderstandingDukkha & MindfulnessIn this episode, John explores dukkha, or dis-ease and unsatisfactoriness, in more depth. Then, John introduces the Buddhist practice that opens us to this dukkha and, ultimately, frees us from it.
2023-10-2418 min
The Space of PossibilityDukkha & MindfulnessIn this episode, John explores Dukkha, a Pali word that is commonly translated as suffering, and the Buddhist practice that opens us to this Dukkha and, ultimately, frees us from it.
2023-10-2417 min
The Space of PossibilityIntroduction to MeditationIn this session, John welcomes you to the practice of meditation.
2023-10-2402 min
Love & UnderstandingThe Most Important QuestionIn this episode, John shares a meditation from his free online course titled The Space of Possibility. Until you ask the question, "What is my life, or my being, in service to?" where is your freedom? Clearly comprehending your motivations and intentions, together with mindfulness, is the key to freedom.www.spaceofpossibility.org
2023-10-2410 min
Love & UnderstandingIdentity & Finding Compassion for Our AbusersIn the first half of this episode, John talks to his partner River about her recent name-change from Deborah to River and the consequences of this decision. And in the second half, John and River each open up about the sexual abuse they experienced as children and how they have come to find compassion for their abusers.
2023-10-021h 08
Love & UnderstandingVows to My BabiesIn this bonus episode, John shares the vows he made to his kids on June 24, 2023, as a part of their commitment ceremony.
2023-07-2804 min
Love & UnderstandingOur Livelihoods & The Eightfold PathIn this episode, John first discusses how our livelihoods fit into the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, and then he goes on to discuss his own business - his future plans and promises to you, his audience.
2023-07-0819 min
The Space of PossibilityLoving Attention (Bonus Content)Get to know love directly. Not conceptually, but experientially. Come cultivate the capacity to carry love with you in all places and at all times. Let love become what you are.
2022-04-1616 min
The Space of PossibilityThe Divine Connection (Bonus Content)Explore the divine connection in your own being. Let Love become what you are. *I recommend listening to this after you have completed Mindfulness #25.
2022-04-1606 min
The Space of PossibilityThe Faceless Seer (Bonus Content)Who are you, really? What happens when you look for yourself directly? What do you find? Explore the nature of self. *I recommend listening to this after you've listened to Mindfulness #20.
2022-04-1614 min
The Space of PossibilityWe Can Wonder! (Bonus Content)The world begins with wonder. Wonder is the womb of understanding. It gives birth to questions. *I recommend listening to this after you've listened to Mindfulness #15
2022-04-1610 min
The Space of PossibilityEverything Changes (Bonus Content)Open to the direct experience of change. What implications does this truth have on your life and on your being? *I recommend listening to this after listening to Mindfulness #10.
2022-04-1607 min
The Space of PossibilityWhat is Mindfulness?Support your insight meditation practice by learning a bit about what mindfulness is and what it isn't. *I recommend listening to this after your Mindfulness #5 practice.
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The Space of PossibilityMetta #17Cultivate metta, or loving-kindness, toward a close friend or family member.
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The Space of PossibilityMetta #15Cultivate reverence - that strong feeling of awe, respect, and humility, that feeling of being a part of something much larger than yourself.
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The Space of PossibilityMetta #9Continue opening to silence, to love, to that space which allows us to know all things.
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The Space of PossibilityMetta #5Explore the mind-state of mudita, or sympathetic joy. Know directly what it feels like to find happiness in another's happiness.
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The Space of PossibilityMetta #1Begin your metta - or loving-kindness - practice with a benefactor, someone for whom it is easy to feel unconditional love towards.
2022-04-1610 min
The Space of PossibilityIntroduction to MettaLearn the ancient Buddhist practice of metta - or loving-kindness. Cultivate feelings of goodwill toward yourself, others, and to the world. Let Love become what you are.
2022-04-1609 min
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #29Explore the mind-state known in Buddhism as metta, or loving-kindness. What does selfless love, or love with no attachment, feel like?
2022-04-1609 min
The Space of PossibilityMinfulness #28Continue your exploration of the selfless nature of experience.
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #26When you look directly at experience, is any aspect of it staying still? Observe directly the ever-changing flow of experience. What are the implications of this direct truth?
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #23Who are you? No, don't tell me what you do, don't tell me your likes or dislikes, don't tell me your hobbies or interests. Who are you as a matter of direct experience?
2022-04-1611 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #22Examine the concepts we cast over our bare, ever-changing experience.
2022-04-1609 min
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #20Discover the natural sense of loving-kindness that composes the core of your being.
2022-04-1610 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #19Explore and open awareness to the direct experience of attention in the mind.
2022-04-1609 min
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #17Open awareness to the content of your thoughts in order to discern with wisdom which thoughts to engage with and which to leave alone.
2022-04-1611 min
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #15Open awareness to thoughts. Not their content, but as a matter of direct experience; as a phenomenon.
2022-04-1510 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #14Shift out of your headspace and discover a spacious and embodied awareness.
2022-04-1510 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #13Explore the complexity of your heart and mind. Open awareness to the full range of mind-states and emotions.
2022-04-1510 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #12Explore whether the heart and mind are being conditioned by desire, aversion, or delusion.
2022-04-1510 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #11Get a glimpse into the awakening of your heart-mind, or citta. Begin to shift your experiential orientation from your headspace to your embodied heart.
2022-04-1510 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #10Continue your exploration of the body and body posture as well as the direct experience of motivations and intentions, or volition.
2022-04-1510 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #9What are the motivations and intentions behind every decision and every move you make?
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #6Open awareness to the world of feelings - those pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral tones that color and condition our experience.
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The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #2Build an anchor of mindfulness and discover the miracle of each breath.
2022-04-1512 min
The Space of PossibilityMindfulness #1How much freedom do you have? Explore the freeing power of mindfulness.
2022-04-1511 min
The Space of PossibilityWhat is Vipassana?Learn about the 2500-year-old Buddhist practice vipassana and why it is applicable to your life.
2022-04-1509 min
The Space of PossibilityThe Power of Belief - By Way of IntroductionBy way of introduction, let's explore the power of belief, the power of whatever conceptual frameworks you have cast over your bare, ever-changing flow of experience.
2022-04-1512 min
The Space of PossibilityWhat is the Space of Possibility?Bring more light and color to the landscape of experience. Enrich and expand your being. Learn my intention for these courses and receive a map to help navigate you through the content.
2022-04-1503 min
Mormon Stories Podcast1452: Leaving Mormonism in the 80s - Warren & Cindy DriggsWarren Driggs is a part-time attorney and author of several books including “Mormon Boy: A Memoir” and “Swimming in Deep Water, A Novel of Joseph Smith”. In this delightful interview, we sit down with Warren and his wife Cindy as they take us through the different fascinating ways their families raised them in Salt Lake City ranging from orthodox Mormons to casual, but intellectual, members of the church. Listen along as they share their hilarious stories, impart beautiful insights, and the lessons they learned raising moral children after leaving the religion they loved in the heart of Mormon M...
2021-07-154h 27
Mormon Stories - LDS1452: Leaving Mormonism in the 80s - Warren & Cindy DriggsWarren Driggs is a part-time attorney and author of several books including “Mormon Boy: A Memoir” and “Swimming in Deep Water, A Novel of Joseph Smith”. In this delightful interview, we sit down with Warren and his wife Cindy as they take us through the different fascinating ways their families raised them in Salt Lake City ranging from orthodox Mormons to casual, but intellectual, members of the church. Listen along as they share their hilarious stories, impart beautiful insights, and the lessons they learned raising moral children after leaving the religion they loved in the heart of Mormon M...
2021-07-154h 27