Podcasts by Whats This Tao All About?
A lighthearted Taoism podcast hosted by a Tao Master and curious writer.
Further podcasts by Tod Perry
Podcast on the topic Buddhismus
All episodes
Escape from Freedom from 2023-08-06T17:59:49
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Erich Fromm’s 1941 exploration into man’s relationship to authority and how to find true freedom. (This is an episode from “Ten Thousand Things,” ...
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Show 85 — Interview: Benjamin Hoff, Author of the ‘Tao of Pooh’ and ‘Eternal Tao Te Ching’ from 2021-12-22T17:05:27
Dr. Totton and Tod have a rare interview with best-selling author Benjamin Hoff who introduced millions to Taoism with his popular books “The Tao of Pooh” and “Te of Piglet.”...
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Show 84 — Returning from 2021-12-19T19:50:37
Dr. Totton shares how his training in Taoist practices has helped him overcome a series of strokes. Later, he shares his new acronym for decision-making in-the-moment, “L.E.A.P.”
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Show 83 — Chapters 66, 68, and 49 from 2021-07-03T16:27:48
Dr. Totton and Tod breeze through three more chapters of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 82 — Healing Pandemic Trauma, Listener Mail, and Chapter 70 from 2021-06-07T03:38:18
Tod shares an update of the stabbing that happened outside of the Taoist Institute. Later, Dr. Totton shares his thoughts on how we can overcome trauma associated with COVID-19 and we break down Ch...
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Get additional shows by subscribing to “What’s This Tao All About?” on Patreon! from 2021-04-26T18:05:22
Subscribe on Patreon today and to access ten episodes of Dr. Totton and Tod’s show “Then Thousand Things” as well as a new show, “Tao of Tod.” “Ten Thousand Thin...
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Get additional shows by subscribing to “What’s This Tao All About?” on Patreon! from 2021-04-26T11:05:22
Subscribe on Patreon today and to access ten episodes of Dr. Totton and Tod’s show“Then Thousand Things” as well as a new show,“Tao of Tod.”“Ten Thousand Things&...
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Show 81 — Living in the Now and Communication from 2021-03-29T03:43:30
Dr. Totton shares his thoughts on how we can live in the now instead of being focused on the past or future. Later, we discuss how sages communicate on a deeper, non-verbal level.
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Show 80 — Lieh Tzu on What’s Normal, Chakras, Chapter 37 from 2021-03-15T06:25:02
Lieh Tzu wrote a thought-provoking parable on how we should view what’s normal versus abnormal. Later, a listener has questions about chakras and chapter 37 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 79 — Behaving Naturally and Chapter 34 from 2021-02-10T04:28:05
The show opens with a discussion on naturalness inspired by a chapter in “Lieh Tzu.” Later, a listener asks how one can act outside of the Tao which dovetails nicely into a discussion o...
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Episode 8 – Chapters 13 and 33 from 2021-01-31T22:10:42.023393
Tod’s smart phone is driving him nuts so he asks Dr. Carl how to find balance in a world ruled by technology. After missing a chapter last week, Dr. Carl and Tod cover chapter 13 of the Tao T...
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Show 78 — Disabilities, Guns, and Chapter 32 from 2021-01-04T04:56
The New York Times had a great article on why Chuang Tzu was one of the first philosophers to embrace disability, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss. Later, a listener has a questions about guns, and we ta...
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Show 77 – Self-Discipline and Chapter 7 from 2020-12-21T05:59:44
Tod thinks the Tao sends mixed messages about the concept of self-discipline, so Dr. Totton is here to clear things up. Later, a voice message from a listener in Australia and a breakdown of Chapte...
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Show 76 — Jane English and ‘Ten Thousand Things’ Launch from 2020-11-15T21:04:09
On this very special episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jane English, the co-creator of popular translations of “Tao Te Ching” and “Inner Chapters.” Here, we dis...
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Show 75 — Chuang Tzu’s ‘Person of Tao’ and Death from 2020-10-18T19:00:24
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss a recent New York Times article on Taoism and death. Later, we dig into Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Tao” and learn why the “greatest person is nobody....
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Show 74 — Tao of Emotions and Chapter 79 from 2020-10-05T03:14:15
A listener writes in asking about how to manage his strong emotions, so Dr. Totton responds with some solutions to help him find balance. Later, we take a look at chapter 79 of the “Tao Te Ch...
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Show 73 — The Tao of Jordan Peterson, Chapter 78 from 2020-09-21T05:02:59
Psychologist Jordan Peterson is one of today’s most popular and controversial public intellectuals, and he talks about Taoism, a lot. Here, we take a look at his views on the Tao to see if he...
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Show 72 — Social Aspects of Wu-Wei, Listener Mail, and Chapter 71 from 2020-08-24T03:03:11
Dr. Totton and Tod go over Edward Slingerland’s tips to incorporate wu-wei into your life. Later, a listener wants to know that the Tao would look like personified, and Chaptern71 of the R...
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Show 71 — Leadership and Action vs. Non-Action from 2020-08-09T22:45:06
A listener writes in asking about how he can climb the corporate ladder while still living in accords with Taoist principals. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod take a look at Thomas Merton’s translat...
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Show 70 — Self-Care During Crisis from 2020-07-27T04:50:12
Dr. Totton shares some self-care techniques to keep you healthy and happy during trying times
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Show 69 — Ambiguity, Education, Jane Goodall, Chapter 73 from 2020-05-31T22:39:56
In a world that teaches us to see things in black and white, Taoists prefer a more ambiguous view of the world. What are the benefits? Later, a listener asks Dr. Totton’s thoughts on educatio...
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Show 68 — Experience Totality and Chapter 77 from 2020-05-18T02:43:46
Dr. Totton shows us how to live a life where we accept and experience everything. Later, Chuang Tzu’s funeral, and Chapter 77 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 67 – Chuang Tzu’s Greatest Hits and Chapter 67 from 2020-04-12T02:53:04
Tod and Dr. T go through a list of Chuang-Tzu’s most memorable, profound, and funny quotes. Also, chapter 67 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 66 — Coronavirus, Free Will, and Chapter 80 from 2020-04-05T22:37:36
Dr. Totton provides some practices to help people dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss the Taoist idea of free will and break down chapter 80 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Ri...
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Show 65 — Alan Watts’ ‘Backwards Law’ and Chapter 65 from 2020-02-10T00:11:53
The dynamic duo of Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into Alan Watts’ ‘Backwards Law.’ They also take a look into chapter 65 of the “Tao Te Ching” and touch on a controversi...
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Show 64 — Gratitude and Chapter 64 from 2020-01-27T16:39:02
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how gratitude can dramatically improve our lives. Also, they dive deep into Chapter 64 of the “Tao Te Ching” and discuss how it relates to achieving goals.
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Show 63 — Chuang Tzu’s Self-Transformation Through Oblivion from 2020-01-13T06:45:48
Tod and Dr. Totton review Livia Kohn’s translation of Chuang Tzu to understand how to reach the ultimate state of oblivion. Also, there’s some drama at the weed shop outside the Taoist ...
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Show 62 — Listener Mail and Chapter 41 from 2019-12-10T01:11:08
A listener writes in asking about how to “confront darkness.” Later, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Chapter 41 of the “Tao Te Ching” and the art of “not joining the 27 Clu...
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Show 61 — Karmic Footprints and Chapter 48 from 2019-11-25T19:55:03
Dr. Totton explains how we can live a more simple, fulfilling life by reducing our karmic footprints. Also, Chapter 48 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 60 — Desire and Chapter 29 from 2019-11-11T04:51:10
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoist philosophy can help us manage our desires and gain self-control. Later, chapter 29 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 59 — Tao of Anxiety, Chapters 58 and 63 from 2019-09-22T22:12:25
Dr. Totton uses his vast knowledge of psychology and the Tao to discuss anxiety. Also, a few chapters from the good book.
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Show 58 — Lieh-Tzu and Chapters 50 and 56 from 2019-09-07T20:50:18
Get to know a bit about the third most important author in the Taoist cannon.
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Show 57 — The Empty Boat from 2019-08-26T03:13:04
“The Empty Boat” is a powerful parable by Chuang-Tzu, Dr. Totton and Tod take a deep dive to figure out what it means. Later, a listener asks a question about prayer.
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Show 56 — The Tao of Happiness and Chapters 46 and 47 from 2019-06-29T23:00:13
On this show we discuss what Lao Tzu has to say about happiness and delve semi-deep into chapters 46 and 47 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show 55 — The Tao of Carl Jung and Chapter 44 from 2019-06-21T03:04:37
Dr. Totton digs deep into psychologist Carl Jung and his deep connection to the Tao. Later, we crack open the “Tao Te Ching” and investigate Chapter 44.
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Show # 54 — Feeling the Tao, Dude and Chapters 35 and 43 from 2019-06-03T03:56:09
Dr. Totton and Tod consult the wisdom of “The Big Lebowski”-inspired “Dude De Ching” to discuss societal organization and chapter 35 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Also,...
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Show # 53 — The Environment and Tzu-Jan from 2019-03-25T15:23:48
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Tzu-Jan which is known as the “heart of the Tao” and give some Taoist perspective on the environment.
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Show # 52 — Taoist Morality and Chapter 28 from 2019-03-11T04:34:15
What is the basis for Taoist morality? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the moral principals of Taoist thought. Later, an examination of Chapter 28 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show # 51 — Psychic Cleansing and Chapter 45 from 2018-12-04T16:14:13
Dr. Totton shares some techniquesto help us cleanse our minds and free ourselves from attachment. Later, Chapter 45 of the “Tao Te Ching.” Right click to download The Mind, Cleaning, Ka...
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Show # 50 — The Meaning of Life and Chapter 38 from 2018-11-19T03:38:48
From a Taoist perspective, what is the meaning of life? Dr. Totton and Tod attempt to address this massive question in under 20 minutes. Later, chapter 38 of the “Tao Te Ching” a verse ...
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Show # 49 — Your True Self and Chapter 27 from 2018-11-05T05:14:49
How do you really find your “true self”? Does such a thing really exist? Dr. Totton and Tod examine the idea from a Taoist perspective.
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Show #48 – 10-Day Gong and Listener Mail from 2018-08-26T19:46:58
Dr. Totton has created a ten-day gong to help people become more in touch with themselves and the Tao. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod answer a listener’s question about being in tune with reality....
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Show # 47 – Peace in Chaos, Chapter 10, More Alan Watts from 2018-08-12T18:41:52
Tod and Dr. Totton finish up their discussion on Alan Watts’Tao: The Watercourse Way, reply to a listener who’s having trouble living in these chaotic times, and break open Chapter 10 o...
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Show # 46 — Alan Watts’ ‘Tao: The Watercourse Way’ and Chapter 9 from 2018-07-30T02:11:50
Alan Watts was one of the first major Taoist philosophers in the Western world. Here, Tod and Dr. Totton dig deep into his book, Tao: The Watercourse Way. Later, they crack open the Tao Te Ching to...
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Show # 45 – The Tao of Love and Chapter 39 from 2018-05-15T01:18:51
On this show, we talk address a subject that isn’t often referenced in “The Tao Te Ching”: Love. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss Chapter 39 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show #44 — “The Te of Piglet” and Chapter 25 from 2018-04-29T22:18:22
Dr. Totton and Tod crack open the pages of “The Te of Piglet,” Benjamin Hoff’s sequel to the “Tao of Pooh.” Later they dissect chapter 25 of the “Tao Te Ching.&#...
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Show #43 — The Tao of Anarchy from 2018-04-16T03:50:40
Was Lao Tzu an anarchist? Dr. Totton and Tod take a look into the politics of the “Tao Te Ching” on episode 43. “Anarchism and Taoism” by Josh
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Show # 42 — Death, Forgiveness, and Chapter 24 from 2018-02-11T22:20:37
Dr. Totton and Tod open the show with the story of a dying man who found strength in the final months of life through the Tao. Later, a listener has questions about forgiveness and Chapter 24 of th...
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Show # 41 — Chapter 13 and The Last Jedi from 2018-01-28T19:45:37
On this episode, Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into chapter 13 of the Tao Te Ching to learn how to embrace disgrace. Also, some thoughts on the not-so-subtle Taoist messages in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
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Show # 40 – Balance and Chapter 23 from 2018-01-15T04:34:32
What does Lao-Tzu mean when he talks about balance? Dr. Carl explains in our first episode of the new year. Tod and Dr. Totton also dig deep into Chapter 23 of “The Tao Te Ching.”
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Show # 39 – Zen and Taoist Perspective on Knowledge from 2017-10-03T00:07:44
Tod’s book review of “Zen and the Art of Archery” sparks a conversation about Zen. Later, Tod and Dr. Totton discuss what Lao Tzu means by “abandoning knowledge.”
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Show # 38 – Tao of Creativity and Chapter 19 from 2017-09-20T16:02:15
Dr. Totten explore how the study of Taoism can help with creativity and dig deep into Chapter 19 of “The Tao Te Ching.”
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Show # 37 — Chapters 11 and 18 from 2017-09-04T16:50:44
Tod is going through a major life change so he asks Dr. Totton for some Taoist perspective on the issue. Later, they dig deep into Chapters 11 and 18 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show # 36 – Chapter 6, Listener Mail, Taoist Priests from 2017-06-30T01:11:47
On episode 36, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how one becomes a Taoist priest. Later, they answer an email from a professional athlete and review Chapter 6 of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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Show # 35 – The Western Mind, Taoist History, and Chapter 4 from 2017-06-12T15:57:12
On episode 35, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoism acts as antidote for the Western mind. They also touch upon the history of Taoism and dig deep into chapter four of the “Tao Te Ching.”
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34 — Digital Detatchment from 2017-05-31T02:50:06
Dr. Totton and Tod try and help a listener who’s addicted to social media. Plus, Tod has some great news about a potential guest. Brian Diedrick’s Digital Detachment blog
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Show # 33 — The Essence of Tao and Listener Mail from 2017-03-27T02:32:57
What is the Tao, really? Is it metaphorical, physical, metaphysical? Tod and Dr. Totton discuss. Later, some hard-hitting questions from the show’s listeners.
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Show # 32 — 10% Happier and Te from 2017-03-13T02:12:56
Dr. Carl Totton and Tod open the show with a discussion about ABC News‘ Anchor Dan Harris’ new book “10% Happier.” Later, they take another deep dive into the mysterious Tao...
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Show 31 — The Tao of Pooh from 2017-02-27T06:28:04
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff’s book that introduced the Western world to the Tao. Later, Chapter 25 of the Tao Te Ching.
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Show 30 — Martial Arts and Christianity from 2016-12-21T05:38:57
Dr. Totton and Tod clear out their listener mailbox by answering some questions on martial arts and how Taoism, relates to Christianity.
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Show 29 — Chuang Tzu and Indoctrinating Your Kids from 2016-12-06T06:00:50
Our show opens with a discussion about indoctrinating children into Taoism. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod crack open Chuang Tzu’s Inner Chapters to talk about his thoughts on what it means to be ...
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Show 28 — Tao Te Trump from 2016-11-21T06:09:41
The election of Donald Trump as president of the U.S. has sent shock waves though the world. So Dr. Totton and Tod share the Taoist perspective on political upheaval while working to better underst...
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Show 27 — Women in Taoism, Chapters 22 and 26 from 2016-09-26T04:19:27
Show 27 opens with a powerful email from a female listener with some questions about women and the Tao. Later, we dive deep into chapters 22 and 26 of the Tao Te Ching.
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Show 26 — Tod’s Top 15 Finale, Meditation and Creativity from 2016-09-13T05:15:32
We open our show with the final five of Tod’s top 15 favorite couplets from the Tao Te Ching. Later, Dr. Totton discusses the two different approaches to Taoist meditation: active and passive.
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Show 25 — Tod’s Top 15 and Listener Mail from 2016-08-29T05:13:52
After scouring through the Tao Te Ching with a highlighter, Tod shares his top 15 favorite couplets from the book. Later, Dr. Totton answers an email from a listener who wants to be more like Lu Do...
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Show 24 — Chapter 21 and Listener Mail from 2016-08-02T05:01:36
Our show begins with an email from a listener in Spain who has questions about a major change in life. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into Chapter 21 of the Tao Te Ching.
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Show 23 — Lu Dongbin and Chapter 20 from 2016-07-18T05:23:33
Who is the mysterious Lu Dongbin? Dr. Totton and Tod look into the life and teachings of a Taoist immortal. Later, we discuss one of the most challenging chapters of The Tao Te Ching.
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Show 22 — Re-Igniting Your Practice and Disagreements from 2016-07-04T21:07:53
After the birth of his son, Tod asks Dr. Totton how he can get back into good Taoist habits. Later, a listener has some intriguing questions about how to handle disagreements and veganism.
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We’ll Be Back On July 4, 2016! from 2016-06-27T21:03:10
We’re back in the Taoist temple recording some more episodes of the show. Can’t wait to share what comes next! Have a question you’d like answered? Email us at Tod.Perry@yahoo.com.
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Show 21 — Chapters 16 and 14 from 2016-05-31T04:23:29
Our show begins with an apology for a mishap that screwed up the audio on show 21. In this episode, Dr. Totton and Tod take on two very important chapters from the Tao Te Ching, 14 and 16. They als...
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Show 20 — Taoist Health and Tod Translates The Tao Te Ching from 2016-05-16T06:05:57
Dr. Totton discusses the Taoist perspective on health and how one can find balance through multiple practices. Later, Tod shares his translation of the Tao Te Ching that he’s written for the ...
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Show 19 — Living in the Moment and Listener Mail from 2016-05-02T04:18:05
The show opens with a question from a listener in Hawaii about how to raise a disciplined child. Later, Tod and Dr. Carl discuss one of the most important aspects of Eastern spirituality: living in...
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Show 18 — Binary Thinking, Mirror Mind, and Chapter 19 from 2016-04-18T05:36:28
Tod and Dr. Totton discuss how the Tao is an antidote for binary thinking and can help people free themselves from entrenched worldviews. Later, they discuss the concept of the “mirror mind&#...
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Show 17 — Chuang Tzu pt. 2 and Chapter18 from 2016-04-11T06:18:59
Tod cracks open Chaung Tzu’s Inner Chapters for another book report on the sacred Taoist text. We also discuss chapter 18 of the Tao Te Ching and personal energy.
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Show 16 — Listener Mail and Chapter 36 from 2016-04-04T04:45:35
Dr. Totton and Tod open up the listener mailbag to discuss an important question about injustice from a listener in Australia. Later, we discuss Chapter 36 from the Tao Te Ching.
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Show 15 — Being and the I Ching from 2016-02-16T05:42:59
For the first time on the show Dr. Carl and Tod discuss the meaning and importance of “being” and “non-being” as they relate to Taoism. Also, we discuss the the Taoist embra...
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Show 14 – Daily Taoist Practices and the Wu-Wei of Business from 2016-02-08T05:35:15
Our show opens with an article about how one can practically use the art of wu-wei in the business world. Later, Dr. Carl Totton reveals his three ways to cultivate the Tao on a daily basis.
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Show 13 – Chuang Tzu’s Inner Chapters from 2016-02-01T06:31:36
On show 13, the ever-studious Tod Perry presents a book report on the first half of the seminal Taoist text Inner Chapters by Chuang Tsu. Here, we uncover the mystery of Tzu’s famous butterfl...
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Dr. Carl Totton’s New Book – Out Now! from 2015-12-27T18:06:22
Dr. Carl Totton and two of his friends have just released new book to help you combat stress. The Book on Internal STRESS Release teaches you to condition your body’s neural pathways to estab...
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We’re Taking a Break for the Holidays! from 2015-12-10T04:50:26
Dr. Carl Totton and Tod Perry will be back with more “What’s This Tao All About?” in early January. ‘Til then, if you have a questions, email us and we’ll answer them ...
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Show 12 – Chapter 81 and Qigong from 2015-11-30T06:11:31
In show 12, Dr. Carl and Tod discuss chapter 81 of the Tao Te Ching. They also go in depth on the practice of qigong and discuss other texts in the Taoist cannon besides the Tao Te Ching. Subscribe...
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Show 11 – Immortality and Star Wars from 2015-11-23T06:00:48
The show opens with some musings about the similarities between The Force in Star Wars and the Tao. Later, Dr. Carl Totton disucusses his journey to become a Taoist priest. The show ends with a tal...
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Show 10 – The Three Treasures and Chapter 17 from 2015-11-17T06:13:22
After a brief hiatus, Dr. Carl Totton discusses his time at the Taoist Gathering in Oakland, California. Then Dr. Totton and Tod discuss the Three Treasures and Chapter 17 of the Tao Te Ching. Subs...
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We’ll Be Back Monday, November 16! from 2015-11-02T06:46:45
We’re taking a quick break, show 10 will show up in two weeks. Until then, May the Tao be with you! “When there is no desire, all things are at peace.” – Lao Tzu Tod and Dr.Carl T...
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Show 9 – The Uncarved Block and Chapter 57 from 2015-10-26T05:05:07
Are there hard-set rules to being a practicing Taoist? What is Pu? What style of governing is most beneficial to the people? These questions and much more are answered on episode nine of What’...
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Episode 7 – A World out of Balance from 2015-10-12T23:08:41
Our show opens with Tod reporting back after five weeks of practicing meditation. Is he doing it right? Would he know if he was? Later, Dr. Carl discusses how the teachings of the Tao can help righ...
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Episode 6 — God? from 2015-10-04T21:32:17
The show opens with some thoughts on the nature of the universe: is it friendly or hostile? Later we delve into a discussion of how the concept of god fits into the Taoist philosophy. The show clos...
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Episode 5 — Te (or the Tao In-Action) from 2015-09-27T22:06:59
We open the show with a discussion on how to become a practicing Taoist. Later, Dr. Carl and Tod tackle the oh-so important Tao concept of Te. The Te helps put the Tao in action, Dr. Carl discusses...
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Epiosode 4 — Meditation from 2015-09-20T23:42:57
We open the show speculating whether some of the greatest minds of the last century were secretly Taoists. Later, Dr. Carl discusses mediation and we end with a break down of Chapter Three of the T...
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Episode 3 — Social Status, Yin and Yang from 2015-09-13T22:28:01
Recently, Tod got stuck riding the bus to work, prompting a discussion on social status and how it relates to the Tao. Later, we get into a conversation on the Taoist principal of Yin and Yang. Thi...
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Episode 2 – Busy Brags vs. the Art of Non-Doing from 2015-09-06T12:15:48
Our show opens with a discussion about the perils of the persistent business pervasive in modern society. Later, Dr. Carl Totton discusses the Taoist principal of wu-wei or the“art of non-doi...
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Episode 1 — The First Step from 2015-08-27T23:21:07
Our journey begins with an overview of the Tao, which proves a little challenging because, of course,“The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao.” Then we get to know Dr. Carl and ...
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