Buddhability

How do I deal with the stress of living with chronic pain?

23 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's today's question: How can Buddhism help me with this stress caused by chronic physical pain?  How can I be happy living with chronic illness? ...

Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work?

15 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s today’s question: Do I have to believe in chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for it to work?This is a question nearly every person who starts to ...

A Buddhist Take on Setting Boundaries

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here's today's question: How can I set healthy boundaries that honor myself and others? One listener asked: “How can Buddhism help me and my family...

What does Buddhism say about dealing with grief?

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s today’s question: What does Buddhism say about dealing with grief? Grief is something we all experience at some point in life.  One listen...

Can I be angry when I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s today's question, ”Can I be angry when I chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?” It’s actually a combination of a few questions we received. One pe...

Going through a stressful transition at work?

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s today’s question, “I’m starting a new job soon and I’m wondering if you could talk a little bit about stressful transitions in life?”...

Dealing with a stressful relationship?

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Here’s today’s question: I’m dealing with a really stressful relationship with someone close to me. Do you have any advice on what to do when so...

A New Summer Series! Send us your questions

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we have two exciting announcements. First, we’re launching a new 7-day series called “Change Your Relationship with Stress.” From July 24 ...

Tips & Insights: 4 Ways to Look at Suffering

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is an episode series in which we introduce one Buddhist concept each month and share how it can be applied to your life!Toda...

Love wins, A Buddhist lawyer and the fight for marriage equality [June 2021]

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're airing a rerun of one of our most popular episodes from June, 2021 with lawyer Dan Foley. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court rat...

How to find the wisdom to move forward

14 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re talking about how Buddhism can help you find the wisdom to overcome anything in life. In particular, the challenges that sometimes come...

How to tap into the potential you always knew you had

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about how to tap into your potential, even when you can’t see it and even when your circumstances make you feel incapable.Our g...

Tips & Insights: Winning in the morning

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s ...

How I Stopped Letting Anger Control My Life

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re talking about what winning over yourself really takes: an honest look at what is causing you to suffer and the courage to transform it ...

How I changed the one thing that was holding me back

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about what inner transformation or human revolution looks like through a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. O...

How my daily ups and downs led to overall growth

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re talking about what it really takes to build a foundation for your life. It’s a theme we’ve explored before on the show but one tha...

Announcement: Buddhability Beginner Course

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The teachings of Buddhism are vast and profound, that's why Buddhist study is a crucial part of deepening our practice. We're excited to announce our ...

What it really takes to face your reality

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're talking about what it really takes to face your reality, especially when that requires taking a hard look at yourself. Our guest is Miho ...

Tips & Insights: Buddhism and the real world

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s ...

I overcame my biggest setback, now anything is possible

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're talking about how Buddhism sees obstacles in particular, those big challenges, life throws your way when you're least expecting it. Our g...

How I Learned to Never Give Up on Myself

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest is James, of New York, who shares how a consistent practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helps him navigate some of the toughest moments ...

Living Based on My Inherent Worth vs. People’s Opinions 

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about one of the most difficult but universal tendencies we experience—people-pleasing. Our guest is Megan Weinstein, of Chicag...

Tips & Insights: Bodhisattvas of the Earth

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s ...

How I Found (and then Re-Found) the One

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about relationships—especially the long and complicated kind, the ones that provide us with the greatest lessons about life and...

Changing My Relationship With My Parents

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re talking about how to orient our lives onto a happy, healthy path, no matter what kind of circumstances we begin with.Our guest is Melan...

Winning with friends vs. Winning alone

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about what it takes to pursue a dream that forces you to battle your own ego or hopelessness. Key takeaway: Practice for self and ...

Mastering your daily rhythm

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re unpacking the question: what does it mean to win every day when sometimes things take time to resolve? Our guest is Yoko Ambulo, of Chic...

Tips & Insights: Approaching the new year one day at a time

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s ...

Healing family rifts when you don’t share beliefs [October 2021]

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about family and what to do if you just can’t reconcile differences with them.Our guests are sisters Lauren and Molly Leebove ...

Transforming my family through my own agency

16 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're addressing how Buddhism can help us tackle family dynamics. Our guest is Brian Angulo, of New York, who shares how, in just a few years, h...

Navigating Career Setbacks

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about navigating job challenges, an aspect of life that be universal difficult, whether you are facing job loss, trying to find ...

Tips & Insights: Human Revolution

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s ...

How To Do It All, With Dr. Gitima Sharma

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about how to do it all when you have a full plate. Whether you are an overwhelmed parent or caregiver aspiring to build a career...

On Buddhism and Appreciation

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about appreciation, which is central to Buddhism in so many ways and yet, easier to talk about than truly practice, especially whe...

Overcoming the need for approval

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about how to stop seeking the approval of other people, which, on the one hand, is a normal human desire, and on the other, can ca...

Tips & Insights: Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” is a miniseries in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life.Today’s ...

How I Found My Purpose: Nuclear Abolition Edition

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about unlocking our own agency when it comes to peace-building efforts and protecting our planet. Our guest is Emma Pike, of Bosto...

Tips on starting your Buddhist practice … and why we chant for the impossible

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is for beginners, though the takeaways are refreshing and valuable for even seasoned chanters. Our guest is Crystal Fraser, of Color...

Reflections on Music, Tina Turner and Overcoming Obstacles

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re speaking with Yuri Yamashita, of New York, about her career as a percussionist and how her Buddhist practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge...

Caring for People vs. The Idea of People

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about effective activism and how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can allow us to tap into the internal resources we need to truly h...

Tips and Insights: The Oneness of Life and its Environment

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life!Today’...

Survival vs. Happiness

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about what it takes to believe that you can be happy, even when you’re facing the most difficult circumstances. Our guest is C...

What wellness really means

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about what wellness really means from a Buddhist perspective. Our guest is Erica Stein, L.A.-based co-host of the podcast Courageo...

How I Beat the Odds: Doctor Edition

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking with Bobby Eppsteiner, a surgeon in Massachusetts, who shares the story of how he used his Buddhist practice to beat the odds and ...

Tips and Insights: The Oneness of Body and Mind

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life! Today...

How to bring main character energy to your life

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about what it takes to live your life as the main character or protagonist. Our guest is Nadia Ullah Morin, of Texas, who shares h...

Anxiety, Self-Trust and Psychology

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today's episode is a conversation with psychologist Elizabeth Merrick about anxiety, therapy, Buddhism, and how they all connect. Sometimes it helps t...

On Boundaries and True Self-Care [May 2021]

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episod...

What you do isn’t who you are [November 2021]

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episod...

How to get unstuck from a monotonous daily life [August 2021]

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episod...

How to make progress, even when you can’t see eye to eye [November 2020]

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During the month of July, we're on short break and playing re-runs of our most popular episodes from the archives. We'll be back with brand new episod...

Tips & Insights: Yes, you can change your karma

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Tips & Insights” new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life! Today...

Learning to Live My Truth, A Coming Out Story

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is about learning to live your truth. Chris, of Detroit, shares the incredibly moving journey to affirm himself and how his Buddhist...

Overcoming pessimism through action

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s topic is pessimism, which can be defined as a lack of hope or confidence in the future. At different times in our lives, all of us might exp...

Self-Doubt vs. Self-Trust

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about self-trust, which, if you’re the type of person who is constantly berating themselves internally, can feel really hard t...

Tips & Insights: What you feel isn’t who you are

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

"Tips & Insights” is a new episode series in which we’ll introduce one Buddhist concept each month and how it can be applied to your life! Tod...

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are discussing limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Whatever form they take for you, whether it’s your own negative self-talk, the way you see ...

Conviction vs. Control: How to become an unshakable leader

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about what it takes to become unshakable. Our guest is Brittany Jones, who recently became the youngest elementary school princip...

Buddhism is a team sport

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re about talking about how to find your path forward during a period of uncertainty. We’re joined by Shota Okajima, of New Jersey, who sh...

Finding my own path in relationships

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about identity and relationships. Briana Boche, of Seattle, shares her story of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and how she develop...

How I stopped letting my environment control me

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about the impact our environment has on us. In Buddhism, a crucial concept called “the oneness of life and environment” teac...

Finding the courage to change my life

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re speaking with Asia Harvey-Wright, who goes by Harvey, about their first steps practicing Buddhism after encountering the practice of cha...

Finding my purpose as a journalist

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking with journalist Melissa Hirsch about how her Buddhist practice helped her navigate her career journey. This episode is especiall...

Buddhism and the startup journey

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about the startup journey, though this episode is filled with lessons for anyone starting anything, be it a company, a project o...

How a young female pilot found the courage to fly

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about how to persevere on a career path when the odds are stacked against you. Mardi Tan, of Long Beach, California, shares her ...

Moving on after experiencing loss

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking how to move on after experiencing loss. Our guest is Hannah Jones, of Ohio, who shares how she encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism...

How to let your walls down and show up as your true self

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about what it takes to tear down your walls if you have trouble showing up as your authentic self. Jermira Trapp, of Chicago, sh...

Send us a voice memo!

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Congratulations to everyone who completed the 31-day chanting challenge on Friday! We'd love to hear how it went, especially if you are new to chantin...

My first steps chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode, we’re speaking with Nikolas Spayne, of Chicago, who started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo just last year, when he remembered having ...

Buddhism, relativity and science

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re speaking with two friends and scientists, Tee Ponsukcharoen and Siraput Jongaramrungruang, about their intertwined journeys from studyin...

Defeating the doubt within

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about the battle with our own inner negativity, whatever form it may take: self-doubt, self-hatred, regret, worry or anything el...

How to open a new path if you’re feeling stuck where you are

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about how to open a new path if you’re feeling stuck where you are, whether at work or in any other situation.Our guest is Fern...

What it means to value your life

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about the amazing difference that a month of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can make in your life, told through the story of Alex ...

How to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a habit

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As we kick off our 31-day chanting Journey on January 18, today we are discussing how and why to make chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo a daily habit. Cel...

Overcoming the need to control things

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re exploring what the power of a daily practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can really do for you, specifically if you struggle with fe...

A short thank you from Buddhability!

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A short message to thank all of our amazing listeners and guests for a fantastic year! We’re taking a break for the holidays and will be back with a...

On Self-Love and Relationships

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about self-love and relationships, and, specifically, how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can empower you to become the protagonist...

How to stop seeking approval from others

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Consider any situation you’ve found yourself in where you felt like you couldn’t truly be yourself. Have you ever changed your behavior to fit in ...

Caring for someone who struggles to care for themself

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are addressing a topic that’s universally challenging in close human relationships: How do you care for someone who struggles to care for t...

Advice from Buddhist teens on social anxiety

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're tackling social anxiety, which feels like it has become ubiquitous since the pandemic began. Social interactions seem to take more energy ...

What you do isn’t who you are

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we speak with Los Angeles-based actor Luca Manganaro, who shares his intertwined journey with acting and Buddhism and the lessons he learned alo...

Overcoming trauma and finding the will to live

01 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses trauma and attempted suicide.Today’s episode is about mental health. Our guest is Tanushree Salvi of Boise, ...

Finding your purpose in college

25 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about college: how hard it can be to decide where to go and what to pursue, and how to find your purpose while there.Our guest i...

Healing family rifts when you don’t share beliefs

18 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about family and what to do if you just can’t reconcile differences with them.Our guests are sisters Lauren and Molly Leebove ...

Trailer: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained

11 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we have a trailer for a new video that we just released: Oneness of Life and Environment Explained. Can I actually influence what’s happening...

Four reminders if you’re looking for a fresh start

04 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

To celebrate our 40th episode and one year since we launched Buddhability, we’re looking back at highlights from past episodes. Reflecting on the f...

How to make an internal shift when you’re feeling disconnected

27 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re addressing a feeling that can be experienced universally: feeling disconnected from yourself. Sometimes, our life looks pretty good on p...

Becoming proud of where you’re from

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re speaking with Krystal Kalima, a 22-year-old college student from Hawai’i who started practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism when she was in ...

The Strokes’ Nikolai Fraiture on Buddhism, music and collaboration

13 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about music and creativity with special guest Nikolai Fraiture, who is best known for being the bassist of The Strokes.He also c...

How to be yourself when you’re put in a box

04 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is about the power of believing in yourself, even if the people around you don’t. Having the courage to pursue the life you want ...

Join us Saturday for a Buddhability Talk!

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You’re invited to a conversation hosted by Buddhability on how to overcome negative self-talk. We teamed up with Celebrity Makeup Artist Janice Kinj...

How to get unstuck from a monotonous daily life

14 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about work and more specifically, how to deal with feeling stuck. If you're feeling trapped by your job or routine, or if you ha...

Vinessa Shaw on acting, perfectionism and success

07 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode is an in-depth conversation with actor Vinessa Shaw, who is known for her success as a child actor in movies such as Ladybugs and Ho...

Overcoming negative self-talk… and other chanting tips

31 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow, we are kicking off our 31-Day Chanting Journey so today’s episode is filled with practical tips and advice on how to make the most of it, ...

A 31-Day Buddhability Journey

25 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Just a short announcement today to share that starting August 1 we are doing another 31-Day Buddhability Journey where we invite you to try chanting N...

Navigating Death and Illness

17 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are addressing how to navigate the loss of a loved one or support them through serious illness. While everyone's experience and circumstances...

On self-respect and love in relationships

10 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are talking about relationships and specifically addressing a few questions that we’ve received from listeners, which are: How do I decide ...

How to overcome resistance in creative work

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re discussing creative work, but the lessons apply to virtually anything in your life that brings out feelings of resistance, fear or self-...

Love wins, A Buddhist lawyer and the fight for marriage equality

26 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Six years ago today, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ratified same-sex marriage, a monumental achievement after a more than 25-year battle ac...

Never giving up on your dream

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today we're talking about how not to give up on your dream.Even if we discover our dream job or purpose at a young age, on the path to pursuing it, we...