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Banyen Books ~ Branches of Wisdom

Banyen Books ~ Branches of Wisdom

By Banyen Books

Intimate interviews with the world's most influential authors, wisdom teachers, wellness experts, psychologists, philosophers, creatives, cultural innovators, and activists. Banyen Books is Canada's leading bookstore in spirituality and healing for 50 years. www.banyen.com
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Episode 130: Iran & the Women's Movement ~ Mahnaz Afkhami & Samira Mohyeddin

Banyen Books ~ Branches of WisdomJan 26, 2023

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Episode 166: Sah D’Simone - Spiritually, We

Episode 166: Sah D’Simone - Spiritually, We

Sah D'Simone, author of Spiritually Sassy, joins Banyen Books for a conversation on his book Spiritually, We. Sah D’Simone is a spiritual revolutionary, artist, and the internationally bestselling author of Spiritually Sassy. He's known for hosting the top-rated Spiritually Sassy Show podcast and for creating the Somatic Activated Healing (SAH) Method™. Sah works in the Spiritual Care Department at Cedars-Sinai Hospital and is a guest lecturer at Columbia University. His remarkable contributions to homeless youth in Venice Beach, California earned him the CARE award from the city and county of Los Angeles.

Mar 27, 202401:02:43
Episode 165: Dr. Jen Gunter - Blood

Episode 165: Dr. Jen Gunter - Blood

#1 bestselling author Dr. Jen Gunter discusses her galvanizing book Blood, dispelling the shame, mythology, and misinformation around menstruation with scientific facts, medical expertise, and a fierce feminist perspective.

Dr. Jen Gunter is board certified in OB/GYN and pain medicine. She writes about the intersection of women's health, sex, science, and pop culture for The New York Times. She has been called a fierce advocate for women's health, Twitter's gynecologist, and "strangely confident" by GOOP.com. She believes an empowered patient requires facts and she is here to fix the medical Internet and smash the patriarchy. She is the author of The Menopause Manifesto, The Vagina Bible, The Preemie Primer, and Blood.

Mar 20, 202401:01:31
Episode 164: Daniel Goleman - Optimal

Episode 164: Daniel Goleman - Optimal

Daniel Goleman, world renowned psychologist and international bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, joins Banyen Books for a conversation on his book Optimal: How to Sustain Excellence Every Day.

Daniel Goleman is an internationally esteemed psychologist and author. His book Emotional Intelligence was on The New York Times bestseller list for a year-and-a-half, and has been a bestseller in many countries with over 5 million copies in print. Emotional Intelligence was named one of the 25 “Most Influential Business Management Books” by TIME Magazine. The Financial Times and Wall Street Journal have listed Goleman among the most influential business thinkers. As a science journalist Goleman reported on the brain and behavioural sciences for The New York Times for many years. He is a co-founder of the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, at the University of Illinois Chicago. He currently co-directs the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations at Rutgers University. He is a board member of the Mind & Life Institute, which fosters dialogues and research collaborations among contemplative practitioners and scientists. Goleman has organized a series of intensive conversations between the Dalai Lama and scientists, which resulted in the books Healing Emotions and Destructive Emotions.

Mar 20, 202456:08
Episode 163: John Holland - Psychic Navigator

Episode 163: John Holland - Psychic Navigator

John Holland, world-renowned psychic medium, speaks with Banyen Books on Psychic Mediumship.

John Holland, world-renowned psychic medium, has been helping people connect with their loved ones in the Spirit World for decades, bringing closure and healing, and has taught thousands of people how to develop and enhance their own natural psychic abilities. He is famous for his public psychic demonstrations and has starred in several TV specials, including A&E’s Mediums: We See Dead People and his own pilot, Psychic History, for the History Channel. He is the author of the best-selling books The Spirit WhispererPsychic NavigatorPower of the Soul101 Ways to Jump Start Your Intuition, and Born Knowing, as well as the oracle decks The Psychic Tarot, The Psychic Tarot for the Heart, and The Spirit Messages.

Jan 24, 202401:04:42
Episode 162: Sharon Salzberg - Love Your Enemies

Episode 162: Sharon Salzberg - Love Your Enemies

World-renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg joins Banyen in conversation on her book, Love Your Enemies: How to Break the Anger Habit & Be a Whole Lot Happier.

Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer and industry leader, a world-renowned teacher and New York Times bestselling author. As one of the first to bring meditation and mindfulness into mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, her relatable, demystifying approach has inspired generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of eleven books, including the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Sharon’s secular, modern approach to Buddhist teachings is sought after at schools, conferences and retreat centers around the world.

Dec 06, 202301:02:56
Episode 161: James Hollis - A Life of Meaning

Episode 161: James Hollis - A Life of Meaning

Renowned Jungian analyst James Hollis, PhD, joins Banyen for a deep conversation on the qualities that bring meaning to our human journey, and his new book A Life of Meaning.

James Hollis, PhD, is a Zurich-trained Jungian Analyst practicing in Washington, D.C., and the bestselling author of 20 books including Living an Examined Life: Wisdom for the Second Half of the Journey, Hauntings: Dispelling the Ghosts Who Run Our Lives, What Matters Most: Living a More Considered Life, and Why Good People Do Bad Things: Understanding Our Darker Selves. He has served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington, Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, Vice-President of the Philemon Foundation, and Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston.

Dec 06, 202301:05:03
Episode 160: Tara MacLean - Song of the Sparrow

Episode 160: Tara MacLean - Song of the Sparrow

Internationally renowned singer/songwriter Tara MacLean joins Banyen for a discussion on her powerful memoir Song of the Sparrow.

Tara MacLean, Canadian singer/songwriter, has been an internationally renowned and award-winning recording and touring artist for over 25 years. She released her first album with the Nettwerk Music Group and Sony Music Publishing Canada in 1996. Since then, she has been signed with Capitol Records and EMI Canada with her JUNO-nominated band Shaye. She has written and recorded six solo albums and two with the band. Her first book, Song of the Sparrow, hit the Best Seller list the week it was released, and Tara quickly followed it up with “Sparrow” - the soundtrack for the book.

Nov 23, 202301:01:46
Episode 143: Bill Arnott - Gone Viking

Episode 143: Bill Arnott - Gone Viking

Bill Arnott discusses 'Gone Viking' and 'Gone Viking II', guiding us on an epic literary odyssey following history’s most feared and misunderstood voyageurs: the Vikings. Prepare yourself for an armchair adventure like no other!

Bill Arnott is a songwriter, poet, and author of the bestselling travelogue 'Gone Viking: A Travel Saga' (Whistler Independent Book Awards Finalist and American Book Fest International Book Awards Finalist),' Gone Viking II: Beyond Boundaries', 'Dromomania', and 'Wonderful Magical Words'. His work has been published in literary journals in Canada, the US and UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and his column “Bill Arnott’s Beat” is a feature in several magazines. Bill has received awards for prose, poetry, and songwriting and is the creator of “Bill’s Artist Showcase.” For his eight-year Gone Viking expedition he was awarded a fellowship in London’s Royal Geographical Society. When not trekking the globe with a small pack and his journal, or showing off cooking skills as a culinary-school dropout, Bill can be found on Canada’s west coast, making friends and misbehaving.

Oct 27, 202301:02:50
Episode 140: Richard Rosen - Yoga by the Numbers

Episode 140: Richard Rosen - Yoga by the Numbers

Richard Rosen, renowned yoga teacher and author, discusses Yoga by the Numbers: The Sacred and Symbolic in Yoga Philosophy and Practice.

Richard Rosen, one of America's most influential authors on yoga practice and philosohy, began his training in yoga in 1980 and graduated from the B.K.S Iyengar Institute in 1983. In 1987, together with Rodney Yee, he opened the Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland, CA, which operated until 2012. Richard is a contributing editor at Yoga Journal magazine, to which he has contributed countless articles and columns over the pst quarter century. He serves as the President of the board of directors fo the Yoga Dana Foundation. He is the author of five influential books, four of them published by Shambhala: The Yoga of Breath, Pranayama: Beyond the Fundamentals, Original Yoga, Yoga FAQ, and Yoga by the Numbers

Oct 27, 202355:35
Episode 159: Neale Donald Walsch - The God Solution

Episode 159: Neale Donald Walsch - The God Solution

Neale Donald Walsch, bestselling author of the Conversations with God series, discusses his book The God Solution: The Power of Pure Love.

Neale Donald Walsch has written 39 books on contemporary spirituality and its practical application in everyday life. Seven of the nine books in his Conversations with God series have made the New York Times Bestseller list, with Book One remaining on that list for 134 weeks. His titles have been translated into 37 languages. He is the creator of CWG Connect, a global online platform connecting people who wish to more deeply explore the messages in the CWG body of work. His latest book is The God Solution.

Oct 27, 202301:01:12
Episode 158: Nourished - Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love)

Episode 158: Nourished - Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love)

Dr. Deborah MacNamara discusses her new book, Nourished, which shines a light on the relationship between food and developmental attachment. Dr. MacNamara is joined in conversation with Maria LeRose.

Dr. Deborah MacNamara is a clinical counsellor and educator with more than 25 years experience. She is on faculty at the Neufeld Institute, operates a counselling practice, and speaks regularly about child and adolescent development to parents, childcare providers, educators, and mental health professionals. She is the author of the bestselling book, Rest, Play, Grow, the children’s picture book The Sorry Plane, and the forthcoming book, Nourished.

Maria LeRose is an award-winning television producer and interviewer, and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. She received her Masters of Education from UBC in the Department of Education and Counseling Psychology - with an emphasis on social and emotional development. Before embarking on a career in Journalism, Maria coordinated the first Child Abuse Prevention Program in BC. She is a long-time advisor to the Dalai Lama Center and Moderator of the DLC’s Heart-Mind Conferences. She has moderated events featuring Gordon Neufeld, the Dalai Lama, Mikhail Gorbachev, Gabor Maté, Sir Ken Robinson, and other luminaries.

Oct 27, 202301:03:02
Episode 157: David Hinton & Norman Fischer - The Way of Ch'an

Episode 157: David Hinton & Norman Fischer - The Way of Ch'an

David Hinton, one of the world's foremost translators of ancient Chinese poetry and philosophy, presents The Way of Ch'an: Essential Texts of the Original Tradition. David is in conversation with renowned Zen teacher/author/poet, Zoketsu Norman Fischer.

David Hinton has published numerous books of poetry and essays, and many translations of ancient Chinese poetry and philosophy—all informed by an abiding interest in deep ecological thinking. This widely-acclaimed work has earned Hinton a Guggenheim Fellowship, numerous fellowships from NEA and NEH, and both of the major awards given for poetry translation in the United States: the Landon Translation Award (Academy of American Poets) and the PEN American Translation Award. Most recently, Hinton received a lifetime achievement award by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Norman Fischer is a Zen teacher, poet, translator, and director of the Everyday Zen Foundation. A beloved figure in the Buddhist world, he is also well-known for his efforts at interreligious dialogue. His numerous books include The World Could Be Otherwise: Imagination and the Bodhisattva Path, What Is Zen?: Plain Talk for a Beginner’s Mind, and Training in Compassion: Zen Teachings on the Practice of Lojong.

Oct 27, 202301:01:32
Episode 156: Satish Kumar - Radical Love

Episode 156: Satish Kumar - Radical Love

Satish Kumar discusses his new book, Radical Love: From Separation to Connection with the Earth, Each Other, and Ourselves.

Satish Kumar, peace-pilgrim, life-long activist, and former monk, has been inspiring global change for over 50 years. Aged 9, Satish renounced the world and became a wandering Jain monk. Then in his 20s, he undertook a pilgrimage for peace, walking for two years without money from India to America for the cause of nuclear disarmament. Now in his 80s, Satish has devoted his life to campaigning for ecological regeneration, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. In 2022 he received the Goi Peace Award.

Oct 27, 202301:03:57
Episode 155: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo ~ Reflections on a Mountain Lake

Episode 155: Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo ~ Reflections on a Mountain Lake

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, one of the foremost living Buddhist nuns known for having lived twelve years in a remote Himalayan cave, discusses Reflections on a Mountain Lake: Teachings on Practical Buddhism.

Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is a bhikṣuṇī in the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. At the age of twenty she traveled to India, becoming one of the first Westerners to be ordained as a Buddhist nun. The international bestseller Cave in the Snow chronicles her twelve years of seclusion in a remote cave. Deeply concerned with the plight of Buddhist nuns, she established Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in India. In 2008 His Holiness the Twelfth Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, gave her the rare title of Jetsunma (Venerable Master).

Oct 27, 202301:00:24
Episode 154: Angela Sterritt - Unbroken

Episode 154: Angela Sterritt - Unbroken

Angela Sterritt discusses her book, Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls.

Angela Sterritt is an award-winning journalist, writer, and artist. Sterritt has worked as a journalist for close to twenty years and has been with the CBC since 2003 as a host and television, radio, and digital reporter. She is a proud member of the Gitxsan Nation and lives on Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh territories, Vancouver, Canada.

Oct 27, 202301:01:15
Episode 153: Mark Nepo - Falling Down and Getting Up

Episode 153: Mark Nepo - Falling Down and Getting Up

#1 New York Times bestselling author Mark Nepo is joined in conversation with Joel Fotinos on his new book, Falling Down and Getting Up.

Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over 50 years. A New York Times #1 bestselling author, he has published over 25 books, including The Book of Awakening, Surviving Storms, and Finding Inner Courage, and has recorded more than a dozen audio projects. Mark has been interviewed several times by Oprah Winfrey as part of her Super Soul Sunday TV show, and was interviewed by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. As a cancer survivor, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship. His work has been translated into more than 20 languages.

Joel Fotinos is the Founder, Vice-President, and Editorial Director of St. Martin’s Essentials, the successful new body/mind/spirit imprint of the St. Martin’s Publishing Group. Prior to that, Joel was a Vice-President and Publisher of the TarcherPerigee imprint at Penguin Random House, and a Marketing Manager at the San Francisco office of HarperCollins. He is the author of several books, including The Prosperity Principles, which have been published in more than 14 languages. He is a recipient of Science of Mind magazine’s “Spiritual Hero of the Year” award.

Oct 27, 202301:02:48
Episode 144: Radhule Weininger & Michael Kearney - Heart Medicine

Episode 144: Radhule Weininger & Michael Kearney - Heart Medicine

Join Radhule Weininger, PhD, MD, and Michael Kearney, MD, as they share teachings from Radhule's new book, 'Heart Medicine: How to Stop Painful Patterns and Find Peace and Freedom–at Last'.

Radhule Weininger, MD, PHD, is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and meditation teacher. She leads weekly and monthly meditation groups in Santa Barbara and leads retreats in both the United States and internationally at La Casa de Maria Retreat Center, Spirit Rock, Insight LA, the Esalen Institute, the Garrison Institute, and she is the author of Heartwork: The Path of Self-Compassion. Michael Kearney is a physician specializing in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, with over 35 years experience. He lived in Ireland, England, France, and Canada before moving to the United States in 2001. He currently lives in Santa Barbara, California, where he is a founding partner of Palliative Care Consultants of Santa Barbara. Michael Kearney is married to psychologist, meditation teacher, and author Radhule Weininger, PhD. They teach and write together and share six adult children between them.

Oct 27, 202301:02:02
Episode 152: David Richo, PhD - To Thine Own Self Be True

Episode 152: David Richo, PhD - To Thine Own Self Be True

David Richo, bestselling author of How to Be an Adult in Relationships, joins Banyen for a conversation on his book To Thine Own Self Be True: Shakespeare as Therapist and Spiritual Guide.

David Richo, PhD, is a psychotherapist, teacher, writer, and workshop leader whose work emphasizes the benefits of mindfulness and loving-kindness in personal growth and emotional well-being. He combines Jungian, poetic, and mythic perspectives in his work with the intention of integrating the psychological and the spiritual. He is the author of numerous bestselling books including How to Be an Adult in Relationships and The Five Things We Cannot Change.

Oct 27, 202301:00:41
Episode 151: Joan Halifax - In a Moment, in a Breath

Episode 151: Joan Halifax - In a Moment, in a Breath

Renowned Zen teacher Roshi Joan Halifax joins Banyen for a discussion of In a Moment, in a Breath.

Joan Halifax, PhD, is a Buddhist teacher, anthropologist, and writer. Her books include The Human Encounter with Death (with Stanislav Grof), Being with Dying, and Standing at the Edge. She is a Founding Teacher in the Zen Peacemaker Order of Roshi Bernie Glassman and the late Sensei Jishu Holmes, and is a Soto priest and teacher. She founded The Ojai Foundation, an educational center, in 1979, and Upaya (a Buddhist study center) in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1990. She has been on the faculties of Columbia University, the University of Miami School of Medicine, the New School for Social Research, The Naropa Institute, and the California Institute for Integral Studies. Halifax is a distinguished invited scholar of the U.S. Library of Congress, and the only woman and Buddhist on the Tony Blair Foundation’s Advisory Council. Joan Halifax has worked with dying people since 1970. In 1994, she created the Project on Being with Dying as a way to train healthcare professionals in contemplative care of the dying.

Oct 27, 202301:01:57
Episode 150: Jeff Brown - Humanifestations

Episode 150: Jeff Brown - Humanifestations

Jeff Brown, author of Soulshaping, discusses his new book Humanifestations: On Trauma, Truth, and Transformation.

Jeff Brown is the author of 8 popular books: Soulshaping, Ascending with Both Feet on the Ground, Love It Forward, An Uncommon Bond, Spiritual Graffiti, Grounded Spirituality, Hearticulations, and Humanifestations. He is the producer of the award-winning spiritual documentary Karmageddon, which features Ram Dass, Seane Corn, Deva Premal and Miten. Jeff’s short writings have touched millions of souls worldwide and have been shared on social media by the likes of LeAnn Rimes, Alanis Morrissette, Fergie, Chrissy Metz, Jason Silva, and Amanda De Cadenet. Jeff is the founder of Soulshaping Institute and Enrealment Press. He lives in Canada with his wife, poet Susan Frybort.

Jun 29, 202301:02:24
Episode 149: Amit Goswami & Valentina Onisor - Quantum Integrative Medicine

Episode 149: Amit Goswami & Valentina Onisor - Quantum Integrative Medicine

Amit Goswami, PhD, and Valentina Onisor, MD, join Banyen for a conversation on Quantum Integrative Medicine: A New Paradigm for Health, Disease Prevention and Healing.

Dr. Amit Goswami, celebrated Theoretical Quantum Physicist, is a revolutionary amongst a growing body of scientists who have ventured into the domain of the spiritual in an attempt both to interpret the seemingly inexplicable findings of curious experiments and to validate intuitions about the existence of a spiritual dimension of life. A prolific writer, teacher, and visionary, Dr. Goswami has appeared in the movies What the Bleep do we know!?, Dalai Lama Renaissance, and the award winning documentary, The Quantum Activist. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Quantum Doctor and The Self-Aware Universe.

Valentina Onisor, MD, is a practicing physician specializing in family medicine, who integrates various systems of alternative medicine (acupuncture, Ayurveda, naturopathy, and aromatherapy) into her medical practice. She is a co-author (along with Dr. Amit Goswami) of the recently released books, Quantum Spirituality and The Quantum Brain as well as of the upcoming books, The Awakening of Intelligence, Quantum Integrative Medicine, and The Quantum Science of Love and Relationships.

Jun 29, 202301:08:55
Episode 148: Thomas Moore ~ The Eloquence of Silence

Episode 148: Thomas Moore ~ The Eloquence of Silence

Thomas Moore, bestselling author of Care of the Soul, joins Banyen for a conversation with Q&A on his book The Eloquence of Silence.

Thomas Moore, PhD, is the author of over 30 books, including the number one bestseller Care of the Soul. He holds a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Syracuse University and degrees in music composition. Thomas Moore is a teacher and sought after international lecturer. He has been a psychotherapist for over 40 years. His work brings together spirituality, mythology, depth psychology, and the arts, emphasizing the importance of images and imagination.

Jun 22, 202301:16:46
Episode 147: Lon Milo DuQuette - The Magick of Aleister Crowley

Episode 147: Lon Milo DuQuette - The Magick of Aleister Crowley

Lon Milo DuQuette joins Banyen for an engaging conversation on his book, The Magick of Aleister Crowley.

Lon Milo DuQuette is a bestselling author and lecturer whose books on Magick, Tarot, and the Western Mystery Traditions have been translated into ten languages. He is currently the US Deputy Grand Master of Ordo Templi Orientis and is on the faculty of the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, and the Maybe Logic Academy. Among his many books are My Life with the Spirits, Understanding Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot, and Tarot of Ceremonial Magick. He lives in Sacramento, California, with his wife Constance.

May 26, 202301:10:44
Episode 146: Kahlil Gibran - with Paul-Gordon Chandler

Episode 146: Kahlil Gibran - with Paul-Gordon Chandler

Paul-Gordon Chandler discusses his book, In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran.

Paul-Gordon Chandler is the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Wyoming. He grew up in Senegal, West Africa, and has lived and worked extensively around the world. An author, art curator, social entrepreneur and an authority on the Middle East and Africa, he is passionate about using the arts to further our global quest for a more harmonious future, both with each other and with the earth. He is the author of several books including the acclaimed book on Muslim-Christian relations titled Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road.

May 26, 202301:01:52
Episode 145: Kabir Helminski - Rumi's Mysterion

Episode 145: Kabir Helminski - Rumi's Mysterion

Kabir Helminski, renowned Sufi teacher and one of the foremost Rumi translators of our time, joins Banyen for an illuminating conversation on The Mysterion: Rumi and the Secret of Becoming Fully Human.

Kabir Helminski is the author of the classic book Living Presence and a renowned translator of Rumi and other Sufi literature. Shaikh Kabir Helminski was the first westerner recognized as a Shaikh, or elder in the Mevlevi Order of Sufism, which dates back to the Thirteenth Century, and is based on the works of the great poet and philosopher, Rumi. He is the co-director of the Threshold Society, a nonprofit Sufi organization, and was the publisher of Threshold Books for twenty years. He is also a producer and writer of Sufi music.

May 26, 202357:09
Episode 142: Neil Douglas-Klotz ~ Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus

Episode 142: Neil Douglas-Klotz ~ Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus

Neil Douglas-Klotz—teacher, author, musician, and scholar of Middle Eastern tradition—joins Banyen in conversation on his new book, Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus: The Hidden Teachings on Life and Death.

Neil Douglas-Klotz, PhD, is an internationally known scholar in the fields connecting religious studies (comparative Semitic hermeneutics) and psychology as well as a poet and musician. He is the author of Prayers of the Cosmos, Desert Wisdom, The Hidden Gospel, The Little Book of Sufi Stories, Kahlil Gibran’s Little Book of Wisdom, and The Genesis Meditations, and coauthor of The Tent of Abraham with Sr. Joan Chittister and Rabbi Arthur Waskow. He is the past chair of the Mysticism Group of the American Academy of Religion and is active in various international colloquia and conferences dedicated to peace and spirituality.

May 10, 202301:03:49
Episode 141: A. H. Almaas - Nondual Love

Episode 141: A. H. Almaas - Nondual Love

A. H. Almaas, renowned author and spiritual teacher, speaks with Banyen Books on Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality.

A. H. Almaas is the pen name of A. Hameed Ali, founder of the Diamond Approach to Self-Realization, a contemporary teaching that developed within the context of both ancient spiritual teachings and modern depth psychology theories. Almaas has authored 20 books about spiritual realization, including the Diamond Heart series, The Pearl Beyond Price, The Void, and The Alchemy of Freedom. Watkin’s Review cites him as one of the world’s 100 most spiritually influential people. He is the founder of the Ridhwan School for Spiritual Development, an inner work school devoted to the realization of True Nature.

May 10, 202301:00:10
Episode 139: Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg - On Repentance and Repair

Episode 139: Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg - On Repentance and Repair

@BanyenBooks converses with acclaimed author and activist Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg on 'Mend the World' and 'On Repentance and Repair'.

Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg serves as scholar in residence at National Council of Jewish Women. She is the award-winning author of seven books, including 'Surprised by God' and 'Nurture the Wow'. She was named by Newsweek and the Daily Beast as one of ten “rabbis to watch,” by Forward as one of the top 50 most influential women rabbis, and called a “wunderkind of Jewish feminism” by Publishers Weekly. Rabbi Danya has been a Washington Post Sunday crossword clue (83 down), and her most recent book 'On Repentance and Repair' has been hailed by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley as "A must read for anyone navigating the work of justice and healing” and by the author Rebecca Solnit as “brilliant.”

Apr 08, 202359:35
Episode 138: Gabor Maté, MD - The Myth of Normal

Episode 138: Gabor Maté, MD - The Myth of Normal

@BanyenBooks joins Gabor Maté for a conversation on his new book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, & Healing in a Toxic Culture.

A renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress, and childhood development. Dr. Maté has written several bestselling books, including the New York Times bestseller The Myth of Normal, the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection, and Scattered Minds: How Attention Deficit Disorder Originates and What You Can Do About It, and has coauthored Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers. His works have been published internationally in nearly thirty languages.
Daniel Maté is a Brooklyn-based composer-lyricist who has received the Kleban Prize, Cole Porter Award, and Jonathan Larson Grant. His musicals include The Trouble With Doug and The Longing and the Short of It. Other shows in development include Hansel & Gretl & Heidi & Günter, Middle School Mysteries, and an adaptation of the Russell Banks novel The Sweet Hereafter. He is the host of the YouTube program Lyrics To Go and runs a "mental chiropractic" service called Walk With Daniel.

Apr 08, 202301:17:02
Episode 137: Kendra Allen - Heal Your Heartbreak

Episode 137: Kendra Allen - Heal Your Heartbreak

@BanyenBooksSound hosts Kendra Allen sharing exercises and advice from The Breakup Workbook to heal from your heartbreak and create your best life.

KENDRA ALLEN is a breakup coach, blogger, host of the Heal Your Heartbreak Podcast, and founder of Break Up Bestie. In 2017, she launched her Instagram account @YourBreakupBestie and began talking with thousands of people all over the world about what struggles they were going through post-breakup. Kendra launched her blog in 2018, online courses in 2019, and her popular podcast in 2020. Kendra has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Elite Daily, New York Post, Mind Body Green, and dozens of popular podcasts.

Mar 29, 202301:01:05
Episode 136: Rick Hanson, PhD ~ Making Great Relationships

Episode 136: Rick Hanson, PhD ~ Making Great Relationships

Dr. Rick Hanson speaks with @BanyenBooksSound on his new book Making Great Relationships—neuroscience, psychology, and the contemplative wisdom.

Rick Hanson, PhD, is a psychologist, senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times bestselling author. His books have been published in 30 languages and include Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Just One Thing, Buddha’s Brain, and Mother Nurture. A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA, he has been an invited speaker at NASA, Oxford, Stanford, Harvard, and other major universities, and he has taught in meditation centers worldwide. An expert on positive neuroplasticity, his work has been featured on the CBS, NPR, the BBC, and other major media. He began meditating in 1974 and is the founder of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom.

Mar 21, 202301:03:25
Episode 135: Pico Iyer ~ The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise

Episode 135: Pico Iyer ~ The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise

Pico Iyer, bestselling author and TED speaker, converses with @BanyenBooksSound on his new book, The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise.

Pico Iyer is the acclaimed and bestselling author of fifteen books, translated into twenty-three languages, including The Art of Stillness. He has been a constant contributor for more than thirty years to Time, The New York Times, Harper’s Magazine, and more than 250 other periodicals worldwide. His four recent talks for TED have received more than eleven million views. He has written the liner notes for Leonard Cohen albums, and his in depth conversations with the Dalai Lama have been published in the book, The Open Road.

Mar 21, 202301:03:07
Episode 134: Karen Casey - Each Day a New Beginning (40th Anniversary)

Episode 134: Karen Casey - Each Day a New Beginning (40th Anniversary)


Karen Casey shares life lessons and wisdom from her beloved classic Each Day a New Beginning, and celebrates the release its new 40th anniversary edition. Each Day a New Beginning defined a genre as the first daily meditation book for women, filled with encouraging meditations and  practices to lift readers up. With over 3 million copies sold and a  dedicated readership spanning over four decades, Karen Casey has cemented herself as a leading voice in the reflection and recovery space. Karen Casey is the author of several bestsellers including The Promise of a New Day, 52 Ways to Live the Course in Miracles, Let Go Now, and Codependence and the Power of Detachment.

Mar 12, 202359:26
Episode 133: Julia Cameron - Write for Life

Episode 133: Julia Cameron - Write for Life

Julia Cameron, author of 'The Artist's Way', shares wisdom and practices from her new book, 'Write for Life: Creative Tools for Every Writer'. 

Julia Cameron, hailed by the New York Times as “The Queen of Change,” is credited with starting a movement in 1992 that has brought creativity into the mainstream conversation—in the arts, in business, and in everyday life. She is the best-selling author of more than fourty books, fiction and nonfiction; a poet, songwriter, filmmaker and playwright. Commonly referred to as “The Godmother” or “High Priestess” of creativity, her tools are based in practice, not theory, and she considers herself “the floor sample of her own toolkit.” 'The Artist’s Way' has been translated into fourty languages and sold over five million copies to date.  

Joel Fotinos has been a publishing professional for many years, as well as a minister and author. After 21 years as a Vice-President and Publisher at Penguin Random House, Joel joined Macmillan to start a new mind/body/spirit imprint called St. Martin's Essentials. He and Julia have worked together for 26 years so far, and hope for many years to come.

Mar 12, 202301:02:38
Episode 132: Melody Beattie - Codependent No More

Episode 132: Melody Beattie - Codependent No More

@BanyenBooksSound hosts Melody Beattie in conversation about her revised and updated #1 bestselling, modern classic, Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. 

Melody Beattie is one of America’s most beloved self-help authors and a household name in addiction and recovery circles. Millions of readers have trusted Melody’s words of wisdom and guidance because she knows firsthand what they’re going through. Her international bestselling book, Codependent No More, introduced the world to the term ’codependency’ in 1986. She is the author of many bestselling books—including The Language of Letting Go, Playing It by Heart, The Grief Club, Beyond Codependency, and The Codependent No More Workbook. She lives in Southern California and is at work on an inspirational memoir.

Feb 02, 202358:24
Episode 131: Danielle Blackwood - A Lantern in The Dark

Episode 131: Danielle Blackwood - A Lantern in The Dark

Join Danielle Blackwood, Archetypal Astrologer, for the @BanyenBooksSoundVancouver launch of her book 'A Lantern in The Dark'. 

Danielle Blackwood is a professional astrologer with more than 30 years of experience and is certified in the principles and practice of Contemporary Psychological Astrology through world renowned astrologer and author, Erin Sullivan. Danielle is also a Registered Counseling Therapist (RCT) in private practice. Her therapeutic approach is transpersonal, archetypal, and person centered, and she holds a certificate in Jungian and Post Jungian Clinical Concepts through The Center of Applied Jungian Studies. Danielle has been a priestess and educator since 1994, facilitating workshops, retreats, classes and public ritual. She is the author of 'The Twelve Faces of The Goddess'. Danielle is a passionate lifelong student of folklore, mythology, and depth psychology, and helping others through their rites of passage when they find themselves in a dark wood, is at the heart of her work.

Feb 02, 202358:12
Episode 130: Iran & the Women's Movement ~ Mahnaz Afkhami & Samira Mohyeddin

Episode 130: Iran & the Women's Movement ~ Mahnaz Afkhami & Samira Mohyeddin

@BanyenBooksSoundVancouver  hosts Mahnaz Afkhami, leading women's rights advocate who served in the pre-1978 Cabinet of Iran, in conversation with CBC radio host Samira Mohyeddin in conversation on exile, protests, Iran, and the women's movement.

Mahnaz Afkhami is the founder, president, and CEO of Women’s Learning Partnership and former Minister for Women’s Affairs in Iran (1976-1978) . Afkhami has been a leading advocate of women's rights for more than four decades, having founded and served as director and president of several international non-governmental organizations that focus on advancing women's status. Afkhami also serves on advisory boards and steering committees of a number of national and international organizations including the Freer/Sackler Galleries of The Smithsonian Institution, the Foundation for Iranian Studies, The Global Fund for Women, Women’s Learning Partnership, Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, and the World Movement for Democracy. She is the author of several books that have been translated into numerous languages, and has appeared on the BBC, CNN, and PBS and in numerous television and radio interviews on NPR, BBC Persian, VOA Persian and other international outlets.  

Samira Mohyeddin is a multi-award-winning journalist, documentary maker, and producer at CBC Radio One’s The Current. She is the host of CBC's Unforked, a national radio program that picks apart the food we eat to reveal the culture and politics baked into it. Samira has a Master of Arts in Gender and modern Middle Eastern history from the University of Toronto. She is a trained Shakespearean actor and graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She also did genocide studies at the Zoryan Institute and is a graduate of Centennial College’s post graduate advanced journalism program. For more than 16 years, Samira has co-owned and operated Banu, a restaurant and market in Toronto's Queen West neighbourhood.

Jan 26, 202301:25:19
Episode 129: Dr. Valerie Mason-John - Afrikan Wisdom

Episode 129: Dr. Valerie Mason-John - Afrikan Wisdom

@BanyenBooks joins Valerie Mason-John (Vimalasara) for a conversation on her book, 'Afrikan Wisdom' — spiritual, political, and interdisciplinary anthology of wisdom stories from Black liberation leaders and teachers.

Vimalasara is an accredited Life Coach and Addictions Coach. They are also one of the founding facilitators of Dr Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry CI course. They are trained in both CI and Internal Family Systems IFS, and work as a Mindfulness Coach to help liberate people from the prison of their minds. They are ordained into the Triratna Community, and have been practising Buddhism for over 30 years.

Jan 10, 202359:52
Episode 127: Earth Magic: Elements of Witchcraft - Dodie Graham McKay

Episode 127: Earth Magic: Elements of Witchcraft - Dodie Graham McKay

Join Dodie Graham McKay for a presentation of practices and wisdom from her new book, 'Earth Magic: Elements of Witchcraft'. 

Dodie Graham McKay (Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, Canada) is an initiated Witch and independent filmmaker. Since the 1980s, she has been involved in magic, music, and other forms of media. Dodie is the founder of Moongazey Films Inc, has written for The Wild Hunt, and is active in her local art and magic communities.

Jan 05, 202301:00:00
Episode 126: Dr. Sue Johnson - Hold Me Tight

Episode 126: Dr. Sue Johnson - Hold Me Tight

Dr. Sue Johnson speaks on her new book, The Hold Me Tight Workbook. Dr. Johnson shares tools for couples to strengthen bonds and deepen intimacy. 

Dr. Sue Johnson is a leading innovator in the fields of couple therapy and adult attachment. She is the primary developer of Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy (EFT), which has demonstrated its effectiveness in over 30 years of peer-reviewed clinical research. She has received numerous awards acknowledging her development of EFT, including the APA’s “Family Psychologist of the Year” in 2016 and the Order of Canada in 2017.

Dec 31, 202201:08:17
Episode 125: How Psychedelics Can Help Save the World

Episode 125: How Psychedelics Can Help Save the World

Join Banyen Books for an illuminating panel discussion with Dennis McKenna, Belinda Eriacho, Stephen Gray, and Christopher Bache on 'How Psychedelics Can Help Save the World: Visionary and Indigenous Voices Speak Out'.  




Dec 30, 202202:17:51
Episode 124: Carmen Spagnola - The Spirited Kitchen

Episode 124: Carmen Spagnola - The Spirited Kitchen

Carmen Spagnola, Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef and trauma recovery practitioner, shares recipes and rituals for the Pagan Wheel of the Year. Carmen's work cross-pollinates themes of attachment, animism, myth and justice, supported by extensive training, certification, supervision and mentorship. Each month, she leads dozens of classes and somatic practice sessions in her membership community, The Numinous Network. Carmen has led workshops in Canada, the US, Sweden and Finland, and hosted The Numinous Podcast since 2014.

Dec 30, 202201:02:08
Episode 123: David Fenton & Judy Gumbo - Progressive Media Activism

Episode 123: David Fenton & Judy Gumbo - Progressive Media Activism

David Fenton shares lessons learned as one of the world's leading progressive media activists. 

David Fenton has been the driving force behind some of the most important and history-making campaigns of the last 50 years. In his extraordinary career as a visionary activist, he has learned first-hand what to do—and not to do—to propel progressive causes into the public eye and create real, impactful, lasting change. In his new book The Activist's Media Handbook, Fenton provides an essential toolkit for today’s activists: how to tell your story, captivate audiences, and inspire them to join the cause.

Dec 29, 202201:00:17
Episode 122: Brian Swimme, PhD - Cosmogenesis

Episode 122: Brian Swimme, PhD - Cosmogenesis

Join host and cocreator of PBS’s 'Journey of the Universe' for a fresh look at how the rich collision between science and spirituality has influenced contemporary consciousness. Brian Swimme will be discussing his new book 'Cosmogenesis: An Unveiling of the Expanding Universe'. 

Dr. Swimme is the author of 'The Hidden Heart of the Cosmos' and 'The Universe is a Green Dragon'. He is co-author of 'The Universe Story', which is the result of a ten year collaboration with cultural historian, Thomas Berry. Dr. Swimme is also the creator of three educational video series: Canticle to the Cosmos, The Earth’s Imagination, and The Powers of the Universe. Most recently he co-wrote and hosted the 60 minute film Journey of the Universe, broadcast on PBS television stations nationwide.

Dec 29, 202201:01:37
Episode 121: The Art of Money with Bari Tessler

Episode 121: The Art of Money with Bari Tessler

@BanyenBooksSoundVancouver  joins Bari Tessler, financial therapist, author, and founder of The Art of Money, for a discussion plus insights and practices from the The Art of Money Workbook.

Bari Tessler is a warm, compassionate guide with a Masters Degree in Somatic Psychology—and for over twenty years, her Art of Money methodology has helped thousands of people understand and navigate their financial life. Her gentle encouragement and practical tools will offer you new avenues for creativity and joy with an abundance of support.

Dec 21, 202201:02:30
Episode 120: Dr. Jerry Lynch - The Competitive Buddha: Sports, Leadership & Human Potential

Episode 120: Dr. Jerry Lynch - The Competitive Buddha: Sports, Leadership & Human Potential

 @BanyenBooksSoundVancouver  converses with Jerry Lynch, one of the world's leaders in the field of human potential through sports, on his new book 'The Competitive Buddha: How to Up Your Game in Sports, Leadership, and Life'. Jerry Lynch first learned about extraordinary performance and excellence as a nationally ranked competitive athlete sponsored by Nike, running world class times from 5,000 meters to the marathon, setting an American record in the half-marathon, winning a National Championship and many other other races against athletes half his age. He took what he learned about himself and life from his competitive days and parlayed it into a dynamic successful career helping athletes and coaches in all sports to use his strategies to up their game and discover the best version of themselves. His approach is deeply informed by Buddhism, Taoism, and other spiritual traditions.

Dec 21, 202201:18:38
Episode 119: Michelle Cassandra Johnson - Finding Refuge: Healing Collective Grief

Episode 119: Michelle Cassandra Johnson - Finding Refuge: Healing Collective Grief

Michelle Cassandra Johnson joins  @Banyen Books & Sound  for a conversation on Finding Refuge: Heart Work for Healing Collective Grief. MICHELLE CASSANDRA JOHNSON is a social justice warrior, author, dismantling racism trainer, empath, yoga teacher and practitioner, and an intuitive healer. With over 20 years of experience leading dismantling racism work and working with clients as a licensed clinical social worker, Johnson has a deep understanding of how trauma impacts the mind, body, spirit, and heart. She has led Dismantling Racism Trainings with large corporations, small nonprofits, and community groups, including the ACLU-WA, Duke University, Google, This American Life, The Center for Equity and Inclusion, Eno River Unitarian Universalist Church, Lululemon, and many others. She published Skill in Action in 2017 and teaches workshops nationwide.

Nov 26, 202201:04:32
Episode 118: Jennifer Freed ~ Map to Your Soul: Astrology of Fire, Earth, Air, & Water

Episode 118: Jennifer Freed ~ Map to Your Soul: Astrology of Fire, Earth, Air, & Water

Jennifer Freed, PhD, renowned psychological astrologer, joins  @Banyen Books & Sound in conversation about her new book, A Map to Your Soul: Using the Astrology of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water to Live Deeply and fully. Jennifer Freed, PhD, is a renowned psychological astrologer and social and emotional education trainer. She has spent over thirty-five years consulting clients and businesses worldwide on psychological, spiritual, and educational topics. A regular contributor to goop and Maria Shriver's newsletter The Sunday Paper, Jennifer has penned ten books relating to personal growth, and she has been interviewed for her expertise by the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, People Magazine, and Vogue.

Nov 25, 202257:53
Episode 117: Adriana Barton ~ Wired for Music
Nov 25, 202259:24
Episode 116: David Roche Interview with Banyen Books

Episode 116: David Roche Interview with Banyen Books

 @Banyen Books & Sound   joins David Roche for a conversation on his book, The Church of 80% Sincerity. David has transformed the challenges and gifts of living with a facial difference into a compelling message that uplifts and delights audiences around the world. The story of his heroic journey from shame to strength has inspired standing ovations from the White House and Kennedy Center to Olympics Arts Festivals, from New Zealand to Moscow, London to Sydney, and across North America. David presents keynote speeches and entertainment for corporate, association, disability and educational events of all kinds. David has been featured in four films, including Shameless, a feature-length documentary from the National Film Board. He recently received the Order of Canada. http://www.davidroche.com/

Nov 23, 202201:06:11