Skip to main content
Bite Size Wise

Bite Size Wise

By Greg Lauer

Exploring timeless wisdom, challenging conventional wisdom, and examining new ideas in about 10 minutes, almost every day. Become a Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/bitesizewise/subscribe and gain access to premium, longer discussion episodes, interview episodes, subscriber-only AMA's, and gratitude shout-outs on every episode produced during your subscription.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 33: Ep. 33 - Truth Does NOT Evolve

Bite Size WiseFeb 03, 2021

00:00
08:33
Ep. 67 - Well, That's Interesting

Ep. 67 - Well, That's Interesting

This episode ties together the idea of controlling the space between a stimulus and our response, and the idea that nothing around us has any meaning except the meaning we assign it. And I talk about one way we can start to eliminate the negatives around us, by seeing them as neutral instead.

Mar 22, 202208:53
Ep. 66 - Perspective: Use It or Lose It

Ep. 66 - Perspective: Use It or Lose It

In this episode, I discuss a passage from the book "Illusions" by Richard Bach. And I discuss how that passage relates to both the Buddha AND to Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich." And I start with a shameless plug for my other podcast, Illusions, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Mar 17, 202211:42
Ep. 65 - Life is Too Darn Short to Argue

Ep. 65 - Life is Too Darn Short to Argue

In this episode I talk about another verse from the Dhammapada (loosely translated as The Path to Truth) and talk about how we can put this verse into action in our lives and make our own lives, and the world around us, a better place to live.

My gratitude goes out to Anchor.fm for sponsoring this episode.

Mar 15, 202206:49
Ep. 64 - Only Love Can End Hatred

Ep. 64 - Only Love Can End Hatred

I recently started studying the Dhammapada, the teachings of the historical Buddha. And today I discuss verse 5, which teaches that only love can put an end to hatred. I'm sure you've heard that message from hundreds of other people. But taking a look at the world around us, we can easily see the message needs to be heard again. And again.

Mar 11, 202208:21
Ep. 63 - No Such Thing as Doing Nothing

Ep. 63 - No Such Thing as Doing Nothing

In this episode, I offer my perspective on the idea of doing nothing. I don't think it's possible. I think we can do good things, or not so good things, but even if we're very successful at doing nothing, we're still doing something. 

Mar 02, 202209:36
Episode 8: Ep. 8 - Not a Normal Episode

Episode 8: Ep. 8 - Not a Normal Episode

These were my raw thoughts about the events that unfolded at the Capitol on Jan 6, 2021. Because these thoughts could be controversial to many, and because I want to move past these events, I have made this a subscriber-only episode.

With the events that unfolded at the US Capitol today, this is not a normal episode. Hopefully things return to normal and hopefully we'll be back with another normal episode tomorrow.

Feb 26, 202204:11
Ep.62 - Choose a New Past to Create a New Future

Ep.62 - Choose a New Past to Create a New Future

After reading "You can always choose a new future, or a new past" today (thank you to Richard Bach, in "Illusions") I realized I can look at my past in a completely different way. And THAT can help me create a whole new, fully empowered future. I hope you'll join me on the journey.

Feb 26, 202210:37
Ep. 61 - Why bother living an uphappy life?

Ep. 61 - Why bother living an uphappy life?

With a HUGE hat tip to Richard Bach and The Messiah's Handbook...this simple little question, "Why bother living an unhappy life?" has wrecked me today. This simple little question has really grabbed me by the shoulders and shaken me around and made me re-think whether or not I'm willing to continue settling for what I'm settling for. Maybe it will do the same for you.

Feb 25, 202206:38
Ep. 60 - Stop Arguing with Yourself Against Yourself

Ep. 60 - Stop Arguing with Yourself Against Yourself

"Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they're yours." - Richard Bach in "Illusions." This is the topic of today's episode. And I also have an idea on how we can stop arguing for our own limitations. 

Feb 23, 202208:48
Ep. 59 - What Do You Mean?

Ep. 59 - What Do You Mean?

In this episode, I start to explore the idea that nothing around us has any meaning or value...except the meaning or value that WE GIVE to it.

Feb 22, 202210:33
Ep. 58 - Are You a Pipe or a Bucket?

Ep. 58 - Are You a Pipe or a Bucket?

In this episode, I want you to be more of a pipe than a bucket. If you're already a pipe, then AWESOME! But if you are a bucket, poke some holes in the bottom and start to let things flow through you, more like a pipe. Hat Tip to my former pastor Matt Heard (http://mattheard.org) for making me a pipe 15 years ago.

Feb 18, 202206:56
Ep. 57 - Do You Think Short or Long?

Ep. 57 - Do You Think Short or Long?

In this episode, a situation at my workplace has me pondering short term thinking vs long term thinking. I know which one I think is more effective and hopefully I can convince you to see it the same way.

Feb 17, 202208:42
Ep. 56 - Make the Best Use of the Data

Ep. 56 - Make the Best Use of the Data

In this episode, I talk about an idea I overheard today when two software engineers were talking about a computer programming problem. Funny how life gives you interesting ideas in the least interesting places.

Feb 15, 202208:27
Ep. 55 - Superbowl Sunday Reveals Who Did the Work

Ep. 55 - Superbowl Sunday Reveals Who Did the Work

In this episode, I talk about how Superbowl Sunday and Olympic Games reveal who did the work, who put in the extra reps, who put in the extra hours of preparation so they could be ready to see, and seize, opportunities. There's a HUGE lesson there for all of us.

Feb 14, 202205:58
Ep. 54 - Stop Giving Your Approval by Default

Ep. 54 - Stop Giving Your Approval by Default

In this episode, I talk about the fact that we are constantly giving our consent, our permission, our stamp of approval to results in our lives, even if we don't want those results. And most of the time, we are giving our consent because we just don't use our power of consent wisely.

Feb 11, 202210:05
Ep. 53 - A Slightly New Perspective on Goals and Discipline

Ep. 53 - A Slightly New Perspective on Goals and Discipline

In this episode I talk about adopting a slightly new perspective on goals and discipline and how this new perspective is making a very big difference for me in creating the results I want to create this year.

Feb 09, 202211:19
Ep. 52 - Ok. And? Time to take that courageous step.

Ep. 52 - Ok. And? Time to take that courageous step.

Today's episode gives me a chance to encourage you to take that step on faith. Launch your podcast. Write your book. Write your blog post and hit the Publish button. Don't listen to any naysayer. In fact, when someone challenges you on your step toward your dream, just look at them and say, "Ok. And...?"  And know that someone believes in you! (Hint...it's me!)

Feb 08, 202210:51
Ep. 51 - It's Time to Concentrate

Ep. 51 - It's Time to Concentrate

In this episode, we wrap up the Eightfold Path by talking about "Right Concentration" through meditation. We'll revisit the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in the future, but for now, this brings this short series of episodes to the conclusion.

Feb 07, 202211:51
Ep. 50 - Oh no! Not another thing on mindfulness!

Ep. 50 - Oh no! Not another thing on mindfulness!

In this episode, I talk about the Buddha's "Right Awareness" idea. And try to make this a little different, and a little simpler, than the other 43-kajillion mindfulness things out there.

Feb 04, 202211:14
Ep. 49 - Doing the Right Things for the Right Reason

Ep. 49 - Doing the Right Things for the Right Reason

In this episode, I discuss the idea of Right Diligence and Effort. In other words, doing the right things for the right reasons. This is the 6th part of the Eightfold Path as taught by the historical figure we call The Buddha.

Feb 03, 202211:01
Ep. 48 - How Do You Earn Your Living?

Ep. 48 - How Do You Earn Your Living?

Continuing the series on the Buddha's Eightfold Path to Awakening, today I talk about Right/Proper/Wholesome Livelihood. In other words, how do you earn your living? Is there a right way and a wrong way? According to the Buddha, there IS.

Feb 02, 202209:47
Ep. 47 - Actions Probably Speak Louder Than Words

Ep. 47 - Actions Probably Speak Louder Than Words

In this episode, we continue with our discussion of the Eightfold Path to Awakening, focusing on "Right Action." And we take a look at a sort of Buddhist 10 Commandments. (I'm just kidding!)

Feb 01, 202211:24
Ep. 46 - What Did You Mean by That?

Ep. 46 - What Did You Mean by That?

Today, I take a look at the third part of the Eightfold Path, which is often translated as "Right Speech." And I also want to say Thank You to my Nana. Listen to this episode and you'll hear why.

Jan 31, 202211:52
Ep. 45 - Why Are You Doing That?

Ep. 45 - Why Are You Doing That?

In this episode, we are looking at the second part of the Eightfold Path, which relates to our emotions, aspirations, and intentions. This is all about doing what you do from a place of loving kindness and compassion...for your Self and for Others.

Jan 31, 202211:20
Ep. 44 - You Really Have to Get It

Ep. 44 - You Really Have to Get It

The first episode about the Buddha's Eightfold Path to Awakening (Nirvana...not the band). This is all about understanding the true, no kidding, true nature of reality.

Jan 29, 202208:29
Ep. 43 - The Fourth Noble Truth of the Buddha

Ep. 43 - The Fourth Noble Truth of the Buddha

Today, I talk about the Buddha's Fourth Noble Truth and then provide a short introduction to the Eightfold Path to our Awakening.

For a short summary of the Four Noble Truths and everything else I am learning about Buddhism, please visit my website at https://greglauer.com/buddhism/ . Thank you for listening. If you find value in the podcast, please tell a friend about the podcast. And if you have a minute to spare, please leave a rating a review on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jan 28, 202210:02
Ep. 42 - The Third Noble Truth of the Buddha

Ep. 42 - The Third Noble Truth of the Buddha

This episode provides a short overview of the Buddha's Third Noble Truth, that all of our suffering can be ended. And then I'll explore some of the hidden ironies this Noble Truth contains. For example, if our suffering can be ended by learning to let go of our attachments to the things in this world, it is easy to become attached to the practice of releasing our attachment...bringing us right back where we started. This is the third in a series of episodes about the Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Jan 27, 202210:32
Ep. 41 - The Second Noble Truth of the Buddha

Ep. 41 - The Second Noble Truth of the Buddha

This episode provides a short overview of the Buddha's Second Noble Truth, that all of our suffering has a cause, and then we start to explore that idea in the context of our Western mindset. This is the second in a series of episodes about the Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Jan 26, 202208:26
Ep. 40 - The First Noble Truth from the Buddha

Ep. 40 - The First Noble Truth from the Buddha

I want to provide a short overview of the Buddha's First Noble Truth (most often translated as "life is suffering") and start to explore it in the context of our Western mindset. This is the first in a series of episodes about the Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Jan 25, 202209:05
Ep. 39 - We're Back!

Ep. 39 - We're Back!

This is the first episode in almost a year (about 350 days or so) and I just want to reintroduce the podcast. We will start regular episodes tomorrow.

Jan 25, 202206:38
Episode 38: Ep. 38 - Follow the Science

Episode 38: Ep. 38 - Follow the Science

Whenever someone tells me to follow the science, I have to stop and ask if they really understand what they mean by those words. Most people don't.
Feb 10, 202110:00
Episode 37: Ep. 37 - Insane Courage

Episode 37: Ep. 37 - Insane Courage

Just 20 seconds of insane courage... (hat tip, "Honey, We Bought a Zoo" starring Matt Damon)
Feb 07, 202109:12
Episode 36: Ep. 36 - Being Honest

Episode 36: Ep. 36 - Being Honest

We are surrounded by people who will not, or cannot, be honest. The challenge for you is to start being honest all the time in order to start changing the world around you.
Feb 06, 202109:51
Episode 35: Ep. 35 - Temperance

Episode 35: Ep. 35 - Temperance

In the stoic mindset, this really means self-restraint or self-control. And most of us already know what that means. Or do we?
Feb 05, 202107:30
Episode 34: Ep. 34 - Justice

Episode 34: Ep. 34 - Justice

When you say the word "justice," what do you really mean by that word? It's worth exploring, starting today.
Feb 04, 202110:54
Episode 33: Ep. 33 - Truth Does NOT Evolve

Episode 33: Ep. 33 - Truth Does NOT Evolve

Truth does not evolve. By its nature and definition it is unchanging and objective. Our understanding of truth is subject to change as WE evolve.
Feb 03, 202108:33
Episode 32: Ep. 32 - Courage

Episode 32: Ep. 32 - Courage

It is simply the willingness to choose to do the right thing. Period. But...
Feb 02, 202110:57
Episode 31: Ep. 31 - Wisdom

Episode 31: Ep. 31 - Wisdom

You will never learn what you think you already know. That is the essence of wisdom.
Feb 01, 202109:12
Episode 30: Ep. 30 - Grateful for Obstacles

Episode 30: Ep. 30 - Grateful for Obstacles

Whenever you run into an obstacle on your way to your goals, be grateful! That obstacle is trying to get your attention so that you will learn what you need to learn on the way to success.
Jan 31, 202109:26
Episode 29: Ep. 29 - You Like What You Like

Episode 29: Ep. 29 - You Like What You Like

If we all just paused long enough to remember "You Like What You Like" there would be a lot less arguing and anger.
Jan 30, 202109:25
Episode 28: Ep. 28 - Seeking Wise Counsel

Episode 28: Ep. 28 - Seeking Wise Counsel

When you have a big decision to make, the best thing you can do is to find people you can trust to give you good advice, ask good questions, and help you see things from another perspective.
Jan 29, 202108:46
Episode 27: Ep. 27 - From a Moment of Grief

Episode 27: Ep. 27 - From a Moment of Grief

Today's episode comes right in the middle of a moment of grief for me. We lost a dear family friend a short time before I recorded this episode and I am challenging you to tell the people you care about, just how you feel.
Jan 28, 202104:40
Episode 26: Ep. 26 - Decide Before You Need To

Episode 26: Ep. 26 - Decide Before You Need To

You can save yourself an ENORMOUS amount of time and stress by making many of your decisions well in advance.
Jan 27, 202106:48
Episode 25: Ep. 25 - What is in There

Episode 25: Ep. 25 - What is in There

When you squeeze an orange you get orange juice. Why? Because that's what is in there. When you get squeezed, what comes out? What is in there. Let's change what is in there.
Jan 26, 202106:52
Episode 24: Ep. 24 - Congruent, To Be or Not to Be

Episode 24: Ep. 24 - Congruent, To Be or Not to Be

When you realize your behaviors are not congruent with the goals you say are important, you need to take a step back and ask yourself why.
Jan 25, 202108:05
Episode 23: Ep. 23 - Learn from Everyone

Episode 23: Ep. 23 - Learn from Everyone

Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, you come into contact with can teach you something. Are you being wise enough to learn?
Jan 24, 202105:14
Episode 22: Ep. 22 - Get Back on the Horse

Episode 22: Ep. 22 - Get Back on the Horse

When life gets in the way, and you miss a whole day of to-do list items on the way to your goals, what do you do? You get back on the horse and pick up where you left off.
Jan 23, 202109:52
Episode 21: Ep. 21 - Question Your Assumptions

Episode 21: Ep. 21 - Question Your Assumptions

One of the best things you can do to kickstart your growth is to question your assumptions.
Jan 20, 202109:28
Episode 20: Ep. 20 - MLK Day Reflections

Episode 20: Ep. 20 - MLK Day Reflections

#MLKDay reflections, thinking about how much further we still have to do to realize Dr. King's dream.
Jan 19, 202110:29
Episode 19: Ep. 19 - Measured and Managed Maybe

Episode 19: Ep. 19 - Measured and Managed Maybe

The old idea that what gets measured gets managed might be completely wrong. Maybe.
Jan 18, 202108:07