Duncan Trussell Family Hour

Episode 733: Jack Kornfield

Release Date: January 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This deeply reflective episode features world-renowned Buddhist teacher, author, and former monk Jack Kornfield. Host Duncan Trussell invites Jack to explore profound topics including birth, death, the mystery of consciousness, reincarnation, suffering, and joy, weaving in personal stories, mystical teachings, and poetic wisdom. Their conversation effortlessly blends humor and gravity, insight and playfulness, inviting listeners to touch the depths and beauty of being alive—especially in challenging times.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Mystery of Birth, Consciousness, and Reincarnation

(Starts ~00:00)

• Duncan describes the overwhelming experience of witnessing his newborn child express what appeared to be deep sadness, prompting questions about reincarnation and the continuity of consciousness.
• Jack responds by reflecting on the momentousness of birth:
  • "First, I'm just with you, Duncan, in that extraordinary moment when a new human being pops out and says, okay, world, I'm here." (03:03)
• He shares anecdotes of newborns embodying specific temperaments and touches on mystical experiences and past life regressions he's facilitated.
• Jack's View: Consciousness is not confined to the body; birth and death are mysterious portals. He recalls conversations with the Dalai Lama emphasizing curiosity:
  • “You think you’re your body, but the reality is you are consciousness that was born into this body. [...] When you die, you’re going to float out of your body. You’ll probably kind of take stock and say, wow, that was quite a ride.” (05:00-07:55)

2. Birth and Death as Portals to Mystery

(08:36)

• Jack draws parallels between being present at birth and death:
  • "They're the same. We have these portals into the mystery. When you're with a newborn, there's some sense of the miracle of life rebirthing itself." (08:36)
• He shares his wife Trudy’s experience of giving birth as a mystical connection to generations of women, highlighting the cyclical, generative nature of life.
• The act of witnessing death is described as “the birth from this body into the spirit.”
• Memorable Story: Ram Dass, when challenged by a Jewish woman about his Hindu practices, replies, “Remember, I’m only Jewish on my parents’ side,” illuminating the timeless nature of the self that transcends familial or religious identity. (10:33)

3. Remembering Our True Nature

(16:18)

• Duncan and Jack discuss that realized beings often seem as present and open as newborns:
  • “I think we’re all big talking babies.” (16:14)
• In India, there’s a saying that a newborn prays not to forget who they truly are, but then laments, “Oh, I'm forgetting already.”
• Jack: “Who you are is something timeless... you are consciousness, right? That’s who you are. You are spirit and we know it.” (11:00–12:00)

4. Wisdom from Nature and Children

(18:45)

• Jack shares a poem from an Australian elder that frames life as intimately interconnected:
  • “That tree, same thing. Your body, my body, I suppose, same as you. [...] Star, he working for you... Tree, grass, all working for you.” (16:58–18:45)
• Duncan: Actualized beings don’t have to be remote gurus—nature, especially trees, can be advanced teachers in pure giving.
• Jack: The presence and playfulness of young children and animals reminds us of our “child of the spirit”—the ever-joyful, innocent aspect within us all.
  • Poem: “My daughter wouldn’t hurt a spider... That’s how others become refugees, isn’t it, Mom?” (21:17)

5. Duality, Suffering, and the Dance of Life

(23:02–27:44)

• Jack: “We’re in the dance of joy and sorrow and birth and death and hot and cold and sweet and sour. [...] That’s what it means to come into form in this universe.”
• Everything arises and passes; making peace with impermanence brings a special joy and belonging to life’s “eternal game.”
  • “No amount of technology […] is going to stop continuing warfare, continuing climate change, continuing racism and destruction, because they’re all born in the human heart. And unless the human heart awakens to this mystery, we’re going to keep repeating that.” (23:39–25:15)
• Key Quotes:
  • “Despair is an insult to the imagination.” – Wade Davis (25:15)
  • "When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won." – Gandhi (25:17)
• Love versus Fear: Fear arises from perceived separateness; recognizing deep connection enables greater joy and compassion.

6. Surviving, Loving, and Humanity’s Tenderness

(31:43–35:01)

• Duncan confesses his neurotic sadness at touching the “unquantifiable” inner world, echoed in others such as Ram Dass.
  • “Right next door to everyone’s twisted, sad, warped, confused, deluded heart is this place that you’re talking about […] I always feel like crying. It makes me sad.” (27:44–31:43)
• Jack: Suffering is inherent (Buddha’s 1st noble truth), but much of our pain is from wishing things were different. True liberation comes from loving our neuroses and the compassion that follows.
  • “There are two kinds of suffering... The pain that is just woven into birth and death and joy and sorrow... and the real suffering is what we add to it: I want it to be different...”
• "The heart becomes so tender because you look at all sides and you say, how did it get there?" (34:08)

7. Love, Sacrifice, and the Limits of Compassion

(35:01–40:00)

• Duncan: As a father, it’s difficult not to live in fear of losing his children.
• Jack: Parental love arises from a place beneath everything else, but it’s mysterious why it’s harder to extend this love with the same intensity to others' children.
  • “The game is to... widen the circle of compassion, to see that the world is your family.” (40:01)

8. The Power of Stories, Dignity, and Meditation

(41:31–48:46)

• Jack describes his book, All in This Together, as primarily storytelling:
  • Story of a child feeling “seen” by a waitress: “She thinks I’m real.” (40:31)
• Meditation isn’t a “grim duty”—its purpose is to bring presence and compassion to all of life, including resistance and neurosis.
  • “The point of meditation is just to be here, so you can actually be here for this life, for yourself, for the things you care about, to be freer.” (45:51)
  • “You can shift from trying to change who you are to... make a field of presence and courage, and it’s really the courage to love it all and say, okay, I’m going to sit and love... the whole whatever.” (47:53)

9. The Ripple Effect of Small Actions and Everyday Grace

(49:34–59:53)

• Jack shares the “Snowflake” story: Tiny, seemingly insignificant acts can tip the balance and create peace.
  • “Perhaps there’s only one person’s voice lacking for peace to be created on this earth.” (51:52)
• Daily life offers endless opportunities for grace and holy connection, even at a tire shop waiting room:
  • “Anywhere we share stories, grace flows between us. [...] Suddenly an ordinary day becomes holy ground.” (58:02)
• Intentional Pause: Pausing in difficult moments (mindful breath) and asking, “What’s my highest intention?” can instantly shift us back to love and connection.

10. Final Thoughts: The Joy in Being and Not Knowing

(59:43–end)

• Jack: "Now and then, it’s good to pause in your pursuit of happiness and just be happy." – Guillaume Apollinaire (59:43)
• Duncan: “I absolutely do despair!” (in good humor).
• Jack: "You can be happy in it. Savory. That’s good." (60:11)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You are consciousness that was born into this body. You're the play of consciousness.” – Jack Kornfield (05:00–07:55)
• “Despair is an insult to the imagination.” – Jack Kornfield quoting Wade Davis (25:15)
• “When I despair, I remember that all through history, the way of truth and love has always won... they always fall. Think about it. Always.” – Jack Kornfield quoting Gandhi (25:17)
• “The real suffering is what we add to it: I want it to be different. I don’t want it to change.” – Jack Kornfield (33:07)
• “Perhaps there’s only one person’s voice lacking for peace to be created on this earth.” – Jack Kornfield, retelling Kurt Kauer’s story (51:52)
• “Now and then, it’s good to pause in your pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” – Jack Kornfield quoting Apollinaire (59:43)
• “Who you are in this life is not limited to your family or your history. Who you are is something timeless.” – Jack Kornfield (10:33)

Highlighted Timestamps

• 00:00–03:03: Duncan welcomes Jack, shares newborn story, opens questions on reincarnation
• 05:00–07:55: Jack recounts sharing mystical views with his dying father
• 08:36: Parallels between witnessing birth, death, and the mystery of being
• 16:14–18:45: “We’re all talking babies”; wisdom from an Australian indigenous elder
• 25:15: “Despair is an insult to the imagination.” – Wade Davis
• 40:31: Story about dignity and being seen: The hot dog and the child
• 45:51–47:53: Discussing meditation, curiosity, and loving one’s resistance
• 51:52: The “Snowflake” story—tiny actions create tipping points for peace
• 58:02: Everyday Grace poem—holiness found in ordinary places
• 59:43: “Pause in your pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” – Guillaume Apollinaire

Tone & Style

• The conversation is open-hearted, often humorous and self-deprecating (especially by Duncan), and gently mystical. Jack’s wisdom is delivered with warmth, humility, and practical insight, grounded in storytelling and poetry.

Recommendations

For Listeners:
This episode is especially resonant for those navigating new parenthood, grappling with questions of meaning and suffering, or seeking to deepen their practice of presence and compassion. Jack Kornfield’s book, All in This Together, is recommended for further stories and teachings on loving each other and our world.

Links:

• Jack Kornfield: All in This Together – Stories and Teachings for Loving Each Other and Our World (Book referenced in conversation)