From Wall Street to Stillness: Tom Cronin on Meditation & Fulfillment

Episode Overview

Podcast: The Amazing Authorities Podcast
Host: Mitch Carson
Guest: Tom Cronin
Episode Title: From Wall Street to Stillness: Tom Cronin on Meditation & Fulfillment
Date: August 26, 2025

In this deeply insightful episode, host Mitch Carson sits down with Tom Cronin—former Wall Street broker turned meditation teacher and author—to explore the journey from high-pressure finance to spiritual depth and inner stillness. They delve into meditation’s practical and mystical dimensions, its impact on health, sleep, and fulfillment, and how spiritual awareness integrates with worldly success. Tom shares the story of his personal transformation, explains the difference between spirituality and religion, and discusses how meditation can help anyone—from busy executives to everyday families—access greater peace, productivity, and meaning in their lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tom Cronin’s Journey: Finance to Fulfillment

Tom’s Background:
- Tom spent years as a high-performing broker on international finance trading floors, embracing the "Wolf of Wall Street" lifestyle. (02:15)
- The pressures and excesses led to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
Catalyst for Change:
- “I came across an interview with a large property developer on TV… he touched on how he used transcendental meditation. And for me, that was a light bulb moment.” – Tom (03:11)
- Began exploring meditation in his 20s to manage stress, eventually becoming a full-time meditation teacher and retreat leader. (04:07)

2. What is Transcendental (Vedic) Meditation?

Distinctive Approach:
- “One thing I loved about this process is this idea of transcending… to go beyond. Beyond the thinking mind…beyond even the physical mass... We enter the unified field, or the field of the unbounded and the infinite. This is what we call turiya in Sanskrit, the fourth state.” – Tom (06:14)
Contrast with Other Practices:
- Not just relaxation, visualization, or brief moments of peace—Vedic/TM is designed to take practitioners to a state of deep, expansive consciousness. (05:49)

3. The Integration of Science and Spirituality

Philosophical Roots:
- Tom emphasizes the depth of the Vedic tradition: “It’s not just about, here’s a technique, go and use it. It’s about understanding a lot more about the Eastern philosophy and spirituality and the mechanics of the universe and the quantum field.” (08:14)
Practical & Theoretical Validation:
- Drawing inspiration from his mother, a science teacher, Tom values both the “prac [practical] and theory” sides of meditation. (08:28)
Retreats:
- Tom runs meditation retreats in Bali (near Ubud) and Australia (near Byron Bay), with a mix of immersive practice and philosophical discussion. (09:00, 09:15, 09:24)

4. Addressing Trauma, Personal Experience, and Warmth

Human Side:
- Lighthearted conversation about dogs and personal fears connects Tom’s approachability to his teachings.
  - “I was only like 8 years old, so…” – Tom, sharing about his childhood dog bite and its impact. (11:19)
- Even after trauma, he owns a cavoodle—“a very popular dog here in Australia… they are very much lap dogs. They love sitting on your lap and very affectionate.” (11:26, 11:43)
On Pets and Serenity:
- “There’s this unconditional love… and they have this ability to light up a room.” (12:02)

5. Spirituality vs. Religion

No Boundaries vs. Framework:
- “Spirituality has no boundaries, no systems, no protocols, no rules, no regulations. It is a subtle field… Religion is a great framework… to commune and connect with God or Source… but as humans get involved… and create all these dogmas and frameworks… it becomes more about the structure than… union with that infinite oneness.” – Tom (12:44)
Personal Story:
- Raised Catholic, Tom values both the structure and the freedom to “transcend the boundaries and limits of that religion and… experience just more of a oneness and communion with God.” (13:54)

6. The Measurable Impact of Meditation

Immediate Benefits Noted in Retreats and Courses:
- “They start sleeping better… less emotionally reactive… increased productivity, efficiency, generally better relationships, better health and wellness.” – Tom (16:16)
Longer-term Gains:
- Deeper inquiry leads to “greater levels of expansion of consciousness… more of a non dualistic unified experience with the field and more interconnectedness with the universe.” (17:33)

7. Money, Ambition, and Spiritual Practice

Reconciling Material Success and Inner Peace:
- “Ram Dass… said once ‘Seek enlightenment, but make sure you pay your electricity bill.’” – Tom quoting Ram Dass (18:29)
Meditation as a Tool for Peak Performance:
- “Ray Dalio… tweeted the key ingredient to his success was his meditation practice… Oprah Winfrey… also did transcendental meditation. She said, ‘It is only from that space, the space of stillness, that you create your best work and your best life.’” – Tom (19:00)
- Meditation can boost productivity, creativity, business success—not just well-being. (20:18)
- “It’s not a definitive that if you meditate, you’re going to be rich… but it can definitely help you be more productive, more healthy, and more sustainable with the things that you’re doing.” (20:35)

8. Tom’s Books, Film & How to Connect

Books:
- Faster, Deeper Calm – available on his website tomcronin.com (21:09)
- The Portal – book and acclaimed film project about how meditation transformed six people’s lives; film can be watched for free at EnterThePortal.com (21:27)
  - "The film is for free. And it's a beautiful film about six people that go through crisis and they find the tool of meditation and that brings them out of crisis." (21:41)
Workshops & Retreats:
- Annual Bali retreat (next: Sept 13th–18th, 2025) (23:34)
- Byron Bay, Australia retreat (March 2026) (23:47)
- Regular Vedic meditation/TM courses worldwide and via Zoom (23:49)
How to Reach Tom:
- Instagram: @tomcronin (23:15)
- Website: tomcronin.com (23:25)

9. The Ultimate Message: Inner Fulfillment

What Humanity Needs Now:
- “We have to become more conscious, more creative and more awake and not be in this outcome oriented fulfillment state. ... What we wanted to cultivate is an internal state of fulfillment that arises from within.” – Tom (22:23)
Closing Spirit:
- Mitch: “I found myself off camera and now I’m in the real life again. I was in a meditative state, Tom. That’s where you took me. I had transcended into the celestial. Now I’m back to Earth in Las Vegas talking to you.” (24:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Turning Point:
- “For me personally, how I got into it was, gosh, about 30 years ago now. I was a broker in finance and I was very much Wolf of Wall street… lots of very late nights, lots of working hard, lots of drugs and partying. And this led to eventually a lot of anxiety, panic attacks, depression.” – Tom Cronin (02:25–03:04)
On Transcending the Mind:
- “When we transcend, we realize…we enter the unified field, or the field of the unbounded and the infinite. This is what we call turiya in Sanskrit, the fourth state. And now we’re into this experience of conscious awareness itself, not confined to a thought, feeling, or a physical form.” – Tom Cronin (06:05)
On Spirituality vs Religion:
- “Religion is a great framework for us… to commune and connect with God or Source or the unbounded or the infinite. But… it becomes more about the framework and the structure than it does about what the framework and structure is supposed to do, which is connect us in union with that infinite oneness.” – Tom Cronin (13:04)
On Measurable Results:
- “First things are kind of surface level things. They start sleeping better…I quiet the mind with meditation and reduce the cortisol…better relationships, better health and wellness. Their body as an ecosystem and a biological system starts working more efficiently.” – Tom Cronin (16:14)
On Money and Mindfulness:
- “Ram Dass… said once, ‘Seek enlightenment, but make sure you pay your electricity bill.’” – Tom Cronin (18:29)
- “It is only from that space, the space of stillness, that you create your best work and your best life.” – Oprah Winfrey quoted by Tom (19:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tom’s Wall Street Past & Meditation Discovery: 01:59–04:17
What is Vedic/Transcendental Meditation? 05:49–07:10
The Science & Teaching Philosophy Behind Tom’s Practice: 08:06–09:13
Retreat Offerings in Bali and Byron Bay: 09:00–09:24
Spirituality vs. Religion: 12:44–14:55
Impact and Measurable Benefits of Meditation: 16:12–17:48
Balancing Wealth, Career & Stillness: 18:24–20:47
Books and The Portal Film Project: 21:09–22:19
Upcoming Retreat Dates and Contact Info: 23:15–23:49
Closing Reflections & Takeaways: 24:49–25:12

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a compelling blueprint for anyone feeling stuck, overstressed, or seeking more meaning in a fast-paced, transactional world. Tom Cronin seamlessly weaves together his own dramatic transformation, the science and philosophy of meditation, and practical steps for bringing more calm and consciousness into daily life—and success. Whether you’re a high-achiever, spiritual seeker, or simply meditation-curious, you’ll find both inspiration and actionable ideas here.

Connect with Tom:

Website: tomcronin.com
Instagram: @tomcronin
Film & Book: entertheportal.com

Noteworthy Dates:

Bali Retreat: September 13–18, 2025
Byron Bay Retreat: March 2026

For more transformative insights from extraordinary authorities, subscribe to The Amazing Authorities Podcast with Mitch Carson.

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tom Cronin’s Journey: Finance to Fulfillment

Tom’s Background:
- Tom spent years as a high-performing broker on international finance trading floors, embracing the "Wolf of Wall Street" lifestyle. (02:15)
- The pressures and excesses led to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
Catalyst for Change:
- “I came across an interview with a large property developer on TV… he touched on how he used transcendental meditation. And for me, that was a light bulb moment.” – Tom (03:11)
- Began exploring meditation in his 20s to manage stress, eventually becoming a full-time meditation teacher and retreat leader. (04:07)

2. What is Transcendental (Vedic) Meditation?

Distinctive Approach:
- “One thing I loved about this process is this idea of transcending… to go beyond. Beyond the thinking mind…beyond even the physical mass... We enter the unified field, or the field of the unbounded and the infinite. This is what we call turiya in Sanskrit, the fourth state.” – Tom (06:14)
Contrast with Other Practices:
- Not just relaxation, visualization, or brief moments of peace—Vedic/TM is designed to take practitioners to a state of deep, expansive consciousness. (05:49)

3. The Integration of Science and Spirituality

Philosophical Roots:
- Tom emphasizes the depth of the Vedic tradition: “It’s not just about, here’s a technique, go and use it. It’s about understanding a lot more about the Eastern philosophy and spirituality and the mechanics of the universe and the quantum field.” (08:14)
Practical & Theoretical Validation:
- Drawing inspiration from his mother, a science teacher, Tom values both the “prac [practical] and theory” sides of meditation. (08:28)
Retreats:
- Tom runs meditation retreats in Bali (near Ubud) and Australia (near Byron Bay), with a mix of immersive practice and philosophical discussion. (09:00, 09:15, 09:24)

4. Addressing Trauma, Personal Experience, and Warmth

Human Side:
- Lighthearted conversation about dogs and personal fears connects Tom’s approachability to his teachings.
  - “I was only like 8 years old, so…” – Tom, sharing about his childhood dog bite and its impact. (11:19)
- Even after trauma, he owns a cavoodle—“a very popular dog here in Australia… they are very much lap dogs. They love sitting on your lap and very affectionate.” (11:26, 11:43)
On Pets and Serenity:
- “There’s this unconditional love… and they have this ability to light up a room.” (12:02)

5. Spirituality vs. Religion

No Boundaries vs. Framework:
- “Spirituality has no boundaries, no systems, no protocols, no rules, no regulations. It is a subtle field… Religion is a great framework… to commune and connect with God or Source… but as humans get involved… and create all these dogmas and frameworks… it becomes more about the structure than… union with that infinite oneness.” – Tom (12:44)
Personal Story:
- Raised Catholic, Tom values both the structure and the freedom to “transcend the boundaries and limits of that religion and… experience just more of a oneness and communion with God.” (13:54)

6. The Measurable Impact of Meditation

Immediate Benefits Noted in Retreats and Courses:
- “They start sleeping better… less emotionally reactive… increased productivity, efficiency, generally better relationships, better health and wellness.” – Tom (16:16)
Longer-term Gains:
- Deeper inquiry leads to “greater levels of expansion of consciousness… more of a non dualistic unified experience with the field and more interconnectedness with the universe.” (17:33)

7. Money, Ambition, and Spiritual Practice

Reconciling Material Success and Inner Peace:
- “Ram Dass… said once ‘Seek enlightenment, but make sure you pay your electricity bill.’” – Tom quoting Ram Dass (18:29)
Meditation as a Tool for Peak Performance:
- “Ray Dalio… tweeted the key ingredient to his success was his meditation practice… Oprah Winfrey… also did transcendental meditation. She said, ‘It is only from that space, the space of stillness, that you create your best work and your best life.’” – Tom (19:00)
- Meditation can boost productivity, creativity, business success—not just well-being. (20:18)
- “It’s not a definitive that if you meditate, you’re going to be rich… but it can definitely help you be more productive, more healthy, and more sustainable with the things that you’re doing.” (20:35)

8. Tom’s Books, Film & How to Connect

Books:
- Faster, Deeper Calm – available on his website tomcronin.com (21:09)
- The Portal – book and acclaimed film project about how meditation transformed six people’s lives; film can be watched for free at EnterThePortal.com (21:27)
  - "The film is for free. And it's a beautiful film about six people that go through crisis and they find the tool of meditation and that brings them out of crisis." (21:41)
Workshops & Retreats:
- Annual Bali retreat (next: Sept 13th–18th, 2025) (23:34)
- Byron Bay, Australia retreat (March 2026) (23:47)
- Regular Vedic meditation/TM courses worldwide and via Zoom (23:49)
How to Reach Tom:
- Instagram: @tomcronin (23:15)
- Website: tomcronin.com (23:25)

9. The Ultimate Message: Inner Fulfillment

What Humanity Needs Now:
- “We have to become more conscious, more creative and more awake and not be in this outcome oriented fulfillment state. ... What we wanted to cultivate is an internal state of fulfillment that arises from within.” – Tom (22:23)
Closing Spirit:
- Mitch: “I found myself off camera and now I’m in the real life again. I was in a meditative state, Tom. That’s where you took me. I had transcended into the celestial. Now I’m back to Earth in Las Vegas talking to you.” (24:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Turning Point:
- “For me personally, how I got into it was, gosh, about 30 years ago now. I was a broker in finance and I was very much Wolf of Wall street… lots of very late nights, lots of working hard, lots of drugs and partying. And this led to eventually a lot of anxiety, panic attacks, depression.” – Tom Cronin (02:25–03:04)
On Transcending the Mind:
- “When we transcend, we realize…we enter the unified field, or the field of the unbounded and the infinite. This is what we call turiya in Sanskrit, the fourth state. And now we’re into this experience of conscious awareness itself, not confined to a thought, feeling, or a physical form.” – Tom Cronin (06:05)
On Spirituality vs Religion:
- “Religion is a great framework for us… to commune and connect with God or Source or the unbounded or the infinite. But… it becomes more about the framework and the structure than it does about what the framework and structure is supposed to do, which is connect us in union with that infinite oneness.” – Tom Cronin (13:04)
On Measurable Results:
- “First things are kind of surface level things. They start sleeping better…I quiet the mind with meditation and reduce the cortisol…better relationships, better health and wellness. Their body as an ecosystem and a biological system starts working more efficiently.” – Tom Cronin (16:14)
On Money and Mindfulness:
- “Ram Dass… said once, ‘Seek enlightenment, but make sure you pay your electricity bill.’” – Tom Cronin (18:29)
- “It is only from that space, the space of stillness, that you create your best work and your best life.” – Oprah Winfrey quoted by Tom (19:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tom’s Wall Street Past & Meditation Discovery: 01:59–04:17
What is Vedic/Transcendental Meditation? 05:49–07:10
The Science & Teaching Philosophy Behind Tom’s Practice: 08:06–09:13
Retreat Offerings in Bali and Byron Bay: 09:00–09:24
Spirituality vs. Religion: 12:44–14:55
Impact and Measurable Benefits of Meditation: 16:12–17:48
Balancing Wealth, Career & Stillness: 18:24–20:47
Books and The Portal Film Project: 21:09–22:19
Upcoming Retreat Dates and Contact Info: 23:15–23:49
Closing Reflections & Takeaways: 24:49–25:12

Final Thoughts

Connect with Tom:

Website: tomcronin.com
Instagram: @tomcronin
Film & Book: entertheportal.com

Noteworthy Dates:

Bali Retreat: September 13–18, 2025
Byron Bay Retreat: March 2026

For more transformative insights from extraordinary authorities, subscribe to The Amazing Authorities Podcast with Mitch Carson.

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tom Cronin’s Journey: Finance to Fulfillment

2. What is Transcendental (Vedic) Meditation?

3. The Integration of Science and Spirituality

4. Addressing Trauma, Personal Experience, and Warmth

5. Spirituality vs. Religion

6. The Measurable Impact of Meditation

7. Money, Ambition, and Spiritual Practice

8. Tom’s Books, Film & How to Connect

9. The Ultimate Message: Inner Fulfillment

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tom Cronin’s Journey: Finance to Fulfillment

2. What is Transcendental (Vedic) Meditation?

3. The Integration of Science and Spirituality

4. Addressing Trauma, Personal Experience, and Warmth

5. Spirituality vs. Religion

6. The Measurable Impact of Meditation

7. Money, Ambition, and Spiritual Practice

8. Tom’s Books, Film & How to Connect

9. The Ultimate Message: Inner Fulfillment

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Final Thoughts