Podcast
Zen Commuter
Hosted by Thom Walters · EN
Zen Commuter is about meditation and how it can improve the quality of your life. Thom Walters speaks with acclaimed meditation teachers, authors and everyday practitioners, to help listeners understand how to start a mindfulness habit, as well as keep it going. Along the way he discusses topics that help listeners cultivate a calmer, wiser and happier life. Come join Thom Monday through Friday to deepen your meditation practice.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
ZC 2150: The Antidote to Anger by Karen Maizen Miller
3w ago00:14:52Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I share and reflect on part of a thoughtful article from Lion's Roar exploring anger through the lens of Buddhist practice. As one of the "three poisons" alongside greed and ignorance, anger can easily pull us away from peace and connection when left unexamined. Rather than condemning anger or pretending it shouldn't exist, this discussion gently explores how awareness, compassion, and understanding can transform our relationship with difficult emotions and help us respond to life with greater clarity and calm. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2149: 8 Reasons You Don't Meditate
Apr 2300:20:09Tap to summarizeIf you have meditated in the past and have fallen off your practice, then today's episode is for you. If you are listening to this episode and your practice has stopped, then it's safe to say you are eager to start it up again. But if you don't know why it stopped, it might get derailed again. No worries. Today, I share with you eight reasons why you may have stopped. the purpose is easy; if you know why you stopped, you'll be prepared should the circumstances line up to kick you off the trail again…And you'll be ready! THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2148 - Meditation, Identity, and the Stories That Shape Us — with Christopher Rivas (R)
Apr 900:50:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with multi-hyphenate storyteller Christopher Rivas — actor, writer, Buddhist practitioner, and host of the Brown Enough podcast. We dive deep into themes of identity, race, belonging, and what it means to "live in the middle space." Christopher shares his journeys into Buddhism, the stories behind his creative work (including Brown Enough and Rubirosa), and how life, art, and spiritual practice intersect for him. ✨ Guest Bio & Links Christopher Rivas is an actor, author, playwright, and podcast host known for exploring issues of race, culture, identity, and transformation. Christopher Rivas He hosts the Brown Enough podcast, where he explores what it means to navigate "brownness" in a Black/white world. Brown Enough Podcast He also created Rubirosa, a documentary-style story about Porfirio Rubirosa (a Dominican figure many believe inspired James Bond). Rubirosa Podcast Key writings in Tricycle Magazine Christopher regularly contributes essays to Tricycle. A few notable ones: Non-Self Storage — reflection on attachment, possessions, and letting go Tricycle: The Buddhist Review I Think the Clock Is Broken — on time anxiety, meditation, and being present Always Lie When Someone Asks If You Meditate — an unconventional take on how practice begins (and how we show up) Social & Web Links Christopher's official site: Brown Enough podcast: Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts | Spotify Spotify | general listing via Podnews Podnews YouTube playlist for Brown Enough episodes: YouTube Twitter / X: @chris__rivas X (formerly Twitter)+1 🔍 Themes & Talking Points from the Episode Here are some of the central topics and takeaways we explore: Integration of spiritual practice & creativity We talk about his meditation journey (16 years and counting), how Buddhist ideas inform his storytelling, and practices that help him stay grounded amid creative turbulence. Storytelling as healing & reimagining narratives Christopher uses storytelling not just as art, but as a bridge to identity, culture, and reconciliation. Attachment, letting go, and identity We unpack his reflections on possessions, ego, attachment, and what does it mean to truly let go (materially and emotionally). 🔗 Links for Listeners & References Christopher Rivas & His Work Official website / podcast hub: christopherrivas.com Brown Enough podcast: • Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts • Spotify Spotify • Podnews listing & show info Podnews YouTube Brown Enough playlist YouTube Twitter / X handle: @chris__rivas X (formerly Twitter)+1 THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2147: Tricycle Tuesday - Silent Underground by Aryavandana
Apr 800:19:08Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, I share a thoughtful piece from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review titled Silent Underground by Aryavandana. It's a gentle yet powerful reflection on the unseen roots of our practice—the quiet, often unnoticed ways that mindfulness and compassion take hold beneath the surface of our daily lives. Much like roots growing in the dark, our practice doesn't always announce itself, but over time, it nourishes a steadier, more grounded way of being. Take a few minutes to explore how what's unseen within you may be shaping something truly beautiful. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2146: You Are Completely Safe
Apr 700:18:19Tap to summarizeToday I want to talk about the comfort that comes from knowing that in every situation you are completely safe. You might be thinking…"Thom, that is a nice thought, but not a real one…Have you seen the world lately?" I have, and I'm sticking by my premise. And hopefully, if it serves you, you might do the same. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2145: Tricycle Tuesday - The Economy of Grace
Mar 2600:16:01Tap to summarizeIn today's Tricycle Tuesday, we explore the article The Economy of Grace, a reflection on the quiet abundance that arises when we shift from striving to allowing. Rather than measuring life through effort and achievement, this piece invites us to recognize the grace that is already present—flowing through our relationships, our practice, and the simple moments we often overlook. Join me as we consider what it means to live not from scarcity, but from a place of openness, receptivity, and trust. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2144: Three Questions to Ask Yourself When You sit Down to Meditate
Mar 2300:26:25Tap to summarizeToday I bring you along to my meditation chair, when I get ready to practice. Specifically, I let you in on how I decide to practice each day. There are three questions I ask myself once I sit down that determine the path of my practice for that day. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2143: Discerning the Voices in Your Mind
Mar 1100:11:54Tap to summarizeIf you sit quietly for even a few moments, you'll notice that your mind is rarely silent. Thoughts arise, opinions appear, and sometimes it feels like there's an entire panel discussion happening inside your head. But not every voice carries the same wisdom. In today's episode, we explore how to discern the difference between ordinary mental chatter and the quieter, steadier voice of deeper understanding—the one that speaks with clarity, compassion, and calm. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2142: Tricycle Tuesday - Slow Down, Take Your Seat - A Meditation by Ayya Santacitta
Mar 300:11:54Tap to summarizeHey, my friend. It's been a while since we have had an actual meditation. So today I thought I would combine the best of two worlds; meditation and Tricycle Tuesday. :0) This one was written by Ayya Santacitta, and is a perfect session for helping us cultivate stillness and the ability to slow down. THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show If this conversation inspired you, please share it using the social media buttons on the page. Be a part of the show! 🎙 Send me a voice message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter 📧 Email: thom@zencommuter.com 📱 Instagram: @thom_walters 🐦 Twitter: @thom_walters 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/zencommuter Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Transcribe →ZC 2140: Journey to Inner Stillness: A Conversation with Manal El Ramly (R)
Mar 300:56:27Tap to summarizeMy guest today is Manal El-Ramly, author of Transcending Anxiety: From Fear to Freedom, TEDx speaker ('Why You Don't Need to Search for Your Purpose'), creator of the Mattain Method, and a beloved teacher on Insight Timer. Manal helps individuals overcome anxiety, limiting beliefs, and overwhelm by understanding and aligning their four bodies – physical, emotional, mental, and egoic. What You'll Discover in This Episode: The Four Bodies Cultivating Emotional Intelligence The essence of the Unconditional Three Resources & Mentions: Connect with Manal El-Ramly - https://www.mattain.me/joinme Meditation Coaching Schedule Time with Thom (Complimentary consultation) THANKS FOR LISTENING! Become a Super-Fan of the Show Thanks again for listening to the show! If it has helped you in any way, please share it using the social media buttons you see on the page. Be a part of the show! Send me a message: speakpipe.com/zencommuter Email: thom@zencommuter.com Instagram: @thom_walters Twitter: @thom_walters Facebook: www.facebook.com/zencommuter Donate: Support the Podcast! Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Rate and review us in Apple Podcasts! zencommuter.com/review
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