In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Dr. Yuria Celidwen, an Indigenous and climate activist of Nahua and Maya descent, born into a family of mystics, healers, poets, and explorers from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. Together, Dr. Celidwen and Dr. Doty delve into a discussion about the impact of European colonialism and Western capitalism on Indigenous Peoples and the environment. They emphasize the need to honor and preserve Indigenous languages and cultures, recognizing the immense cultural and biodiversity loss caused by historical and ongoing injustices. They also explore the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in terms of land rights and education and shed light on the systemic changes required to rectify these injustices and advocate for the return of lands to Indigenous stewards. Dr. Celidwen speaks about the importance of Intergenerational wisdom and the value of community involvement. The conversation also dives into the topics of cultural appropriation and the commodification and ethical implications of Indigenous traditions, such as the use of Spirit medicines or psychedelics for Westerners. Overall, this episode of “Into The Magic Shop” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring Indigenous cultures in our collected quest to address environmental concerns and work towards a more just and sustainable future.

In this podcast episode of "Into The Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty interviews Amandine Roche, a human rights lawyer, author, traveler, and seeker, who has a fascinating story to share. They discuss how they initially met through Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, as well as their mutual admiration for spiritual leaders such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Amandine delves into her background, highlighting her passion for human rights, her insatiable curiosity to explore different cultures around the world, which ultimately led to her relief work with the United Nations, all in pursuit of inner peace and a greater understanding of humanity. One significant aspect of Amandine’s life journey was the book she wrote about Ella Maillart, a Swiss adventurer, whom she had the privilege of communicating with before her passing. Their exchanges left a lasting impact, fueling her desire to follow in Maillart’s footsteps and explore the uncharted territories of Afghanistan. Through these travels, she experienced a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing, which ultimately led her to a life dedicated to humanitarian efforts, meditation for PTSD relief workers and world peace.

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop” podcast, Dr. Jim Doty interviews cognitive scientist, humanistic psychologist and author Scott Kaufman. The two discuss various topics related to psychology, optimism, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs. They also explore the concept of dispositional optimism and tragic optimism, as well as the idea of toxic positivity. They delve into Maslow's hierarchy of needs, emphasizing the importance of self-actualization and transcendence. The conversation touches on happiness, minimalism, healthy narcissism, the dark triad, diversity and inclusion, trauma, vulnerability, psychedelics, and mindfulness. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of compassion, self-awareness, and personal growth.

In this episode of the "Into the Magic Shop" podcast, Dr. Jim Doty engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, one of the preeminent female spiritual teachers in the world, and author of the recent book, Hollywood to the Himalayas, A Journey of Healing and Transformation. Together, they delve into the profound topic of finding freedom in life's journey and overcoming trauma. Sadhvi shares her personal experiences of suffering and how they have shaped her understanding of herself, from a childhood of privilege, to a PhD student at Stanford to her fateful trip to India, where she has a deep spiritual awakening that forever changes her perspective. Dr. Doty and Sadhvi explore the power of the narratives we create for ourselves and the significance of forgiveness and letting go. They also touch upon the role of psychedelics in healing and spiritual exploration.

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. James Doty interviews venture capitalist and award-winning social entrepreneur Sophia Swire about her life, work, and experiences in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Sophia reflects on her upbringing, her connection to Afghanistan, and her decision to work in finance before realizing her desire for more meaningful work. She shares pivotal moments in her life, including her involvement in drafting Pakistan's drugs policy and her journey in the fashion trade by launching the global fashion trend for pashmina shawls, helping to fund 250 village schools for girls on the Afghan-Pakistan border and moving the needle on Nepal’s GDP. Sophia also discusses her passion for education and empowering women, her efforts to support women entrepreneurs, such as GEDI, a woman-owned, impact investing venture capital firm, and her recent work in Afghanistan. She invites listeners to support Future Brilliance, a mission-driven venture focused on empowering women in Afghanistan and other regions.

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Rick Doblin as his guest. They discuss Rick's journey and how he got involved in his life work, including his experiences with psychedelics, his involvement in the construction industry, and his passion for psychedelic research and drug policy reform. Rick shares personal stories, including his encounters with renowned figures in LSD research and his own experiences with various therapies and psychedelic substances. They also explore topics such as the Good Friday Experiment, the future of psychiatry, the relationship between meditation and psychedelics, and the potential benefits of microdosing. The episode concludes with discussions on psychedelics in Jewish traditions, generational trauma, and the importance of understanding our shared humanity.

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Rick Doblin as his guest. They discuss Rick's journey and how he got involved in his life work, including his experiences with psychedelics, his involvement in the construction industry, and his passion for psychedelic research and drug policy reform. Rick shares personal stories, including his encounters with renowned figures in LSD research and his own experiences with various therapies and psychedelic substances. They also explore topics such as the Good Friday Experiment, the future of psychiatry, the relationship between meditation and psychedelics, and the potential benefits of microdosing. The episode concludes with discussions on psychedelics in Jewish traditions, generational trauma, and the importance of understanding our shared humanity.

In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty welcomes Bob Thurman as a guest to discuss compassion. Thurman shares his thoughts on the relationship between empathy, happiness, and compassion, emphasizing that empathy fuels compassion. He also discusses the importance of happiness and joy in cultivating compassion and explains the concept of self-compassion. Thurman explores the connection between mindfulness and the body and the delusion of the false self, which is a more fearful and angry orientation of being separate from others. He also touches on the misconception of selflessness in Buddhism and the value of psychedelics. Thurman concludes by highlighting the significance of wisdom and being realistic.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jim Doty interviews Jamil Zaki, a professor of psychology at Stanford, Director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab and author of “The War on Kindness.” Zaki and Doty explore the three intersecting circles of emotional empathy, cognitive empathy and empathic concern and its connection to compassion. While they discuss how individuals with high empathic concern are more likely to seek contact with suffering individuals, they also describe the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in maintaining compassion without experiencing burnout. The conversation then shifts to the impact of the pandemic on empathy and the importance of taking action in the face of global suffering. They discuss the concept of effective altruism and the role of emotions in motivating people to give. They also delve into the issues of cynicism, skepticism with cynicism and the conflation of wealth with wisdom. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of hope, and the tentative title of Zaki’s new book, “The Hopeful Skeptic.”

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jim Doty interviews Lara Love Hardin, author of "The Many Lives of Mama Love," about her memoir and her journey from a troubled childhood to becoming the CEO of her own literary agency. They discuss topics such as addiction, identity theft, suicide, and redemption. Lara shares her experiences of self-compassion, public humiliation, and her time in jail. She also discusses the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system and the nonprofit organization she co-founded to provide support for women in custody. The conversation also touches on Lara's journey into stand-up comedy and her involvement in the pet cemetery business.

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop,” Dr. James Doty and psychologist, professor and author, Shauna Shapiro, explore the relationship between mindfulness and compassion, emphasizing the importance of intention, attention, and attitude in mindfulness practice. The conversation touches on how mindfulness creates a space to pause and choose a response that opens to right intention and compassion. They also mention the danger of mindfulness being used solely for personal gain. Dr. Doty and Shapiro discuss the impact of shame and negative self-talk, the potential role of psychedelics in creating an environment of unconditional love, acceptance and self-exploration, as well as the importance of community; and the power of words and perception. They conclude by saying how difficult circumstances such as poverty, disruptive environments, and unfairness can hinder mindfulness and compassion. But through acceptance one can lead to effective responses and change.

In a recent episode of the "Into the Magic Shop" podcast, Dr. Jim Doty and Dacher Keltner, author of "Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life," "The Power Paradox," and most recently, "Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life," discuss the significance of compassion and self-transcendence in society, particularly in affluent areas where the philosophy of altruism is often rejected. Keltner discusses how his studies on economic inequality, power abuses, and structural issues show how they can divide and blind us to our common humanity. Keltner and Dr. Doty discuss how meaning comes from being involved with things that are bigger than yourself. Keltner emphasizes how contemplative traditions are crucial for bringing about greater good at the societal level. He also critiques author Ayn Rand's philosophy of rejecting altruism, which tends to thrive in wealthy areas. Dr. Doty adds that compassion is what will ultimately save humanity and that persuading even a few individuals to promote it worldwide can be incredibly influential. They both agree that even a single act of compassion can create a tsunami of positive change. Tune in to the "Into the Magic Shop" podcast on popular podcast platforms or on the show's website to discover more about the transformative power of compassion and self-transcendent states.

In this episode of the “Into the Magic Shop” Dr. Jim Doty interviews Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, a Zen teacher and author, about his journey towards healing and self-discovery. Sensei Ellison shares his experiences with bullying and struggling with his sexuality, and how the teachings of Sensei White helped him find solace in stillness. Dr. Doty and Ellison discuss the importance of finding a practice that supports self-love and coming back to one's values, as well as the need to examine oneself and seek help when necessary.

Ultimately, the path to liberation is a long and tortuous one, but staying on it can lead to self-discovery and self-love. What matters is the practice of deep patience, steadfastness, humility, and the importance of companionship on the path towards healing. For more on Koshin Paley Ellison's work see: Contemplative Medicine Fellowship (https://zencare.org/contemplative-medicine-fellowship/); Foundations In Contemplative Care (https://zencare.org/foundations/); his latest book: Untangled: Walking the Eightfold Path to Clarity, Courage, and Compassion (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/koshin-paley-ellison/untangled/9781538708323/?lens=balance).

In this episode of “Into The Magic Shop” host Jim Doty speaks with David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the University of California at Berkeley’s Haas school of business where Aaker is a specialist in marketing with a focus on brand strategy. Dr. Doty and Aaker, who has won numerous awards in the science of marketing and was inducted into the American Marketing Association’s Hall of Fame in 2015, discuss the intersection of brand awareness, brand loyalty and compassion.

Aaker emphasizes the need for authenticity and passion behind a company's social programs to avoid accusations of tokenism or self-serving behavior. He also gives examples of successful social purpose campaigns, such as Dove's "Real Beauty" campaign, which had a significant impact on women's self-esteem and confidence while also increasing Dove's business.

Aaker argues that creating signature programs is the most effective use of resources and can have a significant impact on a company's success. He suggests expanding successful programs and creating a long-term plan to leverage and scale them. The conversation ends with a discussion on the power of purpose-driven branding and its potential to have a positive impact on society.

In this podcast episode, host Jim Doty and Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson discuss the influence of corporate entities on politics and the need for policies that prioritize the safety, health, and wellbeing of the American people. They touch on the issue of brainwashing and the need for people to understand the policies being propagated against them by the political parties they support. Williamson proposes an economic bill of rights that includes policies such as a living wage, education, and healthcare. They also discuss the need for a president who has the courage to stand up to corporate interests and prioritize the well-being of the American people.

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh (Tay to his students) was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk who spent his life promoting compassion, kindness to others, and being a tireless advocate for human rights, nonviolence, and peace. 

In Part Two of Tay’s episode on Into The Magic Shop, he continues the conversation around suffering and compassion, because says Tay, where there is no suffering, there is no happiness either. 

“We don't want to send our children to a place where there is no suffering. Because in such a place, you have no chance to learn to be understanding and compassionate. It is by touching suffering, understanding suffering, that you can generate love and compassion.”

And to truly understand compassion, says Tay, you have to truly understand love in terms of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. 

“We cannot do the healing of the world unless we have enough of that energy, understanding, and compassion. Because really, our society needs that kind of energy.”

To learn more about transforming suffering into compassion, download and listen to this episode. 

On today’s podcast:

• What you learn on a Plum Village retreat 
• Understanding mindfulness of compassion
• The four elements of true love
• How to cultivate the energy of compassion

Links:

• The Plum Village Tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh (Tay to his students) was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk and one of the best-known and respected Zen masters. A peace activist, prolific author, poet, teacher, and founder of Plum Village, Tay is recognized as the main inspiration for “engaged Buddhism”, and is considered by many to be the father of mindfulness. 

Buddhist monks learned hundreds and hundreds of years ago, (and scientists are only now catching up to) that when we're compassionate, not only does it improve the lives of others, but it's a great benefit to us too. When individuals are compassionate, and this is backed up by science, it's when our physiology works best.

But, says Tay, people are afraid of being compassionate towards others in case they are overwhelmed by another’s suffering. Meaning we have to learn how to handle our own suffering first before we can help others with theirs. 

In this episode of Into The Magic Shop, Tay explains why we don’t need to spend thousands of hours meditating to be mindful, why we can practice mindfulness through simple daily tasks, and why when you become more compassionate to yourself, and learn to love yourself, you become capable of loving and taking care of other people. 

“If we understand our own suffering, then it will be much easier for us to understand the suffering of another person, and that is why the meditation on compassion, on suffering should begin with yourself.”

On today’s podcast:

• Change the brain through mind training
• If there is no suffering, there is no happiness
• How to be mindful in our daily life
• How to nourish yourself through happiness

Links:

• The Plum Village Tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh
• CCARE - The Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education

Having made the decision to become a Buddhist Monk at just 10 years old, the venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi, the president and CEO of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has dedicated his life to promoting empathy and conflict resolution, and is involved in the ongoing dialogue between Buddhism, meditation, and neuroscience.

“One of the things I've found is that if you have to tell me [that you’re on the path to spiritual enlightenment], then you're not on the path, because your actions are the manifestation of being on the path.”

In this episode of Into the Magic Shop, Tenzin discusses the role we all play as teachers in one another's life, the three forms of generosity promoted in Buddhism, why we need to learn to step out of fear so that we can make better choices and better decisions, and the contrast between solitude and loneliness. 

“Solitude is a choice. It's a willful choice. Loneliness is generally an imposition. It comes from certain kinds of feeling of alienation or experiences of alienation.”

To learn more about Tenzin’s work at the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values, download and listen to this episode. 

On today’s podcast:

• How to overcome the need for validation
• The difference between judgment and discernment
• How to find light amid the darkness
• Why empathy is a public health issue

When he was just 10 years old, Tenzin Priyadarshi made a non-rational decision to become a Buddhist monk. He ran away from school and took a two-day train journey to one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist tradition. 

“I arrived at this temple and I knocked on the door, and this wonderful monk opened the door. And without even me saying hello, he said, oh good, you're here, we were expecting you.”

Today, the venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi is an innovative thinker, philosopher, educator, and polymath monk. He’s also the president and CEO of the Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

But it hasn’t been a smooth journey from that initial foray into Buddhism to his current position. Having finally persuaded his parents to let him follow this spiritual path, he then spent 18 years convincing them to meet the Dalai Lama. 

“He has cultivated this compassionate presence that he doesn't even need to say anything. He just sits there, and you're basking in that presence, and it simply inspires you to become a better version of yourself.”

In this episode of Into the Magic Shop, Tenzin discusses what he learned from spending time with Mother Teresa and Guru Rinpoche, the distinction between rebirth and reincarnation, and how to cultivate a spiritual presence.

This is an enlightening episode in more ways than one, download and listen today. 

On today’s podcast:

• His journey to becoming a Buddhist monk
• The Dalai Lama’s influence on his parents
• The distinction between rebirth and reincarnation
• Why cultivating a spiritual presence is different from dogma

As a child of two Type-A parents, Chip Conley had his success script written for him. But deep down he knew he was destined to write his own story. 

Today, Chip is the bestselling author and thought leader at the intersection of psychology and business. Having founded the Joie de Vivre hotel chain, of which he was CEO for almost 24 years, he then sold the company and became an advisor to the founders of Airbnb, before founding the Modern Elder Academy, which he describes as the world’s first midlife wisdom school.

“I had this epiphany, which was, why do we not have midlife wisdom schools, places where people can go and reimagine and repurpose themselves in midlife, because if we're living longer, and people are often staying in the workplace longer by choice and necessity, we need places where people can do a midlife pitstop.”

In this episode, Chip talks about his life trajectory and the things that make him happy, (including the things that can make all of us happy). He also discusses what it means to be a modern elder, and how having insight changes everything.

“I don't call the midlife crisis a crisis anymore. I call it the midlife chrysalis. Because midlife for a butterfly is the chrysalis. And it is in that dark, gooey space, that the transformation happens between caterpillar and butterfly.”

On today’s podcast:

• How to create a sense of meaning for people
• Why fame is a double-edged sword
• Roles models in the conscious capitalism movement 
• Founding the MEA (Modern Elder Academy)

Links:

• https://chipconley.com/