Free Daily Podcast Summary
Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Be Here Now Network
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humor and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago1h 3m
Ep. 287 – Engaged Compassion: Mirabai Bush
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the fifth episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Mirabai Bush, marking her third appearance on the Metta Hour. Mirabai is an author, social entrepreneur, teacher, and spiritual leader. She is recognized for her pioneering role in integrating mindfulness and contemplative practices into secular sectors of American life, including business, higher education, law, and social activism. Mirabai’s contributions include co-founding influential organizations such as the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society and the Seva Foundation and co-developing Google's Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute. She is also a longtime board member of the Love Serve Remember Foundation. Her latest book, Almost Home, is a memoir published in 2025.Please note this conversation contains discussion of gun violence during and civil unrest at Kent State University in 1970.https://youtu.be/ywY6HGunefwIn this conversation, Mirabai and Sharon speak about:The process of writing a memoirWhy Mirabai went to the EastWhat drew Mirabai to activism Meeting Ram Dass and Neem Karoli BabaMirabai in the civil rights movementSustaining engagement over timeNon-attachment alongside passionLoving Awareness as taught by Ram DassHow acceptance leads to change-makingThe role of hope in activismRevolution is bread and rosesSeva Foundation’s rootsMirabai’s advice for social engagementStaying informed in a balanced wayHow communities respond to compassion actionThe Lovingkindness Nun in BurmaAdditional ResourcesTo close out the episode, Mirabai leads a “Just Like Me” meditation. Learn more about Mirabai’s work right here. Her most recent book, Almost Home, is available right here. You can listen to Mirabai’s previous episodes on the Metta Hour here and here.Related Metta Hour EpisodesEpisode 94 Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush on the Metta Hour, released in 2019.Episode 114 Remembering Ram Dass with Mirabai Bush and Raghu Markus on the Metta Hour, released in 2020.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- 3 weeks ago51 min
Ep. 286 – Engaged Compassion: Parker J. Palmer & Jerry Colonna
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities?In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the fourth episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Parker J. Palmer and Jerry Colonna. Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker and activist who focuses on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality and social change. He is founder and Senior Partner Emeritus of the Center for Courage & Renewal. Parker holds a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley, as well as fourteen honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, and an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press. Parker is the author of ten books—including several award-winning titles—that have sold nearly two million copies and been translated into ten languages, including “On the Brink of Everything,” “Healing the Heart of Democracy,” and “The Promise of Paradox.” Jerry Colonna is a renowned coach, writer, and speaker who specializes in leadership, business, and the practice of radical self-inquiry. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Reboot.io, a company inspired by the belief that work need not destroy us. He is also the author of two books: "Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up" (2019) and "Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong" (2023). For more than two decades, Jerry has championed the idea that work should be non-violent to the self, the community, and the planet. In this conversation, Sharon, Parker and Jerry speak about:Parker’s approach to sufferingResponsibility is the ability to respondJohn Rogers’ forms of suffering in the worldThe pain of denying that which is trueWhy humans are drawn to “othering”The innate desire to growWhat it means to lead a fuller lifeLooking for happiness in the wrong placesDeconditioning a control mindsetIs the world actually worse right now?How to face our fearsHow to reverse otheringWe need stories about overcoming fear It helps to do hard things together Revamping institutions to support Getting involved in your local communityAdditional ResourcesYou can learn more about Parker’s work right here and check out his Substack right here. You can learn more about Jerry’s work and his organization, Reboot.io, right here. This episode is also being released on the Reboot Podcast, available right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Apr 28, 20261h 10m
Ep. 285 – Engaged Compassion: Anu Gupta
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the third episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Anu Gupta, marking his fourth appearance on the Metta Hour. Anu Gupta is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of Be More with Anu. His work has reached 300+ organizations, trained more than 80,000 professionals, and impacted over 30 million lives. As a gay immigrant of color, Anu came to the work of breaking bias due to lifelong experiences with racism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. He is a trained meditation and yoga teacher with over 10,000 hours of meditation practice and has a JD from NYU Law and BA in International Relations and Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies. As a peer-reviewed author, Anu has written and spoken extensively, including on the TED stage, the Oprah Conversation, Fast Company, and Newsweek. His first book, “Breaking Bias” came out in 2024 from Hay House and he currently shares his writings via his Substack, Soul Force for the 21st Century.In this conversation, Sharon and Anu speak about:How to cultivate goodwillBearing witness to sufferingWorking with anger and delusionTeachings from the Bhagavad GitaCompassion’s near and far enemiesNon-attachment in activismJoseph Goldstein’s essential teachingsEquanimity in practiceCombining the spiritual, personal, and political Collective consciousness as an oceanWisdom from Margaret Mead, Gandhi, and MLK Jr.Boundaries around mediaBuddha’s five remedies for angerThe lifelines of Sangha (community) Additional ResourcesTo close out the episode, Anu leads a guided meditation. You can learn more about Anu’s work right here and check out his Substack writings right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Apr 14, 20261h 6m
Ep. 283 – devon and nico hase
For episode 284, devon and nico hase return to the Metta Hour to speak with Sharon about their new book, This Messy, Gorgeous Love: A Buddhist Guide to Lasting Partnership. devon and nico serve as guiding teachers of the online dharma community Refuge of Belonging. They teach at the Insight Meditation Society, Spirit Rock, and other centers, offer online and in-person retreats, and speak with students in one-on-one sessions. Their first book How Not to Be a Hot Mess, came out in 2020 and their 2026 release, This Messy, Gorgeous Love, is now available in paperback and audiobook formats. This is devon and nico’s second appearance on the Metta Hour.In this conversation, devon, nico and Sharon speak about:The motivation for the new bookAfter the “happily ever after”Approaching relationship as practiceThe healing of deep listening Common myths of relationshipsBuddhist personality typesDukkha (suffering) in a relationshipImpermanence informing connectionForgiveness practiceDifferent conflict stylesLearning how to repair after ruptureMaking room for play and joySupporting each other’s joydevon & nico's three-year retreatThis episode closes with a guided appreciation practice led by devon. Learn more about devon and nico’s new book, This Messy, Gorgeous Love, and other offerings by visiting their website right here. Join Nico and Sharon virtually on May 9th, 2026 for a daylong teaching The Fire That Sustains.You can hear devon and nico’s first appearance on Ep. 142 of the Metta Hour Podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Mar 31, 20261h 2m
Ep. 283 – Engaged Compassion: Valarie Kaur
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the second episode in the series, Sharon speaks with Valarie Kaur, making her third appearance on the Metta Hour. Valarie is a renowned social justice leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, faith leader, mother, and best-selling author of See No Stranger, Sage Warrior, and World of Wonder. She leads the Revolutionary Love Project, building a movement to reclaim love as a force for justice. A daughter of Punjabi Sikh farmers in California, Valarie earned degrees at Stanford University, Harvard Divinity School, and Yale Law School and holds several honorary doctorates. She lives in LA in a multi-generational family. Please note this conversation contains discussion of gun violence and ICE brutality. In this conversation, Valarie and Sharon speak about: Valarie’s Revolutionary Bus Tour Embodying a world we want to live in Engagement over Escapism Wisdom from Angela Harrelson Valerie’s recent time in Minneapolis Redefining what it is to be a “neighbor” Reclaiming the best of our ancestral wisdom Shifting from either/our to both/and Breathing to alchemize suffering A future that leaves no one behind Love as our birthright How to love opponents without giving in The importance of humanizing the enemy The whole world is our family We don’t go to battle alone Community care versus self-care Different forms of resistance Mai Bhago and the 40 Liberated Ones Additional Resources The episode closes with a guided meditation led by Valarie. Learn more about Valarie’s work right here. Here most recent book, Sage Warrior, is coming out in paperback on April 14th, 2026. You can listen to Valarie’s first appearance on the Metta Hour in Episode 126, recorded in 2020 and her second appearance, Episode 218, recorded in 2023. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Mar 17, 202659 min
Ep. 282 – Elisha Goldstein
For episode 282, Elisha Goldstein, PhD, returns to the Metta Hour to speak with Sharon about his new book, Tiny Shifts: How Emotional Health Transforms Stress, Relationships, and Longevity. Elisha Goldstein is a clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and the co-founder of The Center for Mindful Living and Psychotherapy in Los Angeles. For over two decades, he has helped people break free from the conditioning that keeps them stuck in cycles of stress and overwhelm, uncovering how emotional health naturally transforms stress, relationships, and longevity. Elisha is the author of several books, including Uncovering Happiness, and The Now Effect, as well as hosting The Emotional Longevity Podcast. In this conversation, Sharon and Elisha speak about: Living in a culture of overwhelm David Foster Wallace’s fish story Insight alone doesn’t create change Underlying conditioning of chronic stress Realizing our natural intelligence The challenge of practicing wisdom How tiny shifts create lasting change Interrupting stress patterns Emotional regulation and impulse control The 4R method: Recognize, Release, Refocus, Reinforce How emotional health supports longevity Listening to the body’s signals Reclaiming our attention This episode closes with a guided meditation led by Elisha. Learn more about Elisha’s new book Tiny Shifts: How Emotional Health Transforms Stress, Relationships, and Longevity and his other offerings, by visiting his website right here. You can listen to Elisha’s first appearance on the Metta Hour from 2018 right here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Mar 4, 202658 min
Ep. 281 – Engaged Compassion Series: Jerry Colonna
The Buddha taught a path of awakened living, but how does that manifest in today’s world of constant connectivity and widespread suffering? How do we keep our hearts open without being defined or hardened by the pain that surrounds us, whether personal, collective, or historical? How do we navigate the paradox of holding both pain and joy, without mistaking suffering for punishment or personal failure? Can we infuse our compassion with wisdom and perspective to find the agency to take meaningful action in our communities? In her new series, Engaged Compassion, Sharon delves into these questions and more, engaging in candid conversations with a diverse group of teachers, activists, and changemakers. For the inaugural episode, Sharon’s speaks with longtime friend and colleague, Jerry Colonna—a renowned coach, writer, and speaker who specializes in leadership, business, and the practice of radical self-inquiry. Jerry is the Co-founder and CEO of Reboot.io, a company inspired by the belief that work need not destroy us. He is also the author of two books: "Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up" (2019) and "Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong" (2023). For more than two decades, Jerry has championed the idea that work should be non-violent to the self, the community, and the planet. This marks his third appearance on the Metta Hour Podcast. In this conversation, Sharon and Jerry speak about: Suffering and the end of suffering The Four Noble Truths Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel Holding many things at once Where resilience comes from How generosity can appear in extreme loss Jerry’s time in India after an earthquake The dynamics of hope and fear How we actually “get over loss” Misunderstanding karma Control veiled as “magical thinking” How unworthiness leads to isolation Compassion is not hierarchical The Dalai Lama winning a Grammy Suffering versus Extra Suffering Facing our helplessness The fixation with fixing things Finding fuel for the long haul Facing our nihilism Additional Resources You can learn more about Jerry’s work and his organization Reboot.io right here. This episode is also being release on the Reboot Podcast, which can be found right here. You can listen to Jerry’s first appearance on the Metta Hour in Episode 102, recorded in 2019 and his second appearance, Episode 229, recorded in 2023. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- Feb 18, 202659 min
Ep. 280 – IMS 50th Anniversary w/ Dipa Ma
For episode 280 of the Metta Hour, we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Insight Meditation Society, which opened doors on Valentine’s Day in 1976. Today, IMS is one of the Western world’s oldest and most respected meditation retreat centers, dedicated to providing a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom of mind and heart. The Retreat Center offers a range of silent meditation courses, ranging from a weekend to three months. IMS Online offers retreats, sanghas, dharma talks, courses, and other programming to support your practice from our virtual meditation hall. IMS also has two adjacent retreat facilities – the Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge – that are set among almost 400 secluded wooded acres in the quiet country of central Massachusetts. In this episode, Sharon presents a special episode from the archives of IMS history featuring her teacher Dipa Ma. Originally recorded in October of 1984, when Dipa Ma was visiting IMS, this dharma talk was given as part of the 1984 three-month retreat. Through an interpreter, Dipa Ma shares the story of how we came to meditation following tremendous loss. She reflects on her early years of practice under the tutelage of Anagarika Munindra and how she gradually began teaching meditation. She also takes questions from the audience about her practice from the attending three-month retreatants. Resources A full transcript of this episode is available right here. To learn more about the Insight Mediation Society, click here. To learn more about Dipa Ma, click here. To learn more about the Dharma Seed archive, click here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Tara Brach
Teaches mindfulness and self-compassion through meditation, blending psychology and Eastern spirituality to ease emotional suffering.
On Being with Krista Tippett
Conversations exploring spirituality, science, and the human experience through deep interviews with thinkers, poets, and spiritual leaders.
Jonathan Foust
A meditation teacher offers weekly talks and guided practices focused on cultivating mindfulness and insight.
Ram Dass Here And Now
Ram Dass shares heart-centered spiritual teachings from decades of lectures, introduced by Raghu Markus.
Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson
Explores the science of lasting well-being through psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness with expert guests.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Conversations with experts and public figures explore mental health, personal growth, and meaningful living.
Dharma Lab
Neuroscientists explore how meditation and mindfulness shape the brain and well-being.
Everything Is Energy with Cathy Heller
Explores how energy and consciousness influence life aspects like abundance, relationships, and purpose through spiritual insights and practical teachings.
Mayim Bialik's Breakdown
Explores the intersection of science and spirituality through conversations on consciousness, healing, and unexplained phenomena.
Point of Relation with Thomas Huebl
Explores collective healing through conversations at the intersection of science, mysticism, and shared intelligence.
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Explores human connection through conversations on vulnerability, courage, and emotion with researchers, thinkers, and audiences.
Thich Nhat Hanh Dharma Talks
Teachings and dharma talks by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.
About Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg
The Sharon Salzberg Metta Hour features Buddhist philosophy in a practical, common sense vernacular. Sharon’s natural wisdom, sense of humor and the ease with which she translates these teachings forge an intimate connection with the listener. From everyday experiences to pithy revelations, each podcast is a journey on the path of self-discovery. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is one of the first to bring mindfulness and lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture over 45 years ago, inspiring generations of meditation teachers and wellness influencers. Sharon is co-founder of The Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA, and the author of twelve books, including the New York Times bestseller, Real Happiness, now in its second edition, and her seminal work, Lovingkindness. Her forthcoming release, Real Life: The Journey from Isolation
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Be Here Now Network.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg release new episodes?
Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg cover?
Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg covers topics including Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Buddhism, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Metta Hour with Sharon Salzberg summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.