Bob Thurman Podcasts

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Andy Chaleff – Ep. 345

April 7, 2026

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Andy Chaleff to dicuss his work and his book Dying to Live. Andy Chaleff is the author of Dying to […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Isa Gucciardi – Ep. 344

October 21, 2025

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. to discuss her work and book Depth Hypnosis. Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. holds advanced degrees in cultural and linguistic […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Annie Bien – Ep. 343

September 17, 2025

Robert Thurman sits down with Annie Bien co-author of The Magical Adventures of the Sixth Dalai Lama: His Life and Loves for an in-depth discussion of the book and life […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Carolyn Sharp – Ep. 342

April 27, 2025

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Carolyn Sharp to discuss relationships, mindfulness and meditation. Carolyn Sharp always knew she wanted a career in helping people. She earned […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Ganden Thurman – Ep. 341

April 11, 2025

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Ganden Thurman, his son, for a conversation on the work and mission of Tibet House US. Ganden Thurman is the Executive […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Tamala Floyd – Ep. 340

January 26, 2025

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Tamala Floyd for a far ranging conversation on psychotherapy, meditation, ancestors and Tamala’s book Listening When Parts Speak. Tamala Floyd, LCSW, […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Osprey Orielle Lake – Ep. 339

December 27, 2024

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Osprey Orielle Lake for a far ranging conversation on mindfulness, meditation, shamanism and Osprey’s book The Story is in the Bones. […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Chandra Easton Part Two – Ep. 338

September 9, 2024

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman continues his extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Matteo Pistono – Ep.337

July 21, 2024

Matteo Pistono is a writer, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide. His Breathe How You Want to Feel: Your Breathing Tool Kit for Better Health, Restorative Sleep, and Deeper Connection is a […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Henry Shukman – Ep. 336

July 7, 2024

Henry Shukman is a teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage and has trained in various other meditation schools and practices. After a spontaneous spiritual awakening at the age of 19, […]

What Made Maharaji Cry?—Rebbe Jesus Mahasiddha, Happy Easter Tribute – Ep. 335

March 31, 2024

Impromptu talk given at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa on Easter Weekend 2024 to a gathering of Yogi/nis.

Enlightening Democracy: Here & Now One (Part Two Coming Soon) – Ep. 334

March 13, 2024

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of democracy and democratic processes to help fight the current challenges being faced globally from climate change to wars in Ukraine […]

A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Chandra Easton – Ep. 333

December 20, 2023

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman sits down to have an extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change: A Thanksgiving 2023 Message – Ep. 332

November 26, 2023

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change and shares a Thanksgiving 2023 message of hope & gratitude with his listeners.

A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with David H. Rosmarin – Ep. 331

November 8, 2023

David H. Rosmarin PhD is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You (Harper Collins). He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a […]

On the 14th Amendment – Ep. 330

November 4, 2023

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as a way for dealing with the political chaos now being created in […]

The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma – Ep. 329

July 22, 2023

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the first turning of the wheel of Dharma on Cho-khor Duchen, the day of the Tibetan calendar celebrating the historical Buddha’s first teachings after […]

An Invitation to the Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive – Ep. 328

July 6, 2023

A special personal invitation to the upcoming online & in-person initiation and retreat, “Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive with His Eminence the 11th Lelung Rinpoche“, from Robert A.F. Thurman. This podcast includes […]

Mandala Side Chat – Ep. 327

July 3, 2023

Opening with a recommendation of the upcoming online event with Jai Dev Singh, “Treasure Teachings from the Naga Dragons: Mahayana Tantra and Kundalini Yoga“, this episode is a heartfelt exploration […]

Summer Updates – Ep. 326

June 26, 2023

In this episode Robert Thurman celebrates summer solstice by sharing updates about his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life”, Tibet’s Fourteenth Dalai […]

H.H. Dalai Lama: Archetype of Radical Innocence – Ep. 325

April 19, 2023

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the recent viral video of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet with a young boy addressing the context and background behind the edited attack […]

Easter Holidays, Jesus and Christianity – Ep. 324

April 7, 2023

In this celebratory episode, Robert Thurman discusses the Christian holiday Easter, giving a teaching on Jesus the Rabbi and Christianity’s role in modern-day politics and everyday life in the West. […]

Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Geshe Dangsong Namgyal – Ep. 323

March 15, 2023

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, author, teacher, and founder of the Kunsang Gar Wisdom program in Santa Cruz, California. “Geshe’s primary intention is […]

Meeting Vimalakirti – Ep. 322

February 11, 2023

Opening this episode with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” Robert Thurman gives a teaching on nirvana, non-duality and the nature of […]

Understanding Transcendence & Freedom From Absolutism – Ep. 321

February 2, 2023

Opening with a discussion of transcendence in Buddhist science and philosophy, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on selflessness, transcendent wisdom, and the key of how to develop freedom from absolutism […]

The Three Jewels of Buddhism in India, China & Tibet – Ep. 320

January 26, 2023

Opening with a discussion of the disappearance of Buddhism in India, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the history of the Buddhist community and the flowering of the Buddha’s teachings […]

Tara & Women in the Buddhist Sangha – Ep. 319

January 18, 2023

Opening with a discussion of the goddess Tara, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the differences between Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the role and place of women in the early […]

Sangha & The Wheel of Dharma: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 318

January 11, 2023

Opening with a discussion of the symbolism of the wheel of Dharma, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the three jewels of Buddhism, focusing on the community of followers of […]

Bliss, Tantra & Selflessness: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 317

January 4, 2023

Opening with a discussion of selflessness, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the nature of Buddhist Tantra and the central roles of reason, bliss and meditation in constructing a positive […]

Understanding Tantra, Zen & Vajrayana: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 316

December 28, 2022

Opening with a definition of Buddha-lands, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on Buddhist Tantra and its interrelationship with Zen, Vajrayana, and all other schools of Buddhism. “Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism […]

Vipassana & Samatha Meditation Under The Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 315

December 21, 2022

Opening with an extended “Jewel Tree of Tibet” guided meditation, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on using Vipassana and transcendent intelligence to understand the role of philosophical thought in Buddhism. […]

Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Lorna Byrne – Ep. 314

December 15, 2022

Opening with a recommendation of “Angels in My Hair” by Lorna Byrne, Robert Thurman sits down with its author for a far-ranging discussion of faith, angels, materialism, climate change and […]

Understanding Karma & Causality in Vajrayana: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 313

December 7, 2022

Opening with a discussion of idolatry and Buddhist ethics, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on karma and the causality of action as understood in Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism. This episode […]

Thanksgiving and the Power of Compassion for All Beings – Ep. 312

November 24, 2022

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman shares his Thanksgiving message and gives a powerful teaching on how compassion for all beings can transform one’s relationship to the mind, heart, the […]

Transcendent Wisdom, The Root of Liberation: Jewel Tree of Tibet – Ep. 311

November 16, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman details the concept of emptiness, giving a teaching on the power of the mind to develop transcendent wisdom in order to understand reality as it […]

Life, Love and Enlightenment – Ep. 310

November 6, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the power of positive thinking in troubling times and gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective of love and enlightenment for those of all […]

Understanding Selflessness & Clearlight: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 309

October 31, 2022

Opening with guided meditation on searching for the self, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on self, selflessness and how to understand what clearlight means from the Buddhist perspective. “Robert Thurman’s […]

Mind Reform: Becoming the Engine of Happiness for All – Ep. 308

October 19, 2022

Opening with a guided “Seven Limbs of Practice” meditation Robert Thurman in this episode gives an all levels teaching on the Four Noble Truths and the transformational practice of the […]

The Buddha’s Enlightenment: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 307

October 6, 2022

In this episode Robert Thurman re-tells Shakyamuni Buddha’s life story and gives an in-depth teaching on the nature of enlightenment for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. “Robert Thurman’s […]

Developing Bodhichitta – The Spirit of Enlightenment: Tibet’s Wish Granting Jewel Tree – Ep. 306

September 28, 2022

Opening with an introduction to the two kinds of Bodhichitta, Robert Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on wisdom, compassion, love and their connection to the Buddhist understanding of emptiness. This […]