Buddhability
The reality is, we’re already enlightened. It’s only as we face obstacles, stress and our own messiness that we start to forget it. This is a show about how to believe in yourself again, told by a community of Buddhists doing it every day, and changing the world along the way. Hosted by Cassidy Bradford, each week you’ll hear an honest conversation about real life and how to tap into your Buddhability. From relationships and dream jobs to lessons from psychology and activism, subscribe to Buddhability on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts so you never miss a...
Buddhability Short: How to End 2025 on a High Note
You’re almost to the finish line of 2025! Today we’re talking about how you can end the year feeling victorious and hopeful rather than dragging your feet. To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
The Courage to 'Go All In'
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 175.
Why Some Relationships Feel Hard and What Actually Helps: Advice From Mental Health Experts
There are as many unique relationships as there are people. Why is it that some of them are so difficult and how can we actually change them? Three mental health experts share their professional knowledge and personal experience with common relationship challenges and how to resolve them.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel
Finding Happiness in My Family After Childhood Trauma
Some things feel truly insurmountable. But what happens when someone truly believes in the value and power of your life? Jason Lions, of LA, experienced childhood trauma and struggled for years with the impacts. In today’s episode, he shares how he transformed his family and mental health through the care of others, professional support and awakening to the power of his life through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
Content warning: We speak about childhood abuse in this episode. Please listen with care.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
Quote From:
The...
How I Embrace Life as a Touring Musician and Caregiver
What do you do when a family emergency calls you away from your career and back to your hometown? Adam W. Sadberry, of Montgomery, Texas, shares the story of how he joyfully pursues his dreams all while caring for and supporting his parents.
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel
Resources:
“Wu-lung and I-lung” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1101.
Living Buddhism, December 2018, p. 33.
Buddhability Short: How long should I chant for?
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about quality versus quantity when it comes to chanting.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
Which is more important for chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: quality or quantity?
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 123–24, 130.
From Starving Artists to Fulfilled Creators: How a Sculptor and an Animator Use Buddhism to Succeed
The gap between our dreams and reality can sometimes feel impossible to close. Especially when our dream means pursuing a field that’s less traditionally “easy” to make a career from like art.
In today’s episode we sit down with two full-time artists to discuss how Buddhism helped them become full-time artists without compromising their vision. Our guests are sculptor Brian Enright, of Oakland, and animator and director Leo Matsuda, of LA. We dig into their journey and the many ways Buddhism informs their work.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel
Building My Buddhist Muscle Memory
A strong routine can be crucial to getting through the day when you have a full plate. But that discipline doesn’t happen over night. Enoa Reid, of Oahu, shares how the reality of adulthood helped him develop the skills needed to win every day.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.
Resources:
My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 361—62.
Who Am I After My Loved One Dies?
How can one of the most inevitable things in life still be so shocking and confusing? Oona Friedland, of Berkley, Michigan, shares the story of how she navigated the pain of illness and death, eventually creating new meaning for her life.
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.
Buddhability Short: Is Overcoming Divisiveness Really Possible?
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about how to overcome division in our personal lives and beyond.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
The Dragon Girl
The Two Admonitions of the ‘Devadatta’ Chapter
Transforming Evil Into the Highest Good
Compassion, Wisdom and Courage: Building a Global Society of Peace and Creative Coexistence
Recognizing My Worth Changed Everything
If someone asked you to identify something getting in the way of your happiness right now, could you? It can be challenging to see ourselves clearly but doing so helps us change our lives. Our guest, Zoie Young, of Phoenix, struggled with self-worth from a young age. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo she came to treasure her life, changing her self-image, relationships, and ability to dream.
Content warning: We speak about disordered eating in this episode. Please listen with care.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
Resources:
Discussions on Youth, p. 10
July 2025...
Buddhability Short: How to Handle Societal Stress
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge, we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking handling personal stress brought on by problems in society.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
Three Keys On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
2012 Peace Proposal—Human Security and Sustainability: Sharing Reverence for the Dignity of
Life
“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the...
Being Unafraid to Change Your Career
There isn’t an expiration date for our dreams. It’s our own limiting beliefs that hold us back from pursuing them. Today’s guest, Jee Hyo Kim, of the Bay Area, set a dream aside and didn’t pick it back up until after she started a career. She shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her develop the self-worth and confidence needed to make the leap.
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.
Resources:
You Were Born to Win, pp. 8–9.
“On the Treasure Tower,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 299.
Buddhability Short: Starting a New Life Chapter
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge, we’ve touched on in an interview. Today we’re talking about how to start and navigate a new phase of your life.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 165–66.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, p. 224.
Learning to Love Myself [April 2024]
It can be hard to embrace ourselves when society often makes us feel otherwise. In this episode, we’re talking about how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo empowers us to appreciate and treasure every part of who we are.
Today’s guest, Joshua Thomas, of Portland, Oregon, shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him to live authentically, love his life and encourage others to do the same.
References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 207.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 335–36.
October 11, 2013, World Tribune, p. 9.
How Living True to Myself Improved My Relationships [January 2024]
Whether we like it or not, we don’t exist in isolation. The interconnection of life means that when we change, our environment changes as well. Today’s guest, Heidi Hayashi, of Stratford, Conn., shares how finding the courage to live true to herself improved and deepened her family relationships.
References:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition p. 270
Buddhism Day by Day: Wisdom for Modern Life, p. 315
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 4, p. 20
Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death
The W...
Breaking Free from Self-Imposed Limitations [December 2023]
Believing that we each possess limitless wisdom, courage and compassion—what we call Buddhability—can be a daily battle. Many of us impose limitations on ourselves, believing that we’re not capable of accomplishing our dreams and becoming happy.
Today’s guest, Daniel Sun, of Boston, shares how he used Buddhism to overcome his limiting beliefs and become an accomplished Harvard scientist and scholar. We discuss the key role chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and studying Buddhism played in his ability to shift his mindset.
References mentioned:
A Piece of Mirror and Other Essa...
4 Science and Aerospace Professionals Discuss Buddhism and Space
In this special Buddhability episode, we sit down with four science and aerospace professionals, speaking as private citizens, to discuss the relationship between Buddhism and space. They share perspectives on Buddhist humanism in space exploration, Buddhist theory and space science, and the eternity of life.
You can watch today’s episode on your YouTube channel.
Resources:
Space and Eternal Life: A dialogue between Chandra Wickramasinghe and Daisaku Ikeda, p. 219
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 113-12
Seeing Myself Differently Helped Me Find Good Friends
Today’s guest, Dominic Califano, of San Diego, was a timid kid who struggled to make good friends. When he started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, however, he discovered in himself the courage and compassion to develop lasting friendship. In today’s episode, we discuss what real friendship looks like and how we can cultivate the kinds of friendship that help us grow and become happy.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
Resources:
“Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 598.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace...
Buddhability Short: Why aren’t the things I chant for happening faster?
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked about why some things you chant about don’t happen on the timeline you want. Today we’re answering that question!
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 126–28.
“Letter to Niike,” The Writings of Nichiren Da...
How to Listen to Yourself and Create the Life You Want
It can be hard to find your inner voice let alone follow it. Today’s guest, Sedem Adiabu, shares how she developed the courage and strength to listen to her heart and carve out her own path.
Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel.
Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 34.
Don’t Let Your Busy Schedule Crush You
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. Why is it that one person can accomplish so much more than another in those 24 hours? Buddhism teaches that everything comes down to the state of our inner lives. If our life state is joyful and determined, even a mountain is scalable in a day.
Today’s guest, Ayu Nakazaki, of Los Angeles, struggled with time management and tying her value to her achievements. Today, she tells the story of how she learned to understand time and self-worth from the perspective of Buddhism.
Watch...
Buddhability Short: How do I chant for ____?
Buddhability Shorts is a monthly series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. This summer we’re answering listener questions and many of you asked how to chant about specific issues like relationships and career. Today we’re tackling that question.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
How do I chant for ___?
“On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 3.
Can One Person Really Change the World?
Eddie Laiche, of San Luis Obispo, CA, wondered what one person could possibly do about the threat of nuclear war. Today he relies on his Buddhist practice to bring him the hope and courage necessary to take steps toward peace. We discuss the Buddhist view on sustainable change and the vital role one individual can play.
You can watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.
Resources:
“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402.
Announcement: Ask Buddhability!
This summer, we're answering your questions about Buddhism and how to apply it to your life! For the next two weeks you can send us any questions you have about Buddhist practice or share a topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming episode.
How to submit your question:
1. By voice: Send a voice message to our Instagram DMs @Buddhability or call us at (646) 580-8763.
2. By text: Instagram DM us @Buddhability or email us at connect@buddhability.org.
Please send your question by July 4th, 2025.
We ma...
Buddhability Short: How to Not Get Caught in the Perfectionist Trap
Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about the Buddhist perspective on perfectionism.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Resources:
On the Perfectionist Bent
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 25–29.
Perfection Might be Hurting You
Running Away From Things Doesn’t Make Them Go Away
Markell Holliday II, of Atlanta, had a habit of running away when he didn’t want to deal with something. Through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and applying Buddhist concepts, Markell felt empowered to take full responsibility for his life. He then could do what it took to transform his relationships—especially with his father.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
A Business Expert on The Approach That Changed His Career
Today we’re talking about how we can live the most abundant life based on what is in our hearts rather than the material things we own. Sherman Edmiston III, of Brooklyn, shares his incredible journey to becoming an accomplished business man and the transformative perspectives he gained along the way.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
Resources:
“The Three Kinds of Treasure,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 538, 1027.
The Teachings for Victory, vol. 1, pp. 195-96.
Placing Limits on Your Life Without Realizing It
Yurika Watanabe grew up in Guam focused on her day-to-day and supporting her family. After a Buddhist family friend encouraged her to dream big, she started to envision a different future. Today, we discuss how setting goals and dreams help us accomplish things we hadn’t imagined possible.
Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
How to Keep Going When You Can't See The End
There is a Buddhist writing that says, “Winter always turns to spring.” But when your life is in the season of winter, sometimes if can feel unending. Today’s guest, Everton Carvalho, of Baton Rouge, tells the story of how his most challenging year was followed by his most joyful.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube channel.
Resources:
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, p. 192.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 538, 1027.
Buddhability Short: 3 Questions to Help You Find a Fulfilling Job
Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how to find a fulfilling career.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Episode Mentioned:
The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in Business
Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems
Resources:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 76–78.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 21, 38–39.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, pa...
Finding My Voice and Trusting It
Asking for the opinions of others can be helpful but what happens when you hear their voice louder than your own? Today’s guest, Moeko Fukada Teter, of Honolulu, says it took practice to find and trust her voice. From relationships to career hurdles, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped her to see her life clearly and gain self-confidence.
Opening Yourself Up to Perspectives and People
Truly hearing and seeing someone else can be tough. Especially if we think we’re in the right or know best. Fortunately, Buddhist practice helps us to open our minds with wisdom and compassion.
Today’s guest, Marko Bajkovic, of Costa Mesa, shares how seeing past his ego helped him embrace Buddhism and deepen his family relationships.
Watch today's episode on our YouTube Channel.
How a Trailblazing Coach Made History
How does a student athlete and mother become a superstar coach to students and even Olympians? Karen Dennis, of Columbus, Ohio, shares how her Buddhist practice led to a decorated coaching career.
At the time of her retirement from Ohio State as the director of both Track and Field teams, she won the most Big Ten titles of any woman in Ohio State history. Prior, she coached teams at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Michigan State and the National Women’s 2000 Olympic Team. She has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for three prestigious orga...
Buddhability Short: How to Make Hard Decisions
Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about how to make difficult decisions and life without regret.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Episode Mentioned:
Your Past Decisions Don’t Define Your Future
Resources:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 26, 362.
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 1, revised edition, pp. 128-29.
Heartbreak Made Me a Better Mathematician
Buddhism teaches that all our problems are opportunities for growth. But how could heartbreak possibly make someone better at math? Alex Scheffelin, of New York, shares how he used a moment of hopelessness to propel him to becoming a Ph.D. student at Columbia University.
Watch this week's episode on our YouTube Channel.
Why I Appreciate My College Rejections [May 2024]
With college decisions trickling in, we're airing a rerun of a May 2024 episode about college rejections.
When Ashley Park didn’t get into her first choice colleges, she was stuck in New York City balancing a jam-packed schedule. Buddhism teaches that everything moves in the direction of our happiness when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. With that in mind, Ashley knew there must be a reason and used her Buddhist practice to discover it. Today, we discuss how winning in every area of your life leads to your ultimate growth and happiness.
References:
Disc...
The Grind: Self-Mastery and Success in Business
Chip Grossman, of Santa Monica, always thought spirituality and business were opposing goals. It wasn’t until he encountered SGI Nichiren Buddhism that he realized their deep ties. Today, Chip shares how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him develop the courage and strength to go after his goals and build unshakable happiness.
View today's episode on YouTube.
Resources:
The New Human Revolution, vol. 9, pp. 272–73
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 637.
The New Human Revolution, vol. 5, pp. 27–28
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 185-87.
Buddhability Short: It's Never Too Late
Buddhability Shorts is a series where we break down a Buddhist concept or common life challenge we’ve touched on in an interview. Today, we’re talking about life milestones and feeling left behind.
To ask a question about the basics of Buddhism, you can email us at connect@buddhability.org
Episode Mentioned:
How I Beat Burnout
Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems
Resources:
Discussions on Youth, pp. 6, 121.
Each Instant Contains Incredible Possibilities
When Plans Unexpectedly Change
Life can’t always go according to plan. So, what do we do when things change? Buddhist practice helps us to be flexible and turn everything into an opportunity for deeper happiness.
Today’s guest, Camryn Snowden, of Oklahoma, navigated a big life change that helped her see that she could expand her capacity rather than compromising her dreams.
Resources:
The New Human Revolution, vol. 20, p. 89.
December 2, 2022, World Tribune, p. 7.
Seeing Beyond My Complaints and Problems
Daily life throws a lot at us. When our state of life is low, it can be easy to get wrapped up in complaint. Buddhism teaches that caring for others helps us see beyond our problems, having a more expansive view of our lives with deeper appreciation and happiness.
Today’s guest, Daeseon Kim, of Queens, N.Y., shares how tying his dreams to a deeper purpose helped him move to the U.S. and advance in his career as a physical therapist.
Watch this episode on Youtube.
Resources:
