The Game of Zen

Introduction & Episode Theme (Excerpts 1-4)Scott Berman welcomes listeners to "The Game of Zen" podcast from Philadelphia, PA, with Sensei Paul checking in from Boulder, Colorado.They briefly discuss the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl win and the town's excitement.Scott introduces the episode's theme: "staying calm in the storm", relating it to athletes like Jalen Hurts who perform well under pressure. He notes that this calmness is also vital in daily professional and personal livesDefining & Understanding Equanimity (Excerpts 4-8)Scott asks Sensei Paul to define equanimity, a key concept in early Buddhist teachings.Sensei Paul explains it as one of...

A new episode of the Game of Zen podcast is now available: We dive deep into Zen Buddhism and aging, discussing how mindfulness and acceptance play vital roles in coping with loss, planning for the future, and learning from life’s unpredictable nature. We also touch on the importance of being present with loved ones in their final moments and how appreciating life's impermanence can transform our approach to aging and death. Don't miss this enlightening conversation for invaluable insights on living more meaningfully. Listen now!

00:00 Buddhism teaches impermanence through aging's challenges.

06:20 Parents declining; family ex...

Welcome back to another enriching episode of "Game of Zen," where we explore the synergy between professional, personal, and spiritual growth through the lens of Buddhism and Zen mindfulness. In this episode, hosts Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli dive into the profound influence of spirituality on relationships, drawing from their personal journeys and Buddhist teachings.

Join us as Paul unpacks the concept of "karmic atonement" and its impact on future relationships, while Scott reflects on his past experiences with gratitude and the evolving qualities he seeks in a partner. The hosts emphasize the importance of mutual...

In this new episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of psychedelics, focusing on their integration with mindfulness and Zen Buddhism. This is part two of our exploration into how substances like MDMA and psilocybin can revolutionize our approach to mental health and spiritual growth.

Paul shares his profound insights on how safe and regulated use of psychedelics can enhance personal and societal well-being. He will discuss the subtle yet transformative effects of micro dosing, and liken the benefits to those of a consistent meditation practice."

This episode is packed with valuable information for...

In today's episode, we have a very special guest joining us - Courtney Schulnick, an accomplished litigator and dedicated mindfulness teacher. Courtney shares her inspiring journey of discovering mindfulness amidst the challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with being a wife and mother to three boys.

Driven by experiences of stress, anxiety, and a longing for better work-life balance, Courtney initially resisted the idea of committing to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. However, a series of personal losses and overwhelming demands led her to an orientation session at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, where she realized the...

In our latest episode, Paul and I dove deep into the topic of teachers and their impact on our personal and professional lives. We discussed the three levels of Buddha treasure, the importance of engaging with formal teachings, and how business coaching can provide practical guidance for growth and awakening in the work world. Paul shared his journey as a Zen teacher and how he now helps entrepreneurs and coaches find their true potential. We also reflected on the teachers who have shaped our own lives, from family members to mentors in sports and business. The key takeaway? Finding...

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of "Game of Zen." Today, we're diving into the transformative power of the beginner's mind with your hosts, Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli. We explore how adopting a mindset free of preconceived notions and habitual thinking can lead to continuous growth, enriched relationships, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.

Scott and Paul kick off the conversation with personal anecdotes, including wisdom gleaned from their aging parents and the joy of seeing the world anew, even through their children's eyes.

Whether it's in business, relationships, or daily routines, opening up to...

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Game of Zen, the podcast where we explore the intriguing intersection of professional, personal, and spiritual growth through the lens of Zen mindfulness and Buddhist teachings. Your hosts, Scott Berman and Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, are thrilled to welcome our insightful guest, Denise Clegg. With a rich background in Tibetan Buddhism, contemplative practices, coaching, and personality assessment, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion today.

In this episode, Denise takes us on a journey through her introduction to mindfulness and her profound experiences at the Zen Mountain monastery and...

On today’s episode of Game of Zen, we dive into the concept of attachment and its profound impact on our personal and professional lives. We explore how our attachments, whether towards people, success, or material possessions, can lead to suffering but also provide deep insights into our own behaviors. Paul & Scott highlight that understanding secure versus unhealthy attachment, especially in business ventures and family life, can illuminate paths to greater happiness and lessen our emotional burdens. We touched on Buddha's teachings about the roots of attachment—craving, aversion, and ignorance—and discussed practical steps to cultivate mindfulness and apprecia...

Get ready for another enlightening journey on this week’s episode of The Game of Zen Podcast. Join hosts Paul & Scott as we explore the profound impact of Zen practices in both personal and corporate settings, and the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. Learn about the transformative potential of Zen retreats at Paul’s Boulder center. From daily meditation to intentional community engagement, these retreats are designed to deepen your practice and connect you to your inner Zen.

00:00 Sangha is essential to a practice community.

05:49 Organic journey attracts followers through insightful teachings.

08...

Get ready for another enlightening journey on this week’s episode of The Game of Zen Podcast. Join hosts Paul & Scott as we explore the profound impact of Zen practices in both personal and corporate settings, and the importance of community in our spiritual journeys. Learn about the transformative potential of Zen retreats at Paul’s Boulder center. From daily meditation to intentional community engagement, these retreats are designed to deepen your practice and connect you to your inner Zen.

00:00 Sangha is essential to a practice community.

05:49 Organic journey attracts followers through insightful teachings.

08...

We're thrilled to share with you the latest journey of spiritual exploration in our Game of Zen podcast. Enlightenment seekers like yourself won’t want to miss Episode 17, titled "The Third Poison - Ignorance," where our hosts delve deep into one of the greatest barriers on the road to awakening.

Scott and Paul skillfully navigate through the murky waters of ignorance. As they discuss the impact of not knowing, the dangers of inner turning away, and the perils of a lack of awareness, they lay bare the impact on our self-awareness and compassion for others’ suffering. This conv...

Dive deep with us in an enriching conversation with special guest Aneta Ardelian Kuzma, a beacon of transformation in the realm of leadership and wellness. Having transcended her illustrious banking career into a passion-driven mission to promote well-being in the corporate world, Aneta's story is bound to captivate and inspire.

00:00 Early yoga and meditation fueled busy life.

06:01 Obtained multiple certifications to start coaching practice.

07:29 Created wellness programs for struggling corporate workers.

12:41 Coaching clients receive wellness program with somatic healing.

14:34 Societal norms, upbringing influence self-sabotage, coping skills.

18:09 Visioning...

In today's episode, we're venturing into the thought-provoking world of psychedelics. Paul & Scott sit down in a riveting discussion that dives deep into the intersection of psychedelics, mental health treatment, and the profound influence these substances can have on our consciousness. From tackling tough topics like big pharma's stance on alternative therapies to sharing personal journeys with micro dosing, this episode is brimming with insights!

00:00 Connections between mindfulness, Buddhism, meditation, and psychedelics.

04:10 Sharing extensive journey, learning about psychedelic renaissance.

08:39 Connected with wife through ayahuasca, unity consciousness.

10:08 Psychedelics can aid healing and...

The latest episode of Game of Zen has arrived, and it's a journey you won't want to miss. In episode 14, our hosts Paul & Scott are joined by an extraordinarily dynamic guest, Bruce Eckfeldt. Listen to a thrilling discussion that delves into the untapped potential of the mind and how outdoor experiences meld with strategic leadership development.

00:00 Personal transformation and business integration in nature.

04:15 Impressed with you, eager to hear more.

07:22 Trusting the universe in finding new direction.

12:32 Observe team dynamics through card deck exercise.

15:04 Experiences help leaders empathize and...

With the winds of change perpetually sweeping through our lives, it's essential to ground ourselves in the now, and what better way to cultivate this practice than through the wisdom of Zen? Our most recent episode is a contemplative journey through the transient nature of existence.

00:00 Buddhist teaching: impermanence shapes life's experiences.

06:41 Mind constantly fixating and resisting, learn to dissolve.

09:03 Impermanence causes suffering and brings release and relief.

13:15 Impermanence leads to hope and faith.

16:26 Endurance and mindfulness make life more interesting.

19:23 Children grasp impermanence acutely, unlike adults.<...

We are thrilled to share with you an illuminating conversation with a true beacon of change in this week's episode of the Game of Zen. We dive deep into the heart of what it means to live a life directed by core spiritual values, the power of our shared narratives, and evolving our perspectives on education, capitalism, and technology.

00:00 Intro to Mark, CEO of Common Organization and 1 milliontruths

04:17 Exploring deep-rooted racial and ethnic experiences.

08:31 Early commitment to spiritual path is uncommon.

10:18 Connecting Zen practice with performance in leadership.

16:14 Embrace...

Let us welcome you to another soul-enriching episode of our cherished podcast, Game of Zen. In our latest episode, hosts Paul and Scott embark on a thoughtful journey to explore the trinity that shapes our existence: our relationship with work, self, and others.

This episode is an awakening. Recognizing and navigating the contracts in our personal and professional lives is crucial for growth and Zen-like balance.

00:00 Major changes: new location, reinventing coaching business.

04:39 Concept of three marriages: work, self, others.

08:58 Formal religious vows, sacred relationship, professional ethics.

12:35 Prioritize what...

Dive deep into the harmonious world of Zen Buddhism with your spiritual companions on the "Game of Zen" podcast. Our latest episode, "Not too Loose, Not too Tight," is an invitation to explore the middle way of effort and mindfulness that permeates through every aspect of life.

Life as Spiritual Practice. Paul & Scott illuminate how to weave spirituality into the fabric of our daily lives, supporting our growth as mindful beings, while simplifying the complexities that we often face.

03:22 Right effort is essential for growth.

09:00 Cultivate wholesome states, abandon unwholesome states.

17:20...

In this episode, you'll discover how the act of mindful listening can shape your speech and relationships. Dig deeper into the concept of right action and understand its importance in daily interactions. Be inspired to consider the intricacies of right livelihood as we share examples from our own lives, ranging from involvement in charity events to practicing Buddhist vows. The hosts invite you to reflect on your motivations and assess your career or vocation through the lens of the Eightfold Path.

02:39 Right speech means being truthful, kind, necessary. We are all in this together.

07:04 Using...

We are excited to share with you the latest episode of our podcast, Game of Zen. In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the wisdom and insights of our special guest, Pat Croce.

In this episode, we explore the concept of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience in Buddhist dharma. We delve into the "second arrow", the additional suffering we create through reactive patterns around pain. Pat shares his personal journey within the game of Zen and the role of vision and vows in this inner game of awareness and self-development.

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Game of Zen! We're excited to share the latest installment featuring an insightful interview with esteemed guest, Pat Croce. Join hosts Paul and Scott as they delve into the fascinating world of psychological suffering rooted in fear and its unnecessary nature.

Pat Croce, who boasts an impressive business career starting as a physical therapist for the Philadelphia Flyers and later becoming an athletic trainer for the 76ers, joins the conversation. Pat shares captivating stories of his journey, including founding Physical Therapy Centers and his partnership with Ed Snyder and Comcast to...

In this enlightening episode, hosts Paul and Scott dive deep into the significance of having a clear view of reality and how it relates to our experiences in the world.

Our perception of reality greatly influences our behavior, words, and thoughts. Buddhist teachings highlight that our desires, cravings, judgments, and reactivities often cloud our view of reality, leading to actions and decisions based on an illusory or distorted understanding.

00:01:24 Clear view of reality shapes our actions.

00:04:00 Impermanence, suffering, nirvana, no fixed self.

00:07:54 Robert Aiken emphasized interconnectedness and provisional beliefs.

00:14:09...

In our latest episode of the Game of Zen podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Geoff Shoun O'Keeffe as our special guest. Geoff shared his wisdom on the power of not knowing and embracing uncertainty in our lives.

Geoff discussed the concept of right mindfulness and the eightfold path as tools to navigate the complexities of existence. . Through Geoff's journey, we learned how anger and conflict initially surfaced but eventually transformed into acceptance and making the best of the situation.

00:02:48 Gratitude, Zen practice, outdoor industry experience, leadership values.

00:17:26 Unintentional actions, transitioning to...

We are excited to share with you the latest episode of our podcast, Game of Zen. In this insightful episode, we delve into the profound teachings of the Buddha's Four Noble Truths and the transformative power of the Eightfold Path. We explore the idea that true success and lasting happiness are not external accomplishments, but rather an inner state of being that can be cultivated and nurtured over time.

[05:28] Medical analogy: Symptom, diagnosis, treatment, cure. Buddhist analogy: Life is suffering, craving causes suffering, end to suffering, Eightfold Path. Cure is possible but ongoing, perpetual.

[08:06] Manifest...

In this deep dive into the world of Zen, we explore the profound concept of attachment and its impact on our daily lives.

In this episode, we delve into the three-part meditation practice of Letting Go, Letting Come, and Letting Be. These exercises are designed to evoke a specific energy and help us cultivate equanimity - the ability to be present without being pulled off our center by desires, frustrations, or intense efforts to control outcomes.

[07:29] Equanimity is the crucial quality needed in work and life. It is centeredness, the ability to stay focused and...

Scott and Paul introduce the podcast!

Pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and prepare to delve deeper into the wisdom of Buddhism with the latest installment of the Game of Zen podcast. Our hosts, Paul and Scott provide enlightening discussion designed to guide you on a journey toward inner peace and liberation from suffering.

Paul and Scott unveil the realities of the relentless quest for approval and success that so many of us encounter in our daily grind. They draw on personal trials and triumphs to shed light on the "never enough" mentality and how the concept of sufficiency can revolutionize...

We are excited to introduce the very first episode of our podcast, The Game of Zen. In this episode, we will dive into the core teachings of Buddhism, exploring the Four Noble Truths and the concept of attachments, while also sharing personal experiences of how Zen principles have impacted our lives and businesses.

We begin by discussing the Four Noble Truths, which highlight the nature of suffering in our lives and the path towards liberation.

(00:30) The podcast hosts, Scott Berman and Sensei Paul Gyodo Agostinelli, introduce the "Game of Zen" podcast. They discuss their shared...