Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck with David Nichtern
David Nichtern, founder of Dharma Moon, is a senior Buddhist teacher who has been practicing and teaching meditation for over 40 years.He was one of the initial American students of renowned meditation master Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and studied closely with him soon after his arrival in the United States in 1970. He is also a business consultant with companies creating a variety of offerings integrating meditation in a larger health and well-being context – including Goldman Sachs, Journey Meditation, Creative Live, True Nature Meditation (Tokyo), Balanced Athlete, The Center for Health & Healing, Om Births, and Kobre & Kim law firm among others.He ha...
Ep. 66– Total Eclipse of the Mind with Andrew Holecek
Contemplative Scholar Andrew Holecek joins David Nichtern to delve into the powerful practices of dark retreat, bardo yoga, and dream yoga.
Grab a copy of Andrew’s book, Total Eclipse of the Mind, to discover more about the power of darkness for creativity, healing, and transformation.
In this episode, Andrew and David explore:
An inquiry into the nature of mind and reality How asking questions is much more important than having answersGoing into dark retreat and practicing bardo yogaEntering spiritual teachings as if immersing into a different realm The Buddha as the ultimate lucid dream...Ep. 65 – Dealing with Perfectionism with M.J. Schwartz
M.J. Schwartz explores how to meet perfectionism with mindfulness and heal the cultural messages that keep us striving for impossible standards.
Help us celebrate 10 years of Be Here Now Network and support the next chapter of Ram Dass Here and Now. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar through June 30. Learn more and give here: BHNN 10th Birthday Fundraiser
In this episode, David and M.J. chat about:
M.J.’s introduction to mindfulness and meditationHow mindfulness was incorporated into M.J.’s work as a doula and midwifeLearning how to wisely deal with perf...Ep. 64 – Annette Knopp is a Mystic Nomad
With both insight and vulnerability, Author Annette Knopp explores how our earliest attachment experiences shape the way we love, relate, and walk in this world.
Help us celebrate 10 years of Be Here Now Network and preserve the complete Ram Dass Here and Now archive. Gifts are matched dollar for dollar through June 30. Give here: BHNN 10th Birthday Fundraiser
In this episode, David and Annette chat about:
Connecting to our own personal experiences within a creative processThe intersection of healing and liberationAnnette’s journey through complex post-traumatic stress disorderHow our unhealed parental projections create issues wi...Ep. 63 –The Art of War for Modern Life with Jim Gimian
Student of The Art of War, Jim Gimian, shares how we can relate constructively to conflict and win without fighting.
In this episode, David and Jim have a conversation about:
The classic Chinese text, The Art of War, by Sun TzuThe refined wisdom of understanding conflict‘Taking Whole’: the concept of winning without fightingHow leaders (and all people) can learn from The Art of WarPast conflicts, karma, and vicious coincidenceBeing present for the opportunities that arriveLetting phenomena play rather than counteractingHow the brain is hard-wired for bias and predictionTapping into our natural connection to othersRuthlessly evaluating your...Ep. 62 – MindHeart AI: Technology for Collective Healing with Dr. Sará King and Kierstin Gray
Dr. Sará King and Kierstin Gray join The CSM Podcast to discuss their tech company, MindHeart AI, which uses an interactive map of human awareness for personal health and planetary well-being.
MindHeart AI is a liberatory technology company centering the neuroscience of well being as a catalyst for intergenerational planetary healing. Utilizing the Systems Based Awareness Map, the world’s first interactive map of human awareness, they are building a scalable, equitable platform combined with experiences that they call MindHeart Activations - in person events that support collective healing through combining culturally relevant forms of somatics, contemplative pra...
Ep. 61 – The Gift of a Broken Heart with Bryan Welch
Author and executive Bryan Welch shares how the grief of losing his child profoundly reshaped his heart, deepening his capacity for connection and compassion toward others.
Grab a copy of Bryan’s book, The Gift of a Broken Heart, HERE
In this episode, David and Bryan chat about:
How grief can transform us in a beautiful wayBryan’s journey through the loss of his son, NoahDeveloping a deeper sense of compassion through Buddhism Grief as a bridge of connection between ourselves and othersAllowing ourselves to be vulnerable Narratives of our own safety as narratives of sup...Ep. 60 – Bringing Stories to Life with Animator-Producers Jonathan and Miya Eden
Blending creativity, business, and parenthood, Jonathan and Miya Eden join David Nichtern to discuss bringing stories to life through animation.
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In this episode, David, Jonathan and Miya explore:
How Jonathan and Miya met and became both personal and creative collaboratorsThe process of animating and creating content for Pengwee and Ruby Animating meditative processes and a modified story of the BuddhaThe impact of Miya’s late grandmother on he...Ep. 59 – Strawberry Moons: A New Kind of Media with Debbie Nutley
Discussing their newest project, Strawberry Moons Media, David Nichtern and Debbie Nutley get into how they truly merged creativity with spirituality and ‘making a buck’.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This time on the CSM Podcast, David and Debbie share about:
The creation of Strawberry Moons Media as a hub for conscious creators and spiritual storytellers Having a ‘sky view’ perspective while also staying grounded and executing dreams here on earthExperiencing Buddhism and medit...Ep. 58 – Bringing Depth to Our Lives with Emily Esfahani Smith
Dissecting the process of her book, The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith joins David to explore bringing depth to our lives via belonging, purpose, transcendence, and storytelling.
Pick up Emily's book, The Power of Meaning, HERE.
This time on the CSM Podcast, David and Emily discuss:
Positive Psychology: shifting from a focus on what’s wrong to the science of well-being and human flourishingHow connecting to something greater than ourselves can lead to self-transcendence and deeper meaningWhat scientific research reveals about activities that create a meaningful lifeMaking intentional, values-aligned choices instead of following ex...Ep. 57 – Bhakti & Buddhism: The Heart and Mind of Practice with Krishna Das
Blending together Bhakti and Buddhism, best of friends Krishna Das and David Nichtern discuss the gradual cultivation of practice and finding your ‘niche’ within the dharma.
Join the Wisdom & Wellbeing Week 1 Intensive with Krishna Das & Nina Rao | January 3 - 10, 2026 | Click to Learn More
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In this episode, David and Krishna Das thoughtfully explore:
Leaning into the dharma and gradually planting seeds of spiritual practice Giving oneself fully to...Ep. 56 – Social Action & Misplaced Faith with Sharon Salzberg
Old friends Sharon Salzberg and David Nichtern meet to discuss the calamity of misplaced faith and the expansion that can come from individualized social action.
Join Sharon's Upcoming Course with Tricycle to uncover your Buddhist Personality Type
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on the CSM podcast, David and Sharon have a thought-provoking conversation about:
Expanding the definition of social action to include art and genuine spiritual practiceLooking deeper int...Ep. 55 – An Intimate Look at the Heart Sutra with Susan Piver
Meditation teacher, Susan Piver, joins David Nichtern to share her profound and ever-evolving connection to The Heart Sutra.
Learn about the heart and mind of practice with David Nichtern and Krishna Das in an upcoming free online talk! Register HERE.
In this episode, David Nichtern and Susan Piver explore:
The many variations of The Heart Sutra and why it deeply inspires SusanFocusing on the sound of the words in The Heart Sutra, not just the meaning of the words Considering how a sutra can transform an environment and how an environment can transform a s...Ep. 54 – Seven Sorrows of the New Saint: Getting Real About Obstacles on the Spiritual Path with Lama Rod Owens
Facing the obstacles on a spiritual path, Lama Rod Owens, David Nichtern, and Michael Kammers, discuss the seven sorrows of the new saint.
Grab Lama Rod’s new book, The New Saints: From Broken Hearts to Spiritual Warriors
In this episode, David, Michael and Lama Rod chat about:
Realizing that liberation is driven by uncomfortable contradictionsThe seven great sorrows of the new saintLeaving people behind on a spiritual journeyOffering space to paradoxes in order to find claritySupport on the Boddhisatva pathFocusing our energy on ourselvesPrayer as an imperative part of spiritual workBeing relevant and spe...Ep. 53 – The Four Powers of Confidence with Ethan Nichtern
Exploring the themes in his new book, Confidence, Ethan Nichtern chats with his dad, David, about vulnerability, truth, and the state of the world.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
In this episode, David and Ethan speak about:
Ethan’s new book and what real confidence isFalse confidence and manipulationThe current political environment and seeking the truthWhy authenticity is so importantExamples of people who radiate confidence and light the candles of othersHow sadness can be...Ep. 52 – The Intersection of Love and Awareness with Rhonda V. Magee
Highlighting the intersection between love and awareness, Rhonda V. Magee joins David to discuss real change in a culture of separation.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This time on the CSM podcast, David and Rhonda converse about:
Rhonda’s background and personal definition of loveReal change through love, inspiration and a sense of connectionThe inter-being of mindfulness and mettaThe principle of loving everyone and telling the truthWhat happens when truth is met with r...Ep. 51 – Eternalism and A.I. with Ramin Nazer
Ramin Nazer and David Nichtern explore the individual’s place in an ever-changing and technologically-advancing world.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
This time on CSM, we hear about:
Technological advancement and the collective mindSci-Fi and fear vs. hope for the futureThe unsustainability of blissEternalism and the hellscape of pointlessnessThe dystopia of A.I and ChatGPTSafe zones versus growth zonesCreativity and trying to guess what the world wants to seeCreating a balance in a chaotic worldThe fundamental experiences that...Ep. 50 – A Mindful Approach to Panic with Dan Harris
Discussing his experience with panic attacks, Dan Harris describes the tools that have helped him move from resistance to acceptance.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
In this episode, David and Dan dive into:
How Dan went from experiencing panic attacks to finding meditation
Dan’s definition of happiness
Stabilizing our well-being
The compounding effect of meditation practice
Navigating difficult external experiences
Working on a loving-kindness practice
<...Ep. 49 – The Mind-Body Interplay with Dr. Sarà King
Examining the interplay between mind and body, neuroscientist Dr. Sarà King and David Nichtern talk trauma, dream-work, and the sense of self.
David and Dr. Sarà traverse these topics:
Dr. Sarà’s research on generational trauma and ancestral intelligenceThe autonomic nervous system and how trauma is stored in the bodyFight, Flight, Freeze, Faint, and gauging if a situation is safe or dangerousHow contemplative practices can modulate the trauma responseWhat the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible forHow we create personal narrativesNeuroscience and quantum energyDr. Sarà’s own journey to liberation from traumaCo-Creating our own reality with the universe...Ep. 48 – The Relative and The Absolute with Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson
Focusing on the relative and absolute, Rabbi Dr. Jay Michaelson and David Nichtern explore mindfulness, mysticism, and more.
David and Jay spend this episode discussing:
- Jay’s interdisciplinary background and seizing the day
- Mindfulness and Jewish mysticism
- Spiritual and Sensual Exploration
- Relying on a joyful state of mind
- The intersection of psychedelics and spirituality
- The sweet spot between contemplative practice and engaged activism
- Economics, politics, and the elites
- Bliss states and relative experiences
...Ep. 47 – We Were Made for These Times with Kaira Jewel Lingo
Mindfulness teacher, Kaira Jewel Lingo, chats with David Nichtern about the power of spiritual community and self-assessment.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
In this episode, David and Kaira discuss:
The practice of sharing appreciations and regretsCommunity support within nunneries and monasteriesCo-regulating the nervous system to mitigate conflictSocial change and recognizing our shared humanityDoing the inner work to have a bigger impact on the worldLiving simply and being aligned with our purposeUsing resources to build a better futureNeuroscience & B...Ep. 46 – Joining Heaven and Earth
David Nichtern explores how mindfulness meditation is the primary tool on our journey of joining Heaven and Earth, which are our highest aspirations and our day-to-day practicalities.
This episode is taken from one of David’s Dharma Moon Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training sessions. The Intro to Mindfulness and the Path of Meditation program, which serves as the foundation for the next Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training, begins on October 13th.
To learn more, register now for a free online talk, Teaching Mindfulness Meditation and the Role of the Teacher, with David Nichtern and Robert Thurman on Tuesday...
Ep. 45 – In Tune with Richard Wolf
David is joined by Emmy Award-winning composer, author, multi-Platinum record producer and songwriter Richard Wolf for a conversation about music, mindfulness, and success.
Join David Nichtern and Robert Thurman on Tuesday, August 22nd to discuss teaching meditation and find out more about Dharma Moon and Tibet House's renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training: FREE ONLINE TALK
In this episode, Richard joins David to discuss:
The Twelve Bridges between music & meditationZen & Silent IlluminationPractice and successLinks From This Episode:
Darker the Night, Brighter the StarsDiscovering Elegance“It’s not about your ego when you’re making mus...
Ep. 44 – Professional Wrestling and the Middle Way with Matt Sydal
Matt Sydal joins David to talk about wisdom gained through imperfection, and how professional wrestling connects to the Middle Way.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
In this episode, Matt joins David to discuss:
The variations of professional wrestling in different culturesThe “not too tight, not too loose” principle in wrestlingMaintaining an equanimous state in discomfort His story on experiencing vastness and spaciousness of the mind for the first time Balancing daily life with the practice of cultivating the med...Ep. 43 – Composing Dharma with Sean Callery
Emmy-winning composer Sean Callery and David discuss true fearlessness, how Trungpa Rinpoche heard music, and the symphony of impermanence.
Join David Nichtern and Robert Thurman to discuss teaching meditation and find out more about Dharma Moon and Tibet House's renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training: FREE ONLINE TALK
In this episode, David and Sean dive into:
Sean’s absolutely legendary Emmy-winning career as a humble composer you may not know, but have certainly heard and been touched bySuccess, aspiration, effort, persistence, happiness, fruition, and the journeyConnecting, acknowledging, authenticity, skillful means, confidence, and unique viewBlending spirituality an...Ep. 42 – Mindful Homes with Anjie Cho
Author, architect, and feng shui expert, Anjie Cho, joins David Nichtern to inspire listeners to revitalize their homes and their lives through the practice of mindful design.
Today's podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
Join David Nichtern and Buddhist scholar Professor Robert Thurman for an online session on mindfulness, meditation and the Dharma Moon Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training program: dharmamoon.com/info-session
In this episode, David and Anjie dive into:
Redefining your relationship with your home thro...
Ep. 41 – Infinity and Emptiness with Acharya Shunya
Exploring Vedic principles in a modern era, Vedic scholar and Lineage Holder Acharya Shunya joins David Nichtern in a reflection on infinity and emptiness.
Take part in a free online evening of exploration with Acharya Shunya and David Nichtern. Enjoy a presentation by Acharya Shunya titled “Awakening Goddess Saraswati with Mantra, Meditation & Sacred Visioning”, followed by a dialogue between her and David, and will conclude with an open Q&A session: LEARN MORE
In this episode David and Acharya Shunya explore:
The form and formlessHindu Lineages Enlightenment and VulnerabilityRebirthing the self Yugas and addressing the era...Ep. 40 – Entrepreneurship, Technology & Spiritual Practice w/ Justin Evans
Tech wizard, entrepreneur, and practitioner Justin Evans joins David to talk about merging Buddhist wisdom with A.I. technology and business.
Help others improve their mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress, improve focus, increase self-awareness and self-regulation -- all while deepening your own practice and understanding.
Join Buddhist teacher David Nichtern and special guest Professor Robert Thurman for a free online program on Tuesday, February 14th at 6:00pm ET. Visit dharmamoon.com/beherenow for more info and to reserve your spot for the free info session!
Learn more about Justin's Playfitt app:
...
Ep. 39 – Chanting, Music, & Sri Siddhi Ma with Nina Rao
Nina Rao joins David to share the clarity and wisdom of her Guru, Sri Siddhi Ma, and discuss chanting, music, Maharaj-ji, the Goddess, and Hanuman.
Nina Rao is a devotional singer. She tours with Krishna Das, playing cymbals, singing, and acting as his business manager. Nina has two of her own albums, “Antarayaami – Knower of All Hearts” and “Anubhav”. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond.
Transform your meditation practice with Dharma Moon's 1-on-1 mentoring program: 1:1 MENTORING
“It's all about purifying. The practice is helping us drop all...
Settling into Practice, A Buddhist View with Michael Kammers
The CSM Podcast is back with a Dharma talk from David Nichtern about stepping onto the path of meditation and settling into practice.
It is the new year, now is the time to sit down, settle in and dig into mindfulness and meditation practice. The question is, what are you doing that gets in the way of your practice taking root? In this episode, David offers wisdom that every beginning or struggling meditator needs to hear.
Transform your meditation practice with Dharma Moon's 1-on-1 mentoring program: 1:1 MENTORING
"There is another expression of practice, 'Ha...
Fruitless Desires, A Buddhist View with David Nichtern & Michael Kammers
David Nichtern and Michael Kammers weave tangible Buddhist perspectives on working with desire in the modern world.
Discover more at Dharma Moon – David's mindfulness-based education platform offering Workshops/Courses, Teacher Trainings, Mentoring & more.
"It's not inherently liberating to either repress desire or indulge it – it's how you work with it that's potentially liberating." – David Nichtern
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Ep. 38 – The Enneagram as Skillful Means w/ Susan Piver
This week on Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck, drop into the world of Enneagram with returning guest, Susan Piver.
Susan Piver has an international reputation as an exceptionally skillful meditation teacher. She teaches workshops and speaks on mindfulness, innovation, communication, relationships, and creativity. Susan has been a student of Buddhism since 1995, graduated from a Buddhist seminary in 2004, and was authorized to teach meditation in 2005. In 2012, she founded The Open Heart Project, the world’s largest online-only meditation center. Susan is also a New York Times bestselling author. Her newest book is The Buddhist Enneagram: Nine Paths to War...
Freedom From Doubt, A Buddhist View with David Nichtern & Michael Kammers
David and Michael offer freedom from doubt, exploring its connection to relationships, uncertainty, meditation, leadership, accomplishment, and mistakes.
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
Discover more at Dharma Moon – David's mindfulness-based education platform offering Workshops/Courses, Teacher Trainings, Mentoring & more.
"I was in a marriage for some time, but it led to me not being honest with myself because I wasn't really honoring the doubt and the fear. Fear and doubt are related. In that relationship, I was...
Precision, A Buddhist View with David Nichtern & Michael Kammers
David Nichtern returns to get clear and precise about the Buddhist view on precision.
In this special Buddhist View episode of the CSM Podcast, Michael Kammers and David Nichtern explore the concept of precision through the clear lens of Buddhism.
Support podcasts like this through the Be Here Now Network 6th-Anniversary Fundraiser Drive - win tickets to the Ram Dass Legacy retreat in Maui, shop limited edition BHNNxBrunofsky merch and more: beherenownetwork.com/fundraiser
Discover more at Dharma Moon – David's mindfulness-based education platform offering Workshops/Courses, Teacher Trainings, Mentoring & more!
David's View: Creativity & Compassion with David Nichtern & Michael Kammers
Michael Kammers and David Nichtern discuss the connection between creativity and compassion, offering insight into balancing artistry with wellbeing.
Discover more at Dharma Moon – David's mindfulness-based education platform offering Workshops/Courses, Teacher Trainings, Mentoring & more.
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Ep. 37 - Rethinking the Dharma with Lama Rod Owens
Lama Rod Owens joins David Nichtern to discuss rethinking the traditional approach to the Dharma on this episode of Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck.
Lama Rod Owens is a Buddhist minister, author, activist, yoga instructor, queen, and author. His book, Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation Through Anger, is an LA Times Best Seller. Lama Rod Owens is considered to be one of the leaders of the next generation of Dharma teachers. He has a blend of formal Buddhist training and life experience that gives him a unique ability to understand, relate and engage with those...
Ep. 36 - Applied Dharma w/ Miriam Parker
In this episode, David and Miriam have a vulnerable conversation about the nature of practice and how to apply it in our creative lives.
Miriam Parker is an interdisciplinary artist who uses movement, paint, video art, and sculpture/installation. Her work has been influenced by her experience as a dancer, her study of Buddhism and phenomenology, and her connection to the free jazz tradition. Over the last 4 years, her personal practice has led her to complete over 35 weeks of solitary spiritual retreat. Miriam also completed a rigorous study of the 15 Foundational Buddhist Courses as offered through the A...
David's View: Mindful Leadership with David Nichtern & Michael Kammers
Michael Kammers & David Nichtern offer perspective on the nature of freedom and how mindful leadership effects the systems we live within.
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/beherenow
In this timely David's View episode, Michael Kammers joins David for a discussion which dives into the importance of mindful leadership. Taking an honest look at our current leadership models in the United States, the Dharma Moon Duo offers insight into dancing and conflict resolution, ego and intention, capacity and dysfunction, as w...
Ep. 35 – A Mindful Headspace with Eve Lewis Prieto
Eve Lewis Prieto of Headspace joins David for a conversation on merging ancient meditation techniques with modern technology.
Evelyn Lewis Prieto is a mindfulness and meditation teacher, and Director of Meditation at Headspace. She has studied under the guidance of Andy Puddicombe and David Nichtern. She is passionate about blending these accent traditions with modern science and has experienced first-hand the value these practices can have, even in the darkest of times, which is what inspired her to also train as an MBSR teacher. As Director of Meditation for Headspace, Eve is responsible for growing the community...
Ep. 34 - Worthiness and Empowered Humility with Pete Holmes
This week on Creativity, Spirituality & Making a Buck, David Nichtern and Pete Holmes discuss worthiness and empowered humility.
Pete Holmes is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and podcaster. You can listen to him on his podcast You Made it Weird with Pete Holmes or check out his new TV show, How We Roll. His recent book, Comedy Sex God offers a comedic and autobiographical philosophical inquiry on living a spiritual life.
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David's View: Working with Strong Emotions with David Nichtern & Michael Kammers
Michael Kammers joins David Nichtern to discuss working with strong emotions as a practice during meditation and in daily life.
Dharma Moon’s 100 Hour Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training led by David Nichtern starts May 18: https://www.dharmamoon.com/summer-teacher-training
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