Best Backward Masking Podcasts (2025)

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Best of Awake in the World: Don’t Get Stuck on Peace, See Everything as A Dream 45:51

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2h ago45:51

45:51

A lively discussion on meditation and the Tibetan Lojong Practices for Training in Compassion. Portland, Oregon. Recorded on December 3, 2016.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings available to the public. To become a patr…

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S6E8: Rest, Little Sister 42:22

3d ago42:22

42:22

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 8 , Season 6 Trigger Warnings: Contains adult content and themes Author: Micahel Hunter Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music created by Blakmoth Music: https://blakmoth.bandcamp.com https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blakmoth/1272300964 Socials: https://instagram.co…

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Best of Awake in the World: Turning Things Around 52:50

4d ago52:50

52:50

Tibetan Buddhist Teachings for transforming what’s unpleasant, letting go of grasping, and the 3 treasures of awakening, reality and community. Portland, Oregon. Recorded on December 4, 2016.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of te…

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S6E7: I Can't Stop Dying 19:20

9d ago19:20

19:20

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 7, Season 6: I Can’t Stop Dying Trigger Warnings: Author: Maddie Girouard Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music created by Blakmoth Music: https://blakmoth.bandcamp.com https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blakmoth/1272300964 Socials: https://instagram.com/blakmoth htt…

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Best of Awake in the World: Who Am I If Not This Mask? 53:20

14d ago53:20

53:20

Michael continues his month-long discussion about masks and how they shouldn't stick to your face. He gives the sangha some insight into the intrinsic and extrinsic nature of people and what motivates them to behave the way they do. Recorded Oct 11, 2010.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon suppo…

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S6E6: I Gave You Fear 26:08

16d ago26:08

26:08

By Shawn Moreau & Naomi Richards

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Best of Awake in the World: I've Stopped: Can You? 1:02:12

20d ago1:02:12

1:02:12

By Michael Stone

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S1 E1: Dear Diary 17:56

20d ago17:56

17:56

TRIGGER WARNING... This episode contains graphic violence and sexual themes listener discretion is advised... this episode was written by me, and read by Tiptoethetank find her at https://twitter.com/TiptoeTheTank ---By Shawn Moreau & Naomi Richards

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S6E5: Me Plus 3 30:03

23d ago30:03

30:03

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 5, Season 6 Trigger Warnings: Strong language, gore, description of suicide, and mature content Author: Naomi Richards Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music created by Blakmoth Music: https://blakmoth.bandcamp.com https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blakmoth/127230096…

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Best of Awake in the World: Buddhas On Blades Of Grass 42:15

29d ago42:15

42:15

Michael talks on another Dongshan where he asks his students if they can go to a place where there are no weeds. Michael’s commentary is that weeds are not the problem and that what we need to let go of is not “stuff” but our reactivity. Christine Centre, Wisconsin, 50 min.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our am…

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S6E4: Red Mask 32:34

1M ago32:34

32:34

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 4 , Season 6: Red Mask Trigger Warnings: Strong depictions of murder involving children, strong imagery of dead animals, murder of adults, Strong language, loud/sudden noises, gun violence, grief, mature content. Author: Lindsey B Goddard Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards T…

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Guided Meditation: Give way to something else 57:15

1M ago57:15

57:15

Michael Begins with a reminder not to push through practice, but to relax in the present moment. Learn to let go of the expectations of what it means to be on retreat and join with this guided meditation (beginning at 21:00) from the 2009/2010 New Years Retreat, Recorded December 29, 2009.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the gene…

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[Bonus:Feed Drop] Hi Nay Ep#1: Bulok (Rot) 35:52

1M ago35:52

35:52

[BONUS] Feed Drop: Hi Nay Podcast Content Warnings: Injury and brusing, Blood, Vomit, Animal remains, Human remains, Use of firearms Episode 1 title: Bulok (Rot) Filipino Immigrant Mari Datuin has been working in Toronto for about a year now. Things have been quiet, until her neighbor runs screaming to her apartment. Hi Nay, translated to “Hi Mom”,…

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S6E3: The Backwards Man 15:51

1M ago15:51

15:51

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 3 , Season 6: The Backwards Man Trigger Warnings: Mature content, death, and strong language. Author: Naomi Richards Featured Talent: Sheldon: Sean Conkling-Methot Lisa: Naomi Richards Dana: Cathay Tran Mark: Matthew Trevino Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music cre…

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Best of Awake in the World: Self-Portraits 1:09:58

1M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Michael dedicates the final evening of this retreat to Alan Ginsberg, whos self-portraits and multi-fauceted expressions have inspired him. He touches on the psychology of always thinking about the dualism between the true self and the self as participants share their own "self-portraits," a six-line assignment given to them during the retreat. Rec…

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S6E2: FSBO 24:53

2M ago24:53

24:53

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 2 , Season 6: FSBO (For Sale by Owner) Trigger Warnings: Mature Content Author: D. H. Parish Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music created by Blakmoth Music: https://blakmoth.bandcamp.com https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blakmoth/1272300964 Socials: https://instagr…

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Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness of the Breath & Taking the Backwards Step 51:14

2M ago51:14

51:14

Learning how to be present with an un-agitated heart. Meditation teaches us to be wiser with what’s difficult. Embodying our meditative practice by learning how to stop and see clearly. Meditation Facilitation Training, Vancouver, 1hr.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it pos…

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S6E1: Jane's Room 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Episode 1, Season 6: Jane’s Room Trigger Warnings: Strong language, gore, sexual themes, altered space and other adult themes. Author: Naomi Richards Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music created Blakmoth Music: https://blakmoth.bandcamp.com https://music.apple.com/us/artis…

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[Bonus]S6E0: Dead Stop 11:28

2M ago11:28

11:28

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Pre-Season 6 Bonus Episode: Dead Stop Trigger Warnings: Adult contact and death Author: David Kurze Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Theme Music created by Blakmoth Music: https://blakmoth.bandcamp.com https://music.apple.com/us/artist/blakmoth/1272300964 Socials: https://instagra…

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Best of Awake in the World: Learning from the Insentient 49:22

2M ago49:22

49:22

Michael offers a talk on the teachings of the insentient, how the snow and silence can hold hidden lessons. Can you give attention to the way the insentient teaches us? Recorded December 29, 2010.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive …

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Best of Awake in the World: 20 min Guided Meditation for Unstable Emotions 26:16

2M ago26:16

26:16

Take a moment to notice where in your body this emotional state or mood is most present. What physical sensations let you know that you're experiencing this feeling? See if you can observe how the emotion shows up in your body—how it's expressed through sensation and physical experience. Recorded December 2017.The Awake in the World podcast is brou…

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Asking the Master 56:27

3M ago56:27

56:27

In this Best of Awake in the World epside Michael introduces Case 12 of the Mumonkon, "The Master". He ties waking up with social action and the teachings of the Burmese Monks who visited the evening prior. A funny and lively talk with practices you can use in your life. Recorded Oct 5, 2010.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the g…

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Best of Awake in the World: Fear, Rebirth, and the 3 Insights 25:28

3M ago25:28

25:28

In this Best of episode Michael describes how the Buddha met fear, mapping out how concentration practice unfolds, then offers a mind-opening view of rebirth and reincarnation. The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to keep Michael's archive of teachings availa…

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Best of Awake in the World: Lack, Impermanence and Not Self 52:46

3M ago52:46

52:46

During a workshop in France, Michael teaches on the 3 characteristics — a teaching found in both the Yoga and Buddhist traditions. This talk is in both French and English. Recorded in Antibes, France, on October 26, 2013.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us t…

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Best of Awake in the World: Blending Traditions: Yoga & Buddhism 59:16

3M ago59:16

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A community talk at Tassajara Monastery with Michael Stone & Zen teacher Paul Haller. They each share some of their biography and field Q&A about practice. Paul shares from his 40 years of Zen practice. Recorded at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Monastery, California.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patr…

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Best of Awake in the World: 20 min. Guided Meditation: Feeling the Sensations of the Body 25:49

4M ago25:49

25:49

Nothing needs to be refused. Let the breath travel the body without picking up speed. The clouds of thought haul across the sky. Let them come and go. Let the breath move the way blood moves: let it find its own rhythm. Recorded 2017.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it poss…

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Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness & Social Action: Towards a Secular Spirituality 46:31

4M ago46:31

46:31

In this thoughtful and powerful talk, Michael unpacks the transformative act of sharing the untold stories—the ones that challenge the status quo. He weaves together pressing global issues like climate change, economic disparity, and the erosion of human connection, offering 12 actionable steps toward crafting a new narrative of what it means to li…

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Best of Awake in the World: Betrayal, Awakening, and Living in a Burning House 1:05:33

4M ago1:05:33

1:05:33

Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara talks about the Lotus Sutra and the parable of the burning house. Even in the world of the dharma we can get caught up with playthings and forget that we're living in a burning house. It looks like we’re living in a comfortable place, but half the world is starving. It can be hard to see the suffering that is all around us.Re…

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Best of Awake in the World: Introduction to Meditation: Sometimes Awake, Sometimes Asleep 58:23

4M ago58:23

58:23

Michael teaches a one-day introduction to meditation workshop on how you can turn anything into a practice, even a bike lock. Sometimes awake, sometimes asleep; sometimes sun, sometimes moon. Recorded on May 14, 2011.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon supporters, making it possible for us to ke…

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Best of Awake in the World: Aim & Allow: How Mindfulness of Breathing Helps Us Manage Expectations 38:29

5M ago38:29

38:29

In this Best of episode, Michael explains how the meditation we need is the “initial application of attention,” then “sustained application” so that we cultivate a spacious field in which thoughts and sensations can come and go. Sometimes blessings are all over the place and we miss them. Toronto, Ontario. Recorded May 3, 2017.The Awake in the Worl…

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Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness, Memory, and Fantasy 58:03

5M ago58:03

58:03

Looking at early Pali texts, Michael tries to recover the original and fuller meaning of mindfulness from its current usage in the west. "Mindfulness establishes the presence of the object and thereby makes it available to scrutiny and discernment."Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toronto. October 29, 2013.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to…

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Best of Awake in the World: Raw Fear is a Dot in Space 34:18

5M ago34:18

34:18

In this Best of episode, Michael reflects on how more people seem to be afraid of uncertainty than they are of physical pain. If we do something about our own pain, we can connect with the pain of others. 50% of our practice should be inward and 50% in our environment. Recorded March 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.The Awake in the World podcast i…

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Best of Awake in the World: Love, Death, And Oak Trees In The Garden 53:43

6M ago53:43

53:43

In this episode of Best of Awake in the World, While on silent retreat, Michael Stone reflects on the Zen koan "Oak Tree in the Garden," exploring meditation as a politics of love. He also shares a moving account of the Buddha’s final moments. Recorded at True North Insight, Ontario — April 19, 2014.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you …

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Best of Awake in the World : Making Friends with Your Mind 49:05

6M ago49:05

49:05

In this insightful Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael delves into how the mind works, the benefits—and limitations—of meditation, and why it’s not always the right fit for everyone. He explores karma, the psychology of delayed gratification, and touches on topics like borderline personality. You’ll also learn the difference between meditat…

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Best of Awake in the World: How We Rescue Each Other 44:08

6M ago44:08

44:08

Michael begins with talking about finding simplicity in meditation practice; stepping back from the details of thinking to notice the subjective experience of awareness; and then he launches into a discussion about grieving and loss and how we can never get satisfaction when we make war on ourselves or others. He ends by talking about how loss is p…

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Best of Awake in the World: Strain in the Heart 1:05:43

7M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Do you have a mind that can meet what’s unpleasant?In this deeply reflective talk from October 30, 2012, Michael Stone explores the inner tension that draws us to the path of practice. He weaves together insights from Carl Jung, the experience of boredom, the discipline of meditation and even a story from his Bar Mitzvah. With characteristic warmth…

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Best of Awake in the World : Pranayama 1:24:10

7M ago1:24:10

1:24:10

In this Best of Awake in the World episode, Michael Stone and Grant Hutchinson teach the ways yogic breathing returns the nervous system to "factory settings." Topics include ujjayii pranayama, the palette, the spine and viola pranayama. Pranayama is a practice of settling your attention on your breath. As attention becomes balanced, so too does th…

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Best of Awake in the World : Relax Your Mind 50:20

7M ago50:20

50:20

Michael Stone talks on the importance of relaxing your mind and how patience and relaxation give rise to enthusiasm. The talk is based on chapter 8 of Shantideva's Guide to a Bodhisattva's Way of Life. Ways of seeing your parents, how deep concentration arises through relaxation, and how to glide with breathing. Recorded at Centre of Gravity, Toron…

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Best of Awake in the World : Transforming Pain 55:53

7M ago55:53

55:53

In this Best of Awake in the World episode Michael begins teaching on the Two Darts and explains how physical and emotional pain are connected and how when we feel physical pain (first dart) it’s followed by a mental response (second dart). Then Michael teaches a guided meditation that people can do alone or as caregivers for people in pain. Worksh…

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Best of Awake in the World: Just this is it 52:39

7M ago52:39

52:39

In this Best of Awake in the World episode, we join Michael and Sanga on retreat at the Christine Center in Wisconsin. Michael shares a Zen story in which a teacher describes his teaching as “Just This Is It,” sparking a conversation about guilt, remorse, devotion, and the challenge of truly seeing oneself. Together, they explore what it means to f…

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Best of Awake in the World: Heaven Realms, Hell Realms, And Protection 45:30

8M ago45:30

45:30

Today’s Best of episode follows along with a talk from Michael recorded on the first day of a retreat back in February 2016 at Chapin Mill, New York. In this 50-minute session, Michael explores the practice of walking meditation and bowing, offering valuable tips on how to go deeper into your retreat experience. He shares insights on approaching an…

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[Bonus] Allure Stories Monthly Contest Winner: Incident Report-Hensley Farm 34:36

8M ago34:36

34:36

This podcast is a Morbid forest Production On this bonus Episode you heard is a winner from the monthly Allure Stories contest. Story Title: Incident Report- Hensley Farm Author: QuackNate Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Music & SFX provided by Epidemic sound Featured Talent: Narrator: Ron Hyatt Kendra: Glenda Villamar Lisa: Jess…

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Best of Awake in the World: We Practice Because We Forget 1:26:56

8M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

Michael also reflects on the profound reality of human suffering, pointing out how the existence of prisons and the suffering within them calls into question the true freedom we experience. He shares the unsettling statistic that the USA has the highest per capita incarceration rate in the world and the growing trend of hospices being built within …

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Best of Awake in the World: Home Base: Guided Meditation (20 min.) on Mindfulness of Thinking 22:18

9M ago22:18

22:18

In this episode of Best of Awake in the World, Michael leads a 20-minute guided meditation focusing on mindfulness of thinking. This practice invites listeners to gently observe their thoughts without judgment or attachment. Perfect for those looking to enhance their meditation practice or find stillness in the midst of mental clutter, this episode…

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Best of Awake in the World: Allowing For Experience: Practicing Non-Separation 58:38

9M ago58:38

58:38

In this episode of Best of Awake in the World, Michael lectures on the end of 2nd chapter of the Yoga-Sutra and then gets into a very precise mapping of what happens to the ego when you get into deeper states of calm and how to practice without dissociating. Recorded in Stockholm, September 8, 2016.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you b…

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Best of Awake in the World: Mindfulness of Mental States 51:05

9M ago51:05

51:05

In this Best of Awake in the World, Michael explores how mind states are not inherently fixed; you can hold mind states lightly; moods are phenomena, not who you are, and; you can sculpt your attitude. This session is part of the Meditation Facilitation Program recorded in Vancouver, 2016.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the gene…

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Allure Stories Monthly Contest Winner: Erased By Google 51:30

9M ago51:30

51:30

This podcast is a production of the Morbid Forest. Bonus Episode from the Allure Stories Monthly Contest Winner Title: Erased by Google Trigger Warnings: Adult Content and Themes Author: DJ Storytime Story Editing and Audio Production: Naomi Richards Music & SFX provided by Epidemic sound Featured Talent: Naomi Richards Follow us on Twitter (X), In…

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Best of Awake in the World: Not Identifying with Your Moods 43:10

9M ago43:10

43:10

In this Best of episode Michael explores how to become interested in how the mind functions rather than being caught in the content of our stories. Meditation is a physical practice and we use breathing to settle the mind and heart. 40 min. Recorded in Vancouver, 2016.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing…

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Best of Awake in the World: Labeling And Noting Thoughts 55:10

9M ago55:10

55:10

In this Best of episode Michael explores language and emotions in children and how this gets internalized in adults. How to meditate when we are thinking too much with a very clear talk on mindfulness practices for transforming overthinking and identification with thoughts. Recorded in Vancouver 2016, 55 min.The Awake in the World podcast is brough…

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Best of Awake in the World: When You Have No One, No One Can Hurt You 42:00

10M ago42:00

42:00

In this Best of episode Michael discusses the topics of loneliness, the power of focused attention, and the significance of small ideas that can connect and foster the creation of a new culture. Recorded at the Centre of Gravity in Toronto on December 3, 2013.The Awake in the World podcast is brought to you by the generosity of our amazing Patreon …