Best Sean Fargo Podcasts (2025)

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Counting Breaths, Cultivating Calm: How Concentration Strengthens Everyday Mindfulness 31:53

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10h ago31:53

31:53

What if narrowing your attention could make your daily life feel wider, calmer, and more vivid? We dive into the practical craft of concentration and show how a single, steady focus becomes the quiet engine behind reliable mindfulness. Rather than forcing the mind, we build a friendly runway—gladdening the mind with gratitude and warmth—so attentio…

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Mindful Teaching Starts With Humility 4:14

1d ago4:14

4:14

A quiet room, a slower week, and a simple question that matters: what truly makes someone ready to teach mindfulness? While recovering from COVID, I took time to reflect on the difference between healthy hesitation and unhelpful overconfidence—and why the best teachers often start from humility rather than hype. We walk through a practical rule of …

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From Prisons To Pro Sports: George Mumford On Training The Mind 1:54:23

4d ago1:54:23

1:54:23

Pressure doesn’t have to crush you; it can refine you. George Mumford—renowned mindfulness teacher to championship teams and communities far from the spotlight—joins us for a deeply practical journey through presence, performance, and the courage to be yourself. We open with a simple “arriving” practice that resets the nervous system, then build on…

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The Tragedy of Macbeth with Dana Schwartz 2:44:13

5d ago2:44:13

2:44:13

You can’t say “Macbeth” in a theater, but you can certainly say it on a podcast! Dana Schwartz joins us (in her third Blank Check appearance on a witch-centered film) to talk about Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, the first solo-directorial effort from a Coen Brother after their amicable split. We’re debating the success of Frances McDormand and…

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Mindful Tools For Anger, Sadness, Fear, And Recovery 9:58

6d ago9:58

9:58

We share simple, grounded ways to feel anger, sadness, depression, and fear without judgment, then channel that energy into healing and meaningful action. We also invite you to a live online retreat with practices, Q&A, and resources to support resilience. • naming natural emotions after a public tragedy • why feeling is essential for healing • min…

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Taming The Wandering Mind 17:44

6d ago17:44

17:44

Your mind drifts the moment you sit to breathe, and that’s not a problem to fix—it’s the raw material of practice. We unpack why a healthy brain loves to roam, how the default mode network fuels both distraction and creativity, and why chasing an empty mind sets you up for frustration. Instead of fighting thoughts, we show you how to work with them…

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Mindful Creativity, Unlocked 1:23:31

8d ago1:23:31

1:23:31

Anne Cushman explores how mindfulness and creativity feed each other through guided practices, research insights, and lived stories. We trade perfection for presence, play with color and movement, and learn to follow the thread of aliveness into honest work. • opening space through breath and softening • honoring life as inherently creative • recon…

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McMindfulness, Money, and Meaning: Critiques of Today's Mindfulness Movement 23:42

10d ago23:42

23:42

We explore a nuanced look at mindfulness: its benefits, the ethics behind how it is taught, and the critiques around commercialization and depoliticisation. William Edelglass helps us test the line between personal practice and social change with clear questions, research, and examples. • Angela Davis’s question about mindfulness and injustice • cr…

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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs with Paul Scheer & Jason Mantzoukas 3:29:53

12d ago3:29:53

3:29:53

Six segments. Four legendary movie podcasters. Three and a half hours of keeping David Sims away from his family. Welcome to our Ballad of Buster Scruggs episode! How Did This Get Made’s Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas join the Two Friends to talk about the Coens’ final film together (as of this recording), a grab bag of western vignettes that cou…

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Principles For A Planet-Wide Wake-Up 4:21

12d ago4:21

4:21

The ground keeps moving, but our old habits try to pretend nothing has changed. In this mini episode, James Baraz talks honestly about what this moment is saying to us: we’re not separate, our choices echo, and we can learn to respond with more care than fear. James Baraz's website: https://www.awakeningjoy.info/ Starting with a simple practice—pay…

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Discipline That Feels Like Freedom 15:47

14d ago15:47

15:47

We explore mindful self-discipline as a blueprint for freedom, not a joyless grind. Through aspiration, awareness, and action, we show how to beat engineered distraction, strengthen willpower, and make steady progress without shame. https://mindfulnessexercises.com/podcast • self-discipline linked to higher happiness and smoother daily life • atten…

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How Acceptance Builds Safety and Deepens Your Mindfulness Practice 1:21:40

17d ago1:21:40

1:21:40

Former Buddhist monk and Mindfulness Exercises founder Sean Fargo explores what full acceptance really means in mindfulness and meditation—meeting fear, anxiety, judgment, and resistance with embodied awareness and self-compassion. Drawing on years of teaching across prisons, hospitals, classrooms, and companies, Sean translates Buddhist psychology…

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Hail, Caesar! with Shirley Li 2:36:34

19d ago2:36:34

2:36:34

Would that it twere so simple to lasso that lazy ol’ moon! This week, we’re chatting about all the studio shenanigans in Hail, Caesar! with our pal Shirley Li. Speaking of Shirley, we all knew she was skilled at getting David “The Dog” Sims off the leash, but did you know that she also attended researcher JJ’s wedding?! Lore drop! Join us as we unp…

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From Imposter to Impact: 8 Keys to Teaching Mindfulness 1:45:18

23d ago1:45:18

1:45:18

Former Buddhist monk and Mindfulness Exercises founder Sean Fargo lays out a clear, compassionate roadmap for teaching mindfulness and meditation — with confidence, credibility, and heart. Drawing from his journey (from cloistered practice to prisons, clinics, classrooms, and companies), Sean distills what actually works so you can help others be m…

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Inside Llewyn Davis with Rachel Zegler 2:41:24

26d ago2:41:24

2:41:24

🎵🎶Puh-pa-please Mr. Kennedy (uhoh!) please won’t you listen to our puh-podcast🎶🎵This week we broadcast, not from a balcony, but from the Blank Check office, with guest Rachel Zegler (she connects with people, JJ’s research confirms)! Coming off of back to back Blank Checks the Coen’s took their time to release Inside Llewyn Davis, a somber comedy f…

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The Hidden Truth I Learned as a Monk About Teaching Mindfulness 11:09

26d ago11:09

11:09

When I first started teaching mindfulness, I thought I had to sound wise, calm, and enlightened — like a “real” teacher. But one unexpected moment — in a tiny community room in Berkeley — changed everything I thought I knew about guiding others in mindfulness. In this episode, I share the hidden truth I discovered after years living as a Buddhist m…

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Embodied Mindfulness with Mark Walsh: Healing, Humor & Trauma-Informed Coaching for a Disconnected World 40:03

27d ago40:03

40:03

In this Mindfulness Exercises Podcast episode, Sean Fargo sits down with Mark Walsh, founder of Embodiment Unlimited, to explore the profound connection between mindfulness, embodiment, and trauma-informed coaching. Mark is a leading voice in embodied mindfulness, known for blending humor, honesty, and heart-centered awareness into the worlds of co…

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Compassionate Boundaries: How Mindfulness Helps You Say “No” with Kindness and Clarity 25:47

28d ago25:47

25:47

In this episode of Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo, Sean explores how mindfulness can transform the way we set and communicate boundaries. Saying “no” doesn’t have to come from guilt or fear—it can arise from awareness, care, and self-respect. Sean guides listeners through a 10-minute meditation to sense the body’s inner “yes” and “no,” offer…

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A House of Dynamite 2:32:32

30d ago2:32:32

2:32:32

Kathryn Bigelow is back. But are WE so back? Not quite. The gang discusses the recent release A House of Dynamite, a film in which the president listens to podcasts, Tracy Letts loves the Mets, and the city of Chicago may or may not be completely leveled by an atomic bomb. Do we kind of miss Mark Boal now? Are we praying Kathryn Bigelow directs som…

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Breathing Made Tangible: How Moonbird Brings Calm, Sleep & Embodied Awareness with Stefanie Broes 44:19

1M ago44:19

44:19

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo talks with Dr. Stefanie Broes, founder and CEO of Moonbird, about how tactile, screen-free technology can help us reconnect with the body through mindful breathing. Moonbird is a handheld device that literally breathes with you—expanding and contracting in your hand to guide calm, slo…

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Trauma-Sensitive Body Scan Meditations for Healing and Presence 28:06

1M ago28:06

28:06

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo explores how to lead trauma-sensitive body scan meditations with compassion, choice, and safety. Designed for mindfulness teachers, coaches, therapists, and wellness professionals, this session offers practical tools for guiding clients who may carry trauma in their bodies. Discover h…

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True Grit with Stavros Halkias 2:58:27

1M ago2:58:27

2:58:27

We love to pull the cork. Comedian (and probably the biggest Greek-American entertainer of our time) Stavros Halkias joins us to chat about 2010’s True Grit, the Coens’ true attempt to cash their post-Oscar blank check. We’re talking about Hailee Steinfeld’s incredible performance. We’re talking about Jeff Bridges’ distinctive mumbly delivery. We’r…

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How to Deal with Overwhelming Pain During Meditation 14:25

1M ago14:25

14:25

When pain shows up in practice, it can feel overwhelming but it can also be a doorway to deeper awareness. This is an excerpt from our Community Gathering wherein a student opens up about the challenge of neck pain becoming overwhelming during meditation. Rather than offering a quick fix, Sean Fargo invites a gentler approach: turning toward discom…

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A Serious Man with Marc Maron 1:51:51

2M ago1:51:51

1:51:51

The time has come for us to lock the gates. On the occasion of the end of WTF, Marc Maron joins us to talk about chaos, God, mathematics, and Jewish identity as we dive into 2009’s A Serious Man. Highlights of this episode include Marc asking, “Is this a bit?” when David opens the dossier, Marc’s discussion of his audition to play Larry Gopnik, and…

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Julie Lythcott-Haims on the Power of Telling Your Truth 56:25

2M ago56:25

56:25

In this powerful conversation from the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo speaks with Julie Lythcott-Haims — New York Times bestselling author, activist, politician, and former Stanford dean — about how mindfulness can help us face shame, rewrite old stories, and create space for authentic belonging. Julie shares how she first discovered min…

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Burn After Reading with Fran Hoepfner 2:11:15

2M ago2:11:15

2:11:15

What did we learn, Palmer? That 2008’s Burn After Reading is pretty freakin’ hilarious, sir. Our Fran (Hoepfner, not McDormand) joins us this week to talk about Joel and Ethan Coen’s madcap dark comedy about a bunch of morons living in the DC area. The way John Malkovich says “mem-waah”...George Clooney’s homemade dildo chair…Brad Pitt’s stupid fac…

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What to Do When You Feel Stuck in Your Mindfulness Practice 8:24

2M ago8:24

8:24

At some point in practice, many of us wonder: Why does it feel like I’m not growing anymore? In this excerpt from our Community Gathering Q&A, a student opens up about reaching a plateau after years of mindfulness and healing work. Sean Fargo offers a compassionate reframing that feeling stuck is not failure, but often a sign that something deeper …

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No Country for Old Men with Leslye Headland 2:56:24

2M ago2:56:24

2:56:24

The Two Friendos, plus “Masterpiece” Leslye Headland and “I would have had no problems handling that bag of money” Ben Hosley take on one of the most acclaimed films of the 21st century in this week’s episode. It’s No Country For Old Men week on Blank Check! We’re chatting about Anton Chigurh’s strange physicality, Tommy Lee Jones’ tired resignatio…

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Loch Kelly on Effortless Mindfulness in Everyday Moments 1:21:52

2M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

In this episode of Mindfulness Exercises, Sean Fargo and Loch Kelly explore the essence of effortless mindfulness—a direct shift into awake, loving awareness that doesn’t rely on heavy concentration. Loch shows how quick “glimpses” can reset us, how flow isn’t the same as hyper-focus, and how using visual, auditory, or felt cues helps mindfulness l…

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Staying Present Longer: The Interplay of Mindfulness & Concentration 55:02

2M ago55:02

55:02

In this episode, Sean Fargo explores the deep relationship between mindfulness and concentration — two practices that are often taught separately but in reality support and sustain each other. Drawing inspiration from his teacher Ajahn Chah, Sean reflects on how concentration serves as the foundation that allows mindfulness to stay steady with the …

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The Ladykillers with Connor Ratliff 2:47:07

2M ago2:47:07

2:47:07

We must have waffles forthwith! We must also have Connor Ratliff on the pod to talk about Tom Hanks for the first time since the completion of his Dead Eyes series! Join us for a spirited discussion about 2004’s The Ladykillers, a film that is universally regarded as the Coens’ worst, and is also the film that ended Hanks’ legendary decade-long bof…

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What Should You Teach First as a Mindfulness Teacher? 12:10

2M ago12:10

12:10

One of the biggest questions new mindfulness teachers face is simple but daunting: Where do I even begin?This episode comes straight from a live Zoom call with Sean Fargo and his students, Sean Fargo responds to a heartfelt question: “When you’re just starting out, how do you know what to teach first?” Sean shares his own journey of finding directi…

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Guided Meditation: How to Stay Present Longer (with Sean Fargo) 29:38

2M ago29:38

29:38

In this guided meditation, Sean Fargo leads us into the heart of concentration practice by inviting a sense of safety, openness, and gentle presence. Drawing from his training as a Buddhist monk and his years of teaching mindfulness, Sean introduces simple yet profound ways to steady the mind and deepen focus — beginning with the breath, moving thr…

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Intolerable Cruelty with Katey Rich 2:15:37

2M ago2:15:37

2:15:37

We’ve been exposed. You’ve nailed our asses. Of course we’re going to defend this movie! 2004’s Intolerable Cruelty features George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones at the height of their powers, yet failed to connect with contemporary audiences. Guest Katey Rich joins us as we attempt to understand why. Too mean? Too talky? A lack of period trappi…

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Allowing Space to Simply Feel and Be (Guided Meditation) 29:11

3M ago29:11

29:11

In this gentle bedtime practice, Sean Fargo guides us through a soothing meditation to unwind the nervous system and soften into rest. Rather than trying to fix or change anything, this meditation invites you to allow what’s here and let it be held in a space of kindness. Whether you’re lying down for the night or simply seeking a few quiet moments…

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The Man Who Wasn't There with Jordan Hoffman 2:35:01

3M ago2:35:01

2:35:01

This one’s a real enigma - is The Man Who Wasn’t There a film about the alienation of a man who is deeply closeted and searching for connection in a tightly wound post-war world? Is it about a wife guy who doesn’t know how to express his feelings? Is it somehow about how Beethoven was not only deaf but suffered from horrific diarrhea at the end of …

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Dr. Steve Haberlin on Bringing Mindfulness Into Higher Education 44:12

3M ago44:12

44:12

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo sits down with Dr. Steve Haberlin—educator, mindfulness teacher, and researcher dedicated to helping aspiring teachers share mindfulness with authenticity and confidence. Sean and Dr. Haberlin explore the unique challenges facing today’s college students — from stress and distraction …

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O Brother, Where Art Thou? with Emily St. James 2:16:54

3M ago2:16:54

2:16:54

Those Soggy Bottom Boys really know how to carry a tune! Emily St. James joins us to talk about O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a wonderful film whose reputation was ultimately eclipsed by its octuple-Platinum soundtrack of “old timey” bops. When we’re on track, we’re talking peak Clooney, digital color correction, T. Bone Burnett, and the history of S…

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Dr. Dan Siegel on The Wheel of Awareness Practice 56:56

3M ago56:56

56:56

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo speaks with Dr. Dan Siegel—Harvard-trained physician, psychiatrist, bestselling author, and pioneer in the field of interpersonal neurobiology. Dan shares how his journey from medicine to psychiatry led him to redefine what we mean by “mind.” Together, Sean and Dan explore how mindful…

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The Big Lebowski with Seth Rogen 2:49:43

3M ago2:49:43

2:49:43

It’s the episode you’ve all been waiting for - Seth Rogen joins us to talk about the Coens’ 1998 stoner classic The Big Lebowski. It should come as no surprise that Lebowski has loomed large over Seth’s work as a writer and director, and we’re going in depth on the influence and lasting impact of The Dude. Make yourself a White Russian (but maybe t…

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Fargo with Zach Cregger 2:52:22

3M ago2:52:22

2:52:22

Did we get the director of Weapons, another “true story,” on our Fargo episode? You betcha. Zach Cregger joins the Blank Check crew to discuss the Coens’ 1996 masterpiece and we’re going SCENE BY SCENE dissecting this perfect movie. “Minnesota nice,” “Dark Marge,” the Mike Yanagita scene, the origins of Jerry’s overwhelming debt, the inner life of …

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How to Let Go of Unhelpful Thought Patterns (Guided Meditation) 41:11

3M ago41:11

41:11

In this mindfulness talk and guided meditation, Sean Fargo invites us to examine and shift the “mental models” that shape how we see ourself and the world. We all carry inner narratives—beliefs, assumptions, and self-talk—that can either support our well-being or keep us stuck in patterns of stress, scarcity, and self-criticism. In this episode, Se…

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The Hudsucker Proxy with Mike Mitchell & Nick Wiger 3:41:00

4M ago3:41:00

3:41:00

(Gestures at a circle) You know, for kids! Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger of the Doughboys join us for a freewheeling, gut-busting episode about the time Joel Silver gave the Coens a bunch of money to make a “commercial film” and then it ended up being 1994’s The Hudsucker Proxy. A sampling of topics discussed: Paul Newman being hot up until the day …

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Inna Segal on Healing Through The Secret Language of Your Body 1:18:38

4M ago1:18:38

1:18:38

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo speaks with Inna Segal—internationally bestselling author of The Secret Language of Your Body and pioneer in the field of intuitive healing. Inna shares her personal journey from chronic pain and illness to full recovery, guided by a deep reconnection with her body’s wisdom. She expla…

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Barton Fink with Chris Weitz 3:27:26

3M ago3:27:26

3:27:26

Is John Goodman the devil? Is the studio system good, actually? Is it better to be the director of a bomb than it is to be the director of a film that doesn’t exist? Filmmaker (and part of a DGA-sanctioned directing duo) Chris Weitz joins us to talk about Barton Fink, possibly the greatest film ever made about the “art vs. commerce” divide inherent…

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Ariel Garten on How Technology Can Deepen Mindfulness 42:13

4M ago42:13

42:13

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, Sean Fargo speaks with Ariel Garten—neuroscientist, innovator, and co-founder of Muse, the brain-sensing meditation device. Blending neuroscience, mindfulness, and entrepreneurship, Ariel offers a unique perspective on how we can train the mind to become more aware, focused, and resilient. She s…

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Miller's Crossing with Ari Aster 2:09:18

4M ago2:09:18

2:09:18

It’s a movie about hats, and a movie about giving folks the high hat. It’s also a movie about how Jon Polito is the greatest actor in the world. It’s Miller’s Crossing! Filmmaker Ari Aster (go see Eddington!) joins Griffin and David to discuss the Coen Brothers’ knotty homage to the gangster genre, a film overloaded with memorable characters and wi…

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Raising Arizona with John Hodgman 2:41:57

4M ago2:41:57

2:41:57

Jesus Cock, that’s a hot new episode! John Hodgman returns to Blank Check to chat about Raising Arizona, the Coen’s swerve of a follow-up to Blood Simple that trades in the hallmarks of noir for the hallmarks of Looney Tunes. We’re talking about Nic Cage’s sad eyes, Holly Hunter’s year of iconic crying performances, rest stop public pomade, and peo…

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Blood Simple with Ray Tintori & Jordan Fish 2:44:07

5M ago2:44:07

2:44:07

Gather round, folks - it’s time to embark upon a journey through one of the most sterling filmographies in American cinema. Our Coen Brothers series - Pod Country for Old Cast - kicks off with Joel and Ethan’s remarkably assured 1984 debut Blood Simple. Coen experts and hosts of the To The White Sea podcast Ray Tintori and Jordan Fish join us to do…

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Self-Love Is Not Selfish: The Real Inner Work of Mindful Leaders 26:32

5M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode of the Mindfulness Exercises Podcast, we explore how self-love is not a luxury or cliché — it’s a foundational practice of mindful living and teaching. Through reflections, real-life examples, and guided insights, you’ll learn how cultivating compassion toward yourself isn’t about indulgence — it’s about resilience, truth, and belon…