Best Tod Perry Podcasts (2025)

1
Show 97 — Radical Acceptance

9d ago

—

Prompted by a passage in Derek Lin’s “Tao of Joy” book, Tod and George discuss the Taoist attitude of radically accepting the external world and ourselves. Plus, a listener asks about the difference between Taoism and Buddhism. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final DaysBy Tod Perry

1
Show 96 — Getting Unstuck and Chuang Tzu’s Morality

30d ago

—

With the help of some insightful folks from Reddit, Tod and George dive into what it means to age gracefully—without getting stuck in their ways. They also explore their current challenges of cultivating the Tao and unpack the morality of Chuang Tzu through his chapter on apologies. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days…

1
Show 95 — The Tao of Play and Chuang Tzu’s ‘Good Fortune’

2M ago

—

On this episode, Tod reviews George Thompson’s new movie “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” The two also examine George’s ideas about play and Chung Tzu’s thoughts on the true meaning of having good fortune. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final DaysBy Tod Perry

1
Show 94 — William Martin, Author of ‘Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching’

2M ago

—

Tod Talks with William Martin, author of “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching.” We discuss his transformation from pastor to Taoist, the liberation Taoism offers from societal conditioning, and how it counters today’s constant wave of mediated information. William also reflects on learning from Alan Watts at the Esalen Institute, explore…

1
Show 93 — Excess Baggage and the ‘Kingly Man’

3M ago

—

Tod and George reflect on Derek Lin’s insights about the unnecessary baggage we carry through life. They also discuss Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Kingly Man,” and George shares practical tips on how we can all let go of our excess baggage. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days…

1
Show 92 — Praise and Action vs. Non-Action

4M ago

—

Tod and George examine why Lao Tzu says that Tao cultivators should work without looking for praise. Later, Chuang Tzu’s Action vs. Non-Action and David Lynch teaches how to catch the big fish. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final DaysBy Tod Perry

1
Show 91 — Manifestation and Senselessness

4M ago

—

George and Tod discuss whether the concept of manifestation works within the Tao and how we can all embrace the senselessness of the cosmos. Also, George talks about his new film, “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days Watch George Thompson’s new film, “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself” on YouTube…

1
Show 90 — Taoism and Recovery with Buddy C.

6M ago

—

On this episode, Tod talks with Buddy C., the host of the “Tao of Our Understanding” podcast that looks at Taoism through the lens of addiction and recovery. Here, Buddy discusses how Taoism helped him overcome addiction and his recovery-focused version of the Tao Te Ching, “Powerless But Not Hopeless.” GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Fin…

1
Show 89 — The Inner Law

8M ago

—

Tod and George examine Chuang Tzu’s inner law, a chapter that discusses whether we should be directed by our inner vice or outside forces. Plus, Tod answers an interesting philosophical question from his 8-year-old son, and George shares a gratitude practice. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days…

1
Show 88 — Born in Tao

9M ago

—

Tod and George discuss Chuang Tzu’s “Man is Born in Tao” and examine how we know whether we are connected to the Tao or not. Plus, a children’s TV show is getting into Taoism and why popcorn is cannibalism. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final DaysBy Tod Perry

1
Show 87 — Chuang Tzu and liberation

10M ago

—

Tod and George start their investigation into the works of Chuang Tzu with Thomas Merton’s translation of his pivotal chapter, “Man of Tao.” We also meet our new co-host, George Thompson and Tod shares an update on Dr. Carl Totton’s health. GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final DaysBy Tod Perry

1
Show 86 — Dr. Totton’s Final Journey

1y ago

—

GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days Tod shares an update on Dr. Totton’s health, discusses the show’s future, and looks back at Dr. Carl’s thoughts about the circle of life.By Tod Perry

1
Alison and Tod: Alternative Therapies and Red Flag Conversations 40:19

1+ y ago40:19

40:19

Alison and Tod are back with a new show, "Alison and Tod: After Hours" and we wanted to share it with our "Upworthy Weekly" audience by giving them a free preview. In this collection of clips, Tod tries to help Alison with her mental health by suggesting some alternatives to traditional therapy. Later, the perils of feeding hot chicken to a 7-year-…

1
Taoism

2y ago

—

This special episode is a compilation of clips from the show where Dr. Carl Totton and Tod Perry discuss the basics of Taoism. In “Taoism” they discuss the big question, “What is Tao?” and dive into the concepts of Wu-Wei, Te, and Pu. They also discuss practices such as meditation and qigong and examine one of Taoism’s greatest minds, Chuang-Tzu.…

1
65. The Last Episode 1:00:54

2y ago1:00:54

1:00:54

On the final episode of Upworthy Weekly, Alison and Tod reveal their plans for the future and thank the Upworthy team for supporting the podcast for the past two years. But even though it’s the last show doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great stories to discuss. In episode 65, Alison and Tod go over the new “self-dating” trend, how to find love …

1
64. Awful '80s Toys, Gen X Advice for Gen Z, Young Sports Reporter 1:03:19

2+ y ago1:03:19

1:03:19

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A comedian shares the "awful" toys and pop culture kids in the '80s had to endure. A Gen Xer gives valuable life advice for Gen Z and a 10-year-old has an impressive interview with Raiders' star Devante Adams. Plus, a woman gives out her "mystery" number to a guy at a bar. Learn more about your ad ch…

1
63. Bad news podcasts, Jésus’ birthday, Ke Huy Quan’s comeback 58:42

2+ y ago58:42

58:42

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A mom shares the hilarious story of when she mistook Jésus for Jesus. A woman outwits a credit card fraudster and parents are sharing the moment their kids learned how babies are made. Plus, Ke Huy Quan’s amazing comeback and why we won’t be attending the podcast awards. Learn more about your ad choi…

1
62. Leaving your comfort zone, a nun finds love, making resolutions stick 58:31

2+ y ago58:31

58:31

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A woman challenges herself to do something new every day of the year. A nun and a friar find forbidden love and a psychologist gives evidence-based tips on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Plus, is Alison on today’s show the real Alison? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad…

1
61. Top Stories of 2022 Countdown, Part 2 38:26

2+ y ago38:26

38:26

Alison and Tod wrap up the year by finishing a list of the top ten most popular Upworthy stories of 2022. In part two of two, they discuss a couple who lives permanently on cruise ships, the “adult problems no one prepared you for” and how an Instacart driver saved someone’s life. Which story made it to number one? Listen and see. Learn more about …

1
60. Upworthy Weekly’s Top Stories of 2022 Countdown, Part 1 41:49

2+ y ago41:49

41:49

Alison and Tod wrap up the year by covering a list of the top ten most popular Upworthy stories of 2022. In the first of two episodes, Jennifer Garner shares her random act of kindness, science has determined the most effective way to flirt and people are sharing the parenting strategies that “need to end now.” Plus, Tod really embarrassed himself …

1
59. Recurring Dreams, the Pineapple Mishap, the Best Bond 1:02:05

2+ y ago1:02:05

1:02:05

What are Alison and Tod talking about on this week's show? People are sharing the recurring dreams that they just can't stop having. A guy goes viral for sharing a wonderful meeting with 'James Bond' as a kid and Jessica Chastain talks about how she broadens her daughter's horizons. Plus, a couple wears the wrong thing to a beach resort and Tod's C…

1
58. Raising ‘Nice’ Kids, John and Yoko, Conspiracy Theories 1:00:39

2+ y ago1:00:39

1:00:39

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? Kristen Bell shares why she wants to raise girls who are “nice.” Yoko Ono explains how John Lennon’s creativity came from his inner child and a therapist explains why people are so attracted to conspiracy theories. Plus, a listener shares some harsh criticism and how Alison helped make Tod a better p…

1
57. Late-in-Life Dreams, Female Morgan Freeman, Adam Sandler's Speech 1:02:03

2+ y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? People are sharing the women who have a "voice of God" like Morgan Freeman. George Takei proves that it's never too late to achieve your dreams and a mom shares how audiobooks changed her life. Plus, Adam Sandler gives a hilarious acceptance speech and Alison contemplates a new career as a pro wrestl…

1
56. Christmas Decorations, Raising Good Kids, 'Weird' Al 54:08

2+ y ago54:08

54:08

What are Tod and Alison talking about this week? The benefits of decorating for Christmas early, how to know you just won an argument and Harvard's advice on how to raise "good kids." Plus, the one artist "Weird" Al Yankovic won't parody and Tod makes a bold prediction about the future of Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f…

1
55. Life Lessons, Friends at 40, Biff's Song 1:00:11

2+ y ago1:00:11

1:00:11

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A mother shares a poignant post about how friendship changes in your 30s and 40s. People are sharing the life lessons learned "the hard way" and the actor who played Biff in "Back to the Future" sings a funny song about fame. Plus, controversial Thanksgiving pie opinions and why do people wake up rig…

1
54. Stranger Danger, Kids Ask God, Inner Monologues 55:22

2+ y ago55:22

55:22

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? Kids asked God the biggest questions and we have the answers. A woman is confused about whether she has an inner monologue and a mom shares the perfect way to deal with stranger danger. Plus, Upworthy joins the fight against world hunger and we try to make sense of Elon Musk. Learn more about your ad…

1
53. Upworthy Weekly's First Anniversary, Renting Out Your Spouse, Unpopular Parenting Rule 56:25

2+ y ago56:25

56:25

Alison and Tod celebrate their one-year anniversary by going over the show's brief history and controversial moments. Later, they look into things people enjoy as they age, an unpopular but effective parenting rule, and people share the biggest mistakes they've made. Plus, a woman rents out her “handy” husband and a montage of some of the show's fu…

1
52. Love at First Sight, How to Debate, Anne Hathaway on Hatred 1:06:58

2+ y ago1:06:58

1:06:58

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A couple that fell in love after meeting in an elevator got married, proving that love at first sight exists. Also, Jimmy Fallon asked people to share their best last-minute Halloween costume ideas and Anne Hathaway brilliantly tackles the “language of hatred” in a powerful new speech. Learn more abo…

1
51. Funeral Handouts, American Kitchens, Uplifting Horror 1:14:13

2+ y ago1:14:13

1:14:13

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A grandmother has a hilarious handout for everyone who came to her funeral and non-Americans are sharing the things they think every American has in their kitchen. Plus, Patrick Hamilton from the “Kill By Kill” podcast stops by to share some horror films that are uplifting enough to be deemed “Upwort…

1
50. Sleep Talkers, Horror Therapy, Shatner’s Space Depression 1:00:15

2+ y ago1:00:15

1:00:15

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? People are sharing the funniest things their partners have said in their sleep. Therapists say that horror films can help with anxiety and William Shatner reveals the depressing thing that happens when you go to space. Plus, a simple explanation for ADHD and Tod is a lair. Learn more about your ad ch…

1
49. Judgmental Halloween, ‘The Talk,’ Dads Who Do the Minimum 51:32

2+ y ago51:32

51:32

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? As Halloween approaches, they share advice on the best and worst in costumes and candy. Later, a mom does an excellent job fielding her daughter’s questions about pregnancy and a father has some thoughts about dads who do the bare minimum. Plus, a singing parrot and naming your kid after your friend.…

1
48. Kids Name Themselves, Funny Yelp Reviews, Tod's Dilemma 59:53

2+ y ago59:53

59:53

Alison and Tod debate whether kids should be able to name themselves. A woman brings champagne to a one-year-old's birthday party and a bride left at the altar goes on with her wedding anyway. Plus, Tod has a moral dilemma about life and death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…

1
47. East Coast vs. West Coast, Bad First Dates, Delivery Room Men 1:01:53

2+ y ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Alison and Tod discuss whether West Coast or East Coast people are more kind. Jimmy Fallon’s audience shares their worst first dates and a delivery nurse reveals the worst things men have said while their wives are giving birth. Plus, Alison has questionable fashion sense and Tod’s having astrological issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

1
46. Picky Kindergartner, Things Teens Can't Hear, Nike's Latest Innovation 59:52

2+ y ago59:52

59:52

What are Alison and Tod Taking about this week? A fussy kindergartener has a real problem with his mom's cooking. People are sharing the things teens aren't ready to hear and people who have everything and still aren’t happy. Plus, a representative from Nike shares its latest innovation that significantly reduces its carbon footprint. Learn more ab…

1
45. Queen Elizabeth’s Humor, Taylor Hawkins’ Son, Grandma’s Great Advice 52:15

2+ y ago52:15

52:15

What are Tod and Alison talking about on this week’s episode of “Upworthy Weekly”? They remember Queen Elizabeth by sharing a funny story from her bodyguard and by nominating the Americans they think are worthy of the crown. Later, Taylor Hawkins’ son pays tribute to his late father by playing drums with the Foo Fighters and a woman shares her gran…

1
44. Gen X’s Teachers, Arnold’s Graduation Advice, How to Stop Misinformation 55:16

2+ y ago55:16

55:16

On this week’s episode of “Upworthy Weekly,” Alison and Tod talk about the things teachers did in the ‘80s and ‘90s that just wouldn’t fly today. They also discuss a beauty pageant contestant who refuses to wear makeup, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s advice to graduates and how to stop misinformation online. Plus, a 7-year-old listener rates her week. Lea…

1
43. Bizarre bucket list, Upworthy cats, hearing black holes 45:07

2+ y ago45:07

45:07

On this week’s episode of “Upworthy Weekly” Alison and Tod discuss some fun cat stories, a couple who took engagement photos at Olive Garden and a woman whose 100th birthday wish was to be arrested. Plus, what does a black hole sound like and why is this time of year so special to Tod? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices …

1
42. Britney’s Parenting, Diaper Disasters, Kids Who Pay Rent 56:08

2+ y ago56:08

56:08

On this week’s episode of “Upworthy Weekly” Alison and Tod tackle some tricky parenting questions. Did Britney Spears yell at her kids or was she just being a good parent? What are the worst diaper disasters you’ve experienced? Should parents make their kids pay rent? Plus, scientists are looking to bring back extinct animals. Didn’t “Jurassic Park…

1
41. Kids Name Things, Positive Conspiracies, World's Oldest Doctor 55:30

2+ y ago55:30

55:30

On this Saturday’s show, Alison and Tod talk about the funny names that kids use for things. Later, they listen to a TikTokker who sounds exactly like Michael Jackson and discuss the things people prefer to do “the old-fashioned way.” Plus, Tod has a controversial strategy to take the podcast to new heights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

1
40. Quintessentially American things, readers live longer, funny Arabic sayings 50:25

2+ y ago50:25

50:25

Alison and Tod talk about the uniquely American things that non-Americans would love to try. Later, they discuss a new study that shows why readers live longer and review a list of funny Arabic idioms. Plus, why we may have just entered a mythological future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.…

1
39. Scary Disney Films, Giant Dog Beds, ‘Weird Al’ Surprises Fan 53:24

2+ y ago53:24

53:24

In episode 39, Alison and Tod talk about the Disney films that disturbed them as children. They also discuss giant dog beds for humans and a super-sweet surprise that “Weird Al” Yankovic had for his biggest fan. Plus, TV icon Norman Lear shares some words of wisdom on his 100th birthday and Alison has to get the proverbial bear out of her proverbia…

1
38. Co-Sleeping, People Becoming Kinder, Gross Veggies 58:45

3y ago58:45

58:45

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? Alicia Silverstone still co-sleeps with her eleven-year-old son. When are children too old to sleep with their parents? Women are sharing the nonsexual things that turn them on and a hilarious Nigerian woman dispels African stereotypes. Plus, Tod looks at the positive side of having Covid-19 and the …

1
37. Making Your Own Luck, Vasectomies, Retrospective Aging 48:01

3y ago48:01

48:01

The show opens with Tod sharing great advice on making your own luck he learned from Dr. Christian Busch. Later, why did people look older in the past and should young guys get vasectomies? Plus, advice for living in ridiculous times and Alison has COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.c…

1
36. Sleep Divorces, Perfectionists, Things Frowned Upon 54:26

3y ago54:26

54:26

Alison and Tod discuss Carson Daly’s brave admission that he and his wife have had a sleep divorce. They also hear from a psychologist who teaches people to love their flaws and go over a list of things that are "frowned upon" but shouldn’t be. Plus, Tod is a little skittish and Alison had a very bad week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me…

1
35. Things That Made Us Smile 27:05

3y ago27:05

27:05

Tod and Alison do something a little different this week by discussing some of the most uplifting entries in Upworthy's "10 Things That Made Us Smile This Week" articles that come out every Friday. You'll meet a heartwarming British senior citizen, groove to some classical music played on marimbas by South African students, laugh at the funniest ca…

1
34. Pre-Internet Nostalgia, People Who Talk Too Much, MTV 45:43

3y ago45:43

45:43

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? People are sharing the things they miss about life before the internet. Tips for ending conversations with people who talk too much, and what happened to MTV? Plus, are rival good news podcasts conspiring to ruin the show? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast…

1
33. Harry Styles' Teacher, Optimistic Women Live Longer, Jam of the Summer 1:00:14

3y ago1:00:14

1:00:14

In an episode filled with self-help advice, Alison and Tod learn that people who have a positive outlook tend to live longer. They also examine “Star Wars” creator George Lucas' thoughts on happiness. Plus, a songwriter named Jax has written the "jam of the summer” revealing Victoria's secret and Tod’s mind is blown by avocado toast. Learn more abo…

1
32. Mom’s New Baby Rules, Cat-Sitting for Cash, Wild 911 Calls 51:58

3y ago51:58

51:58

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? A mom-to-be has rules for meeting her baby, 911 operators share their wildest stories and a world traveler saved $28,000 by cat-sitting. Plus, Tod has a major domestic problem and Alison had a bad week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv…

1
31. Marriage Advice, the Dog Pilot, Money-Saving Tips 51:38

3y ago51:38

51:38

What are Alison and Tod talking about this week? People are sharing marriage advice that "sounded absurd" but is really helpful and a retired military pilot uses his plane to save rescue dogs. Plus, Alison and Tod share tips on saving money and Jennifer Garner makes calling your senator easy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc…

1
30. Baby Surprises, Mr. Rogers' Day, Clever Florida Student ‘Says Gay’ 59:46

3y ago59:46

59:46

At the end of a hard week, Alison and Tod attempt to lift people’s spirits with a “joy bomb” of positive stories. First, a Florida student’s graduation speech brilliantly gets around the “Don’t Say Gay” law. Later, TikTok has a new dad who cares, and Mr. Rogers gets his own holiday in Pennsylvania. Plus, cheers to stepmoms and a new mother shares t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Tod Perry Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen