Meditative Story
WaitWhat
Meditative Story combines extraordinary human stories with meditation prompts embedded into the storylines — all surrounded by breathtaking music. Think of it as an alternative way into a mindfulness practice, through vivid stories and cinematic music and production values. Meditative Story is an original series produced by WaitWhat and supported by our members. Our community tells us that they listen to the same episodes over and over again, and according to data provided by Apple Podcasts, Meditative Story may have the highest engagement of any podcast in the world. And that makes us proud!
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 28min
Ignoring inner me, by Meredith Arthur
Meredith Arthur, author of "Get Out of My Head" and creator of Beautiful Voyager, shares her journey of self-discovery after a painful wake-up call. She discusses the conflict between societal expectations and personal fulfillment, illustrating her struggle with anxiety and the pressure of success in the publishing world. Meredith highlights the importance of naming our inner fears and embracing authenticity in everyday life, ultimately revealing how self-acceptance can lead to true happiness.
Dec 3, 2024 • 34min
My grandfather the Aikido master, by Kino MacGregor
Kino MacGregor, an Ashtanga yoga teacher and author, shares her unique upbringing as a half-Japanese child in South Florida. She reflects on joyful memories with her Aikido master grandfather, exploring how generational trauma shaped her identity. Through her journey, Kino highlights the healing power of Ashtanga yoga in processing grief and navigating cultural heritage. She reveals the deep emotional connection to her family's past, emphasizing mindfulness, self-exploration, and the importance of finding peace within.
7 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 30min
To walk the Earth, by Tri Robinson
Tri Robinson, an Idaho pastor who harmonizes his faith with his passion for the natural world, shares his journey of self-discovery. He discusses the challenge of disconnecting from daily routines and the urgency of environmental stewardship. Through heartfelt reflections, he reveals how personal experiences and family dialogues catalyze shifts in perspective on nature's fragility. Tri also explores the emotional weight of delivering a transformative sermon that intertwines spirituality and environmental advocacy, calling for deeper connections with the earth.
Nov 19, 2024 • 33min
Lang Lang: To become a whole human, never stop learning
In this engaging conversation, Lang Lang, a celebrated Chinese pianist recognized for his captivating performances, shares his evolution from a prodigy in China to a true artist. He discusses the crucial role of mentorship and the significance of embracing diverse influences—music, languages, art—in his journey. A pivotal moment with a teacher reshapes his understanding of success, nudging him toward becoming an infinite student. Lang Lang emphasizes that true musicianship is about deep cultural connection and personal growth, shifting the focus from fame to continuous learning.
Nov 12, 2024 • 36min
A more spacious response to life, by Judith Grisel
Judith Grisel, an esteemed behavioral neuroscientist and author of the bestseller 'Never Enough,' shares her profound journey from addiction to recovery. She reveals how a simple empty bowl became a pivotal symbol, allowing her to confront feelings of loneliness and emptiness that haunted her since childhood. The discussion dives into the transformative power of nature, the complexities of familial relationships, and the importance of embracing silence to cultivate a deeper emotional understanding. Judy's insights offer a spacious response to life’s challenges.
Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Finding unity, through our difference, by Pastor Otis Moss
Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church in Chicago, blends his rich heritage of black theology and social advocacy with personal insights shaped by his late sister, Daphne. He explores how jazz serves as a powerful metaphor for cultural diversity and unity, intertwining storytelling with themes of resilience in the face of systemic racism. Moss reflects on the weight of familial love amidst mental health struggles and celebrates the artistry of language and music as tools for social justice and transformation.
Oct 29, 2024 • 16min
Day of the Dead meditation: a celebration of life
Explore the rich cultural significance of Día de Muertos, a Mexican holiday that celebrates life and honors those we've lost. The discussion invites listeners to embrace both grief and joy, highlighting the importance of memory in our lives. Through guided meditation, it encourages deep reflection on mortality and invites personal stories of remembrance. The blend of storytelling, music, and mindfulness creates a powerful space for understanding the relationship between life and death.
Oct 22, 2024 • 27min
Surrendering my old identity — and finding myself, by Catherine Reitman
Catherine Reitman, actor and creator of the sitcom "Working Moms," shares her struggle to balance motherhood with her career. She opens up about navigating her identity amid typecasting and rejection, revealing the emotional complexities of being a new mom. Catherine discusses how writing became a healing tool, helping her confront inner critics and embrace vulnerability. Her journey to self-discovery highlights the transformative power of sharing personal experiences, reminding us that it’s okay to feel lost while finding our way.
Oct 15, 2024 • 32min
Adapting to life's unexpected nature, by Forrest Galante
Forrest Galante, a wildlife biologist and survivalist known for his show "Extinct or Alive," shares his extraordinary journey from the wilderness of Zimbabwe to urban life in Oakland. He reflects on childhood memories of majestic wildlife and the importance of adaptability in unfamiliar environments. Galante describes the thrill of discovering rare species and emphasizes how these encounters foster a deeper connection to nature. He concludes with a mindfulness practice, encouraging us all to engage with the natural world around us.
Oct 8, 2024 • 30min
Navigating life in my own skin, by Zenju Earthlyn Manuel
Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, an author, poet, and ordained Zen Buddhist priest, shares a poignant story of her 1957 road trip from LA to Louisiana. She reflects on childhood dreams and family dynamics, illustrating the complexities of identity and belonging. Zenju explores the contrasting emotions of anticipation and disappointment during a Texan reunion and delves into her cultural roots in Opelousa. The journey emphasizes the significance of mindfulness, heat, and silence as meditative pathways, inviting listeners to appreciate their own life's influences.
