

What's This Tao All About?
Tod Perry
A lighthearted Taoism podcast hosted by a journalist and Tao philosopher.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 16, 2026 • 0sec
Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness
Tod and George examine the works of Derek Lin and Chuang Tzu to discuss how to live with less contention and greater harmony. Also, George shares the power of the “sacred” pause, and Tod shares why balancing your internal checkbook can help you find peace.

Feb 16, 2026 • 0sec
Show 105 — Li, Listener Mail, Hundun
Tod and George explore the concept of li, or the natural energy patterns inherent in all of us. They also help a listener with love problems and examine Chuang Tzu’s tragedy of Hundun, the faceless but benevolent emperor.
Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman

Jan 26, 2026 • 0sec
Show 104 — Wu-Chi and Chuang Tzu’s Metamorphosis
Tod shares how Jason Gregory’s “The Tradition of Natural Taoism” aims to correct some Western interpretations of the Tao. Also, George explains the mysterious emptiness of wu-chi and the pair dive deep into one of Chuang Tzu’s strangest stories, “Metamorphosis.”
Pick up a copy of Dr.Sijo: The Taoist Monk in Modern Clothing by Jeremy Newman

Nov 5, 2025 • 0sec
Show 103 — How to Be Kind to Yourself
Tod took a trip to Cuba and felt an incredible joy getting away from technology and consumer culture for a few days. George shares tips on being kind to yourself and building space around your personal challenges to put them in proper perspective. Also, Chuang Tzu’s thoughts on being competitive.

Oct 14, 2025 • 0sec
Show 102 — Lu Dong Pin’s Dream and the Tower of Spirit
Tod interviewed Deepak Chopra for a work assignment and asked for his thoughts on Taoism. Later, Tod and George also explore Lu Dong Pin’s dream, which led him to reject worldly power for the Tao, and Chuang Tzu’s “Tower of Spirit,” a lesson in guarding sincerity.
George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”

Sep 18, 2025 • 0sec
Show 101 — Dr. Totton’s passing, Chuang Tzu’s Active Life, and Listener Mail
After nearly two years in hospice care, Dr. Totton has passed away, Tod discusses the aftermath. Later, George talks about how improv classes have helped his Tao cultivation and they dive deep into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on the “Active Life.” Also, a listener asks how they can be more disciplined in their practice.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
George’s new film, “What is Consciousness?”

Jul 17, 2025 • 0sec
Show 100 — The Unseen and Detachment
Tod and George dig deep into the writings of Derek Lin to discuss how to interact with the unseen and the power of detachment. Later, they discuss relationships and Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Character.”
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Jun 26, 2025 • 0sec
Show 99 — Faith and Chuang Tzu’s Monkeys
George and Tod contemplate the age-old debate about whether all spiritual practices lead down the same path. Later, they examine the role that faith plays in Taoism and examine the wisdom of Chuang Tzu’s monkeys.
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Jun 5, 2025 • 0sec
Show 98 — Mirror Mind and Intuitive Wisdom
Tod and George examine the mysterious concept of the “mirror mind” and how it can help you live in the present moment, and how to make decisions by getting in touch with our intuitive wisdom. Later, they dig into Chuang Tzu’s chapter on “Great and Small.”
GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days

Apr 14, 2025 • 0sec
Show 97 — Radical Acceptance
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 Days


