The Way of Listening: Songs That Stayed With Me

In today’s episode, I’m doing something a little different. Lately I’ve been ending each show with what I called the Podcast After-Party —I share a song I love, along with a few words about why it matters to me. I never meant it to be anything formal. It was simply a delight, a way of sharing the music that has struck some essential chord in my life (no pun intended). I’m not a scholar of music, nor a musician, nor anything close. But I’ve been lucky. My early years in Austin, I worked at a little blues bar called Antone’s—where I landed only because my car broke down—and it opened my ears in a way I could never have planned. I learned to hear . That hearing became a kind of companion to my practice: a way of sensing spaciousness, precision, longing, and joy in another language. As this year comes to an end, I wanted to gather all those after-parties into one place. Today’s episode is simply that: the songs I’ve shared with you, with my original commentary, offered again for your listening pleasure. The songs featured in this compilation are: Episode 28 “Christine Leroy” by the Johnson Mountain Boys An early American ballad that moved me deeply and launched the after-party itself, reminding me how music carries both sound and devotion. Episode 29 “Tribal Dance” and “Albatross” by Peter Green Two pieces from a singular musician whose playing embodies spaciousness, warmth, and directness. His work is a study in attunement rather than control. Episode 30 “My One and Only Love” by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman A tender, refined expression of what I call “undone”—an invitation to let the heart be unguarded. Episode 31 “Blue Sky” by The Allman Brothers Band A song about presence, joy, and the beauty of two instrumental voices finding harmony without forcing it. Episode 32 “Swim Away” by Toni Price A haunting a cappella piece about longing for home; spare and full of ache. Episode 33 “Double Trouble” by Otis Rush A dark, piercing blues performance that shows how restraint can reveal more than virtuosity. Episode 34 “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell (written by Jimmy Webb) A spacious, aching ballad often called one of the greatest songs ever written. A portrait of quiet yearning that still feels timeless. Episode 35 “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng” by Yellowman A cornerstone of reggae’s remix tradition, built on the famous “Diseases riddim.” A reminder of presence, rhythm, and vitality. Thank you for listening, for sharing this practice and this music with me, and for making space for a little after-party each time we meet. Ask me a question You can send your questions about meditation, spirituality, or anything you like via Instagram DM or through If you enjoyed this episode: Please rate, review, and share it with a friend who’s curious about mindfulness, spiritual commitment, or the Buddhist path. For more on Buddhist teachings and how our humanity isn’t necessarily in our way, sign up for my free weekly newsletter or join the Open Heart Project sangha for more connection with community and with me. If this podcast has been meaningful to you, it would be great if you would subscribe, give it a five star rating and share it with a friend. To join or learn more about The Open Heart Project please visit openheartproject.com . Thoughts? Email us at info@susanpiver.com Produced by Citizens of Sound Music by: Derek O'Brien ©Open Heart Project