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Bob Thurman Podcast: artwork

Bob Thurman Podcast:

Robert A.F. Thurman·381 episodes

BuddhismReligionSpiritualitySocietyCulturePhilosophyBuddhist teachingTibetan BuddhismScholar hostLongform conversationsSpiritual philosophyIrregular release

Professor Robert A.F. “Bob” Thurman’s official podcast covers diverse topics including Tibetan Buddhism, Buddhist Studies, spirituality, Tibetan Culture, Asian history, philosophy, Eastern Ideas, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Why listen

Bob Thurman Podcast lets listeners hear Robert A.F. Thurman, a prominent Buddhist scholar, move between Tibetan Buddhist teaching, philosophy, Asian history, and conversations with writers, teachers, and practitioners. The show is best for people who want spiritually serious listening with an academic backbone, but still enjoy a warm, conversational style. Expect long, reflective episodes that connect Buddhist ideas to daily life, politics, climate, culture, and the Dalai Lama's legacy.

Series(2)

Episodes

1 hr 11 min
Apr 7, 2026Episode 345
A Tibet House US Menla ConverSation with Andy Chaleff

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Andy Chaleff to dicuss his work and his book Dying to Live.   Andy Chaleff is the author of Dying to […]

1 hr 16 min
Oct 21, 2025Episode 344
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Isa Gucciardi

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. to discuss her work and book Depth Hypnosis. Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D. holds advanced degrees in cultural and linguistic […]

57 min
Sep 17, 2025Episode 343
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Annie Bien

Robert Thurman sits down with Annie Bien co-author of The Magical Adventures of the Sixth Dalai Lama: His Life and Loves for an in-depth discussion of the book and life […]

51 min
Apr 27, 2025Episode 342
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Carolyn Sharp

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman sits down with Carolyn Sharp to discuss relationships, mindfulness and meditation. Carolyn Sharp always knew she wanted a career in helping people. She earned […]

1 hr 3 min
Apr 11, 2025Episode 341
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Ganden Thurman

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Ganden Thurman, his son, for a conversation on the work and mission of Tibet House US. Ganden Thurman is the Executive […]

55 min
Jan 26, 2025Episode 340
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Tamala Floyd

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Tamala Floyd for a far ranging conversation on psychotherapy, meditation, ancestors and Tamala’s book Listening When Parts Speak. Tamala Floyd, LCSW, […]

1 hr 11 min
Dec 27, 2024Episode 339
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Osprey Orielle Lake

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Osprey Orielle Lake for a far ranging conversation on mindfulness, meditation, shamanism and Osprey’s book The Story is in the Bones. […]

1 hr 17 min
Sep 9, 2024Episode 338
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Chandra Easton Part Two

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman continues his extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

1 hr 14 min
Jul 21, 2024Episode 337
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Matteo Pistono

Matteo Pistono is a writer, meditation teacher, and conscious breathing guide. His Breathe How You Want to Feel: Your Breathing Tool Kit for Better Health, Restorative Sleep, and Deeper Connection is a […]

1 hr 17 min
Jul 7, 2024Episode 336
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Henry Shukman

Henry Shukman is a teacher in the Sanbo Zen lineage and has trained in various other meditation schools and practices. After a spontaneous spiritual awakening at the age of 19, […]

1 hr 7 min
Mar 31, 2024Episode 335
What Made Maharaji Cry?—Rebbe Jesus Mahasiddha, Happy Easter Tribute

Impromptu talk given at Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa on Easter Weekend 2024 to a gathering of Yogi/nis.

1 hr 18 min
Mar 14, 2024Episode 334
Enlightening Democracy: Here & Now One (Part Two Coming Soon)

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the importance of democracy and democratic processes to help fight the current challenges being faced globally from climate change to wars in Ukraine […]

1 hr 13 min
Dec 20, 2023Episode 333
A Tibet House US Menla Conversation with Chandra Easton

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman sits down to have an extended conversation with Chandra Easton author of the new book “Embodying Tara: Twenty-One Manifestations to Awaken Your Innate Wisdom”.

33 min
Nov 26, 2023Episode 332
Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change: A Thanksgiving 2023 Message

In this podcast Robert A.F. Thurman discusses Shambhala, Politics & Climate Change and shares a Thanksgiving 2023 message of hope & gratitude with his listeners.

53 min
Nov 8, 2023Episode 331
A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with David H. Rosmarin

David H. Rosmarin PhD is the author of Thriving with Anxiety: 9 Tools to Make Your Anxiety Work for You (Harper Collins). He is an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, a […]

47 min
Nov 4, 2023Episode 330
On the 14th Amendment

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as a way for dealing with the political chaos now being created in […]

40 min
Jul 22, 2023Episode 329
The First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the first turning of the wheel of Dharma on Cho-khor Duchen, the day of the Tibetan calendar celebrating the historical Buddha’s first teachings after […]

22 min
Jul 6, 2023Episode 328
An Invitation to the Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive

A special personal  invitation to the upcoming online & in-person initiation and retreat, “Vajrayoga Yamantaka Intensive with His Eminence the 11th Lelung Rinpoche“, from Robert A.F. Thurman. This podcast includes […]

46 min
Jul 3, 2023Episode 327
Mandala Side Chat

Opening with a recommendation of the upcoming online event with Jai Dev Singh, “Treasure Teachings from the Naga Dragons: Mahayana Tantra and Kundalini Yoga“, this episode is a heartfelt exploration […]

31 min
Jun 26, 2023Episode 326
Summer Updates

In this episode Robert Thurman celebrates summer solstice by sharing updates about his latest book, “Wisdom Is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life”, Tibet’s Fourteenth Dalai […]

20 min
Apr 20, 2023Episode 325
H.H. Dalai Lama: Archetype of Radical Innocence

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the recent viral video of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet with a young boy addressing the context and background behind the edited attack […]

47 min
Apr 7, 2023Episode 324
Easter Holidays, Jesus and Christianity

In this celebratory episode, Robert Thurman discusses the Christian holiday Easter, giving a teaching on Jesus the Rabbi and Christianity’s role in modern-day politics and everyday life in the West. […]

1 hr 4 min
Mar 15, 2023Episode 323
Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Geshe Dangsong Namgyal

In this episode Robert Thurman is joined by Geshe Dangsong Namgyal, author, teacher, and founder of the Kunsang Gar Wisdom program in Santa Cruz, California.   “Geshe’s primary intention is […]

43 min
Feb 11, 2023Episode 322
Meeting Vimalakirti

Opening this episode with a line reading of the first chapter of “The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti Sutra,” Robert Thurman gives a teaching on nirvana, non-duality and the nature of […]

47 min
Feb 2, 2023Episode 321
Understanding Transcendence & Freedom From Absolutism

Opening with a discussion of transcendence in Buddhist science and philosophy, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on selflessness, transcendent wisdom, and the key of how to develop freedom from absolutism […]

48 min
Jan 26, 2023Episode 320
The Three Jewels of Buddhism in India, China & Tibet

Opening with a discussion of the disappearance of Buddhism in India, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the history of the Buddhist community and the flowering of the Buddha’s teachings […]

45 min
Jan 18, 2023Episode 319
Tara & Women in the Buddhist Sangha

Opening with a discussion of the goddess Tara, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the differences between Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and the role and place of women in the early […]

43 min
Jan 11, 2023Episode 318
Sangha & The Wheel of Dharma: Buddhism 101

Opening with a discussion of the symbolism of the wheel of Dharma, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the three jewels of Buddhism, focusing on the community of followers of […]

43 min
Jan 4, 2023Episode 317
Bliss, Tantra & Selflessness: Buddhism 101

Opening with a discussion of selflessness, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the nature of Buddhist Tantra and the central roles of reason, bliss and meditation in constructing a positive […]

45 min
Dec 28, 2022Episode 316
Understanding Tantra, Zen & Vajrayana: Buddhism 101

Opening with a definition of Buddha-lands, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on Buddhist Tantra and its interrelationship with Zen, Vajrayana, and all other schools of Buddhism. “Robert Thurman’s Basic Buddhism […]

1 hr 29 min
Dec 21, 2022Episode 315
Vipassana & Samatha Meditation Under The Jewel Tree of Tibet

Opening with an extended “Jewel Tree of Tibet” guided meditation, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on using Vipassana and transcendent intelligence to understand the role of philosophical thought in Buddhism. […]

1 hr 3 min
Dec 15, 2022
Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Lorna Byrne – Ep. 314

Opening with a recommendation of “Angels in My Hair” by Lorna Byrne, Robert Thurman sits down with its author for a far-ranging discussion of faith, angels, materialism, climate change and […]

44 min
Dec 7, 2022Episode 313
Understanding Karma & Causality in Vajrayana: Buddhism 101

Opening with a discussion of idolatry and Buddhist ethics, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on karma and the causality of action as understood in Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism. This episode […]

40 min
Nov 24, 2022Episode 312
Thanksgiving and the Power of Compassion for All Beings

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman shares his Thanksgiving message and gives a powerful teaching on how compassion for all beings can transform one’s relationship to the mind, heart, the […]

53 min
Nov 16, 2022Episode 311
Transcendent Wisdom, The Root of Liberation: Jewel Tree of Tibet

In this episode Robert Thurman details the concept of emptiness, giving a teaching on the power of the mind to develop transcendent wisdom in order to understand reality as it […]

43 min
Nov 6, 2022Episode 310
Life, Love and Enlightenment

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses the power of positive thinking in troubling times and gives a teaching on the Buddhist perspective of love and enlightenment for those of all […]

42 min
Oct 31, 2022Episode 309
Understanding Selflessness & Clearlight: Buddhism 101 – Ep. 309

Opening with guided meditation on searching for the self, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on self, selflessness and how to understand what clearlight means from the Buddhist perspective. “Robert Thurman’s […]

47 min
Oct 19, 2022Episode 308
Mind Reform: Becoming the Engine of Happiness for All

Opening with a guided “Seven Limbs of Practice” meditation Robert Thurman in this episode gives an all levels teaching on the Four Noble Truths and the transformational practice of the […]

43 min
Oct 6, 2022Episode 307
The Buddha's Enlightenment: Buddhism 101

In this episode Robert Thurman re-tells Shakyamuni Buddha’s life story and gives an in-depth teaching on the nature of enlightenment for those of all backgrounds, faiths and traditions. “Robert Thurman’s […]

55 min
Sep 28, 2022Episode 306
Developing Bodhichitta & The Spirit of Enlightenment: Tibet's Wish Granting Jewel Tree

Opening with an introduction to the two kinds of Bodhichitta, Robert Thurman gives an in-depth teaching on wisdom, compassion, love and their connection to the Buddhist understanding of emptiness. This […]

46 min
Sep 15, 2022Episode 305
Motivation of the Bodhisattva: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet

Opening with a guided “Jewel Tree” meditation, Robert Thurman gives an introduction to the Buddhist concepts of bodhisattvas, bodhichitta–the spirit of becoming perfectly awakened–and to the role of motivation in […]

47 min
Sep 4, 2022Episode 304
Chanting and Practicing the Heart Sutra

The Heart Sutra is one of the most profound and widely studied texts in the Buddhist canon. It is recited at the start of teachings, events & as a blessing. […]

43 min
Aug 25, 2022Episode 303
A Tibet House US | Menla Conversation with Machiel Klerk

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman is joined by Machiel Klerk, social entrepreneur, licensed mental health therapist, international speaker, dream worker, author, and founder of the Jung Platform, an organization […]

43 min
Aug 18, 2022Episode 302
The Truth of Karma & Being Here Now Under The Wish Fulfilling Jewel Tree of Tibet

Opening with a short introduction to the first two stages of the Lam Rim (Path to Enlightenment), the preciousness of human life endowed with liberty and opportunity, and awareness of […]

41 min
Aug 10, 2022Episode 301
My Early Years: Dreams, Psychedelics & The Teachings of Tsongkhapa

In this episode Robert Thurman discusses his early years studying Buddhism with the Kalmyk-Mongolian lama Geshe Ngawang Wangyal at the Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center Labsum Shedrub Ling in central New […]

53 min
Jul 28, 2022Episode 300
Atlas, Buddha & Letting The World Go: The Jeweled Treasure of Tibet

Opening with a meditation on the Greek myth of Atlas, the Titan condemned to hold up the earth, heavens and sky for eternity, Robert Thurman gives a teaching on the […]

54 min
Jul 20, 2022Episode 299
Mindfulness & The Mahasatipatthana Sutta

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman uses the Mahāsatipatthāna Sutta, the Buddha’s direct instructions on practicing meditation and developing mindfulness, as a gateway to give a teaching on the intersection […]

49 min
Jul 9, 2022Episode 298
Song of Immortality: Celebrating the Dalai Lama

Opening with a detailed definition and explanation of the Tibetan terminology used for the Dalai Lama, Robert Thurman gives a close line reading of “Song of Immortality: Prayer for the […]

57 min
Jun 29, 2022Episode 297
Understanding the Buddha's Dharma: Creating Action from Anger

In this episode Robert A.F. Thurman discusses the ongoing effects of the Trump presidency on American civil rights, constitutional protections, health care, women’s reproductive access, and sensible gun laws, as […]

40 min
Jun 22, 2022Episode 296
Taking Refuge Under the Wish Granting Jewel Tree of Tibet

Using the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment teachings and the text “Guru Puja,” or “The Devotion to the Mentor” by the Fourth Panchen Lama, Robert A.F. Thurman leads listeners […]