What's This Tao All About?
Tod Perry·Hosted by Tod Perry, Carl Totton and George Thompson·112 episodes
What’s this Tao all About? is a lighthearted journey through the wisdom of the Tao that originally began in 2015 as a dialogue between journalist Tod Perry and Dr. Carl Totton, a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Doctor of Psychology and founder of the Taoist Institute in North Hollywood, California. In this first-of-its-kind Taoism podcast, Dr. Totton and Tod discussed the basic concepts of Taoism, the chapters of “The Tao Te Ching,” and most importantly, how you find peace and happiness in today’s world. In 2024, after Dr. Totton had some health setbacks, George Thompson joined the show to...
Why listen
What's This Tao All About? turns Taoist philosophy into a warm, practical conversation about everyday life. Tod Perry, originally with Dr. Carl Totton and now with George Thompson, uses Tao Te Ching chapters, Chuang Tzu stories, listener questions, and modern examples to make ideas like wu-wei, detachment, acceptance, and inner balance feel approachable. It is a good fit for listeners who want spiritual reflection without a sermon tone, and philosophy without academic gatekeeping.
Episodes
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.
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
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
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.
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?”
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?”
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
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
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
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
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
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 Days
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, explores fear and safety, and explains wu-wei, the art of effortless action. Buy “Daily Tao: 365 Meditations on the Tao Te Ching” at Amazon. William Martin’s website GoFundMe: Care for Dr. Carl Totton in His Final Days
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
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 Days
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.
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 Final Days
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
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 Days
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 Days
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.
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Erich Fromm’s 1941 exploration into man’s relationship to authority and how to find true freedom. (This is an episode from “Ten Thousand Things,” Dr. Totton and Tod’s podcast available exclusively at Patreon.com/WhatsThisTaoAllAbout.)
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.
Dr. Totton and Tod have a rare interview with best-selling author Benjamin Hoff who introduced millions to Taoism with his popular books “The Tao of Pooh” and “Te of Piglet.” Now, after a nearly 30-year hiatus, Hoff is back with “The Eternal Tao te Ching: The Philosophical Masterwork of Taoism and its Relevance Today.” In this interview, we discuss some major discoveries that Hoff made while making his own translation of the “Tao Te Ching.” Including chapters he doesn’t believe are written by “The Old Master” and who the true identity of the original author. You can purchase his book here.
Dr. Totton shares how his training in Taoist practices has helped him overcome a series of strokes. Later, he shares his new acronym for decision-making in-the-moment, “L.E.A.P.”
Dr. Totton and Tod breeze through three more chapters of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Show-83-FINAL.mp3
Tod shares an update of the stabbing that happened outside of the Taoist Institute. Later, Dr. Totton shares his thoughts on how we can overcome trauma associated with COVID-19 and we break down Chapter 70 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Tao-Show-82-FINAL.mp3
Subscribe on Patreon today and to access ten episodes of Dr. Totton and Tod’s show “Then Thousand Things” as well as a new show, “Tao of Tod.” “Ten Thousand Things” is a podcast created to complement “What This Tao All About?” and expands on ideas discussed on the show while exploring new areas of philosophy, psychology, and culture. The “Tao of Tod” is just that. Tod hanging out and discussing his thoughts on the Tao in an intimate, unfiltered way. These shows are available exclusively at Patreon for $5.99 a month. Click here to start listening to “Ten Thousand Things” now, exclusively at Patreon.com
Dr. Totton shares his thoughts on how we can live in the now instead of being focused on the past or future. Later, we discuss how sages communicate on a deeper, non-verbal level. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3//whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Tao-Show-81-FINAL.mp3
Lieh Tzu wrote a thought-provoking parable on how we should view what’s normal versus abnormal. Later, a listener has questions about chakras and chapter 37 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Show-80-FINAL.mp3
The show opens with a discussion on naturalness inspired by a chapter in “Lieh Tzu.” Later, a listener asks how one can act outside of the Tao which dovetails nicely into a discussion on Chapter 34, which is about the nature of Tao. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Tao-Show-79-FINAL.mp3
The New York Times had a great article on why Chuang Tzu was one of the first philosophers to embrace disability, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss. Later, a listener has a questions about guns, and we take a deep dive into Chapter 32 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tao-Show-78-FINAL.mp3
Tod thinks the Tao sends mixed messages about the concept of self-discipline, so Dr. Totton is here to clear things up. Later, a voice message from a listener in Australia and a breakdown of Chapter 7 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Tao-Show-77-FINAL.mp3
On this very special episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jane English, the co-creator of popular translations of “Tao Te Ching” and “Inner Chapters.” Here, we discuss her new book “Rainbow of Tao” and her life and work with Gia Fu-Feng. You can buy her new book “Rainbow of Tao” on her website. We’re also proud to announce the launch of “Ten Thousand Things,” Dr. Totton and Tod Perry’s new podcast that expands on the ideas discussed on “What’s This Tao All About?” and explores new areas of philosophy, psychology, and culture. Right now, there are two episodes of “Ten Thousand Things” available on “Escape from Freedom” and a bonus episode with Jane English. “Ten Thousand Things” is available exclusively on Patreon for $5.99 a month at Patreon.com/whatsthistaoallabout http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Tao-Show-76-Jane-English-FINAL.mp3
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss a recent New York Times article on Taoism and death. Later, we dig into Chuang Tzu’s “Man of Tao” and learn why the “greatest person is nobody.” http://whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Show-75-FINAL.mp3
A listener writes in asking about how to manage his strong emotions, so Dr. Totton responds with some solutions to help him find balance. Later, we take a look at chapter 79 of the “Tao Te Ching” which deals with reciprocity. Right click to download Dr. Totton’s tapping technique >> http://whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Tao-Show-74-FINAL.mp3
Psychologist Jordan Peterson is one of today’s most popular and controversial public intellectuals, and he talks about Taoism, a lot. Here, we take a look at his views on the Tao to see if he really knows what this Tao is all about. Later, a listener wants to know how it’s possible to act out of accordance with the Tao and we take a look at chapter 78 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tao-Show-73-FINAL.mp3
Dr. Totton and Tod go over Edward Slingerland’s tips to incorporate wu-wei into your life. Later, a listener wants to know that the Tao would look like personified, and Chaptern71 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tao-Show-72-FINAL.mp3
A listener writes in asking about how he can climb the corporate ladder while still living in accords with Taoist principals. Later, Dr. Totton and Tod take a look at Thomas Merton’s translation of Chuang-Tzu’s “Action vs. non-Action.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Tao-Show-71-FINAL.mp3
Dr. Totton shares some self-care techniques to keep you healthy and happy during trying times http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Tao-Show-70-FINAL.mp3
In a world that teaches us to see things in black and white, Taoists prefer a more ambiguous view of the world. What are the benefits? Later, a listener asks Dr. Totton’s thoughts on education, Tod talks discusses his interview with Jane Goodall, and Chapter 69 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Show-69-FINAL.mp3
Dr. Totton shows us how to live a life where we accept and experience everything. Later, Chuang Tzu’s funeral, and Chapter 77 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Show-68-FINAL.mp3
Tod and Dr. T go through a list of Chuang-Tzu’s most memorable, profound, and funny quotes. Also, chapter 67 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Show-67-Final.mp3
Dr. Totton provides some practices to help people dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. We also discuss the Taoist idea of free will and break down chapter 80 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Show-66-Final-.mp3 Right click to download a .doc of Dr. Totton’s”10-Day Gong.” >>
The dynamic duo of Dr. Totton and Tod dig deep into Alan Watts’ ‘Backwards Law.’ They also take a look into chapter 65 of the “Tao Te Ching” and touch on a controversial practice known as “sunning.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Tao-Show-65-FINAL.mp3
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how gratitude can dramatically improve our lives. Also, they dive deep into Chapter 64 of the “Tao Te Ching” and discuss how it relates to achieving goals. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tao-Show-64-FINAL.mp3
Tod and Dr. Totton review Livia Kohn’s translation of Chuang Tzu to understand how to reach the ultimate state of oblivion. Also, there’s some drama at the weed shop outside the Taoist temple. http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tao-Show-63-FINAL.mp3
A listener writes in asking about how to “confront darkness.” Later, Dr. Totton and Tod discuss Chapter 41 of the “Tao Te Ching” and the art of “not joining the 27 Club.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Tao-Show-62-FINAL.mp3
Dr. Totton explains how we can live a more simple, fulfilling life by reducing our karmic footprints. Also, Chapter 48 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Tao-Show-61.mp3
Dr. Totton and Tod discuss how Taoist philosophy can help us manage our desires and gain self-control. Later, chapter 29 of the “Tao Te Ching.” http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/whatsthistao.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Tao-Show-60-FINAL.mp3
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