Michael Franco

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 13: The Truth About Truth

In this podcast, we open with some talking points about serendipity, the vices of 'self-expression,' and the virtues of 'judgementalism.' We then discuss the differences between Greek notions of truth as opposed to a more experiential approach to truth. After reading an excerpt from Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path, White Clouds, we close with the Zohar's description of the third commandment of Genesis, Knowledge of God.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 12: Virtue and Vice

In this episode, we begin with some talking points regarding modern psychology and some differences with Zen. We then open a discussion of the symbolism of the mishkan and its connections with Genesis, noticing that the mishkan may actually be a blueprint for meditation. We close with the Zohar's exploration of the third commandment in Genesis.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 11: Just Walking Through

In this episode, we open with a funny story and some Zen talking points. We spend the next large chunk of the class delving into the leveling up of Moshe Rabbenu in Parashat Ki Tissa. After surveying some of these mysterious elements, we close with the Zohar's discussion of the Love of God and its connection to the primordial light revealed to the righteous. 

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 10: The Diamond of Clarity

In this podcast, we open with an exploration of the very cryptic ending of Parashat Mishpatim and the vision of God beheld by the elders of Israel. We continue with some Zen talking points and koans, followed by Alan Watts' discussion on "Democratization of the Esoteric." We close with the Zohar's new reading of Genesis through the lens of awe.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 9: A Calm Mind

In this episode, we explore various Zen Koans and stories from the life of the Buddha. These stories exemplify how the Buddha's teachings cultivate calmness of mind. We close with the Zohar's fantastic tale of Rabbi Pinhas seeking out Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai. 

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 8: I See You

In this episode, we open with some miscellaneous talking points, ranging from Jordan Peterson's wisdom to the vision of Isaiah in Chapter 6. We continue with some zen stories and koans, finally closing with the Zohar's discourse on 'meditating upon the forefathers.'

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 7: Universe 25

In this episode, we discuss everything from Israeli war heroes to experimentation with rodents that have grave implications for human society. We then explore different schools of Zen such as Soto Zen and Rinzai Zen, closing with our continued study of the Zohar's analysis of Abraham and Sarah.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 6: Leftism, CBT, and Yugen

In this podcast, we open with a quote from the Tao te Ching regarding mastery of self. We then discuss some salient points from Jonathan Haidt's The Coddling of the American Mind. We explore some common Leftist cognitive distortions and some CBT techniques that could be helpful. Next, we discuss Alan Watts' take on Yugen, the Japanese appreciation of change and mystery. We close with the Zohar's exposition of Abraham Abinu's hospitality.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 5: Solitude

In this class, we touch on some key Taoist and Zen concepts, followed by some Hassidic tales. We close with the Zohar's discussion of elevating shekhinah.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 4: Whereabouts Unknown

In this class, we open with a recent dream, connecting this with the mystical experience. We then continue with our study of the Tao te Ching and the nature of virtuous unfoldment. Next, we present a Zen Koan followed by an interesting set of quotes from Alan Watts regarding the mysterious unknown. Finally, we close with the Zohar's teaching about uniting Shekhinah and Binah.