Michael Franco

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.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 3: I Release Control

In this episode, we open with some therapeutic talking points regarding love in the midst of hate. After a discussion from the Tao te Ching, we tell the poignant Hassidic story called The Black Wolf. We close with a continued discussion of Nothingness in the Zohar.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 2: Inevitable Ecstasy

In this podcast, after some opening quotes, we enjoy a guided meditation from Alan Watts, followed by some Zen Koans and excerpts from the Tao te Ching. We then delve into Alan Watts' discussion of "Do you do it, or does it do you?" We close with the Zohar's beautiful expository of humans as partners with God in Creation.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 1: The Real Miracle

In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with some quotes from the Tao te Ching and some intriguing Zen Koans. We continue with Alan Watts' discussion of Myamoto Musashi and his no-sword philosophy of Zen. We close with the Zohar's discussion about the pitfalls of Cain.