Michael Franco

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 8: Patterned Resonance

In this class, we open with quotes from the Tao te Ching and then expand into a wider discussion based on Alan Watts' explanation of field theory and the natural patterns of the Tao. We close with the beginning of the Zohar's brilliant opening to Bereshit.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 7: Zen Gardens

In this episode, we begin with some quotes from the Buddha and the Tao te Ching. We then take a close look at the philosophy of Zen gardens and architecture. We close with the 14th and final commandment of Bereshit, thus concluding the introduction to the Zohar.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 6: The Secret Embrace

In this episode, we focus on select passages of the Tao te Ching and spark an in-depth discussion regarding what it means to be in line with the Tao. We finish the story of Angulimala from Old Path, White Clouds and we close with the Zohar's 12th and 13th commandments of Bereshit.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 5: Eternal Light

In this podcast, we open with some moving and joyful sections of the Tao te Ching. We then explore some Zen stories regarding suicide and the reformation of a murderer. We close with the Zohar's beautiful discussion of the significance of Tefillin, the 10th commandment of Bereshit.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 4: Realize Your Essence

In this class, we open with a Zen story about the value of presence over eloquence. We continue with quotes from the Tao te Ching and discussions of attaining enlightenment. After some words from Jayasara and Thich Nhat Hanh, we end with the Zohar's ninth commandment of Bereshit regarding the importance of generosity and charity.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 3: Yonah of Peace

In this podcast, we begin with some excerpts from the Book of Yonah, noticing, through intertexts and midrash, the philosophical transformation that occurs. We trace this theme within the Tao te Ching and the Buddhist Sutta regarding right speech. We close with the Zohar's eighth commandment of Bereshit.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4: Episode 2: Splendor and Humility

In this podcast, we open with some excerpts from the Tao te Ching that reflect the balance of masculine and feminine. We continue with a comparison of Pinocchio and Peter Pan in their quests toward adulthood. After some Zen quotes, we close with the Zohar's seventh commandment of Bereshit.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 4 Episode 1: The Hero's Journey

In this podcast, our season premiere, we open with awe of the vastness of Infinity. We continue with explorations of Zen stories and then with an exhibition of the depth psychology of Jung and Neumann in contrast to the psychology of Freud. We close with the Zohar's sixth commandment of Creation.

Spiritual Psychotherapy Season 3 Episode 15: Attention, Attention, Attention

In this episode, we open with some grounding quotes from an ancient Zen master. We share some parables from the life of the Buddha, a famous story about Ikkyu, and we dabble in some Freudian concepts. We continue with Thich Nhat Hanh's Old Path White Clouds on the life and times of Siddhartha Guatama. We close with the Zohar's fifth commandment of Creation.

Passover 2025: Social Justice Warriors

In this Passover special, we discover what God was truly seeking from Moshe Rabbenu for him to become the leader that God needs.