Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness

Show 106 — Overcoming Contentiousness

Author: Tod Perry March 16, 2026 Duration: 0:00
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.

Back in 2015, a conversation began between journalist Tod Perry and Dr. Carl Totton-a unique dialogue that evolved into What's This Tao All About?. Dr. Totton brings a fascinating perspective as a Doctor of Psychology, founder of the Taoist Institute, and even a member of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Together, they embark on a lighthearted yet profound journey through the ancient wisdom of the Tao. This isn't a dry lecture; it's an accessible and engaging exploration designed for the curious, whether you're deeply spiritual or simply wondering what these ideas are all about. Each episode delves into the basic, often misunderstood concepts of Taoism and walks through the chapters of the foundational text, "The Tao Te Ching." You'll hear their discussions unpack how these teachings apply to the flow and challenges of modern life, from personal psychology to everyday decisions. The charm of this podcast lies in the genuine, meandering dialogue between the two hosts, making profound philosophy feel like a relatable conversation. It’s a chance to listen in as they parse out what it means to live in harmony, embrace simplicity, and understand the natural way of things.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 112

What's This Tao All About?
Podcast Episodes
Taoism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
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-We…
Show 84 — Returning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
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.”
Show 82 — Healing Pandemic Trauma, Listener Mail, and Chapter 70 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
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…
Show 81 — Living in the Now and Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
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.
Show 79 — Behaving Naturally and Chapter 34 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
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 na…
Show 78 — Disabilities, Guns, and Chapter 32 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
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 Cha…